by Alisha Basso
“Well... It does sound like fun.” Elise hesitated briefly wondering what Kane would say but then shrugged. He’d likely be busy and not even miss her. “All right, I’ll go.”
“Great! Now let’s get this food on the table and feed the men so we can be off.”
Zoe went to fetch the males, and the other women carried the platters of food into the dining area. Elise noticed that the table had been stretched out to accommodate about a dozen people and sure enough, several men came traipsing in with Kane and John. The meal was noisy with everyone talking at once. Elise sat back watching the interaction, making mental notes of the relationships that she saw unfolding around her. Kane mostly sat and ate quietly while listening to the others, but she noted that the other men kept glancing at him for approval. When he did speak, the others listened without interrupting and seemed to take his comments seriously. Even if being Alpha did give him a headache, she could easily see that Kane definitely had all the needed qualities for the job.
Helen and her daughters were close and chatted about the children. Rose only occasionally chimed in to the conversation. Elise noticed that the shy young woman kept glancing towards a blond-haired young man named Daniel, but always looked away if he turned towards her. A smile played over Elise’s lips. Rose had a crush on the fellow but was too timid to do anything about it. After studying the male in question, Elise decided he was equally interested, since he paid more attention to what Rose was doing than to the conversation the men were having.
Glancing towards Kane, she saw that he too was aware of the undercurrent between Rose and Daniel. For a moment, their eyes met and Kane gave a slight nod towards the soon-to-be-lovebirds, a smile ghosting over his lips before rolling his eyes. Elise gave him a reproachful look before smiling back. It felt good to have that little connection with Kane; a silent communication just between the two of them. The smile slowly faded from her face as she studied her mate, taking in his features one by one. She loved his thick black hair, recalling how it felt as she ran her fingers through it. His nose was straight, his jaw firm and his eyes were the most amazing amber colour that seemed to see right into her. Her mate. It was still hard to believe at times. With a start, she realized that Kane was studying her too and had a softer look about his eyes. She felt her heart catch in her chest for a moment and hoped he’d make eye contact with her again. For some reason, it felt vital that she see that look directly, but then John called his name and the moment was lost.
Making a little moue of disapproval over the interruption, she returned to her meal and idly listened in on the ladies’ conversation while puzzling over her exchange with Kane. It had been companionable, causing a pleasant feeling of belonging and warmth inside her. She thought that possibly they were becoming friends and she hoped that was the case. It would be good to have more than sex in common. While they might not ever love each other, a friendship between them would make her life here much more comfortable.
Soon the simple meal was over and the men went off to do whatever they were doing—she had never quite grasped what the conversation had been about. Oh well, she and the other women had their own plans for the afternoon. Looking forward to exploring the shops that the local town had to offer, she grabbed her purse and climbed into the waiting van.
Zoe and Phoebe were teasing Rose about her crush on Daniel while Helen chided them. “Now girls, leave Rose alone. If she and Daniel end up together or not, it’s none of your business.”
“Aww, Mom.” The girls moaned in unison then looked at each other and burst out laughing.
Helen shook her head. “Honestly, sometimes I wonder if you two are still just pups rather than grown women with your own families! Don’t pay them any mind, Rose. When they were dating, they mooned about the house worse than you do.” Rose blushed and murmured something indistinguishable, then stared resolutely out the window.
Relenting, Zoe left her friend alone and turned to Elise. “So, now that we’re away from the house and no one can walk in on our conversation, tell us what Kane is really like.”
“Kane?” Elise felt a bit like a deer caught in the headlights. She didn’t really know anything about him. Why would they be asking her? They were the ones that had lived with him all their lives.
“Yeah. He’s gorgeous and we’ve all had crushes on him at one time or another. That strong, silent thing he does is so sexy.” Zoe rolled her eyes and looked rather dreamy as if envisioning Kane giving her a smouldering, lust-filled look.
Phoebe reached over and smacked her sister. “Quit drooling. You’ve got Bob and you know you love him.”
