Chapter Twenty-One
Shoni had gone through her condo and packed everything she wanted to keep. None of her furniture was going. Fray and Ember had run to get packing boxes and shipping supplies. The four of them had sorted through everything within three hours.
It had been good that Ember hadn’t had time to unpack her belongings. She’d already downsized to the bare minimum. All her boxes were being shipped to Alaska, too. The stuff she had put in the closet and dresser was now packed inside two suitcases.
Shoni had whispered to her cousin at one point when the two of them had been sorting through her walk-in closet alone. “Do you think I’ve lost my mind? I mean, I’m literally packing up my life, selling almost all my stuff, and moving to somewhere that I’ve never even seen before.” She paused. “All for a man I’ve known for less than a week. Tell me the truth.”
Her cousin had reached over and taken her hand, her gaze sympathetic. “Yes. It’s crazy, but then again, nothing about this is normal. You’ve fallen in love with a guy who can fly like a bird. He also turns gray when his skin hardens, like he’s a living statue.” Ember grinned. “Chaz is a serious hottie. You love him, and he loves you. I’m not a risk taker, as you know, but sometimes, you must follow your heart. This is that time. You’d regret it for the rest of your life if you didn’t do this.”
She nodded, some of her anxiety easing away. “Thank you for giving up everything to go with me. That helped make this decision easier.”
“It’s not even a choice I had to think about,” Ember admitted. “I go where you do. Besides, I’m kind of excited.”
“Why?”
“I’ve never really been a people person. The Werewolf pack I spent time with separated themselves from humans as much as possible. I’m pretty sure Chaz’s people will do the same. We’ll be living in a remote part of Alaska.” Excitement showed in Ember’s eyes. “Imagine all the wildlife I’m going to see. I’m hoping to be able to help some injured animals up there. It will be a nice new challenge.”
“You’re seriously weird,” Shoni teased.
“Are you almost done?” Fray suddenly appeared in the open closet doorway. “I want to ge―”
“—Back to your mate,” Ember cut him off. “We know. Give us a few more minutes. We’re almost done in here.”
“Good.” He left.
Ember chuckled. “That guy is seriously obsessed with his mate. I hope she’s cool since you mating with Chaz makes them family.”
“I’m sure she will be.” Shoni finished sorting and then went downstairs.
The first thing she saw was Chaz stacking the boxes in the living room they’d packed to be shipped to Alaska. His phone rang, and he answered it. Shoni really hoped it wasn’t the pack needing more help. The last thing she wanted was for him to have to leave again. At that point, she was ready to start her new life.
Chaz hung up his phone. “Corlin sent one of his female scouts to pick up the keys. The pack will take the boxes to be shipped later today.”
“Are you sure we can trust them?” Ember looked unsure. “I don’t want them stealing shit or someone moving into Shoni’s condo thinking they can squat for free.”
“Corlin owes me big time,” Chaz explained. “He’s honorable and swore the ones he’s assigned to help us are completely trustworthy. They will ship the boxes for us, and a scout will drop the house keys off with Shoni’s realtor friend in the morning. Don’t forget to leave your car keys on the kitchen counter, Ember.”
Ember walked over and placed hers next to Shoni’s. “I couldn’t find the title for my car like Shoni did. I’d have to go through all the sealed boxes I packed from my apartment.”
“It won’t matter,” Fray informed her. “All larger packs have people who can work around that. They will transfer money to your bank accounts as soon as both vehicles are sold.” He pulled out his wallet, removed his driver’s license, and handed it to her. “My guy got me this.”
Ember studied it. “It looks real.”
Fray took it back. “That’s because some packs also work with the DMV. It’s an authentic license issued by that state, but the name and information are fake. The police can run me if I’m pulled over without a problem. It’s deep background checks we have to avoid. Switching ownership of cars is child’s play for them.”
Ember crossed her arms. “Fine. I just hope this pack actually ships my stuff to Alaska and pays me for my car.”
Shoni wasn’t as distrustful as her cousin. “I’m sure they will.”
Ember rolled her eyes. “Fine. I’m keeping my important stuff with me, anyway. Tell me you packed your part of Grandma’s jewelry you inherited in one of your suitcases.”
“I did,” Shoni assured her. “My mom’s, too. I heard you when you started bitching about how stuff gets lost in the mail all the time.”
