Checkmate

by Elyce de Reefe

  Lucas cleared his throat. Two sets of green eyes turned to him. “Thank you, Dr. Evans, for your concern over my sister. Dean is correct. She does not require human antibiotics. Or sedatives. Our bodies are much more efficient at healing than yours.”

  The doctor swallowed and took a step back. Her eyes were huge. He hadn’t realized they were green until just now. He noted they were a darker color than Dean’s. But it was the fear filling her scent that got his attention.

  “How is the patient?” He tried to make his tone mild, but the fresh rush of fear filling the air made him think it came out more like a threat.

  “Um… she’s doing well. I think. As far as I can tell.” She glanced nervously toward Dean as if for conformation.

  He looked to Dean as well.

  “She’s stable,” Dean said. “She just needs rest now so she can build up her strength.”

  Lucas let out a relieved breath. “Good. Do you want me to stay with her? You look like you could use some rest yourself.”

  “No.” Dean gave him a tired smile. “I’ll stay with her.” He glanced at the empty twin bed against the other wall. “I’ll rest here.”

  Lucas nodded. He wasn’t surprised. “Call me if you need anything. Some coffee? Water?”

  “Coffee,” Dean said at the same time the doctor said, “He should have water. He just gave blood. Maybe some orange juice?”

  Lucas raised an eyebrow. Dean shrugged.

  “Fine. I’ll bring something up.” He stepped outside the room to see Boaz coming up the stairs with two cups of coffee. He was willing to bet neither was for Dean.

  “Boaz.”

  The man glanced up.

  “She stays with either you or Dean at all times. Is that clear?”

  Boaz nodded. “If she’s finished with the surgery, I’ll bring her to my room. She needs rest.”

  “Fine.” His room was just down the hall. “Tell Dean where to find her if he needs her. Oh, and get her phone from her.”

  “Right,” Boaz said. He paused at the top of the stairs and held Lucas’s gaze. “I thank the Maiden Aster is doing better.”

  “Thank you, Boaz.” He let out a sigh. “So do I.”

  As he headed down the stairs, he realized the words meant a lot to him. Boaz was a good man. And he had solved the Dr. Evans problem very nicely. Killing her would have marked his soul forever. And after hearing about Aster, he’d been far too close to doing it.

  Lucas met Aaron’s eyes as he came down the stairs, nodding yes to Aaron’s silent question. Aster would be okay. Aaron nodded back grimly, but Lucas noticed his shoulders relax, just a little. He turned when he reached the bottom of the stairs and headed into the kitchen. Might as well put on another pot of coffee. He had a feeling it was going to be a long day.

  But we succeeded with the labs. He blew out a long breath. And Aster will live. Marten had not declared war. Lucas made a wry face. It looked like his successes were outweighing his failures. And as long as Aster continued to improve, he wasn’t going to suffer for his mistakes. This time. He glanced over at Aaron’s tense form sitting next to Lyla. Maybe.

  He leaned against the counter watching the dark liquid drip into the coffee pot. He’d known. He’d been well aware that being Alpha was like this. He’d seen what it had taken from his father. But his pack needed him. There was no other choice.

  The coffee pot spit its final hiss and Lucas grabbed two mugs. He pulled out a tall water glass too. The doctor said orange juice.

  “Coffee, Aaron?”

  Aaron shook his head. Lucas pulled a few things out of the fridge. What else should I bring upstairs? He assembled a selection of items. He had a feeling Dean wouldn’t be coming down any time soon. He was picking up the tray to take up to Dean when a loud groan sounded from the couch. Lucas stopped in his tracks.

  “Oh, my head. What did I drink last night?” Lyla’s voice sounded weak, but it still sent a rush of relief surging through Lucas.

  “Lyla? Honey, are you alright?” Aaron leaned over her.

  “Nooo. My head is pounding. Aaron, why would you let me drink like that?” The plaintive note in her voice made Lucas smile.

  “It’s the magic.”

  “Oh. Right.” She sighed. “Can you get me some Tylenol? And maybe some ginger ale, if we have it?”

