Chapter 23 – Pike
~ I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it ~
I watch Bloom as she walks out of the room then when I hear the bathroom door click shut I turn to Emily.
“I’ve missed you, little sister.”
“I’ve missed you too, big brother. Now tell me why you didn’t want the pack to know you found your mate.” That’s my sister; she’s never been one to beat around the bush.
“Does she smell like a wolf to you?”
“Pike, the pack isn’t going to care if you mated with a human as long as she’s your real mate.”
“She’s not human, well at least not fully,” I say and then watched as her face draws up in confusion.
“Explain, how is she not human?” She demands.
I look at the hall Bloom had disappeared down and listen for the water, when I’m certain she won’t be able to hear our conversation I continue.
“Her mother’s a shifter and her father was a human.”
“Then, why don’t I smell her wolf side?” Emily cocks her head to the side and asks.
“She’s never shifted, though I can say she does heal fast like we do.”
“Okay, that has to be a first, but I still don’t see why you’re keeping this a secret.”
Letting out a sigh I brace myself for the revelation I’m getting ready to lay on my little sister. “Her mother left when she was a new born, so up until this morning Bloom never knew about her wolf side. Apparently, Bloom’s father wasn’t her mother’s mate and not long after delivering Bloom she ran into her real mate and left with him. She hasn’t been in her life since then.”
Sympathy showing in her eyes Emily looks toward the hall and I can see her need to go comfort my mate over the loss of her mother at a young age. When she turns her gaze back to me I see the unshed tears in her eyes and she asks, “Does she even know who her mother is?”
“She’s seen pictures and her father has told her about her mother, but he didn’t know about her wolf side either.”
“Why would she hide that from a person she loved? This woman is sounding more and more selfish as this story goes on. If I knew where she was I’d go smack the heck out of her,” she grumbles pacing the room.
“That’s the thing, Em, we do know her,” I finally confess as I collapse on the couch from the weight of my revelation.
Emily stops pacing and looks me square in the eyes. She doesn’t have to even ask I know she wants the womans name and I can no longer keep it to myself.
“Rose O’Brian.”
“Tuckers mom?” She gasps in surprise.
I nod then watched as she crosses the room and collapses on the couch next to me. We set like that in silence for several minutes then looking up at the ceiling she asks, “Have you told her you know her mom? Hell, have you told Tucker that him and the twins have a sister?”
“Nope.”
She punches me hard in my arm and demands, “Why not?”
“Because if I tell her that her long lost mother is part of our pack back home she won’t want to come back with me.” I sigh.
“And how do you think she’s going to feel when she finds out you lied to her, dork,” Emily demands turning to stare at my face.
“I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it; right now I need to get her home.” Lying to my mate is eating me up inside and I want to tell her the truth, but what if she refuses to go with me because Rose is there. I can’t leave my pack without their Alpha much longer, and there’s no way I’m leaving my mate. Even if she hadn’t been attacked last night, I can’t leave half my heart in Ohio. I know it makes me selfish, but at this point I don’t care.
Changing the subject I ask, “So how did you get here so fast?”
She watches me while she deliberates on pushing the subject of me telling Bloom then her shoulders slump and she falls back into the couch and I know she’s made her decision. “Just so you know, I don’t like that we’re keeping this from her. She deserves to know what we’re dragging her into Pike.”
“I know Em, but right now I feel like my hands are tied.” We set there staring at nothing in particular for several minutes then Emily sighs.
“I hopped the first plane to Columbus, then rented the car and drove the rest of the way down here.”
“I suppose Tucker told you the address?” I ask thankful she drops the previous subject, for now.
“Yeah, he wanted to come too but he knew he couldn’t leave the command you left him. I guess with this new discovery it’s good that he didn’t.”
“Yeah, it is. So what’d you bring me?”
Waving her hand towards the simple green duffle bag I carried in with her ridiculously expensive designer luggage she says, “A couple outfits, those nasty boots you love so much, your wallet, deodorant, toothbrush, and your cell. You said you’d be coming home in a few days so I didn’t think you’d need much else. If I forgot anything you have your money now so you’ll be able to replace it.”
“Thanks, I need a good shower and my own clothes.”
Looking over at me and taking in my spaghetti covered borrowed sweats she asks, “Whose are you wearing anyways?”
“This guy Billy, he was a friend of Bloom’s Dad. He knows about us from Rose.”
She opens her mouth to respond to the fact that Rose revealed her true self to Billy and not Michael, but quickly closes her mouth and shakes her head from side to side. I have a feeling when we get home, Bloom won’t be facing her long lost mother alone. Emily’s loyalty has already latched it’s self onto Bloom and once Em decides something it would be easier to rip her arm off than try to get her to change her mind.
Just then Bloom walks back into the living room rubbing the towel over her hair. She looks at Em then back at me and says, “I left you some hot water. After you’re done I thought maybe we could go to Billy’s and get a pizza, if you’re still hungry that is.”
