Chased (The Graysen Pack Series)

by Bartley, Regina

  “Let’s go Zander. I want to put this crazy night behind me.” The only relief I felt was that Paige would no longer be chasing after me. But I was disgusted that she was my sister and we share the same blood. I was going to see to it that she was punished to the max.

  I left the two boys standing on all fours. Each of them was held a piece of my heart in some way. Somehow I managed to spread my feelings too far and love them both. It wasn’t my face that was broken. It was my heart. I can’t have them both. Now I have to choose, Zee or Gage?

  Chapter Seventeen

  Opening my eyes, I found myself in Zenick’s room once again. Comfort was my first thought. I wanted the reality of what had happened last night to go away; far away. If only it were just a dream. However the soreness of my face proved me wrong.

  Paige was the last of my worries at this point. She was captured at the moment and locked away, safe and sound. I cringed when I thought of last night’s events. The pain I felt was real and the thought of anything cold made my bones ache.

  My very own sister, half sister, tried to kill me. It was all because of a guy. Not just any guy, but my Zee, my handsome, sweet, caring, fun loving, wolf boy Zee.

  I sighed at the thought of having to choose between two such amazing guys. Even worse, I didn’t know how this was possible. There is only supposed to be one mate for every wolf. I must talk to Zorin and figure this whole thing out. Why is this happening to me?

  “Ughh…” I groaned, wrapping my arms around my face to cover my eyes.

  The door creaked when it opened slowly. I knew who I wanted it to be but tucked that thought deep away.

  “Wilma, I am glad you are awake. I’ve been so worried about you.”

  “Betty,” I was so overjoyed to see her. She was the next best thing I could have seen. I motioned for her to come be close to me. I missed her something awful.

  “You look so much better. Everything has healed pretty quickly. Just like they said it would. Anyway, I have been totally freaking out. You have been out for like eleven hours and it has been mad chaos.”

  “What? Why?” What did I miss?” I sat up and moved over so that she could climb in the bed with me.

  “When you got here yesterday, I was waiting here with your mom. Zander carried you into bed because you were passed out. It wasn’t long after that they escorted the crazy wolf girl in. I thought your mom was going to go postal and take the girl down. She was as good as dead if Jeanette got a hold of her. It was hilarious. They had to hold her back.”

  “They”

  “Yeah they, it took more than one. She even called her a muffler.”

  “What’s a muffler?

  “My new word for mother fu_ _ _ _”

  “Okay, okay. I get it. Way to clean it up.”

  “I know, right. I’m just keepin’ it real.” She wrapped her arm around me and pulled me close. “Word has it on the street that you now have two hairy, four-legged lovers.”

  “It’s already the word on the street?”

  “Well, when the two of them came in all beat up the towns people started to talk. I couldn’t believe it. My BFF in a love triangle, and I’m the last to know. So spill it.”

  “Can we eat first? I’m starving. I will tell you everything you want to know over some food.”

  “It sounds good to me.” She smiled. “So what do you want?”

  “Pizza.”

  “Extra cheesy.”

  “Mmmmmm, I will get dressed,” I replied, getting off the bed.

  I went to the bathroom to change and get ready to go eat. That’s when I realized I was still wearing Gage’s shirt. It barely smelled like him anymore. My memory of what had happened was faint, until the part where Gage showed up. He saved my life.

  I didn’t care too much about my appearance. I slipped on a pair of yoga pants that Sam had given me. They were a little tight, but we were limited to the amount of clothes we had. I left Gage’s shirt on and tossed a hoodie over it. I didn’t even fix my hair I just put it into a ponytail and was ready to go.

  “Listen; after we eat I have to talk to Zorin. I have to find out what is wrong with me. My wolf has a defect.”

  “It’s not the wolf that’s defective.” We laughed and walked out of the room.

  That is when the stares started. I could feel it from all angles as we walked. Even behind me I could feel it. “This is uncomfortable.”

  “Don’t you worry about them? They are just jealous.” She nudged me with her elbow. “No, seriously, you are going to love everybody once you get to know them. They are like a big sorority only with more rules. I have made some friends that I can’t wait for you to meet.”

  That made me a little sad. I hadn’t been participating in her life and I knew it. She was moving on from my friendship. I just kept staring at my feet as I walked. I felt like a girl who didn’t deserve her best friend.

  “Would you stop beating yourself up, I know what you are doing. I love you the most. You are my only BFF.” She put her arm around my shoulder.

  “How can you say that? I haven’t been there for you at all these past few weeks. It’s been about me the whole time. I’m selfish, and I don’t deserve you.”

  “You’re right. You are a selfish bitch. Feel better?”

  “Yes, I do, thanks.” I laid my head on her shoulder as we made our way to the kitchen. “Do you think it is okay for us to just help ourselves to the kitchen?” I asked Sam.

  “Oh yeah, they said to make myself at home, and I have. No one will be in here to cook for another couple of hours,” she said as she slipped the frozen pizza into the oven.

