“I know, but it’ll make the girls feel special,” she said. “How about you?”
Confused, I looked at her. “Me what?” Was she asking me about a Christmas dress?
“How did you get clothes when your parents died?”
I grinned as I finally understood her train of thought. “Life insurance policy and their credit cards.” Somehow the banks never realized that dad and mom had died. So long as I paid the bill, no one noticed. When I’d legally become an adult, I’d applied for my own cards.
She arched an eyebrow. “Well, at least you had money.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t have anyone like Jackson or his family.”
“It’s a bitch either way, ain’t it?” She laughed, the sound full of bitter humor.
I nodded my agreement as Sara came up to me a bright pink taffeta dress clutched in her hands. “Miss Chloe, can I try this on?”
I checked the price tag and winced, but her beaming expression kept me from saying no. Who paid that kind of money for a fluff of fabric that would only be worn once? At least the damn dress had sleeves. Maybe the price reflected some kind of warped sleeve penalty.
Once it was on, I began to see why folks shelled out so much money. She looked darling and she knew it. I wouldn’t be able to say no to her. It would be like pulling the wings off a butterfly.
Spinning in a circle she said, “I look like a princess. Can I have it Miss Chloe? Please?”
“How can I say no to a princess?” I bowed and then helped her put her clothes back on. Suddenly, price was no object.
After we finished most of our shopping, I took everyone out for lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant and treated the girls to huge bowls of ice cream. The shy reserve that enveloped them since they’d appeared on my doorstep disappeared. They laughed openly and talked animatedly with us. It really warmed my heart.
Before we left the restaurant the girls excused themselves to use the restroom, leaving Kelsey and I alone.
She added cream to the coffee the waiter had just delivered. “How are things going with the rogue? I’ve been wanting ask you all day, but didn’t want to say anything in front of the girls.”
I blotted my mouth with my napkin. “We think we know who’s behind it.”
She sat up so straight and so fast it startled me. “Oh my God. That’s great. So they’ll have the rogue in custody soon?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. Tracking him has been pretty difficult. His scent disappears,” I snapped my fingers, “just like that. But, I think it’s just a matter of time now that we know the people involved.”
She leaned over the table, her eyes locked with mine. “Who do they think it is?”
“I probably shouldn’t say anything,” I hedged.
She waved a hand, dismissing my concerns. “Oh come on, I won’t say anything. I’m all the way out in Hudson anyway and I know nobody in Huntsville except you.”
I debated how much I should reveal, delaying my answer as I fussed over my coffee, adding sugar and cream. Finally I settled on, “Someone in our pack. Someone who doesn’t want me to be with Jackson.” I cleared my throat. “Not everyone is thrilled about our mating.”
Kelsey sat back in her chair, her mouth an ‘o’ of surprise. “Oh my God. That’s horrible. I’m so sorry.” She flushed. “And then I came into town being a total bitch to you about Jackson, just like everyone else. Oh, geez, Chloe. I’m an ass. A total ass.”
“It’s okay. Thanks for the apology, though.” No one else had bothered with one, which put Kelsey ahead of my pack. I smiled at her. “Besides, I think I judged you too harshly.” I grimaced as I remembered all the horribly bitchy things I’d thought about Kelsey before I even really knew her. My wolf, wasn’t quite as conciliatory, though. She huffed at me in my mind’s eye and growled softly. Let it go, I thought at her. Everyone deserves a second chance. My wolf shook her head and stood up, turning until her back was to me, unimpressed.
“I don’t blame you for thinking I was a total bitch.” Kelsey’s voice brought my focus away from my wolf and back to her.
She slapped her forehead. “I mean, it couldn’t have been worse if I’d rubbed your nose into cut glass. I said all the wrong things trying to be funny.”
I raised my coffee cup. “Well, here’s to second chances.”
She clinked her mug against mine. “And new beginnings.”
We exchanged smiles, but lost the chance to talk further as the girls returned from the restroom. From the restaurant, we went shoe shopping and Kelsey dragged us into a toy store where she bought them each dolls. I snagged some coloring books and crayons for them too. We called it a day after that and I dropped Kelsey off at her hotel.
