Paranormally Yours: A Boxed Set

by Alisha Basso

  “He feels bad and thinks he should have known something was going on, but really, it was just a new relationship. The whole thing started before he was even in the picture.”

  “It will still take him a while to get over this.”

  “Possibly. We’ve talked and he’s thinking of making a new start.”

  “A new start? Where?”

  “With Ryne.”

  “Ryne is still leaving? Even though his name has been cleared?”

  Kane nodded. “I’ve asked him to stay and told him he could be co-Beta with John—there’s certainly enough work for another Beta—but he’s not interested and I can see his point.”

  Biting her lip, Elise hesitated to ask the next question. She knew she could find out the answer by probing Kane’s mind, but felt he needed to say the actual words. “Umm... How do you feel about what happened to Marla?”

  Kane’s jaw tightened. “It’s all my fault. I should have believed what you told me—what everyone tried to tell me over the years—but I guess I didn’t want to hear it. In some ways, Marla was like my little sister when we were growing up. Later... I thought there was something else, but it was just familiarity and a misplaced sense of responsibility. I know I should be sad that she’s gone, but I’m not. The Marla I thought I knew never really existed.”

  Elise wanted to ask a few more questions, but Nadia arrived and shooed Kane outside while she delivered medication, checked Elise’s leg, and fixed the dressing on her neck. Nadia was efficient, but in Elise’s opinion, had no bedside manner. She endured the woman’s fussing by watching Kane through the window. He was talking to someone, she just couldn’t see who. From the look on his face, he wasn’t pleased.

  Hitching herself up in the bed, she earned a scolding from Nadia, but gained a better view of the activity outside. Kane was talking to...Bryan! Uh-oh! And he looked upset. She bit her lip. This couldn’t be good. Elise had been sure that since she and Kane now had their mental connection, the rivalry between the two would cease. Apparently, she was wrong. For a moment she considered eavesdropping on the conversation, but felt that would be rude. Even though they now had a special bond between them, she believed each of them still deserved some privacy.

  After a few more verbal exchanges, Bryan left and Kane stood watching him go, shaking his head. She observed Kane rubbing his neck, staring at the sky and exhaling gustily before turning to re-enter the infirmary. Mentally, Elise braced herself for what she might hear. Without even trying, she could sense Kane’s mental disquiet. Deciding to grab the proverbial bull by the horns, she broached the subject as soon as he was near.

  “I saw you were talking to Bryan. What’s wrong?”

  Kane glanced towards the window, obviously realizing she’d had a perfect view of their exchange. “You mean you don’t already know?” He quirked an eyebrow at her.

  “No, I don’t already know. Just because we’re blood-bonded doesn’t mean I’ll be constantly tiptoeing through your head.” She picked at the blanket covering her, and glanced up at him through her lashes.

  Sitting down beside the bed, Kane stilled her agitated fingers and gently rubbed his thumb back and forth over her hand. “I know you won’t. I was only teasing. And don’t worry; I’ll try to give you some space, too.”

  She squeezed his hand, but then lifted her brows in inquiry. “So... You and Bryan?”

  “Oh. Bryan. Well, he had some disturbing news. After the...er...fight was over, I carried you here and Bryan helped Ryne. We left the bodies there, planning to return for them later.” Elise nodded. She’d regained consciousness for that part. Kane looked away for a moment before speaking. “They’ve retrieved Rose’s body, but...” He paused and then met her eye. “Marla’s body is gone.”

  “What?” Elise sat bolt upright, then grimaced as her body protested. She paid it no mind however, too shocked at this news. “But she’s dead! I know I missed her with the knife, but I landed on her arm—the one with the gun. It bent back against her stomach so that it was pointed directly at her when it went off. I felt her body jerk and suddenly go limp beneath mine...” She gulped as the horror of the moment returned; feeling the kickback of the gun against her stomach, the hot stickiness of blood seeping into her clothing.