“Can we go now?” Fray glanced at all of them.
Chaz walked over to Shoni, taking her hand. “Are you ready? Corlin’s scout is waiting outside.”
Shoni gripped his hand as she stared around the bottom floor of her condo. She loved the place but had chosen it because of the low price she’d paid. It wasn’t as if she were leaving her ultimate dream home. “Let’s do this.”
Her two suitcases were already in Chaz’s rental. She gripped her overnight bag in her other hand. Ember had driven Fray to the hotel to grab his rental when they’d gone out earlier. Her cousin was traveling with him.
They locked her condo and went to the visitor parking lot. A woman wearing jeans and a tank top waited there. Chaz released Shoni’s hand, took her keys, and walked to the woman. They spoke a few words. He passed over the keys, the woman climbed on a motorcycle, put on her helmet, and then drove off.
Chaz opened his passenger door for Shoni. “The Lycans will come back with a van in less than an hour to take the boxes.”
Shoni climbed in, putting her overnight bag on the floor by her feet. Her purse, too. “I just hope your uncle and his pack like me.”
“They will love you.” He closed the door, rounded the car, and climbed into the driver’s side. “Don’t be nervous, Shoni.”
“I’ll try not to be. Tell me more about Lycans.”
He chuckled as he started the engine, pulling out of the parking space. “They are a lot like humans emotionally but view life differently because of the way they are raised in a pack.”
Shoni figured that made sense. “Tell me about Fray’s mate. I’m really nervous to meet her since you said we’ll live next door to them once we get to Alaska. I hope she likes me. We’re going to be sisters-in-law.”
“Moe liked to keep Lenore away from us. Fray only recently got to spend a lot of time with her while he and his mate were on vacation. I’m sure you two will get along well.”
“Why did your uncle keep her away from you and Fray?”
“Lenore had no idea that she was living with a Lycan pack or that they even existed. She unfortunately learned the truth in a traumatic way.” He told her what happened with the rogue Gargoyles who tried to take over his uncle’s territory.
She listened, half horrified and impressed. The next hour flew by.
“I can’t imagine being held overnight in some dangerous mine that could have crushed us to death at any second if the tunnels collapsed. You got me away from my kidnappers fast. Now I realize it could have been a lot worse.”
“You went through your own traumas.”
Shoni thought back to the warehouse when she’d seen Chaz doing his job. “True, but now I think I got off easy. I’m excited to meet Lenore after you’ve told me what she’s been through. She’s new to all this, too. We should have plenty to talk about.”
Chaz nodded. “That’s true. We’re about to enter Moe’s territory. Just be yourself and know that you’re safe. There’s no reason for you to be afraid.”
“I trust your judgment.”
“I’m grateful to hear that.”
Shoni watched as they left the highway and soon entered a wooded area. They turned off the road onto a privately marked one soon after. She gasped when a man in his late thirties suddenly stepped into the road as they came around a curved bend. Chaz hit the brakes.
Her heart pounded as she stared at the muscled man wearing a dark gray T-shirt, blue jeans, and black running shoes. He crossed his arms over his chest, seeming to glare at Chaz.
“Should I be alarmed?”
“No,” Chaz muttered to her. “That’s my uncle. He doesn’t look happy, does he? Wait here.”
He put the rental in park, unbuckled his seat, and turned off the engine. The man in the road dropped his arms to his sides and strode forward. They faced each other in front of her. Shoni was alarmed despite what Chaz had said.
“Did you think I wouldn’t find out? Goddamn it, Chaz. The Folsom pack was my problem. Not yours!”
Shoni flinched at the harshly spoken words. The driver’s side window was down. His uncle’s voice easily carried in the quiet surroundings. She glanced at the side mirror, seeing that Fray had parked behind them. He also had shut off his engine and climbed out of the car. He approached to join his brother and uncle.
“How did you find out?” Fray stopped feet away from his twin.
“That’s all you’ve got to say? You’re not even going to bother to deny it?”
“We wanted to help.” Chaz sighed.
“We care about what happens to you and your pack,” Fray added. “How did you find out?”
“Keith wasn’t well-liked. Some packs are celebrating his death, and one of the alphas called to share the news with me. I also learned that his oldest son is taking over. What should I expect from his oldest son since you obviously had dealings with him? Is Corlin like his father?”
