CHAPTER 11

REAPER

I was holding back a laugh at the look on her face at my comment. I wasn't joking, though. When we Crow men found our one, we tied that shit down. My dad married my mum ten days after meeting her. Dog and Maggie had met and married within a month.

I could be patient in marrying her, but there was no way I was waiting to slap my patch on her. At the first meeting, I was putting it out there. For now, I would let her get used to us, and I needed to speak to her son to find out how he felt. He didn't need a dad at his age, but I could be a friend.

We had just passed the cottage when we heard the laughter and shouting. I sped up slightly, still holding Abby's hand. My brothers had arrived. Now we could start getting shit sorted in this village.

Mum and Maggie were being passed around for hugs and kisses from the four of them. Draco was the first to notice us coming towards them. His eyebrows hit his hairline as he took in our joined hands. I gave him a shit-eating grin as he walked to meet us. Reaching out, I hugged him. It was good to have them home.

Turning to the beauty next to me, I introduced them.

"Abby, this is one of my best friends, Draco. Draco meet Abby. She's my old lady."

That got me a glare and grumble before she turned her attention to the man in front of us. Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open as her head tilted to take him in. I wasn't fazed. Draco always got this look from people who didn't know him.

He was the tallest of us at six foot six, with pitch-black hair, but what got people was his eyes. They were the brightest gold. His parents had been told that a human containing this pigment was extremely rare. Only five per cent of the world had eyes like his.

"Wow," she whispered.

I growled a little and tapped her chin up to close her mouth, her eyes slanted over to me as she shrugged.

"What? He's gorgeous."

Then she sighed as she held out her hand to him in greeting,

"Unfortunately, only this one makes my ovaries clap," she said, smirking up at me.

"Jesus," Draco moaned. "Too much information."

As for me, I couldn't help but take her in my arms and give her a long hard kiss.

We broke apart at the hooting and hollering. Looking down, I saw her eyes still closed with a small smile. Giving her one last squeeze, we turned to meet the others as they made their way over to us.

Mum and Maggie had ushered the kids into the house to finish preparing supper. I introduced Abby to Onyx, Dragon and Rogue. Noni and Avy were beside themselves with happiness after the show we put on and were both giving me thumbs-up when Abby wasn't looking.

The guys grabbed their luggage from the vehicle, and we headed into the house for supper.

Mum ushered us all into the little-used main dining room, as it was the only room that would seat all of us. I noticed Ben, Bren and Ellie were standing in a corner together. Ben, with his arms around each of his sisters of them, looked a little shell-shocked at the number of people, noise and food that was being put on the table.

Heading over to them with Abby following along with me, I wanted to check on them to see if they were okay. Kneeling in front of Ellie, I look into her wide blue eyes.

"Hey, how are you guys doing? Okay?" I asked.

They all nodded, but they still looked unsure.

It was Bren who finally asked, "Is this real?"

I tilted my head to look at her from my kneeling position on the ground, unsure of what she was asking.

"Is what real honey?"

"All of you like this, no fighting or shouting, no drugs or alcohol, and so much food? I don't think I've ever seen so much food," she whispered.

My heart broke for these three kids, and I wanted to hurt their parents.

Abby pulled her in for a hug before cupping her face and tilting it towards her. Gently she rubbed away at the tears trickling down Bren's face.

"Yes, sweet girl. This is real. You are safe here. All these people are good people."

"We're only safe until you send us back," Ben said quietly.

I snorted and huffed as I got up, picking Ellie up as I stood to my full height.

Wrapping my hand tight around Ben's shoulder, I shook him slightly, and his eyes swung to mine.

"You're not going back if I have any say in the matter," I told him.

"But how?" he asked, looking hopeful.

"Not sure yet, but Mum and Aunt Maggie are working on it."

I took them to the table and had them sit between Abby and me, with Sam on Abby's right. Everyone else took their usual seats we'd all sat in from the day we were allowed at this table for meals. Or as near as possible in Draco's case, as I had pushed him down the table when I had situated Abby and the kids next to me.

