Anew: Kindred Series

by DJ Phoenix

  Cynthia looked at him, eyes wide as she processed what he had just pointed out. Despite her feelings at the moment, she loved her father, and what Luke had just concluded made sense. Her father’s death had been sudden, and it had been strange. That didn’t sit well with her, and she had to fight the urge to get on her laptop and contact the hospital to request a copy of the autopsy report. Instead, she decided that as soon as she had a chance she would request the autopsy report, and possibly go interview the staff that had been on shift when her father had been brought into Long Beach Memorial.

  “Do you think someone deliberately hurt my dad? I mean, I hadn’t been around for a couple of years when it happened, but as far as I know Dad didn’t have any enemies. He was a peaceful man. He worked hard, he was always fair in his business transactions, and he was very smart in knowing how and when to invest and whatnot. That’s how he managed to leave us a small fortune.”

  “I will help you figure it all out. I promise that if there was some sort of foul play, we will find it and we will deal with it. Joe is looking into your father’s family. He will have information for us soon and, when he does, we will decide what course to take from there. Right now, we have to help you understand all the changes you will go through until your wolf fully manifests. You also need to know all that being mated to a shifter, especially to an Alpha, entails.”

  He looked into her eyes and his deep silver pools were smoldering; love and devotion evident in their debts. “Cynthia, in just a week you have become my world.” He brushed a damp curl from her eyes. “Ever since I saw you that first day at the grocery store, you have occupied most of my waking thoughts and all of my dreams. I can’t wait to share what it’s like to shift with you, to be there when you experience your first shift. I’ll be by your side when your wolf first sniffs the cold mountain air and feels the damp earth beneath her paws. We’ll run the mountain together, and I’ll be by your side for as long as there’s a breath in me. One day, when we’re both ready, I want to feel our pup kick inside your belly, and when its time, I’ll be right there to cut the umbilical cord and lay our baby into your awaiting arms. We’ll see our children grow and, in time, find their true mates, too. We’ll lead this pack together. I know you will be an amazing Alpha female.”

  Cynthia knew deep in her soul he meant every word. She was overwhelmed with love for this man. How could a love like this exist and flourish in such a short time? Tears stung her eyes, and she couldn’t hold them back as they once again spilled; but unlike the tears before, these were tears of joy. She threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her tiny waist pulling her onto his lap.

  “I don’t understand how this could happen in such a short time. I don’t understand how I can feel so much for you when I barely know you. But I do and it scares me, and at the same time fills my heart with so much love. It all seems so unreal, that all this can exist. It scares me shitless to think about turning all fury, but I know you will teach me all I need to know. I trust you.” Smiling through her tears, she added a little bit of playfulness to her words. “Now, can we go to dinner? I’m starved and, even though I’m sure there’s much for me to learn, I’m done with the heavy for tonight.”

  He smiled his sexy smile and she felt her heart skip a beat. “You surprise me. You’re taking this way better than I thought. I was ready to chase you down when you ran. I truly had no idea how to tell you what I was, what you were, without scaring you off.”

  She ran her fingers through his drying hair. “If I hadn’t felt my own canines lengthen, and if I hadn’t been the one to bite you first, I would’ve definitely thought you were crazy. I probably would’ve reached California by now.”

  They both laughed, and he held her against his chest for one long minute before he released her and stood up letting her feet touch the ground. “After our blood bond, you’ve healed, so I’m guessing you don’t need my help with your hair?” His voice was hopeful.

  She stepped away a devilish smile appearing on her lips. “I can think of many things I will need your assistance with, but my hair is not one of them. I’ll just be a few minutes.” She gave him a quick kiss and walked to the bathroom.

  Chapter 16

  Cynthia

  Twenty minutes later they drove into a gated community made of huge cabins in large lots that had at least a quarter acre of land between each neighbor. Luke drove his truck into a pine-lined driveway that ended in a circular shape in front of a stoned-wall, two-story cabin. In the middle of the circular part of the driveway was a wooden bench swing, a large heavy frame made out of thick tree branches that held it up. It was truly beautiful and gave the cabin a rustic but homey look.

