Anew: Kindred Series

by DJ Phoenix

  They came back to earth when someone cleared their throat.

  Cynthia jumped at the sound and immediately felt Luke’s arms tightened around her waist.

  She looked over her shoulder to find Matt standing by the doorway, a huge smile on his face. “I ... um, came to pick up the girls. Jack asked me to drop them off at home.”

  The girls were both sitting in the same spot they were in when Cynthia had walked into the living room—also smiling. At the sight of their audience she felt heat spread up her neck and knew she was seriously blushing.

  Cynthia stood and walked over to Kristy. “Thank you.” She hugged her, careful not to brush her injured arm against the girl.

  Then she turned to Mindy who was watching her with a smile. Cynthia took her hand and squeezed it. “Thank you for being here. I have no words to express how thankful I am to both of you.” She was so glad the girls had come to help her last night. She was hardly able to hold back her tears.

  Mindy pulled her in for a hug. “We’re friends Cynthia, Kristy and I will always be here for you.” She stepped away, releasing her, and made her way to the door as she trailed after Kristy and Matt.

  Matt turned to them before closing the door, “We’ll be back to see how you’re feeling tonight.”

  She heard Matt’s truck roar to life and turned from where she stood to face the man that had cared for her through the night and, apparently, the next day. Immediately she felt Luke’s scorching gaze sweep over her. There was an all-consuming fire in his eyes that pulled her in. Without thought, she found herself walking toward him, a need she had never felt before growing deep in her soul. She couldn’t explain why, but he felt like home, and she wanted more than anything to be home.

  Luke

  Luke couldn’t take his eyes off her; she just simply took his breath away. He couldn’t contain his gaze from tracing every inch of her body. His hands ached with the need to touch her soft bare skin. He had been in a predicament two nights ago; not wanting to invade her privacy while he removed her bloodied clothes. So, when the girls had shown up with Dr. Miller, he had been relieved. Now he wished he had done it himself. The need to uncover the beauty her clothes concealed was driving him mad.

  He stared at her standing in the middle of the living room and decided it was time to reveal who he truly was. Unsure of what would happen after she knew the truth, he stood to his full height and took three long strides to reach her.

  She looked so unsure when she looked up at him, he almost changed his mind, but decided honesty was the best route.

  “Would you please sit with me? There’s something important I need to tell you.”

  She nodded and let him guide her to the loveseat.

  This was the most difficult task he had ever faced. He realized then that if things didn’t go well he’d surely lose her. He couldn’t fathom the idea of that happening, so he weighed his next words very carefully. “Cynthia, I’ve been alone for a very long time. I’ve never taken a wife because I just didn’t see that as an option for myself.”

  Before he could continue, she cut in, embarrassment evident in her eyes and the pink color that graced her cheekbones. “Luke, I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have kissed you. You came and helped me and I just ... I just felt so ... so cared for. I hadn’t felt like that in a very long time, and I let my emotions get the best of me. I am so sorry. I never intended for you to think …”

  Her hands visibly trembled, and he caught them in his as he deliberately searched her eyes. “Cynthia, that kiss was amazing. Please don’t be sorry for it happening. I’m not.” He paused, taking in the sight of her, memorizing every feature. “What I have to tell you is personal and sensitive.”

  She sat there looking at him, her eyes expectant with curiosity; he couldn’t help thinking how cute she looked. It saddened him that all that was sure to change as soon as she heard all he had to say.

  He gulped and nodded to himself, taking strength in knowing this was the right thing to do.

  “Ever since I saw you that day at the supermarket I haven’t been able to get you off my mind. At first I tried to ignore the pull I felt toward you, but ... then what I felt began to interfere with my life as it had been. And please understand that I say ‘had been’ because ever since I accepted what you mean to me, my life has changed. I have changed, Cynthia.”

  “I don’t understand ... we barely know each other.”

