by Black, C. E.
As soon as we turned the corner into the dark room, the lights burst on and probably fifty or more people jumped up shouting "Welcome Home!" I gasped then smiled brightly.
Drake squeezed my hand and I turned my smile towards him. "Did you do this?" I asked.
He nodded smiling back. I noticed he smiled without showing his teeth and I felt saddened by this realization. I knew he was doing it for me so I would feel more comfortable around him. I appreciated it, but I knew I was going to have to get comfortable with this new Drake. It just wasn't fair for him to have to tip toe around me.
"We all wanted to welcome you home Rebecca. We missed you," he said softly.
I kissed him hard on the lips. Too soon, he pulled me back chuckling softly.
"Go on and see everyone. They're dying to catch up." His eyes were bright with happiness as he pushed me into the room.
I took only a couple of steps before I was engulfed in a hug. I wrapped my arms around my dear friend Rachel. We both were sobbing by time we let each other go.
"You're just as tall I remembered," I said looking up at her almost six-foot frame.
Her pixie like face and long dark wavy hair seemed out of place for her tall stature, but she was beautiful and I had missed her greatly.
Her soft green eyes smiled down at me. "I missed you, Rebecca," she said choking up again.
I hugged her again. "I missed you too, Rachel," I said pulling away.
As she looked at me the enjoyment in her eyes changed to one of concern. She leaned down and whispered, "Are they really going to question you about Logan?"
My face lost some of its glow and I shook my head no. She nodded and smiled gently.
I had tried putting that part of my past in the back of mind, but I knew a time would come soon when I would have to tell Drake. I was not looking forward to it, but he needed to know the truth about me. It would change things between us, I knew, but it had to be done.
The somber thought threatened to ruin my mood, so I pushed it away again for another day. Today was about happier things like seeing my friends again.
I was hugged and kissed by almost everyone. Some of the guards from that time with Logan gave me knowing looks and smiled gently letting me know the secret was safe. It was unnerving yet also comforting to have their support.
I mingled and talked with most everyone. They all wanted to know where I was and what I had been doing for the past five years. I told them about Savannah and the amazing pack I had found. I told them about school and how I hoped to finish getting my accounting degree. They all were supportive and seemed truly happy that I was back.
I was having so much fun and the night was going wonderfully when a very large man broke through the crowd and headed my way. He was extremely tall probably close to seven feet with very short spiky bleached blonde hair. His severe hairstyle was unattractive on his wide face. He had a prominent fore head, piercing gray eyes and thin lips drawn into a tight line. It was a shock really to see a werewolf that wasn't handsome. I realized it was not his natural looks that made him so unattractive, but the unnatural hair color combined with the ego he was sporting.
The crowd parted and some seemed to cringe as he pushed his broad shoulders through. I began to worry over the way some cowered. They were afraid of him and it made my hackles rise. Who was this jerk? When he reached me, he towered above me glaring with menacing eyes. I looked at him and narrowed my own.
"I would watch yourself if I were you pup," he growled.
I almost took a step back and lowered my gaze in submission, but his power trip made me want to bring him down a notch. I kept my gaze steady with his. His lip lifted into a snarl at my defiance.
"I am your Pack Master and I will not allow disrespect. But seeing that it's your first night back I will let it slide tonight." His eyes were practically flaming with anger.
I reluctantly bowed slightly. "Pack Master," I acknowledged through gritted teeth.
His expression didn't change. "Rebecca, I am glad to see you back," he said and I could smell the lie.
It made my nose twitch and my eyes narrow. I also realized I knew him. I looked at his intimidating face, broad nose and high cheekbones. Suddenly it clicked. The hair threw me off, but if I mentally switch it to his naturally dark brown, I recognized him. My eyes widened.
"Greg?" I asked. My tone showed how unbelievable I thought it was.
His sneer seemed to get worse. "That's Pack Master Dawson to you, Rebecca," he spat.
I cringe at his tone and that pleased him. He grinned brightly. I could not believe he was the same guy I knew before. He wasn't a good friend or anything, but he had been so quiet and polite. Wow, I thought, power could really change a person.
"Now that your here I'm going to have to speak to you about a few things," he said suddenly.
I looked at him in complete confusion. I wondered what he could possibly want to talk to me about. It did not take long for him to spell it out for me and I could feel my face pale.
"Yes, I believe there is the small matter of Logan's murder that needs to be cleared up. I believe you have the answers to my questions and you will tell me."
He smiled smugly. I knew he could see and smell my panic and he looked too pleased by my reaction. As his face split into a knowing grin, my heart pounded and my breathing labored. I was going to faint if I didn't get out of there soon.
I began looking around for the nearest exit when Drake was suddenly by my side.
"What's going on Dawson?"
His deep voice smoothed over me sending a shiver down my spine. Even as scared as I was, he had that affect on me. Drake placed his hand on the small of my back showing his possessiveness. It made me feel better knowing he was by my side.
Dawson's smile was superior as he looked at Drake. "Well, I've been looking for your Rebecca here all these years; right along with you Evans. She's wanted for questioning about Logan's murder," He announced loudly.
Drake growled, his eyes flashing. "I don't think so Dawson. She will not be questioned at all."
