For the Love of Caden

by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

  “Well he’s not fucking dead is he? “ Kellan growled at Alexander. “You had no right to keep this from me!”

  “I had every right, I am his doctor first, your alpha second. I took an oath Kellan, and now I have to call his other doctor and bring her here.”

  “What? Who?” Kellan sat on the bed and took Caden’s hand.

  “Evangeline is his doctor; she is the only one

  besides us who knows the truth of his condition.

  She must be told what has happened.” Alexander

  looked at Wayne and Archer. “We have no choice,

  but I will not act without both of your blessings.” Wayne nodded. “If this woman has kept his

  condition secret, we can assume she will keep

  ours.” Wayne turned his attentions to Kellan. “You

  should not be in here, Dakota and I will look over

  Caden now.”

  “Excuse me?” Kellan stood up.

  Caden’s loud shriek had them all turning to look

  at the bed. His body flailed on the bed and he

  shifted in the blink of an eye. A black wolf with

  sapphire eyes looked at all of them; the lips curled

  and a menacing growl resonated through the room.

  Wayne stepped in front of Kellan and pushed him

  back.

  “Get out now.”

  “What the fuck?” Kellan backed up, as Caden’s

  growls got louder.

  Dakota pushed the rest of them towards the

  door. “Move, now.”

  “His human side has been taken over by his

  lupine side; he’s not Caden right now.” Wayne

  pushed Kellan further back. “Get out now!” Caden’s fur stood up on end and he flashed his

  canines as he moved around the bed. Another

  menacing growl filled the room as he bared his

  teeth, snarling. Wayne shifted along with Dakota

  and let out growls of their own. Wayne turned to

  Sawyer and sent the mental message.

  “Shit, get out right now.” Sawyer opened the

  door motioning everyone out.

  They all left the room and stood outside in the

  hallway. It was quiet for a few seconds and then

  the sounds of a fight inside could be heard. Kellan

  stiffened when he heard a snarl and then a soft

  whine, more loud growls and then a body thumped

  against the door. They all waited with bated breath

  as more snarling was heard. Something broke

  inside the room and Kellan put his hand on the

  doorknob.

  “Don’t,” Alexander put his hand over Kellan’s.

  “You don’t know what’s going on in there, none of

  us do. Wayne knows what he’s doing.”

  More snarling, more thumps around the room

  and more sounds of something breaking. Kellan

  couldn’t wait anymore; he shoved Alexander out of

  the way and turned the knob. A growl shook the

  whole house and then a whimpering came from

  behind the door. They all turned to see Sawyer

  chuckling.

  “Someone got spanked.” Sawyer winked, trying

  to ease the tension in the hallway.

  The door opened and Dakota walked out in

  human form, he shut the door behind him and

  looked at all the men in the hall. “Could someone

  get me some pants?”

  “What the hell happened?” Kellan looked at Dakota; he had blood on his arms.

  “Your boyfriend is very stubborn,” Dakota smiled.

  “Wayne had to put him in his place. I’ll tell you what,

  man; Caden has one hell of a vicious streak. I think

  you’re going to be the bitch in this relationship.” Scott chuckled.

  “Anyway,” Dakota smiled at Scott and then

  turned his attention back to Kellan. “Wayne’s going

  to come out in a second and talk to you. But I can

  tell you this much - Caden is not in there right now.” “What the fuck does that mean?” Kellan sighed in

  frustration.

  “That means,” Wayne came out in human form

  and shut the door behind him. “Your boyfriend’s

  body is in serious need of repair, and right now the

  stronger half is taking over. Caden’s lupine side will

  continue to override the human side until it’s

  satisfied that Caden’s human body is fully repaired.

  So, on that note, you don’t go in there unless you’re

  in wolf form. Just like any other animal that’s

  wounded, Caden’s lupine side is in defense mode.” “Can I see him?” Kellan looked at Wayne. “Yes, but only for a little while, he still needs to

  rest and we need to make him eat.” Wayne looked

  at all the men standing around. “So maybe we

  should get some food cooking?”