  “I know that it sounds crazy at first, but I know what I feel. I want you in my life, I need you in my life. I want to discover everything there is to know about you: what makes you laugh, what triggers your curiosity, what annoys you, what are you passionate about, what makes you mad or sad, what are your pet peeves. I want to know everything, and I want to share all there is to know about me with you, too.”

  This was it, he had pretty much told her he loved her. Now it was all up to her.

  To his surprise, before he could interrupt the thick silence that had descended between them, she reached for his face and traced his jaw with her fingertips. He could feel them trembling as they moved from his jaw to the back of his neck. She leaned in close and brushed her lips against his, taking his breath away. She stared at him, eyes searching his. “Luke, I don’t know why or how, but … I feel the same. It’s insane, but I haven’t been able to get you off my mind since I first saw you that day at the grocery store, either. It doesn’t make sense. It’s not possible that two people can feel so strongly without even knowing each other.”

  Before she could say another word, he crushed his lips to hers. He savored the taste of her, the taste of her sweet warmth as it seeped into his mouth when she parted her lips, granting him entrance. Their tongues danced to a seductive rhythm. Before he knew it, she was climbing onto his lap, straddling his thighs. Eager to feel as much of her as possible, he wrapped his arms around her tiny waist, pulling her flush against his chest.

  In the heat of their passion her injured arm was forgotten until they jolted apart when she gasped in pain.

  Cynthia’s laughter broke the silence when he swiftly pulled her off his lap and onto the couch. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard, and he couldn’t help laughing along with her. Finally, she was able to gather herself enough to stop laughing and gingerly grabbed her arm.

  Concerned he had further injured her, he knelt before her and inspected her arm. “Dr. Miller left some pain medication before he left. Said you’d need to take one every six hours. Now’s a good time to take it.”

  Without a second thought, he stood and walked to the kitchen where he retrieved a pill and a glass of water. Her face was a bit pale as he approached her with the medication, and he cursed himself for being so careless. He watched as she took the pill and placed it in her mouth, swallowing it with a sip of water.

  “I’m sorry about that. I didn’t want to hurt you. I just ... well, I couldn’t help myself.” He scratched the back of his neck and ran his hand through his hair. “Perhaps the rest of what I need to tell you can wait. The painkillers are going to kick in soon and you’re going to feel tired and sleepy. It’s best if you rest. There will be plenty of time to talk later.”

  He watched as she nodded and leaned back on the couch. “You’re right, I do feel tired. Maybe I’ll take a little nap.”

  “Do you want me to help you to your bed, or would you rather stay on the couch?”

  “I’ll stay here. You don’t have to bother, I’ll make my way to the bedroom if I tire of the couch.”

  “It’ll never be a bother to tend to you. Besides, I’m responsible for what happened to you, and I’m going to make it right, so I’m not going anywhere; might as well put me to good use.”

  The words had slipped out of his mouth before he could stop them. Now he’d have to explain that she had been attacked by a werewolf and that he was responsible for it happening. Except her eyes were getting glossy and anything he said now would end up a jumbled mess in her head. But maybe that wouldn’t be so bad. If he
told her he would get to see her reaction and he could prepare for when he told her again when she wasn’t under the influence of strong medication.

  Her voice interrupted his inner dialogue. “What do you mean you’re responsible? That was a wild animal; nobody could’ve known it would attack me. Please don’t feel responsible. You’ve been nothing but nice to me, and the last thing I want is for you to feel guilty over an accident.” A yawn followed her last sentence, and he knew it was now or never for his trial confession.

  He took a deep breath and allowed the words to roll off his tongue. “It is my fault that you were attacked. We’ve lived for centuries amongst humans, yet we’ve managed to hide who we really are. It’s our most important law, to hide our existence from humans. I failed to control Layla, and she attacked you. I’m responsible for that. Our temper runs pretty hot when we’re in our other form, and I failed to see it boiling over in her. Please forgive me, I promise I will do all that is in my power to keep you safe.”

