by Lola Gabriel
“Right,” he said.
Liya glanced at her wristwatch and pouted. “I have to get Illa down for her nap, or I’ve got one terrible night to look forward to.”
“Right. You don’t want to mess up her routine,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you,” she said, and he raised an eyebrow at her in puzzlement. “For being so nice,” she clarified, “despite me ruining your car.”
“It’s not ruined.”
“Right,” she said, unconvinced.
While Wren took care of the check, Liya walked over to the ball pit. Illa held out her little arms to her mother, and Liya scooped her up and kissed her nose until Illa squirmed away.
They left the cafe and stepped out onto the curb. Wren walked Liya to her car, which still had a dented front bumper, and he openly cringed at the sight.
“I haven't gotten around to fixing it,” Liya explained as she opened the back door and placed Illa inside her seat.
“I’ll send you the number of my guy,” Wren said. “He’ll give you a really good price.”
Liya clipped Illa into her seat and studied Wren with narrowed eyes. “It really is the same everywhere,” Liya said vaguely.
“What do you mean?” Wren asked.
“The perks that come along with being an Alpha,” Liya answered and closed the door.
“Oh yeah,” Wren said and placed his hands on his hips. “Loads of perks.”
Liya chuckled and looked at him. He was sexy as hell, especially in the waning daylight, and she had to fight the urge inside her to pin him against the car and kiss him.
Instead she composed herself and smiled at him. “Can I have your number?” she asked, surprised by her own boldness, and by the look on Wren’s face, he was equally surprised.
“Sure,” he said and took her phone that she handed to him. He punched in his number and gave it back to her.
“You didn't give me a fake number, did you?” she asked as she narrowed her eyes.
“The thought did cross my mind, but no,” he answered.
“Good night, Wren,” she said as she climbed into her car.
“Good night,” he answered with a smile.
Liya started her car and slowly drove away. As she looked in the rearview mirror at him, a smile ran across her lips.
Maybe she would stay in Bigfork after all. If anything, she had the Alpha on her side.
4
Wren had never given being alone much thought before today. Ever since the fire, he had been on his own, and never truly craved a companion to spend his time with. He was quite happy to be by himself, even though deep down inside he was miserable—but, of course, he would not disclose this to anyone. Today had been the first time that he wished he could spend more time with Liya and Illa, and it terrified him. The last time he had cared about someone, they were viciously ripped from his life. Not only his parents by the fire, but his brothers splitting up in different directions because they couldn't agree on anything. He had lost his entire family, and it hurt him. It hurt him so much that he wished he could take those memories from his mind and bury them as deep as he could. He didn't want to think about it anymore, he didn't want his nightmares to have such a hold over him, and most of all, he didn't want to carry the guilt and regret inside his heart any longer. For years after the fire he blamed himself for what had happened. If he had not made such a big deal about Cole not being suited to be the Alpha, would they have stuck together after the fire? If he had smelled the fire, or even those who set their home on fire, earlier, then their parents would have made it out alive.
Wren knew that there was no use in wishing to change the past, as it was done and buried. No amount of guilt or self-recrimination would change it. He knew this, but he silently tortured himself with a whip of guilt and a collar of remorse, dragging him down into his own personal hell.
Now there was light at the end of the tunnel in the form of a beautiful young woman and her adorable daughter.
Liya knew his pain even if she knew nothing about what had happened. She saw it in his eyes, because she had her own pain that she was dealing with. She had been terrified for a long time, and she had every right to be.
Even though Wren knew that they had imprinted when she ran into the back of his car, he also knew that it was not a good idea to take it further at the rate that he wanted to. She wasn't ready for something as serious as imprinting. She was barely ready to make new friends. He saw the distrust in her eyes, and he didn't blame her one bit. She was scared. Scared of being found by her ex-boyfriend, scared of being dragged back to her old pack, wherever that was.
Wren didn't even think to ask where she was from, and which pack she belonged to. Surely they noticed her disappearance. A sinking feeling appeared in Wren’s stomach—he knew the protocol for a pack member who went AWOL, and he shivered.
No, I am not going to let that happen to her, he thought adamantly to himself.
Liya was his friend now, the only person he had ever opened up to, even if it was just a little bit. He had to protect her and Illa. She was a part of his pack now, and it was his duty to keep her safe.
As he stepped into his home, his phone rang, and he stared at the screen. He didn't recognize the number, but he answered anyway. Only a select few people had his phone number, and even when he didn't recognize the caller’s number, it was always important.
“Wren Wylde,” he answered.
“Wren, it’s Liya.”
Wren’s heart stopped for a second, but he immediately sensed the panic and terror in Liya’s voice. He also heard Illa crying in the background and instantly knew that something was wrong.
“Liya, what is it?”
“Someone broke into our house and...” Her voice was frantic, and she could barely form a cohesive sentence.
“Are you okay? Is Illa okay?” Wren asked, concern consuming every cell in his body.
“Yeah, we’re okay. We just got home, and the whole house was turned upside down. Not literally, but everything is just everywhere,” she stammered.
“I’ll be right there,” Wren said.
