In case we’re being recorded I need to say some more shit and then stamp out. Carry on as normal and know that we have your back. We will sort this and we will make sure your friend and baby are okay.
Listen, if it comes to Shelley and the baby, or me. You choose them, you promise? I’m expendable. They aren’t.
My brother wouldn’t agree, but I promise.
Alyssa stood up. “Right, now you’re a little more subdued, stay away from my brother, you hear me? He deserves better than you. You’re a tramp, going after all those men at once. Jett deserves you. Come near us again and I’ll hand you your arse.” She winked at me and then left.
Her words, although a joke, should have stung, coming as they did on the anniversary of my father’s death. It was a reminder of all the things he’d used to say to me. But I wasn’t a tramp. I had to remember that. Blowing my nose again, I went into the bathroom and splashed my face with cold water and then I brushed my teeth.
Where are you Kim? I said in my mind to my reflection in the mirror.
I’d said myself in my writing that I was expendable at the side of Shelley, and without a life with her and Darius in it, what was the point? There was no point in anything if my future was a life with Jett.
So what did I have to lose? I may as well come out fighting. I’d look for the cues coming from the Withernsea pack and I’d look for a weapon. Anything I could use to take Jett out.
It had taken a young girl to show me the way. Her attitude reminded me a lot of myself at that age. Standing up for myself against my father. He hadn’t changed me, and neither would Jett.
I was ready to fight.
Chapter Twenty
Darius
I looked at the paper my sister gave me and I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“Oh my God. I don’t know whether to kill you for going to see her alone, or hug you for what’s written here.”
“Can you do neither, cos I like my life and then there’s my personal space.”
“So that’s why she’s marrying him. Can you see, she would give up her life for the ruler of Withernsea. She is such a suitable mate.”
“Yeah, whatever, bro. Maybe instead of dreaming, you could formulate a plan that takes care of the heir, ya know.”
“Seth is being picked up as we speak. He frequents a gym that has a handy back entrance.”
“Yeah, well any trouble and I’d go for his handy back entrance, with a sharp stick. Now, it’s been swell chatting with you, but I have things to do.”
“Please take extra care, Lys. Especially right now. I don’t want a Hogsthorpe mutt near you.”
But she just waved me off as she headed out of the door.
No one put my baby sister in the corner.
Seth’s eyes were wide as he sat on a chair in front of the pack. Some of whom had turned into their animals for added effect. His hands were bound behind him and his feet were tied to the chair.
Once again Edon had stood back to let me proceed.
I paced in front of Seth. “So, I’ll just let you listen to this.” I played the message Lucy had recorded and his face fell. He couldn’t deny what was so blatantly there. His head hung.
“My ex. She went off with one of his pack. I went to see them. He promised me he’d get her to come back if I helped him. All I did was watch Kim, man. I didn’t harm her. I just had to try to disrupt the two of you getting together. Try to get her to date me instead until nearer the full moon.”
“What was the deal with the love potion in the coffee, and how did you choose who got it?”
“Everyone got it. It just works on some people and not others. I needed to make sure we had plenty of customers so I could keep my job. I needed to be in that shop near to Kim. That was the easiest way.”
“Where did you get the spell? Only it was pretty powerful; even Margret, Shelley’s mother didn’t detect it.”
“Jett acquired them. I don’t know where from.”
“Them? There was more than one?”
“I meant one. The love potion.”
Lucy looked at me. Seth was clearly a terrible liar, and I felt he was owed for the shit he’d put us through, blackmailed or not. So I hit him with a powerful right hook, opening up a cut on his cheek.
“Okay, man. Okay. Not the face.”
God he was vain.
He looked at Lucy. “There was a spell on that fortune teller too. To block her visions. I distracted her in her shop and put something in her vodka. It lasts one to two weeks.”
“Rav. Smack him for that.” Lucy yelled. The demon she had brought with her backhanded him. It must have stung like a bitch.
“That felt wonderful, thank you for inviting me.”
“Well, I can’t do bad stuff now, so I needed an old colleague, and I thought of you.”
“I’m honoured.”
“Okay.” I lifted my hand to quieten them all down. “Seth. You will be placed in a room here and put on constant guard until you can be released safely. We have your phone. Should you find some way to contact and warn Jett and endanger the pack then I will literally have you thrown to the wolves." Drool and growls came from the animals and the smell of urine filled the air as a wet patch seeped onto the chair. “Take him away and get him cleaned up please.”
“So what now?” Lucy asked. “If you don’t need me I’m going to collect Ebony from Theo’s. She’s been trialling the B&B, said it’s been even better without the owners there, like a retreat. There’s only been Mary around. I need to get Frankie on the case and then we’ll get in touch with Theo and make sure Shelley has extra protection.”
“When needed, I will send you two of my wolves to help protect Shelley and her baby.”
“No, you’ll need them all to fight Jett.”
He shook his head.
“Like, my mate said on her note. I am expendable when it comes to the future ruler of Withernsea.”
“You’re both crazy, there’s no wonder you get along.” Lucy sighed and left taking her demon friend with her.
