Chapter Fourteen
My drive home was quick and uneventful. After I finished classes, only Clint was around when I left. He wasn’t keen on me going to the gala but didn’t say anything about it as I went out the front door. I hadn’t heard from Ian all day. He’d texted me the night before, saying he got my number from Patrik. He wanted to check in on me after the awkward moment with Clint. I told him I was fine and couldn’t wait to hear more about our family. I thought he would have responded to some of my text messages today, but it was Ian and he was probably busy with other things.
As I pulled up in front of Cassie’s house, the front yard looked like a buzz of activity. Five huge SUVs were being loaded with luggage. You would think we were leaving for a week instead of a weekend. I skirted the chaos and stepped inside out of the way of the traffic flowing in and out of the house.
“Kendra!” I heard my name and looked to the sitting room to see Mica walking toward me with a huge smile on her face. “It is so good to see you again. Did you have a good drive?” She wrapped her arms around me in a hug.
“Yep, smooth trip.” I nodded and returned her hug.
“Fantastic. Things are a little crazy around here. We have clothes and gifts to be packed-”
“Gifts for what?”
“Oh, it’s part of the gala. Some of it goes to charity, for the silent auction. Others for the High Council to support their leadership.”
“You give presents to the High Council for them doing their job?” I asked skeptically.
“Now Kendra, it’s no different than rewarding a good employee with a raise, or Christmas bonus. Or even a ‘thinking of you’ gift.”
“Yeah, but somehow I don’t think your presents are a mug that says, ‘world’s greatest boss’ on the side.” I replied dryly.
Laughing, Mica shook her head. “No. That would never do.” She glanced around before shoeing me towards the stairs. “I think Cassie is upstairs. She’s been waiting for you.”
“To begin the torture, no less,” I mumbled, but Mica’s answering laugh ensured she heard me. I sighed and wove my way through the masses. A small body collided with mine, almost knocking me off my feet. I recognized Tanner as soon as he turned his face up and grinned at me.
“Tanner! Hey, how are you?” I gave him a quick hug and smiled down at him.
“Good. I’m glad you’re back.”
“Not for long I’m afraid. Just the night, then leaving tomorrow for the gala.”
“The gala? Oh, right, that party thing Cassie’s been going on about,” he rolled his eyes. I smothered my laugh before he caught sight of it. “Won’t I see you after?”
“Yes, but only briefly, I have to head back to school Sunday.”
“Oh.” His crestfallen expression said it all. I bit my lip to hide my smile.
“Come on Tanner!” A boy yelled from outside. “We’re going to be late!”
“I’m coming!” Tanner yelled back, then looked up at me. “We’re having a gaming marathon. Got to go. Promise I’ll see you Sunday?”
“Of course. Have fun at your game!” I yelled as he took off and raced after his friend. I smiled and continued to the stairs to Cassie’s room. I knocked lightly before opening the door to a clothing explosion. I stood in shock as the entire floor was covered with clothes of every color and for any occasion.
“Kendra! Thank goodness you’re here.” Bree exclaimed from somewhere in the room. I searched the room and finally found here across the way hanging out of the closet. “Come over here and tell Cassie she doesn’t need three evening gowns.”
“I don’t know which one I’ll feel like wearing tomorrow, so I have to bring them.” I heard Cassie’s voice from inside the walk-in closet. I picked my way across the clothes strewn floor to peer inside. Cassie was currently in a gorgeous green floor length gown that dipped low in her back. She turned and pulled out another, similar one in blue. “Maybe I should bring this one too.” She held it up in front of her looking in the mirror. She caught my eye and asked, “What do you think? Blue, or green?”
“I think they both look great.” I admitted.
“That is not helping, Kendra.” Bree huffed from the settee in the closet. “She already has three, she doesn’t need to bring the blue one.”
“What are the other options?” I asked, and Cassie quickly held up two others. One was a shimmering gold and the other a bold red. “I say go with the red. It would stand out in the crowd.”
“There’ll probably be a hundred other women with red on then.” Cassie sighed. “Maybe the gold?”
“That would be pretty too,” I agreed, sitting down by Bree who leaned over and gave me a hug.
“We’ve been at this for hours,” she whispered.
“Oh hush, it hasn’t been that long,” Cassie protested. She moved to the side and picked up a teal colored gown. “Here, try this on.”
