by Jen L. Grey
“Y’all go on in, and we’ll be right there.” Rage tilted his head, but his eyes stayed on mine.
It was only a few seconds before we were alone.
He reached out, pushing a piece of hair behind my ear. “What are you going to do?”
There was no point in hiding it from him. “I don’t know.” I sighed and stepped into him.
He wrapped his arms around me tight and kissed the top of my forehead. “You should be fine for a short while, but we need to figure out what we’re going to do.”
“We?” He had a pack though I hadn’t met them yet.
“Yes, I wasn’t about to join your pack with that stupid ass Dad and son team. At least now we can figure out what we want to do together.” He kissed my lips and leaned back, smiling. “Mates usually join the same pack, don’t you know.”
“Yeah, you’re right, but I don’t want to make you leave yours.” He obviously had been thinking about this for a while. “Why didn’t you say something about this earlier? Why wait until now?”
“Baby, leaving a pack should be your choice.” His eyes warmed to a deep chocolate. “There was no way in hell I would bring this up until you decided things on your own. And as far as my current pack, it’s not like I’m around them much. Still, I can introduce them to you and see if that’s something they’d be interested in, or we could find one we both like and join together.”
He was right, I had some time before the pressure of being a rogue wolf would get to me. The coldness in my chest felt like an iceberg though. I didn’t want to rush into another pack, but at the same time, the longer I went alone, the worse it could be.
Chapter Three
We climbed out of the car, and I could’ve sworn my heart stopped. It hadn’t, but I didn’t know what I was about to walk into. I was sure Greg had already called his Dad as soon as they’d left to tell him what happened even though Jerry should’ve known as soon as I left the pack.
There was no telling what my parents would say or do. I only hoped I didn’t cause problems for them.
The light was on in the living room, so I’d find out what their reaction would be soon.
“You okay?” Rage stopped and waited for me. His hands were full with the sundae and milkshake my parents had ordered.
“Yeah, just not sure what their reaction is going to be.” That was putting it mildly.
“Well, they love you, so it’ll be okay.” Rage leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Either way, I’ll be by your side.”
“I love you.” There were no other words to convey my feelings at the moment. Sometimes it felt like those words weren’t adequate enough to describe how I felt.
“Love you too.”
The door to the house swung open, and Cole stepped inside. “We’re back.”
“Don’t you think they realize that?” Jess laughed and smacked his arm.
“They could think it was some ugly bear shifter.” Cole glanced at Damien and winked.
Damien didn’t even respond. He just shook his head and rolled his eyes.
“Time to face the music.” Let’s just get this over with. The longer I took going inside, the worse I’d have it built up in my head. Dad has suggested it earlier, but I was pretty sure they hadn’t expected the news the same day.
“Honey, I promise it’ll be just fine.” He strode beside me and smiled. “They love you. Besides, if they don’t take it well, we’ll just head back tonight instead of tomorrow.”
He was right, but I’d never wanted to disappoint my parents before, and that hadn’t changed today.
Damien trekked in front of me and glanced over his shoulder. “We’ve got your back.”
I needed a minute. I took a deep breath, trying to do that meditation stuff that was supposed to calm you. It confirmed what I already knew; it doesn’t work.
When I entered the room, Mom and Dad were sitting on the loveseat. The television flickered in the background, but the noise was muted.
“Where do you want me to put these?” Rage lifted his hands.
“Can you please go put them in the freezer?” Mom forced a smile, tension evident in her eyes.
“I’ll go do it.” Damien grabbed the items and left the room.
I bet he wouldn’t come back unless he was needed. Damien hated tension, but if he was needed, he’d be right by our sides. He was loyal and not uncomfortable with confrontation. He just tried to avoid it unless it was necessary.
“Why don’t we go help Damien put them up?” Rage glanced at both Cole and Jess.
“It’s just two things.” Cole huffed and went over to sit on the large sofa. “I’m sure Damien can handle that.”
