by Reese Morgan
Blake would need to defend his right to lead the Slayter pack.
Until then, he undeniably took the role seriously. He stood opposite of her now, his face impassive, but his amber eyes bright.
“We know you’re going through a challenging time right now—”
“We all are,” she interrupted him fiercely, her ears turning warm at a reprimanding in front of Nicolas. Especially a pity-filled reprimanding. “I did something brash and brought others into danger. I don’t think I can ever make up for the lives that were lost today. I’m sorry, Eric.”
Eric frowned at her. “We want to see you safe, Hayden. Doing things like this…” he trailed off with a slight shake of his head. “I’m sorry too. It’s extremely disappointing.”
Over Blake’s shoulder, Hayden caught movement near the trees. It wasn’t unusual to see fellow werewolves now that they lived amongst each other, but the identity of the onlookers set Hayden’s teeth on edge.
There, next to Addie, stood Devan.
Hayden never thought she’d see the other female again.
It was fortunate she survived the gunshot wound from Nicolas, but other than that fleeting thought, Hayden felt immensely agitated at her presence.
“May I be dismissed?” Hayden pressed impatiently towards Blake.
Before he could dismiss her, she pushed past him and made her way towards Devan and Addie. She kept her chin up, her shoulders proud, and her eyes straight ahead. Despite her bravado, a shadow nipped cruelly at her heels.
There were brief moments when she felt the jarring sensation of Cole’s absence.
Now was one of those times.
An ugly vulnerability darkened her chest and she felt the excruciating pain at his missing presence. These times were challenging, and yet, she somehow managed to brush past Devan and wear a durable façade.
“She carries a great deal of Logan Crow within her. So much like her father.”
Eric’s quiet admission wasn’t out of reverence for the infamous Logan Crow, but out of uncertain trepidation. Hayden didn’t understand the hesitancy in his tone, not when she only heard good things about her father.
Had Eric seen underneath Logan’s blinding charisma?
Had he seen the evidence of his past deeds like Hayden had?
She didn’t pause or look back, but the curiosity ate at her. She continued forward, forcing herself to get lost in the comforting essence of the forest.
2. Chapter Two
Hayden sat completely still as she evaluated the scene down below.
The cold air fervently nipped at her exposed face, but her wolf brimmed with comforting warmth. There was something oddly alluring about the harshness of winter. The barren desolation, the nakedness of nature, and the bleak isolation.
The isolation was what Hayden desperately craved.
No matter how much she tried to adapt back within the pack, she still needed an escape to recompose and reenergize. As much as she wanted to harness normalcy once more, a large part of her would never recover from the events with Cole and Nicolas.
However, above all else, aside from the need of isolation, to her, the biggest loss was no longer seeing her pack as a pillar. Instead, she sought out the loneliness of seclusion.
Almost complete seclusion.
“How long have you been there?” Hayden asked quietly, cocking her head to acknowledge the presence behind her.
“Long enough.”
She did not crane her neck around to look at him, knowing all too well he had settled directly behind her. It unnerved her that he could move about without detection.
Hayden stared down at the two figures in the snow.
Every morning, the two werewolves ventured out here and sparred together. And every day, Hayden made a habit of watching and observing closely. Fortunately, they hadn’t sensed her observation, at least not yet.
“She’s good,” Hayden commented distantly, breaking the silence.
“Is she?” Nicolas inquired doubtfully. “I’m more inclined to admonish him for going so easy on her.” He made a noise of antipathy. “She will never grow as a fighter if he continues to pacify her.”
This time, Hayden turned around, instantly catching his pale eyes.
His attention focused solely on her, as if she were the only distraction for miles. Upon his complete engrossment, her body overreacted with anticipation. She tried to calm herself by rubbing her palms across her legs, effectively removing their clamminess.
She blamed her reaction on her canine half.
“Why do you think that?” she asked levelly. “His movements look sincere.”
Nicolas pushed off from the tree and came to a stop directly behind her. At his proximity, a few strands of her hair caught against the wool of his coat. Just that smallest sensation managed to send a sharp thrill down her spine.
She stiffened.
“Kieran is a very impressive warrior,” Nicolas answered, completely at ease and oblivious to her quandary. “She may have skill, but not enough to keep up with him.”
Hayden grimaced. “They can’t be sparring partners if he goes all out. He may be a better combat warrior, but maybe she is a better swordsman than he is.” She stared at Kieran and his mate, Rylee Donovan.
If Nicolas Slayter complimented his skills, he must be a worthy Alpha.
She was intrigued with the man, and in turn, Rylee.
“You’re far more superior with the blade.”
Fortunately, with her back turned, her blush remained unnoticed. “You’re full of compliments today,” she grumbled unhappily, trying to cover her flattery.
“Am I?” Nicolas inquired airily. “I’d consider that more of a simple observation from one warrior to another.”
Hayden’s eyes grew half-lidded with exasperation. “Of course you would.”
The rogue Alpha chuckled softly and they lapsed into silence. Hayden had forgotten how quiet Nicolas was, or, rather, how he preferred not speaking out of turn. She would have to probe him for answers if she wanted them.
