by Alisha Basso
Kane was back for lunch just as he’d promised, and afterwards they went to visit with Julia and Thomas, Kane holding her hand as they strolled along. Thomas was chafing at having been confined inside for so long and Julia rolled her eyes as he expressed his frustration. Grabbing Elise’s hand, she pulled her out the door, calling over her shoulder to Kane. “You listen to him complain for a while. I’m going for a walk with Elise while I still have my sanity!”
Once they were outside, Julia stopped and rubbed her temples. “I know being stuck inside for an extended period is hard on any wolf, but to listen to Thomas tell it, he’s the only man to have ever been subjected to such inhumane treatment. I’ll tell you, Elise, I love him dearly, but if he complains one more time today I won’t be responsible for my actions!”
“It can’t be that bad, can it?” Elise looked doubtfully at her friend.
“Just you wait. One of these days, Kane will get a head cold or something and he’ll turn into the biggest baby you’ve ever seen. I swear, the tougher they are when they’re healthy, the worse they are when they get sick!”
“Gee, I can hardly wait.” The two women looked at each other and laughed, before heading into the woods for a run. By the time they returned, Thomas was napping and Kane had left to inspect the site of the oil spill.
With the remainder of the afternoon looming ahead of her, Elise wandered upstairs to their sitting room. She searched through the stack of books that Julia had lent her, and finding one that looked suitably interesting, settled back to become lost in a romantic suspense set a number of centuries earlier.
Kane found her sleeping there several hours later and after a rather satisfactory interlude, they went down for dinner. As usual, it was a good meal with friendly conversation but Carrie and John got up immediately afterwards explaining that they were meeting Franz and Gisele at the local theatre. Helen also headed off to her room, insisting there was a marathon of old TV shows on that she didn’t want to miss. As the room suddenly emptied, Elise and Kane looked at each other.
“Alone at last?” Kane raised his eye-brows.
“So it would appear.”
“Hmm—I wonder if they purposely cleared out so we’d have some alone time.”
Elise felt herself blushing at the idea, but wouldn’t put it past Carrie and Helen. She had a sinking feeling that those two were unrepentant matchmakers who wouldn’t let up until she and Kane blood-bonded.
*****
That day established a pattern for the rest of the week. Elise would get up, poke about the house, have lunch with Kane, visit Julia, read, and eat dinner. The others seemed to find various reasons to leave them alone each evening and Elise found that becoming her favourite time of the day. She would read while Kane finished up any urgent business or they’d watch TV together until bedtime. Then the rest of the night would be spent cuddling or having sex. Elise readily admitted to herself that her mate was a skilled lover and she was becoming addicted to his touch.
Helen pointedly looked at her neck each morning but never mentioned the blood-bond again, though Elise could sense the woman was getting impatient with them. Elise paid her no mind. It was between her and Kane and since he hadn’t brought it up, she wouldn’t either. At times, she did watch John and Carrie with envy. They often slipped an “I love you” into their greetings or departures and seemed to seek each other out, holding hands or brushing against each other. Would she and Kane ever become that close? A hollow feeling would sometimes appear inside her when she thought too much about it, so she firmly pushed the idea away.
Thoughts of Bryan also passed through her mind, especially in the mornings since she’d taken to writing in her diary again. She was trying to analyze her feelings for him and Kane, and found that writing them down seemed to help. To be sure, she missed Bryan and the good times they’d had together, but was coming to suspect that her feelings for him had been more that of deep friendship based on years of togetherness, rather than an all-consuming, passionate love.
Her new existence was pleasant and on the one-week anniversary of her mating, Elise found herself in Kane’s office again, reading as he worked. It was a companionable way to spend the evening; the scratching of Kane’s pen and the occasional rustle caused by the turning of a page kept the room from being totally silent.
Despite her claims that her book was engrossing, Elise found her gaze wandering from the text and staring at Kane’s back as he bent over his work. It had been a good week, she reflected. The time spent with him had been nice, but she knew that he wouldn’t always be home for lunch nor have time for late afternoon romps. At this point in time they were experiencing an unusual lull in pack business; the oil company negotiations were in the hands of the lawyers, they were still waiting for lab results on the oil spill, and no further problems with Ryne had occurred. Somehow, she knew that a rush of activity must be just around the corner.
Yes, it had been a good week, but a trifle long with nothing in particular to do. She couldn’t begin to imagine how she’d occupy herself once Kane became really busy again. The idea of spending the rest of her life wandering around and reading held little appeal. Helen had the house thoroughly under control, and while Elise had helped with the various meals and cleanup afterwards, she knew her assistance wasn’t crucial.
Not being one to sit doing nothing, Elise knew she’d have to find something to keep herself occupied. Remembering her half-formed plan from the day she’d gone shopping with Zoe and Phoebe, Elise decided to raise the idea of getting a part-time job. She wasn’t sure how Kane would feel about the idea; did Alpha mates even work outside the home? She suspected that wasn’t done usually but maybe she’d be able to talk Kane around to her way of thinking. Studying him for a moment longer, she decided when he was finished with his report she’d broach the subject.
Satisfied with her plan, Elise went back to reading her book.
