Bams ever, p.21
Bam's Ever, page 21
part #5 of Avaleigh's Boys Series
Neither said anything, but they both went to opposite sides of the bonfire. Maverik took a seat next to Grady, who sat on one side of Delilah. “You have fixed this one enough, Maverik Ass. You need to stop,” Delilah told him.
“I stopped. He’s thinking. That’s what I wanted. He’ll be okay now.”
“You had better hope he’s okay, or I’ll let Bane whip your ass,” Kaid said low.
Maverik muttered, “He can try,” more to himself than anyone else.
“Asshole,” was all Kaid said under his breath, shaking his head.
Maverik did the innocent, hands out to his sides, palms turned up, “Who, me? What did I do?”
Keith smiled, “You deal with this all the time?”
Kaid answered, “You have no idea. If he’s not stirring shit, he’s ‘fixing’ things, which means then I have to fix things.”
Keith laughed out loud, “Now, Maverik, you know how hard it is to be Alpha, keeping the peace between so many powerful people, making sure it’s all good for everybody. You were a great Alpha.”
Maverik grinned his shit eating grin, “Yeah, but I ain’t Alpha no more. I find I like it better on this side. I just do me and let Alpha worry about the fall out.”
Keith laughed again, but Maverik wasn’t finished, “And I’m still a damn good male! Just saying!”
Delilah felt the need to chime in, “Yes, Maverik Ass, you are a very good male.”
Maverik stood, turning in a circle, arms held out, “See? My Queen knows I’m all good.”
She snickered, “I did not say that you are all good, I said you are a very good male. There is a difference.”
They laughed, everyone but Bane. He sat, quietly feeling for his brother through their connection. He could pick up flashes - worry, pain, panic, rage. But he knew that Bam was traveling, still driving. Once in a while, he’d get a feeling of anxiousness, impatience at the fact that he was still driving. He wanted to be there, now. Wherever Everly was. At least Bane knew he was headed home.
He looked at Kaid, who was watching him. Kaid had been doing the same thing, trying to feel for Bam. “You get him?” Kaid asked.
“Yeah, you?” Bane answered.
“Yeah, he’s headed home to Everly,” Kaid said.
“Yeah,” Bane agreed.
<> <> <> <> <>
Bam lifted his phone, pressed voice mail, and put it to his ear. Immediately he was consumed with rage again, but he tried to control it. He had to maintain control, pay close attention, maybe he could pick up a detail he’d missed the other 18 times he’d listened to it. Then the message started, and he paid attention to it again.
“Well, hello there. Guess what I got??? You missing something? Somebody? Look, I know you really don’t want me calling you and all, but I felt the need to thank you. Whatever you did, you did it well, Bear. She knows her place, takes orders like a pro, takes…everything like a pro. Should have sent her to you to break in years ago. When I replace this one, I’ll send our new chew toy, so you can make her just as well behaved as our little Everly is now. I owe ya one. Oh, and just in case she ran away from ya, don’t bother trying to come after her. At the rate she’s taking it now, there won’t be much worth having by the time you get here. Bye bye, now.”
He roared so loud his side window cracked, and he just barely managed to not crush his phone. He knew that Maverik had told him Everly left her phone at his and Valerie’s house, but he had to try, just in case she’d come back for it. He dialed the number; it rang twice and then it picked up. His heart leapt, she was safe; then, he was crushed again when Maia’s voice came on the line, “Hello, Uncle Bam.”
He barely managed to regain enough control to speak through the pain, “Hey, Maia,” he said, growly, his Bear close.
“Are you coming to find her?”
“Yeah, I’m coming. I’m gonna find her and bring her home,” he told her, a crack in his voice.
“I’m worried about her,” Maia said.
“Me, too. But I’m gonna make it okay. Okay?” Bam said, still growly.
“Okay. Drive safe, Uncle Bam,” Maia said, before quietly ending the call.
Bam ended the call on his end as well, made sure his ringer was turned all the way up, and pressed the accelerator to kick his truck into the next gear. He needed to be there now. Faster! Bear urged.
