The family room had two story ceilings and dark wood beams crossed the ceiling. The walls were a dark wood paneling like what would be found in a library. And speaking of libraries there was shelf after shelf filled with books. The room was shaped like a rectangle with windows covering the right and front wall. A large stone fireplace stood proudly against the left wall and was surrounded by built in shelves stacked with books. Large leather couches surrounded the fireplace. Blue-gray and brown rugs covered the dark hard wood floors in a haphazard arrangement that somehow just worked. A large chandelier hung down from the middle of the ceiling. It looked like it was made of real wood and wired with tiny lights. The room reminded me of the casual library that might be found in a manor somewhere. I could picture myself snuggling onto one of the leather couches in front of the fire with one of the many books in my hand.
“You look beautiful tonight,” Caeden whispered in my ear. I looked over at him, my musings of the room completely forgotten.
I smiled. “Thanks,” I said. “You look handsome.”
“You think so?”
“Definitely,” I said. “If another girl looks at you I might have to claw out her eyes.
Caeden’s laugh filled the room. “I’d like to see that.”
“I’m sure you would,” I said with a smile.
He led me to yet another couple in the room. The man had brown hair and brown eyes. The woman had flaming red hair and emerald green eyes. A little boy of about twelve stood next to the woman. He had red hair and brown eyes. Freckles covered his young face.
“This is Keith, Savannah, and Jake,” he said motioning first to the man, woman, and little boy. “Charlotte’s parents and younger brother. This is Sophie,” he said then motioning to me.
The woman named Savannah pulled me into a hug, squeezing the air out of my lungs.
“Mom!” yelled Charlotte from across the room. “Don’t break her.”
“Sorry,” said Savannah releasing me. “You’re gorgeous,” she said. “You two will have the most beautiful children.”
Red flames devoured my cheeks like they were starving. But I couldn’t help picturing a little dark haired boy and girl with Caeden’s blue eyes. I knew Caeden would be an amazing dad. I could see him running around the yard after them now, wrestling with our son, and even playing Barbie’s if our daughter asked him too. It was a future I yearned to have. But for now I had to make it through the present.
“Thanks,” I whispered. I saw that Caeden’s cheeks were red too but I thought the expression on his face looked similar to mine and that maybe his thoughts had gone in the same direction mine had.
Caeden introduced me to a few other people and then we joined our friends where I had to be introduced to their familiars.
“This is Lucy,” said Logan pointing to the chocolate lab at his side.
“This is Gwenie. She’s an English Mastiff,” said Chris.
“My familiar Levi,” said Charlotte petting the Dalmatian at her side.
“Marilyn Monroe,” said Bentley grinning like the golden retriever at his side.
“And you know Bella,” said Bryce.
I petted each of the dogs and said, “I wish I would’ve known. I’d have brought Archie.”
Just then Gram came in from the foyer. “Apparently someone didn’t want to be left behind,” she said and I saw that she held Archie in her arms.
“Archie,” I scolded, “how did you get here?” I took the little dog into my arms. “Poor little baby,” I cooed. “You didn’t want to be left behind did you?”
Caeden laughed and shook his head. “That is one determined familiar.”
I put the small dog down on the ground to play with the others.
“Dinner’s ready!” called Amy coming into the room. She had ditched her apron, showing off her black dress.
The large group of people filed out of the room. I didn’t see how we would all fit at a table but no one else seemed worried.
My jaw literally dropped when we stepped into the large dining room. This house must be bigger than I had originally thought. The dining room reminded me of something one might find in a castle or another place of magnificence. The dark wood floor gleamed brilliantly. A large chandelier hung above the long wood table it’s crystals casting rainbows throughout the room. The table had to be custom made for it sat at least thirty people and the legs of which were four different wolves. The chairs were all wing-backed and done in a rich gray velvet. A large built in dining cabinet was imbedded into the right wall. Two large windows filled the far wall. Caeden took the head of the table and motioned for me to take the place at his right, Bryce took his left, and his mom beside me. Everyone else took their seats around us. Those pesky butterflies made their return when I realized that everyone was staring at me and Caeden. It had never occurred to me that in meeting these people that I would one day be in charge of them. Caeden had obviously already accepted his responsibility as Alpha but I hadn’t even come to terms with what it would mean to be a shifter. Now not only were Caeden and I mates, we were leaders too; leaders of an elite group of shifters. We hadn’t even graduated high school yet!
