Collision Course

by Julie Trettel

  I didn’t know what would happen in the days, weeks, months, or even years to come, but today wasn’t going to be the day I let them down.

  I didn’t go back to the house, instead, I walked straight to the school. I knew Macie had already missed too much school with me here, but I only had a few hours and didn’t want to waste any time.

  Olivia

  Chapter 18

  My phone rang just as I was stepping into the shower. I sighed when I saw it was the school.

  “Hello?”

  “Olivia? It’s Carolyn.”

  “What’s her excuse this time?”

  “It’s not that. Um, Baine Landry is here trying to check Macie out of school.”

  I smiled and shook my head. “It’s fine, Carolyn.”

  “She’s sort of in the middle of a test right now. Her teacher says she’ll be another half an hour.”

  “Oh, yeah, don’t let him pull her from that. Is he still there?”

  “Yes. Would you like to explain it to him? He seems a little on edge.”

  “Yeah, pass the phone to him please.”

  “Hello?” he said gruffly.

  “You can’t just check her out anytime you want, you know.”

  I heard him huff.

  “Relax, she’s taking a test. I won’t stop you from springing her early, but I am going to ask that you please give it about forty minutes to wrap up her test, and Baine, don’t make a habit of this. She’s missed a lot of school already this week. But it’s pretty cute that you tried.”

  “Fine. I’ll wait.”

  “Well, I’m about to jump in the shower and can head over to meet up if you want, unless you just wanted time with Macie.” I hated the feeling of doom that set in waiting for his response. I couldn’t begrudge him time with his daughter, but I already felt irrationally rejected just because he went to get her without coming back here to see me.

  I knew it was just the bond making me crazy. I wasn’t ready to seal my bond with Baine. I was still getting over the shock of him being here and the fact that he was indeed my one true mate. We had so many decisions to make and discussions that needed to happen first, but I craved that absolute closeness to him too and sometimes couldn’t rationalize why I hadn’t sealed our bond the second I’d touched him and knew he was the one.

  “I’ll see you in a few,” he said in a growly voice before handing the phone back to Carolyn.

  “Should I prepare her for early release then? He’s not on the approved list to check her out.”

  I sighed. “Go ahead and add him.”

  “Really?”

  “Carolyn, I know the whole Clan is already talking about it, but Baine Landry is Macie’s father. He can pick his daughter up from school. I’ve already told him not to make a habit of it and will talk to him about it again as a reminder. If it becomes too big of an issue, let me know and I’ll address it. Just note that he’s new to this. He’ll learn, but he honestly doesn’t know the rules yet. We’re all still in a bit of shock and are adjusting to his return.”

  “I understand, sweetie. You didn’t have to explain a thing. As long as you say it’s okay, I’ll respect that.”

  Carolyn was one of the few I trusted not to gossip which was why I knew I could explain it to her without things becoming an issue or fueling the talks around the Clan.

  “I appreciate that. Thanks.”

  I hung up and set the phone down on the counter to finally take my shower. The hot water felt heavenly on my aching muscles. I felt like a young schoolgirl again as I recounted the glorious night I’d had with Baine. I knew I was grinning but I didn’t care.

  I turned around to lean back and wet my hair to wash it and my heart leapt into my throat. The pounding didn’t slow one bit as recognition kicked in. Quite the opposite actually. Baine was staring at me with pure lust in his eyes. He had already stripped and was striding towards the shower.

  “I thought…” he cut me off with a kiss.

  I didn’t even try to stop the moan that escaped me.

  He kissed down my neck and across my shoulder. I wanted to tell him to mark me and make me his, but the words wouldn’t form, only indistinguishable sounds and murmurs of appreciation.

  I yelped as he flipped me around and planted my hands firmly against the cold tile wall. His knee nudged my legs further apart and before my brain could catch up, I felt him everywhere. He might not have physically marked me and sealed our bond, but he was otherwise claiming me in every way possible.

  It wasn’t long before my legs began to shake. Baine wrapped his powerful arms around me and held me up as he brought us both to the edge as we fell together. I was panting hard. My legs felt worthless.

  Baine kissed my neck where I knew he would one day mark me as his. I hoped it would be soon.

  “Are you okay?” I asked him when I was finally able to find my voice.

  The water was starting to cool. He pulled me to him and I no longer had the extra stability of the shower wall. My legs still felt much like I imagined a newborn colt felt upon walking for the first time.

  “I’m good now.”

  “I thought you were picking up Macie.”

  He looked down at his watch and nodded. “I’m going to have to run, but I can make it.”

  “Run? I’m not sure I can even walk after that.”

  He grinned and leaned down to kiss me. “Be careful. I’ll be back soon. We’re picking up ice cream en route.”

  I frowned. “You already know that’s for special occasions only.”

  “Trust me, this is.”

  Reality slammed back into me. “Oh. You’re leaving, aren’t you?”

  “It’s only for a few days. I promise when I get back, we’ll sit down and really talk. We have a lot to get sorted and discuss.”

  I knew that talk was coming, but I wasn’t sure I was ready for it. I couldn’t find the right words to respond so I just nodded.

  “I’m sorry, O. This is what I do.”