I looked back at Dawson as he threw back his head and laughed. "You can't interfere with pack law Evans and you know it. Hand over the girl so we can get this over with."
I looked back and forth between the two men. I began to panic. They wanted to question me tonight. I wasn't prepared.
Drake pulled me closer as if to protect me from the big brute, but when I looked up at him I could see he couldn't win this one. He looked devastated and concerned. I knew he could not interfere just as Dawson said. I took a deep breath. I was a big girl and it was time to face the music.
I touched Drake's cheek softly. I tried to smile reassuringly, but I knew I failed. I was too scared.
"It's alright, Drake. I better go get this over with," I said and turned to Dawson. He nodded and smiled smugly at Drake.
I began following Dawson out of the room as two guards flanked me. All eyes were on me. I knew they were speculating about his claims and some knew the truth. I met Rachel's frightened eyes from across the room. I nodded at her. I wanted her to know that no matter what she would never be ousted for helping me. None of them would.
"Stop!" Drake shouted.
We turned to see him coming toward us. His whole body radiated his anger.
"You cannot take her," he seethed, his hands fisted at his sides.
Dawson shook his head in mock sympathy. "You know there's nothing you can do. Step away now Evans before this gets ugly."
Drake growled at Dawson's threat. "You seem to have forgotten something Dawson," Drake spat. "Rebecca is my mate and she goes nowhere without me."
"There are a few problems with that Evans. First, you two have not completed the bonding ceremony so you don't have a claim on her and second, you're a vampire now. You don't have a mate." Dawson smiled arrogantly.
"But she is my One."
Everyone was quiet as the two squared off. Dawson's smiled began to fade and it was Drake's turn to look smug.
"And even if we haven't completed the Enduring Kiss, I am Master and no one is allowed to take her without me," he continued.
Steam was practically coming out of Dawson's ears at Drake's words, he was so angry.
"Fine!"
I jumped and Drake's arm pulled me close.
"You can come with us." Dawson finally agreed.
Before he could turn to escort us out once more, Drake stopped him. "No. Tonight is not reasonable. You may come here tomorrow evening to ask your questions."
Dawson was about to protest again, but Drake shook his head. "I am Master. Now leave my home." Drake's voice was stern and held immense power. I looked at him in awe.
Dawson looked reluctant, but he turned abruptly and left. I sagged in relief, but only for a moment. I would have to tell Drake the truth. He needed to be prepared for tomorrow. I was not going to lie when I was questioned. I only hoped he would understand.
Chapter 8
Anger coursed through me. How dare Dawson threaten my mate like that? I looked around the room at all the sympathetic faces. These were our friends our family our supporters, but right then, I had to get Rebecca out of there.
I pulled her tighter against my side. Watching her face, I could tell she wasn't handling the situation too well. Her eyes looked almost vacant and her body was barely keeping itself upright. We needed to get somewhere private so I could talk to her. She needed to understand that she was safe here. Never would I let anyone touch her. I growled at the thought.
"Thank you so much for coming to welcome Rebecca home. I know she has missed all of you and has enjoyed every minute of seeing you tonight. Please feel free to hang around as long as you like, but given the circumstances, Rebecca and I will need to leave. Thanks again," I said trying to keep my voice even.
I was so grateful for them all. I knew Rebecca had been happy to see them. As I watched her mingle and frit from one group to another, I saw her bright smile from across the room. My breath had caught looking at her dazzling smile. She looked genuinely happy for the first time since we arrived.
I had gripped my glass of champagne tighter as her sensual body had glided across the room making me remember what was underneath those simple clothes. Her long blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail, swinging with each step. My breathing deepened as I remembered that hair falling sensually over her naked body.
Watching her touch herself had been the most erotic thing I had ever seen. Her body was more beautiful than I remembered. Her firm round breasts were just big enough to fit into my palms with small rose color nipples. Those nipples had peaked with her arousal begging for his attention.
Her smooth creamy skin had glistened with sweat as she writhed at her own touch. I could imagine my hand spanning her flat stomach gripping her hips, as I loved her. I wanted to know what it was like to have those long shapely legs wrapped around me.
I shook off those thoughts. She may never be ready for that type of relationship. We would have to perform either the mating ceremony or the Enduring Kiss and so far, she seemed hesitant about both. I sighed out my mounting frustration. I had to let it go for now and concentrate on helping Rebecca, I reminded myself.
As I led Rebecca out of the room, I saw Rachael watching us with more than a little concern. She was downright terrified. Her green eyes were wide and suspiciously wet and she was wringing her hands. It was so unlike the werewolf to worry like that.
She took her gaze of Rebecca and noticed me watching her. She looked guilty and quickly glanced away. I shook my head. Something was going on there, but I did not have time to analyze it. Most likely, it was just a friend worrying over a friend.
Holding Rebecca close I turned down the hall, but stopped at an alcove built into the wall. It looked like just a place to highlight the beautiful piece of artwork hanging there, but in reality, it was the entrance to my quarters in the basement.
I stepped up to the painting of two wolves drinking from a river in the forest. No one knew but me that I had had that portrait done of Rebecca and me.
