by Ruby Brooks
“Cole,” she whispered, and I fucking lost it.
I slid my fingers through her hair, pressing her against the shelves behind her. She moaned as I kissed her, properly this time. I didn’t hold back as I committed every part of her lips to memory, sliding my tongue inside her mouth. She met me with the same eagerness and slid her hands down my chest. Lower.
She grabbed me by my belt and pulled my hips against hers.
I had her completely at my mercy as I continued kissing her, making her moan, and gasp in my arms.
When I finally pulled back at the sound of someone coming upstairs, we were both panting. I looked into her eyes and saw the same passion there as in my mine. There was no way she couldn’t feel how hard I was, and I could smell her desire.
Please, don’t open that door.
Of course, my luck only went so far. Mike pulled open the door, smirking at the both of us.
“You’re welcome,” he chuckled, winking at Hayley.
The shy Hayley, usually reserved for public gatherings, was gone. She shot him a spiteful look before smiling back at me.
“Take me home?” she asked, sliding her fingers through mine.
“Wow. That escalated quickly,” Mike called over his shoulder.
“Um, just to take me home. Not, like, sleep together,” she stammered.
“I know, Hales. Let’s go,” I ignored Mike as he guffawed at us and waved as he went back downstairs.
I kissed her goodnight on her doorstep, impressed that I kept my hands in safe territory.
I watched from my room across the street when her lights went out, signalling she was sleeping. I listened out for her and relaxed when I realised she wasn’t going to cry first, like she often did.
I smiled the whole night in my own sleep, replaying those kisses, over and over.
It was official – I was completely in love with Hayley Morton.
Chapter 6
Hayley
Cole kissed me.
I wanted to scream it from the rooftops and tell anyone that would listen.
I jumped out of bed in the morning and rushed around to get ready. We didn’t exactly talk about where it left us, but I couldn’t wait to see him again. I didn’t have any texts on my phone and tried to squash my disappointment. Cole rarely texted me anyway.
As I went downstairs, I peeked through the window in our hall that gave me the perfect view of the front of Cole’s house. It looked like the residents were still sleeping and I tried to use my scents to detect where he was. The smell of Tristan assaulted my nose instead.
I bowed my head in submission when I faced him downstairs, but he waved it off.
“There is no need to be formal with me today, Hayley. I have come alone.” He was sat at my kitchen table, a mug of steaming coffee in his hand. He was dressed in casual clothes of jeans and a t-shirt, compared to his usual combat-style clothing or full suit. It was weird and unsettling.
“What’s going on?” I shuffled over to the coffee pot, grateful my nan brewed enough for us. “And where’s Nan?”
“That’s what we need to talk about. Please, sit down.”
Slowly, I took the chair across from him, nerves flooding my stomach. It was unusual that my nan wasn’t here, and that Tristan was. “Aren’t you supposed to be in Cornwall?”
“Well, my plans changed at the last minute. I came home last night to a nice surprise.” He flashed a rare smile, no doubt referring to Kian’s party. “Where were you?”
“Um, I came home with Cole early.”
He raised his eyebrows but didn’t say anything further. I was glad as I really didn’t need to be thinking about those kisses right now.
“Your grandmother is in hospital.”
I gasped and set down my mug. My hands shook too much and it was spilling onto the table. “What happened?”
“Hayley,” he sighed, and shifted in his seat. I had never seen an uncomfortable alpha and I wanted to shake him, demand he went back to his confident self. This can’t have been good news. “I believe she never told you about her cancer diagnosis?”
“What cancer diagnosis?”
“About six months ago she was diagnosed with lung cancer. I tried to tell—” I didn’t hear the rest of his words.
About six months ago she was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Six months.
How could she hide this from me?
“Where is she?” I cut Tristan off, usually a big no-no, but he didn’t bat an eyelid at my disrespect.
“In the general hospital. Hayley, there is a chance she won’t make it.” He leaned across and took my hand, giving it a squeeze. His hands were rough from years of manual labour, but I took comfort from his grip. I wasn’t sure if he was using his alpha influence over me or not, but the tears weren’t coming.
“I’m going to be alone,” I whispered.
“That’s why I’m here. You are going to live with us.”
“What? I can’t do that.” I shook my head.
“I know it isn’t considered normal, but I can’t have you living here on your own. You aren’t safe, Hayley.”
“Cole is across the street. I know you want him to fall into bodyguarding duties, why can’t I be his first assignment?”
“Absolutely not.”
“But why—”
“Hayley,” his tone was firm. “It’s a no. You are going to live with me. I have already got pack members setting your room up for you.”
“So, I don’t have a choice about what happens in my life?” Again, I wanted to add.
“Not this time, no. I’m sorry, Hayley. I know this will cause a stir at college, but rest assured, I will punish everyone who dares to hurt you over this.”
I yanked my hand away and gripped the edge of my chair, splintering the wood. I wanted to shift. I needed to release this build-up of anger, but I was afraid of what Tristan would do. I had already overstepped many boundaries this morning alone, and it would only get worse.