I stand up and cross the room to stand directly in front of her. She tilts her head up to look into my eyes and I see the desire staring back at me. Just being close is driving us both crazy with need, but I won’t do anything to embarrass her in front of my sister so instead of pulling her the last few inches to my body, like my wolf is howling for me to do, I simply place one of my hands on her neck and use my thumb to rub circles over the freckle there. When her eyes flutter close and a soft moan escapes her lips I grin and say, “Pizza sounds great, you’ll learn quickly that us wolves have a very high metabolism so it takes a lot to fill us up.” Pulling away from her and grabbing the duffle bag Emily brought me, I head towards the bathroom but before I’m out of ear shot I add, “and a lot to tire us out too, darlin’.”
I hear her sharp intake of breath and her heart rate speed up and I know my meaning got through. I don’t think the grin on my face can go any wider as I take in the thoughts running through my mate’s mind.
Chapter 24 – Bloom
~ I’m a freaking Alpha? ~
“I know we just met, but I’d like for you to feel comfortable with me. We’re going to be related, so if you have any questions please feel free to ask me.” Emily says breaking into my thoughts. We came into the kitchen to straighten up while Pike takes his shower.
Wiping down the counter I have a hundred questions running through my mind. Finally I pick out the one that’s at the front most of my thoughts.
“Will you explain this mating thing to me? I understand that Pike and I are mates. I feel the pull to him and when we try we can read each other thoughts but is there more to it? Is there something we have to do to cement this bond?”
She smiles at me from the sink, “Yes, your bond’s already recognized each other, but the mating won’t be complete till Pike marks you as his and introduces you as such in front of the pack. We usually hold a ceremony a lot like a wedding to do this. At the ceremony he’ll announce you as his mate and the two of you will make a pledge to each other, then you will spend some time at a reception so the whole pack can co
ngratulate you, then the two of you’ll leave and that night he’ll mark you as his.”
Confusion clearly showing on my face I ask, “How does he mark me?”
“Well he bites you, usually in a place everyone can see like your neck or shoulder. The bite heals fast but it leaves a scar. It’s the shifter’s version of a wedding ring.” She explains watching my face to see my reaction.
“H-h-h-he has to b-b-bite me!” I stutter turning my face away to hide the blush that’s covered my cheeks. The thought of Pike sinking his teeth into the same spot on my neck where he kissed me less than an hour ago sends shivers through my body. My body’s craving Pike’s mark, which is confusing and exciting me all at the same time. I’m not sure I’ll ever get use to these feelings he causes me to have. Heck, that kiss earlier had me putty in his arms.
“Don’t be embarrassed, Bloom, the bite is a very normal thing in our culture. I’ve been told it’s very pleasurable.” That’s what I’m afraid of, ugh.
“You haven’t found your mate?" I ask turning back to look at her.
A wistful look crosses her face when she says, “Not yet. We don’t usually find them until we’re in our mid-twenties and I’m only 21. So I have a few more years.”
“But, I’m only 20.”
“Yes, but your mate is 25 and I think your bond knew you two needed each other sooner.”
I think about the dark place I went into after losing Dad and then of Pike running after having to take out his father and realize that Emily’s right; we needed each other.
“Any other questions?” she asks going back to the dishes.
“I have hundreds,” I answer honestly.
“Well, then we better get started or we’ll be here all night.” She giggles.
“Okay, will you tell me how the pack works? I know Pike is now the Alpha, but that’s about it.”
“Well, there’s also his beta, Tucker. Beta is the second-in-command after the Alpha pair. Then there are the pack elders, they don’t have as much control as the Alpha or the Beta but they are respected. The Alpha usually uses them as council. There is usually an Omega in a pack, as well. They’re outside of the pack hierarchy and have the ability to calm the members of the pack. But, our pack hasn’t had one since my momma died.” She gets quiet after mentioning her mom and I know she needs the moment to remember her so I don’t push her to go on. She grabs a dishtowel and wipes her eyes then continues. “As Pike’s mate, you’ll be the female Alpha. Any problems among the women will go through you first. If you feel you need Pike’s help you can bring him into the problems as well. The rest of the pack is ranked by strength. And of course the male and female rankings are separate.”
“I’m going to be in charge of a group of wolf women? Emily, I can’t even shift!”
“Bloom, you may not shift but I can feel your strength. My wolf recognizes you as her Alpha.” If my wolf was a cat she would’ve been purring at that proclamation. She likes the idea of being in charge of a bunch of she-wolves.
I’m a freaking Alpha? Of course, we’re an alpha! Don’t wolves fight for their dominance? Well we sure don’t settle it by taking a vote. “What if someone challenges me? That’s how these rankings work, right? I can’t shift so I’ll be fighting them as human!” I say dropping the rag I’m using to wipe down the mess.