Grinning at me, he went around the table and sat in the chair opposite me. We had all just gotten comfortable when Gunny and another lad, I assumed was Alec walked in. This lad was a little taller, broader and more muscular than Sam, with auburn hair, freckles and brown eyes.

I watched as he went around the table, greeting my family with familiarity showing he had been in this house often. He passed by me and headed for Abby dropping a kiss on her head with a murmured, "Mama A," to which he got a sweet smile and kiss on the cheek.

He then went around and made himself comfortable next to Draco, who introduced himself and the others. I sat quietly, waiting. I wasn't sure for what, but I figured something would happen when all three of the children next to me stiffened at his entrance.

After shaking hands and greeting my brothers, he turned to me and nodded before offering his hand over the table.

"Alec," he said as a way of introduction.

Taking his offered hand, I gripped it and answered, "Reaper," and got a nod before he sat down and looked at the three next to me.

"Ben, Bren, Ellie," he said, his eyes softening as they looked at Bren and Ellie.

I sighed, and across from me, Onyx, Draco, Dragon and Rogue smirked, probably happy that whatever was to come with these kids was my problem, not theirs.

Mum tapped her glass for attention, "Let's bow our heads and give thanks so we can eat. I'm sure you are all starved."

Bowing our heads for grace, the table quietened until there was a resounding ‘Amen', and the conversation took up once more as dishes were passed around the table.

Aunt Maggie had made a hearty stew filled with vegetables and potatoes. Noni had brought fresh bread rolls from the bakery to go with it. That was what I had missed the most while away. Family and good food.

I noticed that Ben was dishing up for his sisters and only adding a little to his plate, hardly enough for a growing lad.

During the meal, it had been decided that Ben would join Alec and Sam at the gym tomorrow, and Draco had said he would go with him to have a look. The girls would go with Noni and Maggie for a couple of hours while Abby and I started on what was needed to get the barn up to scratch.

I was right, though. I knew something was coming when Alec opened his mouth about the amount of food on Ben's plate.

"Ben, if you're working out with us tomorrow, you need to eat more."

"I'll be fine," Ben muttered, looking down at his plate, slowly making his way through what little there was.

"Sam and I haven't got time to baby you if you pass out."

The silence around the table was deafening at the stare-off between the two of them. There definitely was an undercurrent between them.

Catching my mum's eye, I wondered if I should intervene, but she shook her head.

There was a scrape of a chair as Bren stood up angrily, both hands on the table as she leaned forward towards Alec. His eyes flared slightly as if surprised.

"He hasn't eaten for four days, you prick. If he eats anymore, he's going to throw up. You don't get to judge, Alec. You left the hellhole we live in."

"You knew where I was, Bren. Either you or Ben should have said something."

"When exactly, Alec? Huh, when? Since you met Sam, you've been back to the estate three times at the most in the last three years. Of course, there's always school. Should one of us have said something at school? When exactly? If you're not in late, you have your face attached to some slag. What do you want? Us to tap you on the shoulder while you get some skank mouth STD and beg for your time? No thanks, not bringing any further attention to us with the fact that we would dare to speak the oh-so-wonderful Alec," she snorted and her nose wrinkled in disgust as she glared at him.

"It's hard enough putting up with comments we get about our uniforms, having to walk because we can't afford the bus or our shoes falling apart. If it weren't for Ms James, we wouldn't even have school uniforms. She bought our last lot of blazers, putting aside what she could for us in lost property. So, you can take your shitty attitude and shove it where the sun doesn't shine. You have no right to judge us."

Taking a deep breath, she sat down and looked at mum, who had a smile on her face, "I apologise for my bad language and for losing my temper at your table, Mrs Crow."

Smiling, my mum waved her hand, "Don't worry, sweet girl, sometimes losing our tempers is needed. And you can call me Grandma Kate or Grandma. Either one is fine. Now, why don't you come with me, and we'll get Ben a protein shake that will be easier on his stomach rather than him trying to keep down this heavy meal."

