by Tamar Sloan
If there’s anywhere that Seth isn’t going to be welcome, it’s here.
The driveway becomes paved as I approach the main homestead. A large porch surrounds it, extending forward into an undercover area. You can park outside the front of this house and leave your car and never get wet.
As I step out of the truck I notice the grey clouds look like they’ve sunk. I’d say that in a few hours you’ll be able to see why this setup is so useful.
Seth is beside me faster than any other place we’ve visited. I glance up at his grim face. “We’ll keep this one quick?”
His nod is short and sharp. “Yep.”
The couple who come out are middle-aged. The man is tall like most Weres but rounded in the middle in a way I haven’t seen in any other Alpha. The woman is wide and soft looking. Both have a broad smile on their face.
I step forward, pretty lamplights glowing in what would otherwise be a gloomy front entrance. “Hello, I’m—”
“Eden.” The woman steps forward, arms extended. She engulfs me a hug, every part of the body that touches me warm and soft. “We’re honored to have you here.”
A little surprised, a lot relieved, I smile as I pull back. “Thank you, it’s wonderful to meet you.”
The woman steps back and she looks over my shoulder. Her smile does the impossible and grows even wider. “Seth, how wonderful to see you again.”
Seth steps forward into his own hug, his own face relaxing. “Maria. It’s been too long.”
Maria pulls back, her hand coming up to cup Seth’s face as she studies him. “How are you?”
I can tell Seth’s smile is genuine because it holds the touch of sadness that defines his loss of Were status. “Bittersweet I believe is the term. I lost something important, but also gained something I’ve wanted for a long time.”
Emily.
The man steps forward. “Welcome to Tate Ranch. My name is John, I’m the Alpha of our pack.”
I smile as I extend my hand, ignoring that my stomach has just twisted into a clove hitch. “Thank you, John. Your ranch is gorgeous.”
Maria beams, hands tangling in her skirt. “We’d love to show you around.”
We collectively look at the sky beyond and the clouds that seem to be getting darker and lower. I even notice John scenting the air surreptitiously. His Were senses are reading how far away the rain is.
“Maybe another time.”
Maria’s laugh is delighted. She looks back up to her husband. “Did you hear that? They’re coming back.”
John grunts, shaking his head a little. “Come in, we know you’re here to talk.”
The inside of the house is just as grand as the outside. There’s lots of polished timber and big, chunky furniture. But despite the obvious money, this place says home. The couches look used enough to be comfortable, and the rugs have tracks worn into them from the countless feet that have spent time in here. I grew up with money, but our homes never looked like this.
John and Maria take us to a sunken lounge and gesture for us to take a seat. We both decline the offer of a hot drink. I can feel Seth’s tension despite the warm welcome.
I perch on the edge of the sofa, not sure if it’s the importance of what I’m asking for, or whether it’s because I’m here with the Tate pack. “I’m sure you’ve heard of the threat to the Glade.”
John nods sagely. “Yes. Word has got around.”
Maria shifts forward, her round face stamped with sincerity. “We want to help.”
I hear some movement behind me and turn to find four people walking in. Some young, some older, they all smile and move to stand behind the Tate Alphas. I glance at John and Maria, but they simply smile at the new additions and turn back to me.
It seems we’ll have an audience. I take in a fortifying breath. I’m going to have to get used to talking to more than two people. “Thank you.”
John leans forward. “What do you need?”
Three more people filter in, spreading out like a fan on the opposite side of the lounge room.
My hands, clasped in my lap, tense around each other. “Money at this stage. The plan is to win the land at auction.”
John absorbs the information for a moment. “And if we win, who will own it?”
He’s not the first Alpha to ask this question, and I know I can’t afford to pause. “The Prime Alpha pair will.”
John thinks even longer on this one. Five more people slide into the room, as quietly and as unobtrusively as you can, considering this is a two-person act playing out in a lounge. “So the Phelans will own it.”
“The Prime Alpha represents all Weres.”
Maria reaches across and grasps John’s hand. I’m not sure what she’s trying to communicate, but I hope it helps.
I hear more people at the doorway to the lounge, but they must stop there and wait. They can feel the room is holding its breath. This is obviously a large and a wealthy pack. A pack that had seeds of discontent bloom before their eyes…and those of all Weres.
John sucks his chin in, which seems to emphasize his pot belly. “I have seen Noah’s strength.”
I nod. You’d be blind not to. But I also notice the absence of me in that Prime Alpha equation. The human.
“And I respect your courage.”
I nod again, wanting to give a sigh of relief, but knowing that wouldn’t be smart. Courageous people don’t flop back, their breath whooshing out. They just stare solemnly at the Alpha across from them, taking the compliment like it’s warranted.
Maria’s hand is looking like it’s strangling John’s. The Weres behind them haven’t moved.
