Consumed by Wrath: An FBI/Romance Thriller (An FBI/Romance Thriller ~ Book 8) (51 page)

“I could make you a bunch of promises, but you know
that I won’t keep them. I’m still going to cuss and have ridiculous amounts of sex until it borders on fornication, and I know that I’ll still be a little trigger happy, but can you cut him a break? He’s suffered enough the last few months. If you give me this one thing, I’ll become a nun.”

Both men looked horrified.

“Okay, we know I won’t. See, that was one of those promises that I have no intention of keeping. But hey, at least I’m honest,” she added, taking a deep breath.

“
If you let him have this, I’ll try to calm down and be a better person, because my kids need me to lead by example. I’ll love the men in my life even more than I thought possible, and deeper than I ever thought I could. Hell! I’ll tell Bly that I love her and kiss her on the mouth if you just give me a girl. That’s saying a lot, since you know she hates me and I can’t stand her, either.”

Ethan felt his eyes fill up with tears.

“Anyway, just please give Ethan what he’s earned. He’s done his time in hell, so cut him a break, and give him a daughter of his own. I see how he looks at Cat, and I don’t want to fail him again. I want to give him everything that I can in life.”

Callen didn't know his brother was hurting over this, and his heart broke for him. Even though the kids were shared equally, he never noticed the hurt that Elizabeth spoke of until now.
Reaching for the man he loved, Callen rested his hand on his brother’s shoulder. When Ethan’s hand covered his, but his gaze remained averted, he knew everything Elizabeth had said was true.

“Please,” she whispered. “Let this be my one thing I’ve earned too. After all the death, my mom
being stolen away, my dad dying, and you taking Timothy when I just finally got back on my feet, I need it. Please give me this one thing to heal all of our hearts,” she paused, wiping her cheeks on the back of her hand. “Amen.”

Both men on the stairs slowly backed up, and cautiously ducked around the corner to give her a moment to gather herself.

Callen focused on his brother and the emotion in his eyes. “I didn't know that was how you felt inside. I’m so sorry, Ethan,” he said.

Blackhawk shrugged.

“We promised to talk things out,” Callen whispered. “Tell me what you’re feeling. Help me get you through this. Don’t block me out.”

Since he had thrown down the rules, he was obliged to follow them.
“I love Catherine, but she’s not mine. I want a little Lyzee running around and raising hell. With boys you expect it, but with a little girl, it’s a treasure. When I brought Elizabeth back north, to exhume her father, we went to Gabe’s for dinner. He had five little girls, all pigtails and pretty dresses, running around like hellions. On that day, I fell in love. I’ve wanted a little girl who would make me laugh and weep with joy.”

He understood, since he had a daughter.
It was a whole new experience from a son.

“One day
Cat’s going to get married, and ultimately, I won’t be her father. You’re her dad. It won’t be me walking her down the aisle, or telling her that I’m giving away my little girl. She’s yours, Cal, and you’re damn lucky.”

His heart ached for Ethan as he let him get the rest off his chest.

“I don’t want you to think I don’t want Cat or don’t love her, because I adore her. She’s helped me get through the last four months. When Parrish used our kids to break me, I didn't think,
‘oh, she’s not mine’
, because it hurt just as much. When he told me he was going to torture them all, they were mine to protect.”

Whitefox hugged his brother. “We’ll get through this
,” he promised.

Blackhawk relaxed against his little brother, and took the advice of the shrink. He leaned when he wasn’t strong. “Thank you for being here for me, Cal.
Thank you for taking care of Elizabeth when I was lost and unable to do my job. I know you kept her safe while I wasn’t well enough to do it. I’m aware that you gave her back what I took away in my absence.”

Callen hugged him.

“Thank you for this pregnancy too. I know that with what happened, if you didn't take one for the team, this baby would be yours too. I know you sacrificed a lot for me these last four months, and I won’t ever forget it.”

“When you came back into my life, Ethan, you let the anger go to help me. When Timothy died, you gave me your wife. I can’t repay that, but I can give that kindness back to a man that I love very much, when he’s struggling.”

