by Kasey Belle
“I am going to assume that Alpha Craden Speer had something to do with these less than ideal circumstances you mentioned?”
“You would be correct in your assumption.”
Frey turned his attention to Nick. “I liked your parents. They were good people. Your father was an excellent alpha. Your uncle, not so much. His reputation proceeds. Could you please elaborate on what happened, Nicholas?”
****
Nick opened his mouth, but no words came out. Mal gave his hand a squeeze. He shot him a grateful smile then cleared his throat and tried again. “Call me Nick… please.”
The elder nodded at his request. Okay. That regal nod must be his thing. Nick took a deep breath and over the next hour―in as much detail as he could muster―Nick explained everything that had happened to him and Summer from the day their parents died in a mysterious accident up to Summer and Daniel’s murder. He explained why his uncle still pursued Leo. By the time he finished, Nick was emotionally drained. He leaned into Mal and laid his head on his mate’s shoulder. Mal was his rock lending him strength when he had none left. Mal kissed his temple and murmured words of praise about how good he’d done and how proud he was.
He knew everyone would want to rehash everything he’d told them, and that was the last thing Nick wanted to do right now. Nick felt as if the walls were closing in on him. There was no way in hell he could talk about his uncle another fucking second. He needed air and quiet to calm the queasy feeling in his stomach.
“Do you think they’ll mind if I take a walk?” He asked Mal through their link.
“Of course not, baby. Do you want me to go with you?” Mal rubbed his cheek against Nick’s hair surrounding him with his scent. Nick took a moment to breathe him in.
As much as Nick enjoyed and craved Mal’s company that wasn’t what he need right now. “I kind of need to be alone. I’m sorry.” Nick would die if he hurt Mal’s feelings. Of course he should have known better. Mal always put Nick’s needs above his own.
“You have nothing to apologize for. Everyone needs a little solitude now and then. Just let me know if you decide to wonder further than the barn.”
“How did you know that was where I was going?”
“One word: kittens,” he teased. Yeah, his mate knew him pretty well.
“I feel as though I’m not being fair to you. Leaving you to handle things with the Elder Frey?”
“Eh. That’s what mates are for.” Mal winked at him. “Go baby. I got your back.”
“I know.” Nick planted a quick kiss on Mal’s lips. He excused himself with a quick apology and practically ran from the room.
He walked out of the pack house and headed straight for the barn waving at Traynor as he exercised a horse in the paddock. Nick made his way down the alleyway to the last stall which was empty except for a wood crate with a momma cat and six tiny three-week old kittens inside. He plopped down and sat cross-legged in the hay. Resting his head on his arm, Nick leaned on the crate and reached in to pet the mama cat wanting to assure her he wasn’t there to hurt her babies. He grinned when she purred.
“You’re a good mommy. Look at how big your babies are.” Nick giggled at the kittens’ tiny meows. They were going to be scrappy little things. They climbed over each other to get to their mother’s milk. The sound of boots scuffing against the floor caught his attention. Nick sniffed the air. Traynor. He turned when the heard the man come up behind him.
The foreman leaned against the stall. “They’re getting big, huh?” Traynor had a stereotypical Texas drawl Nick found soothing.
“They are,” Nick replied with a grin as Traynor studied him.
“Saw the council elder show up earlier. You okay, Nick?”
“I’m fine. He’s here about my uncle.” Nick didn’t think twice about disclosing that information to the man. Traynor was a trusted member of Declan’s inner circle. He spent a few more minutes talking to Traynor and playing with the kittens before the foreman announced he needed to head out to the east pasture to check on the hands. When the kittens finally settled down, Nick left them to sleep and headed back to the pack house.
Nick wondered into the common family room. He stood inside the doorway and stared at the baby grand piano that sat in the corner next to the large bay window. He was drawn to it. Nick ran his finger along the sleek black finish. He made himself comfortable on the bench and raised the fall board exposing the keys.
