by Amanda Perry
“If?” Reid cocked an eyebrow.
Elijah sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. "You've had an interesting night, Noah. First, you were homesick and forlorn. Then, you perked up a bit as the night grew darker. Then, all of a sudden you were turned on and pissed off and Bruce was running out of here with his fur on fire. Want to talk about what kind of crazy shit you got yourself into tonight?"
“I assume Bruce didn't stop to explain things to you?” Noah sighed deeply when Reid shook his head in the negative. “I was missing home. I still am. Whatever, I'll get over it. Anyway, I went for a walk to clear my head and a scent caught my attention. Blood. It was stronger than anything I've come across on the compound, maybe ever, so I followed it. I saw the human male, Clive, dumping a black trash bag and the scent was so overwhelming I thought it was a body.”
Reid and Elijah gasped, but Noah put a placating hand up. “I was wrong. I don't know what the fuck happened, but it was a mistake on my part. The smell of the blood had my body going rock hard, though. That's never happened to me before.”
“What was the source?”
Noah was once again relieved he couldn't blush. “It was nothing, really.”
“Just a band-aid or a cloth from a cut or something?”
“Or something.”
“Well, what was it?”
“It was a fucking tampon, okay? The human girl apparently threw one out and I caught the scent.”
Dead silence, then Reid burst into hysterics, Elijah right on his heels.
“Yeah, laugh it up, you pricks. I'm telling you now, something is off. First Reid with the weird scent the other day. Now me with the strange reaction to some little human’s blood. That’s not normal. Human blood doesn’t entice us. It’s too thin. Maybe there's a witch fucking with us?”
The thought sobered the two laughing hyenas. Elijah sat up straighter. "If that's true, then I'm next. I can't be next! We have to do something. I don't want to go batshit crazy like the two of you!"
“Was that a Vampire pun because of the bat or was it a Shifter pun because of the bat?” Noah asked, curious despite the situation he found himself in.
“Both, but that's beside the point! We need to up security, put up some wards. I know a few witches who are trustworthy. We need to do something!” Elijah had a tendency to overreact, something his two bond mates were quickly becoming privy to.
“Okay, drama queen. Calm your tits. As much as I don't want to admit it, you may have a point.” Reid drummed his fingers on the table. “We can't have anyone come after us and because of the current changes being made in the compound, it's a distinct possibility someone might be fucking with us. I'll make some calls, have security beefed up around here. In the meantime, keep your eyes and ears open.”
Noah watched as Elijah took in a deep breath, placated by Reid’s promise of more security. Both he and Reid had been messed with by someone or something they couldn’t sense, and he knew Elijah sure as hell didn’t want to be next.
“Speaking of security,” Noah decided to change the subject. “Is Bruce still investigating that grocery cart incident?”
Reid growled low. “I have no idea, but I’m sick of complaints over this girl. They just keep pouring in.”
“She’s just trying to fit in around here,” Elijah reminded the Alpha. “Give her some slack. Maybe we can have Chrissy take the girl under her wing or something?”
Noah glared hard at Elijah. “For the last fucking time, we cannot turn into bats and my niece isn’t going to be a designated babysitter. That’s not why I brought her here.”
“Oh, that reminds me!” Elijah bounced excitedly in his seat as he turned to Reid. “My grandparents arrive next week. I know we couldn’t bring more than our security team and two family members, but they were delayed in making the trip.”
“I remember,” Reid nodded, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched Elijah’s excitement. Both Reid and Noah knew Elijah could turn from a grouchy son of a bitch to the world’s nicest guy in a matter of seconds and it amused Noah to no end. “Their house is set up right next to Chrissy and the pack house. I know you guys aren’t happy about the restrictions, but until things settle down in the compound and people get used to having other species around and running the place, it’s just safer this way.”
“We get it, Reid,” Elijah patted the Alpha on the shoulder. “We agreed to the terms before we ever made the move.”