“Thank you for being my brother, Callen. I’m so lucky that I have you in my life. I can’t imagine a day without you by my side. You and Elizabeth are my everything.”

Callen
stared into his brother’s eyes. “I will always be here for you. No matter what happens, I’ll stick, because she’s our heart. I’ll do whatever it takes for the rest of my life. You’re my blood.”

He said the word
s in their native tongue.

Ethan offered it back, as he let his brother hug him. It reminded him of when they were kids and Callen was afraid of what was coming. Then,
Ethan would offer him comfort and protection, because Callen was the weaker of the two. Now, it was his turn to be protected by love and blood.

They took a minute to regroup. When both men were able to hide what
had just happened, only then did they come down the stairs.

“Hey beautiful, are you ready for
Valentine’s Day presents?” Callen asked, cheerfully.

“Hell yes I am,” she answered, patting the two sides of the couch flanking her. “Sexy
man number one and sexy man number two, get front and center for our annual puffy heart extravaganza.”

Callen hopped the couch and landed beside her. Immediately, his hands went to her belly and he rubbed it. “When do we find out how far along you are?”

“I guess when we get home.”

He thought about it. “Can I
go to the doctor’s appointment when you go?”

Ethan vaulted the couch too, and took his spot beside her. “Absolutely.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Elizabeth wanted to talk about the baby. “I have something that I need to get off my chest.”

Both men waited. “Okay,” they replied together.

“I know in the past that
I’ve given free reign over naming rights, but I really feel compelled to do this one on my own.”

Ethan stared into her eyes. After what he just heard, she could have his spleen if she was so inclined. “Okay.
It’s all yours. Have at it, baby.”

She stared at him. “Don’t you want to know the name before you agree to that? I mean, what if I lose my nut and try to call our kid, Banana Fudge Ripple Blackhawk?”

They both found that funny.

“Or Sunshine Moonbeam
Goldilocks?”

Ethan wasn’t worried in the least.
“You're up for this one, baby. I picked CJ’s name, and Callen picked Cat and EJ’s, so this means it’s your turn. Have at it.”

“Okay. I
already decided.”

They waited
on baited breath.

“I would like to introduce you to Charlie
Samuel Blackhawk or Charlie Samantha Blackhawk.”

Ethan’s eyes filled with tears. “I think that’s a perfect name, and our child is going to be blessed to have you as a mother. In fact,
our children are the luckiest kids in the world.”

She lightly kissed him
, and then turned to Callen. “I love you both.”

This was what Valentine’s Day should be all about.

“Okay, now shower me with gifts. I’m giving you both a kid, and we know this is a girl holiday, so start handing them out.”

Both men laughed.

Callen went first.
Pulling out a box, he held it in his hands. “This is from our children to their mommy on Valentine’s Day. Since you made them, you’re the first love of their lives.”

She sniffled already. Opening the box, she stared inside. There was a matching key, like the one Ethan had once given her.
When she was home, she wore it all the time.

“The key
signifies me, to match Ethan’s, but these,” he lifted the little cotton layer and underneath were three little locks shaped like hearts. “You can divide them up and wear two necklaces, or all on one. But each lock is one of our babies. When we get home, I’ll pick one up for Charlie.”

“This is perfect,” she whispered, loving how sweet Callen could be.

“The key opens the locks, but you’re the one we all trust to keep them safe. You’re the keeper of all of us, Lyzee. You’re my all.”

She began to cry. “Oh, Callen!”

He grinned. “It wasn’t me. Talk to the kids, because they really love their momma.”

She loved them
too. “I will cherish this.”

Blackhawk offered him a fist bump. “Smooth.”

He winked. If anything, he had watched Ethan over the last couple years. The suaveness was a learned trait from his big brother.

“Okay, I’m next. In order to
get your surprise, call home. Your presents are there.”

Elizabeth beeped Wyler and waited for him to come on the screen. When his face popped on, she noticed he didn't look too upset, but he did look tired.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Dad! Want to be my valentine?”

He gave her the Blackhawk grin. “Absolutely, since you’
re my favorite”

“How are you?”

“Frazzled.”

That worried her. “Oh, Dad, why?” Her worries had been confirmed.