  “I know,” I told him. What I didn’t say was that my biggest concern was that he wouldn’t have room for a mate and a daughter in his crazy life. I couldn’t even handle the thought of breaking our bond though. Everything was just such a mess.

  “I need to tell Macie in person. I don’t ever want her coming home from school and finding me gone.”

  “But this happens a lot, doesn’t it?”

  He shrugged. “Sometimes more than others.”

  “You aren’t always going to be able to just pull her from classes for something like this.”

  “I know.” He gave me a mischievous grin. “But I can today.”

  One more quick kiss and he was out of the shower and dressing quickly. “Finish your shower before it gets cold.”

  I laughed. “I don’t know, after that, a cold shower might do me some good.”

  He paused and stared at me. “I don’t have to leave.”

  “Go. Carolyn was going to give Macie a heads up so I’m sure she’s expecting you already.”

  “Come with me. I don’t want to miss even a second with the both of you before we roll out.”

  I groaned, and quickly shampooed my hair and cleaned up in record time. I threw my hair up in a messy wet bun and didn’t even bother putting on makeup.

  The second I was dressed, Baine grabbed my hand and we literally ran the entire way to the school. He didn’t even look like he’d broken a sweat. Meanwhile I was pretty sure I needed another shower.

  Carolyn smiled and shook her head when she saw me. “Are you okay?”

  I managed a thumbs up while still trying to catch my breath. Life with Baine was always going to be a whirlwind.

  “We’d like to spring our daughter,” Baine said proudly.

  She called down to Macie’s classroom, and a few teachers and admins peeked in, borderline gawking at the two of us together while we waited.

  “I know we’re bear shifters, but right now I feel more like a goldfish,” Baine whispered. “You know, livi
ng in a fishbowl while everyone gawks at it.”

  I snorted. “I know, it’s bad. You know it’s rare for anything truly exciting to happen around here. They can’t help themselves.”

  “Uh huh, sure.”

  “Baine?” Macie squealed as she launched herself into his arms.

  “Hey short stuff. You ready to ditch this place.”

  She nodded enthusiastically.

  “Thanks Carolyn,” I yelled back as we left the school. Macie reached up and took my hand and then Baine’s. The three of us walked together like that all the way to the creamery.

  Walton Creamery had been a staple for us, as far back as anyone could remember. They served ice cream, milkshakes, and cheese. It was an odd combination to outsiders, but there was no better treat around as far as I was concerned.

  Baine and Macie ordered ice cream while I got a wedge of creamy swiss cheese. It was my favorite. He took in my order and winked.

  “Even as a little girl, younger than you, your mom always preferred cheese over ice cream.”

  My cheeks heated. I wasn’t sure there was anything about me that Baine hadn’t noticed over the years.

  “It’s weird, right?”

  “They probably keep the cheese line going just to feed her addiction to it.”

  Macie nodded in agreement as she happily ate her ice cream. Halfway through she stilled and looked up at her father. “When do you leave?”

  “That obvious?”

  She shrugged. “You promised you wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye, and Mom doesn’t usually let me have ice cream before dinner.”

  He sighed and I realized we were both worried about the implications of his job and how they would affect our daughter.

  “Five, sharp.”

  “Tonight?”

  He nodded. “Afraid so.”

  “Is this for the, um,” she paused and looked around the room. “The special mission?”

  “Yeah, it is.”

  “Then you have to do it.”

  “I know.”

  “Baine,” she said standing and putting a hand on his shoulder as she stared into his eyes. “Mom and I like that you don’t want to leave us, but sometimes in life you just have to do what’s right. This is important. We’ll miss you, but I’m proud to have you as my dad. Just, come back in one piece, okay?”

  He hugged her as I swiped tears from my eyes.

  “Take care of your mom while I’m gone.”

  She nodded against his broad shoulder. Macie looked so small in his arms.

  We kept things light and easy as we sat there talking and laughing. If we didn’t have that five o’clock deadline hanging over our heads it would have been a perfect day.

  A little after three my phone rang.

  “Oh no,” I said seeing Killian’s name flash across the screen. I quickly swiped to answer. “Kill, I’m so sorry. I forgot to tell you.”

  “Carolyn told me you and Baine picked her up early. I’m just confirming.”

  “We did. I feel terrible for not calling and telling you.”

  “It’s fine, Olivia.”

  “We’re at Walton’s if you want to join us, although we might have to buy more ice cream if we’re going to take up this table much longer.”

  “Are you sure? Because you know I never turn down ice cream.”

  As much as I loved their cheese, both of my brothers were equally obsessed with their ice cream.

  I looked over at Baine and he nodded. He was talking to Macie but somehow, I knew that nod was for me. It was like he was tuned into everyone and everything around us at once.

  “I’m positive, come on.” I hung up and it was like Macie didn’t even notice I was still there as she and Baine continued talking about anything and everything.

  A few minutes later her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. “Uncle Killian?”

  “Hey squirt. You didn’t really think you could have ice cream before dinner without me, did you?” He ruffled her hair and went to place his order before sitting down with us.

  Macie stiffened. “You aren’t going to pick another fight with my dad, are you?”

