by Toni Goode
“My best friend Lexi changed clothes with me. She allowed me to get away and now. Oh god, if they hurt her?” She said with fear in her voice.
“Your friend did a stand in for you?” Steele asked.
“Yeah. She put on the wedding dress and I took off. They will kill her or worse.” She said as she turned from them. Tears filling in her eyes. She wiped them quick. “Please help me get my friend back.”
Steele and Nicholas looked at each other. Nicholas sighed. Now he felt bad for her. He hated feeling this out of control. He didn’t want to like this chick but hell he couldn’t help himself.
A knock on his door made them all look. Nicholas quickly got up. He looked to Steele and then to Emma.
“You need to get down the hall. Quick and don’t say a word.” He said as Emma felt her heart racing. She quickly went down the hall as Nicholas opened his door.
His eyes got wide as he looked at his own mother Evelyn standing there. Her blue eyes and long brown hair were looking back at him with her famous smirk on her face.
“Nicholas, darling.” She said as she hugged him and kissed his cheek. She looked to Steele now. “Now do my eyes deceive me? What a pleasant surprise.” She smiled at Steele.
“Now Miss Evelyn you look as radiant as ever.” He grinned as he hugged her and literally lifted her a foot off the ground as she laughed.
“Now something tells me that you two are up to no good?” She grinned as Steele put her back down and she looked at the table with the alcohol.
“Just two old friends reminiscing.” Nicholas said with a smile.
“I see that.” She said as she walked into the living room more. She inhaled deep and now Nicholas swallowed hard. He knew his mother had amazing senses and he wondered if she could sense Emma in the house. “Looks like you have been cleaning too.” She smiled.
“What can I say? I like a clean house.” Nicholas said with a shake of his head. “Would you like a drink?” He asked her.
“No, I am good son. I just came by to see how you were doing. Sal stopped by.” She raised an eyebrow and Nicholas sighed now. Damn it, why couldn’t Sal keep his big mouth shut? It was as if they were kids again and he was trying to get Nicholas in trouble. “Anything you would like to tell me?” She smirked at him.
“Let me get you a glass of wine.” Steele said anxiously as he walked out of the room.
“I have just been busy mother. Nothing new.” Nicholas poured himself another drink.
“You know I love you Nicholas and I trust your actions, but.” She began as she walked over to the fire place.
“Mother everything is fine. Sal is dramatic as always.” Nicholas said dryly.
“Oh, I know, he can be at times.” She smiled and turned to him. “Your friend can come out of the hallway now.” She said seriously as she looked at him.
“Mother it’s just me and Steele.” Nicholas sipped his drink.
“You were never a good liar Nicholas.” She began to walk towards the hallway.
“Mother, wait.” Nicholas said as he walked up to her.
“I want to meet her.” She said softly.
“Mother look at me. I don’t know what Sal said to you but.” He began and she cut him off.
“Let’s not play games son. You may be the Alpha here, but I am your mother.” She said a bit sternly and then she looked down the hall. “It’s ok for you to come out darling. I’m not here to hurt you.” His mother said and Nicholas sighed. He was just about to come up with another lie when Emma came into sight. She stopped by the living room and looked at the woman who was there. His mother. She had heard their conversation. There was something about this woman that comforted her. Instead of trying to run off she found herself standing in the door way of the hall as Nicholas’ mother smiled at her.
“I got the wine.” Steele said and then he stopped short when he saw Emma standing in the hallway. He nearly dropped the glass in his hand. “So, this is awkward.” He added with a smirk.
“What’s awkward is that you were making this poor girl hide out in the hallway.” Evelyn shook her head as she put her hands on her petite waist. “Come over here sweetheart. Let me get a better look at you.” She smiled. Emma slowly walked over to her. There was something familiar about this woman and then images began to flood her head. Images from a long time ago.
