Beneath the Skin: de La Vega Cats, Book 3 (20 page)

“I don’t think he’s here in Tennessee,” Gibson said in the dark as he and Mia lay naked, limbs entwined.

“I don’t think so either.”

“Tell me why.”

He’d taken to doing that. He asked her opinion, but wanted to know how she came up with it. Gibson understood the world in ways most didn’t. He liked to know the why of things, not just the facts. It made him even better at his job and it flattered her that he cared to know.

“Jamborees are like the military. When they’re run well anyway. There’s a clear chain of command. Rules of conduct. Certain people do certain things. These cats who attacked you are true believers, but I don’t know that any we’ve seen so far have been strong enough to continue to run this operation without a leader. And not over the phone.” Cats didn’t work that way anyway. The power of an alpha was far stronger in person. “He’s in Boston or nearby.”

“This is personal for Alberto. He wants to see the carnage firsthand. It won’t be enough to get a report.”

She agreed.

“We need to declare a hunt.”

She stilled as his fingertips continued to brush up and down her forearm. She’d only heard of such things as stories. “I never…I guess I thought those were old wives’ tales.”

“My brothers and I have done it twice.”

He didn’t elaborate, but she was sure they’d succeeded.

“What can I do?”

“This is not yours. The hunt will be me, Galen and Max. I have a feeling my father will join in as well.”

“All right. What can I do other than the hunt?”

“You’re doing it. But you have a job. You have to fly people around, and truth be told, I like that you’ll be out of harm’s way as much as possible.”

Possible. Bah. If he needed her—and she’d decide that for herself—she’d be there, job or no. And she’d misjudged Grace Warden greatly if the other woman wouldn’t see it as far more important to be at Gibson’s side in a time of need instead of flying here or there. She’d heard stories about how Grace helped Cade in a challenge when he’d been dosed with a biological agent that would have killed him had she not come up with an antivirus that had saved his life.

“Hm.”

He sighed. “You’re going to do whatever you want. But you can’t come on the hunt. It’s not for…I don’t want you to see it.”

“Is it bad? Do you think I’d judge you?”

“No, it’s not that. I don’t think you would. I think you understand why this is necessary. But in a hunt the beast runs riot, even when it wears the man’s skin.” He recited the lines from an old story and it gave her a shiver.

“I need to not be worried about anything but the hunt. I need you away from it and safe so I can give over to it. Do you understand?”

She turned to face him. “Yes. I do. But I’m here when you come back.”

He hugged her to him. “I know. Thank you.”

Chapter Thirteen

Her brother Joe had returned and she was on the way over to her parents’ to have a celebration dinner. She hadn’t seen much of them since she’d started her new job and after their discussion with her about living with Gibson. But she loved them and missed them and it was time to talk with them more honestly about just where this thing with Gibson was going.

Joe stepped out onto the porch and caught sight of her, waving. She’d wanted to come alone, or with Gibson, but Gibson was at a meeting with his brothers to discuss some new information they’d found that afternoon. He’d offered to cancel to go to the dinner, but she knew the longer this situation went on without resolution, the worse he’d feel about it. He wanted things to be done and she agreed it would be better that way.

Not that she cared about the feelings of this cousin and his family. Alberto had put them all in danger with his actions. Not to mention he’d tried to kill Mia as well as Gibson. He had to be put down like the rabid animal he was.

But Gibson had insisted that she have a guard with her at all times so Robby rode out with her that evening. He’d politely declined going in for dinner. She knew it was a guard’s job to keep in the background, but it still felt weird.

Robby laughed. “Really. It’s easier. Your family would be more nervous with me inside and I’d be distracted. I appreciate the invitation, though. I have a cooler with food and drinks.”

He came around to let her out of the car, scanning the area, and stood back. “You know where I am if you need me.”

“Thank you.”

She headed up the walk where Joe had come out of the house and stood on the porch.

“Who’s that?” Joe tipped his chin at the car as he gave her a hug.

“My bodyguard. Let’s get inside. He’ll get nervous with me out in the open.”

“What the hell, Mia? Mom and Dad told me a little, but clearly not the whole story.”

They went inside, and she locked the door behind herself and kept him off to the side as she filled him in on everything.

“Holy shit. Mia, this is trouble. This cat is trouble.”

“Of course he is. That’s why they’re trying to find him.”

“So why not stay away until they do?”

“Because Gibson is my man. I’m in love with him, Joe. And I can help him so I do. He won’t let me do much really, so get that look off your face. If you think you all are protective, you have no idea what he’s like. Believe me, I’m as safe as I can be under the circumstances.”

“You love him? Jesus.”

“I do. I’m imprinting. He’s…I didn’t expect him. If you’d asked me three months ago who I’d end up with, it wouldn’t have been him. Or anyone like him. But now I can’t imagine it not being him. All I can ask is that everyone respects that. He’s not Silvio.”

“I was just saying that.”

Her grandmother spoke as she came into the living room. She tipped her cheek and Mia stroked her own along it. “Hey, Grandma.”

“Come into the dining room. I’m about to talk about some things you’ll find interesting.”

Joe widened his eyes as Lettie turned and left the room.

Mia shrugged. You never knew what their grandmother would say or do so she just braced herself.

Her mother waved, happy to see her when Mia came through. Her father kissed the top of her head when he came in from the garage with milk from the outside fridge.

“Just in time. The roast is ready.”

“Nice.” She grabbed a sliver of the meat when she moved to sit, and her dad whacked her fingers with a spoon.

“Manners.”

She grinned, sheepish.

Plates were filled and small talk was made, no one mentioning her trip and her grandmother remaining silent about this revelation she had in store.