*****
“Elise?”
“Hmm?” Looking up, she was surprised to find their roles reversed and now Kane was watching her. “Oh! Are you done with your report already?”
“Already? I’ve spent almost two hours on the damn thing! But yes, it’s done. Listen, I was just thinking that maybe tomorrow when I go to drop this paperwork off, you’d like to come with me and we could pick out a car for you.”
“A car? For me?”
“Yes. A car. For you.” He chuckled at her surprised expression. “We’re quite a ways out and you’ll want to get about on your own sometime.”
“Kane, I don’t know what to say. That’s a great idea, but I really can’t afford a car right now.”
“What do you mean you can’t afford a car? You’re my mate. I’ll buy you a car. As a matter of fact, I was going to set up an account in your name tomorrow, too. You’ll want to go shopping and get your hair done and... Well... Whatever else you ladies do.”
She frowned at his rather condescending view of how ‘ladies’ spent their time but, to be fair, she hadn’t really done anything yet that showed great initiative. Well, now was the time to change that.
“That’s very generous of you, Kane. Actually, I was going to talk to you about something. I was thinking that I’d like to get a part-time job.” Kane opened his mouth to speak but Elise ploughed on, giving him no chance to interrupt. “Back home, I helped out a bit in the office and around the house, and I earned a small wage from the pack’s general operating budget. I know you probably don’t need that kind of help here, so I was thinking I’d apply for a job waitressing in town.”
“Elise, you don’t need to work. Despite the possible financial problems the oil spill will cause us, the pack isn’t destitute yet.” Kane leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. Inwardly Elise winced. That wasn’t a good sign.
“I know, but I like the idea of having my own money and being a bit independent.”
“Well, the Alpha’s wife has an allowance because of her position. You’ll be ‘earning your keep’ by hosting visitor
s and cooking, and helping with meetings.”
“Not really. Those are Helen’s jobs.”
“Because she was the Alpha female. Now, as my mate, it’s your job.”
Elise had been afraid of this but continued on, putting forth her defence. “Helen’s done those jobs for years and she loves it. We can’t take that from her. She looks so happy when she’s organizing and cooking. I’m sure she’d step aside if I said I wanted to take over, but I wouldn’t be nearly as good at it and she’d probably feel hurt and a bit lost.” Kane’s expression seemed to be wavering, so she pressed her advantage. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to avoid my responsibilities. Someday, when she wants to ‘retire’ I’ll take over, but until then I’d rather stay on the sidelines and help out now and then, sort of like being an understudy or an Alpha-female-in-training.”
“Hmm, I see your point about Helen. But you still don’t have to work. I have more than enough for the two of us.”
“But what will I do with my time? It was nice to wander around this week, visiting and reading and napping but I can’t do that all the time. I’ll get bored with nothing to do. I’m not talking about anything full-time, just a few hours a day.”
Kane looked at her for a few minutes, and then sighed. “All right. It’s highly irregular, but I can see your point. I’m still getting you a car though and setting up an account. A part-time job waitressing won’t earn you that much.”
“Okay.” Elise conceded on the bank account, deciding it wasn’t worth arguing over and Kane was right. She would need a car, especially if she got a job. The account could be opened but whether or not she ever used it remained to be seen. Kane was her mate and if it made him feel good to think he was providing for her, then that was fine.
“Do you have any idea where you might apply for a job?”
“Actually, there’s a place in town called the Grey Goose. I was there with Helen and her girls the other day. It seemed like the sort of place where I’d feel comfortable working.”
Kane nodded. “I know exactly where it is, and yes, it would be a good choice. I can drop you off there tomorrow morning; you can talk to the manager while I take care of my business. Then we can go hit the dealerships.”
*****
The next morning, they drove into town and Kane dropped her off outside the Grey Goose. “I’ll only be about half an hour. Wait for me here when you’re finished and then we’ll go find you a car.”
Elise hopped out, waved as he left, then turned to face the entrance of the building. Biting her lip, she began to question the wisdom of trying to get a job. She’d helped serve large meals at home when the whole pack got together, but her actual work experience was sadly lacking. It would be embarrassing if no one would hire her, especially after she’d insisted to Kane that she needed to work. Wiping her suddenly sweaty palms on her pants, she took a deep breath and entered the Grey Goose Tea House determined to put her best foot forward. Hopefully a cheerful, willing attitude would compensate for her lack of formal training.
Half an hour later she met Kane in the parking lot, beaming with excitement. “I’ve got a job! It’s only a few hours a week, until he sees how I work out, but at least that’s a start. At first I didn’t think he’d hire me given that I had no experience, but then he got called away to answer the phone and when he came back, he said he’d thought it over and would give me a try. Isn’t that great, Kane?”
Taking in her glowing face, Kane nodded. “If it makes you this happy, then it is. When do you start?”
“Tomorrow I go in for some training, and after that, he’ll put me on the schedule.”
Kane pulled her close and kissed her brow. “Well, I guess we’d better get you some transportation then, hadn’t we?”