“Have you…” Hayden trailed off, taking a deep breath. It was far more challenging asking it aloud than in her head. “Have you seen Cole?”
Nicolas did not respond for quite some time. “Not personally, no.” After brushing aside a layer of snow, he moved to sit beside her on the collapsed tree. “But I’ve encountered evidence of his activities.”
“He’s been Siring humans on Celeste’s orders,” Hayden deduced discouragingly from his vague answer.
“Siring,” Nicolas repeated thoughtfully, his attention directed far off into the distance. “If you’d like to call it that, then yes. Others aren’t so lucky to have survived the transformations.” He paused. “Cole isn’t a Carrier. He’s similar to—”
“A mindless puppet,” she whispered brokenly. “I know. Blake told me.”
She looked down and fiddled with her hands.
A gloved hand suddenly landed on top her fidgeting fingers, halting her anxiousness. Nicolas stared down at their interlocked hands, considering, before releasing her.
“We will find a way to reverse what’s been done.”
Her eyes traced over his averted features, a bit more optimistic at his admission. “Have you seen Troy Arnold?” she questioned hoarsely. “What about Logan? Have you heard anything about his whereabouts?”
Nicolas blinked slowly, his face still turned away from her.
“My dear, I hadn’t realized how high your expectations were for me.” His gaze seemed hard and unreadable as he scrutinized the two combatting werewolves. “No. My searches remain futile.”
He hated admitting that, Hayden realized suddenly.
She supposed, if she were in his same position, she wouldn’t have wanted to admit her lack of findings out loud either. Nicolas, especially, was a very proud man.
Hayden looked down and away, contemplating his actions. Perhaps that was another reason he kept his distance throughout the past few weeks. Maybe, in his own mind, he
felt ashamed for not having any news for her.
“I want to go to New York,” she announced hesitantly. “My mother… I wanted to speak to her in person. Maybe she has something that can help us. Even though Logan kept truths from her, maybe he trusted her with a few.”
Hayden expected him to reprimand her, to tell her that it was pointless and another impasse. Only, his response surprised her.
“It’s worth a try.”
He stood up, drawing her sharp attention.
Slowly, he moved away from the edge of the cliff and back towards the woods. “With the exception that I accompany you. Not your blond-haired pet.”
It took Hayden just a moment to reference her pet as Asher. She scoffed, wondering why she felt so giddy. Going to New York would probably be another dead end, but at least she’d be doing something.
“When I withheld the information about Cole being under Celeste’s control…”
Hayden turned around, startled to find Nicolas still nearby.
He had his back to her as he gazed up at the sky.
“I did not intend to hurt you further by keeping the truth. I simply wanted to protect you from breaking completely.” He turned his head marginally in order to regard Hayden keenly. “But you’ve proved me wrong countless of times before. You are a very strong woman. I will never underestimate you again.”
Without waiting for a reply, Nicolas silently departed.
She stared at the spot he’d occupied a long time after his departure, his deep, tenured words repeating themselves in her head. When his message finally sunk in, Hayden slumped on her perch and a true smile crossed her lips.
* * * *
“But I need to go! Bad!”
“You’ve already had your time in the bathroom, Fergus. It’s my turn now.”
Hayden hadn’t even entered the pack’s cabin before she heard the argument between the two brothers. Cautiously, she inched her head inside, staring wide-eyed as the naked twins wrestled each other out of the bathroom.
Before she could turn to leave, Fergus spotted her.
“Hayden!” he cried desperately. “I need to use the bathroom—”
“Go outside then,” Nathan admonished. “You’re a wolf, are you not?”
Fergus’ heel slipped on a puddle of water, causing the lankier twin to stumble and fall. Taking advantage of the ungracefulness, Nathan dragged his brother by the arm. Fergus’ nude buttocks easily slid across the wet floor and out of the bathroom.
Nathan slammed the door shut behind him.
After a moment of consideration, Hayden entered the cabin. She picked up a discarded towel and approached the defeated Omega.
“If you’re too embarrassed to do it in your human form outside, just transform into your wolf,” she insisted gently, offering him the towel. “No one would be the wisest. Others do it all the time.”
He appeared crestfallen. “You’re picking his side.”
She scoffed. “Stop being ridiculous. You know I would always pick your side.” Dropping the towel on his lap, she smirked. “I just don’t want to see his bare ass again. We’re better off keeping that door shut permanently.”
“Very funny!” Nathan hollered from the bathroom.
A moment later, the shower turned on, reminding Hayden she needed to bathe just as well.
Fergus’ lips parted in an impish grin, revealing his yellow teeth. “You’re right. I look much better naked.” Regardless of his boastful claim, he stood up and draped the towel around his slim waist.
Hayden wandered over to the small kitchenette, grabbing two pieces of bread and the jar of peanut butter. Despite her preference to reenergize alone, without the pack, her affection for them hadn’t diminished. In fact, her protectiveness for each member had only grown since her return.
“You missed a good breakfast,” Fergus started casually. He knew she’d left to look for Troy Arnold and he knew Blake had already scolded her. It was not his place to do the same. “Addie made potato cakes and fresh bacon. I’ve missed bacon.”
