Cause Ωf Death (Femme Fatale Freakshow)

Chapter 27

I swear, it’s moments like this that I feel like the luckiest alpha in the entire world. I have a pack made up of every person I’ve ever loved or cared for, people I trust with my life, and I know that they feel the same way about me in return.

Steve is behind the wheel of the Suburban, driving us back to Merced. We’ll unload everything there, and poor Gizmo can go and hide in his favorite spot and recover from the multiple relocations he’s had to endure over last week or so. He’s such a chill little dude most of the time, but none of us wants to overly stress the little guy.

Speaking of Gizmo, the miniature void is purring up a storm from where he’s curled up between Adam and me in the back of the SUV, probably because I’ve got my hand through the top latch and am giving him plenty of chin and ear scritches. Kieran is sitting in the middle of the row in front of Adam and me, bracketed by Leslie and Kimberly. The three of them are piled together as close as possible while still wearing their seat belts—a rule I enforce in every vehicle I step foot in, with the only exception being the life-altering return journey from Reno when I bonded with Disa—their voices are soft and content as they chat about whatever it is that has them so distracted. My little Wisp is up front keeping Steve company, and all of them are trying really hard to not interrupt the very important discussion that Adam and I need to have.

“Be honest with me, Adam. I’m not going to get upset or be offended. I don’t subscribe to the “might is right” school of thought, and just because I’m bigger than you doesn’t mean jack shit. You’re eight years older than I am and have a whole slew of experiences that will come in handy if you step up as Pack Alpha. Saying that, I also don’t think that just because you’ve got a few years on me automatically makes you perfect for the role. Talk to me, man. You aren’t alone in this.”

Adam sighs and turns his head to stare blankly out of the window. I patiently wait for him to speak, giving him the time and space he needs to formulate his thoughts, to get them straight inside his own mind. I’m glad he’s taking this so seriously, and not just making demands and expecting them to be followed.

“I… uh, that’s the thing, Henley. For most of my life, I have been alone. I haven’t had a family or pack to worry about, my life has revolved primarily around Kieran, with my own needs and wants coming second. Yeah, sure, there are particular issues that I have more knowledge or experience handling, but I have no clue how to actually look after others in my care, or how to navigate through a family dynamic.” He turns to face me once more, his lost and bewildered expression tugging at my heartstrings.

“Hell, my parents split up when I was young, happy to shuffle me off to someone else while they went on their merry way to begin all over again with new lives and families. I was pretty much raised by my great-uncle, and he was a belligerent old coot that had no idea how to deal with another person in his life, let alone a child. He did his best, but anything beyond putting a roof over my head, food on the table, sending me to school, and warning me that if I was going to break the law, then make sure I wasn’t caught, was beyond his meager skills.”

I reach across and palm Adam’s neck, tugging his head closer to mine and leaning forward until our foreheads touch. I can feel him through the bonds we share with Kieran and Disa, feel his fear and anxiety, his need to protect those in his charge whether they share a connection with him or not.

“If you want me to take on the role of Pack Alpha, I will do so, happily. However, that doesn’t mean that I’m the be-all-and-end-all, that our family will obey my rules and orders or else. As it stands, prior to this week our little family discussed things, and the others can tell you I am always open and willing to hearing other people’s thoughts and opinions. While I’m the one who ultimately makes the final decision, it’s always after taking everyone else’s feelings into account, and I’ll only lay down the law if I think someone’s health or safety demands it.” I stare into Adam’s eyes, willing my gaze to transmit my sincerity as I offer him everything I have to give.

“If you want me to step aside and let you lead, I’ll be the best goddamned second you’ve ever had. I won’t pull my punches, I won’t feed you a bunch of bullshit, and I’ll call you out if I see you heading down the wrong path. However, if you decide you want me to step up and take the lead, I will. I’ll expect your support and trust, and that if you have any issues with my decisions to come and talk to me about them. I’ll push you to be the best person you can be, not just for our pack and family, but for yourself as well. If I think you’re better equipped to deal with something, I’ll step aside and let you handle it. But I’ll be the lead, the man on point. I’ll be your alpha as much as the others. After all, there can only be one Pack Alpha.”