“Teal?” I asked, not able to hide my disgust.
“What’s wrong with teal?” Cassie asked, one hand on her hip, glancing between me and the dress.
“I was hoping for something that would blend with the crowd, or the wall. Like white?” I asked, thinking of my wolf.
“White would be a slap in the face to the Council considering what they fear you are,” Bree reminded me.
“Okay,” I drawled. “Then black?”
“You can’t wear black.” Cassie huffed. “Cade’s tux is black. You can’t match. You’d blend in with him.”
“Ah.” I said, even though I didn’t. “How about silver?” Silver was a neutral color, and I’d still be able to blend.
“Hmm,” Cassie thought about it. “That could work.” She turned back to her closet and rummaged around the racks before pulling out another dress.
“Why do you have so many?” I asked curiously. Seeing at least another twenty hanging in the depths.
“I bought a whole bunch from the store when Mom and I went shopping. I’ll take back the ones we don’t want.” She handed me the dress on a hanger and the tag flopped out at me. Curious, I pulled it around and my eyes widened at the cost.
“Holy shit, Cassie! These are expensive. How many did you say you bought?”
“They aren’t that bad, and only around twenty. We needed options.” She shrugged. “Besides, I’ll return the ones we don’t need.” She turned back to the gold dress as she held it up in front of her. I stood there holding a thousand-dollar dress with my mouth hanging open. I snapped it shut and turned away, not wanting either of them to see the look on my face. Sometimes I hated how blasé they were about money. It made it even more obvious how different wolves and other shifters lived.
“Why don’t you try it on?” Bree suggested softly. I looked at her and saw the understanding in her eyes. “We need to know if we figured the right size for you.” I nodded and stepped off to the side, stripping off my jeans and shirt to try the dress on. It was low in the back. I wouldn’t be able to wear a bra. Once I stepped into it, I shimmied it into place and made some minor adjustments before turning around.
“Well?” I asked, looking to them. Both turned and started nodding.
“Yes, that’s perfect.” Cassie clapped her hands in excitement.
“It looks beautiful on you, Kendra.” Bree commented. I smiled and walked closer to the mirror to see. It was a beautiful gown, hugged my small curves but enough flow to give it some body. I turned to Bree and asked what dress she was wearing. She stood and held up a royal blue that would be stunning on her.
“That’s perfect. Love it.” I nodded and smiled. She grinned and hung it back up off to the side. “Only one, Bree?” I teased.
“All I need.”Bree laughed.
“She already has Hunter,” Cassie sighed pulling another fuchsia dress out of the pile. I really hoped she didn’t pick that one. “I want to look good if I meet my future lifemate.”
“I see,” I nodded, even though I was hoping Cassie didn’t meet him at this high society event. I couldn’t imagine many of them would be down to earth or someone we would want to hang out with for the rest of our lives.
“When are Seth and Jake getting here?” Cassie asked me, distracted as she held the fuchsia dress up to look at in the mirror.
“Around eight I think.” I glanced at my phone to see it was six. “They said they would eat on the way over.”
“That doesn’t give us much time,” Cassie muttered, reaching for the gold dress again.
“Time for what?” I asked confused.
“Cassie bought them tuxes too.” Bree offered. My head swung back to Cassie.
“Do they know that?”
“And how would I tell them? It’s not like I have their number.” Cassie argued. “Besides, they come from a modest pack. I’m sure they could manage suits, but tuxes might be too much.”
“At least your caliber of tuxes,” I muttered, and Bree grinned. Cassie turned to me with a frown.
“Look, I know I might be a bit extreme on this gala, but I want everything to be perfect. It’s like going to prom the first time, only one hundred times better. If they are traveling with us, they wear the best.” I held up my hands.
“Okay, I’ll text them and let them know we have tuxes on standby for them to try on, so they match the rest of our party.” I pulled up my phone and shot off a quick text.
BTW, Cassie insists you wear tuxes that match the rest of the group. She has some here for you two to try on.
It didn’t take long for Seth to respond.
Cassie? The bossy one? They bought us tuxes?
You’re just borrowing them. Cassie insists. That okay?
Yeah, sure. We won’t stick out as much.
K, see you soon.
I set my phone aside and looked up. “They are prepared.”