“No. He’s not.” Chaz shifted his stance. “You don’t have to worry about a war anymore.”
“You scared the fuck out of him by threatening to bring the wrath of the clans down on them, I take it?” Moe sounded angry again.
“Yes,” Chaz confirmed. “Corlin isn’t going to fuck with you or yours. He’s very different from Keith. I refuse to apologize for dealing with this issue.”
Moe closed his eyes, reached up with one hand, and ran his fingers through his hair. He looked frustrated. “I know you boys did it out of love.” He dropped his hand and opened his eyes. “I refuse to thank you for what you’ve done, but I appreciate that you care so much. I can’t say I hate that we’re no longer under threat of a war.”
“You’re welcome,” Fray muttered.
That earned him another glare from his uncle.
“Enough,” Chaz ordered. “Don’t be a dick, Fray. Besides, you didn’t do shit. I did. You were here bonding with your mate.” He stepped closer to Moe. “Are we good?”
“Always. You’re my sister’s sons, but word is going to spread through the pack soon about Folsom and how you interfered.” Moe reached back up and ran his fingers through his hair. “I need to send a message that I’m still in charge after what you’ve done.”
“Fuck.” Fray didn’t look amused anymore.
“You need to send us away now. Today.” Chaz reached out and gently gripped his uncle’s shoulder. “That’s what I’d do.”
“I don’t want to,” Moe admitted. “But you’re right. I’ll twist this as punishment for going behind my back. I don’t think the pack will be all that upset since no one wanted to fight a war.” He cleared his throat. “No one will challenge me since they know how much I love you boys. Sending you away will be proof enough for them. I’m sorry.”
“We understand.” Chaz released his shoulder.
“I need to go get Len.” Fray spun, starting to walk toward his car.
“No,” Moe called out. “That’s why I met you here. I’ll call Kevin and Gina to bring her here. You’re officially banned from my territory for one year.”
Fray spun, snarling. He looked furious. Shoni gaped at him as she watched through the car windows. She really hoped he wouldn’t attack Moe.
Chaz suddenly moved between him and their uncle. “You know he’s got to do this, Fray. Lycan politics and rules are annoying as hell, but they exist. Lenore will be brought to us here. Calm your ass down.”
Fray lowered his head, taking deep breaths. “Fine.”
“I’m sorry.” Moe looked sad as he withdrew his cell phone. “I love you boys. I’ll go make the call.” He spun, stalking about fifteen feet away with his cell phone to his ear.
“Fuck,” Fray hissed.
Chaz moved closer to him until they were standing feet from the driver’s side door. “You knew this might happen if Moe found out that we interfered.”
“They should thank us. Not send us away,” Fray hissed.
“Lycans have different rules. You know that. They are―”
“—Fucking prideful to the point of being moronic. They should hold us a party instead of making Moe prove to them that he still has us on a leash and he’s the one in control.”
Chaz sighed at his brother’s words. “This is why we never live with packs. Their instincts get confused because of what we are. You don’t want Moe to lose their respect or to be challenged if we stick around. That’s what would happen.”
“Fuck.” Fray loudly sighed. “I guess we’re going to the airport.”
“You make the arrangements and contact home to let them know we’re coming early. That will keep you busy while we wait for Lenore to be brought here.”
“She’s going to be upset, damn it. I told Len that she would have more time to say goodbye before we left.”
“You will explain why this happened, and she’ll be fine with it. Your mate is smart.”
“Fine. I’ll handle our travel shit.” Fray turned, storming toward his rental.
Chaz opened the car door and took a seat on the driver’s side but didn’t close it. He took off his sunglasses and stared at Shoni. “Our plans have changed.”
She glanced where Moe stood down the road, still on his cell, before meeting Chaz’s gaze. “I heard. I don’t really understand, though.”
“Lycan packs are…” He paused, seeming to search for the right words. “…hard to understand sometimes. They need structure and to be led by someone they view as the strongest. It’s instinctual. What I did to avert a war will be understood by Moe’s pack, and I’m sure they’ll be grateful. The thing is, what their heads say and what they feel will probably be at odds. Their leader didn’t do it. Someone else did. Moe sending us away will help solve that conflict.”
Shoni thought about it. “Because in the end, he told you what to do, and you did it. They can tell themselves that makes him the strongest again, right?”
