Gabriel growled. “I wish your mate was still alive so I could kill him myself. No wolf should ever treat his mate that way.”
“Maybe it was because we weren’t true mates. Our mating was ordered by the alpha when I joined the pack. I don’t think Perry cared much for my appearance. He was always trying to make me diet, not that I ever lost a pound. My mother was a big woman and I guess I inherited her curves.”
Gabriel wrapped an arm around her shoulders and tucked her against the side of his body. “He was lucky to have you, Autumn. Any wolf would be lucky to call you his mate. I know you said trust doesn’t come easily for you anymore, but I hope you’ll give one of our wolves a chance. I don’t want to see you alone for the rest of your life.”
“I wouldn’t be opposed to another mate, but I will definitely be more selective this time. Just knowing that you won’t force me to mate with someone eases my mind. It’s part of why I haven’t joined in that much. I figured if I was invisible, maybe Connor wouldn’t notice me and pair me with someone.”
“No one in this pack would ever force you to mate a wolf not of your choosing. That’s only happened once and both parties deserved to be punished for their transgressions. We hoped pairing them together would mellow them out and get them focused on each other and not the pair they were trying to tear apart.”
“I guess that means I need to get to know more people in the pack.”
“Why don’t you start with family first? I’m sure you’ve met all of them, but maybe you should get to know them a little better. I have no doubt the women will welcome you with open arms, and be more than happy to play matchmaker.”
“I haven’t had friends in a while,” she said softly. “Having another woman to talk to would be nice. Do you really think they’ll accept me?”
“I have no doubt.”
“And they won’t think I’m trying to force myself on you by moving into your home?”
Gabriel smiled. “I’ll make sure they know it was my idea. You have nothing to fear.”
Autumn gave a sigh of relief. “Then I would love to spend time with your family. Even if they do try to play matchmaker. They’ll find I’m rather picky.”
“Good. Giving them a challenge will keep them off my doorstep.” Gabriel laughed. “I may be easing my way back into life, but I’m not ready for a revolving door with my brothers and their mates.”
Autumn stood and tugged on his hand. “Let’s go eat. I’m starved!”
“Just let me lock up. I still have my keys in my pocket. Do you mind if we take the bike again?”
She shook her head.
Gabriel made sure the door was locked and led her over to the motorcycle. He had to admit that rejoining the land of the living wasn’t as hard as he’d thought it would be. But then, maybe it was due to the redhead at his side. His protective instincts had reared to the surface and he couldn’t very well protect her if he wasn’t with her. Whether Autumn realized it or not, she’d just acquired a bodyguard for the foreseeable future.
Chapter Four
Chloe frowned at Michael. “He moved her into his house?”
Michael nodded. “I saw them leave and then return with a backpack. I don’t know if it’s just for a few days or what. All I know is that my brother left the house and seemed to enjoy himself. If Autumn living with him is what it takes to bring him back, then I will welcome her with open arms.”
“And she’s Kiera’s cousin?”
“That’s what Gabriel said. Apparently her aunt was Kiera’s mom. Weird, right? I mean, I believe in coincidences as much as the next person, but both of them finding the Ashton Grove pack? We aren’t exactly large or in a big city.”
Chloe shrugged. “Well, as long as Gabriel seems to be coming out of his self-imposed isolation, I guess that’s all that matters. I just hope he isn’t using her as a crutch. What happens when Autumn moves out? Will he go back into hiding?”
“Let’s not think that way,” Michael said. “Look. He said he enjoyed the ride to her apartment and he was actually sitting outside. He even offered to do payroll next week! Personally, I’m ready to roll out the welcome mat and throw that woman a party. She’s done the one thing we’ve all been trying to do for months, and all it took was one brief visit to his house. I don’t know what made Aislinn send her to Gabriel, if maybe she knew about the connection, but it worked.”
