by Niki Trento
CHAPTER TWELVE
Celeste
My parents are the alpha pair of the pack they inherited from my grandfather. Being an only child I was conditioned to take over the pack someday. A little spoiled, but taught to work for everything, including my place in the pack. My mother and I are close, but my father and I share a much stronger bond.
The phone rings twice before my father answers. “Hello?”
“Daddy, it's me.”
“Cece! Baby! Are you ok? Where are you?” He has been worried. I'm a horrible child for not calling sooner and I tell him as much. Filling him in on what has been happening since I last spoke to him, what was that, two weeks ago?
“I am fine now, but I have had a run of bad luck. It seems to have gone from bad to worse to bearable. It started in Europe. Should have called you sooner when it first happened. I had found a small pack that was happy to let me stay on their territory while I took in the sites and worked on my portfolio. It was great at first, I was getting amazing shots and learning a lot. The alpha, though, he wanted me to stay in his pack permanently. When I refused him, he used his alpha power on me to force me to stay.” I stopped there because I can hear my father growling with anger.
“Who?” he grinds out.
“Daddy. Let me finish. Calm down, I'm ok now.”
“Celeste, you WILL tell me.”
“I want to finish my story...please?”
“When you are done, you will tell me his name.” My father would go to war against the world for me. Luckily, his temper dies as quickly as it blossoms. His breathing back to normal and the growling subsided, I continue with my tale.
“He wanted a mate, his pack had no women. I argued with the alpha about not being his mate, that I had a family to get back to. He was enraged and destroyed everything I had with me, except for the memory cards from my camera and a few things I had in my pocket.
“His beta, however, didn't approve of his alpha or his methods. He and I had become fast friends from the moment I got there. He had shown me around and taught me some things about photography and the history I was photographing. Well, when the alpha destroyed my things, it was the last straw for the beta. He couldn't save my stuff, but he saved me. He challenged and killed his alpha.”
“You couldn't tell me that he was already dead? What about the new Alpha? What's his name?”
“Sorry, Daddy. The new Alpha is Pierre. He got me on a plane back to the states but somehow I lost my ticket for the second leg of the trip during my layover. I had no money, no phone, and I didn't want to worry you. Deciding to hike back home figuring it would give me time to get my nerves under control. About a week ago I got lost and ended up in another pack’s territory.” I tell him everything that happened with the cave and meeting Barin and his pack. How different he is from any alpha I have ever met. I even told him about the possibility that Barin is my mate.
“That is quite the experience you've been having. I will send my gratitude to Pierre and his pack for taking care of you. As for Barin, he sounds like a good alpha, a little unorthodox, but fair judging by what you've told me.”
“I think so, too.” I feel my cheeks warm, glad I am alone. “The only thing we can't figure out is that crap with the cave. Have you ever heard of anything like that before?”
After a brief silence, he answers, “No. I don't think so. What about Barin’s family? Do they have any insight?”
“I don't know yet, he is calling them now. I should go see if he found anything out. If you think of something, you can reach me at this number. I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you, too, Cece.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Barin
While Celeste calls her father, I call mine.
His gruff voice comes through the speaker. “Barin! How are you, boy?” A smile breaks out on my face. No matter how old I am or how many years I’ve been an alpha of my own pack, I will always be “boy” to my old man.
“Been better, old man. How are things back home?”
“Good. Good. What's going on there?” I spend the next hour filling him in on everything from Kane to Celeste, answering his questions as I go.
When I finish, there’s a long pause before he says anything else. “I'll bring copies of the two record books tomorrow, I love you, boy.” Before I can respond, he hangs up.
I look at the receiver in confusion and hang it up. He seems rushed, he’s never hung up on me like that. Shaking my head, I open my office door and hear the chatter from the kitchen getting louder the closer I get.
Kathleen has her journal and a pile of other books spread out on the kitchen table.
Celeste scans through one of them while Pandora and Rock discuss yet another book from Kathleen's pile.
