by Price, E A
Kira had tried apologizing but she could never get Lilah alone, Joseph was always there pouring scorn on her words. The sisters just couldn’t connect anymore. Maybe they’d grown apart too far.
She soon realized that the Alpha was never going to let her rejoin the pack. He was a strict son of a bitch and didn’t like the idea of any other wolf under his power getting it into their head that they could just leave whenever they wanted. Control freak.
The only reason she was hanging around was for Lilah, but her sister didn’t even want to see her. She couldn’t even pry Lilah away from Joseph for more than a second.
Angry jealousy shot through Kira. She hated the idea that Lilah preferred Joseph to her, that she chose Joseph over her. Her wolf snarled. She’d always hated the male wolf. Yes she knew it was silly to feel this way but she didn’t care.
Kira stomped into the bathroom and splashed cold water on her heated cheeks, washing away the tears that had escaped.
She should leave. There was nothing for her here. She could just go home to her family. After two years of being alone she needed to be around people who cared for her, people who would welcome her with open arms. She wasn’t going to find that here.
Then again she could go back to Rose...
The wolf yipped excitedly at that thought. Crazy beast. Although, Rose was in the same state as Charming, she would still be fairly close to Charming. Not too close that she’d have to worry about running into any of the Charming pack but closer than if she went back to New Mexico. It might ease her guilt about leaving Lilah again.
The more she thought about returning to Rose the happier she became. She was a little surprised at herself. What happened in Rose was hardly a high point of her life but there was something about the place that warmed her.
Her apartment was already paid up until the end of the month; she hadn’t been able to find a job yet. Not easy when the subject of what she’d been doing the last two years came up during interviews.
Yes, she should go to Rose. The Rose pack had been kind to her. Despite a rocky start she had soon warmed to them. She’d enjoyed meeting Mac and Carly the Omega, not to mention the Alpha Adam and also Gabe...
Her wolf pranced around. Silly puppy.
Kira felt a twinge of guilt about Lilah but her mind was made up. Tomorrow she would tell her twin she was leaving and then she would reach out to Adam about joining his pack in Rose.
Glancing at the clock it was now 3am. One hour before the delivery trucks arrived. She slunk into bed and pulled the covers around her tightly, grateful that this was the last night she would spend in Charming.
*
Later that day
Kira in her wolf form stood motionless in the shadows. She didn’t like sneaking onto pack land but there was no other way she was going to get Lilah on her own. She was hiding in the trees waiting for Joseph to leave for work. Ha! That was a joke, he just took a percentage of the pack business profits and did nothing all day. Lazy asshole.
A few minutes later her ears pricked up as the front door opened and out tramped the asshole. Lilah didn’t work. When they first got married there were numerous arguments about Lilah working which eventually the asshole had won. Kira felt a pang of regret; Lilah had been making a name for herself as a wildlife photographer. Kira didn’t even know if Lilah took pictures at all now.
Joseph stopped at the porch steps and lit a cigarette. He took a few drags and had a good look round the surrounding area. His eyes lingered on where Kira was hiding. She held her breath until his gaze moved on.
Quickly he hopped in his sports car and sped away, music blaring in his wake. Kira breathed out in relief. She waited a few minutes and then trotted to the house, swiftly changing to her human form she steeled herself and knocked on the door.
Kira looked around furtively. The last thing she needed was to be spied by one of Joseph’s pack mates turning up at his house naked. She fidgeted impatiently for what felt like an age before finally Lilah’s small voice asked who was there.
“Li it’s me open up.” Kira hugged her arms; it wasn’t exactly a warm day.
There was a pause. “Does Joseph know you’re here?”
Kira rolled her eyes. “Not unless he’s got ESP. Come on let me in, it’s frosty the snowman weather out here.”
Kira heard a sigh and then the door opened an inch. “Maybe you should come back later when Joseph’s home.”
“For heaven’s sake! I don’t need his permission to talk to my own sister.”
Impatiently Kira pushed the door open and Lilah jumped back as if scolded. Kira gasped as she took in her sister’s appearance. Her heart shaped face was marred by angry bruises, her bottom lip was swollen and cut and there were finger marks up and down her arms.