“Do my friends know?” I asked instead.
“Of course. Kian is grounded though, because of the party.”
I held back a snort. “What about Cole?”
What I really wanted to ask is if he could come and visit. We spent all our time at my place because Kian had pack at his, and Cole’s parents were always fighting.
“I am aware that you are all close and I don’t want jeopardise your friendship. The boundaries your grandmother has in place will still apply at our home.”
Our home. How could I tell him I had no idea what a home was anymore? Not since my parents were brutally killed.
“Okay. When can I see her?”
He rubbed his chin and I could see where Kian got the gesture from. He would always rub his chin when he was either in deep thought, or about to piss me off.
Of course, Tristan was going to piss me off.
“She doesn’t want you to see her in her current state. Your grandmother doesn’t want your last moments of her to be in a hospital bed.”
“Why didn’t she tell me?” The shaking that was common before a breakdown was starting to take over my body. I vaguely heard the front door open and shut in the background but made no move to see who it was.
The scent of Cole enveloped me, and he pulled up the chair beside me. I wanted to sink into his arms and let the tears fall, but he wouldn’t dare in front of Tristan.
“Alpha,” he said, bowing his head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think you would be here.”
“It’s fine,” he sighed. “The pack rules come back into force when I leave through that front door in a moment. Take your time packing and, when you are ready, come over anytime today. I’ll make myself available to you.”
I nodded but couldn’t find the energy to speak. He ruffled my hair gently as he passed, taking any tension with him. When the door clicked shut, Cole turned to me, and I let my walls down.
“Cole, she’s dying.”
“I know, Hales.” He reached for me, but I bat
ted his hand away.
“You knew?”
“I may have been stood outside of your front door the whole time. It was only when I felt you shifting that I decided it was time to come in.”
“Oh.”
“Can I hold you now, or are you going to attack me again?”
I noticed with horror I had scratched him with my claws. I willed the shift back, so I was completely human, and he gave me a sad smile.
“She would have had her reason, Hales. Don’t be mad at her.”
“I’m going to be alone again.”
The sobs took over my body and Cole pulled me onto his lap. I was straddling him, clinging onto him for dear life. His hands rubbed my back, a steady rhythm that was helping to calm me down and keep my wolf at bay.
“You’re never going to be alone,” he whispered, his lips brushing my ear. “You will always have me.”
✽✽✽
“I want to get drunk,” I announced, leaning back against the radiator in my new house. Kian had slipped in, undetected by his dad who was back to being an alpha around me.
We discussed the living arrangements in his office, and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I was going to be living in the main house, rather than the cabins the pack members who didn’t have any family local stayed in, so it was quieter. Except for when Kian held parties of course.
“Is that a good idea?” Cole asked, surveying the room.
I had white walls and a pale grey carpet. There was no personality in here, but I didn’t have the heart to decorate it yet. I was feeling too much and I wanted to numb it.
That was the point of alcohol, right?
“I think it is a great idea,” I replied.
“No, it’s not. My dad will actually kill me if he finds more alcohol in here. If you are drunk… Yeah, I’m out.”
“Looks like it is just the two of us then,” I said, pointing to Cole. He flashed me my favourite grin and the kisses from last night flashed in my mind.
“Um, definitely not. I don’t know how close you two were yesterday, but both of you being drunk – and alone – is an awful idea.”
“Close?” I asked, as the boys shared a look. “What’s that look about?”
“Nothing,” they both said, in unison.
“You’re lying,” I threw my hands up in frustration. “I am sick and tired of people keeping things from me.” I was close to another meltdown, but I refused to cry again.
“I am not trying to keep things from you deliberately,” Cole said, anguish in his voice.
What about my fucking anguish? I had no idea what happened to my family after the party, no one ever reached out to me.
Kian shook his head and backed out of the room when he heard someone call his name. He mouthed us a quick “sorry” and darted. Cole’s eyes followed him.
“Don’t lie to me, Cole. What was that look about?”
He scrubbed his face with his hands, sighing. “Fine. If you really want to know, tell me what happened to your parents.”
My jaw dropped open. “No,” I snapped, recovering at last.
“Well, there we go then. I guess we both have secrets.”
I glared at him before I realised he wasn’t going to be the first one to break. I sometimes hated how similar we were. Both stubborn by nature and we would often clash.
“What do you suggest we do now?”
“I have an idea.” He got up off my bed and held out a hand. I took it gingerly, feeling those sparks between us that had always been there. His eyes darkened slightly and when I was standing, he didn’t let go. His eyes flicked to my lips and my tongue darted out to lick them.
The air was thick with our desire, but again, stubborn, and neither of us were going to make the first move.
He only kissed you last night because he felt sorry for you, a part of my brain mocked.
The other part was focussing on remembering how it felt when he had me pinned against the shelves, every inch of him pressed against my body.
“We are going to go fight.”
“Fight?” I blinked in surprise. It wasn’t what I was expecting him to say.
“When I need to feel something… or in most cases, forget, I fight. Come on, let’s put you through your paces. Got gym kit handy?”