“She said Autumn was a damsel in distress and Gabriel would respond to that. I guess she was right, on some level. But would he have reacted the same way if she hadn’t been related to .Kiera? Is this just another way for him to hang onto his lost family?”
Michael sighed. “Maybe. But I’m sure, the more time he spends with her, he’ll see she isn’t Keira. I haven’t been around her much, but she seems way more timid than Kiera was.”
“They both came from abusive backgrounds,” Chloe said. “Kiera’s might not have been physical, but she was emotionally abused by her pack before coming here. And have you really looked at Autumn? She may be heavier than Kiera, but there are similarities in their facial features.”
“I think Gabriel is aware that Autumn isn’t Kiera. He didn’t move her into his bedroom, just into the house. She’s probably staying in one of the guest bedrooms on the second floor, not even on the same level as Gabriel’s room. I think you’re worrying too much and not celebrating enough.”
“I guess I should call Aislinn and give her the news, assuming she hasn’t ‘seen’ this happening already.”
Chloe picked up the home phone and dialed Aislinn’s number. She thought the phone was going to ring forever, but finally Aislinn answered.
“Hello,” Aislinn said.
“It’s Chloe. Your plan worked. I don’t know what you’d planned, but Autumn has moved into the Victorian with Gabriel.”
“Really? I didn’t see that coming. I just figured he’d want to watch over her, maybe take her under his wing.”
“So you didn’t know Autumn is Kiera’s cousin?” Chloe asked.
There was dead silence on the other end.
“Aislinn?”
“I’m here and, no, I didn’t know that. I’m not sure I would have sent her there if I’d known. The last thing Gabriel needs is a tie to Kiera right now. As long as he feels she’s alive in some way, even through her family, he may not ever let go and move on.”
“So you weren’t thinking of pairing Autumn and Gabriel?”
“Not exactly. I just wanted him to protect her.”
Chloe snorted. “Well, he’s doing that in spades. So, what do we do now? I know you said there would be other mates for Gabriel to choose from. Have you found any?”
“One, but she isn’t part of the pack. She lives in Arizona right now and I’m not sure how to get her here, or if we can.”
“Are you sure Autumn isn’t a match for him? I mean, with her being related to Kiera…”
“I had Eric work his mojo and Autumn didn’t come up as a possibility. It may be that this woman in Arizona is his only other match. In which case, if we can’t get her here, we may have to convince him to settle for someone who isn’t destined to be his.”
Chloe chewed on her bottom lip. “I know there are wolves who marry women that they just care about or maybe even love on some level, but do you think he’d settle for anything less than a true mate after having Kiera in his life?”
“It’s worth a shot.”
“Maybe we can invite some pack members to a gathering. You know some single men and women for Gabriel and Autumn to look over. They don’t have to know we’re trying to pair them off, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. There are plenty of women in the pack Gabriel hasn’t met yet.”
“Or…” Aislinn paused. “Now that he’s getting out of the house, he’s bound to attend some pack functions. We could just let nature take its course.”
“Do you really want to leave something so important up to chance?”
“I don’t want him to feel cornered, Chloe. It would be the fast
est way to send him back into hiding. But if he thinks we’re trying to find a mate for Autumn, you’d better believe he’ll want to be there. If he’s moved her into his house, I think he’s feeling more than just a little protective of her. Those alpha instincts of his are back in full force.”
“All right. We’ll do whatever you think is best. Better fill in Marin and Kendall. If we aren’t all on the same page, one of us could slip up.”
“I’ll call them.”
“We should get together with Autumn; invite her out shopping or something.”
“I’ll see if Marin will extend an invitation. If it comes from me, she may feel it’s an order from the joint alpha’s mate. I don’t want her to feel like she doesn’t have a choice.”
“Just let me know so I can arrange for a babysitter. I’m sure Kinley would love to watch the kids. She seemed to enjoy herself last week when we all went to lunch.”
“I’ll call, or have Marin call, as soon as something is in place so you can get Kinley on board. I have to run, but I’ll talk to you soon.”