Chaz gave her a small smile. “That’s exactly it. I’m glad our clan isn’t run like a pack.”
“Was your clan leader appointed to his job by your clan voting for him because he’s the smartest?”
Chaz’s smile turned into a grin. “Fuck no. Lord Aveoth is highly intelligent, but he had to kill to win his position from his father.”
She knew her mouth dropped open as that shocking information sank in.
“Lord Abotorus needed to die. Don’t feel bad that his own son had to kill him. The prick regretted adding Lycan women to our clan and allowing his men to breed with them. He planned to wipe out every GarLycan. That included his own son. Fray and I would have been executed, too. Lord Aveoth challenged his father to save us all.”
Shoni was horrified. “Why would this Abotorus want to do that?”
“A female full-blood was born into our clan, and I believe Winalin was the catalyst that made him want to cull us. Female Gargoyles are extremely rare. I think Lord Abotorus planned to have her bred once she reached maturity to replace every GarLycan. He was an asshole.”
“And this is where we’re going to live?” She suddenly felt uneasy.
“The bad ones like Lord Abotorus are gone. We had a council of Gargoyles that were the last of his cronies. They’re dead now. I also want you to remember that Lord Aveoth mated to Jill. I told you about her. You, Ember, and Lenore will be welcome and safe there. I wouldn’t take you there otherwise. Trust me.”
Shoni did. “Okay.”
Moe came to the side of the car. “They’ll be here soon. I wish things didn’t have to be this way. I was looking forward to getting to know your mate. Will you introduce me to her, or are you angry?”
Chaz climbed out of the car. “I’m not angry. I understand why we need to leave. Fray and I didn’t come here to cause you any trouble.”
“My pack wouldn’t have survived if you hadn’t been here when those Gargoyles came.”
Chaz reached out and clasped his uncle’s shoulder again. “I’m sure you would have thought of a way to deal with them if you’d been here.”
Moe snorted. “Sure. We’ll go with that.”
Chaz released him and bent a little, meeting Shoni’s gaze. “Come here.”
Shoni unbelted and opened the passenger door. Chaz moved to the front of the car and held out his hand. She took it, her attention on his uncle. He wasn’t as tall as the twins, but he was a beefy, muscled guy.
“Shoni, this is Moe. Uncle, meet Shoni.”
“It’s good to meet the woman who will make Chaz happy. Welcome to the family. I’m sorry that you won’t be staying with us after all.”
“It’s not your fault,” Chaz quickly stated. “You’re the alpha of a pack. That comes with burdens as well as responsibilities. We’re good.”
Fray joined them. “I booked us flights in four hours. We’ll hit the airport with plenty of time and probably get to eat before we’re in the air. If not, I booked us in first class. I’m sure some food will come with the pricey seats. Kelzeb said he’d have a small cargo plane waiting for us in Anchorage. We’re going to need it with as much baggage and people as we have. He’ll text me the pilot and company’s name before we land.”
“Fray…” Moe stepped close to him.
Fray reached out and clasped his uncle’s shoulder. “We’re fine. I was a little angry, but I’m over it. You’re doing what you need to. I just hate taking Len away from you sooner than expected.”
“I hate that you’re taking her away at all, but you’re mates.” Moe reached up and rested his hand on top of Fray’s. “You better take damned good care of my girl.”
“You know I will.” Fray gave a sharp nod.
“I do. It’s why Lenore will be here soon, and I’m allowing her to go.” Moe released his hand and stepped back, breaking their physical connection. “You better call us when her scent changes. Her mother will be one of the first people to know. That’s not a request. We also expect weekly calls and plenty of texted photos.”
Shoni glanced at Chaz for clarification.
“Scent changing means pregnant,” he translated.
She watched as Fray agreed with a nod.
“You got it.” Fray fisted his hand over his heart. “My word. We have internet. You and Lisa can have live chats with Len as often as you like.”
A sound had Shoni turning, watching as Ember got out of the rental. She strolled forward and was checking Moe out from head to toe. Shoni tensed when her cousin opened her mouth, hoping whatever she said wouldn’t be rude.
“I come in peace.” Ember gave a little curtsy. “I’m guessing you’re the alpha.”
Moe’s eyebrows arched.
“This is Ember. She’s Shoni’s cousin and is returning to Alaska with us. She knows the truth.”
