Read Online Protect and Serve Shifting Forces by Cassidy McKay - Free Book Online

the sturdy wooden columns on the porch, the dull thud sounding at the same time the screen door opens.
    “Kender, don’t break the house.” His mother stands in the doorway, silhouetted in the light from the house. She slips her arms around her son from behind, laying her head on his back. “I’m sorry about your Dad, honey. You’re right, he’s stubborn and prejudiced. But he loves you, you know that.”
    “How can he love me, Mom, and not accept my mate? It’s not his decision! He knows how it is with a mate -- how can he even suggest that I marry Jordan?”
    “No, son, he doesn’t know.” Her sad eyes meet mine, and then she turns Kender’s face toward her. “We aren’t mated, Kender. Our parents arranged the marriage. Neither of us ever found our mate. We’ve been happy enough, and we eventually grew to love each other. But I never gave up hope for you children.”
    “You’re not… oh hell, Mom, I didn’t know. That explains a lot.”
    “It’s okay, honey. We’re happy. But both of you have found your mate. It doesn’t matter that she’s human as far as I’m concerned. You’re luckier than most. Maybe if we’d looked beyond our narrow little world like you two did… Regardless, you need our help. Whether your father approves or not, we’re family.”
    “What do you need us to do, Kender?” His brother and sister walk out the door to stand beside us on the porch. “We called in several of the other families. They’re on their way to help.”
    “I’ll help, too, son. I’m sorry. You were right, I should have listened.” His father’s hand lands on Kender’s shoulder, gripping him tightly. Kender folds his hand over his dad’s, standing still, his eyes closed tightly.
    Overwhelmed -- I know the feeling -- I’m overcome with envy. My family would never do anything like this. Hell, I don’t even know if they’re still alive. Phoenixes just don’t stick together.
    “Thanks. All of you, thanks.” He straightens his shoulders, and then looks at me, determination hard on his face. “Mom, Dad, this is Varick Gerard. He’s Aurora’s other mate, and my friend. Varick, you’ve already met Sean and Brianna. Varick, these are my parents, Hugh and Lilia Russell.”
    “Nice to meet you. Now let’s find Aurora. It’s getting cold.” More cars start pulling up, lining the driveway all the way out to the road.
    “Is this where the party’s at?”
    Jordan’s familiar voice sets my teeth on edge. I pull her aside before she reaches the porch. Kender doesn’t need this -- so I head her off. “What are you doing here?”
    The woman actually blushes. I’m surprised she knows how. “Look, I get it. He’s mated. It was worth a try, anyway. We brought more people to help search. These forests can be really dangerous. No matter how mad you are at me, you’re going to need everyone you can get.” She looks toward Kender’s family, affection in her eyes. “At least there’s already a military team looking for her. They’ll probably have better luck than we will. But the more eyes, the better.”
    “A military team? What are you talking about?”
    “You called them, didn’t you? I saw them in town when we first got word. I assumed they were from Kender’s team. Some sergeant was calling the shots. He seemed really eager to go once he heard that it was Kender’s mate missing.”
    “Kender!” He comes running at my yell, glaring at Jordan when he reaches us.
    “Why are you here, Jordan?”
    “She’s here to help. Kender, she said there was a military team in town. They took off after Aurora when the sergeant heard she was your mate.”
    “Turner? Sgt. Turner?” At her nod, Kender curses vehemently -- loud enough to bring the rest of the searchers.
    “Isn’t having the military helping a good thing?” Jordan’s question was echoed by a few of the others.
    “Sgt. Turner’s son was killed in a rogue attack just before I joined. When I lost it after my first battle, I guess