Page 13 of Act of Command

“Mother,” he said, giving all his teammates a hard look. His private calls as of late had hardly been nefarious, though with the increase in rogues in their rankings, the men were smart to question anything out of the ordinary.

Their eyes widened. They’d all met his mother and had a healthy understanding of why he would avoid the woman’s calls. She was scary when she wanted to be.

“Corbin, darling,” she said, her words drawn out. “Nice of you to answer. I was beginning to think America was without cell service. They are so backwards. It’s a wonder they have anything at all.”

She’d never been fond of his decision to move to America and she’d not been shy on saying as much. To his mother, America was home to the rebel rousers. Everyone was armed and everyone ate at least ten pounds of bacon daily. She’d never even once set foot upon its soil, but her preconceived notions had carried her this far. She’d not change her mind on the country anytime soon.

Corbin rubbed between his eyes, already tired of the conversation that had yet to start. They’d been having much the same one for weeks now. “Mother, its late here. I’m in bed.”

“Liar,” whispered Striker, sounding much like he was seven verses centuries old.

Boomer cast him a wide-eyed look. “If Colette hears you…”

Malik grimaced. “The skies may open and swallow us whole.”

“She’s stern, but sexy,” said Striker, this time considerably above a whisper. “I’d do her. You know, if she was nae already mated and all.”

“Dude, that’s his mother you’re talking about,” said Boomer, disgust in his voice.

“Aye, a MILF. That’s what she is, you know? Hot mom,” replied Striker.

Corbin shot him a hard look as his mother spoke, “Tell Dougal I think he’s passable for a Scot. And I see you are not in bed unless you have started bedding down with the likes of Dougal. Have you, darling? Is that why you are refusing to go on a dinner date with my friend’s daughter? You can tell me. I just need to know. Your father and I want to see you mated before we’re too old to know you’ve found happiness. And with the way you work nonstop, you will never find your mate. You need our help. Come home. I’m sure a beautiful woman is here just waiting for you to cross paths with her. Or man, if you prefer. Do you?”

Malik did his best to hide his laughter, obviously hearing everything Corbin’s mother had said. Striker didn’t bother. He bent, laughing hard and loud. “Och, prefer men. Dyin’ here. Wait, I’m nae yer boyfriend, Brit. Tell her as much. Yer nae my type. I like redheads and tits. I love tits.”

Boomer cast Corbin a sympathetic look. He’d spent nearly a year living with Corbin’s parents in the past and knew just how pushy Colette could be when she set her mind to something.

“Mother, I explained something came up with work. I had to leave the country. I didn’t get a choice. I left her a message telling her as much and I left you a message too. I only just got back stateside the other day and I haven’t had a chance to call and set up anything more.”

“Darling, you tend to lie to me to avoid dealing with me. How am I to know when you are and are not really able to make a date? Ellen is traveling. Last I heard she and her husband are in some chalet on a mountainside in France. They don’t have to worry about their daughter like I do my son. You are hopeless. You really should have spoken to her in person, Corbin. Communication in this day and age is so impersonal. It is amazing that women today allow men anywhere near them. They should demand more. Don’t you think?” she asked, her tone accusatory. “And really, Corbin, the lengths I go to in order to help you find your mate. One would think a son would be more appreciative of his mother.”

“Thank you for thinking of me,” he choked out. “The team is getting ready to head out right now on a mission. I’ll ring you when we’re done. We can find a time that is agreeable to both the young lady and myself.”

“Do you mean it?” she asked, her tone brighter.

“Yes, Mother. I mean it.”

“Oh, brilliant. You’ll adore her daughter, Corbin. I justknowit. Do you still have her contact information?”

“Yes.” He wasn’t sure he still had it, but he wanted off the phone. Besides, he’d been unable to get the woman in the yellow dress out of his head. For two weeks she’d haunted his sleep—what little he’d managed to get. He had no interest in Ellen’s daughter Mae. He wanted the other woman.

“Corbin Amias Herman Jones, do not lie to me. A mother knows when her son is lying to her,” she said succinctly. He’d had enemy combatants shout, scream, threaten every degree of pain and suffering this side of death, yet none struck fear and dread in him like his mother when her voice simply raised one octave.

“Please give me her information again, Mother.” The zen feeling of the training room did nothing to calm his nerves. Not when his mother was involved.

“Mae Bertelot. As I told you before, she is smart. Bit younger than I’d have liked, but talented so I’ll overlook it. She’s studying art. She painted me the most beautiful picture. It’s in the billiard room. You would know if you ever came home to visit. You’ll like her.” She rattled off a contact number and even a home address for the woman. “Leaving her a message? Honestly, Corbin, you were raised better.”

“Yes, Mother,” he said.

“Repeat her contact information back to me so I know you have it.”

With a sigh, Corbin repeated the information. “I’ll ring her the second we’re back from our mission. I’ll make the date up to her. You’ve my word, Mother.” He hung up and glanced around the room. “She is on another of her matchmaking kicks. Be warned, she knows which of you are still single. Don’t think for a moment you’re safe from her help.”

“Does yer mother have any hot single friends?” asked Striker, licking his lower lip. “Make sure they’re her age too. Women her age know how to please a man.”

“I would really like to kill him,” breathed Corbin, his patience with the man wearing thin.

Malik offered a sympathetic look. “Sorry that she’s on another kick again. Remember the woman who was allergic to cats and spent the date sneezing because you’re a cat shifter?”

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