  Cynthia’s voice slurred slightly as she answered him. “Oh Luke, of course I forgive you. You’re too hot to be mad at. Wait … why am I forgiving you?”

  Great. He let out a breath as she spoke, confirming the pill had mostly taken effect now.

  “Cynthia, I don’t know how much you know, or if you have ever heard of supernatural races. My people and I have the ability to shift into a wolf. There are many others like me spread throughout the world. We live in packs like our animal counterparts do. I happen to be the Alpha of this particular shifter pack. As their leader, I make sure we stay safe and hidden from humans. I make sure to provide everyone with a means to support themselves and their families, and I make sure our laws are enforced. We are a prosperous pack.” He held his breath again, waiting for her response. After all, what he had just confessed was pretty wild and hard to believe.

  Laughter permeated the silence that had followed his last comment. “Wow, you’re a werewolf? I appreciate your sense of humor, but I’m a little old for ghost stories.”

  Part of him felt thankful she was not fully coherent at the moment, but part of him wished he could have gotten it over with. Eventually he’d have to explain all of this again, and she would be sober and undoubtedly asking questions that he would be forced to answer if he wanted their relationship to work. “Okay, I think I’ve humored you enough for today. Now lay down and rest. I’ll be right here. If you need anything just holler.” He stood and kissed her forehead before walking to the kitchen. He glanced back toward the couch she now lay on and saw her snuggle into the cushions and close her eyes.

  Cynthia had been out for about half an hour when Matt arrived. Apparently, Layla was giving everyone at the office a hard time and they wanted him to get her trial over with. It was the first time he had been forced to put someone he had a relationship with on trial, and even though Layla had crossed the line, he couldn’t help feeling sorry for her. She would be tried by pack law, and whatever punishment the council decided upon he had to execute it.

  Matt had a grim expression on his face. “I’m sorry, man, but you have to get down there and take care of this. She’s in her cell screaming at the top of her lungs that she’s the rightful Alpha’s mate. And that when she’s bonded to you she’s gonna make sure we all pay for keeping her locked up.”

  Luke ran his hand through his hair. He didn’t want to deal with Layla right now. Hell, after the stunt she pulled, he never wanted to see her again. “I can’t leave Cynthia. I told her the truth and I don’t know how she will react when she wakes up.”

  “The trial shouldn’t take more than an hour. Five of us saw her attacking Cynthia. You had to tackle her off yourself; that’s plenty of proof. The council will issue her punishment. Then you’ll just have to approve it. I’ll stay here with Cynthia until you get back.”

  Luke knew he had to do this, so begrudgingly grabbed his keys and walked toward the door. “You guard her with your life. I’ll be back as soon as this is done with.”

  Chapter 9

  Luke

  The moment Luke stepped onto the second floor of the pack realty offices, he was greeted by an annoyed Margret. “Well, it’s about time! She’s been driving all of us mad all day with her incessant yapping. The council has been waiting, and they’re ready to begin as soon as you manage to get yourself in there.”

  Luke smiled at the woman. “Thank you, Margret.” He continued on to the council chambers where important pack matters were held. It was tradition for packs to have such a room, but it always made him uneasy. Perhaps it was because every time he’d been in it he had been expected to fix or resolve conflicts.

  At the end of the hall he came upon the two heavy wooden doors that stood guard to the entrance of council chambers. Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself to face Layla. He had to keep himself in complete control. If he allowed his wolf to surface in the least bit, he knew there would be no stopping him from claiming the blood he was owed for Layla touching his mate. Once he felt in complete control, he turned the knob and pushed open the heavy doors.

