“So, what plans do you have for the mall?” He asked, as his eyebrow shot up.

  Amber looked at Helena, and they smiled together. “Well, I thought I would register at Macy’s for the wedding, and see some old friends while I was there. Of course, I also have major Christmas shopping to do also.” Amber felt the growl form in Liam’s chest behind her, as he squeezed her tight.

  “You will not be talking to any men. Is that understood?” Liam growled. Lux agreed with him.

  The elevator door opened, and Otis, the guard, and her father and Helena exited the elevator as Lux and Liam cornered her in the elevator not letting her leave. “Liam is right. Stay away from other men!” He growled out, biting her neck.

  Amber lowered her eyes. “Guys, that guy is back home, remember? He’s not at

  this mall. We’re in Montana!” she squealed as Liam pushed her forward out of the elevator, when Lux let go of her.

  “Good, that’s one less problem I have to worry about.” Liam grumbled.

  Amber didn’t even hear him. Cassy and Teddy stood at the front desk waiting for them. Amber stood by the elevator, not moving, looking down at her feet.

  “Baby, what’s wrong?” Liam asked, stepping back and slipping his hand around her waist, pulling her up to the front desk.

  “Nothing’s wrong.” Amber whispered, holding onto Liam. She looked out the door, waiting for the truck to be pulled around when she spotted a limo pulling up and noticed all five members of the National Council step out of the limo with their wives.

  “God! Please don’t tell me you told them about the babies, Liam?” She moaned, watching them make their way towards them.

  “No, he didn’t. I did, and they have come all this way to meet and congratulate you, so be kind,” her father snarled, walking over to the group, shaking their hands, and welcoming them.

  “I thought you said we were going shopping and to the cabin?” Amber looked up at Lux, who stood next them.

  “I’m sorry baby, I didn’t know they would be here,” Lux shrugged, walking to the group and joining her father.

  Liam pulled her towards the group. They all turned looked at her, and then her stomach. Mr. Black walked up to her, hugging her.

  “I must tell you we are so happy about this news! This is a sign written long ago

  about a powerful couple having triplets and that their children would lead the next generation of shifters. You must be protected, always. I have ordered extra protection for you and your family. I have already talked to Lux and he will make the arrangements.” Mr. Black stood tall, looking down at her, his wife smiling next to him.

  “Lux told us that you might even consider having the babies at the National Council’s hospital,” she said. “They have the best care in the world and, boy, do they pamper you. I have had all six of my boys there and loved every minute of it.” His wife beamed, staring at Amber.

  Amber bit her tongue, her body tensed. She knew Liam could tell she was ready to blow.

  “Maybe we could talk about this later? We kind of promised our mate we would take her shopping and to see the plans for our summer home,” Liam asked, staring at Lux who walked up to them with her father.

  “Nonsense, these people came all this way. I’m sure Amber would love to visit with them and talk about having the babies there,” her father said looking at Amber.

  “I want to thank all of you for coming, but as you heard, I do have plans for the day. I’m sure we could arrange a meeting for a late supper tonight in the restaurant here at the hotel? As far as the babies are concerned, I will be having them at home, just like any normal person. Now, if you will excuse me, I see my other mate waiting with the truck.” Amber pushed herself through the people, not stopping until she was in the truck. She saw Otis look back at the party, then at her. “Otis let’s go now. If they want to stay, let them!” Amber barked as two guards got into the back seat.

  Chapter Eight

  Otis ran around the front of the truck, hopping in the driver’s side. Amber slammed the passenger side door. “Drive Otis. To the mall. Screw everyone else!” Amber growled, looking out at the passing cars.

  “What happened back there, baby?” Otis grabbed her hand, holding it.

  “It seems my father and Lux are talking about me having my babies at the National Council Hospital. Then they decided I didn’t need my day out shopping or to go to the cabin. But little did they know that I’m not giving up my day for some stick in mud people! And to think they could tell me where I would have my children, of all the nerve!” Amber was fuming, her powers whipped around the car.

