by Maggie Bandy
“Would you two please sit down so I can tell you what happened?” I said exasperated. They sat down and I continued. “It was right after you left Cole, when he showed up. I was in the shower when I heard a loud thump in the room. I thought it was you…” I trailed off looking at him. His fists balled up at the mention of someone being in my room while I was showering. “But it was the man from the hospital- he’s also the grey wolf that’s been hunting me,” I said turning to Carter. “That son of bitch! I should have known it was connected!” he hissed.
“He said he wasn’t hunting me anymore and that his alpha wanted me alive… He said I have to meet him tomorrow night-” I said as Cole and Carter both yelled no. “Not a chance, angel,” Cole said. “You aren’t going anywhere near that asshole or his alpha,” Carter growled. I sighed. “He said they would only ask nicely once… that means they will start threatening me or people I care about next if I don’t,” I said defeated.
“The only way you’re going is if we come with you,” Cole interjected. I shook my head. “He said they would kill both of you the moment you stepped on their land,” I said horrified. “I’d like to see them try,” Carter muttered under his breath. Images of the day the grey wolf had Carter by the neck came flooding back. “No, I won’t let you fight him again. He almost killed you last time,” I said reaching to cup his face in my hands. “I will not lose you- either of you,” I said turning to Cole.
“I’m not going anywhere, angel. Don’t worry about that. It would take a lot to catch me off guard,” he smiled back at me. “I have to go- who knows what he will do or who he will go after next if I don’t?” I say defeated. Carter was on his phone talking to someone and before he hung up, I heard Tyler’s voice. “I’ll be right over,” Tyler said serious for once. I shook my head. “Oh no, you are not sending Tyler to babysit me!” I said turning to Carter.
“Someone has to keep you safe while we try to track this guy,” Cole said gently. “I can handle myself! I told you when we first met, I’m not a freaking damsel in distress and I don’t like being told what to do!” I yelled at Cole. He has another thing coming if he thinks I’m going to just sit back and let them push me around. I don’t care if they think they are protecting me.
“Hey beautiful,” a familiar voice said from behind me. I sighed. “Great, my babysitter’s here,” I said annoyed. “Ty, knock it off. You’re here to keep my girl safe not flirt with her,” Carter said annoyed with his brother. Tyler just laughed throwing his arm around me. “Oh, we are going to have fun,” he smirked. I tossed his arm off my shoulder and he laughed. “Little kitten has claws, I like it.”
“Back off, Ty. I’m not in the mood,” I said turning to the guys. “I really don’t need a babysitter. He said he didn’t want to hurt me. And besides, he had plenty of chance to when he had me cornered in my room.” I recalled something he said though and it made me nervous. “Something he said doesn’t sit right with me though…” I paused. All three of the guys come and stand by me waiting for me to tell them. “What is it?” Tyler asks concerned.
I blushed looking down not wanting to tell them this particular moment. “Um… well, when I realized he wasn’t going to hurt me I pushed past him to get dressed-”
Tyler interrupted me before I could finish. “He came in here when you were undressed?!” he said angry. “What the hell?!” I looked over at Cole and Carter who looked angry as well.
“Yeah, I was in the shower when he came in my room- so I was only in a towel. But that’s not what I’m trying to get at… I asked him to turn around so I could dress, and he refused. So, I decided to call his bluff and drop the towel and dress-” this time Carter and Cole interrupted. Can I ever finish a sentence around these guys? “You what?!” they said in unison.
I looked over at them sheepishly. “I knew he would turn away if I called his bluff and he did. But he freaked out saying something about how his alpha was going to kill him for seeing me that way. I asked him why his alpha would care seeing as yesterday he wanted me dead. He just said I would see tomorrow night,” I said confused.
The guys exchanged a look and looked over at me. “Ty, we are going to go find this guy. Stay with her and let me know if anyone comes,” Carter said looking angrier than he did before. Cole pulled me into his chest and kissed the top of my head. “We will find him I promise. We will keep you safe,” he promised before going out the window. Carter was already heading towards the window, leaving without saying good bye.
