Instinct Ascending: Rabids Book 2 (40 page)

He’d brought her to meet his gran, shown his obvious regard for her in front of Cajun and didn’t even deck him when the doofus announced their fledgling relationship to the whole house. If that didn’t show how much he cared for the kid, he didn’t know what would. His only concern had been that he wasn’t sure how that part of relationships worked: if they were considered “official enough” that she was okay with him splashing the news around to his family. But she had handled it well; he’d even felt her pleased emotions floating toward him. So he guessed he had Cajun to thank for taking that step, breaking down that question. Not that he’d tell him that.

Pushing away from the sink, Harley made his way through the crowd, needing to be closer to her. His burdened heart lifted when Amiel’s glowing face came into view. The world around him slowed as her eyes met his, her bright smile filling his heart the way nothing else ever had. A sudden, stinging slap landed across his backside, and Harley yelped, the spell broken.

“Ouch! Gran! What did I ever do to deserve that?”

Gran looked up at him, shaking the spoon. “Never mind that. Take your goofy brother out back and set up the games. Go on, then.” She shooed him away.

“Geez, Gran, ya gotta find a different way to get someone’s attention,” Harley mumbled, morosely picking his way through the crowd to collect Cajun. Cajun eagerly followed, not wanting to earn one of Gran’s swats. Within half an hour everyone was in the backyard playing ridiculous games that had become family tradition over the years. Gran even had a piñata set up.

Amiel’s eyes nervously found his across the crowd when everyone shouted for her to go first. Harley nodded encouragement, sending her hand signals to remind her of the blindfold training they had done off and on at the gym. The flush in her skin told him she remembered all too well. Those moments, even before this newer, intimate relationship began, had always been intense, heated. He offered a foolishly proud grin in return and settled in for the show. His eyes zeroed in on her, silently coaching her as he watched her every move, the way her muscles flexed beneath her skin. He felt himself mirroring her movements as her head listed slightly to the side, listening for the sounds of the swinging tissue-paper coated, cross-eyed goat.

His pride grew when Amiel swung out, hitting the goat dead on with a powerful, solid hit. The goat split in half, candy showering everyone in the crowd as it spun wildly. The relatives burst out into a rowdy round of cheers and applause, clearly appreciative of her skills. Cajun ran up to Derin, poking fun at him for letting a girl kill his piñata.

Derin was a cousin around their same age, and the official designated piñata controller each year. And he was notoriously merciless in his tugging on the rope of the piñata. It wasn’t uncommon for this game to take a good half hour before anyone got a solid hit in. It was something he gloated on regularly, and the reason he now pouted, brooding under Cajun’s teasing. Harley watched with a smile as his little hellcat walked up to Derin, handing him a full-sized Twix from the candy stockpile with an apologetic smile. Derin’s pout instantly turned into a grin as he took the candy and pulled her into a playful headlock, ruffling her silky hair.

Harley tensed, fighting his Hybrid’s powerful claiming rights. Another rather intense by-product of a kiss, apparently; the claims to his charge had skyrocketed. His Hybrid side hated seeing any other man touching her, handling her so personally. And he wanted nothing more than to punch Derin. Which wouldn’t go over well. They’d end up tumbling all over, everyone would join in on the tumble, and Gran would beat his head with that spoon until it broke. Then she’d find something harder and more painful.

Folding his arms, Harley held clenched fists close to his sides to keep himself from doing something stupid. He hadn’t thought it possible for his Hybrid to grow more attached to the girl than it had over the months of playing bodyguard, but apparently her kiss had transformed everything. Thankfully Cajun moved forward, intercepting Derin and roughhousing with him while Amiel made her getaway. She blushed, smiling shyly Harley’s way as she smoothed down her hair. He grinned back like a fool. Gran suddenly appeared at Harley’s side, wrapping a thin arm around his waist.

“It’s good to see ya again, boy.”

Harley bent low, giving her what he expected to be an awkward hug. It had been a good five years since he’d hugged his gran, before tonight. Instead, it was awkward for a whole different reason. He found himself not wanting to let go. Holding her frail body now, he wished he hadn’t wasted so much precious time. He took for granted that his tough-as-nails gran would always be around. But the reality of life wasn’t so kind. She was nearly ninety now.

“Sorry I ain’t come ’round earlier, Gran. I really am.”

She pulled away, softly pressing the hair out of his eyes. “I know, suga’ plum.” The nickname from his childhood warmed his insides. “I understand why. You was scared. And rightly so. Bein’ in your world ain’t easy, and ya gotta do what ya gotta do to survive it. Even if it means holdin’ loved ones at arm’s distance.” She pointed at Amiel, who was laughing at Cajun and Derin’s wrestling antics.

