When I'm sure I won't die of starvation, I ask, “Do you plan to be part of my life and a grandmother to my children?”
“If you'll let me, there's nothing I’d like more.”
I wonder if Marion and Donna get along well, and I suppose I'll find out tomorrow. While it should be strange I'm willing to let my mother into my life this easily, the connection I feel to Marion is similar to the one I have with Brady. It's as if I can't resist.
I take another bite of my sandwich and, while chewing, wonder if I had a twin or was a triplet like most werebear children. After I swallow, I ask, “Am I the only child you had with Al?”
“Yes.” She adds in her our heads, “It must have been because of your human father's genes.”
Her answer makes me wonder who the alpha heir is for the Robichaux clan, because I'm her oldest child. I reply, “Who is your next alpha?”
Marion's fork clinks against her plate as she sets it down and looks at me. “You.”
My mind reels as food sticks in my throat. “I'm supposed to take over for you? But I'm married to the Le Roux alpha and am the prima.”
Marion takes a deep breath. “Carly, I realize you probably think forty-five is ancient, but I plan to be around for a few more decades. A lot can change in that time, and I think it should.”
I nod and speak in my head. “So that's why we can talk. Can I communicate this way with other Robichaux clan members?”
“Yes. You probably can.”
Good God, I have my own personal phone line to hundreds of people. I can also give Le Roux clan members a direct order they must follow. Can I do the same with the Robichaux clan? I wonder what Brady and Donna will think when they find out.
38
Chapter 8
Sierra
“Shit!” Hot coffee sears the skin on the back of my hand, and I throw the ceramic mug into the sink. When it shatters, the sound satisfies me, but when Keith scowls, guilt makes me flush.
His face softens when he realizes what’s upsetting me. “Hey, is he in your head right now?” Keith’s eyes are kind as he reaches for my hand.
Not only is Victor in my head, but I’m so wet right now I might have to go to the bathroom to get myself off. “Yes.” I flinch at Keith’s contact and pull away. How can I let him touch me when right now it’s Victor’s hands my body craves?
This is crazy. Keith is the one I love. I step forward and place my hands on his chest. “I’m sorry.” The worn cotton of his denim shirt is soft under my fingers as I move them down toward his waist. “Can you be a little late for work?”
I don’t wait for his answer and fall to my knees as I tear open his jeans. Keith grabs my head and pushes me gently away as he says, “Don’t. You have nothing to prove to me.”
“What the hell? Now you don’t want me? Because Victor sure does.” I get up and turn away, but not before I see the pain I caused flicker over Keith’s face. Since the morning my orgasm became about Victor, I can’t be with Keith. I’ve been avoiding sex, and Keith has been incredibly patient when I’ve brushed him off with lame excuses.
Keith’s voice is almost a whisper, but my bear hearing picks up every word. “Sierra, you know that’s not it.” I keep walking, and he says, “Wait.”
But I can’t tell him that Victor is winning, and my body is betraying me by wanting a man I loathe while my heart aches for the man I love. Hot tears fall on my cheeks as I move toward the huge glass wall of Keith’s living room.
I lean against the cold window and gaze through blurry eyes at the magical, fairy-kingdom-like back yard Keith created. If only my dreams had come true instead of turning into a nightmare. I break into sobs when I see the clearing we were going to use for our wedding vows, and I imagine how happy we were supposed to be.
The heat from Keith tries to warm me as his hands land on my shoulders, and he gently turns me so he can hold me against his chest. “Shhhh, we’re going to find a way to help you, sweetie. I won’t ever stop trying.”
Oh, Keith. I wish I could believe. I really do.
39
Chapter 9
Carly
After my early-morning doctor's appointment, a quick workout with Ian, and lunch with Marion, I'm exhausted and want to head home for a nap before dinner. But I can't. I have to tell Brady and Donna that Marion is my mother.
I’ve talked to Brady and am on my way to his office to share my news. I send Donna a message while I drive. “Can you come over for dinner? I have something I need to share with you.”
Windshield wipers beat steadily as they clear rain. The green shades of trees are magnified in the gray day, and I find the scenery beautiful even without the sun. Besides, I'm driving a new GMC Yukon that has me high up on the road, and it lends a sensation of power. With three rows of seats, there's room for the triplets in the second row and room for four more passengers—or more children if I have my way.