(Un)bidden

by Melissa Haag

  Thomas wasn’t in the main room when I finally went to find him. He wasn’t anywhere outside, either. I stood in the sun, closed my eyes, and concentrated on where I usually felt him. It was like concentrating on my left hand but in my head. I found the spot and felt a hint of frustration coming from it. How did you call someone with feelings? Impatience? I didn’t want him to think I was mad. Not when I was about to tell him the truth about myself. My insides twisted at the thought. And I didn’t want to wait for him to come back on his own.

  I knew two things that would most likely have him rushing to my side. Fear and hunger. I blushed, opened my eyes, and started to think about the kiss we’d shared in the hallway. The memory of his hands on my sides made me shiver, and my pulse jumped. The frustration disappeared. I imagined his mouth on mine, not a gentle, light touch but a starved press of his lips.

  My gaze swept over the trees, and my breathing changed as I kept the memory playing in my head.

  “You better be ready to run,” Mary said from behind me.

  I jumped and spun around. Like a bucket of cold water over my head, her appearance stopped all thought.

  She grinned at me.

  What were you doing?” she asked.

  My already flushed face heated further.

  “Trying to get him to come back.”

  Hands settled on my shoulders, and I let out a small “Eep.”

  Mary laughed, shook her head at me, and walked back inside.

  “You succeeded in gaining my undivided attention. Was there something you wanted?” Thomas said from behind me. What he felt flooded me, and my stomach did a nervous dip. Why hadn’t I felt anything until now? I’d thought it wasn’t working.

  “I wanted to talk to you privately but maybe now isn’t the best time.

  He scooped me up in his arms and took off running into the trees.

  “Now is the perfect time,” he said, glancing down at me. His hungry gaze devoured me.

  “Don’t run into a tree,” I said, nudging his chin up. He grinned and focused on our path.

  As he ran, I tried to settle my nerves and my pulse by taking several deep, calming breaths.

  We broke through the trees to the lake’s grassy shore. I was glad he hadn’t taken us to the marsh or garden. He set me on my feet and turned me.

  “There’s no one around to hear us. Now, what did you want to discuss?”

  I felt like throwing up. The little voice that had cautioned me when I’d thought about telling Winifred was screaming at me now to keep my mouth shut. I looked out over the waters, unsure what to do.

  “Hey, it’s okay,” Thomas said. He pulled me close and wrapped his arms around me. “I hate when you worry this much. You can tell me whatever you want or keep it to yourself. I won’t be upset with you either way. Just stop worrying like this.”

  His hands smoothed down my back, and the voice quieted. My worries tended to fade when he just held me like this.

  “I can control people with just a thought,” I said against his chest.

  His chin settled on top my head. “I know. Winifred told me. She and I talked after the first time we saw what you could do. We thought it was tele-whatever, where you can move things with your head. When you told her it was something else, she told me.”

  I frowned, not saying anything. I said it needed to be kept secret. And when she nodded, I’d thought she’d agreed.

  “Don’t be angry,” he said.

  I needed to figure out a way to keep my emotions in check.

  “She told me because she had to. She’s responsible for all of us. Keeping information to herself about the possibility of someone in our midst who could control us could have killed her.”

  “What?” I said, lifting my head.

  “Like I said about Grey. Elders serve us, not themselves. If she knowingly did something that could potentially jeopardize us, she would die.”

  I stared at him, unable to speak.

  “Winifred does want to protect you. She believes that you’re a key to our future. She will do what she can to keep you safe. That’s why she told me what you can do and asked that I keep an eye on you. I saw what you can do. It’s impressive and as far as I’m concerned, there’s no reason for us to worry. The damage you can do is no worse than when we challenge each other.”

  I could do so much more than he imagined. I could make them do things then make them forget. And if Winifred found that out, she’d need to tell Thomas or risk her own life. What would Thomas do if I told him? Would he keep it to himself? I studied his face. He wouldn’t. He loved his people too much. If he knew there was a way I could control them, he’d warn Winifred, at the very least. She’d need to tell all of the rest. I was very unwanted already. It would be my death.

