Love Hurts (Eternal Flames Book 12) Read online

  “Save it. Let Zev say what he has to say and then you and I are going to have a talk. One where you listen as I speak,” Rory stated firmly.

  Zev didn’t wait a moment longer. “Look, I don’t know what your history is, but I know what your future can be. From what the guys told me you said some stupid shit to Ireland, one of which was for him to go home to his family. Let me tell you something. I know you’re human and you don’t get this mating thing—hell I can’t tell you how many times we don’t get it. I know I didn’t.”

  “But you and Jett are inseparable,” Flyer replied in confusion.

  Zev snorted, “Now. But back when I first found out we were mates, I denied him. I ignored it in every way and we both went through a great deal of pain. It took twenty-five years, Flyer. Twenty-five years for me to pull my head out of my ass, but it was still too late. Jett left me and everyone he called family. It took me damn near dying, and groveling every fucking day to get him to forgive my stupidity. I see the love and caring you have for that man every time you ask about him. I know you had to have felt the pull, but it’s more than that. You got to know the man.”

  “I never told him to go home to his family. I mean I’m glad he did, but only because he hadn’t seen them in three years. I just kind of wish—”

  “What? That he would have waited for you to be all better? That way you could use him to take care of you until you could fly again?” Rory asked in a huff.

  Flyer sat up snapping back, “Hey that isn’t fair! I was going to say I wish he would have waited until I could fly him there. I would have loved to meet his family and seen their faces when he got home.”

  “Oh I’m sure they are going to see his face and when they do, they’re going to want to rip yours off,” Rory muttered.

  “What the hell is your problem? Why are you so mad at me? I didn’t tell him to go home, Rory!” Flyer shouted.

  Flyer could hear Rory stomping closer to his bed. “My problem is that Ireland busted his ass to keep you and him alive. He dragged your blind sorry ass through terrain that even a sighted man would have difficulty with. He risked his life going back with everyone and then again when you were taken onto that plane. Then what did you do, Flyer?”

  “Rory,” Zev warned in a calm tone.

  “Oh no, Zev. Ozzie and Teagan told me everything. You tell him thanks, glad you’re human again, and you’ll see him at Timmy’s zoo! Timmy’s fucking zoo? What the fuck does that even mean? If that shit isn’t bad enough, you tell him to have a good life! You know, Flyer, I don’t know if I’m angry with you or if I’m more disappointed in you,” Rory snarled.

  Flyer felt his heart fall. He had never heard Rory speak like this to anyone. Rory was always the one to raise people's spirits. Flyer could deal with anger, but disappointment was something altogether different.

  “York said Ireland was crying his eyes out. He said Ireland didn’t say a word the entire way back to Crystal and only answered questions from the doctor. When he was released, he asked York if he would take him to the bus station. Ireland got on a bus and he didn’t even have a change of fucking clothes.”

  Flyer dropped his head back on the pillow, muttering, “Maybe all this is for the best.”

  “How in the hell is you denying a great guy like Ireland for the best?” Rory asked in awe.

  Sighing, Flyer replied, “Rory, you know as well as I do, I’m always on the go. Always alone. It isn’t like I can take him on missions with me. He isn’t a field agent. He could get killed. That would mean he would spend days, weeks, and even months alone. You being mated should know that would be torture to a shifter.”

  Rory gasped, “Are the doctors sure you didn’t suffer brain damage, Flyer? When you go out on a mission, you are never alone! What the hell am I? What is the rest of your team?”

  “That’s different,” Flyer muttered knowing he was full of shit.

  “That’s bullshit, and you know it. This guy you say would be killed, survived a plane crash and kept both of you safe and alive until help could get to you. He had your back every step of the way. If you or I gave an order, he followed it without question and never once argued. He is the one who fixed your comms system, so I could call in the fucking cavalry to help you,” Rory argued.

  “I know that! I know all of what you say is true, but what if—”

  Zev stood up, saying, “What ifs don’t work in a relationship. Don’t you think that all of us mated men worry about the what ifs, Flyer?”

