Surrender Your Independence (3 page)

Sitting back down, Tamara slid the switchblade back into the case that was strapped to the inside of her thigh. She frowned, remembering all that the Commander had passed onto her. It was almost as if he knew what was going to happen to her.

Soft jazz music filled the night air and Lydia plopped down next to her. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, just thinking. Did you ever meet Commander Michael?” Tamara tapped her foot to the music, all the time taking in every detail of Gage’s body. He had moved to the large barrel grill and was tossing the steaks. His werewolf form was impressive, to say the least.

Her friend nudged her. “No, I never met him. From what I’ve been told, it’s rare for him to make any kind of appearance. You do know he’s an ancient, one of the ten assembly members that our kind has to answer to?”

“I’ve heard something like that. I also think he knew I was going to meet Gage and Lars. I could never figure out why he would show up out of the blue and heal me, a human. Even the Staff Sergeant of our unit didn’t know what he was doing there.” She turned to find Lars standing behind her.

“Why do you believe he knew about us?” Lars handed her another glass of wine when Gage sat down in front of her. Lars took the spot to her right.

She shrugged. “When I was healing, Michael sat beside me the whole time. He kept talking to me. In the course of four hours, he’d explained many customs of your people, but also cautioned me not to draw attention to myself.” Tamara took a drink of her wine. “It didn’t make sense. He kept telling me I had a destiny to fulfill.”

“You know he’s the one who transferred me to Michigan and that’s where I met you.” She looked at Lydia. “Did he send you to me? To protect me, and no lying?”

“I’ve never lied to you. I’ve never met the man, but I was sent to the base to pick some materials for Gage and Lars when I met you. As for setting things up so we could meet…” She shook her head. “I had nothing to do with it.”

“I’ve always made sure you were protected, Tamara,” a voice from the past said.

Slowly she rose, as did everyone around her, and turned to see Commander Michael standing in the shadows. “I don’t understand. Why me?”

The man stood over tall, his head bald, but with ancient tattoo markings on one side of it. His dark, almost black, eyes were focused on her as he held out his hands for her. She stepped forward, but stopped to look at Lars and Gage. Both smiled and nodded.

Frowning, Tamara shook her head and placed her hands into his. “You have many questions and all will be answered. Come for a walk with me. The evening is young and your men can finish cleaning up the mess around here.” His gaze flicked to Lars.

“I suggest you inform Gage what will happen this weekend,” Michael stated more than questioned.

“It will be done,” Lars said as the Commander wrapped his arm around her and started walking down the beach.

“Tell me, how is Lilly? It’s been ages since I’ve seen her.” Lars asked.

She stopped and he stepped in front of her, lifting her chin. “You have her eyes, but I’m afraid you have my disposition and hair, well when I had hair.” He reached around and fingered her pony-tail, before turning and continuing his walk.

“How?” Tamara caught up to him, angry, shocked and confused. “If you’re really my father, why didn’t Mom tell me? Why are you telling me now? Was Mom your consort?”

“No, your mother was not my consort and well, we both met one night when we were both at our worst, I’m afraid. She had just been dumped and was in the process of drinking herself into a stupor and I was furious with a friend.”

He stopped and stared out at the ocean. “I didn’t know you were even mine until Lily contacted me seven years ago. She was afraid you would be hurt working with the Unit and wanted me to watch out for you.”

Her stomach was in knots, but what was worse was that her mother had lied to her all her life. All these years she could have known her father. “Why wouldn’t she tell me? All these years and why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Because it would have been dangerous to be his daughter. Many would have tried to kill you, as my brother did. Am I right?” Lars stated stepping up next to them with Gage at his side.

“Yes, I was going to tell you that night you were healing, but I couldn’t. I had to hunt down Alex because I knew he wouldn’t stop. And before you ask, the only way you can be born a vampire is to have vampire parents.. You carry my blood, but not the mark.”

“You’re telling me this now, because they are my consorts. You knew when you healed me that they were mine, didn’t you?” All of this was making her head spin, her stomach was upset, and she was exhausted. “I’ve got a freaking headache. Okay, so you’re only telling me this because you believe they can protect me now. Not because you want a daughter.” She held up her hand. “If Alex knew who I was, you should have told me then, but you didn’t. It seems both you and Mom like to hold things back. If you’ll excuse me, I need some time alone.”