“But that one there’s good for ya. I knew it the moment she reacted after I swatted her hand.”

Harley’s brow rose, letting her know what he thought of that little stunt. She waved him away.

“Don’t go gettin’ yourself worked up. It was all in good fun. Person can tell a lot about another woman, based on her reactions to conflict and family. She handled herself well. I think she’s a good catch. So you’d best hold onto that one, real tight, ya hear? Your ol’ gran will be mighty disappointed in ya, if ya don’t. And I ain’t never had cause nor reason to be disappointed in my favorite grandson before, so don’t be startin’ now.”

She gave Harley a squeeze. He smiled fondly down at the tiny woman and bent to kiss the top of her head. In that one moment, Harley felt more of his insides shifting, healing in a way he hadn’t allowed them to in the past; in a way he hadn’t even realized they needed to.

“Thanks, Gran.”

She squeezed him just a little tighter in reply. If he didn’t know better, he would think she could feel what was happening within him, too.

“Gran, I thought I was your favorite.” Cajun approached with Amiel in tow, clutching dramatically at his heart with mock hurt feelings. His grin made it abundantly clear that he wasn’t hurt at all. He'd never perfected the poker face like Harley had. The dope was quite simply built to grin.

“You’re only my favorite when he ain’t around.” Gran pulled away with a wry grin and patted Harley on the cheek. “Don’t be a stranger, suga’ plum. And bring your girl ’round again soon.”

Harley's ears burned, and he was glad his hair covered them. He didn't dare look at Amiel. “Yes, Gran,” he replied obediently.

“Good man. Now go make everyone some hot cocoa. Teddy did it last year and ain’t nobody could stomach it. Big oaf kept hawkin’ loogies in the sink every five minutes,” Gran grumbled, walking back toward the festivities. Harley scrunched his nose, grateful to have missed last year’s party.

Amiel smiled brightly, pulling him along with her toward the kitchen. She grabbed a huge pot out of the cupboard and set to work, making some sort of homemade hot chocolate that smelled sinfully good. That was one of the many things he loved about the kid — she sure had a way about filling a man’s stomach. And, he had to admit, a man’s heart. He hadn’t felt this much peace in as long as he could remember. And he knew she had been the catalyst to bringing him that peace.

He watched as she worked, taking his usual spot to the side of the counter like he always did when she cooked, silently enjoying the way she moved. A thought occurred to him, and he looked around to assure himself they were alone. Time to try on his dating shoes.

He felt his fingers shaking slightly at the knowledge that he no longer had to keep his physical appreciation for her a secret. Rather, he was supposed to do the opposite now. His pop always said a man wasn’t worth his salt if he didn’t compliment his woman on a regular basis and touch her like she was treasure; said a man had to show her what he felt, because women needed that sort of thing to feel the depth of a man’s heart. Harley steeled his resolve and pushed away from the counter.             

“Did ya know your whole body wiggles when ya stir things?” he asked quietly, leaning around her from behind to steal a large marshmallow from the hot chocolate pot. She paused, eyes widening in surprise and embarrassment. She stirred the pot slower, careful to hold herself still.  He leaned closer, one hand settling firmly on her hip as he stole another bit from the pot, pressing against her back.

“Don't try to stop it. I rather enjoy watchin’,” he murmured, winking at her before popping the fluffy bit in his mouth. He winced as Granny appeared out of nowhere, calmly popping him on the backside with her wooden spoon as she walked by.

“No fingers in the chocolate!” she commanded in her no-nonsense tone. Amiel smirked at him as he rubbed his butt.

“Sorry, Gran,” he mumbled.             

“Does that make me your favorite now, Gran?” Cajun shouted from outside. Harley's scowl quickly turned into a grin when Amiel laughed, her dimples peeking through. He'd deal with a thousand smacks of a wooden spoon, and snarky comments from his brother, just to see that smile on her face.

Amiel

Charleen approached Amiel’s side, hesitant smile in place.

“It’s been a while since we spoke,” she said.

“It has.” Amiel bit her lip, looking down at her hands in her lap.

“It occurred to me that my texts likely weren’t received the way they were intended.”

Amiel couldn’t help the relieved smile that snuck onto her face.

“There’s been a lot of that going around lately.”

“I apologize if my texts and absence appeared to be… unkind.”