“Wait-” I said as he was heading out the window. “You’re not going to say good bye?” I said looking down at my hands. Carter wasn’t this cold, uncaring person he puts out to be. At least he wasn’t with me. So, it really shocked me that he would leave without saying anything. He was so angry. He looked at me for a moment, then left out the window without a word.
I sank down on the bed shocked. Tyler came over and pulled me into his chest. As soon as my head hit his chest, the tears started falling. “He’s just upset, it’s not you. He can be a real asshole sometimes. But I’ve never seen him with anyone the way he is with you. Whatever he’s angry about, it has nothing to do with you. He just isn’t good at dealing with his feelings,” Ty said softly.
He let me lay like that while he stroked my hair until I finally fell asleep. He lifted me up and laid me in my bed, laying me across his chest. “Sleep tight, little kitten,” he whispered in my ear. It was the last thing I remembered before being woken up to Carter shouting. “I didn’t tell you to get in bed with her!” he yelled at Ty. “Chill out bro, it wasn’t even like that,” he said still holding me in his arms.
“Like hell it isn’t!” he said shoving Ty away from me. Tyler shoved him back getting up in his face. “Dude chill the fuck out! You’re the one who made her cry because you can’t deal with your own feelings. You’re blaming her for a situation that isn’t even her fault! She didn’t ask for any of this,” he said poking his finger in Carter’s chest. “I laid with her while she slept and watched over her. That’s all. I’m protective over her and I care about her- but I wouldn’t try anything with her. I know how much she means to you,” he said looking over at me. “But if you make her cry again, I’m going to punch you in the fucking balls. She doesn’t deserve that man,” he said shoving him aside and leaving.
He turned to me before heading out the window. “Good night, Soph. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, and then he was gone. Carter seemed to be at a loss for words. I pulled my knees up to my chest resting my arms on my knees waiting for him to say something. When he didn’t, I asked, “Where’s Cole?” He sighed and sat down next to me. “Still out looking,” he said reaching for my hand. “Oh,” I said looking away.
“Look, I’m sorry. I know I’ve been an asshole. I just don’t know how to handle all of this. And when you told me about what he said about his alpha I knew what he meant… I’m not letting anyone take you away from me. I don’t care who this guy thinks he is,” Carter muttered the last part more to himself than out loud. “I’m still getting used to this whole Cole thing and I’m sorry I snapped about Ty. I should have known he was just trying to comfort you. I’m sorry I made you cry…” he trailed off.
“It’s ok,” I said softly. He shook his head. “No, it’s not. You’re my mate, I should never make you feel that way. It’s my job to make sure a tear never escapes those pretty blue eyes. But instead like a jerk, I’m the one that made you cry,” he said pulling me closer to him. I laid my head on his shoulder and snuggled closer. “I just don’t like the way Ty looks at you. It’s the same way Cole looks at you. And when I walked in here and saw you sleeping in his arms- well I lost it. He’s never yelled at me like that over a girl before besides our sister. He is fiercely protective of family- and he’s already accepted you as part of our family it seems,” he said smiling over at me.
“Well, I’m honored. Ty really is a great guy. He’s a pain in my ass, but he’s growing on me,” I say nudging him. “I’m glad you think so because he’s on
guard duty tomorrow night. You’re not meeting with that alpha tomorrow,” he said giving me a don’t argue with me look. I didn’t even argue with him because there was no point. He was going to do what he wanted whether I agreed or not.
“Does that mean you’re on patrol again with Cole tomorrow night?” I asked. He nodded. “Great,” I muttered, and he chuckled. “I’ll get to see you tomorrow. We can spend the day together,” he said. I shook my head. “Aunt Linda wanted to do dinner, I promised I would before I went into the hospital,” I said apologetically. “It’s ok, I need to talk to my dad about everything anyways and fill him in. If another pack is going after you it could mean a war between packs,” he said looking angry again.
“War? Over me? Why would your pack go to war over me?” I said panicked. “Because you’re part of my pack now. No one messes with another wolf’s mate and gets away with it. And I have a feeling he’s trying to steal you away. That is not happening,” he growled.