For a moment I felt faint. Caeden kept a firm hold on my hand. Everyone else sat while the two of us stood. Caeden cleared his throat. “I’m so glad that we could all gather here today to celebrate Thanksgiving,” he gulped and continued. “This is our first without my dad as our leader. I know that I’m young but I hope that I’m doing justice to the role I’ve been given. I don’t take the job of being Alpha lightly. I know that many of you are older and more experienced than I am and I hope that one day I can have half the knowledge you all possess. I love and admire each and every one of you. I will do the best that I can as your leader and I hope that you will all stand behind me.”
The people clapped and smiled, nodding their heads in approval. Caeden gave my hand a squeeze. “Say something,” he whispered, barely moving his lips.
Scared stiff I thought of something to say, anything, so I could stop standing there looking like an idiot. “Um,” I began. Real classy, I thought to myself, ‘um’, just stick your foot in your mouth why don’t you; I silently scolded myself. “I don’t really know what to say. I grew up knowing nothing of being a shifter. I’ve only known about all of this for a month. It’s a lot to just have thrust upon you. I don’t know what I would do without Gram, Caeden, and the rest of the pack. I’m not going to lie and say I’m not scared because in truth I’m terrified.” I looked at Caeden for support and then continued. “I haven’t even shifted yet and a great responsibility has fallen on my shoulders. I only hope I’m worthy enough.”
Silence met me and then slowly everyone began to clap. Relief flooded my veins. I was going to kill Caeden later though. He better watch his back.
He let me sit down and then he began to carve the turkey. Everyone passed around the various dishes. I found my plate heaping full and that didn’t even compare to the people who had three and four plates. Caeden said a blessing over the meal and then we were allowed to eat. Every piece of food burst inside my mouth with flavor. I had thought Gram was a good cook but Amy could give her a run for her money.
The hungry wolves finished their meals in record time. I left half my plate untouched and had to sneakily undo the button on my pants. Caeden saw and heat rushed to my cheeks. Oh, well, I thought.
Everyone gathered in the family room again. I stayed to help Amy clean up from the monstrous meal, no pun intended, and Gram stayed behind as well. Amy had an industrial sized sink and a restaurant style dishwasher so clean up didn’t take as long as I thought it might. In record time I was able to join the others in the family room. The adults had taken to wine drinking. Caeden pulled me into his arms when I came in and we collapsed onto one of the plush leather couches. He kissed me square on the lips right in front of everyone and smiled at me like he’d won the lottery.
He nuzzled my neck and inhaled deeply. “Cookies,” he whispered. I giggled. “Did you
enjoy your meal?” he asked.
“It was delicious,” I replied. “but I did not enjoy that stunt you pulled, making me give a speech, you know I’m shy.”
He laughed. “That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you. I knew you’d chicken out if I gave you time to think about it. I had to surprise you.”
“Well, you did and don’t you ever, ever,” I repeated, “do that again.”
“Are you throwing a temper tantrum?” he asked with a grin. “Because this is not Toddlers and Tiaras.”
“Oh, you haven’t seen a temper tantrum yet. You just wait, mister.”
He laughed. “You’re cute when you’re angry.”
“And you’re annoying when you’re smug.” I supplied.
He grinned and pulled me tighter against him. “Oh come on. You know you wouldn’t change a thing about me. I’m so full of awesomeness it should be illegal.”
“Maybe you should be arrested,” I quipped.
“I’ll be your prisoner anytime. Bring on the shackles baby, I’m your slave,” he grinned mischievously.