Amiel’s heart lifted, seeing hope that their friendship wasn’t at an end as it had seemed to be for a time. “We Hybrids are not always known for our finesse in social aspects, Amiel: especially me,” Charleen admitted with a tilt of her head, as though she found that knowledge to be more interesting than upsetting. Amiel remembered Harley mentioning once that it was often difficult for Charleen to register Clean emotions, with her Hybrid genetics and particular upbringing. So it very well could be that her acknowledgement of that fault interested her, simply because she had not been aware of it existing before, or perhaps because she hadn’t previously felt the need to acknowledge it.

“There is danger at Foundation: unrest. There are those who fight for Harley’s position, and for the right to be his leadership mate. Their methods do not always do our kind credit.” Charleen spoke slowly, searching for the right words. “They know of you. And they would use you to bring Harley down. We have been trying to protect you from their efforts.”

Amiel frowned, hands lifting to twist the ends of her hair. “Harley knows?”

“Yes. He addressed it before leaving. There is a female amongst our number who has taken a predatory claim of him. She is causing issues.”

“Predatory claim?” Amiel asked, instinctual jealous anger stirring in her stomach.

“Yes; though he has denied her claims many times, she still pursues. He submitted her before leaving, though he was afraid his actions wouldn’t be enough to keep her from you. So he asked us to contain the unrest at Foundation while he was gone to ensure your safety. Rumors have been spread, and far too much interest taken in my actions and opinions on the matter. I kept my distance from you, so as to keep their attention away from you.  The text was also meant to protect you. Foundation issues our phones, has access to our messages if they so wish. We have to be careful what we speak of. They have had no reason to take an interest, in the past. However, with the rumors, it is possible they might have started now. I wanted to err on the side of caution.”

So many things made more sense now. Harley’s reactions to her choice to get the tattoo, for one of them. He’d been fighting to keep the heat off of her inside Foundation, and she’d fed herself to the wolves. Suddenly, her regret over the ink shifted. The meaning behind it, why she’d done it, that was still fresh. But the actual action of having it done… she felt grateful that Harley had stepped in to remove the evidence of her actions, now.  The regret had shifted to the fact that Harley had to do it at all.

Amiel startled slightly when Charleen’s hand lightly rested over hers. When it was clear she had her attention, Charleen quickly pulled away, but her eyes maintained an expression of intensity that took Amiel by surprise.

“Harley told us about the tattoo.”

Amiel blushed, one hand rising to the scarf around her neck in embarrassment.

“You must think I am a fool. After everything you have all done to protect me, I am sure it seems like a slap to the face that I would get this done.”

Charleen shook her head. “You are not like most Hybrids; I can’t sense the depth of your emotions. But I am a woman, and I am in love, so I feel confident in my judgement on this matter.”

Amiel looked up in surprise, eyes captured in Charleen’s intense gaze once more.

“Your particular situation is a difficult one to face. I feel that I understand you better than most, because I have been in a very similar place to you. Being different can be so very lonely.”

Amiel swallowed back the burn in her throat, but she couldn’t completely force back the tears that threatened.

“So, you see, while your actions were impulsive and perhaps not well-thought-out from every angle, I understand them. In truth, I think there is a certain beauty to your actions.” Her eyes shifted toward where Harley and Cajun bantered with one another. “Not every man is lucky enough to be blessed with a woman that would take such risks to prove her love and devotion.” Her smile became soft and loving as she gazed at Cajun. “As one woman who has made her fair share of stupid decisions for love, I understand and support you.”

Amiel swallowed again, wiping away a tear that slid down her cheek. “Thank you.” Lucky for Amiel, she was speaking to someone with super-sensitive hearing, because the words wouldn’t come out above the volume of a whisper. Charleen turned to face her, expression warm but stern. 

“You are one of us now, Amiel. We will do anything and everything we can to protect you, as I know you will do the same for us. That is what family means. Do not let guilt overshadow the joy you find here tonight; it has no place in the warmth of love.”

With another smile, Charleen stood and walked away, leaving Amiel to ponder the truth of the words left to her. Her eyes skimmed over the people in the group around her, soaked in the laughter and warmth that hung abundantly in the air. Charleen was right. This was true family; family was warm, supportive, loving and forgiving. And they had accepted Amiel as part of them, without reservation.

Amiel hadn't felt this welcomed and happy since before Jaron died. Harley's family was amazing. They nitpicked one another to the bone, but it was obviously done in good fun and love. Harley and Cajun were the worst of them. Names and insults were thrown back and forth like a game of catch, but despite all of the grunts of annoyance on Harley's end, and the mocked pain on Cajun's, their eyes told the truth. These two were closer than the average siblings, having weathered the storms of life together and come out on top.