  The door opened before they reached the threshold, and a very excited Kristy stepped out to greet them. “Cynthia! I’m so glad you’re here! How’s your arm? Are you feeling better?” Her steady stream of questions took a sudden halt as she sniffed the air in Cynthia’s direction. Her eyes widened and she flung her arms around Cynthia, hugging her tightly. “Oh my god! Oh my god!”

  Cynthia couldn’t help but laugh at the girl’s silly antics and her enthusiasm.

  She was jumping up and down, clear delight in her eyes.

  Luke laughed at the sight and had to quickly wrap his arms around the girl as she threw herself at him, too. “I’m so happy for you! She’s perfect, Alpha.”

  She called him Alpha! Cynthia caught that last word and looked to Luke for an answer to her unasked question. Kristy was stepping away from Luke, allowing him to catch Cynthia’s questioning look. He nodded, confirming that Kristy and her family were shifters, too.

  “What is all the commotion out here?” Jack stood at the door.

  “Pop! Luke and Cynthia are bonded!” The smile on Kristy’s face was contagious, and Cynthia couldn’t help but smile.

  Jack smiled warmly, ushering them in. “Come inside, we have lots to celebrate. Lucy’s getting dinner on the table. Kristy, go help Nana.”

  “Yes, Pop.” Kristy gave Cynthia one last quick hug and walked away, in the direction of the kitchen, Cynthia assumed.

  They followed Jack into a living room where a fire burned in an antique fireplace; its glow illuminated the dimly lit space making it very warm and inviting. “Please, have a seat. A toast is in order to celebrate.” Taking a seat on the chocolate brown leather loveseat, Cynthia felt her body relax next to Luke.

  “What are we celebrating?” Mindy’s voice made them all turn to face her as she entered the room. Before either of them could utter the words, a smile appeared on her lips, reaching her clear blue eyes, as she clapped her hands together in clear excitement. “You bonded! Oh my god! Cynthia, I’m so happy for you.” She walked up to where Cynthia sat and pulled her up for a tight hug. Releasing her she looked at Luke and added, “For both of you.” She laughed and added, “And let me tell you, I know of a few girls who will be heartbroken when the news spreads.”

  Luke cleared his throat and wrapped his arm around Cynthia’s shoulder, pulling her in close to his side playfully. “I’m sure you’re exaggerating, Mindy.” He gave a hearty laugh. “Now don’t go giving Cynthia any reason to doubt me.” His happiness was palpable as he joked, and Cynthia couldn’t help feeling immeasurable joy knowing she brought that happiness to him.

  “What’s all the commotion in here? Kristy’s going on and on about our Alpha being bonded?” She looked Luke square in the eye as a smile spread on her leathered face. “Well, it’s about time you found her.” Walking over to Cynthia she pulled her up. “Let me look at you. You are truly a sight to behold; so lovely.” Tears burst through her clear-blue, knowledge-filled eyes and she wiped at them with the back of her apron. “Please, don’t mind my old woman antics. It’s just that Luke is like a son to us, and he has been alone for so long. I was afraid he would never find you.” She wrapped Cynthia in another tight motherly hug, and Cynthia felt her eyes sting with tears as the memory of her own mother holding her tight came t
o the forefront. Before she could stop them and control her emotions, the tears rolled down her cheeks, and immediately concern filled Lucy’s eyes. “Oh dear, I didn’t mean to make you cry, too. I am so sorry.”

  Not wanting Lucy to feel responsible for making her cry, she shook her head. “No, Lucy, it’s not you. I just … I went back to the last moments before mom passed away.”

  Lucy brushed a curl that had escaped her ponytail from her eyes. “Oh honey, I am so sorry for your loss. That is never easy to overcome. We would never intend to take your mother’s place, but you are part of our family now, and I really hope you will find it in your heart to accept us as family.”

  Cynthia was the one doing the hugging now. “Thank you. You don’t know how much having you welcome me like this means to me. This is so new. I never in my wildest dreams thought this world existed, much less that I was even a part of it.”

  Lucy looked quizzically at Luke. “She didn’t know anything?”

