Power Awakened (The Feral Book 2)

by Charlene Hartnady

  “Who are you? Why would you even care?” Frown lines appeared on her forehead.

  “My name is Cadon and quite frankly, I’m not sure why I care.” He shouldn’t. This had nothing to do with him. “Maybe it’s because you are with child.” He looked back down at the slight bump at her midsection. “Also,” his eyes locked back with hers, “it might have something to do with the fact that someone took their fists to your face. And lastly because you’re afraid.”

  “I’m fine. I left the asshole who did this. I’m on my way to the police station right now to press charges against him. Not that it is any of your business, but I have a plan. For the last time, I’m going to be just fine.” Why did it sound like she was trying to convince herself more than him? Cadon wasn’t buying it. Especially when her shoulders slumped as she said it.

  Everything in him screamed not to let her walk away. He was being an idiot though. He should just nod, turn and walk away. He should, but as much as he wanted to, he couldn’t do it. “Do you have a cellphone device?”

  “What is it to you? You know what, forget it, give me my suitcase and I’ll be on my way.” She spoke with a firmness that wasn’t evident in her eyes. Those were still wide. They still held fear.

  “Let’s go outside,” he suggested. Maybe if they were surrounded by others, she would relax some. He walked to the building entrance and held the door open for her.

  The female sighed in what sounded like exasperation, but she went outside onto the busy sidewalk. “Take my number,” he blurted as she walked past him.

  “I don’t want help from you. I don’t even know you.” She shook her head, reaching for her suitcase.

  Cadon wanted to lift the suitcase out of her reach, instead, he placed it at her feet. “You have nothing to lose by taking my number. I have a place where you could stay. A warm bed, food. Somewhere safe.” What was he saying? He would be lambasted if the others found out he planned on bringing a human into the house. One who was pregnant with a human child. One not eligible to mate, or even clearly interested in becoming one.

  “Back to the part where I don’t know you and where I said I have a plan. Thanks, but I’m fine.” She took the handle of the suitcase and began walking in the opposite direction.

  Let her go.

  Let her—

  By all that flew and screeched, he couldn’t do it. He had to give it one more try, even if it meant having his ass fileted…slowly…if Leukos found out. Although his king was fair, he could be harsh with his punishments. The thought didn’t deter him even though it should.

  “Take the number already,” he said as he fell into step next to her. “You can ignore it, delete it if you like. Just take it.”

  She ignored him and kept walking.

  Cadon followed. Moments later, she turned to him. “Who offers a complete stranger a place to stay, that and food, all for free? Sorry, but I don’t trust you. Nothing is for free in this world…nothing!” Her tone was harsh this time.

  “Who said anything about free? I’m offering you a job in return for a room and food.” No he wasn’t. Why had he just said that?

  She stopped walking, her eyes on the path ahead. “What kind of job?”

  What kind of job?

  Good question.

  There was nothing like this in the plans. The four of them had firstly agreed to spend six weeks getting to know the humans. Then to pool their knowledge. He had been the lucky winner of this particular assignment. The one he and Leukos, only just recently, had meticulously drawn up. One that involved him in a house with five unmated males. The mission, to find them mates. There was no position for her, but maybe he could use her for real.

  She made that same noise she had earlier, one that told him she thought he was full of crap, and began to walk.

  “As a housekeeper,” he blurted. She was pregnant. Cleaning duties would be labor intensive. “I’ll do the heavy lifting and stuff that requires bending and serious work.”

  She laughed. “You just offered me a job and then told me you would do all the heavy lifting of the position. That doesn’t sound like much of a job. It still sounds like a load of bull to me. Like you made that up on the spot.”

  That’s because he had. Cadon ran a hand through his hair. “It wouldn’t just be cleaning duties, I also need someone who can cook.”

  She folded her arms. “Go on.”

