Chapter Eleven
Lyle slid from tree to tree from his home to the back of the alpha house and his brother’s bedroom. In his hand, he carried a can of gasoline. Not the best item for setting a fire, but it was all he had on short notice. He could wait for another opportunity to plan better, but he didn’t want to. He would go crazy if he had to stew over his brother’s superiority much longer.
Seeing the alpha cabin's back corner, Lyle scoped the area to see if anyone was out on a late walk in human or tiger form. Not catching any movement with his shifter eyes, he quickly approached the exterior logs and doused them with fuel, creating a short trail on the ground with pine needles leading up to the log cabin.
Standing back, Lyle clicked the candle lighter and placed the flame against the soaked needles. The trail lit up like the fuses of fireworks. He watched as the bottom log caught, sending the flames up the side. Content with his work, he headed back to his place to await the action.
Hopefully, his plan would take out both alphas. He had no doubts they were fucking, though the thought made him cringe. Lyle had to be surrounded by beauty for his cat to get into sex. Otherwise, his dick remained an overcooked noodle.
“Hey, Lyle.” Mr. McDaniel called out to him, startling the shit out of him. “Whatcha got there?”
Lyle froze for a second, his mind quickly coming up with a believable reason. “I’m on my home and found this on the ground.” He lifted the canister. “I was thinking about cleaning it up and then taking it to the recycle place in town. What are you doing out at this hour? I’d figure I was the only one who liked the cold.”
“Daisy got out again, and Thelma is frantic the pooch is lost and freezing to death. I’m just following her trail. Again.”
Lyle laughed, not a real laugh, but one convincing enough. “Good luck. Have a great Christmas.”
“Thank you, Lyle. Same to you.” Lyle continued on his path, hoping to get away from the old cat before they smelled...
“Fire?” McDaniel raised his nose into the air. “You smell that, Lyle?”
Lyle imitated the man’s actions. “Probably from someone’s chimney. There are several lit tonight. I’m sure it’s nothing. Goodnight.”
McDaniel didn’t move. “Naw,” the older man said. “It’s too strong to be from a chimney.” He started toward the alpha home, and Lyle ranted and raved in his head. Why couldn’t anything go his way?
Coming to the edge of the tree line, both saw the corner of the house fully engulfed. “Shit.” McDaniel took off toward the front of the home. “We got to warn them. Get everyone out of the cabin.”
Lyle had no choice but to follow. If he didn’t help, it would look bad on his part. Dammit, now he had to be part of the rescue party he didn’t want to attend. He dropped the gas can and removed his gloves. McDaniel had his phone up to his ear. The man had dialed 911. Too soon, Lyle growled to himself.
He pounded on the opening at the front door and jammed his finger on and off the doorbell buzzer. He was content to keep what he was doing, but old McDaniel stepped behind him a few steps. “Get out of the way, cub. I’m going to break that door down.”
Lyle threw his arms out. “No, don’t try. It’s a metal door that’s mostly shifter proof. Security for the alpha and all.”
McDaniel halted his movement. “That would make sense.”
At that second, the door flew open. Lake stood there like he had just awakened from a deep sleep. He lifted his nose and sniffed.
“Alpha,” the man hollered, “the back of your house is on fire.”
Fear from the alpha blasted them. Lyle wondered if that meant his brother’s mate was sleeping in the back bedroom. Apparently, Lake wasn’t. Fuck. His brother disappeared into the home.
“He seems to have it under control,” Lyle said, “I’ll go out and wait for the fire trucks and send them this way.” Of course, he had no intention of doing that. Going home sounded much better. And disposing of the damn gas container.
Walking down the drive to the sidewalk, Lyle noted a little ball of fur trotting toward him. His cat gave him a sudden urge to boot the pup across the street. He was preparing to when a voice yelled.
“Daisy, get your furry ass here right this second.” The dog yipped and ran across the lawn to its owner. If the snow had been any higher, the damn mutt would’ve been buried.
What kind of cat had a dog as a pet? Damn, everyone was screwed up more than he imagined.
Chapter Twelve
Priscilla woke, coughing hard. The room was pitch black, but she instinctively knew she was in danger. She inhaled again and immediately coughed. Something in the room was on fire, or it was the room itself. She slid out of bed, snagging a piece of clothing to cover her mouth and nose, then started to crawl. Then she realized she had no idea which direction to go.
When she and Lake entered, she wasn’t watching her surroundings. Her focus was definitely elsewhere than on where the door was in relation to the bed. At the end of the far wall, a little light was starting to come through, but it wasn’t moonlight. More like the blazing brilliance of flames eating their way through the log wall. Shit! That direction was ruled out quickly.
On her hands and knees, she circled the bed to the side away from the fire. She slid her fingers along the wall, knowing it had to lead to the door eventually. Unfortunately, she hit every piece of furniture and floor decoration along the way.
Her throat burned from the ash hovering in the air. Her heart pulsed so fast, she was afraid it would give out any second. Where was Lake? Had he left the room? He wasn’t on the bed with her.