  “You’re right. She did shoot herself, but no one ever checked that she was dead. I was too worried about you, as was Bryan. We just assumed...” Kane frowned. “I suppose she must have dragged herself off, but I don’t know how far she could have crawled. Bryan says Ryne’s having a fit and is determined to head out right now to see if there’s still a trail to follow.”

  “Surely he’s in no condition for that?”

  “Of course not, but my brother’s more than a bit hard-headed and impulsive at times. I’ve told Bryan to go out in the morning with a few of my patrols and see what they can find. In the meantime, he’s supposed to be trying to talk some sense into his Alpha.” Kane snorted. “If Ryne heads out now, he’ll probably rip out his stitches and then Nadia will really be on his case. She hates having her handiwork messed up.”

  Elise snuck a peak at the stern woman sitting at the far end of the room and figured that the threat of Nadia being upset should be enough to deter anyone.

  *****

  A week later, Elise was home and sitting in the front room, her leg almost healed. Many times during the past few days, she’d thanked her genetics for the recuperative properties that Lycans possessed. She couldn’t imagine how normal humans endured an extended period of time lugging a cast around.

  For once Kane wasn’t with her, having rarely left her side since their ordeal. However, a meeting with the pack’s lawyers had required his presence, and he’d been forced to go into town. Elise didn’t mind. It was nice to have some time to herself. Snow was falling softly outside and she stared at the scene, letting her mind drift. Tall snow encrusted pines lined one side of the property, casting interesting shadows across the blanket of white fluff. Individual crystals twinkled like diamonds, while lazy snowflakes slowly floated down, only to disappear and lose their identity in the pristine drifts that covered the landscape.

  It was a beautiful territory to live in and she smiled, reminiscing how just a little while ago she’d thought her life was over when she came here. Now, she couldn’t begin to imagine living anywhere else.

  Ryne popped into her mind, no doubt due to the fact that he was leaving tomorrow. No sign of Marla had been found much to everyone’s frustration, but Ryne vowed to keep an eye out for her and would warn any pack he might come in contact with, as he searched for a new home. Both Bryan and Daniel were accompanying him and Elise wondered how the three would fare.

  She’d miss Bryan of course, but knew their lives were heading down separate paths. Daniel had been very quiet lately; hopefully a new environment would help him come around. And Ryne... She smiled when she thought of him. He was so like Kane, but with a very strange sense of humour. The man was also a bit rough around the edges, at times making her blush with some of his comments. It was all meant in fun however, and she wished she could have longer to get to know her brother-in-law. Still, once he settled somewhere, they’d be able to visit occasionally.

  As if he’d known her thoughts, Ryne appeared in the doorway. He was dressed all in black, exuding the same air of confidence and power that Kane did. “Hey, Elise. What are you up to?”

  “Nothing much. Just enjoying some quiet time.”

  “Mind if I join you?”

  She patted the spot beside her and he wandered in, his stride fluid and predatory. Elise loved Kane with her whole heart, but it didn’t stop her from admiring the pure male beauty of the man approaching her. With his slightly too long black hair, and piercing blue eyes, broad chest and long legs, the man personified sex appeal. Elise couldn’t stop the smile that appeared on her lips when he sat down beside her.

  “You look happy.” He commented as he leaned back in the sofa. “What brings that smile to your face?”

  “You.
” She laughed at the shocked look on his face. “I was just thinking that, next to Kane, you’re probably the best looking Lycan I’ve ever encountered, and here I am with both of you under the same roof.”

  Quick to regain his composure, Ryne leered at her. “You’re lucky that Kane saw you first or I’d be carrying you off with me.”

  “No, you wouldn’t. There’s nothing that special about me and you can have your pick of any number of beautiful females. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how every single girl in the pack has been hanging around here. And you haven’t exactly been turning them away, either.”

  The slightest hint of a flush appeared on Ryne’s cheeks and he ducked his head in acknowledgement. “True. But I haven’t encouraged any of them. None of them can hold a candle to you.”

  Elise folded her arms and gave him a disbelieving look.