Reid turned his attention to Noah. “How are you holding up?” Both of the guys knew about Noah’s struggles with the move. Not only had Noah told them, Elijah mentioned the feelings he’d picked up on from Noah since they bonded.
“It sucks,” Noah shrugged sadly. “I won’t lie and say I don’t miss home, but I know why things are the way they are. It’s not so bad here. It’s kind of cool we don’t need our security teams up our asses twenty-four seven,” he added. “I don’t miss that part about home.”
Elijah nodded. “Agreed, but Bruce always seems to be around every fucking corner. Do he and his brothers ever fucking sleep?”
“Of course they do, Eli! All bears hibernate. Just wait for winter.” Noah snickered at his own joke.
“The triplets are the best security we have on the compound,” Reid countered, a ghost of a smile playing across his face. “I wouldn’t piss off the three bears if I were you two.”
“Hey, if they’re the three bears,” Eli wondered aloud. “Does that make you Goldilocks?”
Noah hooted with laughter as Reid lunged at the Fae. “I’m going to kick your fairy ass, you shit!”
Elijah took off in a sprint with Reid close on his heels. Noah leaned back in his chair, laughing at his two new brothers and their antics. He knew Reid would never really hurt Elijah and it was clear they were simply having fun. At times like these, when the three of them joked around and got along like true brothers, Noah truly felt like this was meant to be his home. Still, he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something was missing, something just beyond his reach.
8
Remy
The first week in her new home ended up being the longest of Remy’s twenty-one years. Her not so friendly monthly visitor made her week a memorable one. Finally gone, it left an impression on everyone in the household. She spent the whole week constantly in pain, whining like a two-year-old, crying at the drop of a hat, shoveling chocolate down her throat, and bitching at her father and brother if they even dared to look at her wrong.
She thought her dad was on the verge of rushing her to the nearest hospital when her mood swings finally subsided. She’d never experienced her monthly time in such acute and complete agony. Thinking back over the prior week, she realized what a holy terror she’d been to some people. Well, everyone but her brother. She was always a terror to him. That was her god given right as his older sister.
At least now she could go explore. Spending the whole week on the couch, never leaving or venturing out, took its toll on her. Finally free, Remy wanted nothing more than to enjoy her day outside. She planned to hike around the area, explore the forest trails, and find the footpath to town. She liked the ATVs, but she didn't want to rely on them. Plus, the exercise would do her good. She felt she gained at least five pounds with the number of sweets she consumed. Chocolate may have been the only reason those around her were still alive.
She threw on shorts and a tank top and stopped long enough in her room to grab her hiking shoes from her closet. Once laced up, she headed outside, anxious to feel the fresh air caressing her skin. Being early afternoon, the sun shone high in the sky. The uncomfortably high temperature would make for a sweaty hike, but Remy didn’t care. Determined to enjoy her first day of real freedom in their new home, she picked a trail at random and set out.
Being raised by a military man, survival skills were second nature to Remy. Her dad had taken herself and her brother on numerous camping trips, deep into the wilds, as soon as they were old enough to walk. At first, it had been her
and her parents. Then her brother came along and even with her mom's passing, they continued the tradition. Remote camping, no hint of civilization, roughing it and living off what the forest offered.
For Remy, it was heaven. She felt more at home in the forest, under the stars than under the roof of the brick and mortar house her family shared. In the forest, she felt anything was possible. All her problems magically disappeared, only to once again resurface when she emerged back into the real world.
For most of the afternoon, Remy explored the wooded areas around her new home. The first path seemed to be the most used. She encountered several Shifters jogging the trail along the way. They never stopped for conversation, merely smiled at her or offered a small wave, then continued on. Still, their hospitality stunned her. She was sure the Shifters would be less than warm with their welcome of humans on their territory. The reaction of the crazy Barbie look-a-like came to mind. These friendly smiles and happy waves were a nice surprise.