◆◆◆
After Carter said good night and left, I laid back down. As soon as I was about to fall asleep, Cole slipped in beside me pulling me onto his chest. “Go back to sleep angel,” he says rubbing circles on my back, coaxing me back to sleep. “If my aunt wakes up and finds you here, she’s going to freak,” I say panicked. He laughs. “She won’t wake up till morning, I promise. And when she does, she won’t come in here,” he says assuringly. I sat up straight worried. “What did you do?” I ask. He pulls me back onto his chest. “I just used a little persuasion to make sure your aunt didn’t wake up and kick us out. Why do you think she didn’t wake up earlier when Tyler and Carter were in here yelling?” he asks raising a brow.
“I know you’re trying to help, but please don’t ever mess with my aunt’s head again. I don’t want to wake up to find her brain dead or something,” I shudder. He laughs and I smack him across the chest. “It’s not funny,” I snap. “I’m sorry but I couldn’t help it. Persuasion doesn’t work like that. I would have to really mess with her mind for something like that to happen. Me just making her sleep through the night and make breakfast after isn’t going to hurt her,” he laughs shaking his head at me.
“You asked her to make breakfast?” I ask shocked. “Are you trying to hurt me?” I tease. “You do realize she can’t cook right?” I laugh. He shrugs. “Just because she doesn’t do it doesn’t mean that she can’t cook,” he says. “Now go to sleep,” he says pulling me closer to him and kissing my forehead. And I do. As soon as I close my eyes I’m out.
I wake up to Cole staring down at me. He chuckles. “Good morning, angel,” he says pushing aside a stray hair out of my face. I sat up stretching. “Did you just sit there and stare at me all night?” I tease as he watches me stretch. My night shirt comes up as I do, exposing my mid-drift. Cole’s eyes dart to my stomach as it does. He smiles. “No, but I did listen to you snore the last few hours and mumble in your sleep,” he says teasingly.
He goes serious for a moment though before saying, “And also, you let on about your little plan in your sleep. Don’t even think about it,” he says narrowing his eyes at me in a look that was more fitting on Carter. Cole was the level headed one, Carter was the hot-head. I look up at him innocently. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say dismissively.
Cole gently grabs my chin and turns me to face him. “You can’t lie to me angel. And you know exactly what plan I’m talking about,” he says eyeing me. “You’re not sacrificing yourself to save us. If he wants to come after us to get to you- he has a hell of a lot of people to go through. And you can rest assured, he won’t get past me,” he says kissing my forehead.
I sigh, I should have known Cole would find out about my plan. Well, it’s not going to stop me from trying. I can’t let this guy hurt the people I care about to try to get to me. Plus, I want to know what he wants with me. Not that long ago he wanted me dead. I want to know what’s changed. Must be something drastic if he went from trying to kill me to wanting to talk to me.
Chapter Seven
Ultimatums
The sun-light came streaming in through the window, shining off of Cole’s honey -blonde hair. “Wait, if you’re a vampire then how is it that you’ve been able to go out in the sun-light?” I ask curiously. He holds up his ring finger, pointing to his ring. “A witch friend made this for me after I was turned in exchange for protection,” he said smiling.
It was a beautiful ring with an intricate design of swirls through it. “So, the thing about vampires and sun-light is true then?” I ask trailing my finger across the ring. He nodded his head. “If I wasn’t wearing this ring and I stepped into sun-light, you’d be picking up my ashes for days,” he said placing his hand over mine to still my fingers.
“What if it ever fell off?” I asked curious. He shook his head. “The ring is enchanted. It can only be taken off by the person it was made for. That way no one can just come up and take it off,” he smiled. He took my hand pulling me up out of the bed. “Ok, enough of the morbid talk. Let’s get you down stairs to go eat,” he said pulling me into his arms and kissing the top of my head.
I push him over to the window. “Aunt Linda can’t know you slept in here. You have to come around the front,” I say when he pouts down at me. “Fine,” he concedes going out but not before blowing me a quick kiss. I quickly get dressed and head down stairs. “Something smells good,” I say as the door bell rings. “I’ll get it,” I say opening the door.
