Page 42 of Ferocity

“Ladies and gentlemen, Scarlett Leon, youngest daughter to Margaret and Stephen Leon,” Dave said.

A murmur ran through the crowd and the old sense of paranoia roared to life within her. They were talking about her scars. How gross they were. How deep they were. How they couldn't understand how a parent would let her out looking as she did.

“Don't do it,” Kenny murmured in her ear. “They're not here to create a monster out of you, they're here to hear what you have to say, so go tell them the truth.”

She joined Dave at the table, her heart lodged in her throat and her stomach tied in knots. She tried to smile at everyone but failed miserably, she could tell. She tried to be polite and say hello but even her voice failed her at the most inopportune time. Scarlett cleared her throat and tried again. “Hello. Thank you for coming on such short notice.” Her voice wobbled and she placed a hand to her chest, trying to settle herself. “You'll have to forgive me. I've never done this before.”

Dave opened the folder for her. Inside sat the prepared statement. “At this time, Miss Leon will only be making a statement. She won't be answering any questions, however, if you'd like to leave them with my secretary, I can make sure she answers them so you can run your stories at a later time.” He glanced at Scarlett. “Whenever you're ready.”

She nodded and let out a breath. “Thanks.” Scarlett looked at the statement and grinned. She couldn't have said it better if she tried. “When my grandfather opened the gates toHearts and Pawsto help injured and abused big cats, he didn't understand the impact he'd have on the animal kingdom or in Colorado Springs. Over the years, we have strived to care for all those big cats who might be sick or dying or those felines who have been kept in cages only released once a day to perform. Though time has passed, situations don't change and today, I am pleased to say, our forty-acre plot of land is being used to its fullest potential. In the last twenty years, we have rehabilitated over fifteen big cats along with rehomed three of those felines into local and national zoos. Those who have been here for their last days have been treated with compassion and love and knew they were wanted at the very end.”

Dave handed her a kleenex, surprising her. Surely she hadn't been crying already? Yet, when she dabbed her eye, she found it wet. “Thanks.”

“Not a problem.” He urged her to continue.

“You see this scar and you're reminded of a time when I'd been too young and too naive. I love these beasties with all my heart and to see one suffer, I couldn't take it. Well, that's why I am here today. As I've said, these cats are my legacy. They are who my family has fought for and will continue to fight for, for as long as God will give me the chance to. Effective immediately, Maisie Velazquez-Cruz has been removed from the business. She has been arrested for fraud, forgery, and embezzlement and, as of this moment, I have become the sole owner ofHearts and Paws.” She turned to Dave and gave him a curious look. They hadn't talked about how they'd fix the situation with her and Maisie, except for getting her sister out of the business. “Also, effective immediately all remaining charity events have been canceled due to extenuating circumstances. When the dust has settled and things have returned to normal, the charity faction ofHearts and Pawswill return.” She glanced up at the crowd of reporters and noticed they all sat forward, hanging on to her every word. It was weird and made her uncomfortable, but also strong and confident. “In closing,Hearts and Pawswill always remain committed to caring for any sick or injured animal that may cross our path. If you know of any animal, big or small in need of help, please call us at 1-888-BIG-HART that's 1-888-244-2372.” She closed the notebook and stood; Dave was right at her side.

Kenny joined her then and ushered her out of the room. Her knees were weak. Her hands trembled. It'd been done before it began and though she'd been exhausted, she was also energized.

“What should we do next?” Edward asked.

“Celebrate,” Timothy said. “For righting this sanctuary.”

She wanted to, really did in fact, but she also had to protect Samantha. “Raincheck, guys. I need to go to Samantha and explain everything to her.”

Kenny frowned. “Poor girl.”

“Don't worry about her. We'll all be here for her,” Dave said. “It is what family does for one another when they're down, right?”

Scarlett grinned. “Right.”

Chapter Ten

Three years later...

The warm water of the shower rained down on Scarlett as Edward ground his groin against her. They'd woken together and gone for a run then came back and ended up in the shower. The flex and ripple of her release was accompanied by the throb and warmth of his. After three years of hard work and dedication by them all, it seemed like the perfect time to add a new member to their family. Whose it would be, didn't matter. They'd all love him or her as if they belonged to each of the guys and her.

“Wow, Mrs. Youngblood, you sure do know how to please a man,” Edward teased, pressing his lips to the back of her shoulder.

She'd married Dave because he'd been the one to step forward first. She figured somewhere along the lines, the guys picked a leader and he was it, but it didn't mean she didn't love them all equally and see them all married whether or not it was constitutional. No, in her heart, the day she said those vows to Dave, she was making them with Kenny and Edward and Timothy. It's also why her wedding band was unique as well. Four princesses cut diamonds for each of her husbands.

“Don’t tell my husband, he gets cranky and jealous,” she replied, stifling a laugh.

“I hear you both,” Dave yelled. “And I’m coming in.

Edward kissed her once more then slipped from her. “Guess this means my time with you is up for now.”

“For now,” she agreed. “Meet me later and we’ll have a romp in the hay.”

“I fucking love you.” Edward laugh. “You’re so crazy.”

“It’s called spontaneous,” Dave said, joining them. “Good morning my love.”

“Morning, husband.”

“And don’t you forget it.” Dave gathered her up in his arms. “Did you save some energy for me?”

She rolled her eyes. “Jealous?”

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