Releasing Adam’s neck, I sit back and wait. Nothing can happen until Adam decides on his role within the pack and I refuse to rush him. His decision will create ripples that will impact all our lives and therefore isn’t one to be made lightly.

I relax in my seat, one hand at Gizmo’s mercy as he aggressively headbutts my palm and nuzzles my fingers, the other resting on the frame of the window and propping up my chin. I mindlessly watch the hills and distant mountains roll by. The forested landscape gradually turns into farmland then into clusters of small towns, before spreading into a more concentrated urban sprawl.

We’re on the homeward stretch of the journey, with Sacramento behind us and about two hours before we reach Merced when Adam finally speaks.

“I think Kieran and I would best fit as members of the Armstrong pack, rather than leading the Knight pack. We can’t split the two between us, because there are too many intermingled bonds, or at least there will be, soon enough. Besides, I’m not going to separate our boy from the family who have shown him nothing but affection, acceptance, and adoration since the moment he woke up in your care. He’s lived a life so removed from his peers, unsure who he could trust due to both his health and the wealth of his family. Now, he doesn’t have to worry about that. He has a fellow omega in Disa, one who can better guide him through his instincts and urges now that they’re no longer suppressed. He’ll soon be able to feel Kimberly’s desire to fire up the consoles and play a few rounds with him, happy that she has another person who shares her interests. He’ll be able to sense Leslie’s appreciation that they share similar tastes when it comes to particular fabrics and textures and fashion, even though Kieran doesn’t really wear much beyond jeans, sweats, band tees, and hoodies due to his isolation.” Adam smiles softly as he stares down at the dark head bent between Leslie’s dyed locks, and Kimberly’s russet tresses.

“Most of all, he’ll come to know that Steve truly is thrilled when he asks for a cuddle because he’s feeling a little under the weather, and just wants to be fussed over. He’ll understand that, like me, the others will never see him as a burden, but as a fellow collaborator in their assorted plans and hi-jinks even if he’s laid low thanks to his P.I.D.D. I can feel his contentment, his sense of safety from having two alphas, even though he still loves me with everything he has. I get it. I still have his heart; it’s just grown to encompass all of you as well. I haven’t lost a damned thing either, and for that, for gaining so much more than I’d ever hoped for, I’m eternally grateful.”

I grin. I can’t help it, there’s no escaping the joy and satisfaction of knowing that Adam agrees with me on where him and Kieran both belong. Having him onside will make registering and officially announcing our new pack a hell of a lot easier than if he wanted to remain separate. Knowing I have him as my backup, that he can step up as Alpha in times of need when I’m unavailable or absent, that I don’t have to place that burden on Steve? It lifts a heavy weight from my shoulders, one that I’ve been unconsciously carrying for years.

“Have you thought about what you’re going to do now? Leslie and Steve filled me in on your discharge when they picked me up last week, but that you didn’t have any concrete plans.”

I thump my head against the head-rest of my chair, groaning and grumbling beneath my breath. So much has happened since I received my official discharge papers, and I haven’t really had any time to put any thought into a future occupation. I’ve never been one to sit idly by. I need a job, a purpose, or I’ll go insane.

“You know, I’ve been growing steadily more irritated with the security company Edgar’s been contracting, and while there are a number of fantastic guards I enjoy working with, there are a growing number of personnel who seem to only be doing it to garner a paycheck. I’ve been mulling over opening up my own agency, possibly poaching the guys and girls I know I can trust to give their all. I’m even pretty confident that Edgar will happily shift allegiances to me if I let him know my plans. There are only two problems,” Adam smirks as he glances up at Steve and then back over to me.