Sixteen years ago…
Emma ran through the large ball room as her violet dress slid against the floor. She loved getting dressed up like this. It made her feel like a fairy tale princess. She was obsessed with reading the books all the time. She always wondered if she would find her knight in shining armor?
She spun around as the orchestra music played across the room. Her mother Olivia walked over to her. Her mother had long red hair and she wore a long red satin dress. She always looked beautiful, like an angel almost.
“Why don’t you mingle with the other children Emma?” Her mother asked but Emma was always a loner. She liked playing by herself. The other kids weren’t very nice to her. They would taunt her about her wealth. Jealousy can make children do cruel things.
“I would rather just dance alone.” Emma smiled at her mother.
“My beautiful, independent daughter. You really are a special girl. You are strong willed like your grandmother Martha.” Olivia said with a smile as she touched her daughters red ringlets. Her mother looked up and waved one of the other mothers over and Emma sighed. She hated when her mom did this. She just wanted to be alone so she could dance.
The brown-haired woman walked over with a smile. She wore a long blue ball gown that touched the floor. It was almost as bright as her blue eyes. “Oh, don’t you look dashing Olivia. That is one beautiful dress.” The woman smiled big.
“Not nearly as beautiful as yours. It’s phenomenal.” Olivia smiled big. “This is my daughter Emma. Emma this is Mrs. Evelyn.”
Emma looked up at the women and smiled awkwardly. “Now aren’t you a sweet soul. She definitely has your hair.” Evelyn grinned. “If I could find my sons around here, I would introduce you to them but as always they are out exploring.” Evelyn grinned. “Boys will be boys.” She added and then Emma was running off.
“Yeah, I know what you mean.” Olivia smiled as the women laughed.
Emma’s eyes got wide as she looked at Olivia. She hadn’t thought about that day in over sixteen years. She had met Nicholas’ mother that day. His mother knew her mother. To say she was shocked would have been an understatement.
“Small world sweetheart.” Evelyn said as she looked at Emma.
“You knew my mother?” Emma said in shock.
“Very well actually. I was heartbroken when I heard what happened.” Evelyn said softly. “You have grown up to be a beautiful young woman. Your mother would be proud.” She added.
“Um, am I missing something here?” Nicholas said with confusion as his mother looked at him and rolled her eyes.
“I am just getting reacquainted with this sweet girl.” Evelyn smiled.
“You know each other?” Steele and Nicholas both said in unison.
“Is that so surprising? I know everyone.” Evelyn grinned and then looked back at Emma. “Come walk with me.” She said softly to her as she took Emma’s hand.
“Uh, mother? What are you doing?” Nicholas asked with shock.
“Oh, don’t you worry yourself with that. Us ladies need some time together.” Evelyn said as they made their way into the back yard.
Steele and Nicholas looked at one another. “Your mom knows Emma?” Steele said in shock once more.
“I don’t even understand how this happened?” Nicholas grabbed the bottle and took a heavy sip.
Chapter Eight
Emma and Evelyn walked outside and they both breathed deep. “How did you meet my mom?” Emma couldn’t help but ask as she looked at Evelyn.
“We were just young girls. The summer of 81’. My family was visiting. We connected instantly over music” Evelyn smiled as she reminisced. �
�Your mom was such a wonderful person. Very compassionate.” She added with a smile.
“Everything changed when she left.” Emma said with emotion.
“I know. Your mother was always the negotiator with your father.” Evelyn said softly. “I’m sure your father is worried about you.” She added.
“He was trying to marry me off.” Emma shook her head.
“And so, you ran away?” Evelyn said as she looked at her and Emma turned away. She wondered if Evelyn was going to send her back to her father. Her heart raced as she stood there. “I’m not going to make you go back darling.” She added as she touched Emma’s shoulder.
Emma turned and looked at her. “You aren’t?” She asked in shock.
“No, absolutely not. I always told your mother that I would look after you and I plan on doing that.” She smiled softly.
“But if Lawrence finds out. He will come looking for me.” Emma said with wide eyes.