Not waiting for either of them, Tamara sprinted towards her room. It was time to get away from all of this. A strong arm wrapped around her, lifting her off her feet. “No, you’re not going to go running around. Talk to us, Tamara.” Gage held her struggling body against his.

“NO! Let me go now,” she screamed, but he held on.

***

Her growls only turned Lars on more as he watched Gage throw Tamara over his shoulder and head down the beach. “If you don’t stop screaming…” Was all Lars got out before Gage swung Tamara in his arms and tossed her out into the water.

“Now maybe you’ll cool off and be reasonable,” Gage mumbled following her into the water.

“Just wait, you overstuffed dog!” She shrieked. “Get me out of here, something just brushed against my leg!” Tamara cried out and glanced behind her as she made her way out of the water with Gage following her.

Holding up a towel, Lars wrapped it around her and swung her into his arms. Commander Michael nodded and followed them back to the fire. Sitting in her seat, Lars held onto Tamara as she glared at Gage.

“Watch your balls, doggie. You never know when they might get clipped,” she snapped, still trying to get up.

“Stop it now, we’re only trying to help. I’ve always found it best to get things out in the open right away,” Lars held her tightly as Michael Pavilion knelt next to them.

In all his years, he’d never imagined he’d be even close to one of the ten ancient ones, yet  here he was holding Commander Michael’s daughter, who was his consort.

“And I’m holding you both accountable. Protect her with your lives or I’ll personally see to it that you have miserable ones.” Michael reached up and grabbed Tamara’s chin and stared. “Alex might have known, but there were others listening to everything I would have said. I couldn’t hunt Alex and leave you unprotected. I trusted Lydia and knew she needed a friend as you did. I won’t apologize for trying to save you, Tamara. I’ve missed watching your childhood. I will not be left out of the rest of your life.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead.

“Talk to your men tonight, you know what is expected. I’ll be here tomorrow to welcome you into my world.” Michael rose, but not before she grabbed onto his hand.

“I’m sorry if I hurt you, but what the three of you have thrust me into is beyond anything I’ve had to deal with since that night with Alex. Well, there was also the night Lydia helped me, but that was nothing.” She sighed and looked down at her lap “For years I’d beg mom to tell me who my father was, but she wouldn’t. Not a word, and she didn’t make up a story either. Just said he was out there and that I didn’t need to know. Maybe it was her way of protecting me, but I’m tired of people always trying to take care of me. I want to do what I want. That was one of the reasons I joined the Army. I’ve traveled to many places and seen many beautiful things.” Her gaze lifted to Gage’s.

“Why do I get the feeling the two of you are going to be three times worse than my mother?” She leaned back and stared up into his eyes.

“We would give you anything as long as it doesn’t put you in harm’s way. All we ask of you is that you surrender your independence into our keeping and let us love you in return. Any place you wish to travel, we’ll take you. If you wish to make our home near your mother or father, we’ll do it, just don’t shut us out.” Lars kissed a path down to her neck and scraped his fangs against her skin.

He lifted his head and scanned around them. Gage held out a plate of food for her and sat where Michael had been. “Eat. When you’re done, we’ll talk.”

She squirmed in his lap until comfortable and took a bite, moaning. “This is great.” Tamara glanced at Gage, then at Lars. “You’re still under contract, aren’t you? You and your Unit could be sent anywhere at a minute’s notice. Where does this leave this thing between us?” She looked down at her plate and took a big bite of potatoes.

“I’ve been thinking about that. We could take you with us, but I don’t like that idea. We could have retired long ago. Danny and Seth are perfectly capable of taking over the Unit for us,” Gage said, looking to him.

“We’ll speak with the Unit tomorrow night. I don’t like the idea of taking her into a dangerous area. We’ve served way past the twenty years required by our kind. It’s time to make a home.” He reached up and removed the tie that held her braid, slowly unbinding her hair.

“You should leave your hair free.” He grasped the brush that appeared in his hand and worked it through her thick hair.