  “Baby, you need to calm down. It’s not good for the babies.” Otis pleaded with her.

  Amber turned to look at him. “Pull over, Otis.” Amber pointed at the gas station.

  Otis pulled over to the gas station, turning to look at her. “What is it, baby?”

  “I wanted this day for us, Otis, just like any normal couple would have shopping before we got back to the pack house, and everyone started the same shit. I couldn’t even have that. But I will have a say where my children will be born. I will not, and I mean it, have my children forced into thinking they are the next Gods or whatever the Council wants. These are my babies, and they will grow up with swing sets, places to run. They’ll take the bus to school and have lots of friends. I won’t have the political bullshit I was raised in, and I won’t abandon my children as I was. Is that understood?” Tears rolled down her face as she stared at Otis.

  Otis gathered her into his arms, hugging her, and then holding her. Amber’s body shook with anger and fear. “It’s okay, baby. I’m sure they didn’t mean any harm by it, Amber. Of course, our children will have a home. I promise you. Now stop the tears. Liam and Lux are going to meet us at the cabin after they get the Council all settled in.”

  Amber pulled back, slipping into her seat, and wiping the tears away when the hiccups started. “Shit! Now I have the hiccups!” Amber noticed a McDonalds next to the gas station as she looked out the window.

  “Otis, I’ll be right back. I need a Flurry and double cheeseburger.” Amber hopped out of the truck, grabbing her purse and walking to the McDonalds. She could hear Otis cussing up a storm as her guards followed behind her. That’s when she heard the tires squealing on the road. Lux and Liam pulled in front of her blocking, her way with the car.

  Lux jumped out of the car, growling, “Damn it, Amber, Don’t you ever listen? You need to be more careful. What if someone came by and shot at you?” He grabbed her.

  Amber growled, nipping at his hand. “First off, the guards were with me. Second, if you notice, with your powers, there is a shell of protection around me. Third, I’m craving McDonalds! Fourth, I’m not talking to you, so get your fucking hands off me!” Amber yelled pulling away from him and stomping into McDonalds, everyone following behind her. Two of the guards in front of her held the door open for her to enter.

  Amber noticed the place was busy. She waited in line, looking at the menu, when

  she felt Liam and Lux slide up next to her.

  “Baby ...” Lux started to talk, but Amber stepped up to the register, ignoring him.

  “I’d like an M&M Flurry, three double cheeseburgers, two fish sandwiches, and a large fry, and whatever they are having, also. Oh, wait.” She turned towards her guards. “Tony, Ralph. Do you two want anything?”

  “No thanks, Amber. We’ll eat later, but maybe two coffees sound good.” Ralph said, staring at her.

  Amber smiled and turned to the cashier. “Add two large black coffees to that list also,” Amber said after her mates were done ordering. Amber walked towards a table and waited, knowing her mates would get the food. That’s when she noticed Mary, her friend who she had met the first time she stayed with Mila.

  Getting up, Amber made her way to the table where Mary and her kids ate their lunch. “Mary, is that you?” Amber asked, looking down at her as she looked up. A big smile formed on her lips as she jumped up, hugging Amber.

  “My God, look at you. You’re gorgeous! And that hair. Love the color!” She laughed, stepping back. “Sit. Meet my kids. It’s been a long time.” Mary sat back down, and Amber joined her as Mary introduced her to her two young boys.

  “I can’t believe you have twin boys. I was just told yesterday that I’m going to have at least twins, most likely triplets, and I can’t wait.” Amber smiled, looking at the kids.

  “That’s great! So, who’s the lucky man? Do I know him?” Mary smiled, raising

  her eyebrows and wiggling them

  “I’m ... well, there are actually three men and they’re not from around here. I just stopped here for a visit, then we’re heading back to their home.” Amber fidgeted, looking at Mary’s shocked face.