Lilah’s eyes darted around the room, looking anywhere but at her sister. Kira moved toward her and Lilah flinched, jumping away.
Kira gulped like a goldfish. Her wolf whined at seeing her twin in such a pitiful state. “What the heck happened?”
Lilah shook her head.
Kira felt red hot rage bubble inside. “Did Joseph do this to you?”
Lilah tensed but didn’t answer.
Kira scowled. She would take that as a yes. “That asshole! When I get my hands on...”
Lilah rushed toward her and grabbed her arms. “No! You can’t tell him you know he’ll... he’ll get upset.”
Kira tried to process her thoughts whilst soothing her wailing wolf. Yes, she’d never liked Joseph but she had no idea he could be so violent to her sister. He’d always seemed so devoted to Lilah. She breathed in and out slowly.
“Has he done this before?”
Lilah licked her lips and nodded.
Ugh, that dickhead! “Have you spoken to the Alpha about this? He could...”
“He already knows. When it first happened I went to him. Joseph just has a few anger issues.” Lilah shrugged sadly.
“A few!” Squawked Kira.
“As long as I don’t do anything to irritate him we’re generally fine.”
Was she being serious? “Irritate him? Irritate him?! I can’t believe you’re actually saying that! So what did you do last night to irritate him that warranted this?” Kira gestured to the ugly bruises.
Lilah pursed her lips and balled her small hands into fists. “Joseph was annoyed at you.”
Kira’s eyebrows shot up her head. “Me?!”
Lilah wouldn’t meet her eyes. “He was just annoyed that you’re arguing with his father about rejoining the pack. He said you needed to show some respect for the Alpha. I told him he was wrong about you and...” Her voice trailed off.
Kira shook with the effort of controlling her temper. “So this is my fault then? It’s my fault that your fucker of a husband is a wife beater?”
“Don’t yell at me!” Tears sprung to Lilah’s eyes.
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry Li.” Kira hugged her twin fiercely.
Lilah was a stiff as a board but as Kira smoothly began rubbing her back she relaxed into her sister’s comforting touch. She gurgled. “Ki I just realized you’re naked!”
Kira began snickering, her shoulders shaking slightly as her twin clutched at her. “Yeah after a while I just forget.”
Lilah sniffled. “I guess you’ve been spending a lot more time as your wolf recently.”
Kira was hit by a wave of guilt. Would things have been different for Lilah if she had been there? She hadn’t even considered what might have been happening with Lilah over the past two years.
“I’m sorry.”
Lilah snorted half-heartedly. “Why are you sorry?”
Kira sighed and pulled back to look her in the eyes, she winced again seeing the state of her face. “I’m sorry that he did this and I’m sorry I haven’t been around. And I’m sorry but there’s never an excuse for hitting.”
She pushed a curly lock out of Lilah’s eyes and ghosted her fingers over her face. “Do you love him?”
Lilah’s e
yes glazed. “I thought so, now I’m not sure how I feel about anything.” She hesitated slightly. “It’s been a long time since I could sense anyone’s emotions. My wolf she... she’s become so quiet recently. Sometimes I worry that...” She hesitated uncertainly.
Kira smiled encouragingly. “What is it?”
“Sometimes I worry that she’ll leave me and I’ll be completely alone.”
Kira felt ice cold fear tear through her. She couldn’t imagine anything worse than losing contact with her wolf. She had to get her sister out of there.
“We have to leave.” Said Kira authoritatively, her wolf yapping in agreement.
“No I can’t...”
Kira took her sister’s hand and led her up the stairs to her bedroom. She pulled out Lilah’s suitcase from the closet. “Pack only essentials.”
Lilah stood staring at her as she disappeared into the bathroom and came out with some toiletries, unceremoniously dumping them in the case. Kira threw up her hands. “Don’t just stand there help me!”
Lilah hopped from foot to foot. “I can’t go. Joseph will just come after me, like last time...”
Kira stilled as she was pulling on a pair of jeans. “What happened?”