He gently pressed the key with his index finger. The tiny plink settled his soul. Glancing around, Nick wondered if anyone would mind if he played it. He couldn’t resist his need. He placed his fingers in the proper position and began to play one of his favorite songs, Bella’s Lullaby from Twilight. The movie may have been ridiculous, but the soundtrack was pretty sweet. He closed his eyes and lost himself to the music letting it flow through him in a way he hadn’t in what seemed like forever. When he hit the last note, Nick seamlessly segued into River Flows in You By Yiruma.
Chapter 17
Mal followed Nick with his eyes as he rushed from the room. He felt the loss the moment the door and Nick was out of his sight. He unconsciously rubbed his chest. Thank the Fates for the mating bond because he wasn’t sure he could handle being away from his mate if he couldn’t feel his presence.
Declan turned to him with concerned eyes. He glanced at the closed door then back at Mal. “Is he okay? Does he need you?”
Mal grinned. Declan always put family first. “He’ll be okay. He wanted a little alone time.” Declan nodded as if he understood. He probably did. Fiona had her own less than desirable past she and her mates had worked through. “I told Nick we could finish this discussion without him.” Mal sent a pointed looked at Elder Frey so there would be no mistake that his statement wasn’t a request. “My mate is done for the day. You know everything he knows.” Declan looked at him with pride in his eyes. Mal was a grown man, he shouldn’t get the warm fuzzy feels because his cousin was proud of him, but it did. His cousin was a good man and a fine alpha. Dec’s opinion meant a lot to Mal.
Mal glanced around the room. “Now what the fuck are going to do to bury that asshole and his minions?”
“Unfortunately, it’s your mate’s word against Alpha Speer’s,” Elder Frey stated. Mal opened his mouth to argue, but the elder held up his hand to silence him. “I believe what your Nick has told us is the truth. I’m sure others will as well. However, as you know, there are still old school elders on the council who will give the benefit of the doubt to the alpha every time. We need concrete proof. Evidence that Alpha Speer has broken the law. Unfortunately, history tells us, Craden Speer is very good at covering his tracks. It’s how he’s maintained his status. Had the council been able to lend credence to the rumors over the years, he would have been convicted and imprisoned a long time ago.”
Mal leaned back with heavy sigh. He knew Elder Frey spoke the truth. But damn it, Mal didn’t want to hear it.
Kell cleared his throat and Mal met his brother’s eyes. He was shocked by the a smug smirk curling his Kell’s lips. He narrowed his eyes. “You know something we don’t, Kell?”
Kell snorted and gave him that big brother look that said Mal just asked the dumbest question in history. “Always.”
Mal rolled his eyes. Smart ass.
“What are you thinking, Kell?” Gunnar asked getting them back on track.
Kell kept his eyes on Mal but addressed the room. “We should force Speer’s hand. Malcolm here is thinking like a newly mated wolf.” Kell paused and dropped his eyes to Mal’s crotch then refocused on his face. His asshat brother winked at him. “We have to tell Alpha Speer where he can find Nick and―”
Before Mal could even form a thought he was out of his seat and slamming his brother to the floor. His wolf pushed to the forefront. Mal’s canines elongated, fur sprouted on his forearms, and his nails turned to claws. His wolf snarled and growled snapping at Kell as Mal fought for control. His wolf getting more pissed off by the second when Kell
refused to fight him. He just laid there grinning up at Mal like an idiot.
“You will control yourself, Malcolm Creed!” Declan’s voice boomed. The alpha dictate got Mal’s immediate attention. His wolf rolled to his back submitting to his alpha’s command. Mal blinked and stared down at his brother in horror.
“I-I’m sorry. Fuck, Kell.” He pushed himself off his brother and stood. What the hell did he do? Mal wiped his palms on his jeans then held out his hand to help Kell up. Breathing a sigh of relief when his brother didn’t hesitate to take it.
Kell got to his feet and shot him a grin as he brushed himself off. “No sweat, little bro. I probably should have left off teasing you and been a bit more diplomatic.”
Cade cracked up. “That’s ironic. The least diplomatic man in the room in need of diplomacy.”
Mal snickered. “Damn.” He turned his attention to Declan bracing himself for the censure he knew would be in his cousin’s eyes. Needless to say he was shocked when he found only understanding. Mal tilted his head in respect and submission to his alpha. “I apologize, Alpha. I don’t know what happened.”