“You let me worry about him ok.” Evelyn said with a soft smile.
Meanwhile Steele and Nicholas continued to drink as they sat in the living room.
“How crazy is it that your mom knows her mother?” Steele said in shock still as he shook his head.
“I know but now we have to figure out what to do with her.” Nicholas began as his mother and Emma came back into the house. They walked into the living room.
“She will stay here. That’s what you will do with her.” Evelyn said as Nicholas looked at her in shock.
“What? No way. Just by her being here puts the pack in jeopardy.” Nicholas said as he stood up now.
“Oh, stop being so dramatic Nicholas.” Evelyn said sarcastically.
“By dramatic, do you mean being worried that our entire pack will be in danger?” He said with a shake of his head now.
“This poor girl needs our help Nicholas and we are never the ones to turn someone away in need.” Evelyn said as she picked up the glass of wine from earlier and took a sip.
“Mother can I speak to you in private?” Nicholas said as he already began walking out of the room. Evelyn sighed and followed him out as Emma stood awkwardly in the living room with Steele.
“Well it looks like you will be staying here.” Steele said as Emma fidgeted with her hands.
“I’m not sure yet what I will be doing.” She said honestly. She hated to think that she would be putting people in danger.
Nicholas looked at his mother as they got into the kitchen. He spoke before she could. “Mother you can’t just make this decision without talking to me first.”
“You know just because you’re The Alpha doesn’t mean that I can’t make decisions for this pack too. Your father was The Alpha for many years before he passed. I think I know a thing or two about running a pack, dear.” She said with a tight smile.
“I know but I have to make the difficult decisions now and she can’t stay here. We would be causing a war between the packs.” He began as Evelyn rolled her eyes.
“Your father spent his life protecting others and that girl needs our help. She will be staying here whether you like it or not.” Evelyn said sternly.
“And what about the council? They are going to need to find out about this? Surely Lawrence will go to them. The amount of shit that is about to be stirred won’t be pretty not to mention the rest of the pack will not be happy.” Nicholas said with a shake of his head. He was already feeling anxious.
“You are a wonderful leader Nicholas. So much like your father. I know you will do what is right.” Evelyn said softly. “She can stay with me. I have the room.” She added.
“Do you honestly think she is worth the risk?” He said with a sigh.
“Absolutely.” Evelyn said with a smile.
“Fine then she stays here.” He said quickly. His mother blinked in shock at him. “I still need to keep my eye on her. I can’t have her just running around causing trouble.” He added.
“I seriously doubt she will cause any trouble at all.” Evelyn shook her head at him.
“If we are doing this then we are doing it my way.” He added as she smirked some.
“Of course, son. Whatever you think is best.” She smiled.
They both walked out of the kitchen as Emma and Steele looked at them. Evelyn walked over to her and took her hands. “If you need anything let me know.” She said with a smile as Emma blinked in shock. Was this sweet woman leaving her with this egotistical caveman? “If he gives you any trouble you let me know.” She added.
“I’m staying here?” Emma said in shock.
“Well let me walk you out Evelyn.” Steele said uncomfortably as he looked at Emma and then Nicholas.
Evelyn looked at Nicholas and kissed his cheek. “You behave yourself son.” She said as she walked over to Steele and took his arm as they left.
Emma wrung her hands nervously as she looked at Nicholas. “There are rules to staying here.” He said with annoyance as he looked at her and then he walked across the room. She went to talk, and he cut her off as she jumped some. “No snooping or ease dropping. If I say to make yourself sparse then do it without hesitation.” He began and she went to talk once more but he continued. “I don’t like loud music and I don’t like guests over. Just because I am letting you stay doesn’t mean you are going to take over my house. This is my house, my rules and whatever I say goes.” He finished as he went to take a sip of the vodka on the table, but the bottle was empty. He sighed heavily as he looked at the bottle.
“So basically, I am just a prisoner here. Is that it?” She said as he looked at her now.