“This was fun. Thanks for your help,” I said as I pulled into the bed-and-breakfast’s parking lot.
“Thanks for inviting me.” She turned back toward the girls. “It was nice to meet you Mara and Sara. You be good mommies to your baby dolls, you hear?”
Sara gave a solemn nod and clutched her doll to her chest. Mara did the same but also said, “Thanks, Miss Kelsey.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.” Turning back to me, Kelsey said, “Hey I was thinking...what are you doing tomorrow?”
My ears perked up, curious. “Nothing, why?”
“I thought maybe we could drive down to Nashville and look at wedding dresses. Jackson called me this morning and told me your plans fell through. I told him I had some connections at La Rose.”
My jaw dropped at the mention of La Rose. It was the most exclusive formal gown boutique in the state. All the pageant girls shopped there, which is how I’d even heard of the place. The news stations always highlighted what Miss Tennessee was wearing to the Miss USA pageant every year.
“I probably can’t afford anything there.” My bank account still held a nice nest egg from my parents’ life insurance, but I’d decided not to spend it on my wedding. Large sums of money were uncommon in Huntsville and Jackson and I might want a different house someday. Instead, I paid for all the wedding stuff out of my own savings. The meager amount I’d managed to squirrel away while working at the bar for almost ten years made me a frugal bride.
Kelsey gave a sly smile. “Jackson gave me his credit card number and said it was on him.”
I looked at her with wide eyes, both pleased and shocked. “Are you serious?”
Her expression became solemn, but mirth danced in her blue eyes. “Dead.”
I almost couldn’t believe this was true. Visions of white bridal gowns began dancing in my head. “Okay, what time?”
“Be here at nine tomorrow morning.” She cast a glance back at the girls. “You ladies can take care of yourselves for the day, right?”
Before they could answer, I said, “Oh, I’ll ask someone to watch them.”
“We can take care of ourselves,” protested Mara.
“I know you can, but I would rather be safe than sorry.” Especially with a rogue alpha on the loose, but, not wanting to scare the girls, I didn’t say that last part.
“Suit yourself, but be here at nine sharp,” Kelsey said.
I gave her a little salute. “Yes ma’m.”
She laughed as she stepped out of the car. She waved as we back out of our parking spot and I rolled down the windows so the girls could shout their goodbyes.
On the way home, Mara and Sara pawed through their bags of clothes, fingering the fabric and animatedly debating which outfit they would wear first. I shared their glee, but for different reasons. The wedding dress I’d always dreamed of was within my reach. Excitement bubbled through me and I realized I was glad Kelsey had come into town. She’d finally shown her true colors and they were those of a new friend.
Chapter Twelve
The next morning, I hummed as I got dressed and put on make-up. Today I would finally make it to Nashville and shop for a wedding dress.
Jackson snored in bed, dead to the world. He’d been exhausted when he came home, and, not only did we n
ot have sex (a first for us), but I don’t think he really processed my thank you for the wedding dress. The night shift had been hard on him. There’d been no sign of the rogue or Vicki, but no one else from our pack had gone missing either, which I took as a positive sign. Although I was bummed that we hadn’t been able to follow up our mopping conversation from earlier in the day.
I let him sleep while I prepared a quick breakfast of cereal and fruit for the girls. They’d stayed the night again because I didn’t want to send them back to their grandmother just yet. Not until I had time to go up there and check out their living situation. Their Grammy didn’t come looking for them either, which told me my instinct to keep the girls close was a good one.
They watched cartoons quietly while I prepped their breakfasts and made coffee. Same as the day before, they’d woken at the crack of dawn. I wasn’t quite as sleep deprived as the previous morning, but the early hour still required large amounts of caffeine. My body didn’t mind as much as my brain. I could be up and moving, but couldn’t form coherent thoughts. At least, not until the second cup of coffee.
“Good morning, ladies,” I said brightly as I walked into the living room. I’d just filled my mug with a third helping of strong coffee and caffeine jangled through my nervous system like an electric shock. I could feel my brain becoming more alert by the second.