Declan nodded his acceptance. “It’s a mate thing,” he explained. “Every mated man in this room understands what just happened to you. When we feel our mate is being threatened or is in danger, our reactions are often uncontrollable. Especially, when it comes out of the blue like that.” He frowned at Kell. “Really, Kell? What were you thinking?”
“Uh, I wasn’t?” Mal watched in awe as his brother’s cheeks and ears went red. Holy shit. His middle bro actually blushed.
Cade barked a laugh. “Good answer. Now that we’ve gotten all the drama out of the way… thanks for that by the way, Kell. It was quite the show.” He wagged his eyebrows while rubbing his hands together. Leave it to Cade to breakdown the tension in the room. It’s one of the reasons he was such a good beta. “Why don’t you explain your awesome plan, K?”
“As I was saying―” Kell took a step back from Mal, feigning fear as mirth danced in his eyes. “Hold on to your wolf, baby bro,” he warned.
Mal sent him a look that said Kell was a dumb-ass and muttered, “Asshole.”
Kell sniggered. “I’ve heard that before. Here’s the deal. We all know Speer won’t stop until he has Nick and Leo in his possession. We all know why he wants Leo. We all know what Nick’s fate will be. We know everything. It’s irresponsible and fucking stupid to sit around and keep rehashing it instead of doing something about it. I for one will not allow that motherfucker to get his hands on my new littlest brother―” He shot Mal a wink. “―or my nephew. If we don’t get in front of this thing, Nick and Leo will be looking over their shoulders for the rest of their lives. You and yours will never know peace, Mal. The only way to tip the hand your mate has been dealt in our favor is to leak information of his and Leo’s whereabouts. Speer and his ilk will come looking and make a move that will give us what we need to end Speer’s reign of terror. I hate it and I know you do, but we both know this is the only way to end this.”
Mal dropped his chin to his chest. Kell was right. It was the only way. Fuck. He looked around. Some of the men he trusted most in this world were in this room. He knew they would protect Nick and Leo at all costs. “How do we go about leaking this information? Speer is not stupid. He’s proven that. How do we not make it look like a trap?”
Elder Frey raised his hand. “I think I can help with that.”
Declan crossed his arms over his chest. “What did you have in mind, Elder Frey?”
“It’s simple, really. I’ll just mention my little trip here to the right people. You know the ones who couldn’t keep their mouths shut if their lives depended on it? It won’t take long for the gossip to find its way to those with less than progressive belief systems and questionable alliances.” The sinister smile Elder Frey gave them told Mal there was a lethal shifter underneath the old southern gentlemen facade the elder wore like a second skin. The man was truly a shifter you didn’t want to mess with.
“And that’s why you get paid the big bucks,” Gunnar teased the elder.
The older man barked a laugh. “Yes, Gunnar. I’m rolling in the dough.”
Gunnar nodded his head solemnly. “Right, I forgot. It’s all about the prestige not the paycheck.”
Mal laughed along with his brothers at their exchange.
“Do y’all hear that?” Cade asked interrupting their joviality. The room fell silent and listened.
Elder Frey cocked his head. “It’s music.”
“Someone’s playing Mom’s piano,” Declan informed them. He looked at Cade and they shared a smile.
Mal knew who made that beautiful music. He could feel the utter peace radiating from his mate through their bond. He, his cousins, and Elder Frey left the office and followed the melodious sound down the hall to the common room. His breath caught when he spied his mate behind the piano. Mal couldn’t take his eyes off Nick. Everything faded away except for his mate, the beautiful music he made, and the way he looked doing it. Nick’s eyes were closed, a soft smile curved his lips, and crystalline tears ran unchecked down his cheeks as his long slender fingers moved gracefully over the keys. It was as if Nick had become one with the notes flowing from the piano. Mal recognized the song his mate played, but he wasn’t sure from where. The song came to an end and Nick immediately played another.
“Wow,” Cade whispered in reverent awe. “Look at him go.”
