The Naughty Angel and Her Three Very Wise Men: A Christmas Ménage by Trinity Blacio Page A

more than three hundred years this family has served the humans, giving when they didn't have to. Not one major outbreak has occurred in their lands or surrounding areas. I have heard there is a way to reverse the mating of a couple and we are asking—no, pleading—that their daughter be spared and this ritual be given to her so she can once again rejoin her family.”
    The room was quiet. Her mother released her hand and rose to stand beside her friend. “We also request that the females of our family be allowed to know certain things. As stated before, if we could have warned our daughter, half of this mess would not be happening now.” Her mother's voice wavered but she didn't back down. The man stepped forward in front of her mother and Beth. “You would risk your lives for this female that is not part of your family, risk your daughter's lives, by doing this?”
    Annabelle had had enough. “Listen, you…” She didn't have time to say anything as a hand wrapped around her neck and slammed her up against the wall. Marcus and Lance stood there with fear in their eyes. She never wanted to see that look on their faces again. “You need to learn some manners, young lady.” His breath was an inch away from her face. He glanced down at her stomach, and frowned. “How is it possible you are pregnant with four children? Trendons can only have two at a time.” He glanced at the other council members, who gathered around her. He slowly released her and stepped back. A smaller green man stepped up to her, cocked his head to the side, and smiled at her. “Well, my dear, it seems it's your lucky day. Your family will not be destroyed and all you have asked will be granted.” He stopped and studied her mates. Annabelle trembled because she knew there was a “but” coming. Marcus and Lance would never forgive her for this. She rubbed her stomach and a single tear slipped down her face.
    “It seems your great-grandfather's heritage has passed on to you, Annabelle.” He wiped the tear from her face. “There is no reason to cry. You should be proud. We thought for sure we had lost that line from our ranks. With your mate's heritage and yours, you will have fine sons. One will choose to serve on our council when he is of age, but that is his choice. All of you women know how hard this job is for the men, to stay hidden, then to order so many deaths when it comes time. We will grant the right that females should be told if something is wrong. Part of this situation could have been diverted, but be warned, we won't be so tolerant again.”
    He turned and looked at Nicholas. “Your family has done wonders here on Earth, and for this reason only, your daughter will be saved. We thank you for your service.” He nodded and turned to leave. The light appeared again and each of the men stepped into the light and disappeared. Annabelle sank to the ground, her legs giving out. She glanced at Eden and her mother. Both of them were on the floor too, staring at her. “What? I can't help it. I get my mouth from you.” She glanced up to see all the men file out of the room, not saying a word. Her mother stood and shook her head. “Damn, I was hoping for the paddle, not the silent treatment so close to Christmas.” She sighed.
    Annabelle stood and frowned. “What are you talking about?” Her mother glanced at her. “It seems our punishment is to be the silent treatment. At least with the paddle, it's done with, but this can go on for weeks.” She threw up her hands.
    Annabelle stood there for a minute, staring at her mother. “You mean the men won't say anything to us?” She nodded. “Not only that, dear, but there will be no sex.”
    * * * *
    Marcus followed Lance to the workout room and stripped out of his shirt. “You know this isn't over. They have to find the demons and there is the chance the others will do everything they can to destroy us.”
    Lance punched the bag in front of him, then lay down on the bench press.