  I was surprised to hear the protective tone in her voice, especially when talking to her favorite uncle. Killian had always been her favorite person in the entire world.

  “I promise, no fighting. I think we’re cool now,” Kill said. “Right, Baine?”

  Baine held out his hands open, palms up as a sign of peace. I didn’t want to get my hopes up that things could ever truly be rectified between them after everything that had happened, but the fact that they were making an effort this soon was a welcome surprise.

  “Good. Because my dad has lots of bombs and knives and even guns. Plus, he has a whole back up team to watch his back.”

  Killian chuckled. “Thanks for the warning, kiddo. I will be sure to steer clear of your dad.”

  Hearing him acknowledge Baine’s roll in her life warmed me all over. I wanted this to work out for all of us.

  “So what’s the celebration?” he asked. He was discreetly trying to check out my neck.

  “No change in that department since we spoke this morning,” Baine informed him.

  “Wait, you two talked?”

  They both nodded.

  “We’re trying, Liv. For you and Macie,” Killian said.

  My eyes started misting over. “Nope, none of that,” Baine said. His hand found my knee and squeezed, causing a different kind of warmth to wash through me.

  “Baine’s rolling out at five. He’s trying to make the most of our time before he leaves,” Macie filled Killian in.

  “Ah, so that’s why you got a pass from school. Did you even get to miss that big test?”

  Her shoulders slumped. “No, they picked me up after the test.” And there was the eye roll I was getting used to seeing regularly.

  “That’s a good thing, Mace.”

  “If you say so. I probably failed it.”

  “You’ve never failed a test in your entire life, or anything you set your mind too, sweetie,” I reminded her.

  She shrugged. “There’s a first for everything.”

  Baine looked concerned but Killian waved him off. “She’s fine. Probably aced it. We go through this every single test. She always did remind me of you with that crap.”

  Baine looked horrified by Killian’s admission.

  The afternoon flew by and before long the alarm on Baine’s watch went off. He looked down and frowned. “I should get you ladies home safe and sound.”

  “Can’t we stay with you until you leave like last time?” Macie begged.

  “Won’t that just make it harder for you?” Baine was talking to Macie, but he was watching me for my reaction.

  “We’d rather stay with you as long as possible. And we’ll be fine, right Macie Laine?”

  She smiled and nodded in agreement.

  “Okay then. I guess we should head over to the Inn.”

  “We still have half an hour, you know,” Macie pointed out.

  “Yeah, but in this line of work, if you’re on time, you’re late.”

  This new life was going to take some getting used to, but in the end, I was positive it was going to be worth it all.

  Baine

  Chapter 19

  I was convinced that saying goodbye to the two most important women in my life was never going to get any easier. After our little shower escapade my bear had at least settled down some. I even tried to stay in good spirits for the guys’ sakes.

  We took two vehicles. Ben, Jake, Tarron, and I rode in one vehicle while the others led the way in our original SUV.

  “How’s the mating going?” Ben asked.

  I shrugged. “Good, I guess. Don’t exactly have anything to compare it to.”

  Jake turned from the front passenger seat to look at me. He smiled. “I can’t even imagine what that’s like. Even just knowing there’s one person out there that’s perfect for just you, regardless of your faults or anything.
Talk about taking the pressure off of the dating scene.”

  “It’s ridiculous,” Tarron said. “I wish we weren’t bound by this mystical true mate. They say it’s rare for a shifter to find his, but these guys seem to be dropping like flies lately.”

  I laughed. “Just wait, your turn’s coming.”

  “Doubtful. We don’t exactly live in an area prone to fox shifters.”

  “Who says your true mate is a fox?” Ben teased.

  “Wait you’re a fox?” Jake asked. “That’s so cool. And you’re a bear, right?”

  “Of course. All the coolest shifters are bears.”

  “Hey now,” Ben warned.

  “I mean, you know Shay already, so I think my point is safely secured there.”

  Jake laughed. “Sorry man, but I owe a lot to this guy right here.”

  “You’re really not freaking out in the least?” I asked. “I mean he said you knew about our kind, but like how much do you know? Have you even seen one of us shift before?”

  Ben started laughing like I’d just said the funniest thing ever.

  “When I joined the Ghosts, I had no clue what you people were or that anything like you existed outside movies and fairytales. Shay pushed me hard and I thought for sure he’d break me.”

  “Most stubborn man I know right here, and that includes all of you assholes,” Ben said proudly.

  Jake had an easy nature about him and just smiled at the compliment he’d just been paid then tried to brush it off. “I was terrified of failing so I just kept going. If he thought I was capable, damn straight I was gonna be. Anyway, so I pass boot camp under this guy’s scrutiny and I’m officially a Ghost. I meet the team and they tell me it’s time that I’m truly initiated. So, they formed a circle around me and then all at once they shift and at first, I’m standing there thinking, holy shit, what did I just get myself into this time.”

  He and Jake cracked up reliving the moment as the team realized he was only human.

  “And you left him on the team? There’re serums to help with those sorts of accidents,” Tarron reminded them.

  Jake shuddered. “Don’t joke about that shit. Shay went to bat for me and I was able to earn my place in the unit.”