“Morning,” they said in unison not taking their eyes off the television. The cartoon was an old Scooby Doo episode and apparently it was fascinating.
“Breakfast is on the table. Jackson is in bed, but, if you need anything, wake him up, okay?”
They looked at me then, eyes wide with fear at the idea of pulling Jackson out of bed.
“Don’t worry, he won’t bite.” I’d forgotten how intimidating an alpha wolf could be to folks.
“Miss Chloe?” Sara asked. “Can I wear the pink pants with the unicorn t-shirt today?”
“Yes, of course you can. The only things off limits are the fancy dresses Miss Kelsey bought you. Those we’re saving for Christmas, okay?”
They nodded as they ambled into the dining room to eat.
I grabbed my purse and ran into the bedroom to give myself one last look over in the full length mirror there. Inspired by Kelsey, I tried to up my fashion game by wearing my nicest jeans and a pretty angora sweater in baby blue. Instead of my worn Nikes, I’d put on a pair of calf length leather boots and I’d pulled my hair back into a sleek ponytail. I probably didn’t come close to Kelsey’s infallible Vogue sensibilities, but I was a fashion plate by Huntsville standards.
On my way out, I called to the girls, “Be good for Jackson. I’m leaving his truck so you guys can go somewhere if you want. Oh, and, if he’s not up by noon, wake him up.”
Their eyes went wide again. I hoped a day with the alpha as their babysitter would help them bond a bit. Unless their parents suddenly reverted back to human form, Jackson and I would be a big part of the girls’ lives going forward. The sooner they got used to us, the better.
* * *
Kelsey was there waiting when I pulled into the hotel’s parking lot. She wore indigo jeggings with black calf boots and a matching leather trench coat. A burnt orange sweater peeked through the opening of her coat, contrasting nicely with her red hair. Bright red lipstick make her pale skin glow and expert, smoky make-up darkened her green eyes. She looked like she belonged in New York, not the rural back waters of Appalachia. Instantly, I felt frumpy and underdressed.
I parked my little Toyota pick-up and stepped out. “Morning, Kelsey.”
She flashed a wide smile my way. “Hey yourself, Chloe. How are the girls?”
“Dying to wear their new clothes and scared to death of Jackson.”
She laughed. “I used to be terrified of my pack’s alpha as a little girl. He was so growly and big. I sometimes thought he might eat me if I was bad. Jackson takes after him, you know.”
“He does?”
“You’ll meet him sooner or later and you’ll have to tell me if you don’t think they are twins borne twenty years apart.”
I laughed. “One Jackson is about all I can handle. Two ought to be interesting. I guess I’ll find out at the wedding, won’t I?” I gestured to my truck. “You ready to go?”
“Yeah, but,” she held up her car keys, “you mind if I drive?”
“Sure, I just thought since I know the area it might be easier for me to drive.”
She shook her head and headed toward her red Corvette. “I know Nashville pretty well. I did some of my undergrad up here.”
I followed her and went around to the driver’s side. I liked the idea of riding in such a fancy car. It was the kind of vehicle you drove to buy a wedding dress. My truck was more of the hauling tools and dirt variety. Not nearly as glamorous as the Corvette. “What was your major?”
“Chemistry.” She unlocked the car then and stepped inside.
I opened the door and then recoiled as the strong scent of lavender assaulted my nose. Covering my nose with a hand, I looked at Kelsey.
Catching my reaction, she laughed. “Yeah, sorry about that. I broke a bottle of lavender essential oil in the car. You’ll get used to it.”
“Okay,” I mumbled from behind my hand, not so sure I believed her. The lavender was hitting my senses like a hammer. I could already feel the pulse of a headache beginning to pound.
“We can roll down the windows if that’ll help,” she offered.
I nodded and shrugged off my jacket before joining her in the car. My puffy winter coat made me look like a five-year-old next to her sleek trench coat. At least I looked halfway decent in the sweater. I set my purse on the floor and topped it off with my coat.