“First is, I have no experience with running a business. I could probably handle the day-to-day scheduling, but training, staff rotas, and payroll? I have no clue how to deal with those. The second problem is that I’ll need to find one, maybe two other people I know I can trust to help me run the company. Perhaps even more. I need people with discipline, dedication, and who won’t put up with bullshit that could cost people their lives. People who know how to unearth sensitive information without leaving a calling-card. People who work well together, seamlessly, like a well-oiled machine. Do you happen to know someone—or perhaps several someone’s—who could fulfill those roles? Maybe people who don’t want to keep having to leave their family behind while they go off on business?”

I chuckle as everything falls into place.

“Oh, I think I can help you find a few people who’ll fit those descriptors. I’ll make it happen on one—no, two —conditions, though.” I wait to see if Adam will take the bait, thrilled when he does.

“And what conditions are those, Henley?”

I smile broadly—if a little cheekily—before answering.

“Well, first off, you’ll be the boss, Boss . The second thing is seeing as it’ll be your company, it’ll have your name— and only your name —on the business license. I kinda think that ‘Knight’s Protection’ or ‘Knight’s Protective Services’ have a special ring to them, don’t you?”

Adam’s beaming grin is as wide as mine as he offers his hand. I slap my palm to his and we shake in a gentleman’s agreement.

“Done.”

We make good time between Redding and Merced, and upon reaching the house, we work together to quickly unpack and get everything sorted. I thank whatever deity is listening in that Steve extended the U-Haul hire before everything went down. I’d much rather deal with one issue at a time, thank you very much.

Despite the Suburban being our “backup” vehicle, I can’t deny that it’s perfectly sized to carry us all into the city. It’s burned as an untraceable transport for us now anyway, as is the safe house in Redding. That’s not to say that we’ll get rid of them both, we’ll just stop using them as though they’re unconnected to us.

I put Leslie in charge of finding us all clothing appropriate for an intimate dinner at home with one of the richest men in the country—and possibly even the world—while Adam and I check over the rest of the house for anything amiss. Steve is off buying the basics for breakfast tomorrow as well as ingredients for tonight’s dinner at Kieran’s penthouse, Kimberly is hooking all her electronics back together in her office, and Disa is feeding and fussing over Gizmo, with a little help from Kieran.

“You know, you guys don’t need to go to all this trouble for Edgar. As long as Kieran is happy, then he’s going to accept and approve of you.”

I snort dismissively at Adam’s mild reproach, not giving it any notice.

“Adam, we have family dinners together all the time. It’s something you’ll need to get used to, especially if you don’t know how to cook. Leslie can’t boil water to save their life, so they’re generally on wardrobe or last-minute errand duty. If you can cook, and have a particular preference or specialty, then we’ll be sure to incorporate it in our schedule. This dinner tonight, it’s more than just us meeting Kieran’s dad. It’s also properly initiating you into our family dynamic, introducing you to our traditions and habits. There’s a sense of safety and stability when we resume our normal programming after so much upheaval.”

With a wry chuckle, Adam shakes his head in disbelief.

“You guys are almost too good to be true, y’know? Edgar is going to fucking love you, because you’re all capable, responsible adults who want to look after his beloved son for the rest of your lives. Darla, though? She’ll fucking despise you because she won’t be able to manipulate you. Not that it’ll make much difference one way or the other, not once Edgar learns of her role in Kieran’s abduction.”

I wave him off as we return downstairs, satisfied that there’s nothing out of place in regards to the structure or security of the house. The rev of an engine and soft squeal of brakes rises on the air, and it’s time to get a move on if we want to be sitting down to eat before it gets too late.

“C’mon Adam, I think I hear Steve coming back. Let’s round this lot up and get done with the rest of tonight. There are things that need to be said, and like a Band-Aid, it’s better to rip it off in one go rather than picking around the edges.”