“Good. Now, let’s grab a bite to eat before they get here. I still have to finish packing.” Bree and I followed Cassie out of her room and down the stairs. The main floor had thinned out, just a few people still coming and going. We joined Liam, Mica, Hunter, and Darren, Liam’s brother, at the table.
“Welcome everyone.” Liam smiled around the table and his eyes landed on me. “Kendra, it’s good to see you again.”
“Thanks, good to be back.” I smiled in return.
“Well, let’s everyone dig in and we’ll discuss the upcoming travel plans.” Dishes were passed around as everyone settled in to enjoy their meal.
“As everyone probably knows by now,” Mica started, “two men from the McClain Pack will be joining us on our trip. They live just a few hours away, and since they are friends of Kendra’s, it makes sense for them to travel with us.” She smiled at me in turn.
“We leave tomorrow morning at six to take off by plane at seven.” Liam said, detailing the rest of the schedule. “We’ll land near Vancouver and travel a few hours into the backcountry to reach the lodge for the gala by midafternoon. Everyone will need to be ready by seven to attend the gala.” His eyes drifted to Cassie.
“I’ll be ready, I promise.” Cassie assured. Liam lifted an eyebrow in amusement before continuing.
“We around this table, three other older couples from the pack, and ten enforcers will be traveling with us.” I did a quick count in my head and that was twenty-three people. “Add in Cade and Brody who will meet us there.” Twenty-five then. And Seth and Jake were the only ones invited from their pack? How did our pack warrant so many invites?
“We will stay onsite Saturday night, then leave around noon the next day. Mica and I plan to meet with a few other packs.” He looked around the table, eyeing me and Cassie in particular. “Stay out of trouble.” Cassie and I grinned at each other, not able to hide our amusement.
“I don’t know how long Cade and Brody will have with us,” Mica said, “but if possible, I’d like us all to eat breakfast together Sunday morning.” She looked at me. “Invite your friends to come too, if they’d like.” I nodded.
“You all will stay together at all times.” Liam instructed, looking at all of us. “I don’t know what the High Council intends, but they specifically requested Kendra attend. I will also have two Enforcers with you at all times.”
“But Dad, what about dancing?” Cassie protested.
“Dancing is public. That’s fine. Just don’t be wandering off alone without guards.” He looked at Cassie pointedly. Cassie nodded reluctantly with pursed lips.
“This event is supposed to be fun,” Mica smiled, looking around at our glum faces. I had a hard time holding back my skepticism. “You’ll meet other wolves your age, and who knows, Cassie, you might find your lifemate. Although, I’m not ready to let you go quite yet.” Mica winked at Cassie who rolled her eyes but smiled.
“Maybe Kendra’s wolf will be drawn out being with so many wolves.” Bree offered. “Then we can see if her and Cade are actually lifemates.” My heart skipped a beat at the thought.
“Oh, I hope not.” Mica stated. My gaze shot to her. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I just hope your wolf doesn’t take this opportunity to surface with so many around. With Nicolas pretty much sure you’re a white wolf, things could go downhill fast.”
“Agreed.” Liam nodded and looked at me. “You feel like you need to shift, you tell us, and we’ll get you out of there as quickly as possible.”
“I don’t think any of us have to worry,” I commented. “I haven’t felt any need to turn furry.” That got a few laughs around the table.
“Well, everyone finish up eating,” Mica directed. “You’re McClain friends will be here shortly. Cassie, you’ll make sure the clothes fit?”
“Yep, have it covered.” She smiled.
“Good. Then be sure you are all ready to go by six in the morning. We are running a tight schedule.” Mica met everyone’s eye to ensure they understood.
The meal wrapped up shortly after that and Seth text me they were coming up the lane. We excused ourselves and made our way to the door to greet them. Seth and Jake were just stepping out of their car when we walked out onto the front porch. Seth grinned up at me.
“Hey Kendra.”
“Hey Seth.” I looked around me and added, “You remember everyone?”
“Yep. Cassie, Bree, and Hunter.” They all nodded to each other.
“And I’m Liam,” Cassie’s dad walked around us and approached the two newcomers. They shared handshakes and Liam welcomed them to their territory. “I’ll leave you in Cassie’s hands. She’ll get you updated on the timeline of things and settled for the night. There are some things I need to finish up before we leave.”
“Sure. Thanks for inviting us to travel with you.” Seth said.
