Chapter 18 #2
Hunter huffed, and mocha scent surrounded me.
“There was an alpha wolf who lived on the property beside ours,” he said.
“Jonas. Kassidy developed a bit of a crush on him when we were younger, which exploded when their beasts emerged. Jonas reciprocated, and while they showed no sign of being a scent match, my sister didn’t care.
One day, Fletcher caught wind of her sneaking off to hang out with Jonas and he had him killed.
There was no body found, but his room was torn up, and there was enough blood that it was doubtful anyone could have survived.
Kass was never the same again. She swore off mates and packs after that.
While Fletcher was alive, she’d never risk losing anyone she loved again. ”
“Fletcher is dead now though.”
Hunter nodded. “Yeah, but I think enough time has passed that she’s too scared to risk it, full-stop. There’s always a danger out there, and I don’t think she’d survive the loss of someone she loved again.” The low lights flickered over the serious planes of his face, turning his expression darker.
My wolf rose up to rumble, and I felt the same fury. “I’m glad you got free of that evil shifter before he completely destroyed you all, even if you do still wear the scars he inflicted.” Internally at least.
Hunter and Slade’s success had given them the money and power to walk away from Fletcher and take their family and friends with them. Kassidy worked for Reeves Industries in their distribution division, and I had no doubt she was paid very well for her time.
“That was the tipping point for me,” he growled, hands pressing against the counter as his anger and frustration filtered through the bond. “I’d have killed him if it came down to protecting them, but it felt cleaner to leave. At that stage, he was a powerful alpha in our community.”
Powerful and evil. “There are many days,” I bit out, “that I wish we could bring that piece of shit shifter back from the dead and kill him again. Just more painfully.”
Hunter cupped my face, rubbing his thumb over my cheek. “Such a violent little wolf. I love that about you.”
Violence wasn’t in my innate nature as an omega, but the moment anyone threatened me or mine, I was all female rage.
“It’s a tough situation with Kass,” I said, wishing that my friend wasn’t in pain.
“I don’t think there’s anything we can do other than be there for her.
Support her decision. And offer our opinions if she asks for them. ”
Hunter let out a sigh, and just like violence wasn’t in my nature, not taking action definitely wasn’t in his. But he didn’t argue with my assessment.
I leaned toward him, and he released me long enough to nudge my plate forward, which was filled again. How in the…?
“Eat,” he commanded, and when I huffed and grabbed another slice of meat, he picked up the newspaper that he hadn’t gotten to this morning.
He shook it open, and I caught sight of the front-page article, my eyes widening as I choked for the second time tonight. Thankfully, the ham slid down the right pipe, and I managed not to die over the headline: Thieves Destroy Old Jim’s Prize-Winning Magnolia Tree Orchard.
Hunter lowered the paper and raised an eyebrow as he stared at me, but I was too busy trying to read the full article.
Old Jim has reported the loss of one of his rare cross-bred magnolias that pollinate and flower all year round. “I’m devastated to find it has been pulled up from the ground in one hard yank…”
Hunter dropped the paper, cutting me off, and my gaze darted over to where Steven, my magnolia tree, was growing quite nicely in the kitchen. We’d repotted him into a massive stone planter and had him over near the window for sun exposure.
When I continued to gawk at the paper, Hunter turned it over and quickly read the article himself.
Before I could ask What the fuck are we going to do?
his husky laughter rang out through the kitchen.
“Don’t worry about Steve,” he said, shaking his head like he couldn’t believe we had given our plant a people name.
“We’ll keep you and Fin out of the slammer. Bribe the proper authorities.”
I snorted, before clearing my throat. It wasn’t funny that Finley had drunkenly stolen poor Old Jim’s plant, but I sure as shit wasn’t giving Steven back. He was mine, and I was possessive of my things.
“I’ve already sent him a generous donation,” Hunter informed me, opening the paper once more. “Anonymously of course. He’s much better off now, and he has the means to grow many more Steves. You’ll be fine.”
“There’s only one Steven,” I muttered, before I reached out and gave him a hug. “But thank you. You’re always looking after us.” He didn’t say anything, but I felt how pleased he was through our bond.
“I think I might get ready for bed,” I said around a yawn. “We’ve got a big day tomorrow, and apparently it starts at the crack of dawn, with Slade’s training.”
My muscles ached at the thought, but I hadn’t given up on wanting to hold my own in a fight. Whether that be physically, mentally, or magically. Apparently.
Hunter nuzzled me and breathed in my scent once more. “Okay, little mate. Just remember that the sleeping schedule kicks in tomorrow, since we know you’ll want to be with the twins tonight to reinforce the new bond.”
Sleeping schedule. Right, that was happening.
“What if I wanted all of you around me?” I teased, even though it was actually the truth.
Hunter’s expression dimmed until he was all predator. “All of us want to sleep with you,” he said softly. “You’re the heart of our quintet, and you always decide.”
With that power bestowed on me, a shiver traced down my spine, and I dropped a kiss on his cheek before I scurried from the room.
Wondering how I’d make it all work.