  “Yes,” Archer nodded.

  “I think there are steaks in the refrigerator along

  with a rabbit.” Kellan took his shirt off. “I’ll be in

  there with him until you make me leave.” Kellan

  watched them all leaving and finished undressing;

  he opened the door and closed it quickly behind

  him. Caden was on the bed on his side, breathing

  heavily. He raised his head as Kellan walked into

  the room and let out a low growl. “I know, babe,

  just give me a second.” Kellan tried to smile. He

  shifted into his wolf form and jumped up on the bed,

  Caden growled again and Kellan moved closer. He

  whined softly and lay beside his mate nuzzling his neck, Caden growled again and Kellan felt canines in his neck. He whined softly and licked Caden’s nose; the canines let up and he heard a soft huff. Kellan closed his eyes and listened to his mate’s heartbeat, he sighed and let the warmth envelope him.

  ~~

  Conner took a glass of water and a plate to the bedroom where Carson was being held. He opened the door and peeked in. Carson was in chains in the corner. Conner crept in and left the plate on a nearby table. He heard a low growl and backed up quickly, hitting the armoire behind him.

  “So, you turned on me,” Carson eyed Conner, “little faggot that you are.”

  “If you need anything else Scott or Jude will bring it to you.” Conner turned to leave.

  “What are you afraid of, Conner? I’m chained up.” Carson chuckled.

  As Conner turned to open the door, the sound of metal scraping the floor flooded his ears and Carson gripped his ankle. “Let go!” Conner shouted.

  The door almost flew off the hinges; a loud, menacing growl filled the room as Wayne flew in. Conner backed up as Wayne picked Carson up in one hand and threw him against the wall.

  “Do not ever put your hands on him again!” Wayne growled, his claws and teeth appearing.

  Nearly everyone flew into the room. Dakota stepped in front of Wayne, taking his hands. “Breathe, Wayne.”

  Wayne shook his head clear, his eyes shifted back to color. It seemed as if the every eye in the room was on him. He backed up, looking into Dakota’s eyes. “Make sure Carson is out of here by morning.”

  Wayne left and the room was very quiet until Preston coughed quietly.

  “Well, that was…interesting.”

  Dakota palmed Conner’s face. “Are you all

  right?”

  Conner nodded. “I was just dropping off his food.

  I thought he’d still be drugged up.”

  Mateo smirked, flipped the tranquilizer gun off his

  shoulder and shot a round into Carson. “There.” Josh shot Carson again. The men in the room

  were all looking at him with raised eyebrows.

  “What? Just making s
ure.” Josh chuckled. Wayne went out the front door. He bent over,

  putting his hands on his knees trying to regulate his

  breathing. His eyes shifted again and claws sprung

  from his fingertips. The overwhelming urge to rip Carson to shreds was building inside him. Wayne

  shut his eyes tightly.Get a grip.

  “Wayne?”

  Wayne’s skin rippled, he turned to see Conner

  fidgeting nervously. “Yes?”

  “I’m sorry, you said to take shifts feeding

  Carson. It was my turn. I should have been more

  careful.”

  Wayne studied Conner. He was looking down at

  his hands, like a child ready to be reprimanded.

  Wayne let out a loud sigh, walking over to Conner.

  He lifted the younger man’s face up to his own and

  tried to smile. “It wasn’t you, it’s me. I should have

  known better than to have you be part of the shifts.

  You shouldn’t be anywhere near Carson Drake.”

  Wayne looked into honey-brown eyes; Conner was

  breathtaking. Wayne cleared his throat, stepping

  back.

  “So…you’re not mad at me?” Conner stepped

  closer to Wayne.

  The energy and aroma permeating from Conner

  sent delicious tingles down Wayne’s spine. He

  stepped back again, trying to put some space

  between them.