“Of course I do, but a girl can’t help being curious and don’t you get all high and mighty with me. You think Kane is eye-candy, too.” Both of the young women giggled as they watched Elise expectantly.
“Well...” She hesitated, unsure of what to say. “I don’t really know him that well, yet. It... It was a political arrangement.” For some reason, Elise was a bit embarrassed to admit to that, as if it made her less worthy than those who had been allowed to choose their own mates. She knew it was ridiculous to feel that way—arrangements such as hers weren’t that uncommon and she had done it for the good of the pack—but still, it gave her a strange feeling inside. However, the others didn’t even bat an eye at her pronouncement so maybe it was all just her.
“We know that, but what’s he like? In bed, I mean.” Zoe grinned, devilment dancing in her eyes, and Elise heard Helen gasp from her position in the driver’s seat.
“Zoe! I can’t believe you’d ask Elise such a thing.” Helen glared at her daughter through the rear view mirror.
“Mom, don’t be such a prude. You’ve said yourself that Kane was a stud.” Phoebe spoke up in her sister’s defence.
Helen blushed and looked apologetically at Elise. “Well, yes, I did—I mean you can’t help but notice—but I’d never...” She sputtered and then stared fixedly at the road.
Elise reached over and patted her arm. “It’s okay, Helen.”
“So?” Zoe wasn’t about to let the subject of Kane’s bedroom prowess drop and Elise tried to think of what to say. She’d teased her friends in a similar way before but it was different when the shoe was on the other foot, especially since theirs wasn’t a love match. After all, she couldn’t really say how romantic he was, or talk about the sweet nothings he whispered in her ear. And Kane was their Alpha, for heaven’s sake! It just wasn’t proper to talk about his performance in the bedroom; it seemed a bit disloyal, somehow.
“He’s...er...”
Phoebe jumped in with some suggestions. “Hot? Talented? Well-endowed? He makes your teeth rattle and the earth move?”
“Uh...yeah, I guess that pretty well sums it up.” Elise felt her face growing red but the others didn’t mention it. They just sighed contentedly and sank back in their seats.
“I knew it.” Zoe had a satisfied smile on her face.
Phoebe giggled and nudged Rose in the ribs. “See, Rose. You get Daniel to make a move and soon you’ll be as happy as Elise is.”
Elise inwardly frowned. Was she happy? Hmm... She wasn’t exactly sad and her homesickness wasn’t nearly as bad as she thought it might be. But happy? Well, that might not be the right word, though she really didn’t know what would be the correct one to describe her present state of being. Kane pleased her physically and she did like him as a person. A future where they co-existed peacefully as friends was a definite possibility. Maybe she wasn’t exactly happy yet, but she wasn’t miserable either and the future was definitely looking brighter than it had a few days ago.
This realization seemed to settle something inside her, and she looked around at the passing scenery with a much lighter heart and a more positive outlook than she’d had yesterday afternoon. Had it only been two days since she’d mated Kane? Somehow it seemed longer. So many things had already happened: the bonding ceremony, meeting the new pack, Thomas being injured, encountering Marla and the ‘attack’ by the red car. Well
, she thought philosophically, at least her new life wasn’t dull.
*****
Her new friends had a great time showing Elise all that the town had to offer. They checked out the clothing shops and the shoe stores, trying on the winter fashions that were just arriving. Both Zoe and Rose bought new winter coats while Phoebe lingered over a matching purse and dress boots. Elise tried a few things on, but didn’t make any purchases. First of all, she didn’t need anything, and secondly she wasn’t sure what her financial situation might be.
At home, she’d helped her father with some minor office work and assisted Sarah with the house. For that, she’d been paid a small wage out of the pack’s general operating budget. Now, she was basically unemployed with only her small savings to fall back on. She’d have to talk to Kane about the situation. Maybe she could find a job in town waitressing.
Thankfully, no one pressed her as to why she wasn’t buying anything. She knew they’d all noticed how much she’d admired a certain green v-necked sweater that matched her eyes. Its soft angora knit had draped over her curves in an extremely flattering way, the low cut neckline giving a tantalising hint of cleavage. Reluctantly, she’d placed it back on the rack, not wanting to squander her money on something so frivolous until she had her own source of income.