She heard what sounded like the door slamming against the wall and then the sweet tenor of the man she needed. He hollered her name as he walked in, coughing. She heard the footfalls going away from her.
“Lake, I’m over here.” In a blink, he lifted her and carried her into the hallway. In the main room of the home, Lake set her on a chair, took the blanket from the sofa, and wrapped her in it. He then carried her outside and put her in the back seat of his car. He started it and turned on the seat warmers.
Then he got into the back and held her close to him. He rocked with her in his arms, kissing her hair and murmuring she was safe now. His body shook. She wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or the fear of almost losing her.
Outside the car, people had started to gather. Soon enough, sirens blared nearby and flashing red and blue lights illuminated the area. A policeman knocked on the window and asked to speak with Lake.
The other passenger side doors opened, and a few ladies crowded in.
“Don’t worry, Alpha, we’ll take care of your mate. You go do what you need to.” Priscilla nodded for him to go, and he did, but reluctantly. The door didn’t even close before a couple other ladies crawled in beside her. They were all talking at once: some asking questions, some cooing to calm her, and others just staring.
The doors opened again, and the ladies tightened around her. A mug of hot chocolate was put in her hands. She sipped. It felt so good going down. The front driver’s door opened, and yet another woman crawled inside. How many was that? Ten?
“Here, alpha mate,” the new woman said, handing clothes over the seat. What did alpha mate mean? “I brought you clothes because we figured you and the alpha were naked, doing the nasty.”
Priscilla thought she was over her embarrassment. She was wrong. Had she just poured the hot chocolate on her face, or was that her mortification showing?
“Oh, don’t worry, alpha mate,” the same woman said. “All of us were hoping that’s what y’all were doing.”
And she just thought she was mortified. Nope. It was worse.
“I mean...”
“Janice, shut your trap before you embarrass the hell out of her.”
Too late.
The car had warmed quickly, now feeling a bit too hot. With the hot chocolate in her, sweat beaded on her forehead.
In their own way, each introduced themselves and welcomed her to
the pride. Then about five conversations broke out at once, each wanting her attention. One thing was certain, she felt wanted and no longer lonely. It would take some time to get used to so many people always being around, but that was how family worked. They were one big family of cats—deadly tigers who could pry out her insides in two swipes.
There was a tap on the window, and the driver’s side back seat window rolled down.
“Is my mate still in there?” She smiled, hearing the voice she loved. They all answered him but her. She couldn’t even see him. There were too many bodies between her and the window.
“Well,” Lake said with a smile in his tone, “let her know that the fire is out, and we can stay the night here in the front rooms, or we can go to her home.”
Before anyone could answer, she hollered out, “Her home is perfect.”
The ladies laughed and made their way out of the car. The warmth and love going with them. Lake’s people had welcomed her with open arms and no judgment on anything. They accepted her as she was. No questions asked. Well, not too many, anyway.
Now alone with him, she let out a sigh and set her empty mug on the floor. He pulled her into his lap and snuggled her to him. She liked this position, along with some others he’d shown her earlier. Oh god, her face was getting hot again.
Lake chuckled. “I like whatever you are thinking, mate.” He kissed her forehead. “But any of that will have to wait until we are at your place.”
“What did the firemen tell you?”
He stiffened. “They already know the fire was set on purpose. They smelled gas at the back corner of the house. The question is who.”
Shock shook her. Someone tried to kill them? Or was it some prank gone horribly wrong? Maybe she wasn’t as welcomed as she thought.
“Was it because of me?” she asked.
Lake pushed her back to gaze directly into her eyes. “No, it wasn’t because of you. Some strange things have been happening lately, which have nothing to do with you. You are safe and staying with me. Don’t even think I am letting you get away.”
She grinned and cuddled back into his warmth.
“What now?” she asked.
“Some of the men are tying tarps over the damage. We will look at it in the daylight to see how bad it really is.”
“Will you rebuild, you think?”
“Of course. Well, if you don’t like the house, then we can move somewhere else. Lyle would probably move in if he wanted.”
“No,” she spat out, “I love the house. It’s beautiful.”
“I was hoping you would say that. Moving everything that has accumulated over the years would be a real pain in the ass.”
“Let’s get to my place. We’ve got a busy day, now, with Gerri’s party tomorrow night.”
Lake moved to the front while Priscilla slipped on the clothes from Janice, then slid between the seats to the front. She was confident everything would work out. They just had to get over the awkward beginnings of a relationship, and then all would settle down.
She just hoped they both stayed alive to get that far.
* * *
Lyle stood on the sidewalk and watched as his brother and his mate drove away. Fuck, he was screwed over again by fate. Anger raced through him. The gloves were coming off now. No more Mr. Nice Guy.
He was playing for keeps now. And he knew exactly how he would pull it off. Just a couple texts to certain teens should start the rumors perfectly. Then he’d make sure everything fell into place.
Everything would finally be his.
Chapter Thirteen
Once they had both showered and gotten into clothes that didn’t reek of smoke, they settled down at the kitchen island.