  “You guys don’t understand. I was so fucking confused with everything going on. One second, I wanted nothing more than to claim Ireland as mine, and the next, I wanted him to run as far and as fast away from me. I didn’t mean for him to just go and leave like this, and I—”

  “Bullshit again,” Rory murmured, interrupting him, then asked, “Flyer, when you and Ireland were out there you got to know what kind of person he is. His actions that kept you alive told you what kind of man he is. You had ample opportunities to get to know who he was as an individual, where he came from, what he did before he was cursed, and I have to say you might have been seriously shocked at his answers. You might even have realized just how perfect fate can be when she is bringing mates together.”

  Flyer shook his head. “I don’t understand.”

  “How about the fact that Ireland is a thirty-three year old porcupine shifter who has twelve siblings. Nine brothers and three sisters ranging from the ages of nine to fifty-two. Not all are biological, and they are a ménage of shifters and even a human. His mother is a brown bear and his father is a porcupine. They live in Texas where his father owns a very profitable and large business. Now here is the funny part. This business buys transportation vehicles, rebuilds them, and sells them for one hell of a profit,” Rory explained.

  Zev asked the question that Flyer was thinking, “What do you mean transportation vehicles?”

  Rory shrugged. “Oh you know, cars, buses, boats―planes. And guess who their top mechanic was until he decided that he wanted to take a little vacation to see the world?”

  Before either man could say anything, Rory replied, “You got it. Our very own Spike the wonder porcupine. Ireland had rebuilt his first car by the age of eight. He built his first plane by twelve. He was able to fix the comms system because that’s what he does. He fixes shit. How many times do we struggle with comms? How many times do we run into engine trouble on a mission? So now you know he stays levelheaded and smart in a shit situation and he can fix anything. So, what’s your next excuse, Flyer?”

  Shaking his head, Rory continued, “You’re a bad ass Black Ops man, scared of no one or nothing. I’ve been there when you took out some of the biggest and baddest assholes out there. Never in a million years did I ever think you would be a coward. Yet, all it took was a porcupine with some quills to make you run like hell. Amazing. You had better hope the bad guys don’t get wind of this or you, my man, are going to be getting a porcupine zoo of your own.”

  Flyer heard the door open and then suddenly Timmy was shouting, “You hurt my Spike! You are a bad man, Aiden Caldwell. You hurt him and now he’s gone and it’s all your fault!”

  Someone was shushing Timmy. It took a second for Flyer to realize it was York and he sighed, “Timmy, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I didn’t mean for him to go away.”

  “Well he did and it’s all your fault,” Timmy said, with a hiccup and sniffle.

  York sighed, softly saying, “It’s going to be alright, Nugget. Let’s get you home where we can snuggle and be with our family.”

  The door opened once more and then Rory said, “I’m going too, but before I do, let me say one more thing. Like Zev was saying, I don’t know about your past, but one thing I learned very recently, unless you face the truth, it never truly goes away and therefore you can never heal. I also learned that the past is exactly that. You can’t change it, but you can learn from it. Your future—now that is something you have total control over. What you
do with it, is on you and no one else.”

  Zev walked towards the door. “You have plenty of time to think about what you want, Flyer. You need time to heal and reflect. I just hope you don’t wait twenty-five years for your one truly wonderful gift you have been given. I also hope that it doesn’t take Ireland or you almost dying to pull your head out of your ass.”

  CHAPTER 18

  “Kyle Lancer stop trying to paint your sister, she’s already a work of art,” Ireland’s mom shouted from the kitchen.

  “Yeah a regular Picasso, distorted nose and all,” Kyle shouted back.

  “Kalee Marie do you, or do you not, have dish duty as part of your punishment for missing curfew?”

  “Aw Mom, I was only ten minutes late,” Kalee whined.

  Ireland watched as his mother turned and shook her finger at Kalee. “I don’t care if you were ten seconds late. When your father gives you a time to be home, your butt better be in that door, and not making out with Herman Steadfield in his Mustang convertible. I didn’t have thirteen kids without knowing how it happens young lady, now get to washing those dishes.”