As I gazed at what I wished could be again the eye scanner kicked in to confirm that it was indeed I. The wall moved in and over creating a doorway. As soon as we stepped through, the wall closed behind us.
The stairway lit brightly showing the way down the carpeted steps clearly. I had changed a lot around the house, but the lighting had been first to be fixed. I hated walking around in the dark even if I could see perfectly in it.
We had only gone down two steps before Rebecca started shaking. I stopped and looked down at her. She seemed okay so I continued down another step and she let out a whimper
I stopped again and turned her towards me. I became increasingly worrisome when I saw the way her eyes darted all around. It was as if she wasn't seeing reality. She was shaking and trying to pull away from me. What in the hell was going on? I asked myself.
"Rebecca baby, look at me." She finally did look at me and I began to relax a little when I saw her eyes focus on mine.
"Drake?" She whispered. I rubbed her back soothingly trying to calm her down.
"Yes Rebecca, it's me. Are you alright?" I asked gently.
Rebecca nodded slowly. "I will be. Just give me a minute."
She pulled away slightly and I reluctantly let her go. I watched as she sat down on the steps and wrapped her arms around herself.
Sitting down beside her, I placed my hand around her shoulders and stroked her arm offering comfort. I hoped she would trust me enough to tell me what was going on. I continued to hold her as we sat in silence for over ten minutes. I did not want to rush her, but my patience thinning. Somehow, I was able to control myself though.
I almost jumped when she finally spoke. "Walking down here brought back some bad memories."
I realized what was going on. She was remembering her time with Logan. I felt like an ass for not thinking about that sooner. I almost cursed myself for my thoughtlessness, but stopped when I remembered that she hated cursing. I did not want to upset her further.
"I'm so sorry. I should not have brought you down here without speaking to you about it first. We can go back up."
I started to rise, but her small hand shot out to hold me in place. I looked down at her wide beautiful eyes. I melted every time I looked into them.
"No, I need to get through this, face this fear." She turned forward and let out a heavy sigh. "I'll be alright. It looks like you changed a lot down here."
I nodded and reached for her hand as she stood and started down the stairs once more. When we reached the bottom, she looked around the hallway noticing the many changes. I had put up sheet rock and painted it light beige adding wall sconces every few feet giving the hall a nice glow. The floors were carpeted in a creamy white. Paintings dotted the walls bring in color. I loved art and liked surrounding myself with it. They were all landscapes reminding me of the beauty of nature.
"You did a wonderful job, Drake. It's beautiful down here, much nicer than the dark stone from before."
Rebecca walked to one of the paintings then to another. She stopped and turned toward me smiling. It was nice to see her smile again.
"You always did appreciate art. These are beautiful, but why only landscapes?"
I took her hand as we both gazed at a picture. It was of a forest of tall pines with rays of sunlight pouring through. Most of the paintings were of the forest. She was right. There were only landscapes. The only portraits I had were in my bedroom, but I would wait before I mentioned that.
"Most of these seem to have a common theme," she said echoing my thoughts.
Keeping my gaze on the painting I said, "I miss these places. I cannot change into my wolf anymore, so I put these up to help calm him. The wolf's still with me, but I can't seem to let him out."
I could feel my wolf as I looked over the heavily wooden forest in the painting. It was true he was much calmer as I gazed at the picture, but since Rebecca had come home, he had been happier than ever. He was becoming
impatient though. We both were ready to bond with our mate.
I felt Rebecca's soft touch on my bare arm. I looked down and could see my own sorrow reflected in her eyes.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
I nodded and cleared my throat before my emotions could overwhelm me.
I pulled her with me farther down the hall. I noticed her glance toward a closed door on our right so I stopped in front of it.
"Would you like to see in here?" I asked.
I was surprised when she jerked back as if I slapped her. She sure was acting strange. I shook my head and opened the door revealing a small office. I held the door open and gestured for her to go in ahead of me. She hesitantly stepped forward and looked around the small space.
All it held was the usual office furniture, a desk with a computer, printer and fax along with a phone and the usual desk items. There were two small bookcases against the far wall and a filing cabinet. I noticed her shoulders relax. What in the world was going on with her? I thought. Did she think I had filled it with dead bodies or something?
"I have a larger office upstairs, but I like to work in private a lot," I told her.
She turned facing me and gave me a small smile. I turned away and walked back into the hallway before I pulled her in for a kiss. Her smile always sent my libido into overdrive.
I continued down the hall knowing she was behind me until I reached a set of double doors. They were solid wood, stained a rich mahogany. I pulled both doors open and turned to gesture Rebecca in. I found her glancing around the hall as if looking for something. When she finally looked back at me, I raised an eyebrow in question. She looked confused, but shook her head and walked past me into my bedroom.
I practically held my breath as she looked around. I hoped she liked it. I built the room for her in the hopes that she would come back one day.
I saw her gasp when she saw the huge king sized bed in the center of the room. I had designed the room with jewel tones in mind. The bedding was a patchwork of gold, sapphire, burgundy and emerald with lots of pillows of the same color piled at the head of the bed. Soft, gold netting hung from the ceiling and flowed around the bed.
