Chapter Eleven:

                “I won!” Audrey exclaimed as she began a victory dance beside the air hockey table. Julian found himself laughing as the girl shook her butt and fist bumped the air.

                “Yes you did,” he agreed. Tanner joined in the dance and Julian clicked off the power to the table and rubbed his hands together, “Who’s hungry for some lunch?”

                “Me! Me! Me!” both kids exclaimed as they ran for the stairs. Julian jogged to catch up and the three of them skidded into the kitchen.

                Julian opened the refrigerator door and glanced at the contents while Tanner and Audrey clambered up onto stools, “What do you both want?”

                “Do you have macaroni and cheese?” Audrey asked hopefully.

                “Sure do,” Julian replied, happy that Marcus was such a junk food lover. He put a pot of water on to boil and then sat down across from the kids at the island.

                “Today is fun!” Tanner exclaimed as he kicked his dangling feet back and forth.

                Julian reached across and tweaked the boy’s nose, “I agree.”

                Tanner giggled and pulled away from him, “You had fun with us?” he asked with disbelief.

                “Of course I did. I still am. Why wouldn’t I?”

                “Because our real daddy never played with us,” Audrey stated as if she were simply relaying the weather outside.

                Julian felt his heart break for these two children. It wasn’t fair what they’d been through and seen already in their young lives. Julian was going to make sure they knew a better life from here on out. One where they never went hungry, always had something to play with and laughed every single day.

                “Well you never have to worry about that here. Marcus and I both will play with you every chance we get, okay? And we’ll make sure your mommy has more time to spend with you both as well.”  They had confided in him earlier that Abbey rarely had time to sit during the day and do anything other than cook and clean because if their bastard of a father caught her then he would get mad and be ‘very mean to mommy’.

                Julian enjoyed more easy banter with the kids as he finished cooking their lunch and sat it in front of them. They dug into it as if it were the last meal they might see for a while. Julian suspected it would take some time before they learned they were never again going to have to go without.

                As he watched them eat he heard Marcus’s truck pulling up outside which caused him to frown. His brother had made it clear he wanted to spend close to the entire day with Abbey. Why had he called it a day at barely after noon?

                With a sigh Julian realized Marcus had probably pushed her too far and Abbey had demanded to be taken home, “Sounds like your mommy’s home,” Julian told the kids.

                Their faces lit up and they jumped to their feet, racing one another toward the door just as Abbey walked in with Marcus on her heels, “Mommy! Marcus!” Tanner and Audrey exclaimed as they hugged them both tightly in turn.

                Julian nearly laughed when he saw his tough as nails, take-no-crap-from-anyone, foul-mouthed brother stare down at those kids with shock and tenderness and hug them both back extra tight.

                “What made you all come back so soon?” Julian questioned. “The pups and I were having fun.”

                “We’re kids!” Audrey exclaimed.

                “I’m a pup!” Tanner countered. “Arf! Arf! Arf!”

                “Marcus said he had things to take care of,” Abbey sounded slightly annoyed which surprised Julian. It seemed that she came a bit more out of her shell and willing to express her emotions (other than fear) every day. “Julian, can you take me into town to shop later?”

                (Tomorrow.) Marcus interjected privately. (It’s gotta be tomorrow.)

                “We can go first thing in the morning,” Julian told Abbey. He slid her coat from her shoulders, allowing his fingers to dance across her arms and linger a moment before draping her coat over his arm and stepping back.

                “Okay,” Abbey replied slowly. Her hand went up to trace the spot his fingers had lingered on. “I need to get some laundry washed anyway. That should keep me busy for a while.”

                She began talking to the kids and Julian glanced at his brother,  (What happened in town? She’s not scared but you’re worried about something.)

                (Joseph and his brother are in town. They didn’t see Abbey and she didn’t see them but I have to go deal with things.)

                (You can’t kill them, Marcus.) Julian warned, worry for his brother creeping in.

                (Why the hell not?) Marcus growled.

                Julian realized that Abbey was watching them curiously so he offered her a tight smile and then pulled Marcus out of the room. (It would be murder, that’s why. Even though we know the man deserves it, the law won’t see it that way.)

                (It’s only murder if I get caught.)

                (Marcus…..)

                (Fine,) Marcus pouted. (I’ll just rough him up and make sure he fuckin’ understands that Abbey and the pups aren’t his any longer.)

                Julian sighed and felt unease deep in his gut. That wouldn’t work. Men like Joseph didn’t just take good advice and get on with their lives. As long as Joseph lived he would come back and Abbey would be scared.

                (You’ll have to be real rough,) Julian warned.

                Marcus met his gaze full force and nodded. Both men understood the unspoken words. As badly as Julian did not want his brother to have to kill again, it had to happen and it had to look like an accident. (Let me say goodbye to Abbey and the pups.)

                Marcus moved around Julian and Julian grabbed his arm, (Do you want me to come with you?)

