by Riley Cross
“How's it going, Kiddo?” He asks, his wolf sensing my wolf’s agitation.
Not wanting to upset my Grams, I smile and give him a small knowing nod.
"Ah, well, let's get inside and put on some tea." Ben suggests, guiding his mate towards the house and out of the cold.
Blowing out a silent breath, I follow them back inside.
Once inside, Jenni heads straight into the kitchen to fuss over boiling the water while Ben takes a seat at the dining table.
After firing off a quick text to Cam to get his ass home. I take a seat at the table.
“Want to tell me what's been going on?” Ben asks, while his mates out of earshot.
“I don't have all the information yet. Cam and Dorian are at the scene now. From what they can figure out, it looks like someone is copying the rogue vamps from six years ago. We will know more for certain when they return.”
A flash of rage twists his face at the mention of his daughter's killers. Safe to say Ben had wanted to join my brothers in the hunt for the vampires, but he stayed behind. Even if he didn't say the words, I knew me becoming his Alpha was a big part of his decision. Ben had stepped down as Alpha when my parents mated as my father’s wolf was more dominant than his.
When my wolf made herself known, it became obvious that she was the most dominant one, out of my brothers and me. Leaving me as the next in line to become Alpha. Unless challenged by someone else within the pack.
My mother and father had been training me for the role since my first shift. Teaching me how to lead the pack and getting me more involved with pack issues.
But instead of the title being passed down when my parents were ready to retire and I was ready to take on the responsibilities as Alpha. They were killed, and I had no choice but to take on my new position within the pack. Ben turned into my rock.
As a former Alpha himself, whenever I had been lost or unsure of the right course of action to take. He was there for me, helping to guide me.
Jenni reappears with a tray full of drinks, after handing them out she sits down next to her mate.
“Did Ben tell you the good news?” Grams asks before taking a sip of her tea.
Looking at my Grandpa's face has a heavy ball forming in my stomach.
This can't be good. Shaking my head, I take a sip of tea.
“Dominic is coming for a visit!” She squeals excitedly, shocking the shit out of me.
Hearing that name was enough to have me choking on my drink. My wolf perks up at the sound of the human's name.
Ben hides his amusement behind his own mug, while I try to compose myself. Glaring at my Grandpa as best I can with tears forming in my eyes. Mumbling a thanks to Jenni who offers me a napkin, I clean myself up.
Why on earth would Dominic be coming to Stonehart?
Okay, so that's a stupid question. His mother, Becca, has been a friend of the family for years. Not to mention she runs the only diner in town.
When we were all little, Dominic would hang out with my brothers all the time. Causing absolute hell in town and getting away with it, mostly.
I’ve secretly always had a soft spot for Dominic. But seeing as how I wasn't exactly human, I did nothing about it.
Humans weren't supposted to know about the supernatural world. My grandparents were a special case.
Fated mates.
Mating was like a marriage contract for wolves.
Fated mates were beyond rare.
Fated wolves can pick up the scent of their destined mate. Recognising them on site. Nature would take over quickly, urging the two to mate and bond.
When a werewolf bites their intended mate, it leaves a permanent scar as a symbol to others. As well as leaving traces of their scent, marking their territory.
I had loved listening to Grams whenever she describes the fated bond she shares with Ben. She swears that she can pick up on Ben's emotional state without being in the same room as him. She describes it as a connection deep inside, it's unlike anything she has ever felt before. If Ben’s wolf hadn’t recognised Jenni as his mate, they wouldn't have been allowed to stay together.
The other packs would have stepped in for her memories to be taken or for her to be entered into, The Hunt.
“When is he coming?” I question. Slightly annoyed that Ben hadn't pre warned me.
“He should arrive tomorrow, that's partly why we came to see you.” Jenni’s smile was enough to have the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
I knew that look well. My crafty Grams was up to something.
“Oh?” Raising a brow, I glare at Ben, who has been sitting quietly this whole time. A little too quietly. He only smirks at me, unfazed by his Alpha staring him down.
“Yes, you see. Becca called me and told me about Dominic coming down but she’s in a slight pickle because of the house refit, she has going on at the moment. And she hasn't seen him in years, so she didn't want to tell him not to come.”
I don’t like where this conversation is going one bit, but for the life of me I can't stop it from happening.
Jenni carries on like a damn steam train, oblivious to the rising tension at the table.
“Then she had a brilliant idea! You have a spare room here! And I know Cam wouldn't mind Dominic staying for a week or two so he can see his family.”
And there it is.
Tilting my head forward, I nurse my cup. Buying myself some time to process Jenni's words. Mentally trying to put together a list of all the reasons it would be a total pain in my ass if I allowed Dominic to stay in this house.
The main one being that I wouldn't be able to think straight the entire time.
“Grams. You know that I would love to let him stay here if it was possible. But there is too much going on right now in the pack. More often than not, the place is filled with wolves. What if he overheard a conversation or saw something he shouldn't have? I don't want to put anyone in that situation.” And my wolf is already on her back, acting like a hussy at the thought of him being in her space. Agh.