  “You would need to cook for five of us and yourself.” Now that he thought about it, this could work out. The males only knew how to grill meat, so he’d planned on getting take-out. Good home cooking would be better for them. “There would also be some housekeeping duties. Stuff like ironing.” He planned on sending their stuff to a laundromat. If Kerry came to work for them he wouldn’t have to. “We were recently awarded a contract and my… um… colleagues will be joining me soon.”

  For a second she looked like she was wavering. Then she shook her head. “Thanks, but no. I appreciate it.” She began walking, faster this time.

  Let her go.

  Leave it alone!

  Dammit! “Take my number. You never know. I’ll keep the position open for a short while in case you change your mind.”

  She made this groaning noise and her head fell back. “Fine, but I’m only doing this to get you off my back and not because I’m actually going to call.”

  Great! Fantastic!

  She fished in her purse and pulled out her device. “Shoot.”

  He pushed a few buttons on his cellphone and handed it to her. “What’s this?” She frowned.

  “My number. There it is.” He pointed to his screen. “I would rather you took it down from there. I don’t want you to get it wrong.”

  She shook her head but took down his number. “Cadon, right?”

  “Yes,” he nodded. He got the distinct impression that she wasn’t going to call. “Contact me if you decide you want the position, but also feel free to call if you’re in trouble. I make a good ally and I’m a male of honor.”

  She frowned, looking at him like he had sprouted a nose feather. Kerry handed the cellphone back to him. “Thanks, I guess.” Then he watched her walk away. It took everything in him to stay right where he was. Not to chase after her. He stayed rooted to the spot, watching as she turned a corner up ahead.

  Only then did the air go back into his lungs. The female was right. It had nothing to do with him. He needed to finish furnishing the house. There were many other preparations to be made. Five males were arriving next week.

  Chapter 5

  Ten days later…

  Kerry shoved the crumpled twenty-dollar bill back into her purse. She huffed out a breath, her eyes filling with tears.

  No!

  Forget crying.

  She rubbed her eyes and pulled in a deep breath. Next, she took a little mirror out of her purse and took a look at herself. She could pull this off. There were still faded bruises around her eye, but she’d concealed those with base. Her lip hadn’t completely healed, but at least the swelling and the worst of the cut was gone. She reapplied lipstick, hoping her old boss wouldn’t notice the remnants of the injury.

  She could do this. She had to. Kerry smoothed her blouse and skirt, checking to ensure that the safety pin still held. Her clothes had recently started feeling tight. She couldn’t wear a few of her things anymore. It wouldn’t be long before none of her clothes fit her. What was she going to do then?

  She sucked in a couple more deep breaths and said a little prayer. Then she headed for the entrance of The Pink Butterfly, her head held high. It was an upmarket restaurant in the heart of town. She’d worked there as a hostess for two years, working her way up after being a waitress for one before that. She had been next in line for the management position. Kerry may not have had a tertiary degree, and she may have come from very little, but she did have drive. She’d thrown it all away on Jeff. She needed to stop beating herself up over one stupid mistake though.

  This wasn’t the time to berate herself for he
r stupidity; she walked through the door. It was still too early for the dinner service. A pretty, dark-haired lady with the widest brown eyes dashed over, clipboard in hand. “Good,” she glanced at her watch, “evening and welcome to The Pink Butterfly.”

  So this was her replacement.

  “You’re a touch early but we can still definitely accommodate you by—”

  Kerry forced herself to smile. “I don’t have a reservation.”

  The hostess looked crestfallen for a second or two. “I’m afraid we are fully booked for this evening. I can help you with a table next week Thursday if—”

  “No, I won’t be needing a table.” She wouldn’t be able to afford a glass of water in this place, let alone a whole meal.

  The hostess’ eyes went wide. “Oh, okay. How can I assist you?” She smiled.

  Damn! Kerry liked her. She was sweet and unassuming. Most importantly she was approachable and made you feel welcome. Still a little rough around the edges but in time, she’d be fantastic at this job. “I’m here to see Chris. Is he in?”

