Epilogue
Pete and Grey pulled up to his old pack house. Ive and Dji had insisted on coming and they’d almost had a car full when more of the Masters’ tribe had insisted they should be there too. He was thankful his cousin Ev had come along as well. He really needed all the support he could get. He shouldn’t have been surprised by all the support, the pack always came through. They were family and he was just now really starting to see that. It sucked that it’d had taken him so long to figure out his place in it.
The house didn’t look as scary as it had in the past. Before it had been dark and looming and now—it just looked like a house. Being mated to Grey had put a lot of things into perspective for him. He wasn’t an abomination and his family couldn’t hurt him anymore.
He needed this confrontation on many levels so he could feel whole again. Russ, his alpha, led the way. Pete was choked up when he’d said he’d be coming too and that it was about time he put Pete’s parents in their place. That’s when it really clicked that he was in the place he needed to be.
They didn’t have to come and he’d told them that. It was ultimately his fight, but he had a new family now and they would have none of it. He smiled when he remembered Ive yelling that she was his sister now and she’d damn well come if she wanted to, so she could beat some sense into the people who had almost kept Pete from Grey.
Life had completely changed for him. He was no longer the loner. Grey would drag him to the pack dinners or they’d have a nice evening in with Dji and Ive. Pete loved those nights the best. Ive was a spitfire and kept Dji in line and Dji was stronger than ever, he smiled more now and joked around. It had taken a couple of months for everyone in the house to feel comfortable with Dji, but not for Pete. They’d bonded the first night Ive had demanded they come over for dinner.
And Ive reminded Pete so much of his mate Grey. They shared a lot of mannerisms and would finish each other’s sentences. Dji and Pete would just look on in amusement when they shared tales of their own dysfunctional den. It made Pete happy, knowing that the Masters’ tribe was there for them all.
Russ was the best leader a person could have. He was fair and had never looked at Pete differently because he loved a man. It really didn’t matter to Russ.
It was time. Russ stood at the door and knocked. Grey reached for Pete’s hand, curled his fingers around Pete’s and squeezed, not letting go. And it wasn’t weird. Before, Pete would have snatched his hand away and been mortified of the public display, but no more. He was proud of his mate. He raised their hands and kissed Grey and, as luck would have it, that’s when the door opened.
“Is your alpha here?” Russ’ voice was strong and clear.
“Who are you and why’s the fag here?” Pete knew that voice.
That was his own brother. It shouldn’t have hurt, but it did. Pete had to hold Grey back because he was straining against him.
“He isn’t worth it, love.” Pete kissed his hand again and said nothing, letting Russ do the talking. A month ago he wouldn’t have been so confident and would have cowered behind people at the anger coming from Don, but no more.
Russ bristled and Pete could feel the power roll over him. His brother, Don, whimpered. He was just happy that it wasn’t directed at him even though he still had the urge to shift and show his belly.
“I asked for your alpha. Get him. Now.”
Don scrambled back and left the door open. Russ walked in and the group followed. Any confidence he had left him as he walked through the door. Grey stroked Pete’s back and it was keeping him calm. He was about to hyperventilate—too many bad memories in the place. Pete could remember the beating he’d got by the stairs leading to the second floor. He’d been thankful he’d reached the bottom before his dad and brother had cornered him. That was right before they’d kicked him out, hoping he’d die.
There was a time Pete had hoped for that as well, but thanks to Ev and Russ that had changed.
His mother and father stormed into the living room.
“What the hell is going on here?”
Pete’s father didn’t even look at him, his focus was on Russ. There was no offer of a handshake or anything that remotely looked like hospitality. He took a minute to really look at the man who had made his life hell. His dad looked old and small, his once dark hair now a dingy grey. Pete noticed that his mom had a black eye. It shouldn’t have surprised him—his father was a bully and no one was immune from his wrath.
“Mr Tyler, your son needed some closure and as the head of his pack I wasn’t going to let him come by himself. We’re his family now and we want you and your pack to stay away from him and his mate. Peter has told me some disturbing stories and I want to nip any retaliation from you in the bud here and now.” Russ stood tall and stared Pete’s father down.
When his father looked away, Pete relaxed. He couldn’t hurt him anymore.
“His—mate? That abomination found a woman who would take him?”
Pete almost laughed, but he was still too freaked out about being there. His father really thought he’d end up with a female?
“Why would he have a woman as a mate? He’s gay. No, his mate is standing right beside him.” Russ pointed to Pete and Grey.
It was the first time his father had looked at him since rushing into the room. His mother cringed.
They can’t hurt me anymore.
He only had to repeat it in his head a few times to feel better.
“What kind of alpha would let that freak live. He should be put down.” Pete’s father moved towards him like he would take care of it here and now.
And there went any calm his chant had given him. Grey moved in front of Pete, but it wasn’t him that challenged Pete’s father.
“That’s enough, Uncle Roger. You can’t hurt him anymore. Stay clear of our home, or you won’t like the welcome you receive.” Ev glanced away and stiffened at something in the corner.