  “Well crap, Teddy never mentioned any of this to me! Wait till I see his ass! You have three men? Are you nuts? I have a bitch of a time with one just trying to train him.” Mary laughed.

  Amber felt her mates standing behind her. “Mary, these are my pain in the butt mates.” Amber looked behind her. “Lux is on the left, Otis in the middle, and Liam on the right. Guys, I’d like you to meet a friend of mind, Mary, and her children,” Amber said, grabbing a bag out of Lux’s hand and her Flurry.

  “Wow, you have your hands full! Listen here’s my address and phone number.” Mary handed her a card. “Call me when you get settled and we can get together sometime when you come back this way. I’m on the internet also, so my email is on the card. Boy, wait till I tell Frank about this. I know his brother will be disappointed. He always had the hots for you, but thought he would never stand a chance against Jack. Now you’ve got these three.”

  Amber laughed, getting up, “Well, tell Frank’s brother I’m sorry, but I have three mates, and believe me, that’s enough, especially when all three of them are alphas!” Amber groaned, and Mary laughed her butt off as they walked out of the McDonalds

  “Hey, Amber!” Mary yelled out at her out the door.

  Amber turned, smiling, “Yeah?”

  “I forgot to tell you. They have this new shop at the mall just for babies and they have tons of stuff for twins, triplets, and all sorts of things. You might want to check it out before you leave town.” She waved and then went back inside to her kids.

  Amber laughed, heading towards Otis’s truck, but Lux pulled her towards his. “What? I was riding with Otis?” She asked, looking up at Lux.

  “We need to talk.” He pulled her towards his new rental truck, opening the door for her. Getting in, she noticed her two guards getting in with their coffees.

  “Move over, Amber.” Liam said.

  She scooted over, stuffing some fries into her mouth and grumbling.

  Lux took off, at first not saying a word, but that changed. “Amber, your father is bringing the members that flew out all this way to the cabin to meet us there. They wanted to see where we would be spending our time in the summer.” Lux watched the road, his hands on the steering wheel tightening, his knuckles turning white.

  “Why? What concern is it to them where we spend our summer or where we live?” Amber growled, waiting, her eyes never moving from Lux.

  “Amber, you have to understand, the three of us are the most powerful shifters ever known. They think our children will also be powerful and they want them protected. The Council is also considering moving their headquarters into our town. They have already moved the New Year’s Eve Party to the Grand Ballroom in town.” Liam explained trying to make her see reason.

  “I was talking to your father and the other members, and we all agree it would be best if we headed home early and have our wedding sooner, along with our bonding ceremony.” Lux glanced down at her as he pulled onto the road leading to her old cabin site. He stopped the truck on the road, and faced her.

  “Open the door, Liam. I need some air. All of a sudden, I feel sick.” Amber rubbed her stomach, pretending to feel sick. Liam opened the door as the other car pulled in back of them with the Council members. Amber glared at her father as he got out of the car, staring at her.

  Amber made her way towards a wooded area, pretending to bend down, and then shifted to her wolf, running as fast as she could. She sent her powers out, blocking anyone who tried to follow.

  Amber, get back here now! Lux yelled in her mind. She could hear his beast demanding.

  You all lied to me! You promised me courting. You promised we would have the day to ourselves. You promised I could plan our wedding. And Otis, you promised me our children would have a normal life!! I don’t want my children to have what I had.

  Never will my children have that, do you understand? Never!

  Amber ran like she had never run before. She knew where she would go just to get away. Amber blew her tracks away with the wind. She forced herself and ran for three hours, dodging her mates. Finally, the old cabin came into view and Amber pushed open the door using her powers. Shifting back. She started a fire, grabbing the blanket that had been stored there with the extra food. Amber rocked back and forth in the rocker for what seemed an hour when she heard someone at the door.

  “Amber, can I come in?” Mila asked.