My heart swelled with pride at Bren. It seemed she was quiet but ferocious when her family was attacked. These kids, in the course of the day, were slowly winding and pushing their way into my heart.

I caught Draco's eye across the table, and his eyebrows were raised as if to say, What the fuck is going on with these kids?

"Meeting after dinner," I told him, getting a nod from them all.

Alec, whose face seemed to get paler and paler as Bren laid into him, had turned his attention back to Ben.

"I'm sorry, Ben, I hadn't realised things had got so bad for you."

Ben lifted his eyes, and you could see the hardness in them as he looked at Alec, then flicked his eyes across to Sam, who seemed to be taking all this in and seemed just as surprised by the fact that Alec, Ben, and the girls had a history.

"Like I said, Alec, it's not your concern. You don't have to worry about me. I'll do what I have to if it means my sisters are safe and happy. Not all of us run away."

With that, Ben cleared up his and the girl's plates, then took Ellie's hand and pulled her from her seat. Turning to me, he said quietly, "Thank you for today, Reaper. I'll be ready to head out at six tomorrow for the gym."

I gave him a nod and watched as he stopped and spoke to Aunt Maggie, he dropped a kiss on her cheek, and Ellie got a hug before they left to go to the kitchen. I knew mum would make sure they were okay and check on them before I headed to bed, as I had asked that they be put in my wing.

Turning my attention to the lad opposite me, whose eyes were downcast, he seemed to have lost all his cocky confidence and looked like just a regular fourteen-year-old kid that had seen too much of life.

"Alec," I barked out to get his attention which snapped to me instantly. His eyes locked on mine.

"You fucked up," I continued. There was a slight groan from the beauty next to me at my language, squeezing her thigh where my palm rested. I got an annoyed sigh, but no comment.

Alec nodded, "I did," he agreed softly.

"You did. But I know, brothers, and it can be sorted. From what I understand from speaking to them and Sam today, you and Ben were once close friends. You can be again. So don't let what happened tonight fester.

"Tomorrow, you will take Ben to the gym and work with him. He's not fit, and he's malnourished, so you're going to have to start slow. Draco will go with and work out a routine. My only stipulation is that you three boys will be doing it together, and you will learn how to have each other's backs. Because when things go to shit, you need your brothers. You and Sam have had each other. Now show Ben what it's like not to be alone. You got it?" My tone hardened slightly.

"Yes sir, I understand," Alec replied.

"Reaper is fine, Alec, no need for sir," I grinned at him.

"Right! Why don't you and Sam clear up your plates and head out for now? I'm guessing because you are all so familiar here, you know where you are all sleeping?" I cocked an eyebrow in query.

That got a giggle from my sister, who had been quiet throughout all the drama. "Yep, they stay in your wing," she grinned cheekily at me.

Grinning back at her, I replied, "Perfect."

"Thought you'd be happy about that," Noni joined in, looking slightly smug.

There was a small squeak next to me, so I looked at Abby. Her eyes were huge, "You mean I've been sleeping in Kane's bed all these years?" she asked.

"Yep," I replied with a smirk, "And if I have my way, you won't ever leave it."

The rest of the table laughed at the look on her flushed face.

It was Dog who told her with a chuckle, "Abby love, when a Crow man knows, he knows. Reaper took one look at you today and knew."

"So, I've been told," she grumbled to the laughter that boomed around the table.

Mum came back in and took her seat.

"I've settled them in the room across from yours," she told me. "The boy wouldn't let the girls sleep without him in their room, so we made a camp bed on the floor for him. From what I understand, they have had some friends of their parents try to get into the girl's room at the parents' house. So understandably, he wasn't keen to leave them alone in a house with strange men."

This news was not taken well, and a few chosen curse words were muttered around the table, most of them from the women.

Mum lifted her hand for silence before continuing, "He knows that this is not something he has to worry about here, but that lad has been protecting his sisters for so long that it's going to take a while for him to switch off and just be a brother and not a protector. Let him be. He'll see and understand in his own time.