“Maybe not, the freezer could be full.” Jess grabbed Cole’s arm and dragged him out of the room.
“Then how are we supposed to help with that?” Cole tried to jerk from her hold, but she must have squeezed harder. “Ow, what kind of monster are you? You’re freakishly strong.”
Rage sighed and shook his head. “I’m sorry about him.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Holler if you need me.”
Great, he was leaving me alone with my parents. “Okay.”
When the rest of them fled to the kitchen, Mom frowned. “Jerry called and informed us about what happened. Greg is beside himself.”
“Greg was who started it.” I sighed, ready for the bickering to begin.
“That’s what I figured.” Mom rubbed a hand down her face.
“So you’re leaving the pack?” Dad took in a shaky breath as if he was steadying himself for my answer.
“Yes, I’ve left it.” It wasn’t something that was easy to decide, but I didn’t need to give any excuses. I made my choice and at the end of the day, I had to do what I thought was best. “I’m sorry, but …”
“No, don’t.” Mom reached out and took my hand in hers. “You know we figured it was only a matter of time.”
“It just came faster than we had anticipated.” Dad huffed and placed his arm on the side of the couch. “But, hell, considering how Greg is acting, what else can you do.”
“Yeah, I don’t know what’s going on with him.” I hated that there was this much distance between us. We had grown up together and were friends before we dated.
“For starters, his ego was hurt when you got selected and not him.” Dad rubbed his forehead with his fingers. “Now you’ve moved on and found your true mate, so that was a blow to his pride.”
“So that makes it okay? Please don’t tell me that you’re siding with him.” I loved my parents too much to feel like they were against me.
“Of course not.” Dad startled and stood. “That’s not what I was saying at all.”
“He’s just hurting and acting out.” Mom glanced out the window as if she was searching for the right words. “He was raised believing that males were the strongest and needed to be leaders. You’re shaking his foundation.”
“I didn’t ask for this.” It was as if they all thought this was part of my grand master plan. “I was raised by the same outdated beliefs as well. If you knew that it wasn’t true, then why didn’t you enlighten everyone?”
“There’s a lot that you don’t understand.” Mom closed her eyes and shook her head.
“Then tell me.” I’ve felt for a while that something was odd and they were keeping stuff from me. Although I pushed it aside, thinking they would never do something like that.
“Are you okay?” Rage sauntered out from the kitchen, taking in the situation.
“No, I’m not.” I wanted to yell and scream. “They’re hiding stuff from me.”
“It’s a long story, Raven.” Dad took in a shaky breath and took a step in my direction.
“Fine, we have the whole night.” I marched over to the couch and plopped down. “I’m all ears.”
“It’s not that simple.” Mom glanced at Dad and raised both hands.
“How is it not?” I felt like I was throwing a temper tantrum.
The kitchen door creaked as
Cole stuck his head out. “I hate to end this. Like seriously, it’s very entertaining. But Isadora called and needs us back ASAP.”
“Did something happen?” Rage took a step in my direction.
“No, she wants us back because she misses your ugly face.” Cole rolled his eyes and stepped into the room with us. “Of course something happened, but she won’t tell me over the phone.”
I was relieved that we needed to go. I wasn’t sure how to feel at the moment, especially where my parents were concerned. “Alright, let’s not delay.”
Jess and Damien entered the room and headed toward the front door.
“Raven, wait.” Mom rushed after me and grabbed my arm. “Please don’t leave angry.”
“You expect me to just be okay with all these … secrets?” The cold piece of my heart frosted over even more.
“We’re protecting you.” Tears filled her eyes, but I couldn’t let go of my anger—their betrayal.
“It might help if I knew from what.”
Mom sighed and dropped her hand. “We are going to tell you when it’s the right time. Though I pray that it doesn’t ever come down to the right time.”
My parents had always been there for me, and I’d grown up in a kind, loving home. Although right now, it was as if I was staring into a stranger’s face. “We’ve got to go.” It hurt to turn away from her.