“Would you like the alternative?” He raised an eyebrow.
“No.” She swallowed hard.
“Good.” He walked past her and back into the kitchen. She followed him.
“What will happen if Lawrence shows up here?” She asked and he tossed the glass bottle into the garbage.
“He won’t.” He said quickly as he looked out the kitchen window.
“You don’t know him. He wont stop looking for me.” She said nervously.
“Well then I guess if I tell you to make yourself sparse then you will listen to me.” He said sarcastically and she swallowed hard. “I have to run out.” He said as he walked past her.
“You are just going to leave me here? Alone?” She said in shock as he slowly turned and faced her.
“Last time I checked you were an adult and since you know the rules of the house, I’m sure you will be fine.” He said as he walked to the door and left before she said another word. She sighed heavily as she stood there. What the hell was she going to do now?
Nicholas took a deep breath as he got to his truck. He was going to have to call an emergency meeting today with some of the head men in his pack. They were his right-hand men so to speak. There was his brother Sal. Two of his childhood friends Marcus and George. There was also Martin though he contemplated dealing with him at the moment. Martin was known to be shit stirrer and so he decided he wouldn’t deal with him today. There was also one of his father’s oldest friends, a man by the name of Jack. He had become like a second father to Nicholas. He knew that having Emma in their town was going to cause a stir, but he hoped to limit it as much as he could.
Emma walked around the house as she tried to think of what to do. She would go stir crazy if she stayed in the house. She needed fresh air and sunlight. She decided to check out the property. He had a lot of acres and the nearest house was far away in the distance. She stepped out into the back and looked around. She saw some lawn chairs by the side of the house and so she went over there. She was surprised to see a large inground pool with an attached jacuzzi. A smile went to her lips. She hadn’t been in a pool in quite sometime and the weather was beautiful out. Not too hot. It was perfect. Her eyes darted to a large barn across the yard and she couldn’t help herself as she walked over to it.
A strange sound filled her ears as she got closer and then her eyes got wide with excitement as she opened the door. The sight of two larg
e stallions made her gasp as they made noises. She walked closer to them. They were huge. One was jet black and the other was a dark reddish brown. They were beautiful. The last time she had been on a horse was when she was younger. Her grandparents had horses and her grandfather Walter had taught her how to ride. That was literally ten years ago but seeing the horses now made it seem like yesterday.
“What is your name handsome?” She asked as she walked closer to the black horse. He inspected her with curiosity. “You are gorgeous. You know that right?” She smiled as she put her hand out to the large animal so it could smell her hand. The large horse leaned its head down and sniffed at her. He looked up at her with his big brown eyes and she finally reached out and touched his face. He actually nuzzled up next to her and she stroked his long soft snout.
Meanwhile Nicholas stood in the large conference room at city hall. His men sat watching him intently. “I know you all are probably wondering why I asked you here. I’m going to make this quick.” He began as he looked at them. “We have a guest staying in our town. A girl. Woman actually.” He began to pace some as gasps were heard. He knew he had to do this. It was like tearing off a band aid.
“Was this the rogue from the other day? I heard Martin talking about her.” George, his brown-haired friend said as he stood up. George had a thick beard that made him look older than he was, but he was the same age as Nicholas. They were both twenty-eight now.
“What? Who was Martin telling?” Nicholas said angrily.
“It’s true then. We have a rogue.” Marcus said in shock.
“Nick, what are you doing?” His brother Sal walked over to him. “I thought you were getting rid of her?” He added.
“You knew about this?” Jack said as he walked over, and they all surrounded Nicholas and Sal. Almost all of Jack’s hair was white now and long. He held it back in a long braid.
“Everyone calm down.” Nicholas said as he stepped back. “She isn’t a rogue.” He added as he looked at his brother and then the others. “She belongs to the Midnight Pack.” He said as more gasps were heard.
“The Midnight Pack? No. She can’t be.” Jack said as he backed up and began to pace some.