“Yes, thank you for the invite, Alpha Liam.” Jake commented, shaking Liam’s hand again. Liam smiled and backtracked through the door and disappeared inside. I looked back at the two men.
“You guys grab your stuff. We’ll show you where you’re staying tonight.” I said as they each hauled a bag out of their car and walked toward the steps. We all followed Cassie inside and up the stairs to a different wing. I looked at Cassie sidelong, questioning why that wing.
“Guests stay on this side,” she explained.
“Oh.” I nodded, glad I was in the other wing and considered family. Was it a territorial thing I wondered?
The guys had separate rooms, which they were surprised by. I guess they thought they would be sharing a room. But everyone else here was in our pack, so the guest wing was pretty scarce.
“I’ll bring over your tuxes and you can try them on to see which ones fit.”
“How did you know our sizes?” Jake asked, still taking in the decorated room. It was slightly less elaborate from Cassie’s room, but not by much. I’m sure to Jake and Seth it seemed way over the top.
Cassie shrugged. “I guessed. Mom also suggested we buy a couple up and down from my guess, just in case.”
“You bought that many tuxes?” I asked, not able to keep the surprise out of my voice. Cassie waved me off.
“We’ll return the ones that don’t fit.” She looked over at Jake and Seth who looked kind of lost. “We’ll be right back.”
Hunter stayed with the guys, probably chatting about some manly stuff while the three of us went back to Cassie’s rooms to cart over the options. We managed to carry everything in one trip, and Cassie was adamant that they try them on then let her decide if they would work or not. Jake was a little embarrassed by that.
“I think I can feel if it fits or not, thanks.” He said, looking at Cassie.
“I’m sure you could. But I know tuxes and how they are supposed to lay. Just let me see it once you think it works.” Jake went to protest, and I shook my head.
“Just do it, Jake. She won’t give up.”
“Fine.” Jake mumbled, clearly not happy.
Seth was the first one to step out into the hallway and boy did he look handsome. It fit him like a glove, and I couldn’t help my eyes as they traveled his frame. I blushed when he caught me checking him out but luckily, he didn’t say anything.
“Excellent.”Cassie mused.“You’re good.”
“Don’t I know it.” Seth winked and then laughed as Cassie’s cheeks tinged red. About that time Jake came out. He looked fine to me, but I think Cassie wanted to make him squirm as she slowly circled him, inspecting every inch. Jake glowered at her as she finally came back around to the front.
“Well?”Jake asked impatiently.
“You’ll do.” She decided, which didn’t help Jake’s mood at all. Seth laughed and slapped Jake on the shoulder.
“You asked for it instead of doing what the lady asked for the first time.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Jake sighed. “So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?”
Cassie quickly gave them a rundown of the timeline of everything and said they had to be ready by six or they’d be left behind. I don’t think either of them knew if they should take her seriously or not, but they nodded and retreated to their rooms to change. It was getting late, and with plans to be up early in the morning, I said my goodnights and retreated to my room as well. I needed a few moments alone to prepare for tomorrow.
I organized my bags since I hadn’t really unpacked anything. I was pretty much ready to roll out of bed in the morning and jump in the car. I paced my room, trying to expend some of the pent-up energy that rolled through my body. The secret about Ian was eating me up inside. I wanted to tell Cassie and Bree about Ian but was afraid it would come out tomorrow around Cade, or in earshot of someone from the High Council. I was still unsure of Cade and what was going on with him. I hadn’t talked to him all week, which wasn’t all that rare, but after the fight episode the week before, I thought for sure he would reach out. The old Cade would have. I sighed heavily, wondering what the future would hold now that Cade and I weren’t seeing eye to eye.
The room suddenly felt too stifling, so I changed into comfortable clothes and grabbed some running shoes. The McCoy lands were safe, monitored by the pack day and night. I didn’t think anyone would say anything if I slipped out and went for a night run.
Once clear of the houses and the lights faded in the trees, I flew over the terrain, exhilarated as the wind rushed past me. Trees zoomed by as I dodged and weaved around them, leapt over small streams and dodged boulders. I finally circled back and stopped at the waterfall where I’d first witnessed Cade and everyone else shift into wolves. Seemed fitting to collect my thoughts there. Five minutes of peaceful silence passed before I sensed someone approaching. I whipped my head around to see Bree emerging from the woods and walking towards me. My muscles relaxed as I realized it was her.