“I hope it’s all worth it.” Rage’s voice was low as he spoke to my parents. “Otherwise, you’ve hurt your daughter for no reason.”
The cold spot slightly thawed at my mate’s words. He was taking my side but stayed respectful to my parents.
“Yeah, no one backs baby into a corner.” Cole wrapped an arm around my shoulders and stared my parents down.
“Dude, now’s not the time for you to reference old movies.” Damien ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.
“What are you talking about?” Cole arched an eyebrow.
“That’s from the movie Dirty Dancing.” Jess tapped her fingers on her pants leg.
“True story.” Cole lowered his voice as if he was telling a secret. “They stole the line from me.”
“Alright, as believable as that is, it’s time for us to leave.” Even though Cole had helped diffuse the situation, I needed to get out of there like now.
Rage walked to the front door and held it open. “Alright, you heard my mate.”
“Great, now we get bossed around by two wolf shifters,” Cole muttered as he trudged out the door.
“Thanks for dinner. It was great.” Damien nodded to my parents and followed after Cole.
“Are you sure you don’t need a minute?” Jess glanced at my parents and back at me.
“You know what Isadora will do if we don’t head back.” Jess was worried that I’d regret this, and maybe I would. At the moment, I needed space and time.
“You’re right.” Jess giggled. “She’ll freak out.”
Even if I was mad at them, I couldn’t leave it exactly like this. “I love you both, but I’m upset. I hope you understand.”
“We do.” Dad frowned and took Mom’s hand. “Please understand we never wanted to hurt you. It’s what we think is best for our family.”
At the end of the day, I couldn’t force them to tell me anything and had to respect their decision. However, that didn’t mean I couldn’t be pissed. I had nothing left to say so I turned and walked out the door.
Rage stayed behind for a few moments before opening the door and following me out there. The other three were already in the car, and Cole was sitting in the driver seat with the engine running.
“Are you okay?” Rage grabbed my hand and turned me around to face him.
“I’m upset, but other than that, I’m fine.” Times like these, he took my breath away. Not only was he fine as hell, but he truly cared about me.
“You know that I’d do anything in the world to keep you from hurting.” Rage frowned and touched my cheek with his fingertips. “But I don’t know how to fix this.”
I stood on my tippy toes and pressed my lips to his. “You’re helping me just by being here.” His stubble brushed the bottom of my lips which made me moan.
He groaned as he grabbed my hips, pulling me right against his body. “You’re killing me.”
A giggle escaped before I could stop it. “Are you saying you’re not into PDA?”
“Hell yeah, I’m into PDA.” His hands moved an inch upward. “But if you don’t stop, my future in-laws might see me mauling their daughter’s body up against that tree.”
Those words set me on fire. “Hmm … Maybe I could try to be quiet.”
The car honked as Cole rolled the windows down. “As entertaining as this is, Isadora is now texting Damien, telling him to get his ass down there.”
Rage leaned into my ear and whispered, “This isn’t over.”
“I’m holding you to that promise.” I kissed his lips once more and pulled away.
“Come on.” Jess stepped out from the car right as Damien clambered out of the vehicle.
“What are you guys doing?” They were saying we needed to go, but they were getting out of the car.
“I’m sitting in the back with you all,” Jess said as Damien strolled around the car, sliding into the front passenger seat.
“We better get going.” I grabbed Rage’s hand as we marched toward the vehicle.
Rage and I got in our usual places, but this time, Jess was on my other side instead of Damien.
“How did we get so lucky to have your presence back here?” Jess had always hated sitting in the back.
“Because we’re going to be performing hand checks on the way back to school.” Cole put the car in reverse and attempted to back out of the driveway. “Raven, please move your head.”
We were already scrunched back here. What was he expecting me to do?
“Just use the damn camera.” Rage sighed and leaned his head back on the chair.