  “Sure thing.”

  “Wait, Aaron. What happened? Did it work?”

  Lucas watched a slow smile spread across Aaron’s face, feeling almost like a voyeur. “Stopped Marten in his tracks.” For some reason, Aaron’s hand came up to rub absently at his forehead.

  “What? No, I mean— the labs. Did they get them? Wait. Marten was here?”

  Lucas smiled to himself. It seemed Lyla was going to be just fine. And her first question was about Pack. His heart lightened as he carried the tray up the stairs, giving them their privacy. If he was destined to be an Alpha, he was blessed to have this pack. Thank you, Moon Maiden. He shook his head slightly as he climbed the steps. Whatever it is you’re up to.

  ** *

  Dean sat by Aster’s bed stroking one limp paw and listening to the slow steady beat of her heart. He’d come so close—so very close—to losing her. This precious, extraordinary, irreplaceable individual, and he couldn’t make himself get up. He glanced at the tray Lucas had brought up hours ago. He’d eaten the muffin and had the coffee, and even drank the juice, but the rest lay untouched. He should get up. Have something more to eat and lie down on the other bed. Every muscle in his body ached with exhaustion. But he couldn’t. Not yet. Soon.

  He could feel Aster’s life-force within her, more clearly now than before she’d been shot. He wasn’t sure if it was just because he’d been listening for it so intently these past hours, or if it had something to do with the energy exchange he’d forced down the bond. Or at least— that he’d tried to force down bond. He still wasn’t positive that had actually happened. That it wasn’t wishful thinking, or coincidence. Not that it mattered. What mattered was that she was recovering. Still, the scientist in him couldn’t stop wondering.

  But she was stable now. Had been for a while. He could feel her healing. Slowly. Feel her life’s magic, the energy that enabled the shift, building by slow, incremental steps. But it was happening. She was healing.

  He sighed and leaned back, glancing at the roast beef sandwich sitting on the tray. He should eat. Sleep. He ran a hand through his hair. As soon as Aster was able to shift again, he would take her home. Put her back in his bed where she belonged. He’d sleep then.

  ** *

  Aster woke to voices coming from the next room. A feeling of annoyance washed through her. Why was Dean talking to some other woman? She opened her eyes and glanced around. Maiden’s blood, she felt like crap. She was lying in bed in Dean’s trailer, sunlight streaming in through the curtains. What time is it? Come to think of it, what day is it? How had she gotten here?

  “Dean?” She hardly recognized the weak scratchy voice as her own, but he seemed to hear her.

  “Aster!” He appeared in the door, looking adorable and eager. “How do you feel? Can I get you anything? Water?”

  “Who is that woman you’re talking to?” Okay, she had not meant to say that, and the obvious displeasure in her croaky voice made it even worse.

  Dean’s smile lit his whole face. “That’s Dr. Evans.” Pleasure flooded his scent.

  Aster scowled. “That’s Dr. Evans?”

  Dean winked. “She saved your life. But I donated the blood. She’s here with me because—” he paused dramatically, raising his eyebrows, “she ate the chocolate. And I’m mated.”

  A wave of relief rushed through her. Mated. Right. They were mated. She let out her breath. “Oh, I see.”

  “Yes.” He grinned at her. “Dr. Evans,” he called. “Come and meet Aster.” His smile widened. “My mate.”

  She felt his surge of happiness flow through the bond and allowed herself to sink back onto the pillows. She smiled up at Dean’s glowing fa
ce. Okay, she could do this. “So what exactly happened?”

  “You were shot.”

  “Oh. That I remember.” Sort of. There had been a sudden searing pain. Humans with guns… That explained the way she felt, anyway.

  “And we burned down all the labs.”

  “Oh. That’s good.”

  “And Boaz claimed Dr. Evans.”

  Aster’s mouth dropped open. “Really?” Aster started laughing. It hurt, but she couldn’t seem to stop. “I did not see that coming.”

  Just then the executive type that she’d seen eat the chocolate at STP’s office poked her head in the door. “Hi. I’m Nina. How are you feeling?”