I am, Bam answered. I am.
Chapter 25
Everly woke to the mid-morning sun in her eyes. She stretched, her entire furry little body rolling on the ground, her belly to the warmth of the sun. She yawned, her snout snapping shut. This break had been good for her. She got to her paws and looked around. The stream just behind her grabbed her attention, mmmm, fish, her Fox thought at her. Again? She asked. Yes! Fox answered. Fox turned and splashed into the stream without a second thought, frolicking happily, splashing and chasing the fish swimming in the clear, cold water.
<> <> <> <> <>
It was near dawn when Bam parked his truck at the side of the road off Hwy 25. He decided not to shift to his Bear, believing he’d be quieter moving through the trees in his human skin. He knew the Fox skulk was located about two and a half miles to the east, off the highway. He had no doubt that his Everly was there, and he was going to get her.
He walked slowly, quietly, hoping that no one would notice his presence until he’d located her. Unfortunately, he was so focused on his thoughts of Everly and his determination to get to her, that he did not notice he was almost immediately detected and followed. It would have been almost impossible for him to use his nose to scent them following him. The entire area reeked of Fox. The males constantly marked their territory.
He walked for the better part of 40 minutes, never once realizing he was followed, until finally, Edmond appeared amongst the trees up ahead. He came to a standstill as more males showed themselves around him. He turned his head just a bit and used his peripheral vision to get an idea of those around him. Didn’t make much difference to him, whether they knew he was there or not. He’d come for his Ever, and he wasn’t leaving without her. He raised his chin, puffed his chest, once again focusing on Edmond, “Where’s my Ever?”
“She’s busy.”
Bam’s Bear let out a snarl, “I want her. Now.”
“Ha! I don’t care. She ain’t yours no more. You gave her up. We took her in. Go away.”
“I’m not leaving without my Mate,” Bam told him, low and deadly.
“Well, then, I guess you ain’t leaving,” Edmond sneered at him.
Bam felt a sudden stab to his neck; he slapped a hand up and snagged his fingers on a tranq dart, pulled it out and held it out in front of himself as he looked at it.
He tried to call on his Bear, but his head felt heavy, his thoughts muddled. His body felt like it weighed a ton. He dropped to his knees, tilted his head back on his shoulders, trying to keep holding it up.
His glassy eyes tried to focus once more on Edmond. Edmond smiled at him, walked closer, within reaching distance, but Bam couldn’t seem to make his body cooperate. He felt a push from behind, and he fell flat on his face, the dart in his hand piercing his thigh, where he fell on it, injecting even more tranquilizer into his system. But he didn’t feel it, he had no other thought, he was out cold.
Later that day, Bam woke to a sharp pain in his forearm. His head was hanging backwards, off his shoulders, face straight up at the ceiling. His entire body ached. He struggled to lift his head and look around himself. He had a hard time seeing, only one eye opened. He tried to force the other opened, but it wouldn’t budge. He managed to focus his eye enough to look down at the place on his arm that hurt. He didn’t understand what he saw. A male stood there, the syringe in his hand buried in Bam’s arm. He tried to pull away, but couldn’t - he was chained to a metal chair. He tried to snarl at the male, but it came out halfhearted and weak. The last thing he remembered was Edmond’s voice laughing at him, “How you like that high, Bear? I hear it’s very addictive, and poor Bear, your animal can’t take control while you’re tripping on smack. Don’t think he cares much right now, though. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I got a sweet little piece of ass to bury myself in. She’s real anxious to please now that she’s home. Gotta admit, I’m kinda glad you got ahold of her; she’s learned all kinds of new tricks.” Edmond rubbed his hand over his crotch, inferring he couldn’t wait to have another go at Everly, “Have a good trip.”
Bam lifted his lip, which hurt like hell, split suddenly apparent, and tried to growl at the Fox. But there was no Bear present to put any force behind the growl.
“Awwww, don’t feel left out, now. After she sucks me for a while, I might just bring her in here to let you watch a bit. Figure it’s the least I can do for all the training you gave her.”