Nick let out a little sigh once he played the final note. The room exploded with applause. His mate jumped as a blush immediately covered his face and took a moment to wipe his face. He chewed his lip as his eyes bounced around the room and anxiety rolled off him in waves.
“That was beautiful, baby,” Mal told him through their mating link. Nick met his gaze and his mate’s entire body relaxed immediately. Mal felt ten feet tall knowing he had such a positive and instantaneous effect on his mate.
Nick’s eyes went wide, then soft and dreamy. “Yeah?”
“Yep. We’re getting a piano for our house tomorrow. No more putting it off.”
“Putting it off? I’ve only been here a week. I already told you, you don’t need to spend that kind of money. An electronic keyboard is fine.” Nick argued.
“A week too long and the hell I don’t. I want a private concert, preferably with you naked.” He wagged his eyebrows. “That way when you’re finished I can bend you over the thing and can claim you from behind. You can’t do that with a keyboard. It’s not sturdy enough.”
Nick giggle snorted. “Of course, sturdiness is a justifiable reason to spend thousands of dollars.”
Mal sent him a sly smile. “I know. Want me to come over there and prove it to you?”
Cade elbowed Mal in the ribs pulling them from their private conversation. Which was a good thing considering since Mal was about two seconds from ripping his mates clothes off and testing his theory. “Stop eye fucking your mate where I have to watch.”
“Like I’ve never had to witness you doing the same thing.”
“Yes, but I have all this going for me.” Cade waved a hand up and down his body like a game show host. “And you are you.” He snickered and walked off. “That was absolutely awesome, Nick. Nobody has played that piano since our mother died.”
“I-I hope you don’t mind. I should have asked. I’m sorry.” Nick wrung his hands and Mal wanted to step in and reassure him but knew he should let Declan and Cade handle this one. This was their home and Nick needed to experience their graciousness for himself. Mal figured it would eventually sink in that Dec and Cade were good and honorable men.
“You don’t need permission to make yourself at home,” Declan argued holding out his hand toward Nick to calm him. “I’m happy someone finally took advantage of this monstrosity instead of it sitting unused and collecting dust.” He walked over and sat in the club chair next to the piano.
“Mom would have fucking fainted if she’d heard you play. She was good, but damn, man, that w
as fucking awesome.” Cade walked over and jostled Nick’s shoulder.
“Cade speaks the truth,” Declan agreed. “You are extremely talented. Feel free to grace us with your musical talents anytime the mood strikes you.”
Nick ducked his head clearly embarrassed by the praise but, Mal also knew he appreciated it. He didn’t need their mating link to know that their enjoyment made Nick happy.
Chapter 18
Fiona stood by the back window looking out over the backyard and smiled. Emma Grace was playing tea party with Nick and Leo at the outdoor umbrella covered table that sat in the center of the deck. Her daughter said something funny causing Nick to throw his head back and laugh. Fiona sighed. Nick Speer was such a sweetheart and little Leo was an angel. An orphaned angel. Tears filled her eyes and her heart broke for the little boy who would never remember how much his parents loved him. Leo would only know them through photos or Nick’s memories. It was criminal. At least, Leo wouldn’t carry the memory of his mother and father’s murder with him for the rest of his life. It wouldn’t plague him as he grew into adulthood.
Fiona witnessed her own mother’s death when she was five. She lived with the memory of watching her father push her mother down the stairs. It wasn’t something she would wish on anyone, especially a child. She was so lost in her own head Fiona didn’t realize Declan was there until he wrapped his arms around her from behind.
He placed a kiss on her temple and murmured, “What’s wrong, love?”
She closed her eyes and leaned into his embrace, relishing the feel of his strong arms around her. “Reliving bad memories. It’s so wrong what’s happened to Nick and his family, Declan. I wish there was a way we could take away some of his pain.”
He rubbed his cheek over the top of her head surrounding her with his scent. It still amazed her how that one simple move soothed her so completely. “I know, love. He’s already started the healing process. Mal’s love and their mating bond has strengthened Nick and helped him begin to heal. It will take time, but he has changed in the week he’s been here. You can see it in his eyes and body language. He carried himself with a bit more confidence. You can feel it, too, can’t you?”
