Chapter 5
Chapter
Five
Shae’s List of Life Goals
3. Don’t just survive, thrive once you find freedom!
Shae
I jolt awake with a start as the SUV comes to a stop in front of a security gate.
For a second, panic rises inside me and I fear that I’m being taken back to my prison in the Hollywood Hills. Then I catch the scent of the sea from the open windows and I calm a little.
“We’re home!” Wolf Boy announces with palpable excitement.
I glance at him and then have to avert my eyes. He’s blindingly bright, his golden hair gleaming in the sunshine that pours through the windows of the vehicle. There’s something uncomfortably innocent and pure about him, and I don’t know how to deal with it.
He’s also stupidly sexy and adorable all at the same time. And his anime vibes are totally slaying me left, right, and center.
He can never know how hot I find him.
The gate soon opens and the vehicle winds its way up a private driveway to an enormous white edifice. Further back, I can see a couple of outbuildings. “Compound” was right.
Haku emerges from my hair and perches on my shoulder to peer out the window. “Is this our new home, Master Shae?”
I stroke his head and he shimmies happily. “For now.”
We park in an enormous six-car garage and enter the main house from a connected door that leads into a large mudroom.
“Sometimes we need to hose down in here before going any farther,” Dallas explains. He points to a wall full of built-in shoe racks. “We all remove our shoes before entering the house in support of Harper’s wishes on that issue.”
The lovely vampire smiles at me. “Much cleaner this way. It also prevents bad luck.”
“No problem. I’ll do whatever I can to avoid any more bad luck in this lifetime.”
Following everyone else’s lead, I remove my shoes, then we head out of the mudroom and into an open concept space, where a massive wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooks the ocean.
Something I long thought dead inside me gives the faintest twitch of life.
Almost in a daze, I wander over to the windows, then lightly rest my fingertips against the glass as I stare transfixed at the waves lapping against the shore.
Wolf Boy comes to stand beside me, and heat radiates from his body like he’s absorbed the rays of the sun.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
I nod, never taking my eyes off the panorama before me.
“You can go swimming anytime you want.”
Memories of my mother and I gliding through the water together fill my mind.
“Master loves the sea,” Haku says.
I dart a glance at Wolf Boy and he grins, those rather cheeky canines of his popping out over his bottom lip. “Awesome. I can even teach you to surf if you want.”
“Ahem. Let’s show Shae and Emma to their rooms,” Dallas says as he joins us. “I’m sure they’re both exhausted after their harrowing night. You can work on getting Shae into the water later.”
“Please,” Emma says with evident relief.
She looks wrung out from our ordeal. I know she had to have been scared out of her mind. Emma used to work for my stepmonster, crafting potions to ensure I could keep up with all the demands made on my abilities in order to develop Bella’s career. The collar used to enslave me also limited my access to my magic and drained me even faster than the grueling pace Margaret set, so using my powers was always incredibly taxing on my body. Emma hadn’t really known what she was getting into when Margaret hired her.
By the time she realized the sordid truth, she was bound by an airtight NDA and the threat of financial ruin or violence from Margaret’s hired goons. She was trapped.
Reaching over, I take her hand and squeeze it. “With everything that’s happened, I didn’t get a chance to say it.” I clear my throat awkwardly. “Thank you. I couldn’t have escaped without your help.”
Emma drops my hand and wraps me in a fierce hug. “I’m sorry it took me so long.”
“You did well, tiny Potion Master,” Haku proclaims from his perch on my shoulder.
I nod. “You were very brave. Many have looked the other way over the years, happy to capitalize on my situation.” I pat her back awkwardly. “At great risk to yourself, you took a chance to help me. I’ll forever be in your debt.”
Emma pulls back and grins. “That just means you’re my bestie for life, ’kay?”
That makes me chuckle. “Absolutely.”
Haku huffs. “Master, I’m your best friend!”
Emma laughs. “You’re definitely his number one drake friend, and I’m his best Potion Master friend. Sound good?”
Haku thinks about it for a moment. “Acceptable.”
We both laugh while Haku trills in my ear and nuzzles me happily.
“We have a number of free rooms,” Dallas explains as he leads us up to the second floor. “The place was built to accommodate quite a few residents, so we still have room to grow our MEOW Squad family.”
Wolf Boy guffaws behind me. “You crack me up, Cap.”
Emma and I are given rooms next to each other, which pleases us both.
“Mine’s across the hall,” Wolf Boy offers.
I ignore that unnecessary tidbit of information and explore my room with Haku. It’s a simple setup with a double bed and some other basic furniture, along with an en suite bath. It looks like a nondescript guest room without any personality just yet, so I start to imagine what I can do to liven it up while I’m here. A space that I can truly make my own is still hard for me to conceive, but I want to hold on to the sense of promise the idea brings.
But what really makes my heart sing is the patio balcony that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
Drawn forward as if by some invisible power, I open the sliding glass door and step outside. The scent of salt and sea fills my nostrils and the wind blows my hair. With my eyes closed, I bask in the sweet sunshine and taste the briny tang of the ocean breeze on my tongue. The water calls to me, its song ancient and powerful.