Royal Tower is both a testament to the wealth and power of the Prince family, and if it belonged to anyone other than Kieran’s father—who both he and Adam have assured me is actually quite humble and down-to-earth despite his immense wealth—I’d wonder what exactly they were trying to compensate for. Something tells me that it was someone else who requested it to resemble a rather phallic structure, and my money’s on Taylor Pinter. Everything that I’ve seen and heard about the guy screams that he suffers from a major inferiority complex, and likely feels the need to quietly compete with Edgar to exert his dominance.

Or something like that.

Adam’s driving because he not only knows where the entrance to the private car park is situated, but he also knows the guys manning the security booth. He instructs them to make a note of our names, as we’ll soon be put on the “family” list, and, “Yes, Edgar is aware of the latest additions, but sure, go ahead and call him about it. It’s not like we’re all here to meet him for the first time, and that we’re preparing him a home-cooked meal whose ingredients are slowly becoming unusable while we’re waiting.”

It’s enough to have the guards scurrying about like ants after their hill has been kicked, and we’re swiftly approved and waved through the checkpoint.

There’s a special elevator that only moves between the secure parking garage and the top three floors of the building. The penthouse belongs to Kieran, the apartment beneath his is empty, and the one below that is one that his parents use from time-to-time but it’s mostly kept available for the rare occasion when extended family and friends come to visit.

Not that any have done so since Kieran first presented.

The elevator ride is speedy, smooth, and silent, and we’re inside the metal box for no more than thirty seconds in total. Probably less.

The doors open into a vestibule with grand double doors at one end, and a table holding a vase of greenery beneath an oil seascape at the other. Adam strides forward, keying in an entry code and unlocking the door before holding it open for us to follow. I gesture for Steve to take the lead, then wait for the others to enter before trailing behind at the rear and ensuring the door shuts properly behind me.

When I finally take the opportunity to look over the apartment, I’m absolutely gobsmacked with the size of the place. Even if I include the triple garage and loft rooms, the apartment is larger than the house in Redding, with half the number of bedrooms. Despite that, it feels homey and welcoming, the furnishings comfortable and inviting. Yes, there’s a sense of opulence, which only accentuates the high ceilings and feeling of space in each room, but it’s subtle. There’s no single thing that screams “I cost more than you’ll make in your entire lifetime!”, and it’s that understated luxury that has me relaxing. Wealth, I can handle. Snobbish, entitled dicks who like rubbing their wealth in other people’s noses? I’ll knock them down from their high-horse without batting an eyelid.

“The kitchen is through here, and there are two spare bedrooms down near my suite for whoever wants to shower and change first.” Kieran offers, and Disa waves him, Leslie, and Kimberly onward.

“You lot go and get ready, I’ll help Steve and Hen start with dinner. I already know the layout, as does Adam, so if Henley or Steve need directions I’m sure one of us can assist.”

She grabs Steve’s empty hand and leads him through to the kitchen as Leslie and Kimberly follow Kieran down another hallway. I collect the remaining shopping bags and haul them into the kitchen to prepare our go-to Italian-style feast.

It’s not until Leslie pokes me in the ass that I look at my watch, surprised to see just how much time has passed. The panzanella salad is resting in the fridge, along with the toppings for the bruschetta. Disa is putting the finishing touches on her tiramisu, and Steve has the garlic bread ready for the oven. Kimberly is gently stirring the fettuccine carbonara on the stove, and Kieran is busy ferrying cutlery over to the dining table, where Adam is setting out the plates and glassware.

I’m the only one still unwashed and unprepared for Edgar’s arrival.

“C’mon, Hen. This way. Have one of those infamous two-minute showers of yours, and I’ll get your clothes ready for you. Edgar should be arriving in about fifteen minutes or so according to Kieran, so you’ve got time.”

I don’t argue.