“Well, you have to see for yourself.”

Turning the tablet around, first it focused on CJ, and then she saw it.

“Oh my God! Are those…”

Wyler’s voice came over the tablet. “Your husband
s, my sons, thought that three kids and two puppies was a good idea. Well, the house is a mess, and Bly is on the warpath.”

She stared at them
, getting giddy. “Oh my God! They’re fluffy and,” she paused. “CJ love, don’t eat the puppy.”

When he grinned at her, holding one puppy under each arm
, like a rag doll, her heart melted. Glancing over at Ethan, she took his face in her palms. “You remembered your promise to me.”

“I did, and one is from me,
and the other Callen. We figured why just have half a hovel for a home, when two dogs could destroy it all.”

She laughed and jumped
on him. “I was wondering if you would remember!”

“Of course I did. In fact, those puppies are from the same parents as Rex.”

She actually squealed and faced the other man.

Callen accepted the exuberant kisses next
, as she bounced all over him. “I think you need to name them, yet.”

She stared at her son kissing the puppies
as he mimicked her actions, only on the dogs.

From the background, she heard Bly yell, “Call them ‘Filthy’ and ‘Mess’.

“I could name them ‘You’re’ and ‘Fired’,” she suggested, not willing to let the bitter woman ruin her night.

That made Wyler grin
as he tried to hold in a chuckle.

“I already know their names,” she said, pointing at the all black one. “He’s Kanje and the brown one is Sungila.”

Both men were touched.

Wyler approved. “I love it.
It looks like we kept the tradition alive with another raven and fox. That’s perfect. Now, when they come home, they can clean up after their name sake.”

“We have something else to tell you, Dad,” Elizabeth said, grinning. When he simply stared at them, she dropped the bomb. “We’re having another baby!”

He was up out of his seat and dancing around like a loon. It did all of their hearts good to see that he was so happy.

“I can’t believe
that I get another grandbaby! Keep them coming!” he demanded, happily. “The more the merrier!”

Bly made a
comment from the background.

“Don’t worry, Dad,” Elizabeth
reassured. We can get you more help, and it will someone with a better attitude.”

It shut Bly Cocheta up fast.

Before anyone could add more to the conversation, in walked Cyra and Chris holding hands and smiling at each other.

“Look at my new babies,”
Elizabeth said, excitedly.

“We know
. I’m your new trainer,” Cyra said. “I’ll have them acting like Rex in no time.”

Something crashed back at home and Bly started cursing. All three of them, including Wyler
, laughed.

“I don’t want them to stop tormenting Bly,” whispered Elizabeth. “Can you make sure that doesn’t change?”

Cyra laughed. “I can try.”

“I don’t want to be a witness to any of this,” Chris said, heading towards the stairs. “I’ll shower and be right down, Cyra,” he added, as he bounded up the stairs two at a time.

“Can I talk to you?” she asked, when he was gone.

The men went to get up, and she stopped them. Instead, Ethan said goodbye to his father and they waited to see what
the problem was.

“I wanted to tell you that I appreciate what you’ve done for me. When I was a detective
, with an asshole partner, you gave me an opportunity to escape that bedlam. I will never forget it for the rest of my life.”

“It was our pleasure,” Ethan said.

“Chris and I talked about this, and when we get married and start having kids, I’m going to hang up my badge and gun.” Cyra waited for them to talk her out of it.

“I don’t blame you,” Elizabeth said. “If I could do it myself, I would.”

Cyra let out a breath. “I thought you were going to be mad,” she revealed.

Elizabeth hugged her. “Don’t be silly. Not everyone can do this job and be a mother. I’m certifiable. I understand how hard it is for you and Chris. He works wonky hours
, and you’re on assignment and away. It’s hard to start a relationship that way, let alone maintain one. Whenever Callen goes away, I’m sick to my stomach. I just hope that you get pregnant, and soon.”

Cyra didn't know where this was going. “Okay, I’ll bite. Why?”

Elizabeth patted her belly. “My little one will need a best friend, and tag, you’re it,” she said, touching her.

That ma
de her laugh. “You’re an enigma, but I love this girlfriend code thing already.”