“But it wouldn't be for long. And the pack loves Becca! I’m sure they would understand the need she has to see her son?” Jenni looks towards Ben for some backup.
“Rae. It will only be for a week. Two tops. I’m sure the others would understand. Not to mention many of them grew up with Dominic and I bet they all would love to see him again after so long.” Ben argues. Traitor.
And just like that, it’s two against one. Alpha or not, I never could deny my grandparents. Not after they have already lost their only child.
The sounds of tires crushing gravel signal more visitors arriving.
A few minutes later both Cam and Dorian enter the kitchen, big smiles plastered on their faces. They must have picked up Ben and Jenni’s scent on entering the house.
No one likes to upset Jenni with the ugly details of the packs business. After losing her only child, Jenni had a massive breakdown and resented the supernatural world for a long time. Blaming them for everything that had happened to her family. Understandably.
My wolf goes on immediate alert when she senses the agitation in her pack mates.
That is not a good sign.
“Cam! Dorian!” Jenni is already up and out of her seat. Throwing her arms around the younger males. Both of them smile and lean to engulf her in a hug of their own.
“Grams! What are you doing here?” Cam questions cheerfully as he lets her go and greets Ben.
“Oh, come now, am I not allowed to come and make sure you are behaving yourselves.” Jenni answers cheekily.
“Dorian, my dear, I hope he isn't causing you too much trouble.”
“Not at all, Jen. I always keep him in line for you.” Dorian chuckles as Cam glares daggers at him.
“I have faith that you are, my boy. Speaking of trouble, we have some exciting news!” Jenni’s good mood seems to rub off on the room. It’s impossible to stay tense around the small female.
“Oh? What's going on?” Cam asks, in
trigued.
Jenni looks at me, silently asking for permission. Rolling my eyes, I nod.
With a smile that lights up the room, Jenni tells the others about Dominic’s impromptu visit and the plan to have him stay at the pack house.
The news seems to shock the guys, but they recover quickly. Excited by the prospect of seeing their friend again. I can already see the trouble I'll be cleaning up later.
My grandparents stay for a few more hours. Catching everyone up on what they have been up to recently. But before too long, I’m kissing and hugging them goodbye at the door.
After shutting the front door, I head back into the kitchen where Cam and Dorian are now raiding the fridge.
We all move around each other with ease. Each helping to prepare a meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and buttered rolls.
Once we finish everything, and set the meal up on the table, we all take a seat and dig in.
“What do we know so far?” I’m the first one to break the silence.
“We’ve sent some feelers out to the vamps. It’s obvious it was them or a bloody good stage job. My guess, we have another rogue on our hands.” Dorian answers around a mouthful of chicken.
“Do we have any idea if it’s still in town? Or do you think it was passing through?” I question.
“Hard to say.”
“God damn it.” I curse. Hating the feelings this situation brings back to the surface.
“Don't worry, Sis. We will get the bastards.” Cam assures, understanding my darkening mood.
“Keep me posted. Remember, we have the new moon gathering tomorrow night. The Bloodmaw pack will join us.” I grumble around a bread roll.
“We know. What are we gonna do with Dom? It’s not like it’s that kinda social event.” Cam asks. Voicing yet another reason why Dominic staying at the house was a stupid idea.
“I’ll figure something out. It’s only for one night. I’m sure he can look after himself. I’m not his babysitter.” We finish the rest of our meal in silence.
After washing up my plate, I bid the others a good night and head to bed. Leaving the guys to do what they want.
The morning came far too fast, in my opinion. Shutting off the alarm, I kick myself free of the covers. Why can't the morning start at ten am? In what law does it say Alpha’s have to be awake at the buttcrack of dawn? Sulking to myself, I head for the bathroom. Desperately in need of a shower.
Forty-five minutes later I’m dried, dressed and hanging my head over the first cup of coffee for what is going to be a very long and taxing day.
A buzzing sound penetrates the silence, demanding my attention. Groaning, I flip the cell over to see who is bothering me.
Unknown number.
“Go away.” I grumble, not bothering to answer the call.
I had everyone’s number programmed into my phone, so odds are it’s a sales call to hound me about a phone upgrade. No, thank you.
The toaster pops, signalling that breakfast is ready. Grabbing the jam from the cupboard, I spread on a generous amount.
Finally fed, watered and ready to face the day.
Grabbing the car keys from the little dish on the kitchen counter. I make my way to the garage where my pride and joy sits idle. The dark blue beauty was my graduation present from my parents.
Settling myself behind the wheel, I drive into town, heading for the diner where Becca works. At least there I can grab my second cup of coffee and find out what time to expect Dominic. That way I can make sure someone is at the house to let him in.
“Good morning, Sweetheart! Want the usual?” Becca’s voice carries over the bar as I take a seat. “Yes please, Darlin.”
