Chapter Twelve
A few months after the holidays, the temperature began to rise and spring was in the air. I was accepted into Southern Oregon University and excited about starting classes in the fall. Bree had decided to stay home and keep learning from her Mom since she would be the next Omega of the pack. Cassie would be taking online courses to lessen her chances of being snatched away. I’m not sure she was too happy about having to stay home but without constant guards it wouldn’t be safe for her outside the pack’s land.
I finally figured out what Bree had meant when she told Hunter things would be complicated enough after graduation. Cade, being the next Alpha, had to complete five years of High Council Enforcer Training upon completion of high school. Which meant I’d see him very little. I tried to ask what his training entailed, but he said that was something decided once you entered the training.
March came and went with Cassie and Cade turning eighteen and no lifemates stepping forward. I think Cassie was both happy and relieved for herself. Cassie wasn’t that attached to any of the guys in her pack which meant her lifemate was out there somewhere else in the world. Cassie was all about finding her independence as soon as possible. Cade just shrugged when no lifemate stepped forward and looked at me expectantly. Internally, I was relieved. My heart was safe for the time being. When Bree turned eighteen in April, we all had the surprise of our life.
Her birthday was on a Saturday so I spent Friday night at the McCoy’s house to usher in her new “eligible” status. We were in the basement den stuffing ourselves with junk food. Bree was positive there was no one from the pack that was her lifemate, seeing as she was still under the impression no wolf would want a lowly Omega for a mate. Cassie and I were adamant about setting her straight.
“Any wolf would be lucky to have you.” I insisted.
“Yeah. Just think. They would never even have to worry about a paper cut cause you would be right there to heal them.” Cassie pointed out giggling.
“Yeah, because a paper cut is your guys’ biggest worry.” I rolled my eyes. I’d been reading more about the shifter wars in the past, and let me tell you, they could be brutal.
“It doesn’t matter.” Bree insisted.
“What about Hunter?” I asked. I watched at Bree’s eyes widened and she looked around the room as if the man himself would pop up any minute.
“What about him?” She asked hesitantly.
“You two seem cozier lately.” I commented.
“He’s been more uptight lately.” Bree countered.
“More uptight than usual?” I scoffed. Bree surprised me by glaring at me.
“He’s still unsure of this thing you have going with Cade. He’s just looking out for the pack.”
“I understand that. But it’s not like we are getting married tomorrow. Or even next year. He’s going off to Enforcer Training soon and who’s to say things will survive that?”
“Hunter has been different lately.” Cassie added. “He’s been around us a lot more than the other two.”
“He’s always two steps behind Bree.” I pointed out.
“He’s just watching out for us.” Bree insisted.
“For you.” I countered. I paused before adding, “Do you like him?”
“Who?” Bree hedged. I played along.
“Hunter.”
“He’s…I…” Bree couldn’t seem to finish the sentence.
“Well, I guess we’ll find out soon because you turn eighteen in three…two…one. Happy Birthday!” Cassie exclaimed and launched herself at Bree and gave her a hug. I laughed at her exuberance. Once she let Bree up for air, I leaned over and gave her a quick hug too.
“Happy Birthday Bree.” I said.
“Thanks guys.” She smiled in return.
“Feel any different?” I asked, curious.
“Uh…no. Should I?” She turned to Cassie since she turned eighteen the previous month. She shrugged.
“I didn’t. But who really knows?”
“There’s the birthday girl!” We turned at Brody’s voice to find him walking down the stairs with a handful of balloons in one hand and a cake in the other. We all laughed. Brody always seemed to have food. Behind him entered Cade, then finally Hunter. Cade and Brody made their way to the couch and made themselves comfortable and that was when we finally realized that Hunter was still standing at the bottom of the steps. Staring at Bree. Who was kneeling and looking over the back of the couch, staring right back at him. I looked between the two, confused, and then watched in amazement as Bree vaulted over the back of the couch and Hunter met her in the middle of the room in three strides. Hunter snatched Bree up around the waist and held her tight to his front. Bree wrapped her arms around his neck and didn’t look like she was ever going to let go.