  So, they’d brought out the heavy guns? It wouldn’t work. She wasn’t going anywhere with any of them. “It’s not going to work, Momma. I don’t care who they bring, I won’t go back. I’m done with the lies and the political bullshit!” Amber growled, opening the door for her.

  Amber watched as Helena, Mila, and Cassy walked in the door.

  “Baby, you can’t stay out here. This place isn’t safe for you and your children.

  You have to think of them.” Mila begged, sitting down in front of her.

  “Don’t you think I’m thinking of that? I don’t want that life. Look at what it did to me? What if I have a girl? Do you want her to go through what I went through? Wondering when her father would come home to play with her since she never had any close friends. Or how about all the backstabbing and the violence that goes on at National? Lux and Liam are already so busy, how are the children and I going to compete with that?” Amber threw off the blanket and paced back and forth. She stopped when Cassy stepped in front of her.

  “What about them, Amber? They are their children too or are you forgetting that?” she snarled.

  “No, Cassy that’s the biggest problem. Don’t you see, my father is even doing it with Sam? Helena won’t admit it, but it’s the truth. When was the last time my father has done something with Sam and Helena?” Amber looked at Helena, who shrugged her shoulders.

  “Has he taken him fishing, camping, gone to any school functions with him?”

  Amber asked. Helena shook her head no. Tears rolled down her face. Amber sighed,

  walking over to Helena and hugging her. “I’m sorry Helena. That was mean. I didn’t do it to hurt you. I wanted to make a point. The men out there think it’s okay for them to just go do their duty, and leave us alone. But I grew up that way and I won’t have it, Helena, not for my children. I had hoped that Dad would have changed, but I see that he hasn’t.” Amber went to the rocker and sat down.

  “I won’t and can’t go through that again, Mila. I love all of my mates. I would give my life up for them, but I won’t hurt the children we bring into this world like my father and mother did me.” Amber whispered this, looking into the fire when her father stormed into the cabin, furious.

  “I have had enough of this crap! How dare you judge when you know nothing!” He got into Amber’s face. “I thought you had better manners than this! These people have come all this way to see you and you run. Then you start throwing words around, hurting the one person who has been nice to you and supported you!” he growled, his beast burst out and he shook with anger, grabbing Amber by the arms and dragging her out to her mates. He pushed her towards them.

  Amber went flying into the snow, face forward. Her beast burst through. Her mates tried to help her up, but she growled, and they inched back, except Lux. He stood there looking down at her and she saw the disappointment and hurt in his eyes.

  Amber shifted back into her human form, dressing herself again in jeans and a sweater. Turning around, she faced her father. “You know something, Dad? You’re right. I was wrong to run and I apologize to you and the Council for my behavior. I guess when someone has been running, oh let’s see, for the better part of fifteen years, it’s hard to stop. Well, it stops now.” Amber looked back at her mates, frowning.

  “We’ll leave tonight to go back home. Don’t worry, I won’t hold any of you accountable for any of this. It’s just one day—the most important day for any woman. But, I will not have my children living around the Council. If you want to move to our town, I can’t stop you.” Amber turned to look at Mr. Black. “But, I will raise all sorts of hell if you interfere with my children. They will have a normal life, school busses, and they will be born in my home, where I choose, not where you choose. My children will not be shipped to different homes also. If my mates aren’t around to take them to places or do things with them, then I will find someone who wants to. My children will not be left without a father figure or a mother figure. Now, excuse me, I’m going shopping by myself with my guards.”

  Amber grabbed the car keys out of Otis’s hands, going towards the truck, her bodyguards followed. “I will meet you back at the hotel at six. I was promised this, and I won’t be denied it, since I have no clothes anyway.” Amber got into the truck and started the engine. Helena jumped in the front with her. Cassy stood there a moment, then jumped in also, followed by Mila. The men just watched as they took off down the road.

  Chapter Nine

  Amber glanced over at Helena while she drove. The guards looked uncomfortable.

  “Listen I’m sorry to drag you all into this. I can drop you off if you want, Helena, and