"Before the meeting, I'm saying that these children won't be returning to their house. I've been speaking to my contacts at the local council and their schools. They were all aware that something was happening, but everything seemed normal whenever a visit was arranged, speaking to the three we have upstairs. They made it look lit was all normal or at least that appear so. They were worried about being separated if they were taken into care. There is a teacher at the senior school that has been keeping an eye on them in case things escalate. The children trust her. I'm saying that decisions will need to be made, so for now, Maggie and Dog will be their emergency foster parents, but as usual, we'll all chip in. They will be safe staying with us. I need you to know that if the parents kick up a fuss, things may change, so you must be aware that a new plan will need to be made."

I nodded, already thinking of ways to get rid of the parents, and I had an inkling that the rest of the occupants in this room would be behind me, taking them out.

What made me smile and know that I had picked the right woman was the exclamation of, "Oh hell no. Those kids are going back there over my dead body. Kane, I don't care if you have to take out the wastes of space they came from. I'll be your alibi, or I will find someone who will. Those kids have been through enough."

God, she's magnificent. Her face was flushed in anger, her fist clenched, her chest heaving as she looked at me.

Grabbing hold of her, I pulled her onto my lap and kissed the fuck out of her until the whoops of delight from my brothers broke us apart.

My mother laughed, "Well, I guess I'm a grandmother four times over, five with Alec. I'll be sure to tell your father tomorrow. That should wake him up lickety-split."

I sure as fuck hoped so, holding Abby tighter on my lap when she tried to get up.

"Stay right where you are, babe," I whispered to her. "You've made me hard as fuck with your speech. Can't let you up just yet," I said, grinding my hardness against her luscious arse.

She gave a little shiver but settled down, and I tuned back into the conversation at the table. The older generation was getting up to leave, but just before they did, mum turned back to the room.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Before we leave, you to make a plans to get rid of the scum that is taking over our village. Mr Jensen next door contacted me today. He wants to sell but wants to give us first refusal."

The farm next door had good acreage. At one point had been part of our estate but had been sold off before we had taken over this property. From what I understood, it was still a working farm. I knew it wouldn't be cheap.

"How much?" I asked.

"One-point-four million," Mum answered. I winced and saw the others doing the same, except for Noni and Avy, at the amount mum had just given us. I knew it was unlikely we could swing that even with us all clubbing together.

"Is he willing to negotiate terms?" Rogue asked.

My mother grinned at him, "Yes, he is. Eight hundred thousand for the whole lot with one stipulation. His granddaughter keeps the house and the five acres surrounding it."

"Why's he selling, and why does the granddaughter keep the house?" Draco questioned.

"He has cancer and has been given four months. His granddaughter is his only living relative, and he wants to ensure she is settled and financially stable before he dies. She's lived with him since she was five. He trusts us and knows we will ensure her safety when he is no longer here.

"Now I know you are wondering about money, mortgages and all the other expenses. My advice, listen to your sisters. They haven't been sitting on their laurels while you boys have been away. I'll leave you now." With those parting words, she turned and walked out of the dining room, leaving us slightly shocked.

"Fuck. What the hell? I feel like I've been hit by a sledgehammer since we landed. It's been one thing after another," muttered Dragon rubbing his hands tiredly over his face.

Lifting Abby off my lap, I stand with her. "Right, it's been a long day. I was going to go over everything this evening, but you guys look beat. Let's put a pin in this and meet tomorrow afternoon here in the dining room at three to go over everything. Avy, if you have a way for us to buy next door, bring it to the table tomorrow. Noni, same for you. See you all tomorrow."

Taking Abby by the hand, I led her out of the dining room to the stairs that led to my wing. Before we climbed them, I asked, "Babe, do you need anything from your van for work tomorrow?"

Other than the outburst earlier, she had been pretty quiet. Looking over at her, I could see she was tired and wondered what time her day had started.

She shook her head and started up the stairs before answering with a yawn, "No, I'm good. I have my phone, and I've already sorted the jobs for this week, so my guys know what they"re doing. They can call me if they need to or have any emergencies."