  “I mean it, Elise. You’re special. You have guts. When I think of how you tried to drag yourself through the ravine with a broken leg, and then saved us all from being killed by Marla...” He reached out and brushed a curl from her face, staring deeply into her eyes. “And you’re sweet and kind...” His gaze dropped to her mouth and he slowly leaned closer.

  A wave of panic washed over Elise as she felt the attraction build between them. She tried to lean away, but the arm of the couch was preventing her.

  “What’s going on here?” A rough voice rumbled from the doorway and both turned to see Kane framed in it. He had clenched his hands into fists and was holding them stiffly at his side. His expression was anything but pleased.

  “Kane, it’s nothing. I was just—” Elise pushed against Ryne’s chest trying to create some space between them. She immediately sent positive thoughts Kane’s way in order to reassure him, only to shiver in fear as they bounced off the edge of his mind. Kane was blocking her, and from the look on his face, he was more than a little annoyed.

  “You, I trust.” Kane barked the words as he strode into the room. “It’s this rogue that I don’t.”

  “What’s the matter, Kane? Don’t you believe in sharing?” Ryne taunted, getting to his feet and facing his brother.

  Elise was getting flustered. Her relationship with Kane was finally on solid ground and she didn’t want anything to upset it. “Ryne, don’t tease him like that! Kane, I don’t know why he’s behaving this way.” Her gaze darted back and forth between the two men.

  “Don’t you, Elise?” Ryne mocked. “I’m starting a new pack. I need a female to breed with and you’d suit me just fine.”

  Gasping at his boldness, Elise struggled to her feet and placed herself in between the two, her back firmly pressed to Kane’s chest. She could feel it starting to rumble. “But you’re his brother; part of the pack. You can’t claim a pack member’s mate!” She hoped he was joking. There was a glint in his eye, which made her think he simply had a weird and ill-timed sense of humour, but still...

  Ryne reached out towards her as if to grab her arm and pull her away from Kane. His gaze was hot and he seemed intent on having her, no matter what the consequences. Suddenly, he veered his hand off course and flicked the end of her nose. “Gotcha!” He burst out laughing, and then Kane started to chuckle, too. Elise looked from one to the other, then put her hands on her hips and scowled.

  “That was not funny!”

  “Yes it was.” Ryne chuckled. “The look on your face was priceless! I figured life has been pretty quiet around here lately and you needed some excitement.”

  “Oh you did, did you?” She turned to look at Kane and glowered. “And what’s your excuse?”

  Kane just shrugged and pointed at Ryne. “He made me do it.”

  “That’s right. Two big bad Alphas teaming up and picking on a poor, defenceless female. One who’s injured no less! Honestly, if this is how you two behave together, I don’t know how this pack ever survived!” She huffed and hobbled out of the room, catching their surprised expressions out of the corner of her eye. Good, she chuckled to herself as she made her way down the hall; let them stew for a little while. It serves them right! Making sure her mind was firmly shut to Kane, so he’d have no idea that she wasn’t really that upset, she paused outside the kitchen.

  Smiling, she reflected how good it felt to be herself again. Ever since she’d mated Kane, her life had been in turmoil and she’d never really known where she stood. She’d been so busy trying to please everyone that she’d lost herself. Joining a new pack had been nerve wracking. Suddenly being a mate—and an Alpha’s mate no less—had her stepping into a job that she felt ill-prepared to handle. And then, in trying to please Kane, she’d done her best to befriend Marla when she didn’t want to and that had certainly ended up a mess! Sighing in relief that it was all behind her now, she pushed the kitchen door open.

  Of course, Helen was there as always, preparing the next meal and humming away. She was never happier than when she had an army to feed. Carrie sat in a rocking chair, feeding John Jr. and after greeting everyone, Elise settled into a nearby chair, watching in envy as the child suckled, his small fist brushing against his mother’s breast while he looked up at her with big, blue eyes.

  Elise slowly exhaled, feeling a trifle melancholy. There’d be no baby for her this season. With her broken leg, she’d been forced to go back on her heat pills. A heavy cast and a hospital bed just weren’t conducive to mating.