  “I see.” The other woman nodded once. “Do you perhaps have an appointment? He’s in, but I’m afraid he’s really busy right now with stock orders.”

  “No.” She shook her head. “I don’t have an appointment, but I know he’ll want to see me.”

  “Please, can you give me your name and I’ll be right back?”

  “Sure, it’s Kerry Thomas.”

  “Oh, you are the lady who used to work here.” The hostess brightened up.

  Before she could answer. Rick, the bartender, yelled a greeting and waved like a madman. “Hi, stranger! How goes it?” he asked.

  “I’ll be back in a sec,” the hostess said, big smile on her face.

  “I’m good, thanks.” She took a few steps towards the bar area.

  She and Rick made small talk for a few minutes until Chris appeared from the back. “Hi, Kerry, how are you doing?” He walked right over and hugged her.

  It was so good to see familiar faces. People she got along with. Working here had been like being a part of a family. Kerry found herself biting back a fresh wave of tears. Her hormones were all over the place, which was to be expected.

  “So how are you keeping? It’s been ages.”

  “I know I promised to visit.” Jeff had slowly alienated her from her friends and family. How had she not seen that?

  “Yeah, you did but you only came once, a couple of weeks after you left. We’ve missed you.”

  “I’m sorry about that.” She frowned. “I guess I was pretty busy.” Not!

  “You must be with the baby on the way and all the wedding plans.” He looked down at her hand and frowned.

  Probably noticed she wasn’t wearing her engagement ring anymore. She’d left the diamond solitaire on the dining room table. “Um…” What did she say to that? “I don’t really want to get into it, but Jeff and I broke up.” Flip, there was a quiver to her voice. Hold it together!

  “Hi, Kerry.” A voice sounded from the entrance. “You back?” One of the waitresses had just arrived. “Or just visiting?”

  “Hi, Sherri.” She forced a smile.

  “Oh.” Chris looked concerned. “Let’s go sit at one of the tables over there.” He gestured to a quieter part of the restaurant.

  She nodded. “We’ll catch up in a sec,” she said to Sherri, who nodded.

  Chris put a hand to her back, following her to the table. They sat down. “Can I get you something to drink?” he asked, that same look of concern still plastered all over his face.

  “No thanks.” She shook her head. “I don’t want to get into the details but let’s just say that it’s over for good. Jeff isn’t going to help out with the baby either.” He’d called and left a ton of messages. Her phone had blown up with text messages as well. Nothing openly sinister, but she could read between the lines. He wanted her back and moreover, he wanted her to drop the charges against him. Kerry had agreed but only if he left her alone. At least the police had everything on record. Just in case. Right now, she just wanted to get on with her life. To move on!

  “I’m so sorry to hear that.” Chris didn’t ask anything more. She noticed how his gaze flicked to her lip once or twice. “How can I help?”

  “Any chance of getting my job back?” she blurted before she lost the nerve.

  “Look,” he huffed out a breath. “Angela is doing great. I recently made her permanent.”

  Kerry felt her heart sink. “Of course. She has a ton of potential.”

  “She does.” Chris nodded once. “She actually reminds me of you when you first took on the position. I wish I could help you, Kerry.”

  “What about a waitress position?”

  “Even if I had something, you’d be on your feet for hours.” He shook his head.

  “I might be pregnant but I’m not an invalid.”

  “I couldn’t give you a position even if I wanted to. I don’t have to tell you that the money is really good. I don’t get many resignations. I could maybe throw you a shift or two a week at best.”

  Maybe.

  She couldn’t exist on a maybe. What choice did she have right then though?

  “That would be great.” Anything would be better than nothing. Kerry could look for something else in the meanwhile. She forced herself to smile through the panic. She had really been counting on getting her job back. On getting actual work of some kind at her old place of employment. Life had gone on without her. Why was she so shocked?