Edgar Prince is not what I expect. He’s a similar height to Leslie’s five foot eleven, and if I was to hazard a guess as to his occupation without knowing a thing about him, I’d guess a tradesman of some sort. His hands are heavily calloused, as though he uses them roughly on a daily basis, and while his shoulders aren’t as broad as mine or Steve’s, or even Adam’s, they still give off an aura of strength and dependability. While his dark hair has mostly gone to gray, as has the short beard covering his jaw and chin, it’s still thick and wavy. Hazel eyes full of warmth beam at me, the lines at the corners denoting him as a man who laughs and smiles often. Looks-wise, Edgar reminds me of an older version of the guy who played Hector in the movie Troy . He’s affable and easygoing, and I can’t bring myself to understand how the two people closest to him could betray him like they have.

Shaking his hand, I introduce myself, and then the rest of our group. The way Edgar seamlessly slides into our dynamic is a wonder to watch, and I can only hope that his ease with us continues after we shatter his world.

The topic is unavoidable. But not before dinner.

At Kieran and Adam’s behest, the rest of us sit at the table while they bring out the food and wine, and the entire meal feels like we’ve been doing this for years. There’s no initial awkwardness, no stilted conversations or jokes that fall flat. Only natural and genuine friendship, banter, and laughter.

It’s a shame we have to ruin it all.

“Dinner was delicious, thank you all so much. Please, know that I’m always open for future invitations to join you all, if this is the type of company and conversation I can expect!” Edgar is effusive in his praise, which makes me want to adopt him as my own father-figure all the more. Perhaps, later down the track, he can become an honorary pack member or something. But before we can even consider that, conversations need to be had.

“Steve, come and help me clear the table and do the dishes, yeah?” I call over to my sigma, but Adam takes the plates from my hands, nudging me to the side.

“I’ve got this. You go and sit with our omegas and Leslie. Kimmy, Steve, and me will clear all this up and get started on the coffees. I think we’ll need something a little harder to go with them, but Steve and Kimberly can fill me in on everyone’s preferences while you all talk.”

I nod, leaving the three of them behind to join the others in the living room. Kieran is sitting on one of the sofas with his father, with Leslie and Disa perched on the one opposite. I hover for a moment, unsure where I’m needed most, until a shiver of nerves tweaks me.

Kieran it is.

I cross to his side, surprising a squawk out of him as I lift him and then situate him to my liking across my lap. I’m not about to loom over him and his father, and this way I can calm him with my purr if he becomes too agitated or distraught.

“Well, I never thought I’d see the day when my son found not one, but two alphas to dote on him, although I’m not surprised. He’s always been like a beacon for alphas, all of them hovering moths to his beautiful flame. But something tells me that this isn’t going to be a pretty chat. So, Kieran, stop your panicking. I love you, you’re my son, and nothing you can say or do will ever change that. What’s going on?”

I feel Kieran’s chest swelling beneath my arms as he sucks in a deep breath then releases it in a whoosh.

“Dad, I have a rather odd question to ask you before we get into everything.” Kieran pauses, waiting for his father’s permission before continuing. At Edgar’s nod, Kieran blurts his query in a jumbled rush.

“Whydidyoustopgoingawayonbusinesssomuch?”

Edgar blinks, then shakes his head in confusion.

“I’m sorry, can you repeat that a little slower, son?”

I rub my hand up and down Kieran’s spine, mindful of the lingering bruises and scabs from his wounds. Kieran clears his throat and then repeats his question, but at a less-rapid pace.

“Why did you stop going away on business so much?”

Edgar smiles and waves a hand, a small chuckle causing his chest to shudder.

“Oh! You had me worried for a moment there. You probably don’t remember this, because we tried to make sure you weren’t aware, but when you were about seven years old, your mother and I went through a rather rough patch in our marriage. She was incredibly unhappy and lonely at being left behind, when prior to your birth she’d generally accompany me if I was going to be away longer than a single night. She had you, of course, but a child is no comparison to adult company, no matter how wonderful that child may be. It took some effort between the both of us, as well as marriage counseling, but we came through the other side stronger than ever. I decided that my family was more important than money, so asked Taylor to take over some more of the more distant business as he was still footloose and fancy-free.”