John takes a deep breath, his gaze never breaking mine. “The time for Weres is changing. We need uniting. And the Prime Prophecy will do that.”
I wonder whether those words were for himself or the pack assembled behind him.
I don’t let my held breath out, wanting to grip my pendant, but I don’t. “Saving the Glade has united us already. It is showing us what we can achieve when we work together.”
John smiles, the big craggy, smile of a happy Alpha. “I look forward to being part of it.”
Maria’s breath whooshes out like someone just released a valve. The crowd, it looks like twelve people could be standing there, all move as they relax. Their smiles match those of their Alphas’.
Maria stands, looking like her excitement has her needing to move. “I’m going to get us some tea and cakes.” And she’s gone, despite our earlier polite ‘no thanks.’
John watches his wife leave. “You’ll have to excuse my mate. Her heart is as big as this ranch.”
Seth’s smile is gentle. “There’s nothing to apologize for. Maria is known for her generosity and love to nurture.”
John looks at us, green gaze steady. He opens his mouth, then closes it again. I wait, hoping the desire to say what he’s considering wins out. “What happened…”
Without conscious thought, I send out calming vibes. It’s obvious this is difficult for him.
“When we discovered it was Daniel who had betrayed Weres, and then when he said everything he did at Council, it broke Maria’s heart.”
My heart clenches. “She was close to him?”
“She’s close to everyone in our pack, it’s in her nature. But Daniel was raised on the ranch, his mother was a good friend of Maria’s before she passed away when Daniel was a teenager.”
The Weres around us shift, one or two murmuring agreement.
“It must have been difficult for her to have him banished.”
John’s look of assent is grave. “The humiliation merely compounded the loss.”
I nod. Words would only diminish that sort of pain.
“The fractures that have been forming amongst Weres first showed in our pack. That is not a badge of honor.”
This time there are nods from the pack behind him, some louder murmurs of agreement.
Maria bustles back in, carrying a tray with mugs and little cupcakes.
She sits it on the coffee table between us, and Seth doesn’t waste any time in reaching for an iced morsel. “Maria is known for her cooking.”
She grins. “Beth and I took cooking classes together.”
That has me smiling too. It doesn’t surprise me that Beth’s cooking is legendary. “Well then, let’s see if you’ve picked up any of her skills.”
The cupcake is light and sweet and not nearly burnt enough. I smile at Maria. “A little undercooked.”
Maria laughs her sweet laugh, looking pleased. “We can’t all reach Beth’s heights of culinary skill.”
With the tension crushed by cupcakes, the rest of the pack starts to mill around, chatting. Feeling a little like I’m at one of my mother’s old cocktail parties, I talk to several Weres. But as I chat, I discover this is nothing like those forced, impersonal gatherings. These are warm, friendly people who are curious about what I stand for.
And I’m happy to stand for the Prime Prophecy.
Seth hasn’t been far from my side since we arrived. It makes me wonder what has his radar on alert. The Tates are obviously looking to move forward. As John and Maria approach us, he steps aside, asking them to join him.
I pretend to sip my tea, knowing I’m eavesdropping, but telling myself I need to get a sense of any undertones in this pack.
Seth clears his throat. “John. Maria. I just wanted to say that I’m sorry.”
Oh gosh. He’s talking about the betrayal with Daniel. Seth knew what Daniel was up to, he was complicit with the desire to expose Weres.
Maria is teary as she grasps Seth’s hand. “In the end you made a different choice. That gives me hope.” She squeezes it before releasing it. “And you’ve done your penance.”
I swallow. Seth will never again be a Were.
I decide it’s time to leave. Everything that needed to be said has been said, and Seth doesn’t need to be reminded of this past any longer.
I step in, placing a hand on Seth’s arm. “I’m thinking we may want to get moving. It’ll probably be slow going with the rain coming in.” I turn to John and Maria. “Thank you for your hospitality and support. Your lovely pack has been very welcoming, which is saying something considering how many there are.”
John chuckles as Maria beams. “And they’re not all here, either. Some of them are out tending fences, including our son, Jared.” He glances to the window. “My guess is that they would’ve worked as quickly as they could to try and beat this weather. They’ll be back tonight or tomorrow morning, I’d say.”
I’m already heading to the door. “Then I’m sorry I missed them.” I smile. “Maybe next time.”
Maria’s smile amps up to blazing. I think having even the human half of the Prime Alpha give them the tick of approval has meant some sort of redemption.
Out at the truck, Maria and John stand with their pack behind them. The rain which I’d used as an excuse has made sure I’m not a liar. It’s a steady downpour around us.
Maria pulls me in for one last hug. I squeeze her back, saying a silent thank you. We’ve all seen today what unity can mean. I pause when I hear her gasp, quiet but inescapable, beside my ear.