  “I can’t guarantee anything though. I can’t even guarantee I’ll give you a permanent spot if one becomes available.” That look in his eyes had gone from concern to pity. “You know how stressful this job can be. What will happen when you’re seven or eight months along?”

  “I completely understand.” Of course she did. What Chris was saying made perfect sense. If she had been in his shoes, she would have said the same.

  Her ex-boss reached over and clasped her hand. “You’re cold.” He rubbed her skin. “I feel terrible. I can see you’re in trouble.”

  “I’ll be fine.” It was getting harder and harder to say those words.

  He looked at her for a few moments. Really looked at her. Assessing whether or not she was telling the truth.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be absolutely fine. I’ve moved in with my sister.” It was almost true since she was going to have to move in that same day. Twenty bucks wouldn’t go very far at all. “I’ll keep trying, otherwise,” she shrugged, trying to look nonchalant, “I’ll wait until the baby is born.”

  And then what?

  Who was going to look after her son while she was at work?

  Something must have registered in her eyes because that look of pity on his face just got a whole lot more pronounced. “I’m sure I can fit you in a shift here or there and…” he paused, holding her gaze, “I can loan you some money.”

  A loan.

  As in, dig herself into a hole.

  No thanks! As tempted as she was to take him up on his offer, she couldn’t. She’d seen firsthand what debt could do to a person. How it had destroyed her family. “Thanks, Chris. I appreciate the offer, but I’ll get by. I’ll take you up on your offer of a couple of shifts though. I’ll definitely take what I can get.”

  “You sure?” He raised his brows. “You can pay me back once the baby is born. Once you’re on your feet again.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Okay then.” He didn’t look too happy. “I’ll call you in the morning and let you know when you can start.”

  “I really appreciate it.” He was doing her a big favor. At least this way, she could pay for some of the basics while staying at Susan’s place.

  Chapter 6

  Three days later…

  “I can’t wait to meet some females.” Zaire fell back onto the sofa, putting his feet onto the coffee table.

  “Me too.” Locke put down the TV remote and folded his arms. “When are we going to be permitted to le
ave this place?” He looked around them. The house was big…eight bedrooms big, but Cadon agreed, it was starting to feel claustrophobic. Three days locked in here with the five of them would do that to a male.

  Orrick grunted, tearing another piece off of the loaf of bread in his hand and stuffed it into his mouth. Cadon knew that would be the sum total of his involvement in the conversation.

  “I want to mount,” Andrzej, Andy for short, put in his two cents, pretty much summing up what everyone else was feeling. Everyone except for Cadon of course. He didn’t have the drive, the hunger coursing through him. Thank the gods.

  Problem was, these males had half a hope in hell of getting even a single female to give them the time of day. They might look the part in their new clothing, but they certainly didn’t act it. Didn’t sound it either.

  He’d taught them as much as he could, in theory, so it was time to venture out. They had been clueless when they arrived because Talon hadn’t been much help. The male was still wallowing in self-pity over that human female. It was puzzling to him. Whatever had happened between the two of them couldn’t be what he thought it was. Talon was still mated after all, just as he was still mated even though their mates were long gone. He felt a pang but pushed it aside, feeling the weight of the five stares, all focused on him.

  Worth jumped up. “I’m not sitting around here any longer. I’m heading out.”

  “No,” Cadon interrupted. “You are not.”

  “How are we expected to find mates sitting around?” he snarled.

  “I don’t think you’re ready.” Cadon shook his head.

  “The only way to find out is to head out,” Worth spat.

  “Do you want to blow our cover? You males will stick out like a yellow feather on black plume.”

  “I don’t care.” Worth balled his fists. “I’m done waiting.”

  “You, for one, haven’t watched much of the television,” Cadon remarked. “You should be trying to learn mannerisms and—”

  “It’s boring as fuck!” Worth smiled. “How’s that? One word I learned from the picture box. I’ve heard you use it too.”