“You’re out late, Kendra.” Bree said softly as she sat down beside me.
“I could say the same about you.” I replied. A few minutes passed with both of us watching the water gently fall before Bree broke the silence.
“I saw you leave the house,” Bree offered as explanation.
“How’d you find me?”
“I followed your trail but couldn’t catch up,” she looked at me sideways. “You’ve gotten faster.” I pursed my lips but didn’t respond. My speed had increased, especially since hanging out with all the others back at school. “Are you worried about tomorrow?” She asked.
“Yes and no. Probably not for the reasons I should be.” I bent my knees and hugged them to my chest.
“What do you mean?” Bree asked curiously.
“Everyone is so scared the High Council is going to do something. Well, that’s not in my control. Shifting isn’t in my control. Cade…” I started but trailed off biting my lip.
“What about Cade?” Bree asked softly, playing with a blade of grass between her fingers.
“He’s changed Bree. He’s not the same.” I replied quietly. Bree didn’t say anything for a while, and I thought she was going to leave it at that.
“The training he’s going through,” Bree sighed heavily before continuing, “it’s not easy. He’s hurt, a lot, physically and emotionally.”
“How do you know? He talks to you?” I asked, eager to hear more, but jealous at the same time. Did he call home more often than I knew? Or did he need to talk to Bree since she was a healer?
“No, I feel it here.” Bree held a hand over her heart. I narrowed my eyes, wondering what she meant.
“I don’t understand.” I shook my head in confusion.
“Mom says not every omega has the skill, guess I’m just the lucky one.” She laughed harshly, then looked over at me. “My omega ability allows me to feel the emotions of the pack. Happy. Sad. Pain. Nervousness. You name it, I feel it. It took me a while to understand what I was feeling weren’t my own emotions, then even longer to pinpoint which pack member the emotion was coming from.” My eyes widened at the idea of feeling every pack member’s emotions.
“I didn’t know you could do that.” I said in awe.
“It’s been something Mom and I have been honing since graduation. It’s not perfect, but I’m getting the hang of it.”
“So, you can feel Cade’s emotions?”
“And pain. I’ve recently been able to differentiate between the physical and emotional. He’s confused, upset, and worried, frustrated. Not to mention the daily physical pain he endures from training.”
“Is there anything we can do?” I felt bad, knowing I was supposed to be supportive and understanding of everything he’s going through. But it frustrates me to no end when he won’t tell me anything and I feel helpless because of it. Like I’m not good enough or what he needs.
“Not that I know of.” Bree shook her head. My shoulders slumped at her response.
“But if you can feel his pain, can you heal him like you do when he’s close?”
“Never thought of it like that.” Bree tipped her head to the side, considering. “Kind of like reversing the wave of how his awareness travels to me, I could project my healing abilities along the same wave, back to him. No matter the distance.”
“That would be a neat trick,” I nodded, agreeing.
“Yes, it would.” Bree commented, lost in her thoughts. “I’ll have to ask Mom and see if she’s ever heard of such a thing.”
“If anyone can figure it out, you can, Bree.” I bumped my shoulder against hers and she smiled. I glanced around, looking for Hunter.
“Where’s your bodyguard?”I teased.
“Hunter’s back at the house. I told him I found you and needed alone time.” She tapped the side of her head, meaning she spoke telepathically to her mate. That made me think of Ian and our ability to hear each other when he was in tiger form and I was in human. Was that because we were family? My conversation with Cade about shifter communication was a long time ago and I was having a hard time recalling what he said.
“You don’t have to wait out here with me, I just needed to run.” I commented, knowing it was getting late.
“So, does that mean your wolf senses are surfacing?” Bree looked at me hopefully.
“Maybe? I don’t know.” I sighed. “So many things are up in the air.”
“I’m sorry Kendra.” Bree responded heartfelt. “I’m not in your shoes, but I can imagine the unknown is annoying and scary.” I nodded, not wanting to give away my thoughts. A brother who was a tiger, parents who were killed for daring to love each other, dodging the High Council’s suspicions, dealing with the prophecy every non-shifter was hoping would come true.
“It’s fun being me,” I said sarcastically, making us both laugh.
“Come on,” Bree stood up and stretched. “It’s almost midnight and we have to be up early.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” I nodded and we made our way down the mountain back to the house without anyone stopping us to ask where we’d been.