Bam pulled against the chains as best as his battered, drugged body could, but it made no difference. They didn’t even give. The males laughed at his efforts.
“Don’t hurt…” he started.
“Don’t hurt who? Everly?? Everly likes it rough. Besides, she’s home now. I’ll do whatever I damn well please.”
Then Bam heard footsteps, muffled as though they were on dirt, as the males left him. Then the squeak of old hinges as a door closed. He tried to look around, but his head was foggy, his entire body sore. He looked down at himself and saw blood stains on the chains that held him. His clothes were torn and bloody. He tried to squint the eye that wouldn't open and realized that it was swollen. They must have beaten him while he was unconscious, probably with the chains, which is why they had blood on them. Bear? He tried to call on his Bear. Bear??? There was no answer, not even a whimper. Whatever they’d given him had truly knocked his Bear out. His head started to swim even more. His stomach heaved and he struggled to maintain consciousness, knowing that Everly needed him. But it was no use. Whatever they’d injected him with, hit him full force, and he slipped into darkness once again, Everly’s name a whisper on his lips.
<> <> <> <> <>
Everly watched the rabbit hop by, no inclination at all to pounce on it. She’d had a great couple of days, but since yesterday morning, she’d felt unsettled, off. She wasn’t sure what was wrong, but something sure as hell was. She trotted back to her temporary den, lay down, curled in on herself and tried to relax. It was late afternoon, and she hoped if she had a nap, this feeling would pass, so she could enjoy at least another day here. She tried for the better part of an hour to rest, finally giving up in complete frustration. This was ridiculous; whatever was wrong, was so wrong, that she couldn’t conceive of anything other than getting back home. NOW. Right now. She shifted back to her human skin and started stuffing her things in her bag. She knew only one thing - she needed to go home.
<> <> <> <> <>
Daniel and Delilah landed in the grass between the main house and Avaleigh’s cabin. Carefully placed their passengers on the ground, waited until they’d moved far enough away and shifted back.
Bane hurried to the main house, needing to see Janie and Daisy right away and knowing that they’d been staying there to be closer to everyone in his absence.
Remi was the first one to realize that his Papa was home and came running off the porch, screen door slamming behind him, as he screeched, “Papa!”
Daniel outright laughed as he ran to scoop his son up in his arms. Swinging him around as Avaleigh appeared in the screen door, dishtowel in hand. On seeing Daniel, she also rushed out of the door, the screen slamming behind her, dishtowel forgotten on the porch. As she ran to him, he walked toward her, one arm holding Remi, the other outstretched waiting to wrap around Avaleigh.
She slammed into him, burying her face into his chest and neck, “You’re home! I missed you so much!”
He kissed her, holding her tightly to him, “I missed you, too.” Then he looked at Remi, who was just as excited to see his Papa as Avaleigh was, “And I missed you, too, my little one.”
Maia came to the door to see what the commotion was about and squealed when she saw the clan back. She called over her shoulder, “Mom! They’re back!”
Then she hurried down the steps and out to where they stood, flinging herself at her daddy, “Daddy!”
Maverik wrapped her up in a tight hug, “Hey, baby girl!”
“Is everything okay? Matty’s good?” she asked.
Maverik hugged her tighter, not sure how she’d take the news that Renegade was dead and Miller was missing. “Matty’s good, baby. He’s assumed his rightful place as Alpha of the McCullen Pack. He’s got a strong beginning, and Keith is nearby to back him up if he needs it. But I don’t think he will. He’s got some good males supporting him. They young, but they strong, and they believe in him.”
“Oh, I’m so glad. I was worried. I knew he could do it, but I was worried about them ganging up and hurting him.”
“He’s good, baby,” Maverik assured her.
“How’s Malina?” she asked.
Maverik huffed, “She’s Malina. Ain’t nothing changed except now she spouts her utter devotion and belief in Matty and how she always knew he was Alpha.”
“What about the others?” she asked him.
“Some of ‘em died, baby. They chose the wrong side to fight on. They could have submitted, survived, but they chose not to.”
“Renegade?” she asked.
He nodded.