“It gets in the way too much.” Tamara looked back at him. “I’ve never been with a man.” Her gaze flew to Gage’s when he snarled.

“I’m sorry. I figured you might think I was more experienced.” She stuffed her mouth with more food and ducked her head down.

Jumping up, Gage knelt in front of her and titled her head back with is finger. “Do not apologize. You honor us both.”

He leaned in and kissed her lips, before standing. “I’m going to clean up the room.”

With that, Gage disappeared and Lydia moved around them and smiled at her. “I’ve moved your belongings to their cabin.” She reached over and hugged her. “I’ll see you tomorrow. And remember. It is their job and pleasure to take care of you, so let them. They are both great men.” She kissed her cheek and nodded to him.

Tamara reached out and grabbed her hand, before Lydia could leave. She placed her plate on the ground and stood.

“I need to talk to Lydia.” Tamara explained, as she pulled Lydia away from him and into the shadows.

Lars noticed that her plate was only half-eaten. She needed to finish her food. This was a night their woman needed every ounce of energy she could get. Not only would the change take a lot out of her, but so would their loving.

“Why would you put my stuff in their room? What if I’m not ready?” Tamara hissed at her friend.

Wrapping her arms around Tamara, Lydia met her gaze. “You know you’re ready for this. You’ve been waiting for them all your life, Tamara.” She leaned back and looked into Tamara’s face. “I’ve never known you to run from your destiny. Are you going to start now?”

Stepping back, Tamara shook her head. “It’s just so much to take in. I came here to relax and my whole life has changed.” She looked back at Lars and smiled. “But you’re right, I’ve never run even though there have been plenty of times I’ve wanted to.”

Holding out his hand, Tamara stepped towards Lars and placed her small hand in his large one. “I know you’re scared. I’ll admit I’m nervous too, but we will face this together. As long as we stay together, we’ll be okay.” He took the towel off he shoulders. Her dress was almost dry from her dip in the water. “You should finish your food.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want any more, I’m too nervous.”

He swept her up into his arms and pushed his face into the corner of her neck and shoulder. “Gage is waiting for us,” he whispered and turned towards their room.

***

Candles lit the room and the smell of lavender filled the air. Lars lowered her feet to the ground and she scanned the room, seeing Gage in the corner watching. “It’s beautiful, but you didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”

“Yes we did. Your first night with us should be a treasured one,” Gage stepped away from the wall and met her halfway in the room. “Come.” He took her hand and led her down the hallway towards the master bedroom.

“I’ve opened up the room, we’ll have the stars above as we take you to heaven and above.” Gage swung the two doors open and she stood there, shocked.

Part of the roof was slid back and the large bed was lying in the middle of the room under the opening in the ceiling. Lavender candles and flowers filled the room. “How did you know…Lydia?” She smiled and stepped into the room and stopped as Tamara looked down. Her feet sank into a carpet. It felt like silk under her feet. “It’s like stepping onto pillows,” she whispered.

“Nothing is too good for you,” Lars said behind her as he grasped the bottom of her dress and raised it up over her head. “What is this?” He ran his finger down her back and kissed her spine.

She shivered and peeked over her shoulder. “I saw it in a dream and I knew I had to have it on my back. Do you like it?” It took a good year before the artist finished with it. Two dragons, one white and one black, wrapped around a red flowering bush.

Moving behind her, Gage ran his hand down her back. “Kind of like us.”

She blushed and she nodded. “That’s what I was thinking.” She shifted her gaze from them to look around the room. The balcony doors were open and she could see a hot tub and a bottle of something cooling in a bucket of ice.

Large calloused hands slid down her side to her thong. “We don’t need this.” Lars said, as he slowly pulled her panties down her legs and helped her step out of them. As soon as she’d stepped out of them, Gage swept her up into his arms and took her to the bed.

“Beautiful.” His lips covered hers. The kiss was hard and quick as he placed her in the middle of the bed. Moving back, both men striped off their clothes and stood at the end of the bed starting at her, stroking their cocks.

“Open your legs for us, Tamara. Spread them wide; show us what we want to see.” Gage’s voice dropped almost to a growl.