My magic pulses deep within me, resonating in sync with the lapping of the waves against the shore. It makes me think that, with time, I might actually be able to heal. To be myself again.
When I finally come back into the room, leaving the balcony doors open, Wolf Boy stands awkwardly in the doorway.
“This house is super safe,” he blurts out, fidgeting where he stands. “Uh, yeah. We have a hardcore security system and Cal’s warded the place against dangerous magic. You don’t have to worry while you’re here.”
I sit down on the bed, my brow furrowing. “Am I just exchanging one prison for another?”
There’s that worried whine again.
To his credit, Wolf Boy doesn’t come inside and I don’t invite him. He’s so much more than I can handle at this moment. Maybe ever.
“This is your home now, not a prison. I promise.”
I don’t even know what home means anymore. Have I ever really had a place where I belong?
Maybe long ago, when my mother was still alive.
However, I know that my stepmonster isn’t going to let me go without a fight. I might be safe within these walls, but will I ever be able to leave them? Her power and reach are considerable.
Wolf Boy shifts from foot to foot again, as if he’s desperately trying to hold himself back from entering my room unbidden.
Fucking hell, why is even that cute?
“The bathroom’s fully stocked with toiletries and towels and stuff. There should be some clothes in various sizes in the dresser too. We’ll be able to get you more stuff of your choosing soon.”
I can tell he’s trying to put me at ease, but I haven’t managed much in the way of sleep since I escaped and can’t even begin to process everything that’s happened in the last twenty-four hours. My body’s shutting down and I can barely keep my eyes open. “’Kay,” I mumble.
Wolf Boy’s expression softens. “Get some rest, Shae. We’ll talk more later. Your room locks from the inside only.” He flashes me a shy smile. “Thought you’d like to know that.”
With obvious reluctance, he leaves, and I manage to stand up to close and lock the door behind him. Too tired to take a shower, I strip out of my filthy clothes and crawl naked under the sheets. I’m out before my head hits the pillow.
When I open my eyes again, the sun’s setting over the horizon. I step out on my balcony once more and watch the purple-red sky transition to darkness before returning to my room to take that much-needed shower.
I’m still plagued by a bone-deep fatigue that permeates my entire being, but my mind is clearer after getting some sleep. The hot spray of the shower further revives me, and I can’t stop touching my throat to make sure that the torture collar is truly gone and it wasn’t all a dream.
Once I’m fully clean and refreshed, I get out and dry off before hunting down some clothes. I find a pair of baggy gray sweatpants I have to cinch at the waist and a black sweatshirt that fits decently. Back in the bathroom, I towel-dry my long hair and comb it out. The reflection that looks back at me in the mirror is pale and slightly gaunt.
I can’t remember the last time I had a decent meal. Margaret often liked to punish me by withholding food. It was almost like some sick, twisted game to her. The effects of it are all too visible on my underweight body.
As if on cue, my stomach emits a loud rumble, and I sigh. It looks like I’ll have to face my new roommates sooner rather than later.
I make my way downstairs on soft feet and follow the tantalizing smell of cooking food.
When I arrive in the kitchen that’s connected to an open dining area, I spy Dallas at the stove, stirring something in a huge stockpot.
“Shae!” Wolf Boy cries out happily before bounding over to me from the dining table.
I immediately back up and he stops, his pointy ears and tail drooping along with his smile.
Fucking hell. That’s not playing fair.
I feel an odd pang in my chest when I look at his forlorn countenance, but I stand my ground. After all, I can’t have him getting too close and thinking I’m going to go along with the fated-mates crap.
Clasping his hands tightly behind his back as if trying to hold himself in check, Wolf Boy rocks on his feet excitedly, seemingly over his momentary disappointment.
I don’t think I’ve seen him be still since I met him.
“Are you hungry, Shae? Dallas is making his famous chili with corn bread. You’ll love it.”
My stomach growls on cue and Wolf Boy laughs with delight.
“Whoa, did you hear that, Cap?! I told you he’d be hungry.”
Wolf Boy seems to have several settings, and they’re all variants of excited .
He should annoy the fuck out of me. But instead, I’m drawn to his effusive warmth and bright smile. There’s something about the guy that inspires hope in me, and I don’t want to kill that.
“That’s why I made my legendary chili and corn bread. No one can resist it,” Dallas rumbles.
Wolf Boy gives him two thumbs up and a cheeky grin. “Good job, Papa Bear.”
Dallas narrows his eyes at him. “What did I say about that nickname?”
Cal appears and flops down in a chair at the dining table. He’s changed since I saw him earlier and now he’s wearing jeans and a black T-shirt with yellow lettering on the front that reads, Mage the 4 th be with you .
“We’ll quit with the Papa Bear when you quit with the MEOW Squad,” he drawls.
There’s a lot more friendly joking and bickering as everyone else shows up and helps set the table, then Dallas creates the equivalent of a soup kitchen line. We all bring our bowls up to where he stands at the stove, and he serves us chili that smells amazing and huge chunks of freshly baked corn bread.