Spencer is taking notes on his laptop and Nicolette bakes cookies.
I can't take my eyes off Celeste. The tip of her perfectly pink tongue poking out between her full lips.
Her determination is evident as her eyes dart over the pages. When she notices me staring, she smiles and her cheeks color.
“Hi, Barin. Any news?”
I love hearing my name pass her lips.
“Kind of. My father is bringing the missing tomes tomorrow.”
“That's great, quicker than the mail. Did he have anything to help lead us in the right direction?” Kathleen asks, thrilled to have new books to go through. I can tell by the twinkle in her eyes.
“No, he just listened, asked a few questions then said he was bringing the books tomorrow. He hung up before I had the chance to say anything.”
“I’m sure he is just worried about you, Barin.” Celeste's warm eyes hold volumes of compassion.
I nod.
“What about your dad, did you get in touch with him?”
“I did, thank you. He didn't have any ideas either but said he'd call if he found anything. He told me to thank you for your hospitality.” She reaches over the table to hand me my phone. Our fingers brush briefly, igniting a flame of desire and making my wolf antsy. He wants out.
“Ok, as long as he knows you are as safe as I can keep you and how to contact you. Anyone else?” My question is greeted with negative grunts and head shakes.
“Doesn't solve the bigger problems, but the cookies are done. My gran always said, “A cookie will ease your mind”.” Nicolette carries a plate stacked high with chocolate chip cookies and sets them on the table. “Mind your fingers...don't want chocolate on everything.” She wipes her hands on her apron with an affectionate smile on her face. She loves these shifters; her maternal instincts to protect them and care for them shining through everything she does. I couldn't have asked for a better mate for Spencer.
“Delicious as always, Nicolette! Thanks for the sugar rush.” Kathleen wipes her hands and gets right back to work.
“Pandora, have you seen Kane around lately?”
She is giggling over cookies with Celeste when I realize I haven't seen him around. Hopefully he just left but I doubt he'd go away that easily.
“Actually, I haven't. I'm glad about that, but I think I should be worried. He was pretty pissed when you told him to stay away.” A worried crease forming between her eyebrows.
“Rock, get Axel. I want the two of you to find him. If he is on the territory I want to know where, and if you can find out what he's up to, that would be a bonus.” I don't see him with my mindsight, but if Axel gets close enough, he can find out what's going on in his head. I need to know if I have to turn my focus to him or not.
Pandora and I had a chat about Kane and all his nonsense. She confirmed everything Celeste had already told me. I didn’t tell her that, though.
“Absolutely.” Rock bows her head to me and leaves, grabbing a few cookies on her way.
“Don't worry, Pandora. Kane will be dealt with one way or another. Just stay close to Celeste and Kathleen and he won't come anywhere near you. If he does, it might be the last thing.” I send some calming vibes to her through the Alpha bond.
>
Celeste puts her hand on top of Pandora's and gives her a reassuring smile.
I have to prepare for my father's visit. He hasn't been here since Donovan and I first bought the property. A room needs to be set up for him, and most likely my mother, meals to prepare and I must make sure we have his favorite coffee. Mother never causes a fuss, but man, if dad doesn’t have his coffee and preferred comforts he can get grouchy.
“Kathleen, can you make a list for me for my father's visit?”
“Sure, I have a blank page around here somewhere.” She shuffles through her mounds of books and papers until finding a fresh piece then looks at me expectantly. “Ready.”
“The bedroom at the end of the hall, the brown one. Sheets and blankets need to be fresh and the blanket must be fleece. No flowery soaps in the bathroom and air the room out.” I run my fingers through my hair as Kathleen writes the list. “We need to have hickory roast coffee, vanilla creamer, and Red Rose tea. For dinner, I'll see if Donovan will make tacos and enchiladas. All the trimmings, you'll need to make a grocery list for whatever we don't have. I'll go into town for it in about thirty minutes.”