Fortunately, or unfortunately because I hadn’t decided yet, I did. “Okay.” I let go of his hand with regret when I picked up an outfit.
“Nah, that won’t do.” He came over to me and pulled open my drawer. He rifled through, upsetting my organised piles, and pulled out some tight shorts and a sports bra. “This will though. Come on.”
“Um, Cole. I’m going to be half-naked in that.”
“Lucky me,” he grinned, but didn’t wait for me to follow. I raced out of the room after him, trying to keep up with his long legs. I had no idea what to expect tonight but I held the outfit he picked out for me, knowing he wouldn’t do anything to embarrass me like that.
I slid into the passenger seat of his car and watched the scenery go past.
“You know, I always wondered why you got your driving licence.” He passed on his first attempt, but no one else in his friendship group were bothering. “Why don’t we run as wolves?”
“There won’t just be wolf-shifters tonight.”
Oh wow. I certainly had no idea where we were going then. Weymouth, and the surrounding forest, was all Steelman territory. As far as I knew, Tristan only allowed wolves through, and only if they would join his pack.
“Relax,” Cole chuckled. My leg was bouncing, and I was struggling to calm down. What was I getting myself into?
“What if I get hurt?”
“One, that is what usually happens in a fight. Two, when have I ever put you in a situation where you will get seriously hurt? Tonight will be nothing you can’t handle, I promise. I’ll be there the whole time to step in if you need me.”
I chewed my lip, mulling over his words in my head. He was right, as usual, but I didn’t give him the satisfaction. Why the hell was I fighting tonight?
“How is this going to help me with my nan?”
“You want an outlet for that anger, right? Trust me that you won’t find it in the bottom of a bottle.”
I kept quiet after that, trying to keep an open mind. I wanted to press him for answers about his own hurt, because I only knew snippets. His parents were shit and he often had to break up physical fights between them. He slept around with any blonde-haired big-boobed woman, and never went back for seconds.
I subtly peeked at him. His grip on the steering wheel was casual but I could see strain in his muscles.
What’s your story, Cole?
“You can get changed inside,” he said, as we pulled up outside a shed-like building.
“Is this it?”
“Trust me, remember?” He smirked and slid out of the car. This time he did wait for me to follow and stayed close to my side. “This is actually still Steelman land, Tristan is aware of it. He took me here once.”
“What? When?”
“A few years ago. I nearly took you after that first night, when you were struggling with your wolf, but I didn’t. I think I regret that.”
He kept on surprising me. I followed him inside and he pointed to the toilet where I could get dressed. I changed quickly in the tiny space, and felt self-conscious when I stepped out. My hair was in braids and I decided to leave them in, making me look like a fighter. I didn’t feel like one though, not even close.
“Why did Tristan bring you here? Does Kian know?” I peppered him with questions as he checked out my body. I had the urge to pull the shorts down a little so they covered more of my leg, but the other woman coming in were dressed similarly so I tried to channel some confidence instead.
“I couldn’t shift for a while. I felt my wolf, but it was hard. It was like he was chained up or something.” He shook his head, tearing his eyes away from my body. “Kian knows, yeah. He trains here too, whenever he has chance.”
&
nbsp; “Why didn’t anyone take me before?” I didn’t bother keeping the hurt out of my voice and Cole winced.
“Alpha said you weren’t ready.”
“Wait, are you going to be in trouble for taking me here tonight?” A man bumped into me, sending me staggering into Cole’s arms. He steadied me but didn’t drop his hands.
“Probably. It’ll be worth it though, come on.”
I followed him through some double doors which led to a large open space. This place was a Tardis. The floor was a smooth, polished wood, and a ring was taped on the ground.
Groups of people were spread out across the room surrounding the circle, and the multiple scents were overwhelming. Cole’s hand rested on my bare lower back and I had to suppress a shiver, especially when he stroked my skin with his thumb.
“Don’t shift,” he warned, his lips against my ear. “You shift, you’re banned. If anyone asks you anything, you’re with me. Got it?”
I nodded and bit back the questions that were burning. Two men nodded at each other and stepped into the ring. They were both dressed in shorts and their bare chests were drool worthy.
Cole never dropped his hand while the guys were fighting. As the place filled up a little more, he slid his fingers around my waist and tugged me closer. Some people were in couples, but many of the men shot us a curious glance. I avoided their gaze while Cole stared them down.
Typical Cole.
The men in the ring were really getting into it. I watched in awe as they landed punch after punch, kick after kick, and wrestled on the ground. Their grunts of effort were the only sound in the room and everyone held their breath, waiting for a winner to be called.
The smaller of the two men managed to get the other in a choke hold. I wanted to jump forwards and step in, but Cole’s grip was like a vice. Just as the man was about to pass out, he tapped on the other man’s arm twice, and he immediately let go. Some people in the room cheered, clapping him on the back. Two others stepped forwards to help the man who had lost off the floor, but he shrugged them off. They shook hands and others took their place, ready to fight themselves.