“I decided to go home to Mom and Dad. I made it to the airport before Joseph caught up with me. He told me I couldn’t leave the pack without permission, and I can’t rejoin our old pack unless this pack lets me go.”
It was one of the pack laws. When they become a member of a pack a wolf can only leave with permission or by getting thrown out. Which is why Kira leaving was so frowned upon. And a wolf couldn’t join a new pack until the old pack let them go. If a pack harbored a wolf from another pack it was considered an open act of aggression, which could lead to war... Unless the wolf could prove they were in danger from the old pack.
Kira’s wolf whimpered. “But surely your life is at risk...”
Lilah shook her head sorrowfully. “Who would believe me? The only people who have seen the bruises are Joseph and the Alpha and I was... too afraid to tell anyone else. The pack is loyal to Joseph anyway, even if they knew they wouldn’t go against him.”
Kira pulled on a t-shirt. “I came here today to tell you I was leaving.”
Lilah looked a little hurt. “You were?”
“Yes, and I still am and you are coming with me.”
“But...”
Kira held up a hand. “No buts. We’re leaving today.”
Lilah scowled. “We can’t go back to New Mexico; I can’t expect them to let me rejoin the pack. It would be like a declaration of war! I can’t risk our family getting hurt.”
“We’re not going home.” Kira told her patiently. “Now finish packing.”
Reluctantly Lilah complied, she asked a few more questions but Kira wouldn’t answer. She said there would be time to talk later.
When finally ready Lilah cast a forlorn look at her house and wavered but Kira wouldn’t let her change her mind. They were leaving, end of story.
They made sure the coast was clear and retraced the steps Kira had carefully taken as her wolf. The Alpha placed bear traps in the woods, pack members knew where they were placed but he did it to catch trespassers. He was not a friend to other shifter species, or other wolves.
When they reached the car Lilah was surprised to see it was already loaded up with Kira’s belongings. “Wow you weren’t kidding about leaving.”
Kira shrugged as they got in. “I kind of wanted to make a quick getaway. Other than you I doubted anyone would miss me.” She looked at her sister. “Was that you who tried to call me this morning?”
Lilah nodded and frowned. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have, I just...”
“No, I just wish you’d told me sooner, I wish I’d been around more, I...”
Lilah cut her off. “Maybe we should go before I change my mind completely.”
Kira started driving.
Lilah stared out of the window anxiously. “So where are we going anyway?”
“Rose.”
Chapter Three
14th November
Kira bit her lip and anxiously knocked on the door of Adam the Grey wolf pack’s Alpha. Her wolf was a little worried that they wouldn’t be accepted, but otherwise she was excited to be back. Lilah was watching her eagerly from the car.
They’d spent the last five days travelling through Virginia, crashing at sleazy motels and even sleeping in Kira’s tiny car once. Rather than speeding straight to Rose they had played it safe and spread their scents around. Kira was hopeful that by travelling to Rose in a zigzag pattern it would stop Joseph from being able to track them down. Although that really wouldn’t hold him off forever.
They were both exhausted and sick of motels. They’d barely slept, both too afraid that any moment Joseph would catch up to them and also afraid of who else might burst through the motel doors. The lock didn’t even work at one of them; they’d just stacked a load of furniture in front of the door. It was... worrying. Both their wolves had been skittish.
But they had finally made it to Rose. Now all she had to do was convince the Alpha to give them shelter. She waved at Lilah, forcing a smile on her face before knocking again.
Abruptly the door was thrown open. “What?!” Roared the Alpha.
His eyes were darkened, his hair tousled and he was wearing only a pair of jeans. Shit she’d got him out of bed.
“I’m… I’m sorry to wake you I…” Stammered Kira, wolf whining.
Adam’s gaze softened. “Kira, this is a surprise. I’m sorry it’s good to see you.” He placed a meaty paw on her shoulder and squeezed slightly.
“Look I can come back...”
“Adam, who is it?” A soft voice floated toward them.
A slim woman with long brown hair sidled round Adam. Her hair was ruffled and she was wearing an oversize shirt. Clearly Adam’s.
“Hi.” Said Kira awkwardly.
Adam slung an arm round the woman. “Rosalee this is Kira, Kira this is my mate Rosalee.”