  “Weak as a day-old kitten, but I’ll recover.” She couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. Talk about unintended consequences.

  The woman pushed Dean out of the way and came over to stand by the bed. “I should check your bandages. It’s been over a day.” She turned to Dean and addressed him in a tone that was clearly meant as a command. “Why don’t you get Aster some water? We’ll be done in here in a minute.”

  Dean made a face, but dutifully turned and headed through the door. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Take your time,” Dr. Evans called back. “I’ll let you know when we’re done.”

  Aster grinned. “I have a feeling you and I are going to get along just fine, Dr. Evans.” The last thing she wanted was for Dean to watch this.

  “Nina. Please, call me Nina.”

  “Nina,” Aster agreed and submitted to the doctor’s ministrations. She really did feel weak. Like over-cooked spaghetti, only worse. Painfully over-cooked spaghetti, maybe.

  It was later, after Dr. Evans had left and Dean had joined her in the bed, that she turned her head to face him. That was about as much as she was willing to move. “You know, this is all your fault. I never would have gotten shot if I was on my own.”

  Dean’s face lost all color and his expression turned bleak. “I know. I should have checked the office, the entire building, before I let you go off on your own.”

  She swatted his arm. “No, Dean. You’re supposed to tell me it’s my fault. Do I have to teach you how to fight now, too?”

  “It is my fault, Aster. You’re my mate. I should have kept you safe. I should never have let you go off on your own like that.”

  Aster rolled her eyes. “You can’t possibly mean that. It was my fault as much as yours. I didn’t clear the building either. We both made the same mistake.”

  It took her a while to convince him, and she wasn’t entirely sure she’d gotten through. She was going to have to work on him though. Because this was going to be an equal partnership, and if he thought he was solely responsible for her safety, he had another thing coming. But lying there beside him, listening to his steady breathing, she had a sudden realization.

  Being part of a team didn’t mean just blithely following orders. Just doing what you were told without question. It meant bringing everything you had, everything you were, to that team. If she had done that, followed all the precautions she normally took when she was alone, and insisted everyone else did too, she never would have been shot.

  Aster lay there in the dark feeling Dean’s solid presence beside her. She had a feeling it had been a while since he’d really slept. The warmth of his body was comforting, easing her aching chest just a little. That was one mistake she would never make again. Because next time, she might not be the only one to suffer the consequences. Keeping those precious to her safe was what mattered. And Dean was more precious than anything she’d ever known in her life.

  Epilogue

  A Tal’s Sacrifice: When sacrificing a piece as a strategy in chess, there are certain moves that are generally successful—and others that are not. Mikail Tal turned this on its head by habitually succeeding with strategies that should not work. In his own words “There are two types of sacrifices: correct ones, and mine.”

  — From the Journals of Aster Ardennes

  Aster leaned against the heavy wrought iron chair and watched the spectacle. Mari’s birthday wasn’t like a party of the People, which tended to be more informal potluck affairs. But it wasn’t all that different either. Except for the rented tables.

  Four round tables graced the side yard of the pack house, each covered with a pristine white tablecloth. Hurricane lanterns with stout white candles graced the center of each, but had yet to be lit, since it was only six-thirty. Aster could almost imagine them gleaming against the white tables when the sun went down.

  Moman, you would have approved. Aster smiled sadly. She was just beginning to be able to think of her parents without a searing jab of pain.

  The warm June weather was perfect for an outdoor party. The day had been downright hot, but now there was a lovely breeze coming off the river. The patio she stood on was new, on the north side of the house. It seemed an odd place for a patio, but Elizabeth had insisted, since the south side had a view of the driveway and the turnaround for the cars, in addition to the river and the little footbridge. Originally, the house had been designed with a wraparound driveway, but that had been removed some time ago. And, of course, the back of the house faced the garages and outbuilding across the lawn.

  Aster had to admit Elizabeth had a point. The view from the north side was lovely. A broad expense of lawn stretched before her, the river flanking one side and the stand of evergreens that screened the path to the trailer on the other. An impressive weeping willow arched over the water and framed the scene.