                (No. You stay here and keep watch over them. It shouldn’t take long to deal with the problem.)

                Julian released his hold and followed Marcus into the kitchen where the kids were telling Abbey tales about their day and feeding her spoonfuls of Macaroni.

                “I have to go,” Marcus stated, his voice tense. “I should be back tomorrow.”

                “Tomorrow?” Abbey seemed truly upset and Julian knew then that the two of them had worked through whatever issues they’d had before.

                “But Marcus, you promised to watch the princess movie with me,” Audrey whined.

                “And I will,” Marcus assured her, kneeling to her level, “Just as soon as I get back.”

                Tanner and Audrey hugged his neck. Marcus stood and offered a pained smile to Abbey before quickly leaving.

***

                Abbey stood there in stunned silence. Marcus was her protection, she felt safe with him around, and now he was leaving. She wanted to know why.

                Stay with Julian,” she told her children. Ignoring Julian’s calls for her to stay, Abbey ran after Marcus. She found him outside leading a saddled horse from the barn.

                “Where are you going?” she demanded.

                Marcus’s blue eyes narrowed, “You aren’t even wearing a goddamned coat, woman,” he scolded as he pulled Abbey into his chest.

                Abbey basked in the heat the man seemed to put off and relished the delicious feel of his arms around her.  “Where are you going?” she repeated.

                “To take care of some things.”

                “What things?”

                “Dammit, don’t ask me questions I can’t answer.” Marcus grumbled against her hair.

                “What if he comes while you’re gone?” Abbey questioned fearfully.

                “He won’t,” Marcus assured her gruffly. “I have the tracker, remember?”

                “Marcus….”

                “Dammit, Abbey, I have to go,” Marcus growled as his hand caressed her back gently. “You’ll be fine. Julian can protect you if he has to. He might not seem like much of a fighter but he’s tough when the situation calls for it.”

                Abbey pulled away then, unsure of what had made her cling to him so. It had to be the mate bond that was between them even though she had turned him down.

                “I’ll see you tomorrow then,” she whispered, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

                “Tomorrow,” Marcus replied.

                Abbey’s breath caught and her knees weakened when Marcus stooped low and his lips brushed her cheek. Without another word he mounted the horse and rode away.

                Abbey watched the road even after Marcus had disappeared over the horizon. She wasn’t even aware of how cold she was until a coat was wrapped around her and two strong hands rubbed her arms.

                “Come on inside now, Abbey,” Julian urged gently.

                Abbey turned her head to look into his brown eyes. She was filled with that sense of peace that always came when Julian’s eyes met hers. “Why is he leaving?” she asked in hopes that Julian would be more forthcoming with an answer.

                “He has to take care of some things.” Julian dashed her hopes, “Werewolf things. Nothing to worry about. Now come on in the house and out of the cold.”

                Abbey relented but only because her teeth were beginning to chatter. As she followed Julian into the warmth of the house she couldn’t help but wonder just what kind of business Marcus had to take care of and whether or not it had anything to do with that tracker in his pocket.

***

                “Can I help?” Abbey’s voice accompanied her soft footsteps and summer rain scent into the kitchen.

                “What are the pups… kids.. doing?” Julian replied from where he stood at the sink with his arms elbow deep in soapy water.

                Abbey came to stand beside him, “Asleep. They said playing with you wore them out.”

                “Not nearly as bad as it wore me out,” Julian grinned.

                “You’re good with kids, Julian. You’ll make a good father someday,” Abbey admitted.

                Julian felt his heart leap in his chest. Hunger roared to life in his veins and he gave her a quick glance before staring down into the bubbles, “Only if my mate agrees to let me.” An awkward silence accompanied his statement and he got back to scrubbing the dinner dishes clean.

                “I’m sorry we crashed into your life like this,” Abbey stated as she rinsed off a plate and placed it in the strainer. “I feel like we’re disrupting your lives.”

                “No you’re not.” Julian dried his hands and took her shoulder, turning her to face him, “You could never be a disruption. You, and the pups, were made to be right here with Marcus and I. We’re meant to be together, Abbey.”

                Julian searched her green eyes for a sign as to what she was feeling but she averted her gaze and went back to rinsing dishes. Julian sighed and resumed washing.

                “Marcus told me about his Beta blood. He said that’s what makes him hot-headed.”

                “Yeah, he’s always been very protective. When we were in the marines he was the man that everyone, even those higher ranking than himself, respected and trusted with their lives.”

                “Why did two werewolves join the marines?”

                “If you ask me it was to make a difference and help people,” Julian laughed quietly. “If you ask  Marcus it was to kill boredom and blow things up.”

                Abbey smiled brightly with amusement and the pan Julian was washing slipping from his hand and plopped down into the water sending bubbles and droplets splashing all over both him and Abbey.

                “Sorry!” Julian exclaimed biting back laughter at the wide eyed expression that Abbey turned his way.