“Is what I think happening, really happening?” I asked softly.
“Oh…my…God.”Cassie breathed.
I watched, in utter shock, as shy Bree leaned forward and latched her lips to Hunter who hungrily accepted her kiss. I was slack jawed and my eyes bugged out of my head as Brody let out a whoop behind us.
“Hell yeah! It’s about time you claimed her!” Brody exclaimed, which broke the shock around the room. The rest of us laughed as finally Bree pulled her head back and stared into Hunter’s eyes.
“I wasn’t sure but I so wanted it to be you.” Bree breathed softly.
“Same here, babe.” Hunter replied gently. A small smile tugged at his lips. Hunter? Smiling? “I waited nine months for you to turn eighteen. Now that you have, I’m never letting you go.” He leaned forward and kissed her once again. They were interrupted by an influx of adults into the basement, Liam and Mica leading the group and two other sets of parents, Hunter and Bree’s, who followed close behind. Apparently good news traveled fast. Other pack members also joined the impromptu celebration as Hunter finally released Bree from his arms to only then ensnare her around the waist and hold her to him. I watched as hand shaking and back slapping commenced and smiles abounded in the room in happiness. Bree and Hunter. Who would have thought? I turned to Cade, who had remained at my side through the whole process, as he interlocked his hand with mine.
“Don’t see that every day, huh?” He asked. I could tell he was overjoyed for our two friends.
“No.Definitely not.”I laughed.
“You turn eighteen next month, right?” Cade asked softly.
“Cade,” I sighed. I knew where he was going with that. “It won’t be the same for us. I’m not a shif-“
“We’ll wait and see, yeah?” Cade interrupted. I sighed again.
“Yeah. Wait and see.” That seemed to be the story of my life lately.
The weeks following Hunter and Bree’s surprise were chaotic. Celebrations were held in honor of a new lifemate pair forming as well as preparation of a neighboring wolf pack that was scheduled to visit. The neighboring pack, the Rhunes, wanted to negotiate with the McCoy Pack about a possible alliance and discuss border patrols. With the Rhunes Pack visiting, my time at the McCoys would be zero, since they couldn’t know that I knew about shifters.
“It’s only while they are here.” Cade assured me one day in the lunch room. The Rhunes were expected to arrive the next afternoon on a Friday. The whole group was being yanked from classes to welcome, and I suspected as a show of power, the neighboring pack. While I, the non-shifter, non-human, but no clue as to what I was, had to stay in class. Wondering what was going on. A few wolfy traits would be handy right about now.
“I know. It’s fine. Will you call me and update me with what’s going on?” I asked.
“Absolutely. When I get a chance I’ll call you.”
“It won’t be that interesting.” Cassie commented. “They’ll meet with Dad, try to get things their way, Dad will shoot them down. Things may work out but they don’t really have anything to offer us.”
“Doesn’t the Alpha have a son our age?” Bree asked as she looked around to make sure no one was overhearing our conversation. Cassie shrugged.
“I think so.”
“You’re not worried your dad will want to arrange an alliance through marriage?” Bree asked. My eyes widened in shock.
“He wouldn’t.” I looked around the group before adding. “Would he?”
“I’m not worried.” Cassie shrugged again. “Like I said, they have nothing to offer us so they would be benefiting everything if I married the son. Which I’m not going to. I heard he’s a jerk.”
“Dad wouldn’t marry you off without your consent.” Cade added.
“So this whole pack visiting thing is just a formality? Nothing might come of it?” I asked.
“Right.” Cade answered. “Packs meet time to time to feel each other out. The Rhunes probably want to see how strong we are and what kind of resources we have. In case they feel they have enough to take us on.” I looked at him questioningly before he added, “Which they don’t.”
“I think their pack only has about twenty members total. We have double that in just adults.” Hunter commented. Ever since he realized Bree was his lifemate, his outlook on my relationship with Cade had been steadily improving. What love can do to someone’s perspective.