  She smiled and wandered over to the drinks table. These past two months at the Rabbit River had been the sweetest of her life. The pack was very close knit, eating together most evenings and often running together at night. And during the day, too. Well, the women didn’t run, of course, except for her. But they included her in all their human bonding rituals, which were surprisingly satisfying. Although the first time she shifted after painting her toenails with the girls had been a bit of a shock. All her claws came out tipped in magenta. Dean almost died laughing.

  She took a sip of her wine, sighing in contentment. Being mated to Dean was— well, it was fantastic. Better than she ever could have imagined. Even after knowing him all of her life, the man still managed to surprise her. He’d always been so studious, but he had a delightfully playful side too. And Aster loved that he seemed to save it for her. Plus, he could still give her a run for her money on the chess board, which obviously was key to mated bliss. At least for her.

  She grabbed a few pieces of ice and refreshed her glass. Glancing around again, she felt her smile grow. Her pack.

  Lyla and Elizabeth were talking as they arranged the finger food on the long table on the edge of the patio. Aaron and Lucas were standing by the new dance floor—which was really more of a smooth patio—over by the weeping willow. Another of Elizabeth’s suggestions. Aaron seemed to be in charge of the music, but she had a feeling Gage had been the one to pick this song. Mari and her sister Lauren were there too. Along with Gage, Eli and Zeke.

  Mari’s sister had been a bit of a surprise. Aster was expecting someone similar to Mari, but Lauren was not only taller and more full-figured than her petite sister, but she had a vivacious friendliness to her that was completely at odds with Mari’s more reserved demeanor. Mari seemed to come alive in her presence, though, showing the playful confidence that they only got glimpses of. Most often, ironically, when she was kidding around with Gage.

  Gage, who was currently trying to chat up Lauren with truly comical results. He was demonstrating something on the dance floor to the uproarious appreciation of Lauren’s three children. It looked like some type of cross between the electric slide and the Macarena. He was trying to convince Lauren it was the new rage while Mari critiqued his style and Eli tried not to bust a gut laughing. After a moment, Zeke joined them, trying to follow Gage’s lead, which was basically impossible because he kept changing the steps. The kids loved it though, and even Lucas was laughing.

  Cray and Dean
were standing near the river talking about who knew what. Those two. So different, and yet similar in some fundamental way. Dean caught her eye and raised his beer in salute. She smiled and raised her wine glass to him. A warm flow of love traveled back and forth along the bond. She felt so lucky to be here with him. She didn’t think about it much, but she knew she was lucky to be alive.

  She took a sip of wine, contemplating the past few months. It had taken her a while to come to terms with her new life. It wasn’t like she’d be forgiving Marten any time soon. It was still hard to admit she’d let her need for revenge drive her all those months. It had been easier to concentrate on that then deal with the visceral pain her parents sudden deaths had caused. But she’d let it distract her from what was important, the safety and wellbeing of those she loved.

  Lucas had established a kind of a truce with Marten over the last two months. He seemed to think Marten might be useful in finding a cure for the Sickness. How, Aster had no idea. But Dean had a theory about it. She rolled her eyes. Of course he did. So if Lucas could stomach this sort of detente for the sake of the pack, she was willing to bite her tongue and go along. So long as no one got hurt. If that happened, all bets were off.

  She glanced around again at the carefree scene. This was not what she’d planned. Not at all. But in many ways, it was better. The pack was vibrant and alive in a way Mont-Tremblant had not been. She thought it had something to do with the women and the family-like atmosphere they created. She was still surprised at how easily they accepted her into their girls’ club, in spite of the fact she wasn’t human.

  Another smile tugged at her lips watching Dean leaning in towards Cray. The sun glinting off his chestnut hair made a sharp contrast to Cray’s darker coloring. He said something out of the corner of his mouth, cracking Cray up. It was a rare, unguarded moment for the taller man, but they were watching the dance floor, so she could just imagine the topic.