  “No, I’m not mad at you.” Wayne turned toward

  the house to see Preston, Tucker and Wesley

  coming out. “Why don’t you get cleaned up for

  dinner, all right?”

  Preston high-fived Conner on his way into the

  house. He stood in front of Wayne and tilted his

  head. “What’s up, Wayne?”

  Wayne cocked an eyebrow at his pack. Jagger

  and Taylor stepped out onto the veranda. Wayne

  let out an irritated sigh. “What is with the

  inquisition?”

  “You tell us.” Jagger crossed his arms over his

  chest. “That was definitely an alpha move in there.

  Except for one thing, you acted like Conner belongs

  to you.”

  “Because he does!” Wayne shouted.

  “Whoa…” Preston backed up as Wayne’s claws

  flared from his fingertips.

  “Carson had no right to turn Conner.” Wayne

  growled.

  “Why?” Taylor came down the steps and stood in

  front of Wayne. “Because you should have?

  Because after all this time, you have feelings for

  someone?”

  Wayne blinked and his eyes shifted. “Why are

  you all ganging up on me?”

  Jagger chuckled. “Come on guys, back off and leave Wayne be.” Jagger raised an eyebrow, when the pack didn’t move. He cleared his throat, narrowing his eyes. “That’s your beta talking, boys. Move it.”

  Xander sighed, watching from the window with Grayson. “God, that’s so hot.”

  Grayson chuckled.

  Conner went about setting the table. He stirred the pot of stew as Archer sat down at the table eyeing him. Conner felt eyes on him and looked over his shoulder. He smiled uncomfortably at the scrutiny. “Archer?”

  “You have feelings for your alpha.” Archer stated it plainly.

  Conner knew his face turned five shades of red. “Um…well...I…”

  Archer sat back and chuckled at the flustered boy. “It is all right, Conner. It is just the two of us for now. I am not the only one who has noticed.”

  Conner dropped the spoon. It hit the floor with a loud clank. “Who… who else knows?”

  Archer raised a brow, smiling. “Most of the pack.” Archer laughed as Conner lowered himself onto a chair in shock. “It is all right, Conner. I believe your alpha is highly confused at his own feelings.”

  “But, Wayne had a female mate.” Conner whispered.

  Archer waved his hand in the air. “When it comes to matters of the heart, love knows no bounds, young one. Be patient with him; he will come to terms with his feelings in time.”

  Sawyer strolled in and sat at the table with Archer and Conner. He looked over at Conner. The kid had the most beautiful eyes; they were almost hypnotizing. No wonder Wayne was so confused. “Wayne?” Sawyer sat back, chuckling softly at Conner’s look of astonishment.

  “I swear my thoughts are off.” Conner shook his head.

  “Yeah? But your eyes still work.” Sawyer winked at Conner.

  “Oh shit.” Conner banged his head on the table.

  Archer stood. “Let us get dinner on the table.”

  “Food?” Josh poked his head in the kitchen.

  “Come on.” Sawyer laughed, pulling Conner up from the table.

  ~~ When Kellan opened his eyes again it was dark outside. Caden’s warm body was in front of him and Kellan’s eyes went wide at the size of his mate. Caden was a least twice the size he was before. He nuzzled Caden’s neck and whined softly, there was a reciprocating nuzzle and a soft huff from Caden. At least Caden’s lupine side recognized his mate. The door opened and Wayne came in with a plate of food. Caden raised his head and growled. Wayne raised a brow.

  “Watch your tone. I’ll put the smack down on you again.” Wayne turned his attentions to Kellan. “Are you all right?”

  Kellan whined softly and nuzzled into Caden’s warmth.

  “All right, if you need anything just holler.” Wayne chuckled. “Get some sleep.”