Pete didn’t have time to look and see what had drawn his attention. It was time to step up and cut all ties once and for all.
“Mr Tyler—” No way was Pete calling him dad. “I am no longer a member of your pack. Ties were cut a long time ago and you need to stop harassing me. I am happy and mated with a new pack and family. You can’t hurt me anymore. I’m bigger and stronger now. This ends here.”
He nodded to his mother then turned on his heels and went for the door. A crash made him look around. His father had made a move on him while his back was towards him. He had a knife in his hand. Where that had come from was anyone’s guess. But now he was on the ground, Grey on top of him.
“You will never touch my mate again, you coward.” Grey spat on the floor by Pete’s father’s head.
Grey kept the knife and returned to Pete’s side.
“No one will ever hurt you again, babe.” Grey kissed his temple.
Pete closed his eyes and savoured the love coming from his mate.
“Thank you.”
“I love you, Pete.”
“I love you too, Grey.”
They walked out of the house as a group. The howl of rage from inside shut off when the door was closed. That chapter of Pete’s life was over. He knew that, if his father tried to come after him, he had a full pack at his back and would never be alone again.
“Your old man is lucky I’m a lady. I was going to lay his ass out flat. Fucker.” Ive squeezed Pete and walked ahead of him to catch up with Dji.
Grey laughed. “She isn’t lying. She would have taken him out.”
Pete smiled because he believed every word of it. Ev walked behind them with Russ. The two men were whispering. Pete turned around and was surprised to see Ev had three small blonde women with him. They looked shocked and were trembling a little. One had a broken arm, and the other two were bruised. It had to be the result of living with his father, but he’d never seen them before. They must have joined after he’d left. How his father kept getting new members he’d never know. By now most of the shifter world
should have heard of his father’s out of control temper and heavy hand.
Everyone stopped by the van.
“Ev brought something to my attention as we were leaving. These women need a new home and I think our tribe will be the perfect place for them.” Russ and Ev helped them into the vehicle. The youngest one flinched at the touch. Pete was afraid to find out what they’d been through.
He just wondered how Ev had got them out and convinced them to go with them. Pete’s father’s hold was strong. It had to be, he didn’t rule with heart like Russ, he ruled with an iron fist. Sometimes two. If anyone went against him, they were beaten. If he didn’t do it his betas would. They were all cruel. He wished he had the power to disband them, but it wasn’t his problem any longer.
“They’ll need some time to heal. There is a cottage open at the edge of the property we’ll get them settled into.” Russ got into the van.
Ev started to get in too. Ive was in the front with Dji, and started the van. The women were in the rear of the van holding on to each other, leaving the middle seat for the rest. Russ slid back with the women, which was probably a good call. Being an alpha he had a way about him that would calm other shifters, something Pete’s father had never had.
“Hey, Ev, how did you get them to come with you?” Pete raised a brow.
“Your dad is a fucker. I saw them huddled on the couch all beat to shit and went over to them while you were busy almost getting stabbed. Nice save by the way.” Ev slapped Grey on the back. “I just told them if they wanted out to come with me, we were leaving. They didn’t look back.”
Ev glanced to the back seat and clenched his fist by his side. Pete had never seen him so angry before.
“You did good, cuz.” Pete squeezed his shoulder.
“No one should have to be put through that. No one.”
“That man should be put down,” Grey agreed.
Pete didn’t say much because he thought so too.
“You guys getting in sometime today or you just gonna stand there lookin’ pretty.” Ive shouted.
Ev actually blushed, mumbled something and got into the van.
“What was that about?” Pete mused.
“I think he likes one of the women.” Grey winked.
Pete looked towards the back. He wondered what their story was and if they would ever find out. For Ev’s sake he hoped it wasn’t anything too horrible. It would be great if his cousin could find a mate of his own. Pete had never been so settled in his life and wished that for the only other man he loved with his whole heart.
He slammed the door shut and looked at his childhood home. It wasn’t scary anymore. His father was a bully and an old man. Pete finally saw him for what he truly was. He leaned his head on Grey’s shoulder and breathed in his scent. It was the only thing that could calm him no matter what.
The nightmares were still there sometimes, but they weren’t coming like they used to. When they did, all he had to do was snuggle into his mate and breathe him in. It had been a draining day and he hoped the nightmares would stay away tonight. Maybe he’d have Grey help him get so tired that all he could do was sleep. He grinned, thinking of all the things they could do to pass the time.
Today truly was the first day of his new life. He’d stood up to his father, put his past behind him and embraced who he truly was and, if things went well, he’d have Ev mated and just as happy as he was.
Anything was possible if you grabbed life with both hands and never let go, he was living proof of that.
* * * *
Ive looked back at her brother as Dji drove the van. She was content. Something she’d feared might never happen. To have her brother settled was just one more thing to make her happy, and the Masters’ pack was much better than the fox den. Here she felt like part of the group. She was even getting along better with Joy.