  I felt sick but quickly pushed it aside. I couldn’t fall apart; he’d know there was something more to what I could do. Fear snaked its way into my belly, and I saw his expression begin to change.

  I did the only thing I could to distract him, to distract us both. I kissed him.

  * * * *

  Thomas’ head lay on my chest. His breathing was slow and even. I didn’t move to wake him. Instead, I lay there and let out all the worry and fear I’d suppressed since our kiss at the lake.

  If I Mated with Thomas as he wanted, as I wanted, I would need to lie to him for the rest of my life. I could try to run, again, but knew he wouldn’t let me go. Even if I managed to leave this place, he would come and find me. He hadn’t wanted to give up his Claim before it had been official. Now that it was official...I sighed and looked up at the ceiling.

  “What next?” I whispered in the dark.

  Thomas shifted in his sleep, relieving some of the pressure.

  I ran my fingers through his hair. I’d made it this long without deciding. Maybe I just needed to be patient and wait for the Universe to actually answer.

  * * * *

  Thomas and I stood outside, working together to hang laundry on the line. Everyone else was still inside working on weaving. I’d tried to start a mat but discovered I didn’t have the patience or skill for it. The leaves didn’t cooperate and, instead of a rectangle, I ended up with a weird shape with too many gaps. So, I’d opted to do laundry instead.

  “Weaving’s not for everyone,” Thomas said.

  How had he known what I was thinking about?

  “What gave me away?” I asked.

  “Your frustration. It felt the same now as it did in there.”

  I wrinkled my nose at him. Thomas’ mat had been perfect.

  While I was making my face, his expression went from amused to alert. He turned to look at the trail. A light blue and white truck rolled into the yard. Not Winifred’s truck. I stopped straightening a shirt and squinted against the glare of the sun reflecting off the windshield. I caught sight of a man behind the wheel as the truck stopped and the engine died. I turned back around to keep my face averted. Thomas moved toward the truck.

  The man opened the door, and a metal on metal screech filled the air.

  “Afternoon,” Thomas said as the man stepped from the truck. Thomas’ voice seemed pleasant enough, but I felt his tension.

  “Afternoon,” the man echoed. “Sorry to come in here without warning. Am I interrupting something?”

  I reached for the man’s will but didn’t find anything more than friendly curiosity. Keeping a light hold on his will, I hung another shirt.

  “Just laundry,” Thomas said.

  “Not a shirt left to wear, huh?”

  I blushed as I realized how odd Thomas must look standing there in nothing but his pants. I’d grown so used to it, I never thought of getting a shirt for him anymore.

  “Yeah, the Mrs. lets it pile up at my place, too,” the man said when Thomas remained silent. There was a slight pause before the man continued. “I’ve seen your smoke for a few weeks now and wanted to stop in and warn you. We’ve been seeing some wolves around. They’ve left our livestock alone so far and don’t bo
ther the dog none even though that thing yaps up a storm.”

  “Wolves?” Thomas said, sounding deeply concerned. “Which direction did you say?”

  “I live a few miles to the west. It’s a farm just off the road.”

  Had I walked a bit further all those weeks ago, I would have seen the farm. How different would my life be if I’d gone to knock on their door instead of walking an old trail at dusk?

  “And you saw our smoke from your place?”

  The man laughed.

  “Not from my place. I’ve seen it when I go to town for supplies.”

  A thread of impatience touched me, and I smiled. Poor Thomas. I wondered when he last spoke to a human. Excluding me, of course.

  “Thank you for letting us know about the wolves,” Thomas said pleasantly. “We haven’t seen any yet, but we’ll keep watch and let you know if we do.”

  “It’s no trouble,” the man said. “It’s nice having neighbors again. Thought the lady who bought this place from the hippies was just going to let it rot.”