“All right. Bye, Aislinn.” Chloe hung up and looked at Michael. His jaw was firmed and his eyes were narrowed.
“What?” she asked
“I don’t like the fact you’re toying with my brother. If he wants a mate, he can find one on his own. The man just left the house for the first time today! Don’t you think y’all are pushing it?”
“We just want to help.”
“No, you want to meddle. He found Kiera without your help and, if he decides to claim another mate, he can find her on his own too. Just because he’s been shut away doesn’t mean he’s helpless. And, if he ever finds out what you’re doing, I won’t protect you from his wrath. He’ll be well within his rights as alpha to punish you.”
Chloe winced. “I’m family. Surely he wouldn’t…”
“Don’t bet on it.”
Chloe worried her lower lip while she contemplated her mate’s words. Maybe he was right. She knew Aislinn had meant well when she started all of this, but maybe they were taking things too far. She may have asked Gabriel to select her mate, and he had done well, but that didn’t mean they should interfere in his life this way. As alpha, and the eldest of the family, he deserved their respect. And if that meant they left him alone to wallow in misery, then so be it. She’d have to talk to Aislinn again.
***
Marin glared at Aislinn. “No, I’m not doing it.”
“Why not? It’s just lunch and a little shopping.”
“Because you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. If she wasn’t living with Gabriel, if you hadn’t sent her his way, you wouldn’t have the slightest bit of interest in what Autumn did. She’s been part of this pack for weeks and you’ve not once offered to have lunch with her or welcome her into the pack. If I thought you honestly wanted to make friends with her, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But you’re being devious and I don’t like it.”
“So, what? Are you telling me you have a real interest in becoming her friend? How likely is it that she didn’t know about Kiera? She may have told Gabriel she didn’t know of the connection, but I’m not convinced. I think she came here knowing about Kiera. If I had known they were related, I never would have sent her to Gabriel. In fact, I would have asked Connor to ask her to leave. This is the last thing Gabriel needs!”
“Or maybe it’s just what he needs,” Marin said softly. “She’s done what none of us could do. She’s gotten him out of the house and interested in what’s going on around him.”
“You’re too trusting.”
“And all of the power you hold has made you not trusting enough! You’re turning into a shrew, Aislinn. You used to be sweet and smile all the time. Now you’re too busy trying to move everyone around like pawns on a chess board. Get your head out of your ass and quit acting like some super being that has a right to screw with people!”
Aislinn gasped.
“Come on! You know I’m right. Ever since Eric started training you, ever since you came into your powers full force, you’ve changed. Keep telling yourself you have the greater good of the pack in mind, but I think you’re just on a power trip. It’s time someone knocked you off that high tower of yours and sent you crashing back into reality. Did you ever think that the universe didn’t tell you about Autumn for a reason?”
Aislinn studied her a moment. “You really think I’m being a bitch?”
“Yes.”
Aislinn pursed her lips. “Maybe I’ve changed a little…”
“A lot.”
“Fine. I’ll leave the matter alone. But I’m sure Gabriel will wonder why I’m not asking Autumn to be friends.”
“I’ll take her to lunch by myself,” Marin said. “Look, if anyone can appreciate your powers, it’s me. Without you, I wouldn’t be here today. No, you didn’t heal me directly, but you brought my cancer to light. If I’d kept hiding it, I would have died. I owe you for that, but I won’t let you just run over people to get your way. If anyone knows what’s best for Gabriel, it’s Gabriel. You trusted in his judgment once. You need to do it again.”
Aislinn nodded. “You’re right. He’s a grown man and an alpha. I just don’t want to see him make a mistake and end up hurt again.”
“I don’t think Autumn is going to hurt him,” Marin said softly. “If anything, she may be the answer to our prayers. Just leave them alone and let them figure things out by themselves. For once, just sit back and see how things play out like the rest of us. Give your powers a rest. I don’t like what they’re doing to you.”