Before I’d even fastened my seat belt, Kelsey had started the car and pressed play on the radio, blasting us both with dance music. With an expert turn of the wheel, she screeched out of the lot and headed for the hills.
“Hey,” I yelled over the radio, wincing as lavender air poured down my throat. “Where are you going? Nashville’s the other way.”
She gave an absent nod and kept driving.
I reached over and turned off the radio. “Kelsey, we’re going the wrong way.”
She laughed. “I know that, silly. There’s something I want to show you. A location you might like for the wedding.”
“You’ve been out in the woods by yourself? That’s not safe, Kels,” I said using Jackson’s nickname for her.
Kelsey just waved a hand. “Eh, I’m not worried about the big, bad wolf anymore. He’s probably some short balding guy with a carpet on his chest who couldn’t get a date if his life depended on it. Besides, I can only go to the mall so many times before I go stir crazy.” She turned the music back on and shouted, “Now, let’s go plan a wedding!”
I laughed, giving in to her ebullient mood, and we sang along to the chorus of the latest pop song together. The fall landscape zipped by as she drove faster and faster. The smell did diminish a bit as we went, although I ended up cracking my window a bit for fresh air.
After a half hour of whipping around the curves of Appalachia, she pulled into a look out. The valley below was a mix of trees that had lost all their leaves and the few lucky ones that held onto the last vestiges of fall as if that would ward off the encroaching cold.
I turned off the radio and said, “I’m so glad we are getting to know each other.” It had been fun zooming along with her and belting out songs. Lavender assault notwithstanding.
“Me too. Being your friend was essential.” She rooted around in her purse, looking for something.
The odd choice of words gave me pause. “Essential?”
“Yes, I needed your trust.” She pulled something out of her purse, hiding it in her hand.
“My trust? Why?” The strange turn in the conversation made me uneasy. Where was the Kelsey of two minutes ago? The one who was planning my wedding with me and singing songs like a karaoke star? I wanted her back. I liked her.
“So I could ge
t close enough to do this.” She poked me in the arm with something sharp, moving so quick I didn’t see what it was until she was finished. Wolves are fast like that. Normally I would’ve seen it coming, but she caught me completely off guard.
I blinked. The world went blurry at the edges and the middle rippled like a pond, distorting everything in its wake. Even so, I could see the needle she held in her hand just fine. “Wha--?” I couldn’t form the word, my lips were too heavy to move.
“Nighty night,” she said cheerfully. Her red lips curved into a smile as dangerous as a poisonous apple. Innocent on the outside, full of treachery beneath.
I lost consciousness before the full impact of her betrayal even hit me.
Chapter Thirteen
When I woke, the sun still shone high in the sky, so I hadn’t been out long. I’d been taken from the car and dumped, face first, onto the frosty ground somewhere that felt higher than the look out. My sense of direction wasn’t as good as Jackson’s, he’d had more practice, but I could feel the slight change in elevation. Not a smell exactly, but a sensation and a minute change in air quality.
Movement took an enormous amount of energy, but I managed to flop over onto my back and take in my new surroundings. I was in a campground ringed by evergreens. Three camouflage tents stood in a row. Off to the side, someone had built a crude shelter with unfinished logs. The air smelled crisp and clean, like deep Appalachia forest. Not a whiff of lavender to be found.
“Welcome to your new home,” came Kelsey’s voice. “Do you like it?” She squatted down next to me, watching with open amusement as I tried to form words and move my limbs. All that came out were howling vowel sounds while my limbs flailed like a seal having a seizure. My body resisted movement as if I’d been frozen in place.
She bent down and put a finger to my lips. Her musky, self-satisfied scent filled my nose, cloying as heavy perfume. “Shh. Don’t talk. Listen. Do you want to know my secret?” She laughed. “I’m a chemist, Chloe. A very smart one. The event planning thing was just bullshit I fed you guys. Jackson’s not too observant and you wouldn’t know any better. I figured it would give me an in and I was right.”
Fated Mates: The Alpha Shifter Boxed Set (12 Book Bundle) (Insatiable Reads) Page 84