  The man was obviously not ready to leave. I knew we should invite him in or seem more friendly, but I didn’t think anyone here would welcome him if I extended any type of invitation.

  “That’s my Aunt,” Thomas said. “She was thinking about it but asked me and a few of my friends to move out here and start fixing the place up. Might still rot.”

  I could feel the shrug in Thomas’ words. Hanging up the last shirt, I calmly walked inside and felt the man’s curiosity as he glanced my way. I should have at least said hello. Instead of thinking me odd, I nudged his thoughts toward shy.

  Mary closed the door behind me.

  “Thomas said to stay inside until he leaves.”

  I didn’t need her to tell me that. I went to the window and peeked around the curtain. The man stood near his truck. Thomas appeared very relaxed beside him.

  “Let Thomas know he should shake the man’s hand when he thanks him for the information,” I said.

  Mary giggled.

  “Gregory didn’t know about that when we went into town. You should have seen his face when the plumber offered his hand.”

  Thomas stuck out his hand as he thanked the man again. The man shook Thomas’ hand, and I felt the man’s relief that we were normal people, unlike the last group here.

  Thomas stayed outside until the taillights disappeared down the road. When he came inside, he didn’t appear as troubled as he felt. He walked over to me and set his hands on my shoulders. I’d noticed when others were around, it was usually just a casual touch; but when we were alone, he tended to curl around me.

  “What part bothers you?” I said. “That someone came here or that he thinks I don’t do laundry?”

  “That there are wolves to the west.”

  “I don’t understand why that’s troubling.”

  “Winifred says there are no wolves to the west.”

  That didn’t sound good.

  “Could it be some of your pack trying to cause trouble?” I asked.

  “No. Most of them are to the north or the east.”

  “Maybe they’re just real wolves,” I said.

  “Maybe.”

  Sixteen

  Thomas’ place beside me was still warm when Mary came to wake me Saturday morning.

  “You’re going to like what we get to do today,” she said nudging my shoulder.

  “If it’s collecting more reeds, forget it.” I’d never thought so many reeds would be needed for basket weaving.

  “Nope. Winifred’s brought apples. Rilla and Ann are already in the kitchen. We’re making pies.”

  I opened one eye to stare at her. “Do you even know what an apple pie is?”

  She grinned down at me. “Winifred brought one already made. It was good. Thomas is trying to save you a piece.”

  I tossed the covers off me and hurried to dress. Eating a pie was much more motivating than the idea of making one.

  The five women worked together in the kitchen all day. It was a nice break from reed gathering, weaving, and laundry, and I decided we needed some diversity in our schedule. When Winifred left on Sunday, I mentioned my idea to Thomas and he agreed.

  Monday and Tuesday, the women worked hard to make small pillows. I was good at stuffing them with the fluff and cutting even rectangles, but I left the sewing to Ann and Mary.

  Wednesday, we tried our hand at homemade bread. The oven was a little touchy, and the loaves came out dark on the outside and still doughy in the middle. The following batch baked more evenly. It didn’t seem to matter either way. Werewolves weren’t picky eaters, and they devoured all the loaves.

  That night, I contentedly fell asleep in Thomas’ arms, and he surprised me by staying in bed until I woke again. His awe and adoration flooded me as I slowly opened my eyes. I smiled sleepily.

  “That’s a nice way to wake up,” I said.

  He kissed my temple.

  “Would you like to spend the day together?”

  I nodded. How could I not? I loved having his undivided attention, and whether I wanted to acknowledge the passing time or not, we had less than two weeks until the rest of his pack returned.

  “I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” He kissed my temple once more then left me to dress.

  When I found him several minutes later, he was waiting beside the outer door with a bundle in his hands.

  “What’s that?”

  “Lunch,” he said with a grin.

  He was learning.

  He didn’t ask to carry me, but held out his hand. Together, we walked away from the buildings.

  “Are we going anywhere particular?”

  “Not really. I’m already where I want to be.”