“Coming right up.” Thankfully, it’s not too busy this morning. Giving me time to speak with Becca before the lunchtime rush.
The diner has a retro look going on. With a white high-top bar and tall red swivel seats. Large red and white booths around the edges and small round tables in the middle and an old jukebox in the corner.
Placing a cup down in front of me, Becca fills it with plain black coffee.
“Jenni told me you were happy to have Dom stay with you during his visit. Thank you, Sweetie it means so much to me.”
“My pleasure. I was actually wondering what time he would be here so I know when to be home.” I ask, blowing on my coffee.
Tapping her chin in thought. “I asked him to call you when he left the airport. His plane should of landed by now. I’ll try to get ahold of him. Bear with me.” Becca heads to the back room to make her call. Leaving me sitting at the bar.
God, I really do love this place. Me, Cam, Kye, Liam and our parents would spend every weekend here. The food was to die for. Becca would always sneak us kids’ donuts for dessert.
“Rae!” Becca’s high-pitched, panicked voice has me vaulting over the bar and into the back room before Becca finished my name.
My she-wolf at the forefront, ready to help me fight off any danger. But there was none. Becca, quickly saying her goodbyes, hangs up the phone. My she-wolf calms when she sees that there are no threats to her friend.
“Rae!” Becca calls out again as she turns. Almost jumping out of her skin when she sees me standing there.
“Jesus! You're like a cat!” She chuckles, trying to get her heartbeat to settle down to a normal pace.
A cat? Not even close.
“What’s the matter? I thought you were getting murdered back here.” I chuckle.
“He’s here, he’s here!” Becca squeals excitedly, jumping a little.
And just like that, my laugh dies in my throat.
“He said he tried to call you but couldn't get through. Would you be able to pick him up at the airport? There aren't any cabs.” Becca explains.
Fuck, I was hoping to have more time to prepare. I mean, who travels at this time of the morning?
“Mind putting me together a coffee to go?” I ask, walking back towards the front of the diner.
“On the house. Thank you so much for doing this.”
Taking the fresh coffee and promising to bring Dominic back here before heading home.
Thanks to the heavy snow fall, it takes me almost an hour to arrive at the airport. Pulling into the pickup point, I try to spot Dominic in the small crowd of travellers.
A light bang on the truck bed almost makes me jump out of my skin.
Being an Alpha she-wolf, I really should have seen that coming.
Looking in the rear-view mirror, I see the man that used to haunt my dreams, before the murder of my parents turned them to nightmares.
“Taxi?” Dominic’s carefree voice calls through the window.
“Just get in.” I order with a smile, unlocking the passenger side door for him. Throwing his suitcases into the back, Dominic joins me in the front cabin.
“Long time no see.” Dominic smiles and just like that my wolf is panting for his attention. Foolish animal.
Why has this man always had this ability to make it feel like my tongue has swollen?
His body is no longer scrawny like it used to be when we were growing up together.
Dominic’s grown up a lot in the last six years.
His body is tall and lean, like an athlete. His dark blonde hair has been pushed back, like he's spent endless hours pushing his fingers through it. Those hazel eyes of his seem to eat me up, while I do the same to him.
And his scent! My memories do not do it justice.
A sudden horn blaring from behind us snaps me out of it. Embarrassed, I clear my throat and signal to the driver that we’re leaving. Pulling back onto the open road.
The silence in the cabin is almost suffocating.
My wolf is clawing at me to speak to him. Or mount him. Whichever comes first. Hussy.
Though I was no better than my animal. Desperately wanting to hear more of his voice and shake the age-old feeling of betrayal trying to crawl its way up my throat. I asked the first question that comes to mind.
“So, what ke
pt you away for so long?” Lame. My voice comes out rough as I struggle to get the words out.
Smiling at me, unaware of my inner battle, Dominic replies. “This and that, I'm sure nothing that will interest you. How have you been, Kitten?”
Ah, Kitten. The most annoying thing anyone could think of calling an Alpha she-wolf. But coming from him, I’ve always secretly loved it. Though I'd be damned if I admitted it.
“Oh, you know. This and that, I’m sure nothing that will interest you.” I parrot back with a smile playing on my lips.
God, I've missed this carefree feeling Dom has always brought out in me. With him, it's like I’ve got no worries in the world.
No ties, no responsibility. Only freedom.
If only.
Why? Why did you have to leave me back then?
Swallowing the painful question, I opt for a different one.
"How was Europe? Didn't cause too much of a ruckus over there, did ya?" I ask sounding curious.
After six years of being without his presence, my animal was ravenous for any attention he was willing to give her.
I on the other hand, I still held in a lot of hurt from his disappearing act, right when I had needed him most.
None of the humans in town knew the full story behind the deaths of my parents, only that someone had murdered them. The town police department tried to mount an investigation into it, but due to the supernatural nature of what happened, most of the evidence was covered up by the pack. Eventually they had to admit it stumped them and closed the case.