“I'll go with you, Barin. I am itching to see the town.” Time alone with Celeste? Sign me up!
“Of course. If you need anything, add it to the list.”
“I'll start stripping the room down and get the fleece blanket cleaned.” Pandora is returning to her normal helpful self again with Kane MIA. Perhaps I need to make this a more permanent absence.
“Thank you, ladies. What would I do without you?” I press a kiss to each of their temples. Celeste growls low. I raise my hands in peace and back away with a smirk on my face. “I'll be back for the list, meet you here, Celeste.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Barin
Celeste and I are in my truck heading towards town in relative silence. She’s looking at the scenery as we drive by; watching the hills and trees give way to small homes. I wonder what her home is like.
“So, ready to talk about what happened before you found us?”
“Oh, I forgot I hadn't told you about that, with everything going on.” Celeste goes on to tell me about the controlling alpha and his demise. My wolf pacing inside of me at the thought of Celeste in danger. It doesn't do much to calm him knowing it had happened before we knew her, or that the offensive slimeball is already dead.
By the time she finishes her story, we’re pulling into the parking lot of the grocery store. Putting the truck in park, turning the engine off, I face her. Tears rimming her eyes, her nose red. I feel horrible for asking her to bring up the experience, but I need to know. It helps to understand her actions. Her being apprehensive of my alpha powers that first night all because of that worthless piece of shit that destroyed her stuff and her faith in alphas.
I reach over and pull her into a hug; holding her until her crying stops and her breathing is back to normal. I could ease her tension quickly with my alpha powers, but I’m torn. I don't want to let her go nor do I want to startle her by using them on her. When she pulls away she laughs nervously and apologizes.
“Sorry? For what? You didn't ask for any of that to happen. Besides, if either of us should apologize it should be me for bringing it up. You said your things were stolen and I thought we'd be able to help track it down, I had no idea how badly you'd been treated. I'd hunt him down and kill him myself if Pierre hadn't already.”
“Barin, you are such a breath of fresh air after that madness. I'm sorry I didn't tell you the truth sooner, I was so ashamed and frankly a bit worried that I couldn't confide in you. Still a bit shell shocked, I suppose.”
I hand her some napkins from the glove box so she can dry her face, giving her a couple minutes to compose herself.
“If you'd like, we can put your camera card into my laptop so you can see your pictures. I'd love to look at them if you're willing to share.”
“I'd like that. Oh! That reminds me, could we stop at the electronics store? I'd like to price a replacement camera. I'll have to have my dad send my back up bank card, too.”
“Of course. We should go there first so none of the meat sits in this heat.” We walk past the market and make our way down the strip mall to the electronics store.
Celeste glances in the shop windows as we go by. This is my favorite place to shop because I can get almost everything in one area.
Once we’re in the electronics store, Celeste follows the signs and goes straight to the cameras. I wasn't expecting them to have a wide selection. I watch her survey the stock with a look on her face like a child in a candy store. Not knowing much about cameras, I watch her instead.
She picks up a camera, holding it to her eye, checking the weight of it in her hands and puts it back. After about four cameras she seems to have found the one she wants.
In a notebook she pulled from her back pocket, she writes down the camera name and price. Then Celeste moves on to the shelves of lenses and jots down a few different ones and their prices, too. As she makes her way down the aisle she stops here and there to make notes.
I follow behind her watching each item she touches before writing it down. Before long she has a complete camera bag full on her list.
“Ok. I have my list and prices. I'm ready to go.”
“Why not just get it now? It's obvious you miss having a camera in your hands.”
“I have to wait on my bank card. I'll survive another week.” Her eyes betray her as they briefly land on the Canon she had chosen.
“Ok. We could do that. Or…” I snatch the list from her hands, making my way to the front of the store.
“Barin! What are you doing?” She follows my long strides desperately trying to grab her list back.
At the counter stands a young kid flipping through a magazine. With a look at his name tag I address him. “Miles, is it? Do you work off commission here?”