I sighed in relief and pulled her into my room. I went over to my dresser and pulled out a shirt and boxers.

"Here, babe, grab a shower. I'm going to check on the kids, and then I'll be in. Are you okay sharing the bed?"

She gave me a small smile, taking the clothes from my hands. "Yeah, I'm okay with sharing the bed. It won't be the first time I've slept in it."

I groaned a little at the vision of her in my bed and gently steered her to the bathroom with a small tap on her arse. Then, turning, I left and went to the bedroom across the hall from me. Gently turning the handle, I opened the door.

Ben immediately sat up, looking ready to do battle.

"Easy, lad," I said softly. "Just checking on you. Do you need anything?"

He shook his head, and his eyes drifted to his sisters, who were both fast asleep in the two single beds.

"No, we're good, thanks."

I nodded and closed the door again. A light was on in the room next to the girl's room. I quietly approached the door and could hear Alec and Sam talking quietly. I stood in the darkened hallway listening to them and learning a few things I didn't know.

"Did you know living at the estate was so bad for them?" Sam asked.

"No," I heard Alec mutter. "My mum has never said anything, but then she doesn't live next to them anymore. She moved when I moved out. It was mum that spoke to Gunny and had me move into the back room at the garage. She wanted me away from the estate. She checks on me every week. She's not a bad mum when she's sober, but when she pumps that shit into her system, she forgets everything. But she has always done what she can to make sure I was safe. I feel like shit that I didn't check on them. It would have been easy for us to do. We go to the same school."

"Well, you have the chance to make it right now," I heard Sam say.

"I'm heading to bed," I heard Alec mutter with a yawn. "We've got the gym, and I'm helping Gunny with an engine change. So a busy day tomorrow."

"Uh uh. I'm going to speak to Reaper about doing the carpentry for the new clubhouse. I may have to ask Larry to have a word as he won't know what I'm capable of. Although Grandma says I should show him the dresser I built her."

"Yeah, that would be fantastic if you got the job. Your summer would be sorted then. Can I ask you a question? I've always wondered this."

"Sure, ask away?"

"Why do you call Kate, Grandma, when she isn't your grandma?"

"I don't know. I've always called her grandma and Maggie, Nana. They've known me since I was born and helped my mum loads. It just seems natural. Shep is Grandpa, and Dog is Pop. My mum's dad was Pappy. It's just how it's always been. My Pappy was good friends with the Oldies. I've spent most of my holidays either here or at home. I guess it's just how it's always been. I've never thought about it."

"Huh, okay. You were lucky you had them."

"Yeah, I know, but you've had them the last four years too."

Hearing them settling down and getting into bed, I tiptoed back to my room, closed the door a little harder than necessary, and then walked down the passage again with some noise so that they heard me coming.

Getting to their bedroom door, I tapped on it lightly before pushing it open.

The two of them were in bed looking younger than they did earlier in the day.

"Just checking on you both, making sure you are all okay after this evening."

They both nodded at me before Sam replied. "We're good, Reaper." He hesitated slightly, looking a little uncertain, before asking, "Can I meet with you tomorrow to discuss something?"

"Sure," I replied. "What about after you come back from the gym?"

"Um, I may not come back here. Do you mind meeting me at the shop? If you follow the road around the back, there is a workshop, and what I need to discuss with you is there."

"No problem. I think I'll join you at the gym tomorrow, then we can head to your place, and I'll go to the hospital from there. That good?"

He gave me a blinding smile, "Yeah, that would be great. Thanks."

Nodding, I tapped the door frame before leaving them and made my way back to my room, where my woman was waiting for me.

I smiled when I entered and saw her fast asleep, the covers pulled up tight to her chin, her long brown hair lying wild over our pillows.

I grabbed a quick shower before slipping into bed, pulling Abby tight against me. I pressed a kiss to the back of her head, drifting off to sleep with a smile on my face.

This Crow has found his woman, and as with our wild brethren, we mated for life.