Left with the pack Edon asked for us to be excused for a moment and we stood to one end of the room.
“You are handling this beautifully, Darius. I would like to take this opportunity to propose you now take over from me as Alpha of the Withernsea pack.”
I shook my head. “My father was scum.”
“Yes he was, but you are not. So you have his blood running through your veins. I have been watching you, Darius. You command with ease and your wolf, he is growing ever stronger. You were born to be Alpha.”
“I would not take your place. You have my utmost respect.”
“I know. But to be honest I’m fancying a few holidays abroad. I’m not getting any younger.”
“But what about Reid and Sonny? Do they not want to succeed you?”
“No. They don’t have the slightest interest, and I believe it’s because we weren’t born to the position. You were. Meet Jett Alpha to Alpha on Thursday, Darius. We can have the coronation ceremony tomorrow evening.”
I looked at Edon. Could I do this? Be Alpha? Lead the pack.
I imagined myself with Kim at my side. Yes, I could do this. For the pack, and for us. I would meet Jett on an equal footing. The ceremony would strengthen my wolf. It was time.
“Make the arrangements.” I told Edon.
The ceremony took place the following evening. There was a procedure to follow from the Handbook. Edon spoke first, retiring from his role and then he crowned me with a crown made of twigs and I said my own speech and commitment to my pack.
“I vow to protect you with my very last breath.
To my family.
WITHERNSEA.”
Everyone raised a glass filled with either water or whiskey. “Alpha Darius. WITHERNSEA.” My mum was crying, the rest of my family whooped and cheered. Then all changed into their animals and we ran through the woods and chased each other. My wolf was joyous, exultant. For the first time in my life I felt completely comfortable
in my own skin and fur.
This is who I was born to be.
The Alpha.
Chapter Twenty-One
Lucy
I went to the farm to pick up Ebony.
She came to the door looking very relaxed. “Lucy? What are you doing here? They aren’t here you know? Shelley has been turned.”
“I know. I also know why you aren’t having visions. Can I come in?”
“Course you can, love.” Mary appeared in the doorway.
I walked inside and took a seat.
“So it would appear that a very clever spell was placed inside your vodka. Your visions won’t return for up to two weeks, but then they should be back.”
Ebony looked relieved.
“I thought you’d be devastated that they were coming back.”
She shook her head, her eyes glassy. “I know they cause me a lot of upset, but they are my legacy, my life. Without them I feel I am nothing.”
I placed a hand on her arm. “I understand.” Before we set off, I filled her in on recent events. “Frankie is going to try to investigate who this wizard could be who is supplying Hogsthorpe with these potions. If he can find what was used to block your visions, he’s hopeful that he could maybe work out a diluted potion that can give you some relief, and not wreck your liver.”
“That would be ideal.” Ebony said.
“Anyway, I’ve come to take you home. Now we know your visions will come back in time there’s no reason for you to stay any longer, and I presume Theo and Shelley will want to be alone when she returns. We don’t want her taking a chunk out of you.”
“I suppose…” Ebony sighed. “All good things must come to an end, hey, Mary, my darling?”
“Yes, love. I will miss you, but Lucy’s correct. Right now, I need to focus on getting things shipshape for my son and daughter-in-law’s return.”
“I will go pack my things.” Ebony said and left the room.
The minute she was gone Mary let out a massive sigh of relief. “Thank God. I thought she’d never go. Bloody pampered princess wanting me to cater to her every whim. It’s a B&B, not a five star hotel.”
I laughed. “Mary. I’ll leave you to get some rest. However,” I stared at her. “If you are ever ready to leave and to go to heaven and to your husband just let me know. I’m sure I can arrange it for you. Help you.”
“Oh wow. Gosh, I’d be reunited with Edward, but then I’d miss seeing my grandbaby…” Mary looked agitated.
“Mary, you don’t have to make a decision now, and I don’t know for definite that I could help you. I just have a feeling inside that I would be able to. I agree, for now your place is here, to care for Theo and Shelley and to meet that grandchild when she comes.”
Mary nodded, but then stepped back a little, as if it had just dawned on her I worked for heaven. The place she was eventually destined for.
I dropped Ebony off home and then made my way home to Frankie. It was then I realised that Andrew hadn’t been around… at all.
“Well, I’ll not be too offended that it took you so long to notice my presence was missing.” He appeared behind me with his arms folded.
“Sorry, things have been a bit hectic.” I shrugged.
“Well, the reason I haven’t been around is you no longer need me. My mission is accomplished and I’ve been given my job. I’m back as an earth angel, but I’m off to work in Hull, so you’ll not be seeing me around.”
“Why do I no longer need you? What did I do?”
“Without too many spoilers, Seth will return home to Hull, where I shall keep an eye on him. Also, despite your feelings for Kim with regard to her spending time with your fiance, you have put her needs above your own, and in doing so have done all you have the power to do in regards to keeping Shelley and the baby safe. In addition you just offered to help a ghost move to heaven if she wished. Your current jobs are done and Sophia is giving you a sabbatical for now as there is much change coming to Withernsea.”
“Really? I have time off? I can help Frankie with his project.”