“Yes, sir. How may I help you?” His eyes sparkle at the thought of making a commission today.
“I need you to gather the items on this list and have them ready for pickup in about half an hour.” I hand Miles the list while Celeste tries to argue with me.
“Barin! I will get this when I get my card, you do not need to do this! Miles, I will be sure that you earn the commission from this in about a week when I come back in.” She turns back to me.
“I know I don't need to. I want to. Your face lit up the moment you found that camera, pure happiness. I like that look on you and want to be the one to put it there.”
“Well...umm…” Celeste couldn't find her words, I've won this round. “I'll pay you back.” She grins at Miles and walks out of the store.
“Celeste, wait!” She pauses but doesn't turn around. I jog just past her and turn to look in her eyes. “Please don't be mad.”
“I'm not mad, Barin. I just don't know how to react to what you said. I wasn't brought up expecting lavish gifts. My father taught me the value of working for what you want. On birthdays I typically got clothes and books. If I wanted a new doll or something that wasn't practical, I worked for it. That?” She throws her arms up. “Thank you.” She wraps her arms around me.
I would buy her a million cameras if it meant I would get such incredible hugs. My body warms at every single point of contact I share with Celeste. Reluctant to let her go, I force my arms down.
“My pleasure, Celeste.”
Armed with Kathleen's meticulous list, we walk into the market. A few other people milling about filling their carts with groceries.
I sense at least one other shifter. Using my mind's eye, I spot Kane in the back by the liquor. He’s swaying a little. It’s possible for a shifter to get drunk, but it takes a hell of a lot to do it. I have to get to him before he causes any problems. People know about shifters, and accept them, but if one of them goes on a violent spree, there would be a whole lot of hell to pay.
Celeste? I’m not sure if she is able to hear my mental communication in human form because she isn’t part of
the pack. When she turns to look at me with an arched eyebrow, I know she can. Kane is here and very drunk. I need to go deal with him. Take my phone, go back to the camera store and call Donovan. Fill him in and get him and Axel out here asap.
She nods, taking my phone she quietly slips out of the store.
I walk over a few aisles keeping some distance between Kane and myself. Had he been sober, he would have realized I was here the moment I walked in the door. I have no idea what his state of mind is so I approach this gently to avoid a commotion. I watch him for a couple of minutes as he seems to be studying the bottles on the shelf. He’s swaying and talking to himself.
“Can’t do it. Have to do it.” Cryptic, couldn’t do what? What does he have to do? Is this about Pandora?
Kane? His head snaps up and tilts to the side.
Where are you, Barin? Show yourself.
Come outside. I watch him with my mind’s eye to see if he follows. He takes a step then stops, seemingly at war with himself. I’m outside, Kane. Let’s talk.
Kane stomps through the store, although weaving, doesn’t knock into anything. He slams the door open and nearly breaks the hinges.
“All right. I’m outside. Where the fuck are you, Great Alpha?” The last two words dripping with contempt.
I slowly step out from the side of the building. “I’m here. Let’s talk, Kane.”
“Talk? You want to talk? Yeah...let’s talk!” Kane balls his hands into fists; his body shaking with anger. “Let’s talk about how you aren’t fit to be alpha. How you took Pandora away from me. How you expect everyone to bow to your every whim. Why don’t we talk about what an asshole you are, Barin?”
“Kane. Calm down. I could dispute your claims all day but it won’t change your mind. However, when it comes to Pandora...she felt unsafe with you. I didn’t take her away from you, you pushed her away. You scared her.”
At that Kane comes at me with fists flying.
I duck to dodge his fist which, in his inebriated state, causes him to spin and lose balance. I stand waiting for him to get his bearings. He’s too slow for this to be a fair fight. The best I can hope for is to tire him out or restrain him until he’s sober. Some alphas might have just killed him and been done with it, but I can’t do that. There’s no honor in it.