  And I knew he meant with me.

  * * * *

  The next morning, I sat at the table eating my last bites of oatmeal. As usual, I was one of the last ones awake. This morning, though, I noticed an unusual number of men still lingering outside. Thomas walked in through the open door and smiled at me.

  I waited until he sat next to me to ask about the men.

  “The man at the junk yard has no more work for them. He told them to come back in spring. Anton put the cash they’d earned on top of the food storage.”

  What would the men do now to keep busy? Thomas seemed to read my mind.

  “We’ll take what baskets we have and start picking from the garden,” he said.

  I nodded and watched him stand to rejoin the men milling around outside. Besides the Mated men, Thomas always left someone he trusted behind whenever he left, so I wasn’t surprised when Gregory walked in with a grin.

  As soon as the men left, Rilla and Ann started washing the dishes while Gregory, Mary, and I fetched the reeds and other supplies we’d need for the day. Then, we worked hard to make more baskets, mats, and small pillows. I mostly ran back and forth fetching whatever supplies they needed.

  Twice a man returned with a full basket of vegetables to ask if we had another one complete. Both times, we were able to say yes thanks to Rilla’s amazing skill.

  The men returned before dusk, with fish and two more filled baskets. Ann and Mary took the fish. The oven was hot and ready for them. Rice already steamed on the stove, along with a pot of mixed vegetables.

  We were just clearing away our work from the tables when someone knocked on the door. Those men who stayed here, no longer knocked. The man closest to the door opened it. Outside I saw, three men, two woman, and two children.

  “We heard families are welcome here,” one of the new men said.

  “Come in. Please,” I said stepping forward. “I’m Charlene. This is Thomas.” As soon as the door had opened, Thomas had been at my side.

  “Welcome,” Thomas said. The two families stepped in.

  I smiled at the older kids. “Would you like to see what we’ve done?”

  It only took a few minutes to show them around. I did most of the talking. Thomas didn’t mind in the least. When the families se
lected their rooms, Mary brought the mats and pillows they’d need. I was so happy we had enough so that no one slept directly on the floor.

  * * * *

  Saturday, Winifred brought more than just eggs and the usual supplies. She also had books and things to help the children learn to read.

  During breakfast, the kitchen was full of chatting women and laughing children. I stood back and enjoyed the moment. Thomas came up behind me and rested his hands on my shoulders, his satisfaction wrapping around me like a hug.

  The next week was hectic, but in a good way. Basket’s full of produce from the garden hung from the rafters in the rooms just outside of the common room—the stove kept the room too warm for them to stay good for very long.

  Cooking for the large group wasn’t difficult with so many helping hands. The vast quantities of food we consumed would have been concerning if not for the game that always appeared every day. The Mated men took turns going out with a few of the unMated to hunt larger game. Though we still had the occasional pheasant, we more often had deer, moose, or boar. The women worked together to butcher and cook whatever the men brought. However, when someone brought back a bear, I stepped out of the room to let Mary handle coordinating that meal. Thomas considerately brought me a jelly sandwich.

  That Thursday, Grey returned to us as a new Elder. Thomas greeted him with an enthusiastic hug while I stood back. Grey didn’t seem to act any differently. When he finished hugging Thomas, he turned to me.

  “Welcome to the family, Charlene.” Then he hugged me, too. It was much briefer than Thomas’ hug. “Will you introduce me to the families?”

  His ever-present smile grew just a bit brighter when he saw the children, and Thomas’ words about what Grey had given up came back to me. Over the next few days, Grey mostly stayed near the families and children and left everything else to Thomas.

  * * * *

  Tuesday marked the twenty-ninth day since Thomas had sent his pack out. Leif and Ann left with their daughter before lunch, and I couldn’t help the nervous worry that burrowed into my mind as I waved goodbye.

  That night, it took hours before I fell asleep to the feel of Thomas’s fingers slowly running through my hair.

  He woke me with a kiss to my cheek.