When it’s my turn, I can’t help but stare at his apron, which is covered in rainbow clouds and big kitten faces.
I look up into his eyes and notice his cheeks flushing red. With the fuzzy bear ears and the apron, this guy could give Wolf Boy a run for his money in the cuteness department, just in a different way. Those two are seriously going to test my resolve not to get too involved with these people. They may have saved me, but I don’t know if I can fully trust them yet. Hell, I’m not even sure if I have the ability to trust anyone beyond Haku and Emma anymore.
When I seat myself at the table, I’m not surprised when Wolf Boy, grinning from ear to ear, immediately takes an open spot right next to me.
“How’d you sleep, Shae? Was the bed comfy? Do you like your room? Do you feel any better? You’ve got to try this chili. It’s soooo good!”
He says this all while barely drawing breath.
Warily, I glance at his shining face and wince.
Cal, who’s seated across from me, snorts around a mouthful of chili. “Don’t worry, Shae. You’ll get used to Griff and his killer puppy-dog eyes.” He hesitates. “Well, you get used to them overpowering you every time. Best to just roll with it.”
I have a feeling getting used to it will lead to a lot of other things I’m not prepared for.
Emma finally appears, freshly woken up and with a wild case of bedhead. I’m relieved when she takes a seat on my other side and stares at her food blurry-eyed.
Picking up my spoon, I take a cautious taste of the chili. The tang of tomato, garlic, and chili spices warms my tongue. The shredded cheese and sour cream that Dallas topped it with cools the heat a little, and I start to dig in with more gusto. His freshly baked corn bread is soft and just a little bit sweet, and I devour it in no time at all.
“Is there enough for seconds?” I ask when I’m done.
Dallas and Griffin both beam at me.
“Gah!” Cal cries, shielding his eyes. “The double whammy! Be careful, Shae. These two love nothing more than caring for others in very over-involved ways.”
“The poor guy needs more meat on his frame,” Dallas grumbles. “He’s all skin and bones.”
As Wolf Boy leans in closer, his arm touches mine, sending a zing of awareness racing through me.
What the hell?
“You can eat as much as you want, Shae. Want me to get you more?”
The look on his face is so hopeful, the desire to please flashing from his bright eyes that stay focused on me.
Caving, I hand him my bowl. “Sure. Thanks.”
He accepts it like I’m handing him the fucking Holy Grail and jumps up to get me more food, his tail wagging behind him.
I watch him as he hums to himself while scooping more chili into the bowl for me.
Cal polishes off his bowl with a contented sigh. “Great grub as always, Cap. Thanks.”
The Bearkin grins. “Glad to hear it.”
Harper, seated at the far end of the table, sips from a wineglass filled with red liquid.
I don’t think it’s wine either.
He studies me. “How are you adjusting, Shae? Is there anything we can do to make this transition easier for you? We understand you might not be ready to tell us about your past just yet, and we don’t intend to force you.”
Wolf Boy returns and sets my bowl down in front of me with a flourish, an extra-large hunk of corn bread on the side. He winks at me. “I could tell you really liked that.”
I’m oddly… touched by this gesture of consideration. Nodding my head in thanks, I take a bite of the heavenly corn bread while I consider Harper’s question.
“I escaped with only the clothes on my back, so I don’t really have anything in the way of money or worldly possessions.”
Dallas waves a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about that. We have a generous fund for that stuff. We can help you get essentials for now and assist you in starting over elsewhere if you decide that’s what you want to do.”
I freeze. “What do you mean?”
Harper chimes in again, his voice gentle. “What Dallas means to say is that, once you’ve had time to get back on your feet and we know the threat against you has been neutralized, you get to decide what you want to do next.”
“You’re of course welcome to stay here as long as you want,” Ruby adds from where she’s seated across from Emma. “But we support you finding your own freedom and happiness, whatever that might be.”
“Some of those we’ve helped have gone on to move to Sanctuary Havens that protect Otherkind from danger,” Dallas adds.
I blink. “Sanctuary Havens? What are those?”
Wolf Boy gasps like I just ripped a loud fart in church or something. “Shae! How have you never heard of them?”
I cross my arms defensively. “After my mother died, I wasn’t allowed to learn anything about Otherkind.”
In response, I hear a faint whimper and when I dare to glance at Wolf Boy, I see his eyes welling with tears and his bottom lip trembling.
What’s with this guy? I mean, I get that he’s an empath, but he cries all the time.
Over me.
My heart does that weird thumpity-thump again.
“Don’t mind Griff,” Cal says, waving a hand in the air. “Because of his magical gifts, he’s a lot more sensitive than most people. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Or maybe I should say tail? Anyway, he’s a lot more tender-hearted than the rest of us, but he’s a good guy.”
Wolf Boy sniffs loudly and looks like he’s trying to will his tears away. He reaches over and takes my hands in his. “Don’t worry, Shae. We’ll teach you all about Otherkind.” He brightens suddenly. “And I can teach you all about Wolfkin.”
I stare at him.
He grins and pops those cute canines again.
And a motherfucking dimple.
I’m so screwed.