“No, we’ve already established those cameras are for piss poor drivers to use.” Cole unlocked the doors and motioned for Damien to get out. “Tell me if I’m going to hit something.”
“Wow, that makes you a shitty driver.” Rage winked at me as he goaded Cole.
This felt similar to the day they had picked me up from graduation and took me to Bloodshed Academy.
“No, a camera is for making sure you don’t mess up. They are meant to be precise.” He pointed at Damien and sighed. “Bears, though, are notoriously bad for giving directions, so if I don’t hit anything, it’s because I’m a good driver.”
“Do you just say shit and hope it makes sense?” Jess rolled her eyes and leaned against the car door.
“You haven’t figured that out till now?” Rage leaned over me and hit the back of Cole’s seat. “He has diarrhea mouth.”
“That is offensive.” He put the car in reverse and kept his eye on Damien, who was standing out in the road, guiding him to back on out. “You both think you’re so punny, but it’s a fact that vampires don’t poop. Therefore, it’s impossible for feces to be coming out of either of my orifices.”
I wasn’t going to touch that with a ten-foot pole. “You do realize you just need to back straight out.” It was as if he was losing his damn mind.
Within a few seconds, we were out of the driveway.
The front passenger door opened, and Damien jumped back in. He closed his eyes and leaned his arm against the door handle. “Don’t ask any more questions. It’ll just encourage him to go even crazier.”
That was true since Cole always went for shock value.
A phone rang, and Rage shifted toward me, grabbing the phone from his back pocket. “Ugh, it’s Isadora.” He swiped the green button and put the phone to his ear. “Hello.”
“I need you here now.” Her voice was so loud everyone could hear it easily. “Please tell me you’ve left. As usual, Cole wouldn’t give me a straight answer and was trying to pull his shit on me.”
“We’re on our way.�
�� Rage sighed and wrapped an arm around me.
“Good, bring Raven with you.” There was a click, and the line went dead.
“She wants me there?” Her request was odd. Most of the time she acted like she couldn’t stand me and that my mere presence bothered her.
“Yeah, I don’t know why.” Rage frowned and placed his phone back in the pocket. “It’s definitely strange, and I don’t like it.”
“What did you expect, grumpy?” Cole turned on to the main road and accelerated. “She’s one of us now.”
Even though I liked the sound of that, I was pretty sure that Isadora didn’t agree. There was no telling why she wanted me there. Each time we’d met, it had been around bad things going on. So I was pretty sure she hadn’t changed her opinion of me and just wanted to have a girl talk. Now I was dreading what we were walking into.
Chapter Four
It was early morning when we rolled back into the Academy’s parking lot. I thought back to the first time we did this. Damien, in bear form, had come running out from the forest, and my wolf forced me to shift. It seemed strange that a little over a year ago, I had struggled so desperately with my wolf. Thinking about it now made it feel like it was years ago.
“So … I guess I’ll head back to the dorms.” Jess climbed from the car with a pout.
She hated to be excluded, but this was something she didn’t want to be involved with. As I scooted out of the backseat, I stretched out my arms and legs. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed being squashed against Rage. After eight hours in the car, my body protested the small amount of room.
“Sorry, shorty.” Cole frowned and wrapped his arms around her. “But honestly, calls from her aren’t usually a good thing, especially when she was adamant that we get back here.” He pulled away and lifted a finger. “Unless she missed my gorgeous face.”
“I doubt it was that,” Damien grumbled and scowled in Cole’s direction. He had fallen asleep for a while. When he had started snoring, Cole silently opened the center console and pulled out some chocolate pudding. He ignored our questions as he opened the package and stuck a finger in the fudge. He then started crying out in pain and swerving all over the road. Damien had startled and crammed his body against the car door. Long story short, he thought Cole had shit on his hand until his bear senses centered him and he smelled the sweet fragrance. Needless to say, he wasn’t happy with Cole and his wake-up call.