“You can also arrange your wedding.”
I beamed. “I can, can’t I?” I flung my arms around Andrew causing his wings to pop out. “Ooops.” I laughed. “Thank you, Andrew. I’m so glad you finally passed your angel exams.”
“Me too.” He said and then he disappeared leaving only a feather in his wake.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Shelley
Dear God. I would never moan about period pains again. Literally I wouldn’t either because now I was part-vampire I wouldn’t have any more.
The first pains had come from the flu-like symptoms associated with me getting accustomed to my new blood type. Then my body had adjusted itself, becoming stronger. The baby had been kept on foetal monitoring throughout with no concerns at first until my stomach had swollen. Panic filled me and I screamed for my mum and for Theo, only to find on ultrasound that my turning had accelerated my pregnancy. I was now the equivalent of eight months pregnant on human terms.
I think my husband was close to a nervous breakdown.
“But we still should have months to prepare. The B&B isn’t operational. We have no nursery done yet. What about childbirth classes? Names? We are completely unprepared.”
Yeah. I’d just become part-vampire, and he was worrying about childbirth. Meanwhile, I’d spent two days resisting the urge to try to drain him of all his blood.
It was Thursday morning, and I was being discharged. Theo had gone home just before dawn to get the house ready. I had checked with him that he meant to ensure I had clean bedding and not to start painting the nursery.
And yes I was leaving in a morning. Being vampire mixed with wyvern and witch had produced a handy side-effect. I could still go out in daylight and we had found that I only needed a few hours sleep a day to reboot. I was super-charged. Food wise I required blood and a human diet in a mix. My cravings had subsided. It was just my strength I needed to get used to now.
Now on that side my husband couldn’t wait, saying we’d be able to go for it all night long.
When the baby came he was going to have a huge shock.
“Okay. Have you got all your things?” Mum asked.
“Yes. Please take me home. I want my own bed and then after I’m rested I need to get caught up on the business and on anything else that’s been happening in Withernsea.”
While I’d been changing, everyone had left us alone. It had been strange, not being in the thick of Withernsea goings on.
“I wonder if Ebony has her visions back yet?”
“Well, let’s get home and find out, shall we?”
Mum helped me pick up my belongings, and we left.
I let myself into the house, mum following behind me and was greeted with utter silence. No Mary, no Ebony. Nothing.
“Theo must have asked them to keep out of the way.” I shrugged.
“Is there anything you need me to do while I’m here?” Mum asked.
“No. I’m just going to go straight to bed and set my alarm to get up with Theo, unless I wake earlier. I know I only need a minimum amount of sleep now, but my bed is warm, cosy, and has my husband in it.”
“It’s not cosy on his side, I’ll bet.”
“No, he’s a tad on the cold side. Great in summer though.” I’d remained the same temperature as before.
Mum kissed my cheek. “Right, you know where I am if you need me. I’ll leave you to rest.” She touched the bump. “Grandma’s leaving, bye bump.” My stomach lurched as the baby tried to move.
“It’s getting tight in there now, isn’t it bump?” I spoke to my belly, putting my hand on it.
Mum left and then I went to bed.
I managed to sleep until two in the afternoon. After lounging a little more, I got up, dressed and went down into the kitchen to get a drink of O-neg. Mary appeared through the doorway.
“I wondered where you were.” I said to her.
“Your friend wore me o
ut so I’ve been away resting.”
“I know the feeling.”
Mary’s eyes went wide looking at my heavily pregnant stomach. “What has happened here? Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s peachy. The turning brought my pregnancy on faster. I’m the equivalent of 8 months now. Where’s Ebony?” I asked.
“Lucy came and took her home. She said Ebony’s visions were down to a potion in her vodka and that they would come back within two weeks and Frankie would try to find the wizard who made the potion for Hogsthorpe and see if he could make a dilute version for her.”
“Oh that’s good news. I’d better put my phone on and see what else I’ve missed. Or I could just ring Kim that’d probably be quicker. She’ll know everything.” Then I paused. “Hang on, did you say potion for Hogsthorpe?”
“That’s what Lucy said.”
“On second thoughts I think I’ll call Lucy first.”
“I’ll be making you a drink. Welcome home.” Mary said and then she began busying herself with cups and bottles of blood.
“Shelley! How are you? Did everything go okay?”
“It went fine. Thanks for sorting Ebony out. What’s this about some potion for Hogsthorpe?”
“Ah, okay. Are you sitting down, there’s a lot to tell you.”
“I wasn’t but hold on.” I plonked myself on the sofa. “Spill.”
“So, let me say everything and then ask me questions or we’ll be here all day.”
“Lucy…”
“Fine. So Seth has been putting love potions in people’s coffees to get them to return to the coffee shop to see him. Just so he can keep his job there and keep an eye on Kim. He’s been blackmailed by Jett to do so. Jett also arranged for Seth to place a different potion in Ebony’s vodka so that she wouldn’t see his plans.”
“And his plans are…?”
“To marry Kim and to take over the Withernsea pack.”
Hate, Date, or Mate? (Supernatural Dating Agency Book 3) Page 13