  Luke shook his head, and stood pulling Cynthia to him wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “She had no idea. Her parents never told her. We’ll have to wait on Joe’s investigation to learn how far back the shifter bloodline goes. In the meantime, I will appreciate any help in sharing our shifter history and pack life.”

  Lucy’s eyes lit up as she took Cynthia’s hand in both of hers. “Fear not, dear. We will help in any way we can. Now, let’s go eat before our supper gets cold.”

  By the time they’d gathered around the burning fire in the living room, Cynthia was feeling more at ease with all that had transpired in the last twenty-four hours. She felt welcome and, even though there was a lot she still needed to learn about whom she really was, there was a sense of peace in her. That voice in her head had whispered approval at the reception Jack and his family had shown her. It told her this was where she belonged, and Cynthia knew it was true.

  Luke’s deep voice pulled her from her thoughts. “Jack, would you share some of our history with us?”

  “Sure, let me tell you about how we came to be here.” Taking a seat across from them, Jack settled into an armchair, and Cynthia watched as his eyes took a faraway look; his voice was deep and hypnotic as he spoke. “The human realm is not the only one that exists; there are many others a lot older than earth. For a time, there were portals used to travel to and from the different realms, allowing the different supernatural races to share their worlds with each other harmoniously. Until, many years ago, before this realm’s first created humans fell from their creator’s grace. It so happened that their god found himself in the midst of a coup, one of his greatest creations, the angel Lucifer, rose in an attempt to overthrow him and take his place as god. The created could not surpass the power of the creator, and Lucifer was cast out of the creator’s kingdom along with his followers. They were cast out to roam the earth, and it was then the rest of the realms found themselves in danger.

  “War raged between the human god’s fallen angels and the other realms. While the first humans stayed tucked away in their creator’s garden, the fallen angels searched for a place that suited them better, a place they could take control over. Up until then, beings from different realms traveled realm to realm like we now drive to the next town over. Earth was new, so many came to explore and enjoy its beauty, but when the darkness and rebellion that filled the fallen angels began to infiltrate their realms, they all came together, determined to contain the fallen to earth.

  “After an extensive war, the leaders and councils that govern each realm were able to form a spell that effectively locked their portals from earth. However, while they worked on developing this spell, they each had to send warriors to defend their portals here on earth. These warriors fought the fallen day and night, never faltering or letting any of the fallen pass through their portals. When the various councils finally perfected the spell, on the day the portals began to close the warriors were ordered to cross to their realms. Unfortunately, the fallen were relentless, and not all the warriors made it back to their realms before the portals were sealed. When the portals closed, there were warriors from each realm still on earth. Amongst those was a group of shifter warriors.

  “Knowing there was no way to get back to their homes, the different beings settled in the areas of Earth that best suited their needs. All aware that they would be sharing this realm with each other and its creation—the fallen, and the humans that in the midst of the war had been exiled from their garden. Life took its course, and, as humans began to inhabit the earth, so did the various beings.”

  Jack’s eyes focused once more and he looked at Cynthia before he continued. “As time passed, the leaders from each supernatural race saw fit to form a supernatural government. Each race has a representative on the governing board. The governing board keeps all races in check so that we don’t tip the balance between our races and humanity. It also keeps those that have allowed the fallen’s darkness to infiltrate them in line.

  “Our kind has always followed the traditions and ways of our realm; I think for the most part, all the supernatural races have. Shifters live in packs, and each pack has an Alpha and a group of elders that serves as the Alpha’s council. The Alpha is the strongest and most dominant in the pack, followed by his beta and his second, third, and fourth. Our mates and pups are very important and they are valued and cherished deeply. We can, of course, choose to mingle with humans, but we can only truly find a mate in a shifter or, in rare occasions, someone from another supernatural race. We still perform our bonding ceremonies and the gods of our ancestors still look after us even though we are no longer in our own realm.”

  At that very moment, Mindy walked in carrying a tray with steaming cups of coffee and set it on the coffee table. She smiled sweetly as she straightened. “I’ll be back with dessert. Nana made her famous apple crumb pie.” Cynthia stared at the girl’s retreating form and smiled to herself, happy that she had found such good people and that they had welcomed her into their home with so much warmth.