Unlike the Shifters she continued to encounter on her exploration, Remy lacked the energy for any type of physical activity other than a leisurely walk. Normally an energetic person, she loved running almost as much as Shifters. She might even be able to give a few of the younger ones a run for their money in a race. Today wasn’t the right day to pursue that personal challenge though. She needed to regroup and recharge her mind and body. The only way for her to achieve that was to be alone, enjoying the peace and quiet the forest offered, surrounded by her salvation.
After passing even more runners, Remy decided to try another path that veered off from the main trail. Marking the transition in her path with a small string tied to the trunk of the nearest tree, Remy set off on her new course. Hours passed as she traversed numerous trails, some ending in dead ends, forcing her to backtrack while others led to hidden treasures like an oasis complete with a waterfall and small swimming hole. Remy took her hiking boots off and soaked her feet for a while, enjoying the cool water. She knew without a doubt she’d be back to this hidden paradise.
Though tempted to stay longer, hunger forced Remy back onto her feet. The sun sat low in the sky, telling her it was well past dinner time. Her stomach complained audibly about the lack of food. Remy hadn’t expected to be gone so long. Otherwise, she’d have packed a snack. At least she had the foresight to bring a bottle of water with her. Hydration was key when out in the wild. Her father had drilled that into her as a child. He also said to always pack nutrition bars but hey, she wasn’t perfect and didn’t feel up to carrying a bag on her hike.
With one longing look at the spring she’d discovered, she turned and headed for the forest once more. She looked at the different paths that led from the oasis and chose the one that led back in the direction to the small village surrounding the pack house.
Whistling softly, she smiled to herself as she passed a cabin with children playing outside. Their laughter rang gently in her ears. It felt like the world was welcoming her back, even though she’d only been gone for a few hours. The closer she got to the pack house, the single isolated cabins were replaced with more cabins in close proximities, like mini neighborhoods within the village. Activity surrounded most of the cabins, giving evidence they were occupied while others remained silent in the dawning night, leaving Remy unsure if someone or some family lived there.
Just as Remy passed a cabin that appeared uninhabited, a small plaintive sound danced on the air around her. She paused, listening. A continuous complaint murmured in the breeze. Low pitched and mournful, Remy tried to imagine what type of animal could make such a sound. Whatever the source, it wasn’t happy. Knowing in good conscious she couldn’t leave until she investigated the noise, she moved closer to where she thought the sound originated from; the backyard of the empty cabin.
Bypassing the front of the cabin, she followed the roughened trail to the rear. As she stepped around the corner, the sound became more distinctive, coming from a dirt pile about twenty yards from the back door. Lightening her steps so she could transverse the yard quietly, she crept up to the large pile and peered over it. Pale blue eyes in a small, furry body met hers. They looked almost accusing, like she’d been the one to place it in its current predicament. A small skunk, the size of a kitten, sat in the dirt, its paw caught in some type of twine.
Not sure if baby skunks had scent glands, Remy backed away from the pile, trying not to make any sudden moves, alarming the little guy further. She’d just escaped the house after being self-confined for a week. No way was she going to be stupid and allow herself to be sprayed on her first day of freedom.
Once she made it about ten feet away from the pile, she stopped, trying to figure out what to do. The little guy needed help. She was surrounded by Shifters. Surely, one of them would be the better choice to approach the baby. Giving the pile one last look, she ran back in the direction of the pack house.
It took her less than ten minutes to reach the large structure at the center of the village.
Making her way to the front door of the pack house, she ran straight into a behemoth of a man, nearly falling on her ass as she bounced off of him.
“Damn it, Bruce!” she growled, ready to verbally and physically attack the bear Shifter. Before she laid into him, it dawned on her that Bruce could be exactly who she needed at the moment. “Actually, I’m glad I found you.”
“Shit,” Bruce hung his head. His hands went to his hips and he mumbled something under his breath that sounded a lot like “I need a new job.” He met Remy’s stare finally and narrowed his eyes. “What do you want?”