*****
The car lot was just down the road and soon Elise was walking up and down the rows of vehicles, her head spinning as Kane and the salesman engaged in deep conversation about engine size and fuel consumption. As long as it was an automatic, not too big, and a decent colour, Elise really didn’t care what she got. They finally selected a burgundy four door with a sporty grill and automatic everything.
“You can pick it up tomorrow.” Kane told her as they climbed into his vehicle. “I’m having my mechanic go over it and check all the fluid levels, belts, tires, and brakes. Once he gives the go ahead, we’ll come back and get it.”
Impulsively, Elise leaned over and kissed Kane on the cheek. “Thanks. I really appreciate you getting me that car.”
“I want you to be happy here.” He put his hand behind her head and drew her close for a deeper kiss, then started the engine and headed for home.
*****
That evening, the others disappeared as usual, so the newlyweds would have some time alone. Helen was going to a friend’s for a card party while John and Carrie were meeting with another couple to see a production put on by the local theatre group. Elise and Kane watched a movie together, Kane complaining because it was a ‘chick flick’ and Elise defending the story. When it was over, Kane stood and put the DVD back in its case, then set it on the table so they’d remember to return it in the morning.
Stretching and yawning, he looked at Elise expectantly. “I think I might make an early night of it. Want to join me?”
“Well, I’m really not that tired; I did have a nap this afternoon.”
Kane walked over and pulled her up out of the chair. “That’s not exactly what I meant.” He nibbled on her throat and ran his hands up and down her back.
“Oh! Well, in that case, you might be able to persuade me to head upstairs.”
“Persuade? In the old days, an Alpha simply chose his mate and carried her off.” Kane leered at her.
“Well, this isn’t the old days.” Elise replied smugly.
“Possibly not, but as you pointed out the other night, on some level the wolf mentality is always there.” With that, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, carrying her out of the room. Elise gave a shriek and tried to struggle, but not too hard. It was rather exciting to be carried off!
Kane had almost reached the stairs, when the phone rang. He hesitated and shook his head. “No, I’ll let the answering machine get it.” Shifting Elise in his grip, he reached over to turn the machine on before continuing on his way. Unfortunately, he wasn’t watching carefully and turned the phone onto speaker instead. Suddenly Marla’s panic-stricken voice could be heard.
“Kane? Elise? Oh God, let someone be there! I need help. It’s—” A scream filled the room, then the sound of wood cracking as if a door was being broken down. Footsteps and angry voices could be heard.
Momentarily, Kane stood with one foot on the bottom step, digging his fingers into Elise’s body before letting her slide from his arms. They both took a step towards the phone, only to freeze when Marla’s voice could be heard again. “Please, please, Ryne! Don’t hurt me! I—” The sound of flesh hitting flesh and Marla’s cry of pain had Kane leaping into action.
Kane grabbed the phone and growled down the receiver. “Marla? Marla! Don’t worry, I’m coming. Ryne if you can hear this, you keep your fucking hands off her or this time, I will kill you!” He turned to Elise, the look on his face causing her to step back in fear. “I’ve got to go to her! Elise, do you have a cell phone?” She nodded. “Good, keep listening on this line so we have an idea of what’s going on. Call John on your cell phone—here’s his number.” Kane shoved a hastily scribbled number into her hand. “He’s in town and can probably get there before I do.”
As he turned to go, Elise caught his arm to stop him from leaving. Quickly she kissed him. “Good luck and be careful. I’ll be waiting here.” With the briefest of nods, Kane ran out the door.
Chapter 17
Elise called John several times before she finally got a response. Apparently he’d been in the theatre and his cell phone was set on vibrate, so he hadn’t noticed it right away. Quickly, she explained the situation and he said he’d be at Marla’
s as soon as possible.
Twisting her fingers, Elise listened to the sounds of the argument going on at Marla’s apartment. There’d been no more screams, just yelling and angry voices, but she couldn’t make out what was being said except once she was sure she’d heard Kane’s name. At that her stomach had clenched in fear. What if Ryne was trying to lure Kane over to Marla’s so he could attack him? After tense moments, a door slammed and glass broke, then all was silent. Tentatively, she called into the receiver. “Marla? Marla? Can you hear me? It’s Elise. Kane’s on his way. Marla?”
There was a scuttling sound and then Marla spoke, sniffling and obviously crying. “Elise? Is that you?”
“Yes, it’s me. Marla, are you all right? What happened?”
“It...it was Ryne. He broke in and...and... He was going crazy, yelling at me and hitting me.” Marla’s voice cracked and she started to sob.
“Marla, shh, it’s okay. John and Kane should be there any minute.” Elise felt her own eyes filling with tears at the sound of the other woman’s grief. While Marla wasn’t her favourite person, she didn’t deserve to be treated that way. Eventually, Elise heard Marla’s doorbell ring and then John’s voice was on the phone.
“Elise? I’m here. Marla’s pretty upset and it looks like Ryne slapped her, but I think she’ll be okay. I’m staying with her until Kane arrives, then I’ll go look around to see if Ryne left a trail. If you don’t mind, I think we’ll be bringing Marla back with us. She’s in no state to be left by herself.”
“Of course! She can’t stay there. I’ll make sure the guest room is ready.”