“I spent some time with a pack in Arizona.” Ember smiled. “Am I right? Are you the alpha here? You kind of remind me of Belner with the way you carry yourself. He was an alpha, too.”
“I am. Welcome to my territory.” He sniffed the air. “You’re human but don’t carry a Were scent. I take it you weren’t mated into that pack?”
“God, no.” Ember wrinkled her nose. “No offense. The only one who might have tempted me into a relationship was already mated. The rest of them treated me like I was a cute little pet their alpha had brought in to amuse their elders.”
“Maybe you should stop talking,” Shoni whispered to her.
Ember just laughed.
“I’m not sure I understand.” Moe scowled, not looking pleased.
“I’m one step down from being a veterinarian. Think of me as a highly skilled nurse practitioner for animals. Belner asked me if I could do anything about the aches and pains some of his elders were suffering from with their advanced ages. The pack healers did nothing for them. Most of his pack thought bringing in a human to treat them was either funny or crazy.”
Moe appeared interested. “Were you able to help those elders feel better?”
“Of course.” Ember gave a sharp nod.
“Don’t even think about it,” Chaz warned. “You can’t keep her. She’s going with us.”
“What he said,” Ember agreed. “Sorry, but I’m sticking with Shoni. I will give you my phone number. You can call me for medication suggestions, and I can advise you on exercises they can do to alleviate a lot of their complaints.”
“I’ll take your number.” Moe pulled out his cell phone.
Shoni hid a smile as her cousin gave it to him. It was nice to see Ember kind of making a friend. She really did like animals better than people. Werewolves seemed to be in her good graces if she offered to help them.
Fray, Chaz, and Moe all suddenly turned, seeming to hear a noise. Shoni turned, too, watching the road ahead. Within a minute, two SUVs drove around a curve. Fray rushed forward to the passenger side of one of them when they stopped, opening that door. A woman with light brown hair slid out and right into his arms as they hugged.
“That’s Lenore.” Chaz moved to her side. “The female getting out of the back is Lisa. She’s Lenore’s mother and Moe’s mate. The driver is Gina. She’s Kevin’s mate, and he’s the male driving the second SUV. Kevin is Moe’s lead enforcer.”
“Thank you.” Shoni appreciated him telling her who they all were.
Fray released Lenore and then hugged Lisa. He led both back to their small group. “Len, this is Shoni and Ember. I’m going to go help Kevin with our bags.” He walked away.
The pretty woman smiled and approached Shoni, hugging her. “I always wanted a sister.” She released her and turned, embracing Ember next. “My mate said you’re as close to Shoni as a sister, so now I will have two.”
Ember hugged her back. “I’m sure we will become very close as three humans moving into a non-human setting.”
Lenore laughed. “At least I’ll be aware this time that almost everyone around me is something else. And make that four. There’s another human who was just taken to the cliffs. I’ll introduce you two to May when we get there. I’m sure she’s really going to need our emotional support since she’s pregnant.”
Fray came back with two backpacks and a suitcase. Kevin held a third backpack and pulled a large suitcase on wheels.
“We need to get to the airport. It’s going to take a little over an hour for us to drive there,” Fray announced as he passed them, heading toward his car. “I’m hungry, and whatever the airline serves us in the air will feel like a snack.”
Shoni watched as Lenore hugged Moe, her mother, and the other couple. There were a few tears as they said goodbye. Then, they returned to their cars. Ember remained with Fray, probably to give them more alone time.
“What was that about a small cargo plane?” Shoni was curious. “It sounded as if we’re going to be taking two flights instead of one.”
“We are.” Chaz smiled. “We don’t have any airports near our home. We fly into Anchorage and hire bush pilots to drop us off near our territory. Some have smaller planes, but a few transport supplies to settlements. They need larger aircraft that hold more people and luggage. I’m sure we’ll be on one of those. A VampLycan will be there when we land to make sure the pilot doesn’t remember exactly where he dropped us off.”
“Why?”
“It’s best if humans know as little about us as possible.” He reached over. “Before you ask, we have an airstrip. You’ll get to see that fancy hunting lodge that Garson spoke about. One of the VampLycans and some of my clan will be waiting for us. From there, I’ll fly us to the cliffs.”
Shoni swallowed hard. “As in…”
“I’m going to give you a ride.” He chuckled. “I think you’ll love it.”
She really hoped so.