“She made a special trip into town?” Hayden questioned. “Alone?”
When Fergus did not respond, she turned around, slathering her bread with a few layers of peanut butter. The pack Omega appeared guilty and tight-lipped.
“Or was she accompanied by a special someone that warranted that special trip into town?” she asked casually. “I can think of only one other person who likes Addie’s potato cakes more than you.”
Fergus deflated, relieved. “You already know about Devan.”
“I know.”
After contemplating the ceiling for quite some time, Fergus considered her. “Nathan is having mixed feelings as well. Actually, all of us are having mixed feelings about her return. But I’m happy she’s alive and with us again.”
“And Addie gets her proxy daughter back,” Hayden drawled spitefully. “I suppose that makes up for losing two grandsons. In the figurative sense, of course, because both Nicolas and Cole are alive and well.”
As soon as she said the words, she flinched at how horribly bitter she sounded.
“Hayden,” Fergus cautioned.
“I’m sorry,” she apologized, turning back around and looking at her unimpressive sandwich. “I just wished it was Cole in her place.”
Fergus did not respond. He didn’t even make a sound.
Glancing over her shoulder, she took note of Devan and Addie in the doorway. They both appeared taken aback at Hayden’s words, as if it actually mattered anymore.
“Did that sound too harsh?” she asked Devan. “Because it’s the truth.”
Her anger rekindled upon seeing the other woman standing amongst the pack as if everything was normal. Behind the two females, Blake entered the cabin.
Addie placed a supporting hand on Devan’s shoulder.
“We are beyond happy to have Devan back, Hayden.”
According to Fergus, the pack was experiencing mixed feelings regarding Devan’s return. While that may be true, they’d never voice their opinions aloud in front of Devan. They would never question her. Never doubt her. They’d embrace her.
She was family, after all.
After Devan’s betrayal, Hayden had no qualms voicing her opinions.
She placed down her sandwich and took an advancing step towards the other woman. Devan hadn’t said a word, but her gaze said everything. She was defiant. She wanted to be here even though she knew she’d hurt the pack.
Above all else, there was knowledge in her eyes.
She knew Hayden was the dominant female. Her pulse even quickened with intimidation as Hayden inched closer. However, Devan knew the pack held her in high regard. No matter what threats Hayden used, Devan remained victorious.
“Where is Joseph?” Hayden asked, stopping just as her boots hit Devan’s shoes. She looked down her nose at the other female.
“Not here,” Devan responded levelly.
“Where’s Falco?”
“Hayden,” Blake reprimanded. “Stop.”
Hayden ignored him entirely. “Are they both here?” she pressed. “Did you three find it increasingly challenging living out there alone? With Celeste wreaking havoc with her army, I’m sure you thought it was best to live in numbers. You came here to seek protection, not to seek our forgiveness for your betrayal.”
Blake quickly grabbed her arm, forcing her away from Devan.
“I said stop.”
The grip on her arm was bruising and it took a great deal of restraint not to flinch and fight back. Nonetheless, if his hold was not enough to make her hesitate, his face did wonders. Upon seeing the torment twisting his features, her irritation abruptly diminished.
“What does it matter?” Blake asked, lowering both his volume and temper. “This is war, Hayden. We can use all the help we can get and we’re happy to see her alive.”
“I don’t care about her or why she came here.” Hayden pulled herself free from Blake’s hold. “I only care what her intentions are during this wa
r and after. We’ve suffered enough to allow her to betray us a second time.”
Hayden looked at Fergus and Nathan, who’d exited the shower to observe.
The twins remained tight-lipped, as did the rest of the pack. They were all hurting, she acknowledged. While they thought Hayden’s methods were hostile, she only had their safety and well-being in mind.
She ducked around Blake and grabbed Devan’s shirt collar.
“If you hurt any of them, I will personally hunt you down and destroy you.”
Before Blake could react, Hayden released Devan and stormed towards the exit.
“I’m sorry, Hayden,” Devan called to her turned back. “I’m sorry for what I did to you and the pack. But I want to help. I want a second chance.” She paused and her voice hitched lower. “You gave Nicolas a second chance, why can’t you give me the same?”
Hayden stopped at the mention of Nicolas, only because she detected the disbelief in Devan’s tone. She didn’t turn around but simply continued her departure.
The pack would never give Nicolas the second chance they would give Devan.
His deeds greatly surpassed that of kidnapping a new pack member for forbidden love. Hayden had already tried explaining that Nicolas had killed his mother in order to protect Cole from Celeste and play his part.
They hadn’t been impressed with the story. Far from it. They hadn’t even given much weight to the fact that Xavier Slayter and Logan Crow had killed several people just to find a way to eliminate rogue werewolves.
Despite the stories, Celeste was not a threat here.
Not yet.
When the past deeds of Nicolas Slayter were no longer a topic of gossip amongst the werewolves, and Celeste finally became a danger, then the war had truly started.
She didn’t know whether she should look forward to that or not.
Hayden walked amongst the congregation of werewolves, her eyes focused straight ahead. As the days went on, the number of werewolves gathered in one place had grown tremendously.
Space grew limited and so did resources.