They’d had the girls’ night out and, for the first time, she was comfortable in her own skin and had let down her guard. They didn’t call her the Ice Queen anymore. At least not where she could hear it. Naomi was adjusting to Kir and he seemed to be taking his new life in his stride. He hadn’t tried to run again. She thought having Dji and Zareb around helped. The girls had another outing scheduled. Shopping. Ive was looking forward to it because a girl couldn’t have too many shoes.
Russ had even put her to use helping Dji and Zareb train the others to protect themselves, now that Vivian no longer needed her and Grey to protect her. Dji had told her that the Ancients were still concerned with the shifters being exposed to humans. Ive hoped with all her heart this wasn’t the case. Their lives would never be the same again unless they controlled the information. She sighed. Maybe she’d bring it up to Russ. If the Ancients were worried it must be coming and soon. Someone had to have connections with the government to ease the world into the existence of the supernatural.
“What is it, my love?” Dji glanced at her then turned back to watching the road.
“I’m happy.”
“That didn’t sound like a ‘happy’ sigh.”
He’d come to know her well.
“I’m also thinking of the future.”
“That bad?” Dji grinned and reached over to squeeze her leg.
He smiled more often now and it still made her stomach flutter, his hand on her thigh didn’t hurt either. Anytime he touched her she went up into flames. Now probably wouldn’t be the time to bring that up—not with a van full of witnesses. No need to share her sex life with the whole pack.
“Just a bit worried.”
It felt good to admit that. Most of the time she stayed too strong. With Dji—she didn’t have to.
“Because of the prophecy?”
“How did you know? Anyways, does it have to be a prophecy just because they say? Can we prevent it?” Ive bit her lip.
“I can always tell what you’re thinking.” Dji took her hand and squeezed, she didn’t take it away. His touch comforted her.
“So?” She insisted.
“It might be time to ‘come out’ to the humans. They are enlightened now. I saw a couple shows on television about vampires and shifters. They seem popular.”
“That’s what you think. Individual humans, sure, but get them together and it’s mob mentality. We could end up locked up in a lab somewhere. Maybe we should see if Russ can talk to someone.”
“Now I think it’s you who has been watching too much television. Don’t borrow trouble, Ive. When the time comes, we’ll have each other. We’ll get through this.” Dji brought their hands to his lips and kissed her palm. “You’ve proven to me we can get through anything.”
Ive looked back again to see Pete’s head against Grey’s shoulder. Grey winked at her and she turned around. Dji was right. She needed to live in the now because they were happy. The threat might be out there—but no one knew when. They could all be long dead before it came to pass. For now, she would enjoy having a family.
A shiver raced down her spine and goose bumps raised up on her arms. A breeze moved through her hair, but the windows were closed.
“It’s coming.”
Ive looked over at Dji, but he was focused on the road. What was coming? Who’d said that? It hadn’t been him, the voice sounded different. It didn’t even sound like one person…but a group of them just in her head. It wasn’t a good feeling.
“Ive?” Dji looked worried.
“Nothing.” She tried to shake it off. Maybe it was her overactive imagination.
Ive looked out of the window, but held on tight to Dji’s hand.
“Everett and Kitty are the key.”
She looked again—nothing. Ive turned completely around in her seat. Ev was looking at the women in the back and no one else seemed to have heard the weird voice, but something was coming. There went her vow to worry about the now.
There was no other explanation but the Ancients, and since when did they talk to her? She wasn’t connected to them in anyway. The foxes didn’t even worship the Ancients. They hadn�
��t for centuries. It looked like she’d be called in to protect her family. No way was she giving them up. Once they got to the house she’d have to talk to Bella, the pack seer. Why weren’t they talking to her anyway? Didn’t they go always go to her or Zareb?
Pete would be devastated if something happened to his cousin, and Grey would go crazy if harm came to Pete. Couldn’t they all catch a break? It seemed like the Masters’ were up to their eye balls in hurt and pain with no clear break in sight.
And for that matter—who the hell was Kitty? Ive closed her eyes and laid her head on her seat. There was nothing she could do until they got home. What more could the universe throw at them?
Ive knew that she shouldn’t ask because it would only cause more trouble. She didn’t even notice how long the trip was—they were already home. She watched as the others got out of the van, but she didn’t move. Dji waited as well.
Once everyone was out, Dji turned to her. “Something happened. Talk to me.”
“The Ancients spoke to me.”
“What did they say?” Dji looked worried.
He didn’t even question why they were talking to her. She couldn’t love him any more than she did in that moment.
“That something is coming and Ev and Kitty are the key.”
“Who’s Kitty?”
Ive threw up her hands. “That’s what I wanted to know. And why is Ev the key?”
“I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out. Let’s go inside. We’ll talk to the others. I don’t know about you—but I’m tired of these meetings.” Dji sighed and released his seatbelt.
She chuckled and followed suit. They met in front of the van. He was so old fashioned. Dji held out his hand, ever the gentleman. She intertwined her fingers with his, the smallest connection made her happy.
“You do know they’ll be busy for a while with the new members. We could go to our place—”
She threw her head back and let out a full bodied laugh.
“I like the way you think, Dji.” She changed the direction they were going and tugged him along.
Redemption Page 9