  The door shut softly and Kellan raised his head to smell the food. He nudged Caden trying to get him up. Caden let out a low growl of protest and Kellan nipped at him playfully. He realized just then how that could be interpreted; he was not about to get it on in wolf form. He felt canines in the back of his neck and let out a growl of his own, one that meant ‘Oh hell no.’ Caden released his grip and padded around the bed before jumping off; he hit the floor and sniffed the air. Kellan watched as his mate devoured all the food on the plate and then scratched at the door. Ah shit. Kellan howled softly until the door was opened and Dakota peeked in.

  “Bathroom?” Dakota looked at Caden and furrowed his brows. “You better do your shit without a fight or I’ll put you down. Got it?”

  Caden huffed softly and tilted his head.

  “Yeah, I can kick your ass.” Dakota arched a brow. “Come on.”

  Dakota opened the door further and Kellan followed his mate out into the house. All the men were now in wolf form guarding an area outside. They all waited, ready to pounce if Caden made a run for it. Kellan did his business then waited by the front door for Caden; he took his time and then looked up when he was finished. Kellan whined at his mate, getting his attention. He didn’t know if Caden was just tired or truly wanted to be close to him but he padded over and nuzzled his neck, whining softly. Kellan pushed Caden in the ass with his nose, urging him inside the house. Caden went straight to the bed and jumped on it. Kellan jumped up and lie down comfortably, within seconds he felt Caden behind him nuzzling his neck and whining softly. He closed his eyes and listened to the strong heartbeat on his back. He could at least be thankful that Caden wanted him in wolf form. Maybe he’d heal fast and then he’d have his mate back. He hoped.

  ~~ Evangeline showed up the next day; Alexander had sent the jet back to get her. She was escorted into the house and stood looking at the group of men all looking at her. It was strange; she expected to hear from Alexander, but not like this. He’d been cryptic on the phone and she was worried when he mentioned Caden had gone through a change. She walked into the kitchen and saw a large pot of stew boiling. Putting her briefcase down she turned to look at the men who had followed her into the kitchen.

  “Well, is anyone going to tell me what is going on?” Evangeline looked at all of the uneasy faces. “Alexander?”

  Alexander moved f
orward and took her hands in his. “This will not be easy to hear—”

  Evangeline lost her footing. “Oh God, he’s…”

  “No, no, no, he is very much alive.” Alexander sighed. “He is not quite himself right now.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “I think you should see for yourself.” Alexander led her to the master bedroom and cracked the door open.

  Evangeline peeked inside and saw what looked like two wolves sleeping on the bed. One of them looked up, sniffing the air and looked right at her. Evangeline sucked in a breath. The eyes were sapphire.

  “I…what is this?” Evangeline turned to look at Alexander.

  “Caden is no longer dying of cancer; he is, however, now a werewolf.”

  “Pardon?” Evangeline raised an eyebrow.

  Alexander closed the door and escorted her back to the kitchen. “Look, I know how this sounds, but I am telling the truth. If you do not believe me I can provide you with proof.”

  “And how would you go about doing that?”

  Scott raised his hand. “Oooh, can I?”

  Alexander rolled his eyes. “Yes Scott, go ahead.” Alexander turned to face Evangeline. “I am a werewolf myself, the alpha of the Northern pack. Scott, Jude, Kellan and Nicholas are my pack members.” Alexander turned her to face Scott and held her around her shoulders. “Now, watch.”

  Evangeline watched the man in front of her; he removed his shirt, all while smiling. She averted her eyes when his pants came down. She felt a hand on her shoulder urging her to keep her eyes on the man undressing. The man’s skin was rippling, and right before her eyes he was on the floor, claws sprung from his fingers. With a shake of his head, ears protruded from the top of his head and then it was over. A black wolf sat on its haunches staring at her.

  “Shit,” Evangeline whispered. She turned to look at Alexander. “This is obviously something that needs to be kept quiet.”

  Alexander nodded in relief. “I knew you would see it that way.”

  “My loyalties lie with my patient, Alexander, and if Caden truly is a werewolf than I will protect him, just as I always have. Your secret is safe with me.”

  Wayne stepped forward putting his hand out.