“Wren, wait. Don’t you need my address?”
“No, I’ve got it covered.”
“Wren?” Her voice was almost a whisper.
“Yes?”
“Be careful.”
“Don’t worry about me,” he said and disconnected the call.
He rushed out the door, climbed in his car and drove to Liya’s house, his nose leading the way.
It took him about five minutes to find her home, and he was surprised at how close she lived to his house. It was a cozy little unit that had a small porch at the back of the house overlooking the forested area, and he decided to quickly check it out for a scent before he went into the house. The area was dark and eerie, but Wren didn't pick up a scent at all, which was strange. It seemed like the most obvious way to get to her house undetected. He circled the area once more before heading to the house.
Inside, Liya was holding Illa, who still sobbed softly against Liya’s shoulder. Liya swayed to and fro, whispering comforting words to Illa when Wren appeared in front of the glass door.
“It’s open,” Liya mouthed, and Wren slid the door open and stepped inside.
Liya wasn't kidding when she said that everything was everywhere. The couches and chairs were overturned, and all the contents of the drawers were scattered on the floor. The whole house was in complete disarray.
Wren approached Liya and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”
“We’re not hurt, if that’s what you want to know,” she whispered.
Wren glanced at her reassuringly and lightly touched Illa’s head. “Hey, little girl. You’re okay.”
To his surprise, Illa looked at him and held her arms out to him. Wren looked at Liya in surprise, and she nodded with a smile.
“She wants you,” Liya whispered.
Wren smiled nervously and took Illa from her. Illa snuggled comfortably aga
inst Wren’s chest as he wrapped his arms around her small body and he glanced at Liya again.
“Is this your first time holding a baby?” she asked with a suppressed laugh.
“Kind of, yeah,” he whispered.
“Well, clearly you’re a natural,” Liya said with a smile.
Wren gazed at Liya, who looked at him in a way that made him feel too many emotions. He was holding onto the most important thing in her life, and she allowed it without question or hesitation.
Wren breathed in the soft scent of Illa and a warm feeling washed over his heart. He knew what it was, because he remembered the first time he felt it. He was a day old and the first time he looked at his mother that same feeling washed over him, and even though very few wolves could recall their memories from that far back, Wren remembered them.
Every one of them.
At times he wished he couldn’t, but it was all so clear to him. The feelings, the smell of it all, but worst of all, the pain of knowing that he could never have that back. They were only memories now.
The warmth of Liya’s hand on his shoulder pulled him out of the memory pool he wallowed in and he looked into her bright blue eyes, another pool he could drown himself in. Her eyes were a much safer place to drown in, and a small smile ran across his lips.
“She seems to really take to you,” Liya whispered.
Wren said in a low tone, “You look surprised.”
“I am. She doesn't like anybody, really. She’s very picky.”
“Good girl,” Wren whispered to Illa and Liya smiled.
“Could I ask you a huge favor?” Liya asked, cringing slightly.
“What’s that?” he whispered.
“Could Illa and I stay with you tonight? I don’t feel very comfortable in this house and—”
“Of course,” he said with a nod.
“Thank you,” she whispered and placed her hand on his arm. “I’ll go get a few things.”
Wren nodded and watched as Liya left for the bedroom. He continued to sway side to side, although Illa was already fast asleep against his chest. Her little body was warm against his chest, and even though it was the first time he held a baby, it felt right. It felt like the most natural thing in the world and he couldn't help but smile. A few minutes passed and Liya came out of the bedroom with two overnight bags. She placed them on the floor and switched the lights off before turning to Wren, asking, “Are you ready?”
“Yeah, we can take my car, if that’s okay.”
“Sure, I’d just have to get Illa’s car seat.”
Within about five minutes, they arrived at Wren’s house. The garage door opened and he parked the car inside.
Wren opened the door that led to the inside of the house, and they went in. He led Liya to the guest bedroom. Wren was thankful that he had a place for them to sleep, but even if he didn't, he would have more than willingly slept on the couch or on the floor to accommodate them.
In the dimly lit room, Wren watched Liya as she placed a U-shaped padded bumper on the bed and threw a fluffy blanket over it.
“You can lay her down,” Liya said as she took out another blanket and a white stuffed rabbit toy from the overnight bag.
Wren nodded, although he could easily spend the entire night holding on to the precious little girl in his arms. He carefully laid her down, and Liya covered her torso with the blanket and placed the rabbit beside her.
“Will she be okay?” he asked as they closed the door almost all the way, and Liya nodded.
“Yeah, she’ll sleep right through, thanks to you,” Liya answered as they walked down the hallway and into the living room. “I think she just got a little upset because I was in a bit of a state.”
“Are you okay?” Wren asked.
“I have no idea,” she admitted. “I thought we were safe here and...”
“You are safe, here.”
“But we can’t stay here forever,” Liya said with wide eyes.
“You stay as long as you need to, but we’ll figure it out in the morning. We can go back and see if something was stolen or—”
“This wasn't a robbery, Wren. It was him. He came looking for us, or he sent one of his subordinates to track me down.”
“You don’t know that.”