  “Yes ma’am,” Kalee replied going to the kitchen sink.

  Ireland’s mom set a cup of hot tea in front of him and sat down.

  Taking a small sip, Ireland said, “You do know how hard it is to do what you’re suggesting in that car, right?”

  Mom raised a brow. “And just how would you know that, young man?”

  Ireland laughed, getting up and hugging his mom tightly, whispering, “I can’t tell you how much I missed you, Mom. Thank you for making me laugh when I really needed to.”

  “Sweetheart, can I give you a word of advice?” Mom asked.

  Ireland snickered. “Since when do you ever ask?”

  “Got that right,” Memphis said, grabbing an apple and walking out of the room.

  “Memphis, if you get mouthy with me again, I will show you the advice I have for butting into your momma’s talk with your brother,” Mom said giving Memphis that stern look all mom’s get when they are not joking around.

  “Yes ma’am,” Memphis replied going back to his room.

  Mom stood up and gave him a look. “Ireland, let’s go for a walk. I’ll make you some fresh tea when we get back.”

  Ireland followed his mother out the door. Stopping just before the top step, Ireland took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Home. There was nothing like it. Yeah, with nine brothers and three sisters it was hard to find a space where you could have alonetime, but right then Ireland needed the chaos. He needed the noise. It helped to keep his mind from roaming to his mate.

  Rory and Ireland talked every day. He told Ireland that Flyer was slowly regaining his sight and his other injuries had healed as well. Flyer asked Rory every day if he spoke to him, and Rory let him know who he talked to was his own business and Flyer could lump it. Ireland smiled thinking about how loyal a friend Rory truly was. Besides, Rory was right, if the man wanted to know so badly, he could always have called himself.

  “Ireland, are you coming?” His mom asked.

  Stepping down the stairs, Ireland took his mother’s hand. “Sorry, I was just thinking.”

  They had walked a minute or two when his mom said, “Ireland, I can see the love in your eyes, every time you say your mate’s name. I can also hear the heartache and pain. Now part of me wants to go to this Crystal place and knock the crap out of the man for hurting one of my babies. The other part of me wants to knock the crap out of you, for not sticking it out and giving the man a chance before running away because that is exactly what you did.”

  Ireland’s jaw about dropped. “But he—”

  Before he could complete his sentence, his mom said, “He was injured, and pretty badly from what you told me. He was a blind man, who had been used to having situations under control, but they had gone into chaos. He was scared for you and himself like he had never been before, and you wanted him to make a choice? Ireland, how fair was that to Flyer? You also have to take into account the fact he’s a human. Human’s don’t think like us. To them it is analyzing the shit out of something that doesn’t need analyzing. Sure it’s okay to consider the pros and cons of a relationship, but not just go with the cons side without considering the pros. There may not be as many markers in that section then the negative side but I’ll be damned if many times the pros don’t weigh a hell of a lot more.”

  Ireland softly laughed. His mom may admonish he and his siblings for their language, but she could cuss better than any sailor he ever met. “Mom, he told me to go and have a good life.”

  “Well of course he did. Did you ever stop to think the man might have been concerned he would never see again and would be a burden to you? Pushing someone away in circumstances like that is a hell of a lot easier than holding them close and asking for help, especially if he is as strong a man as you’ve said he is,” his mom stated firmly.

  “You think I should go back to Crystal, don’t you?” Ireland softly asked.

  His mom stopped walking and turned to face him. Taking his cheeks gently in both hands, her voice filled with that motherly love and goodness. “I don’t want you to do it unless that’s what you want. I am so happy you came home. Your father and I missed you terribly. Hell, even your brothers and sisters asked and worried about you, but you can’t just give up on your mate at the first sign of trouble. I say go back and see what happens. Give it your best shot. If things don’t work out, then come home and we will hold you, love you, and comfort you the best way we know how.”