“All right. I’ll stop meddling and just step back and be a spectator for a while. Unless something big shows its ugly head.”
“That’s what you should have done all along. We appreciate your abilities, Aislinn, but you stopped using them for the greater good and got caught up in a power trip. Letting us know about the demons coming saved lives. Using it to interfere in Gabriel’s life is just wrong though.”
“I’m sure Connor would agree,” she muttered. “Just let me know if you need my help with anything. I promise to be on my best behavior.”
“Better yet, take a vacation. Take Alisdair to Atlanta and go to Six Flags and the zoo. Get out of town for a few days. You haven’t taken a break since the demons came, since before that. It’s time for you to have a little down time. I’m sure Connor will either arrange to go with you, or will send you on your way with his blessing. If you’re driving me insane, I can only imagine how he feels.”
Aislinn winced.
“Just think about it,” Marin said.
“I will. A vacation sounds nice. I’ll go home and discuss it with Connor tonight.” She reached for the doorknob but paused. “Marin? Thanks for telling me I’ve been a bitch. You know I didn’t mean to be.”
“Yeah,” Marin smiled. “I know. Now get out of here.”
Aislinn let herself out and Marin blew out a breath. She loved her cousin by marriage, but the woman had been driving her batty for a while. It was past time to hold a mirror up to her face and show her that she needed to change. Marin could sit back and watch things play out when it didn’t involve her family but, once Aislinn had set her sights on Gabriel, Marin had decided enough was enough. It was one thing to try and draw him out of his house, but another to meddle in his love life. If Gabriel decided to move on and find someone else, it should be left up to him.
Marin didn’t know much about Autumn, but she was determined to befriend the woman. Not just because she knew Gabriel would want her to, but because she honestly wanted to welcome her into the family. Marin knew what it was like to feel all alone and she didn’t wish that on anyone. If Autumn had been abused, she might need a sympathetic ear. At the very least, she would need understanding friends who would stand by her no matter what. The last thing the woman needed was to be pushed into another mating. Just because Marin had fallen head over heels for Cole almost immediately didn’t mean all women recovered from their situations that quickly. Marin imagined tr
ust was an issue with Autumn. She’d had the ultimate betrayal. Marin couldn’t even imagine having her mate hurt her in any way. It was inconceivable that a wolf would do anything other than protect the woman he’d chosen to mate. But then, she didn’t know the whole story.
She walked through the house and tapped on Cole’s office door. Really it was more of a playroom than an office. Yes, he had a desk and computer in there, but he also had a pool table, two recliners and a large TV. She called it his man cave.
Cole looked up from the video game he’d been playing and smiled at her. “Have I been in here too long again?”
“No. Keep playing if you want, but I’m going to head over to Gabriel’s for a minute. Think you can watch the baby?”
“At what point are you going to stop calling our child a baby? I think when they hit the two year mark, they are considered toddlers.”
Marin stuck out her tongue. “At twenty, she’ll still be my baby.”
Cole laughed. “Fine. Yes, I’ll watch the baby. But don’t be surprised if Gabriel throws you out.”
“Didn’t Michael tell you? He went out twice yesterday. First to take Autumn to her apartment and later to take her to dinner.”
Cole’s eyebrows rose. “So big brother is coming around? Good to know. I still don’t think we should all land on his doorstep right away. He may feel like he’s under attack.”
“I’m not going to see him. I’m going to invite Autumn out for lunch. I know it’s last minute…”
Cole looked at the clock. “You think? It’s eleven o’clock on a Saturday. You don’t think she may have plans already?”
“It’s worth a shot. And if she can’t go today, I can arrange something else. I really want to get to know her.”
“Go. Make friends. The little angel and I will be just fine on our own.” He frowned. “Where is she anyway?”
“I put the baby gate across her door. She was playing with her blocks last time I peeked. You might want to snag the monitor though. I’m not sure you’ll hear her in here if she needs help.”
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