“You don’t know Hunter,” Liya said, and the fear she had for this guy was as clear as daylight.
“I know his type,” Wren said and stepped closer to her. “I will not let him touch you or Illa. I promise you that.”
Liya pursed her lips and a tear ran down her cheek.
Wren reached out his hand and brushed it away, the moisture immediately evaporating from his fingertip. “Why don't you go take a hot bath and I’ll order some takeout.”
“Sure, that sounds nice,” Liya said. “Thank you for letting us stay here. I know it was completely unexpected and inconvenient because now you’ve got two strangers living in your house and—”
“It’s not an inconvenience. I promise.”
Liya smiled gratefully. “Okay, then.”
“Bathroom is just on the opposite side of the hallway to your room,” Wren said.
“Got it.”
Wren watched as Liya turned away and walked down the hallway, entering the guest room. He smiled slightly and grabbed the phone from his pocket, dialing his favorite restaurant.
Wren placed his order and disconnected the call. He heard the water running in the bathroom, and he quietly walked to the guest bedroom, peeking around the door to check on Illa. She slept peacefully holding her stuffed rabbit, and Wren smiled.
He didn't care if he was turning into a real marshmallow, but fighting it would be futile as well.
After twenty minutes, the doorbell rang, and Wren answered it, collecting the food from Ben, the delivery guy, and handing over a few bills to him.
“Keep the change,” Wren said.
“Thank you, sir,” Ben said and rushed back to his car.
Wren’s jaw clenched, recalling the way he and his brother had been taught to address their father when they were instructed to do something, or when they were in trouble and Luther scolded them. Wren still recalled his father’s dark brown eyes, much like his own, and the stern expression that was permanently plastered to his face. Wren could count on his one hand the number of times that he saw his father smile, or laugh, for that matter. He often wondered how his mother, who was happy and free-spirited, ended up falling in love, marrying and having five children with such a pensive and stern man. Maybe it was because they each had something the other one lacked, or something like that. Maybe Mother Nature knew best and considered them to be a perfect match, hence their imprinting.
Wren closed the door and placed the bags on the kitchen counter. He walked down the hallway and stopped in front of the door.
“Liya?” he said quietly.
“Yeah?”
“The food’s here.”
“Okay, I’ll just be a few more minutes,” she answered from inside.
“Take your time,” he said and quickly checked up on Illa again.
Wren was starving and he started to eat even before Liya came out of the bathroom. He was about halfway through his meal when she appeared from the hallway. She looked even more beautiful with her slightly damp hair and her flushed cheeks from the warmth of the hot water. Wren stared at her wordlessly, the intensity of his stare igniting a deep blush across her cheeks. She smiled slightly and looked down from the intensity of her emotions.
“I was just about to say that you didn't need to wait for me, but clearly you were starving,” Liya said with a chuckle.
“I was. Sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize. This is your house. We’re guests here,” she said and walked to the kitchen counter.
“I checked on Illa. She’s off in dreamland riding a fuzzy white rabbit through the rainbows,” Wren said
What? Seriously, Wren? he thought to himself, slightly embarrassed by the words coming from his mouth.
; Liya smiled with bemusement and nodded. “This smells good,” she said as she turned her attention to the food on the counter. “And judging by all the food on your face, it tastes good too.”
“I have food on my face?” he asked with a mouthful of lo mein noodles.
Liya chuckled and grabbed a napkin. “Here, let me get that for you,” she said and walked over to him.
As she reached her hand out to wipe the corner of his mouth, Wren’s eye caught something on her wrist and his eyes instantly darkened.
“What is that?” he asked, but he didn't need her to explain. He knew exactly what it was.
“What is...” Her voice trailed off, and her eyes widened as she realized he’d seen it.
She tried to move her wrist away abruptly, but he grabbed it, and she cowered in his grasp.
“What is that?” he hissed with narrowed eyes. The cupid’s bow of his upper lip pulled into a snarl, and his brown eyes narrowed as his body instantly and instinctively went on defense.
“Wren...”
“You’re a Crescent?” he growled.
“Please, just let me explain,” she begged in a small voice, not wanting to wake Illa.
Wren abruptly let go of her wrist and stood from the couch. “Then explain.”
Liya straightened up and took a deep breath. “They’re not my pack. They’re Hunter’s. He was born into the clan. I just joined because, well, we were together. I got the tattoo as a form of loyalty, to prove to Hunter that I wouldn’t...”
“That you wouldn't what?” he asked impatiently. “Leave him?”
“Wren, I’m sorry.”
“You know what the Crescents do to other packs, don't you?” he asked bitterly.
“I do, but I don't agree with it. They’re power-hungry and evil and vicious, and not a second goes by that I am sorry for leaving. I don’t want to be a part of that pack, Wren. I never really was a part of that pack to begin with.”
“I don’t trust you, Liya.”
“I’m not going to kill you, and I’m not here to infiltrate your pack. I just wanted to get away from him, from all of them. I don't want Illa to grow up thinking that that kind of behavior is acceptable,” Liya said, and a tear ran down her cheek. “I’m not like them; I swear to you.”