  We sat on the bar stools waiting for the pizza to cook. It took me about five seconds to realize I hadn’t heard either one of the guy’s thoughts since I woke. They were giving me my space. I asked for it. It took about five more seconds to lose complete control. I said I needed time. But girls never mean what they say. I didn’t want space, I wanted someone to touch me and to love me and tell me everything was okay.

  I started crying uncontrollably, and Sam was there for me again. I owed her. I didn’t have to explain to her why I was so upset. She knew. How could I get so worked up about them? I could feel my body doing that shaking thing again. I knew it was because I was so upset. It only seemed to happen when it came to the whole mating thing. It was like a trigger to the half wolf inside of me. The thought of Zee and Gage nowhere near was causing mating withdrawals. That is what I liked to call it.

  The sobbing continued and I had no control. I loved them. O’ geez, I said, them.

  “Sam, I am screwed. What am I supposed to do?” I cried some more into Sam’s shoulder.

  Sam was getting ready to speak when the door burst open.

  “Are you okay? I could feel that you were upset. I’m sorry to barge in.”

  I lifted my head from Sam’s shoulder. The tears continued to fall down.

  “Oh, Princess, come here.” Gage pulled me into him and wrapped his strong arms around me. I could finally breathe and the shaking stopped, just like it did with Zee. He didn’t say a word. He held me so close to him that I could feel his heart beating. His warm hands rubbed circles on my back.

  “Ahem,” Zee cleared his throat. “I just came to check on you, but it looks like I am to slow.” He turned and walked out.

  “Damn it,” I slammed my fist down on the counter.

  “I am sorry,” Gage said.

  “It’s not your fault.”

  “That reminds me. You still owe me a fight.” He winked at me.

  The timer went off on the oven; I was “saved by the bell.”

  “Good thing, because I was beginning to think I should have paid money for the show. Now, I’m demanding a refund,” Sam blurted.

  I rolled my eyes at her. “Let’s eat. I am starving, and I have a very important meeting after this. Then when I am all finished, you and I are having a much needed slumber party. So your job is to find us a good movie,” I said when I bit into the pizza.<
br />
  “Right on, Chick,”

  Chapter Eighteen After we ate I went to find Zorin for my talk. I had a feeling that I knew where he would be.

  I opened the door to the library. “Come in, Avery. I have been expecting you.” Zorin spoke in his intimidating voice, the one that would make the hair on my neck stand. I shivered.

  I walked in closing the door behind me. Laney was standing with him. It was a very nice surprise to see her. I smiled at her and she returned it. She rushed over to me quickly and embraced me in one of her warm motherly hugs, and I needed it. Somehow I felt guilty since I had been caught in the arms of someone who was not her son.

  “I’m glad to see you. You look much better.” Her concern was real.

  “I do feel better, at least on the outside.”

  “I know.” She rubbed my head running her hands down my hair. “Come over here. Let’s sit down and talk. Your mother should be here any minute. I asked her to be a part of this. I knew you would be missing her, and she would help to comfort you.”

  “Thank you. I have missed her.” I said as I sat down onto the couch. This was the couch where I had shared a steamy embrace with their son. I cleared my throat and tried not to think about it.

  “Mom,” I yelled when she came through the door. I ran to her and hugged her. I let out a loud sigh before starting to cry. I must have missed her more than I thought. She gave me one of those hugs that told me everything would be all right. It was a hug that felt safe and secure, like no one could hurt me at that very moment.

  We stayed that way a while, long enough for us to quit crying. We never cried alone. It was an unspoken promise, and we never broke it.

  We stepped back a little and she let go of our embrace. She led the way over to the couch, holding my hand. I noticed that her temperature had changed dramatically. She felt much hotter now. She looked beautiful as well. There were no more scars on her face or arms. I let my eyes wander, watching her movements. She was different, in a way I had never seen before. Even her eyes were brighter and clearer.

  “I’m glad we are all together. We have some things to discuss.” Zorin sat down in the chair next to us. Laney stood by his side.

  There was a knock on the door. Before anyone could answer, someone opened it.

  “I’m sorry, Alpha.” Eli bowed his head. My dad was actually the last person I was expecting.

  “Can we help you?” Zorin asked.

  “I thought I should be a part of this.”

  “You are her father. It is fine with me that you are involved, but I will allow her to decide if she wants you here.” His eyes stared into mine. He was awaiting an answer.

  “Fine,” I said.

  He stood behind the couch where Mom and I sat. We all shared an eagerness to get the show on the road.

  “We have a lot to discuss. First thing on the agenda is Paige. I have learned that she is your daughter Eli. Am I correct?”

  “Yes,” he answered with little hesitation.

  “I need to know why we were never informed of this, until now.”

  There was a short pause before he answered. I turned in my seat to see his face. “I apologize, Alpha sir. I am sorry that I kept it a secret. Once again I have made irrational decisions that did not affect the wolf inside of me. I had a child with a woman from another pack. We were obviously not mates. She passed away giving birth to Paige, and I did the only thing I could do. I raised her. I told everyone here that I found her on a hunt, and that we would make a home for her here. All of my female pack members were overjoyed. She had a little piece of heaven here, and so many that loved her. It all worked out so well that I continued to keep it a secret. It was wrong and I knew it. I still didn’t care.