Emily wipes her wet hands off on the towel and then comes over to me and places a hand on each of my arms. “Bloom, please calm down. Pack members don’t challenge the Alphas, because as Alpha they carry the strength of the entire pack in them.” Wow, that isn’t helping. I don’t want to carry the strength of a pack of wolves in me. Dang it, I have a hard enough time carrying around my own freaking problems let alone all of theirs.
“Darlin’, you won’t be carrying the burden alone. I will be right beside you, so please don’t stress your pretty little self,” Pike says pulling my attention to him. His black hair is damp and it makes his already impossibly dark hair even darker. A simple white t-shirt clings to his muscular chest, a pair of dark blue boot cut jeans hang low on his hips and worn in black work boots cover his feet. The whole look makes for a mouth watering package. The smirk that covers his face tells me that he’s reading my thoughts and is taking great pleasure in it. To tease him I send him the image of him marking my neck and then turn around and continue talking to Emily.
“So I think we’re done cleaning up in here. Thanks for helping.”
“You’re welcome. So are we getting pizza?” She asks smiling as she looks back and forth between Pike and me.
“Go outside now, Emily,” Pike growls from behind me.
Laughing she walks out of the room leaving me alone with her brother. He waits until he hears the door slam and then he swings me around and lifts me up into his arms. My traitorous body nuzzles closer to him and I bury my face into his neck.
“I see Emily told you about sealing our mating bond.” His voice still sounds more wolf than human and it’s causing butterflies to form in my stomach. My own voice seems to have disappeared so I nod my head against his neck.
Bending his head he nuzzles into my own neck and whispers, “I wish I could mark you now, darlin’. It’s taking all my control not to, so please no more teasing me like that. I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold off if you keep sending me thoughts like that. Okay?”
“Okay,” I manage to agree as he places me back on the floor in front of him.
Leaning in he places a chaste kiss on my lips then grabs my hand, “Okay, sugar, let’s go get some grub.”
Billys is packed but we find a booth in the back of the dining room that gives us some privacy. We put in our drink order and I ask the waitress to send Billy out, he comes out promptly carrying a tray with our drinks. After setting them in front of us he scoots into the booth beside Emily and introduces himself. Then turning his attention to me and Pike says, “I spoke with Jim earlier and he said Bonnie’s car was at his office when he got to work this morning. One of your friends must have been nice enough to bring it back from the lake last night after the accident.”
Trace had taken Bonnie’s car last night after he attacked me, so it must have been him that dropped it off. But I’m not about to tell Billy that because he doesn’t know Trace attacked me and I’d like to keep it that way.
“That was nice of them,” Pike says going along with it.
“And he said that Bonnie and he dropped Trace’s back at his place, but he wasn’t there. But I still don’t understand why Bonnie had Trace’s vehicle instead of her own.” He looks between the two of us waiting for one of us to blurt out the truth. He’s always been able to tell when I’m not telling him the full truth, but this time I’m not backing down. He’s had to worry about me enough this past year I don’t want to add this on top of it.
“Bonnie told you that her car was blocked in so Trace let her borrow his jeep,” Pike tries to explain.
“Okay, but how did she know about the wreck.” Billy continues with his interrogation. I can tell by the set of his shoulders he isn’t planning on giving up until we confess the truth. But thankfully I have a stubborn wolf beside me who apparently isn’t planning on giving in either.
“Billy, we went over all of this last night and honestly I think we’re tired of talking about it. It’s been a stressful 24 hours for all of us and we should just move on and try to enjoy the rest of this evening. Emily and I are both looking forward to tasting this pizza of yours that Bloom raved about the whole way here.” I watch the two of them stare each other down and when Billy slumps back in the booth I know he’s giving up, for the moment.
“You’re right, I should be letting you guys enjoy your night. So what would you like on your pizza?” We give him our order and then he gets up and leaves the table. Rubbing Pike’s arm I whisper, “Please let me out, I need to go talk to him. He needs to know I’m leaving with you guys.”
He scoots out and helps me out. Before I can turn to head to the kitchen he grabs my hand, “Darlin’, th
is isn’t goodbye for you and Billy. We’ll be back to visit and he’s more than welcome to come visit us. So please don’t see it that way. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to separate you from the people that love you. I just … I need you with me, Bloom.” His confession rocks me on my heels. He needs me. Can’t he see I’m the one that needs him?
“I know, Pike. But it’s still going to be hard leaving this place. It’s always been home.” I squeeze his hand reassuringly then release it. “I’ll be right back.”
The kitchen is busy but I find in Billy in his usual spot making our order personally. I sneak up behind him and wrap my arms around his waist and lay my head on his back. He pats my hand and continues to put the toppings on. “What’s wrong, doll?” Of course, he knows it’s me behind him. I’m the only one who’d been in his kitchen hugging him like this, we may not be family by blood but we’ve been family in heart ever since I was born. This man has been there and raised me right along with my father. And now that he’s gone, Billy’s the only link I have to that part of my life.
Reviving Bloom (Bloom Daniels Series) Page 10