“Cole, what a surprise. Do you want to join us for breakfast?” I ask cheerily. He smiles at our charade and says, “I’d love to.” Aunt Linda gives him a sour look but says nothing. She’s still mad about the fight, she’s madder at Carter though. Paul gives her a look and she rolls her eyes and puts on a fake smile. This is where I get my attitude.
The door bell rings again and this time I’m confused. I look to Cole and he shrugs his shoulders. I guess he doesn’t know either. As soon as I open the door I hear, “Hey beautiful.” I quickly close the door in Ty’s face annoyed. He stops the door with his foot. “Now is that any way to treat a guest?” he says smirking. “A guest is invited,” I muttered under my breath.
Aunt Linda chides me for being rude and tells Tyler to come in. He steps past, smirking over at me as he does. I don’t like the look she’s giving him. She may not like the boys but apparently, she likes Ty. She better not get any ideas because I was so not going there. I like Ty but not in that way. He’s a big pain in my ass. More like an annoying brother type.
Cole looks annoyed but doesn’t say anything. He and Carter agreed that Ty was my babysitter for the day while they were out hunting the grey wolf. The only one who didn’t agree was me. But it looks like I don’t get a say. “Come on, let’s eat,” aunt Linda says motioning for us all to sit. An assortment of omelets, bacon, sausage, eggs and pancakes were sprawled across the table. My eyes popped wide open in shock. I didn’t think aunt Linda could cook.
“Are you sure you cooked this, and Paul didn’t cook it?” I teased. She swatted my arm. “No, I know how to cook. I just don’t like to,” she said sticking her tongue out at me childishly. I grinned. We all sat down and ate- even Cole surprisingly. I raised an eye brow at him and he just smiled. I guess vampires can eat if they want to.
“So, what do you kids have planned today?” aunt Linda asks. “Shopping,” I cut in before grinning over Ty smugly. If I have to have him as a babysitter, I’m going to have fun with it. Might as well toy with him right back. Ty looks pained, physically pained at the mention of shopping and groans loudly. “Seriously? Shopping?” he whines. Cole smiles and shakes his head at me laughing. “Yeah, I thought we could bring Crystal and have a girl’s day. Make a day of it,” I continue. “Sounds like a lovely idea,” aunt Linda says.
After we finish breakfast, Crystal is waiting for me outside. She squeals when she sees me come out. “Oh my God! We are going to have so much fun!” she screams, wrapping me up in a hug. Cole whispers in my ear. “You are so mean, angel. I l
ove it.” Carter comes up behind Ty. “Ty, I think you’ve met your match,” he says smirking. “Shut up Carter,” Ty says nudging him. “I’m not complaining. I get to hang out with kitten all day while you go chase some asshole,” he smirks back. Carter rolls his eyes. “You better not even try anything with my girl,” he says growling.
“Come on guys, knock it off,” I say heading towards Cole. I wrap him in a hug and say, “Please be careful, that guy is dangerous. I don’t want either of you getting hurt.” I look between him and Carter. I kiss Cole quickly before wrapping Carter in a hug and kissing him on the forehead.
Carter pulled me in for a hard kiss, slipping his tongue between my lips. He ran his hands through the back of my hair pulling me closer against him. Two people cleared theirs throats loudly behind us. “What? I’m just telling my girl good-bye,” he says letting go of me and prancing away with a shit-eating grin on his face. My cheeks burned at the intimacy of that kiss and the fact that I wanted more. How does he always do that to me? I shake my head.
“Well, we better get going,” Ty says getting in his car motioning me on. I shake my head. “Oh no. We are taking my car and I’m driving,” I said crossing my arms at him. “Bro, you better get your girl,” he says turning to Carter and Cole. Cole sighs and turns to me. “Angel, why don’t you just let Ty drive his car? Think of him as your own personal chauffer,” he says grinning when Ty flips him off.
“Not a chance,” I purr back at him. “If I have to have a babysitter, I’m at least driving my own car.” Crystal smiles and yells, “I call shotgun!” Ty groans and says, “Fine, you can drive your stupid car. But I am not sitting in the back. Chrissy, sorry for your luck sis,” he says already heading for my front seat. “Hey! I already called shotgun! No fair!” she whined. “Yeah, well I got there first, you snooze you lose,” he said shutting the door in her face.