“Would you like for me to make us some breakfast?” Priscilla asked. She was nervous about having Lake there under those circumstances. While she wanted to know what started the fire, she knew it had taken a toll on Lake, and he didn’t need to be reminded of that now.
“What do you think of getting out of here for the day? You have your dress for Gerri’s party, right? My suit will be ready to pick up tomorrow. We could actually make this into a pleasant day if you wish.” Hopefulness laced his every word. Pris knew he was trying to comfort her after such a scary experience, but she was fine. She wanted a day with Lake which was not marred by what could have happened.
“I think that’s a great idea. What are you thinking?”
Pulling her to his side, he wrapped one strong arm around her back. “You asked about my traditions for Christmas. I would like to show you one if you’re interested.”
“I’d love that. Give me a few minutes to get ready.” She kissed him and headed off to the bedroom to change.
* * *
“Not much farther,” he told her as his thumb caressed her knuckles.
“It’s so beautiful here. Where are we?”
“My parents used to take us to Bonnersville every year. There is this drive-in movie theatre that an older couple ran. Since their death, their kids and grandchildren have kept up the tradition. It is a two-screen drive-in, so during the day, one lot is full of carnival rides and booths with people selling their homemade items and later tonight, the other lot will be set up with fire pits for s’mores, jugs of hot chocolate, and they play classic Christmas movies all night.”
“Oh my god! This sounds like so much fun. Wonder why I haven’t heard about this before? I would have made it one of my traditions as well.” Pris was literally bouncing in her seat with excitement.
He kissed her hand, squeezed it, and a smile lit his face. “Well, it can be our tradition from now on if you like.”
Before she could answer, she saw the entrance to the craft lot. Lights and holly were draped over the arch above the drive. People dressed in the costumes of reindeer, snowmen, and Santa’s elves danced to jolly Christmas music being played through the speakers.
After paying the fee, he took his parking permit and drove to the lot where the movies would be shown. He found their number, backing the car into the spot. She raised her brows at him.
He chuckled and shook his head. “Trust me on this one. We can walk over to the next lot, and when the movies start, the trunk is more comfortable to lay on than that hood. I have blankets and pillows in the back for us.”
She grinned at him. “You do think of everything, don’t you?”
* * *
Three hours later, Lake and Priscilla both had armfuls of sacks holding Christmas trinkets and gifts they’d purchased.
“I hope Gerri likes the glass snowflake ornament we got her. I know it seems strange, but what do you get as a thank you for the woman who has everything?” She wanted to thank Gerri for everything and hoped she’d like the small gift.
“She’s going to love it, just like we’re going to love these funnel cakes. Let’s get this stuff in the back of the car and set up the trunk for our movie night.” Lake kissed the tip of her nose and opened the car door. He was such a romantic. How had she ever doubted he was the right man for her? Everything he did was with her happiness and comfort in mind. He was as near to perfect as you could get.
After he put all of the packages in and shut the door, he popped the trunk’s lid and drew out multiple blankets and one long body pillow. He reached into his back pocket, grabbed his wallet and offered it to her, motioning to the concession stand.
“Why don’t you go over there and load us up with goodies and hot chocolate. I have the stuff for s’mores right here, and we can use the fire pit later. Get what you want, and make sure you get a couple of insulated jugs of hot chocolate.”
She laughed and shoved his wallet in his back pocket. “I will definitely go do that, but these goodies are on me.” She winked at him. “Let me spoil you a little.”
He barked a laugh and nodded. “I want to disagree with you. I should be the one doing the spoiling, but the way you’re looking at me makes it impossible.”
“Good,” she said and blew him a kiss. “Don’t
argue and tell me if there’s anything in particular you want?”
“Just you, under these blankets, in my arms, cozy and content.” He gave her a look so scorching it sent desire flowing through her veins.
When she returned, all of the blankets were in place. She came back with two jugs of hot chocolate, and a tray loaded with candy, cupcakes, and, of course, Christmas cookies.
“They were so nice. They kept showing me the candy they had and the cookies. I’m afraid I overdid it. I’m sorry, but it all looked so yummy.” She apologized as she handed him the tray of goodies.
“There’s no such thing as too many holiday goodies.” Lifting the blanket, he motioned for her to join him. “While we wait for the first movie to start, tell me something about yourself.”
After pouring the chocolate into two hot cups, she handed one to him. “Well, let’s see, in my spare time I like to watch the History channel. I tried painting once but was asked to find a new hobby after a few weeks.”
The surprise on his face made her break into giggles. He joined her laughter soon after.
“Are you serious? The instructor asked you to quit the class?”
“In a kind way. She could see the talent wasn’t there, and my stress level at continuing to try was painful to everyone watching. Let’s just say it was a tough-love moment, and I was happy to move on.”
“So what did you replace it with?”
She watched him take a sip of his drink, his body leaning toward her. It was a small move, but it made her feel so cared for. He was truly listening and interested in their conversation.
“I started writing short stories. I haven’t published them or shown anyone, but they fill my need for creativity.” She glanced down at her hands as she waited to see if he would make fun of her.
Scrooged Over: Paranormal Dating Agency Page 6