She nodded her own head a few times, taking a deep breath, “I’m not surprised. I guess it’s for the best. He’d have never stopped hunting Matty.”
“We didn’t just kill him. He submitted. Then when we accepted his submission, Matty turned his back and Renegade attacked, tried to kill Matty.”
Maia watched her daddy explaining what happened and saw just a brief flash of regret in his eyes. “I’m sure ya’ll had no choice, Daddy.”
“No, I didn’t. He attacked, intending to kill my son. I didn’t even think - I ended him.” Maverik paused, looking away for a minute, to see Valerie coming outside, making her way over to them. “I ain’t gonna lie - I felt great after. Even told him he’d rot in hell where he deserved, but since then? I keep remembering him as a little kid, when we used to play together. Wondering what the hell happened to make him like he was at the end.”
Maia said nothing, just hugged him.
Valerie finally made it to Maverik, who let go of Maia to take the few steps remaining toward Valerie and wrap her up tight. Hugging her to him, burying his face in her hair, inhaling the scent that was uniquely her. God, he needed her. Her love, her strength, her softness. Everything about her.
“Love you, Mate,” he mumbled into her hair.
“I love you, too.” She held him just as tightly to her as he did her to him. “It’s okay. You know that, right?”
He didn’t answer, just nodded his head.
“Daddy?”
He sniffed, rubbed his hand under his nose, trying to hide the slight misting of tears of confusion, that all the events of the last few days had slammed him with. “Yeah, baby girl?”
“Miller? Did Miller make it?” Maia asked.
Maverik realized that though he was a dick, his life mattered. He was her brother. “He’s alive. He ran after the battle. Nobody was able to track him. Honestly, we didn’t try too hard.” Maverik shoved his hands in his pockets, “I’m thankful he ran. I didn’t want to have to end him. I don’t think I could have.”
Maia smiled at him, nodded her head and moved toward him and Valerie for a group hug.
Goldy and Ms. Sadie came out to greet them as well, “Kaid! Delilah! Welcome home! How did it go? All’s well?”
“Everything’s good, Goldy. How’s everything here? Any problems?”
“Naw, none at all. Vince’s been staying here after he closes up each night. Ever’thing’s been quiet. Too quiet, glad ya’ll home.”
Bane came outside with Daisy in one arm and Janie wrapped in his other.
“Good, glad to see no problems while we were gone,” Kaid said.
“How’s Bam been? I’m gonna run over and see him in a few minutes, just needed kisses from my girls first,” Bane said, smiling and hugging Janie, who was beside herself that her Mate was home.
“I was so lonely without you, Bane. Do not ever go anywhere for so long again,” she said, wrapping both her arms around his waist and pressing herself against him.
He kissed the top of her head, then when she looked up at him, the tip of her nose, “Never again, my heart.”
Avaleigh said, “What do you mean, how’s Bam been? He was with you.”
Bane froze, “No, he was here. He came back a few days ago.”
“No, he did not. We haven’t seen him!” Avaleigh nearly shouted. “Where is he?”
Bane’s eyes shot to Maverik’s, who stared right back at him, his heart in his throat. Then at once they both said, “We gotta find him.”
“Wait! Hold on, if he was supposed to come home, and he never made it here, chances are he found Everly and that’s why he’s not here. Let’s give it a day or two and see what happens,” Goldy said.
“You know what? He may be right. Why don’t we give him a day or two. If he’s holed up somewhere claiming his Mate, the last thing he wants is all of us raining down on his little hidey hole,” Kaid said.
Bane didn’t like it, but he understood. “Fine, I’ll give it a day or two, but that’s it. I can’t feel him. I’ve reached out, a lot, and I can’t feel him.”
Avaleigh was alarmed, “What do you mean, you can’t feel him?!”
“No, no, he’s there. He’s just not letting me in. All I feel is haze; he’s there, but there’s no response at all,” Bane tried to explain. It was hard to make a human understand the connection the shifters of the clan had.
“Well, that makes sense, though,” Kaid said, “he wouldn’t want you to feel or see him with his Mate - he’s blocking you.”