Granny was a feisty, spry old lady, and Amiel loved her already. The kids were adorable, loud and full of energy, zooming in and out of the kitchen, ignoring everything their parents shouted at them. All the cousins seemed nice enough, and she found herself feeling somewhat surprised about how much she knew of them in such a short time. It was surprising because the rest of Harley and Tandy’s family were much more boisterous and outwardly loving than the two of them. She’d expected them all to be quiet, reserved and gruff.

An even better surprise was seeing Harley pulling out of his shell in this new environment. She rarely saw him without a grin on his face the whole night. She sat back, trying to ignore the growing headache that seemed to stretch down her spine into her shoulders, and focused on enjoying the show as Cajun tried to cajole Harley into yet another game of charades. A game of charades that had consisted of Harley staring drolly at Cajun while his brother danced circles around him pretending to be a giant gorilla, much to the delight of the kids who were watching it like a play.

Harley met her gaze, rolling his eyes playfully as Cajun proceeded to do some sort of strange mimicking of a bird. Amiel grinned, giving Harley the thumbs-up. Cajun chose that time to headbutt Harley in the gut, to which Harley replied with multiple barely understandable curses. The children seated on the ground burst into rounds of laughter, and Cajun bowed majestically. Harley waved Cajun off and came back to slouch into a chair next to Amiel.

“Big doofus,” he grumbled, though he couldn’t entirely mask the joy still reflecting in his eyes. Amiel rubbed his back consolingly, with a soft grin. Suddenly she winced as the headache flared to new life, sending a sharp twinge shooting down her neck. Harley caught the edge of her pain and turned toward her in concern.

“What’s wrong? What hurts?”

Amiel waved the matter away. “It’s just a headache.”

Harley scrutinized her for a long moment before shaking his head. “Let’s get ya home — I’ve kept ya out too late.”

“Oh, no, please, you are having so much fun with your family! Don’t let me get in the way. It will pass, I am sure of it,” she assured him. He shook his head.

“Nope. Not gonna happen, kid. On your feet.” He gripped her hands, gently pulling her to stand. Amiel sighed in resignation and went willingly. Truth be told, she was relieved. The pain was ratcheting up to a level that made her queasy. And she’d hate to puke all over Gran’s back yard. Harley waved in the air, calling out a farewell to all their family before heading indoors. Gran was inside getting more hot chocolate, and a grin forced its way onto Amiel’s pained face. Gran really loved the stuff; this was her fifth cup.

“Leavin’ so soon, suga’ plum?” Gran asked Harley, moving slowly to his side. She was clearly tired, herself.

“Yeah, Gran, we gotta be headin’ out. Thanks for havin’ us over.”

“You’re always welcome here, Harley. Take advantage of that fact more often, ya hear?” She looked to Amiel, gently gripping her hand. “That goes for you too, saucy girl.”

Amiel’s heart expanded in her chest as Gran sent her a wink and then headed out the door to rejoin the festivities.

Harley grabbed their jackets and held hers out to help her into it. The material of the heavy leather jacket caressed her skin as he slowly brought it up to rest on her shoulders from behind. His fingers slid along her neck in a feather-soft touch, then wrapped around her hair to gently pull it free of her jacket.

Something soft and warm tickled the skin at the back of her neck. The touch was so feather-light, she might easily have imagined it, yet she could have sworn his lips had just pressed to her skin. She turned to him, smiling softly as she thanked him for the help. He shrugged into his own jacket before wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her along through the door with him. Amiel let her head fall to the side, resting on his shoulder with a dreamy sigh.

“I like your family.”

Harley squeezed her closer, planting a kiss on the top of her head.

“They like ya, too.” He placed the helmet on her head, his actions gentle in remembrance of her headache, and latched it. Plopping down on the bike, he held a hand out to help her on. He jerked slightly as her skin touched his. “Crap, kid, you’re freezin’.”

She mumbled her apologies as she climbed on behind him, finding herself shivering. She hadn’t noticed she was cold until he mentioned it. Her thoughts quickly jarred to a halt when he slid her hands under his jacket once more. Only this time he slid her hands up under his shirt, too, so that her cold hands were pressed to his hot skin, pleasantly burning her chilled fingers.

“I’m going to freeze you, too,” she muttered half-heartedly, resting her head against his back.

“Nope. Superman, remember? Now, hold on, and I’ll have ya home in your nice warm bed soon.”

She snuggled closer as he started the bike and they flew down the road faster than was strictly legal.