                “You soaked me,” she gasped.

                An image of her truly soaked came to Julian’s mind. Water sliding off of pale skin, droplets slipping down a swollen nipple as she beckoned him toward her and dropped to her knees…..

                “Sorry…” Julian mumbled, urging the arousal in his pants to ease up as he grabbed a dishtowel and dabbed at Abbey’s face.

                “It’s okay,” Abbey laughed lightly as she swatted at the table. “No harm done.”

                Julian decided to leave the last pan until morning, it needed to soak anyway, and he led Abbey into the living room where a fire was blazing. He sat on the large chocolate leather sofa and hoped she’d sit beside him but she chose the matching recliner chair a few feet away.

                “Julian?” Abbey’s voice was barely a whisper as she looked at the fire.

                Julian loved the sound of his name on her lips, “Yeah?”

                “Did Marcus leaving have anything to do with Joseph?”

                Julian had wondered when she would ask. All day she’d been distracted and he had known she’d been thinking about what Marcus could have left for. Julian had given her and the kids a tour of the barn and she just hadn’t seemed to be present and had continuously chewed at her nails, which he was learning was a habit of hers.

                Julian glanced at her and lost himself in the way the firelight danced off the red and gold tints in her brunette hair before responding, “Yes.”

                Abbey nodded, her eyes never leaving the flames, “He saw Joseph in town today didn’t he?”

                Julian sighed. He wanted to lie to her and let Marcus be the one to let her know the truth but lying to ones mate was not as easy as it sounded. The wolf in him rebelled strongly against even the thought of telling Abbey something that wasn’t true.

                “Yes, Abbey, he did.” Julian could smell her fear build and he hated the scent. “Don’t be afraid. We would never let anything happen to you, or to Audrey and Tanner.”

                “What is Marcus going to do?”

                “Make sure that Joseph doesn’t bother the three of you again.”

                “Is he going to kill him?” Abbey questioned, her voice shaking.

                “Abbey….”

                “Mommy?” Audrey’s voice interrupted them.

                Julian turned quickly to see the girl standing there in her threadbare pink pajama gown. She was rubbing at her sleepy eyes and swaying on her feet, “What’s wrong, Audrey?” Julian questioned as he stood and walked toward her.

                “I’m sleepy,” she whined.

                “Then why did you get up?” Julian questioned with amusement.

                “Because……” Audrey rubbed her eyes again and let out a whimper. “I don’t know.”

                “I’ll take her….” Abbey began to stand but Julian shook his head and offered her a soothing smile.

                “How about I tuck you back in?” he offered.

                Audrey shrugged one dainty shoulder and scratched at her brown hair, “Okay.”

                Julian laid his hand on Abbey’s shoulder, “Rest, Abbey,” he urged. He stooped down and kissed her hair and was pleased when she didn’t stiffen or pull away. “I’ll be back.”

                Julian took Audrey’s hand and led the girl back toward the bedroom she was sharing with her brother right beside the room Abbey was using. Julian had managed to convince Abbey that the children would be safe in their own room and that nothing bad would happen to them here. She had been so stressed believing that she had to watch over them like a hawk at all times and Julian hoped that she would begin to let go of a bit of that.

                “Thank you for tucking me in, Julian,” Audrey whispered as she clambered up into the bed.

                Julian felt his throat get tight as he pulled the covers up to her chin, “Thank you for letting me.” Julian had longed to have children for a while now but knew it wouldn’t happen until he found his mate. Now he had her, though technically he still had to convince her that she wanted to be his mate, and he had two children as well.

                “I wish my daddy would have been nice like you and Marcus,” Audrey added, her voice trailing off and growing sleepier by the second.

                Julian didn’t respond, instead he kissed her brow as she fell asleep. After adjusting Tanner’s blankets over him as well Julian left the room and stood in the hall.

                Marcus hadn’t checked in with him since leaving earlier but that was common for Marcus. When he was dealing with something he liked to be left alone and Julian knew better than to bother him. Marcus would take care of things and then he’d be right home and Julian just had to try to keep Abbey distracted until then.

                Julian stepped into the living room to find Abbey asleep in the chair. He was surprised that she had fallen asleep but knew it was the stress catching up with her. As he picked her up gently and she moaned his name in her slumber before curling up against him.

                Julian took her to her bedroom and laid her down. He pulled off her shoes and pulled the covers up to her chin just as he had done for Audrey.

                He was going to leave then but the temptation to lay with her and hold her body close proved to be too much for him to ignore. The mattress creaked with his weight as he sidled up behind her and wrapped her body up safely in his arms. Her soft hips and ass were pressed against his groin and his palm rested against her small firm breast.

                Julian buried his nose in Abbey’s hair and breathed in her summer rain scent. Julian’s last conscious thought before drifting off to sleep was how a man could get used to a feeling like this.