Kieran nods, his father’s words putting one question to bed, while opening the door to another.

“How did you know that my mother was unhappy? Did she say something to you?”

Edgar grimaces, wiping a hand over his face.

“Honestly, it was you rather than your mother that made me twig that something was wrong. You were becoming more withdrawn and quieter, no longer excited to see me. You’ve never really been a momma’s boy, but you pulled away from her even more so, to the point where you’d hunch over or run away if she tried to hug or kiss you.”

Fuck. Knowing about Kieran’s abuse at the hands of his mother is one thing, but hearing about how it altered his entire personality and interactions as a child from someone ignorant of the truth is another entirely.

“Dad, I’m not sure how to say this…” Kieran tapers off, and he starts shivering in my arms as panic and fear assail him. I can feel through our connection that he’s terrified that his father will reject him, or worse, blame him for Darla’s actions. I tighten my hold on Kieran, crushing him into my chest as I begin to purr. He buries his face in my shirt, saturating it with hot tears.

Kieran’s not going to be able to break this to Edgar, not without shattering himself.

“Edgar,” Leslie interjects with asperity, “I’m going to be incredibly blunt, to the point of cruelty. But I need to do this so you and Kieran can start healing. Your wife is a disgusting piece of shit who abused your son for years on end, exploiting him for profit among some of the most heinous pedophile and child-trafficking rings we’ve seen in a long time. Your so-called best friend and business partner, Taylor Pinter, was also involved. I have fucking reams of evidence to prove it all, and that’s on top of your son’s own recollections. Their most recent crime was to sell Kieran to a sex-trafficking ring of alphas out of Reno, who planned to rape your son on camera and sell the footage. In fact, they also auctioned off the rights to forcibly knot and bite your son while he was in heat, with no consideration to his choice, consent, or lack thereof.”

Well, that’s one way for Edgar to learn about his wife and best friend. Leslie sure doesn’t pull their punches, although I think I agree with them that delicacy has no place in this conversation.

Movement in the doorway has me glancing over to where Kimberly and Steve are both holding Adam tightly, tears of fury and anguish streaming down the alpha’s cheeks. I nod to Steve and Kimberly, indicating they should release Adam, then stand with Kieran still nestled against my chest. Adam is a blur of motion as he races over to the sofa, only slowing once he reaches me and Kieran. Carefully passing our omega into Adam’s arms, I gently press down on his shoulders until Adam is seated on the couch, Kieran protectively cradled in his embrace.

Steve and Kimberly are wedged either side of Disa, and when I turn back to face Edgar, Leslie is there, one hand firmly wrapped around the back of the man’s neck as he tries to wrap his head around the new reality of his world.

My knees creak slightly as I squat down in front of Edgar, tugging his hands into mine and chafing them between my palms in comfort.

“What Leslie forgot to mention is that the alpha who ‘bought’ access to Kieran during his heat was Tomas Biggs. They also neglected to tell you that both Biggs and the Reno traffickers have been dealt with, permanently. While Kieran sustained some cuts and bruises from their mishandling of him, there was never a moment when he was left unprotected, even though it may have appeared that way to some. What we need to do now , as a pack and as a family, is figure out where we go from here.” My tone goes from gentle to stern, and I let Edgar know in no uncertain terms of my expectations going forward.

“Darla is not welcome anywhere near Kieran, Adam, or this apartment. I am one of Kieran’s alphas, and I am also the head of this pack. My word is law when it comes to their protection, safety, and happiness. I will not tolerate that woman, or Taylor Pinter for that matter, to be in the same vicinity of my second or our omega, let alone breathing the same air as them. I know you love your son; a blind man could see how much you adore him. But if you want a relationship with him, with us from this point on? Darla has to go. Separation, divorce, or something more permanent, I don’t give a fuck. The choice is yours. You simply have to make it.”

I sit back among the metaphorical rubble left from Leslie’s bombshell and wait for Edgar’s decision.