  Ireland felt the tears falling from his eyes and rolling down his cheeks. The lump was thick and heavy in his throat and Ireland could barely speak past it. Swallowing as hard as he could, Ireland rasped, “I’m scared.”

  His mom placed her forehead to his and whispered back, “I know.”

  “I love you, Mom,” Ireland whispered, allowing the tears to fall. The pain and fear coming out with each drop that fell from his eyes.

  “I love you, too,” his mom replied.

  The sound of an engine high in the sky had Ireland thinking about his mate even more and the tears fell harder. Gods he missed Flyer. He missed his voice, his beauty, his sense of humor. Hell, there wasn’t anything Ireland didn’t miss about him.

  “Well I’ll be damned. The plane is landing,” his mom said in awe.

  Ireland pulled back to get a better look as his dad stepped out of the garage, wiping his hands. “Who is it?”

  His mother gave Ireland a knowing look, smiling wide saying, “I do believe that’s the man who intends to steal our boy away, Daniel.”

  “About damn time,” Ireland’s father said walking closer to them.

  “Daniel Lancer, watch your language,” his mother admonished.

  Ireland saw his father snap his towel at his mom’s butt, saying, “I will when you start.” Then he kissed her on the cheek.

  Ireland wanted that kind of love. Turning to see Flyer getting out of the plane, he began to hope.

  Their eyes met, as Flyer got closer, held out his hand, introducing himself to his parents. “Hi, I’m Fl—Aiden, Aiden Caldwell.”

  “Hello, Aiden. I’m Glenda and this is my husband and mate Daniel. We’re Ireland’s parents. It’s nice to finally have a face to go with the name. Our son has told us a great deal about you.”

  “Nice plane,” Ireland’s dad commented.

  Flyer never looked away from Ireland as he replied, “Thanks.”

  “Cessna 172 Skyhawk?” His father asked.

  “Yeah,” Flyer replied, as if he was barely listening.

  “It’s a beauty,” his father commented, once more sounding lighthearted.

  “Beautiful doesn’t begin to describe it,” Flyer whispered, coming closer to Ireland and gently running his fingers down Ireland’s cheek. “I thought I had your image from the fraction of a second I was gifted with it before the crash, but I was completely wrong. You are beyond beautiful, my mate. I could stand here and jus
t look at you for days and never grow weary.”

  The sounds of his siblings rushing to get a look at the plane and Flyer was a blur to Ireland. The screams of joy were too loud in his mind. Until his mother yelled his name, causing him to whisper, “Yes, Mom?”

  “Why don’t you take your mate to your house and I’ll gather your brothers and sisters together, so they don’t bother you two. I’m sure you have a lot to—discuss,” his mother said, ending that sentence with meaning.

  Ireland took Flyer’s hand and lead him away to the back area of his parents’ property where they had a small house Ireland had lived in since he had turned eighteen. All of his siblings were given a piece of land and a home to live in when they became of age. It afforded them some much needed privacy as well as kept them close to home and the family business.

  Once inside, Ireland asked, “Can I get you something? Are you hungry? Thirsty? Do you—”

  Ireland’s words were cut off when Flyer grabbed him and gave him the hardest, most need-filled kiss he had ever had in his life. They clawed and grabbed at each other. The sounds of their combined breathing filling the room as they ground their cocks together through their denim pants. Ireland heard his shirt being torn open as he did the same to Flyer’s, and buttons scattered all around them.

  Then as suddenly as it began, it ended.

  Flyer pushed out of their embrace twirling around, running his fingers through his hair, cussing again and again, “Shit! Shit! Shit!”’

  Sadness began to fill Ireland’s heart once again until he heard Flyer saying, “None of that Aiden until you talk. Until you do what you came to do.”

  Hope replaced the sadness, as Ireland nervously asked, “What did you come here to do?”

  Turning back around, Ireland gasped when he saw the love in his mate’s eyes and he knew it was love, because he had seen that same look pass between his mother and father every time they looked at each other. “I came to make things right between me and my mate. I came to beg my mate to forgive me. I came to get my mate and take him home.”