“Right. So they don’t pose a threat.” Cade agreed.
“But I still have to stay away.” I pointed out.
“Until we can figure out what you are, you still appear human, because you can’t shift. We can’t run the risk of any of the Rhunes Pack reporting you or us to the High Council.”
“Okay. At least I’ll have plenty of time to work on some things around the house. Nicole’s been asking me to do some yard work with her for a while. Looks like I’ll get my workout in this weekend.”
“I’ll call you when I can to let you know what’s going on.” Cade assured.
“Okay.Thanks.”I smiled at Cade.
The weekend was long and exhausting. Nicole worked my butt off since it was nice outside but I welcomed the distraction. Cade only called me once on Saturday to update me. There wasn’t anything new besides the fact that he told me he wanted to “rip the little shit’s head off”, in reference to the Rhunes Alpha’s son. Apparently he thought he was big stuff and had no problem pushing Cade and Hunter’s buttons. From the reports, Brody was trying to be the calm one and hold Cade and Hunter back.
By Sunday night, I knew all bets were off. I was in the living room, going over some materials the University sent when I heard a car pull into the driveway. I stood up and looked out the window to find the McCoy Tahoe parked out front. I walked to the door as someone knocked from the other side. I opened the door to find a scowling Cade.
“Hey. Didn’t expect you.” I opened the door wider and ushered him in. He took two steps in before he wrapped his arms around me in a hug.
“God I missed you.”
“It’s only been a little over two days.” I pointed out, but still just as happy to see him.
He kissed me softly before commenting, “Seems like a lifetime.” He pulled back and I could see the frustration evident on his face.
“What’s wrong?”
“We needed some space. The little shit was driving us all insane. Even Brody wanted to kill him.”
“Does the ‘little shit’ have a name?” I asked, amused.
“Dusty.” Cade growled in pent-up annoyance.
“So what do you want to do?” I asked, looking around at the others still waiting in the SUV.
“We thought we’d walk around town a bit. Maybe get some ice cream.”
“Sure. I’m in.” I turned around and slipped my shoes on by the door before I grabbed my phone and wallet.
“You won’t need money. I’ll buy.” Cade insisted. I internally shook my head and set my wallet back down.
“Nicole!” I called into the house. Both she and Steve were in the study. I heard footsteps as she rounded the corner.
“Oh, hello Cade. Nice to see you again.” Nicole smiled.
“Hey, Nicole.”Cade smiled warmly.
“We’re off to the ice cream place. I’ll be back later, okay?” I asked.
“That’s fine.”
“Do you guys want anything?” I asked.
“We’ll text you if we do. Thanks.” Nicole answered as she turned back around and waved to us over her shoulder. I looked back to Cade who was regarding Nicole’s departure with a raised brow.
“They are planning a big trip this summer. Some cruise they always wanted to go on.”
“You going with them?” Cade asked sharply. I shook my head.
“They offered but they deserve this time alone. Besides, I’ll have to get things ready for school in the fall.” I stepped around Cade and made my way down the sidewalk. Cade closed the door behind us and followed.
“You’ll be home alone then?”
“Some of the time. But Cassie said she would stay with me too.”
“Why is this the first I’m hearing of all this?”
“You will be gone to Enforcer Training. It’s not like you can stay with me.” I pointed out. Cade scowled and didn’t say anything in return. We jumped into the middle seat as Cassie and Brody were in the front and Hunter and Bree were snuggled in the back. How Hunter fit in the back I had no idea but that was probably why Bree was practically in his lap.
“So, ice cream?” I asked as Brody backed out of the driveway.
“God yes.” Cassie almost groaned. “Anything to get away from jerk face.”
“He was bugging you too?” I asked, innocently. Cassie turned and gave me an evil glare.
“The boy should stay in his own territory. If I have to listen to his incessant boasting of this hunt he went on and killed something big, or that girl he managed to sleep with, or-“
“He’s completely annoying.” Bree interrupted and giggled at Cassie’s glare now directed at her.