My cheeks flamed as I pictured Caeden in handcuffs, my prisoner to do my bidding. Oh dear, I thought. Shut up! I screamed to my thoughts. Wasn’t there an off button for your thoughts? I needed one desperately.
Caeden laughed as if he sensed where my thoughts were trailing. I could feel my whole body turning red. At least the sweater and slacks hid most of the treacherous red splotches.
I turned my head, to look at anything besides Caeden, and looked at the beautiful night sky outside the window. I hadn’t ever seen this many stars. At Caeden’s house I always felt like I was one with nature. It didn’t feel as if this house had been built by man but instead created by nature. The trees seemed to embrace the civil war era house and the animals darted around outside like they weren’t afraid. It was a sight to behold.
Caeden’s fingers lightly played with my hair and then skimmed the line of my jaw sending chills up my spine. His scent of pine and cinnamon surrounded me to the point that I wasn’t sure I could think straight. Here we were in a room full of people and it felt like it was only us. Caeden did that to me. He always looked at me like I was the only girl in the world and I would always find everyone around me disappearing. There was only him and only me.
His thumb caressed my cheek and I found my lip trembling and my knees shaking. It was a good thing I was already sitting. As the room and the people around me faded to the back of my mind I leaned my head on Caeden’s shoulder. He wrapped his arms around me and held me close. I felt his lips kiss the top of my head.
“You look so beautiful tonight, gorgeous, stunning, and a bunch of other adjectives. I can’t believe you’re really mine,” he whispered in my ear, tickling the hair there.
“I don’t think I’m that beautiful but when you say it I’m tempted to believe you,” I said.
“You should. I never lie,” he smiled.
“Sometimes I can’t believe that I get to keep you. That we’re mates. You’re so perfect and I’m just… not,” I said.
He kissed my cheek. “Don’t worry I’m far from perfect. Ask my mom. I can never remember to put the toilet seat down,” he grinned.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “You always know what to say don’t you?”
“What can I say? I just have a way with words,” he joked.
“You sure do,” I said and smiled.
People started to leave and say their goodbyes. I was amazed at how the older wolves addressed Caeden. You’d think it would be weird with Caeden being the age of their children but they treated him like I assumed they would treat any other Alpha, with respect and for some admiration. Chris and Logan hugged me and then Caeden before leaving with their parents. Charlotte had said goodbye a while ago, toting an angry Jacob behind her, because he didn’t want to go home and go to bed. Bentley tackled Caeden from behind and gave him a brotherly hug before heading out. Finally all that was left was me, Gram, Caeden, Bryce, and Amy.
“I guess we better go,” I said standing and calling Archie to me. He had been curled up next to Murphy, hidden in the folds of his long fur.
Caeden’s hands snaked around my waist and he pulled me against him. “Please, don’t go,” he begged.
I laughed. “I have to go home sometime,” I said.
“Move in here,” he said. “Lucinda can come too,” he added and turned to wink at Gram.
“That’s okay,” she said. “I’m an old woman. I don’t want to be roommates with two smelly teenage boys.”
“Hey!” said Bryce, “I don’t smell.”
We all laughed as he picked up Bella and stormed out of the room and up the stairs.
Caeden chuckled and kissed my cheek. “Fine, I’ll let you leave.”
“Let?” I questioned.
He grinned and leaned down to my ear. “If I was desperate I could make you stay here. Maybe you could be my prisoner,” he said with a waggle of his eye brows. His grip tightened on my arm but it didn’t hurt. “I could shackle you with my hands alone. You wouldn’t be able to get away,” he grinned against my ear. “But,” he said pulling away, “I’m a nice guy so I’ll let you leave.”
I pushed his shoulder lightly. “You’re not that nice,” I joked.
“I’m sweeter than peaches and cream,” he grinned, the dimple in his cheek showing.
I saw that Amy and Gram had disappeared. “I’ve got to go,” I said motioning to the door. I gave him a quick kiss but then he held me there, deepening it, my mouth opening under his. “Caeden,” I pleaded. But he continued to kiss me like I was all he needed to survive. My body relaxed into his strong arms and my hands tangled in his hair.