Helen had gone to get her hair done and the four younger women were going to meet her at the Grey Goose Tea Room at three o’clock. Since they still had half an hour to spare, they wandered down the mall idly commenting on various window displays. Elise paused by a small art gallery to look at an exceptionally fine mounted photo of a wolf standing in the middle of the woods. It had a natural wood frame and a deep burgundy mat that added warmth to the blues and greys of the actual picture. “This is nice,” she commented to her companions. The others nudged each other and giggled. “What? Don’t you like it?”
“Oh, we like it all right. Don’t you recognise the subject?”
Puzzled, Elise studied the picture again. The background looked vaguely familiar. She said as much to them. “But I can’t really say where I’ve seen it before.”
Phoebe leaned over and whispered in her ear. “That’s a picture of Kane.”
“What?” Elise spoke louder than she’d intended and several shoppers gave her strange looks as they passed by. Ducking her head, she tried to make herself inconspicuous. “That’s Kane? I’ve only seen him as a wolf once before...” Her voice trailed off. How embarrassing, not to even recognise your own mate! As she peered more carefully at the picture, she noticed the wolf’s eyes were definitely Kane’s. “Who took it?”
The three ladies fell silent and then, unexpectedly Rose spoke. “It was Ryne. He liked photography and was actually pretty good. Quite a few of his pictures have been sold both here and in other galleries around the area, though I think this is the only one I’ve ever seen with Kane in it.”
“You’ve heard about Ryne, haven’t you?” Zoe tentatively asked.
Elise nodded. “Kane told me. It’s hard to reconcile someone who can take such a wonderful picture with the person I’ve heard about. I can’t believe any Lycan would endanger its own pack.”
“No one understands why Ryne issued that challenge.” Phoebe shook her head. “He’s lucky Kane didn’t kill him.”
“Uh-oh. Bitch at twelve o’clock.” Zoe hissed a warning and everyone looked in the direction she indicated. Marla was walking across the gallery and heading their way, an obviously fake smile pasted on her face.
“Oh great,” Phoebe groaned. “And it’s too late to escape. She’s seen us.”
Elise tensed and hoped the other woman wouldn’t be as snarky now as she’d been first thing in the morning. One confrontation a day was usually her limit, thank you.
“Well, look who’s here.” Marla’s voice was condescending and she smirked at Elise, obviously having recovered from their earlier confrontation and ready to do battle again.
“Hello, Marla.” Rose spoke very quietly, briefly meeting the other woman’s eyes before staring at the floor, her hands shoved into her pockets. Elise could almost see Marla puff herself up, pleased that at least one of the people present recognized her superior status.
“Marla.” Zoe and Phoebe each gave curt nods of acknowledgement.
After considering the situation, Elise decided to stay silent, not wanting to create a scene. Something about the blonde set her teeth on edge. Apparently though, Marla wasn’t one to let an opportunity pass by. “Elise, I see you’re admiring the picture of your mate. You know, I was there when it was taken. We’d just finished the most...invigorating...exercise and—”
“Oh, give it a break, Marla.” Zoe snorted in disgust. “You were out with Ryne and came across Kane by accident. Don’t try to make it sound like more than it was. And before you even start, we all know that it was Ryne who managed to talk him into having his picture taken, not as a special favour to you.”
Her face flushing with either embarrassment, temper, or both, Marla glowered at them. “Better be careful what you say, Zoe, because one of these days you might find that I’m the one with the power. And just like an elephant, I don’t forget.” With that, Marla spun on her heels and stalked away.
“Her memory isn’t the only thing like an elephant,” Zoe said in a not so quiet voice, while staring pointedly at the woman’s retreating hips. Marla must have heard for she turned and shot the most evil look their way. Not finished, Zoe added another stinging comment. “She really shouldn’t wear such skin-tight clothing. It shows every bulge and bump.” Elise couldn’t believe how rude Zoe was being and simply stared speechless, as Marla spun around and began to walk towards them again.