Kira looked at the woman in surprise. It was unusual for a pack to have a human female Alpha. This pack was even more progressive than she thought. That boded well for her and Lilah.
Rosalee smiled warmly and took Kira’s hands in hers. “It’s so nice to meet you. Adam told me all about you. How are you?”
“Ummm, not great which is kind of why I’m here.”
Rosalee slapped Adam on the shoulder garnering a mini growl from the wolf. “Where are your manners Alpha? Clearly the poor girl’s in distress and here you are leaving her on the doorstep! Please come in.”
Adam sniffed. “Who’s in the car?” He asked a little suspiciously.
Kira hopped from foot to foot. “That’s my sister Lilah… she’s one of the reasons I’m here.”
Adam nodded and motioned for Lilah to get out. Lilah was a little startled. Adam was even more imposing than Joseph. Kira smiled encouragingly and reluctantly Lilah got out and came over to them.
Kira slipped her arm round her twin’s waist and introduced everyone. Thankfully Lilah’s bruises had healed, but Lilah still had difficulty making eye contact with the powerful Alpha.
Rosalee feeling bold hugged Lilah, who softened a little at the female Alpha’s gentleness. “Come on let’s go get some coffee.”
Soon they were all seated round the kitchen table sipping hot coffee.
Kira bit her lip. “I was wondering if your offer was still open to join your pack.”
Adam smiled widely. “Of course, I’d be honored to have you in my pack… and your sister too of course.”
“Who’s the older twin?” Asked Rosalee curiously.
Kira grinned. “Me, she’s my baby sister.”
Lilah snorted. “Yeah by nineteen minutes!”
Everyone laughed and Kira stuck out her tongue at Lilah.
Rosalee looked between the two of them. “I’d never be able to tell you apart if it weren’t for your hair… is that natural?”
Kira
sighed theatrically. “Yes, I’m naturally blonde, and yes I get asked it all the time!”
Adam eyed his mate peevishly. “Getting back to the matter in hand…”
Kira stared at her cup. “Right, the thing is Lilah is still a part of her old pack, she hasn’t been given permission to leave.”
“Is that bad?” Asked Rosalee. There were so many rules about wolf packs; she was still trying to learn them all.
Adam exhaled deeply. “It means Lilah still belongs to her old pack. If I accepted her into my pack it would be like I was openly defying her old Alpha. It wouldn’t go down well.”
Rosalee pushed her hair behind her ear. She looked between Lilah and Kira. “Can’t you just ask for permission to leave?”
“She can but it won’t be given.” Said Kira bitterly.
Lilah traced patterns on the wooden table with her finger, unable to look at anyone. “I’m married to my Alpha’s son. He… he doesn’t treat me well. I tried to tell my Alpha but he wasn’t interested. So we left.”
The muscles in Adam’s jaw ticked. “You mean he hurt you? Physically?”
Lilah gulped but didn’t answer. Adam felt his claws and fangs lengthen. If there was one thing he couldn’t abide it was male wolves mistreating their females. He’d witnessed it once too often when his father was Alpha; his father had considered females property to be used however their mates saw fit. A lot changed when Adam became Alpha, and those wolves who were unable to change were driven away.
Rosalee held her breath waiting for Adam to speak.
Adam placed a hand on his heart. “My pack will protect both of you. You have my word as Alpha.”
Rosalee flitted round the table and gave her mate a lip smacking kiss. She knew he’d do the right thing.
Kira felt tears spring to her eyes as her wolf pranced around joyously. “Thank you Adam.”
Adam pulled his mate into his lap. “Perhaps it would be better if you lay low for a while though, I don’t mean hide but just no disappearing to go off shopping to Alexandria for eight hours.”
“One time…” Grumbled Rosalee.
The twins nodded in agreement. “I’ll have Alec reach out to the Charming pack Alpha about arranging a meeting to discuss the situation. For now we’ll find a pack mate for you to stay with. We’ll discreetly introduce you to pack members and when your situation has… resolved itself we’ll induct you both into the pack on a full moon run. But for now you are still welcome to join us on the full moon.”