“He’s insufferable. Why he thinks any girl would want to hear about other girls he’s slept with is beyond me.”
“Not to mention his hunting story went on for like, thirty minutes.” Bree added helpfully.
“Aww,” I said sweetly. “Cassie has an admirer.”
“Shut it.” Cassie glared then grinned at me in humor. “Just be glad you don’t have to be around him.”
“He’s not getting anywhere near Kendra.” Cade said forcefully.
“Fine by me. From what you guys describe, he’s not exactly a person I’d like to spend time with.” Brody pulled up in front of the ice cream parlor and we all piled out. Soon we were in a corner booth laughing over some joke Brody made when the front doors chimed. I heard and watched the group give a collective groan, broken up with a few growls, as they took in the group of three boys that walked in.
“What the hell is Fate playing at?” Cassie grumbled. From their collective glares, I could only assume that one of the boys was the infamous Dusty. And most likely the cocky one in the middle. I watched as the bulky boy scanned the room and groaned internally when his eyes landed on us. A slow smile spread across his face as he made his way in our direction. I could tell he was slightly shorter than Cade, but bulkier, whether that was muscle or fat I wasn’t sure. His short black hair matched his devilish midnight eyes. His two buddies almost matched him look for look. He wasn’t “little” by any means, but I could forgive Cade’s nickname as Dusty opened his mouth as he stopped in front of us.
“Well, well, well. What do we have here?” Dusty crooned. The booth we sat in had Hunter and Cade on the outside, not the most rational individuals to have near the antagonizer in this situation. Dusty scanned the group again, smile still in place until his eyes landed on me. Slowly the smile faded and was replaced by a frown. Cade stiffened beside me. “I don’t remember you on the McCoy’s lands. I’m sure I’d remember a pretty face like yours.”
“She lives in town.” Cade said matter-of-factly before I could put a word in edgewise.
“In town? I thought all of you live out in your little community?” Dusty asked.
“Careful.” Cade warned. “She lives with her family here.”
“She’s not a…relative…of yours?” Dusty asked. Ew…but if we were talking wolf genes, then no.
“No. Not of any of us.” Cade answered shortly.
“How-“ Dusty started but Hunter interrupted him.
“Was there a point in you being here?” Hunter growled. Dusty’s eyes snapped to Hunter and he scowled.
“Now, now, no need to be rude.” He chided. His eyes slid to Cassie. “Just wanted to see if my girl needed anything else from the counter.”
“I’m not your girl.” Cassie practically growled as she folded her arms across her chest. It was a good thing she was locked in otherwise I was pretty sure she would have hit him.
“Time will tell.” He smiled creepily before sweeping our group with his eyes one more time. Hunter stood up with clenched fists at his side. The two faced off for a few seconds before Dusty glanced back at our table. “See you back at the home base.” He smirked before he turned and left. I watched as he sat down with his buddies at the counter. Much too close for wolfy ears for us to carry on a conversation.
“Come on, let’s get out of here.” Cassie said.
“Did Steve or Nicole want anything?” Cade asked as we all stood up.
“No, they texted me and said they decided not to.”
“Okay.” He nodded as we all filed past Dusty and his friends. Cade kept a hand on my back as we passed. I didn’t look at Dusty but I could feel his eyes track me as we went out the front door. We walked to the SUV and climbed in before anyone said anything else.
“Is it a problem that he saw me with you?” I finally managed to ask.
“Shouldn’t be.” Cade replied. “We can still mingle with humans. They just can’t know what we are.”
“So, he can’t say anything to the High Council then, right?”
“He would have to provide some kind of proof that you know about us.” Cade assured.
“He’d need something more than us having ice cream with you.” Brody pointed out.
“Okay.”I nodded, relieved.
“I suppose we should take you back. We all have school tomorrow.”
“You’ll be there? Even if they haven’t left yet?”
“I’m not sticking around to listen to him one more day.” Cassie said vehemently.
“Education’s too important to miss out on.” Brody said with a grin through the rearview mirror. We all laughed.