  White, polished marble floors covered the expanse of the octagon-shaped room, making his footsteps echo throughout the room. The walls to the sides adorned golden-framed pictures depicting important pack events throughout the centuries. On the wall opposite the double doors, in chronological order, hung pictures of each Alpha that had come before him. Glass decorated part of the ceiling. It had been added to the design to allow the warm yellow sunlight and the cool white light of the moon filter in—the only window in the entire room. Along the two parallel walls that stood to the left and right of the entrance were rows of mahogany chairs matching the row of council member podiums. The podiums stood tall, flanking both sides of the dais that stood opposite the double doors. In the center of the dais was his seat; a heavy mahogany chair decorated with the pack crest and intricate wolf carvings. In the middle of the room stood the lone mahogany chair where the one standing trial would sit, the chains bolted to the floor on either side hanging ominously off the arm rests.

  The room resembled a fancy courtroom, except in pack trials there were no defense or prosecution lawyers; pack members were tried by the book of shifter law which every pack processed and followed to the T. If there happened to be any witnesses, they would step up to the middle of the room and address both the council and him. As Alpha, he had the last word on any matter; his word was law in the pack. The council, however, served as a way of checks and balances; they would hear all witnesses, gather information and evidence, and then would issue a guilty or innocent verdict according to the law. They would also suggest a just sentence. So far, he had never needed to go against their judgment. He just hoped whatever punishment they recommended for Layla was severe enough to make it clear to the whole pack that transgressions of such magnitude would not be tolerated.

  Taking his seat, he called for the guards to bring Layla in. Silence filled the room as everyone waited for the guards to return with the accused.

  He wasn’t surprised to see the rows of chairs filled with pack members. There hadn’t been a trial in almost half a century. Not since he had been forced to exile Dylan Lacroix. The wolf hadn’t issued an official challenge for the Alpha position and had attacked Luke in the middle of town. The council had deemed the young wolf a rogue, too impulsive and headstrong to submit to Alpha authority and function within a pack. Because of the council’s findings, Luke had exiled the man and forbidden him from ever setting foot in pack territory again.

  All Luke could remember of that man now was that his entire family had come to Luke’s father seeking refuge from a tyrant Alpha. The father had explained their home pack’s Alpha had wanted his young daughter, even though she hadn’t been his true mate or even of mating age. The family had fled in the dead of night looking for a pack that would welcome and care for them. Luke’s father had been outraged at the tyranny of that other Alpha and welcomed them into their fold, providing a home, jobs and protection. The family had only been p
art of the Clear Creek pack for about two years when Luke’s father had been killed and Luke had risen to the Alpha position. Shortly after Luke had begun leading the pack, the altercation with Dylan occurred, and the whole family left with him.

  Layla was escorted into the council chamber and Luke’s inner thoughts abruptly ended as he tried his best to rein in his temper and his wolf. She was dressed in a pair of jeans and a simple fitted t-shirt, her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she wore no make-up. She looked young, but the smirk on her face showed how misleading that look was and how unstable she truly was. His wolf struggled to be let free; he demanded payback from the she-wolf that had dared attack their mate.

  Clearing his throat, Jack Harvey called everyone to attention. His voice boomed throughout the chamber. “We are gathered here today because our laws have been broken. As a pack, we live amongst humans effectively, hiding our true form and thus keeping the pack safe. We coexist with humans peacefully. That peaceful treaty was broken during our lunar pack run. The accused, Layla Hamilton, attacked a human female. Her statement at the time of her apprehension was that, and I quote, “The human was just annoying me and I decided to give her a scare.” There were four pack members and our Alpha present at the time of apprehension. Matthew Bates, James Randolph, Dan Cruise, and Joe Edmonds were the four that accompanied Alpha Luke Andrews as they came upon the scene. All four were witnesses to the incident. In their earlier statements, they all concurred that Layla tackled the human female while in her wolf form, and was perched atop her snapping and snarling at the human. In addition, Dr. Elvin Miller confirmed that the human received injury to her right forearm. All of their statements have been recorded individually and they have all corroborated the event in question happened as stated.” Jack paused and looked straight at Layla before he spoke again. “Layla, have you anything to add before our verdict is spoken?”