He pulled away with a grin. “Bye,” he said.
“Bye,” I whispered breathlessly. He chuckled and got my coat. He helped me into it and then held the door for me. He leaned down to kiss me again and this time I was the one that took it to the next level. My hand rubbed his cheek and then I pulled away before his kisses convinced me to never leave.
eleven.
It was the third week of December with Christmas break fast approaching. The atmosphere in the school was lifted. We were all just about to get a much needed break. With only two more days to go the teachers had been lenient with homework but harsh with tests. Their claim, if they waited till after break we’d forget everything, I found I couldn’t argue with this logic. So with that I had my study hall desk covered in math notes while Caeden distractedly played with my hair.
“Stop it,” I giggled when he tickled my face with the ends of my hair. “I have to study.”
“Please,” he said, “you know that stuff inside and out. You’ll do fine.”
“Mrs. Harding hates me,” I said. “I have to do well on this.”
“Sophie, you have a 4.0. I don’t think that’s about to change.”
“Caeden,” I sighed. “To have a 4.0 you have to work for it. That’s what I’m doing,” I said indicating the explosion of equations. I could see Travis’ dark eyes glued to me from across the room. His glare was menacing, predatory, but relaxed, the snake preparing to strike.
His fingers played with the skin at the back of my neck.
“Caeden,” I scolded.
“Make me a deal. Go out with me tonight and I’ll leave you to your studies. Deal?” he asked.
“Caeden, I need to study tonight too,” I whined.
His fingers played with chin and then trailed down my arm to my hand. He leaned in and inhaled the skin at my neck.
“Ugh! Fine you win! I’ll go out tonight,” I said throwing my hands in the air.
He grinned like he had just won the lottery. “Swee-eee-eeet.” He said making the word into three syllables. I shook my head at him and turned back to my notes.
No more than thirty seconds later the bell rang. “You’re the devil,” I muttered.
“That’s right, never make a deal with me,” he said and bent to kiss my cheek as he stood and grabbed his backpack.
“What about work?” I asked but I knew that since it was Tuesday we were both off. I was just in desperate need of an excuse.
He grinned. “You know we have today off,” he waggled his finger at me like I was a pesky two year old. I piled my notes together and stuffed them in my backpack. I brushed my hair out of my face.
“I know,” I grumbled and slung my backpack across my shoulder.
“Dress warmly. We’ll be outside some,” he said.
“Are you trying to get me sick?” I asked as we started down the hallway.
“No,” he said. “Have you ever been sick before? I’m talking common stuff, cold, flu?” he asked.
I thought his question strange but I thought about it for a moment. “No,” I said.
“All part of being a shifter,” he said. “We can still get serious illnesses unfortunately. Like cancer.”
“My grandpa had cancer,” I said. “I never met him. He didn’t know about me. Only Gram did.”
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter,” I said. “It just makes me think that my parent’s sacrificed a lot to be together.”
“They did,” he stated, “and I’d do the same for you in a heartbeat.”
“And I’d do anything for you,” I replied ducking into my classroom.
Neither one of us had said those three monumental words but we were getting closer day by day. It frightened me and exhilarated me all at the same time. With a smile on my face I took my seat.
* * *
I stood in front of my closet contemplating what to wear. I wanted to look nice, but not too dressy. Which shouldn’t have been too hard but my winter wardrobe, well my whole wardrobe really, was limited.
I pulled out a pair of dark wash jeans and a pair of boots. Now for a top… Hmm… Maybe… Nope, not that… Not that one either…
“Aha,” I said pulling out an ivory long sleeved billowed blouse. I slipped it on. Perfect. And my black winter coat would go perfect.
I had curled my hair once again and put on only a minimal amount of makeup. Only mascara and a little blush and lip gloss. I fluffed my hair and picked up black fedora.
Outsider (Outsider Series) Page 13