“Tell us.” Her mother finally spoke after they’d had a few minutes to eat.

Mia gave them a quick overview of the trip. She didn’t provide a lot of details because some of it was stuff she knew Gibson didn’t want to be common knowledge, and while she knew her parents could be trusted, it was just better if they kept it unspoken.

Her mother slammed her fist on the table.

“He’s not good for you. From the first moment you met him you’ve been in danger. I don’t approve.”

She sighed, wishing things were different. But they weren’t. “I know you don’t. And I’m sorry because I want you to like him. He’s a good man. And I’m in love with him.”

Her mother blew out a frustrated breath. “And how does he feel? You’re younger than he is. He’s got more experience. You can’t go loving a male like that. He has other priorities.”

“You don’t even know him, Ellen.” It was Lettie who spoke that time.

Mia sent a grateful look to her grandmother before continuing. “I believe he loves me too. And I believe he’s imprinting. He…he’s marked me.”

Her father scrubbed his hands over his face and muttered something incoherent.

“This isn’t what I want for you.”

“Mom, I know. It’s not ideal. But it’s not his fault. This whole thing is from the outside. He has to protect the jamboree. When he does that, it’s all of us he keeps safe. Can’t you see that? If you only knew the price he paid for the cats in the jamboree. For his family. All I can ask from life is an honorable man. I have one.”

“Honorable! This is why I have serious reservations about being involved with the jamboree again on a regular basis. All this constant drama and violence. Not to mention the harm they’ve caused your grandmother and our family. Have you given no thought at all to that?”

She knew her mother was angry, but it was a slap and it hurt.

Lettie put her fork down and wiped her mouth carefully. “I’ve had lunch with Imogene several times. I quite enjoy her and the truth of the matter is, there is no one left in that jamboree who had a thing to do with what happened to me. I believe quite strongly that none of them would do such a thing to anyone. Imogene is a good mother. Her sons are not the same as Silvio.”

“Except for Carlos. The one who sold information to the human hate groups like the one that nearly killed our daughter. Does no one remember that?”

“Mom, please. Let her speak.” Joe squeezed Mia’s hand briefly.

Lettie was the one to rap knuckles on the table this time. “What’s past is past. It happened to me and I have accepted Imogene’s apology. I think you’re totally wrong about Gibson and Mia. Mia is strong. She’s a smart woman who knows what she wants. She’s not some silly young thing who doesn’t know the difference between lust and love. I trust her with this and I think you should too.”

It was unexpected, to say the least. But really, that’s who Lettie was. She spoke her mind, even when it wasn’t what everyone else thought or said.

Drew cleared his throat. “As you know, I’ve been with Stacy for a year now and I’ve grown really close with her family. First, Mia’s not the only one who’s imprinting. We’re going to do the joining in the fall. We’re saving to buy a place together.”

Mia raised her glass. “Congratulations!”

There was much talk as their mother rushed over to hug him and ask a thousand questions. It took the heat off her for a bit, which made the news even better. She liked Drew with Stacy. They were a good couple and she’d be good to him.

“More roast?” Joe put some on her plate, winking. “Hold on, punkin. We’ll get through this. Grandma is on your side.”

“What about you?”

He snorted and shoved a huge forkful of potatoes into his mouth. Once he’d finished inhaling it, he shook his head. “I’m always on your side.”

“Okay, enough about the joining for the time being. I had another point.” Drew cleared his throat. “Dario is Stacy’s brother, as you all know. And he’s Gibson’s second. He respects Gibson. Trusts him with his life. And I trust that. I’ve seen Gibson look at her, Mom. He looks at her like she’s something miraculous and precious. I should hope
that’s
what you wanted for her. A man who adores her and would give his life for her.”

She mouthed a thank-you and he nodded back.

Mia’s grandmother cleared her throat and everyone quieted so she could speak. “I’ve accepted Imogene’s invitation to be an active part of the jamboree again. It’s time to let go of the past. Gibson and Mia, Drew and Stacy are our present and future. We should be focused on that. I worry for her. I know you do as well. But I trust Mia to know how to stay safe and who will keep her that way. Imogene tells me Gibson has never brought a female home. Ever. Mia is correct, the boy loves her. I had lasting, real love with Seamus. As you do with Jim, Ellen. Can you imagine your life without him?”

Mia knew her mother had been swayed when she lost the rigidity of her spine with a sigh. Her father kissed her hand as they both looked to her.

“Bring him around more often so we can get to know him. If he’s going to be part of the family I should at least know if he likes mashed potatoes or not.”

She got back home to find several very large males in her house. There was so much testosterone in the air it took up nearly all the space inside.

They looked up as she entered and she froze at the attention. “Hi.” She waved. “Don’t worry, I’m not staying. I’m going upstairs to bed.”

“Wait, come in, please, Mia.” Max stood but it was Gibson who came to her and put his arms around her. “Hi.” He nuzzled her neck.

The night was full of unexpected things apparently. It wasn’t that he’d never been affectionate to her in the company of others. He was. More by the day as they both became more comfortable with who they were becoming as a couple. But this was work stuff, and he was so focused on that he often forgot about everything else in the room.

He drew her into the living room. “You know Max and my father already, but this is Armando, my youngest brother.”

His
little
brother got up and came to her. Towering above her at easily six and a half feet. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Even under the circumstances.”

“He’s the family’s globetrotter so he’s been away but once he heard about you he demanded to meet you.” Galen kissed her cheek and Gibson coughed and it sounded very much like a growl.

Galen only found that amusing and went back to sit down.

“Out of the way, cretins.” Cesar patted the couch next to where he sat. “Come sit with me a moment.”