Phoebe placed a warning hand on Zoe’s arm but Zoe shook it off, hot angry emotions flashing in her eyes as a low growl started to emit from her throat. Marla appeared as if she was about to lose control and Elise began to wonder if she’d end up in a werewolf version of a catfight. At the last moment, a man wearing a suit coat and a nametag proclaiming him as the gallery manager, called Marla’s name. She paused, shot one last hateful look at Zoe, and then turned to talk to the man.
Phoebe and Rose both grabbed Zoe’s arms and dragged her out of the mall. Gesturing towards a stately, turn of the century home that was located about a block away, the sisters began to walk briskly down the street.
“What was that all about?” Elise asked, hurrying along behind. Sure, she’d stood up to Marla that morning but she’d been a wreck inside. Zoe didn’t even seem fazed and had, in fact, deliberately provoked the other woman.
With a toss of her head, Zoe began explaining. “Marla and I go way back, but not as friends. She’s always been jealous that our father was chosen as Alpha over hers. Now she keeps trying to climb the ladder within the pack by latching onto whoever seems to be next in line. Right now she’s mad because she chose to back the wrong brother. For some reason, she was sure Ryne was next in line and got her claws into him, changing him from a nice guy into this power hungry Alpha-wannabe.”
“So she and Ryne...?” Elise queried.
“Rumour was that Ryne was planning on making her his mate.” Phoebe explained. “But when Ryne lost the challenge and left, she was out of the running again for working her way into the big house. Not that any of us think she ever really gave up. With Ryne out of the picture, she simply changed her target.”
“Oh...” Elise let the information sink in for a moment. “So that means—”
“Yep.” Zoe pulled open the door to the Grey Goose Tea Room. “She had her sights set on Kane. When we got the call that Kane was coming home with his new mate, Marla looked like she was about to burst a blood vessel.”
Phoebe giggled. “I wish I’d had a camera handy. I’ve never seen anyone’s face turn that red before.”
The sisters quieted down as they waited to be shown to a table, and Elise took the opportunity to check out her surroundings. At one point in time, the Grey Goose had been a private home but was now a combination tea room
and gift shop. Crafts, jewellery, scarves, and unique wall hangings were tastefully displayed in small side rooms and alcoves, while tables were arranged in the centre part of the building. The plaster and woodwork had been restored to its original splendour, while period furniture was used throughout. Soft music drifted from speakers strategically hidden in the numerous potted plants, providing cover for the various conversations that came from the patrons.
Immediately impressed with the atmosphere of casual elegance, Elise wondered what the chances were of getting a part-time job in such an establishment. The waitresses seemed busy enough, so maybe the owner would consider adding one more to his staff. Tucking the idea into the back of her mind, she followed the others as a server led them to their table.
Once seated, Zoe immediately launched into a whispered commentary about someone she knew who was seated across the room. Elise glanced at the person in question, catching a glimpse of Rose out of the corner of her eye. The girl was so quiet, keeping her head down and studying the menu. Rose and Zoe appeared to be total opposites and it seemed a strange friendship. While Zoe had basically been picking a fight with Marla, Rose had almost crawled inside herself and become invisible.
When Rose left to use the ladies’ room, Elise broached the subject and Zoe happily explained. “Rose is my ‘project’. I’ve noticed lately that Daniel seems interested in her—Daniel’s my brother-in-law—and so I’ve sort of befriended Rose in the hopes that I can get the two of them together.”
“She likes to think she’s the world’s greatest matchmaker.” Phoebe chimed in.
“Well, I got you and Alex together.” Zoe pointed out.
“One success and it goes to your head.” Phoebe rolled her eyes.
“Well, what about Kane and Marla? I knew they weren’t suited.” Leaning back in her chair, Zoe crossed her arms and looked smug.
“Knowing they aren’t suited isn’t the same as matchmaking and besides, everyone knew that Marla wasn’t what Kane needed.” Phoebe glanced over at Elise. “He needs someone nice, like Elise.”