  Looking up, she noticed Helen watching her with knowing eyes that seemed to say ‘Don’t worry, maybe next time.’ Elise nodded. Possibly it was all for the best. At least now she and Kane had some time together without any danger or drama.

  “So,” Helen spoke out loud. “Where are the two hooligans?”

  “Hooligans?” Elise asked.

  “Yes, hooligans. Kane and Ryne.”

  “Oh, them.” Rolling her eyes, Elise explained what had happened.

  Helen chuckled. “Reminds me of when they were pups. Those two could come up with some of the most outlandish schemes.”

  “Yeah, remember when...” Carrie chimed in as she lifted the baby over her shoulder and began to pat his back. Soon all three were laughing as the antics of the two Alphas were related.

  “Oh, it’s good to have Ryne back.” Helen wiped tears of laughter from her face as she leaned against the counter. “He always kept Kane from being too serious.”

  “And Kane kept Ryne from flying off the handle.” Carrie added.

  The two men in question chose that minute to enter the kitchen, both looking a little sheepish. Kane spoke first. “Elise, I’m sorry. Our little joke wasn’t in the best of taste.”

  “Yeah, we were just teasing. I never thought it might upset you.” Ryne added.

  Elise tried to look stern, but ended up shaking her head and allowing a smile to creep onto her face. “All right. I’ll forgive you this time.”

  Ryne, being the closest, grabbed her and pulled her up into a quick hug, which she returned. Surprisingly, while pulling away, he whispered in her ear. “If you ever get tired of my brother, remember I was only half-joking.”

  Before she could respond, he passed her over to Kane who enveloped her in a bear hug. Over Kane’s shoulder, she saw Ryne watching them with a strange look on his face. When he noticed her, he smiled and winked, then went to invade the cookie jar.

  Hmm, Elise thought. Maybe it isn’t such a bad idea that Ryne was leaving after all!

  Chapter 36

  Ryne had been gone two weeks by the time Elise was totally recovered from her ordeal. The cast had come off the previous week and it had taken another week to get the muscles and joints limbered up again. Now she felt as good as new, and eager to resume a normal life, whatever that might be. She was still planning on working part time at the Grey Goose, but she was also going to help Kane with some of the administrative work in the office. After all, she was the Alpha female and should have some understanding of the ins and outs of the pack’s business.

  The correct environmental report finally had been obtained and the pack’s
lawyers were sure the courts would rule in their favour. Once the land was designated as environmentally significant, Northern Oil wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. All the water and soil samples had come back clear, and now that Marla wasn’t trying to sabotage the pack, Kane had lifted the restrictions on where they were allowed to roam. Everything appeared to be falling nicely into place.

  Elise smiled as she reflected on all these things. Standing by the bedroom window, staring out at the peaceful, snow covered landscape, a feeling of contentment welled up inside her. Despite everything that had happened, the pack was united and strong, their land was safe and Ryne’s name had been cleared of all wrong-doing. Most importantly, in her mind at least, she and Kane were still together. Kane had even begun taking her exploring throughout the territory, and she revelled in finally being able to run at his side, his mate both in fact and spirit. He was proudly showing her all his favourite places and explaining his plans to ‘christen’ several of them once the weather was warmer. Yes, all in all, life was good.

  It was approaching midnight, but she hadn’t put on the lights, preferring the soothing darkness after the business of the day. They’d celebrated Thanksgiving, the house filled to the rafters with members of the pack. While it had been a fun occasion, quiet was what she now craved.

  The door opened behind her and she half turned. Kane stood in the doorway, light from the hallway silhouetting his frame. Once again, she was struck by the power and beauty of her mate. He shut the door blocking the illumination and throwing the room into darkness. Leaving the lights off, he moved unerringly towards her. Elise waited silently until he stood beside her. As he slid his hands around her waist, she sighed happily and twisted slightly so that she was leaning back against him. He nuzzled her neck, and in response she tilted her head to give him better access.

  “Are you tired?” His voice rumbled in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

  “Yeah.”