“I need a rescuer.” Without any further explanation, Remy grabbed Bruce’s giant hand in hers and dragged him back to the yard with the trapped skunk. She slowed her speed as they approached and quietly pointed to the little black and white fuzzball. “He’s trapped; get him out,” she demanded without preamble.
“Are you fucking insane?” Bruce hollered just a little bit too loud. “You want me to catch a skunk?”
Remy shushed him, nervously glancing back at the little animal. “How would you like it if you were trapped and no one would help you?”
Bruce sputtered for a moment before growling deep. “Fucking fuckity fuck fuck!” He stomped away from Remy, moving toward the little skunk. It didn’t take him more than a second to untangle the twine and pull the skunk free.
Remy’s eyes widened when she realized Bruce had picked up the little guy. “Bruce, no!” She tried to warn him, but she was too late. The skunk raised his black and white tail high in the air and sprayed Bruce directly in the face.
Bruce screamed and started cursing. Remy froze, unable to believe she just witnessed a baby skunk spraying a bear in the face. The skunk jumped from Bruce’s arms and ran for the back door of the cabin, chirping loudly. The door slid open and a young couple rushed out, scooping the little thing up quickly.
The man glared hard at Bruce. “What the hell are you doing? Were you trying to kidnap our son?”
“Son?” Remy and Bruce repeated in unison.
The woman holding the little skunk stomped up to them. “I called the Alpha. He’s on his way with his security detail now. How dare you try to take our little boy!”
If looks could kill, Bruce’s would have put Remy ten feet under in that moment.
Hoping to ease his anger, she shot him a cheeky grin. “Thanks for the help, buddy.”
Bruce reached for her, probably in an attempt to strangle her. She took a quick step back at the exact moment both skunk Shifters pounced on Bruce. The woman couldn’t have been more than five feet tall and the man about half a foot taller than her. It was almost humorous to watch them try and take down a man built like a linebacker and nearly twice their height. Remy heard shouts nearing their location and took off running. Her curious nature didn’t let her get far though. She hid around the corner of the cabin and watched as others descended on Bruce and the skunk family.
The skunk shifters were pulled away from Bruce by two security men while
the rest tackled the bear to the ground with a loud thud. Remy cringed, feeling a tiny bit guilty for running away. She was glad to have not been tackled though; it looked painful.
Suddenly a new man came into view. Remy wiped at her chin, checking for drool as she looked him over. The sheer power of his presence made his position as Alpha obvious. The man wore a crisp button-up shirt and a stern expression. The clean-cut perfection was offset by a bit of scruffiness. His hair was dark brown and long enough to pull up and away from his face. A short, full beard did nothing to hide his chiseled jaw. He stood taller than most human men, though not as tall as Bruce. The Alpha plugged his nose against the stench of the skunk spray and marched up to Bruce. He ordered security off of the bear and began yelling at him. “What are you doing, Bruce?”
Bruce jumped to his feet, glaring at the men who’d tackled him before he turned to the sexy Alpha. “The little human girl made me do it!”
Bruce and the hottie began scanning the area, probably looking for Remy. She didn’t want to get into trouble, so she decided now was the best time to make herself disappear. She backed around the corner some more, ready to run when Bruce’s next words stopped her. “That little human bitch is batshit crazy!”
Remy turned on her heel, ready to go beat his stupid Winnie the Pooh ass, but a familiar voice stopped her. “Don’t talk about my sister like that, you prick!” Remy peeked around the corner in time to watch her brother hop the hedge on the far end of the backyard and stomp up to Bruce. Without warning, he kicked out, nailing the bear in his jewels. Remy wished she could high five her brother and smack him upside the head at the same time. She should’ve known he’d followed her and seen the whole ordeal. It gave her a warm and fuzzy feeling that he’d stood up for her though. She decided to let his eavesdropping go this once.