Both men groaned. Someone needed to warn Chris that they were about to be conspired against.

“Yeah, so do I,” Elizabeth admitted. “Now, go get ready for your date. I’m sure it’ll be special. Your first Valentine’s Day with your dream lust muffin is always special.”

Cyra hugged her. “I know it’s all an act. You’re an amazing woman, and I’m glad Chris and I have you as our friend.”

Elizabeth hugged her back. “Yeah, yeah. Now, go get pregnant.”

She laughed and raced up the stairs.

Ethan patted the couch between them, and waited for her to come join him. “I always wanted to own a love shack.”

She dropped between the men. “Oh, this shack is going to be shaking and shimmying later, boys.”

Both men liked that idea.

“When will that be happening?” Callen asked, nipping her ear.

“As soon as Chris and Cyra head out, your holiday surprise shall begin. When I said that Valentine’s Day was all about me, I wasn’t serious. It’s going to be about both of you in a few minutes.”

As if timed, they both glanced down at their watches.

“Really, boys?”

The
y simply grinned as they watched the time.

                                *   *   *

When Cyra and Chris drove away, Callen and Ethan raced up the stairs like two maniacs. Elizabeth had gone up earlier to get ready, and they couldn’t wait. As they opened their bedroom door, the place had been transformed.

Their
comforter was turned down, there were candles lit, and Elizabeth was nowhere to be found.

As they headed to
wards the bed, there was a note waiting for them.

Ethan picked it up, and read it out loud.

Dearest Callen and Ethan,

You both mean the world to me. Tonight, we’re going to

c
elebrate Valentine’s Day in our style. I could have gone

w
ith frilly and lacy, but that isn’t special enough for

t
onight. On the bed you’ll find one pair of handcuffs.

One of you has to wear them
, but you get to decide who.

The one who gets the shackles,
goes last.

Decide.

I’m ready to make tonight a night that we won’t ever

forget.

Tonight is all about your wildest fantasies, leave your

i
nhibitions at the door.

Elizabeth
.

Callen was already two days past excited. He wasn’t sure if he could handle not touching her. Ethan tended to be the stronger of the two, when it came to control in bed.

Blackhawk picked
the handcuffs up and knew that she meant business. Every Valentine’s Day, Elizabeth picked one of his fantasies and acted it out for him. Last year, the three of them had one hell of an evening in the treehouse. She had decorated it with candles and more whipped cream than should be legal. They camped out there all night and woke with a sugar high. If she was breaking out props, it was going to be a night to remember. Since the cuffs were her FBI standard issue ones, and not kinky play ones, this was going to be wild. “Well?”

“She’s going to torment the
bound one horribly.”

“
I have no doubt.”

Whitefox took a deep breath. “I’ll do it. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Ethan went to answer and his brother gave him a look.

“Yeah, I’m well aware,”
Callen replied, as he began stripping down. “If I can’t handle it, will you set me free?” he asked, trusting Ethan to not let him suffer too much.

Pulling off his shirt, he stared at the man. “You
’re a million times stronger than you think, trust me on this. You’ll be fine.”

“God, I hope so.”

Blackhawk waited for his brother to get comfortable, and then he snapped the cuffs in place. “Oh look, one of Timothy Blackhawk’s grandsons is in cuffs again. That’s shocking.”

Callen snickered, appreciating how his brother was trying to lighten the mood. “Good one.”

Once Ethan hopped up on the bed, he called for his wife. “We’re ready, Lyzee! Do your worst!”

She counted to ten, and then opened the closet door. Stepping out, she faced the men.

“Oh, holy mother of God,” muttered
Ethan, as his eyes ran from her lips to her toes. Yeah, this was going to be wild.

At the tone in his voice, Callen lifted his head
to see what his brother had spotted. “Oh shit!”

There stood their woman, and she wasn’t
wearing her normal sexy lingerie. There was makeup, and already the perfume lingered across the room, but it was a new scent. As she walked towards them, both men stared.

It was like a stranger had emerged from the closet.

“Elizabeth,” Ethan whispered, taking in the outfit. It made his mouth water, and he wanted to drop to his knees and run his lips up the line of her body.