  However, I never expected this from her. She was a good kid. I don’t understand where the hatred came in. She is a young wolf; she shouldn’t be experiencing the withdrawal from not being mated, not so soon anyway. But it seems to me that is what’s happening. I’m scared for her, but I know that she deserves to be punished. I will accept, and allow, which ever punishment you see fit.”

  “I have listened to your explanation and I understand your reasoning behind keeping this secret, but it will not happen again. You have sanctuary here, if you choose to abide by the rules. This pack is your family and protection. Without them you will not survive alone. Please remember this; you will not have a second chance. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Alpha Sir.”

  “As far as a punishment is concerned, I am not sure what will happen. She is contained here at the house for her sake. The pack leaders will convene tomorrow. They will discuss the situation, but because it was such a severe crime, she will most likely go to trial.”

  “I understand. I assumed this would be the course of action, as it should be. I would like to be able to visit her. Can that be permitted?”

  “Yes,” Zorin answered quickly. “She can have visitors if she would like, but she will stay confined until pack trial is over.

  Dad didn’t say anything more, he just nodded his head.

  “Do you understand that you will have to be involved in the trial process?” Zorin asked me. I did. I just shook my head yes, and didn’t offer any response. “This means you will not be permitted to leave until trial is over.”

  “Okay, I understand.”

  “Now, let’s get on to other important matters. It seems Ava here is able to hear the thoughts of two of our boys. Both Zenick and Gage have communicated with her on several occasions through their thoughts. This is very rare.”

  “I am defective.”

  “No dear, you aren’t. This is rare, but it has happened on one other occasion.” Laney spoke to me.

  “Seriously, this has happened to someone before? What did they do? Is that person still alive? I need to know what is going to happen.” I rambled on like a crazy person. I automatically assumed this had never happened before.

  “Slow down. No one had ever asked her of her experience. We only know what she has told us over the years. She is still alive. I am sure that she would love to speak to you. She is a great woman.”

  “Who is she?” I asked Laney, but it was Zorin that spoke.

  “My mother, Oma, is the one. She and my father live in Germany. They were former Alpha and Alpha female of this pack. I spoke with her earlier and she has agreed to speak with you. She is also half human, half wolf.”

  “That is wonderful, Dear,” my mom spoke to me. I was in shock for a moment.

  “Yes, it is. I am thrilled. I thought I was a freak, and now I know I am not alone. It feels nice, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulder.”

  “She has agreed to come to us, since the trial will be taking place very soon. I don’t know if she will have all the answers, but she did tell me something to get you started. She said that regardless if you hear both thoughts, you still only have one true mate. It is harder because you don’t know your inner wolf. It is so dormant inside of you, that it doesn’t make the decisions you need for it to. She said that you must find out who completes you?”

  “Oooookaaaayyy, and exactly how do you propose I do that?”

  “She didn’t say exactly. This is the only advice I have for you so far.” He shrugged his shoulders. “She will be here within the next couple of days and you can ask her for yourself.”

  I didn’t have any words. I let out a deep breath trying to take in my first piece of advice. It seems it would be like driving a car blindfolded; impossible.

  “If I may suggest something,” Mom spoke to the entire room.

  “Of course,” Laney replied.

  “Avery dear, you barely know these boys. I think it best that you get to know them. I believe that you can learn a lot about a person by just sharing some much needed time together. Maybe if you got to know them, you could tell which of them you were supposed to be with.”

  “Like date them both,” I gave her a questioning look.

  “Well kind of. You need to speak to both of
them and explain the situation. Do not do anything that they don’t want to do. But maybe a couple of dates with each of them would help you to decide. I know it seems unfair, but I don’t see any other way.”

  Laney spoke up, “I believe your mother is right. It seems a little absurd, but maybe your heart just needs to be pushed in the right direction. Don’t get me wrong. I would love for you to run away with my son right now, but you have to make the right choice, and only you and your mate will truly know.”

  I nodded. “It kills me to know that someone will get hurt. I truly do not want to hurt anyone.”

  “We know that. I am positive that even the boys know that. Just think about it. Then once Grandma Oma gets here, she will help.”

  “All right, is this meeting adjourned? I need to know because I have scheduled some much needed girl time with Sam.” The heads all nodded together in unison. I was ready to get out of that room.

  “You are free to go. I will find you as soon as you are needed. Make yourself at home here. Someone will check on you later.” Zorin was sincere but stern once again.

  I hugged Mom and even hugged Dad. He had remained quiet through most of the meeting. I suppose he doesn’t have much of a say in my life, unless I am in some kind of danger. I prefer it that way. Too many parental words can sometimes be overwhelming.

  Chapter Nineteen

  I met Sam in the room where she had been staying. She had it fully stocked with soda, popcorn, cookies, and candy.

  “Just what the doctor ordered?” She smiled holding chocolate in both hands.

  “Where is the ice cream?” I rolled my eyes at her. I loved messing with her.

  “Actually Miss Know It All, I sent Zander for the pint of mint chocolate chip and two spoons. Happy now”

  “You are the best.” I jumped into her arms. It was kind of an attack, but she deserved lots of love.