  Coffee and pie had been delicious, and as Cynthia sat next to Luke on the loveseat, feeling full and relaxed, she couldn’t help the yawn that escaped her lips. She quickly covered it with her hand and blinked rapidly to keep her eyes from watering. “Excuse me.”

  Luke tightened his arm around her then stood, pulling her up with him. “Jack, Lucy, thank you for dinner, and thank you for sharing a bit of our history with us. We are going to call it a night.” He looked down at her tenderly, then turned to address Jack and Lucy again. “My mate’s had a long day … it’s best if I get her home to rest.”

  Lucy smiled sweetly. “Of course, you take good care of your mate now. Or Alpha or not, I’ll be teaching you a lesson.” Jack nodded his agreement then hugged Cynthia and turned to shake Luke’s hand. Lucy followed suit, and then Kristy hugged them both.

  Mindy was nowhere to be seen until they were walking out the front door. She had excused herself after bringing dessert. Now she walked down the stairs, sporting a pair of jean leggings, cowboy boots, and a fitted red flannel with the top three buttons undone showing her cleavage. She looked beautiful, and it made Cynthia wonder why the woman didn’t have a boyfriend. They said their goodbyes outside before they climbed into Luke’s truck, and Mindy climbed into hers.

  Luke took hold of Cynthia’s hand as he drove down the winding path. He brought it to his lips and lightly brushed kisses over her knuckles. A glint of possessiveness shone in his eyes and she shivered. His deep tenor filled the silence. “Do you want us to go home, or do you prefer I head to the cabin?”

  Cynthia was stunned. She hadn’t considered they’d be moving in together. But then again, he had told her they were bonded and that it was permanent. That pretty much sounded like marriage, and she really hadn’t considered marrying again. Was she ready to move in with him? She knew for sure she didn’t want to be away from him.

  Her inner dialogue took a little too long and he broke the silence again. “Cynthia? Are you alright? I need to know
where you want us to stay tonight.” He kissed her knuckles again. “Cynthia … you are my mate. I will not be sleeping anywhere away from you. Ever. Are you with me on this? Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be.”

  Cynthia felt her heartbeat quicken as she took his words in. She didn’t ever have to be alone. He was hers and she was his; that’s what he said their bonding meant. So, she took in a deep breath and released it slowly as she spoke her next words. “I want us to go home. I just need to get some clothes and toiletries.”

  His lips quirked up at the corners and he nodded once. “As you wish, mate, I’ll stop by the cabin so you can gather what you need and then we will go home.”

  Chapter 17

  Cynthia

  She couldn’t help the giddiness that threatened to overtake her as Luke drove to his home. She wasn’t sure what she expected his place to look like, but it wasn’t what they came to a stop in front of. He drove up the same road they had taken to Jack and Lucy’s house, except he took a left onto a road barely visible that headed into the mountain. After ten minutes, he took a right into a long, winding driveway. A minute later Luke circled around a tall pine tree, coming to a stop in front of a large, two-story cabin surrounded by forest.

  Her breath caught as she took in the beauty of the picturesque scene in front of her. Night had fallen hours ago, but the light of the barely-there moon shone somewhat ethereally over the property. The front porch light provided just enough light to make out a beautiful wooden deck and French windows.

  “This is your home?”

  He turned off the ignition and looked at her. “Well, I own it. I stay here sometimes, but I mostly stay in a cabin just a few miles from yours.”

  “I don’t understand. I thought we were going to your home. Why are we here?”

  “I grew up here with my parents, but when they died it became just an empty house. I couldn’t live here, so I moved into one of my rental cabins.” He took her hand in both of his. “When you agreed to come home with me I realized this place has always felt empty because I’ve been missing something. I’ve been alive for a long time, but I’ve never been whole. All this time I’ve been missing half of my soul … I’ve been missing you.” His warm hands cupped her face, his thumbs running back and forth over her cheek bones. “Are you ready to see our home?”