Maria pulls back and I look into her shocked face. Her eyes do the impossible and widen some more.
Oh no. She’s scented it.
Frantic, I glance past her to Seth and John, but they didn’t hear her sound of shock. Looking back, I know I have to choose my words carefully. “Maria—”
Realization dawns across her rounded face. “Ah, I see.”
I hope so, but I can’t afford for this to be said out loud. “I haven’t…”
Maria smiles as she releases me and steps back. “Then I won’t say anything either. But I’m looking forward to when we both do.”
I try not to sag with relief, but my shoulders still drop a good inch. “Thanks, Maria.”
“Next time.”
Actually, I think I’ll like coming here with Noah.
The rain is coming down with force, the sound a steady drumroll on the roof above us, as we climb into the car.
Seth mutters beside me. “You doing all the driving isn’t good for my image.”
I pop the keys into the ignition. “It frees you up to do the royal wave as we leave.”
Seth smiles as he waves to the people standing outside. “This is what I’ve been reduced to.”
I’m smiling too as I turn the keys…except nothing happens. There’s a click and little else.
I frown and try again. But there’s no engine roaring to life. I look at Seth, ‘uh oh’ stamped all over my face.
Seth glances at the dash. “Did you leave the lights on or something?”
I roll my eyes. “It was daytime when we arrived. We didn’t need headlights.” But I check anyway when I turn the ignition over a third time and nothing happens. “How are you with cars?”
Seth’s look is dry. “I spent my childhood trekking the state with my hippy mother. Anything with four wheels was nothing but a necessary evil.”
I stare at the dash like it can give me some answers. Why does this have to happen now?
Maria and John look at me in puzzlement as I climb back out. The only thing genuine about my smile is the embarrassment that powers it. “It won’t start.”
Seth is already opening the hood and we collectively stare at the shiny metal hulk that sits in there.
John scratches his head. “I’m not so familiar with the newer ones. Give me a John Deere and this would be a different scenario.”
Maria shrugs beside him. “If you could bake a soufflé in there maybe I could help.”
My stomach sinks incrementally as each potential hero is struck off the list. A small part of me is angry with Alexis for managing to do this to me, even though she’s halfway across the state.
I jump in the driver’s seat again, knowing it’s useless but trying anyway. There’s the click of the turning key and nothing else.
I climb out, unsure of what happens next.
“Stay,” Maria says. “Our son, Jared, will be back from inspecting the fences tonight, tomorrow morning at the latest. He has a way with cars.” She gestures to the multiple buildings behind her. “You can even stay in the guest bungalow if you like. It will give you a little privacy.”
I look from the car to the solid wall of rain that isn’t far away. This was our last stop, and I hadn’t thought of where to go next. Another night in a hotel somewhere from the looks of things. The call of home tugs somewhere deep inside me, but I’m not sure that it’s time to go back yet. Maria’s reaction as we hugged has shown that my secret isn’t going to stay one for much longer.
John nods, agreeing with his wife. “We would be honored for you to spend time with our pack, and Jared will have you on your way first thing in the morning.”
To be honest, I don’t think we have a lot of options. “That would be wonderful, thank you.”
Maria claps with delight. “Yay!” With that, she rushes inside. I suspect more cupcakes are on the menu.
I head to the back door and Seth follows me. His brows are low as he looks at me. His voice is whisper quiet so John can’t overhear. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
I shrug, because I don’t have an answer for that one. “What choice do we have?” I whisper back, leaning in to get my bag.
If I can’t trust my fellow Weres, who can I trust?
Chapter Fifteen
The first thing I notice when I wake up the next morning is how quiet the Tate ranch is. I’ve never stayed at one before, but I would have thought that given its size, there would be engines rumbling or cows bellowing or people talking.
But there’s nothing.
I roll over in bed, one hand tucked under my cheek, the other wrapped around my middle as I use the brief moment of quiet to calm myself. There’s been no word from Noah, and that’s starting to make me nervous. We’ve never been apart like this, so I have no baseline, but I know we’d be talking more often than this. I know my
reception has been patchy, and it may have been for him too, but it’s still unusual.
Maria’s shocked face as we hugged floats in my mind. When one Were knows something it’s only a matter of time before many Weres know something. Word of mouth is the communication which keeps the packs connected over such great distances but still keeps their existence secret.
It looks like it’s time to go home.
I curl around myself more tightly, happiness starting to sing in my veins. Staying away has been harder than I thought, but Weres have come together to raise a lot of money for the Glade. It feels good knowing I’m going home with some good news.
And surely Noah is home by now. I wrap my hand around the wolf pendant, gripping it tightly. I’ll get to share the words I’ve been carrying for so long.
I push up and stretch. I can just imagine the happy dance when I tell Seth it’s time to go home. His reunion with Emily is going to be a beautiful one.
I dress quickly, noticing that the dizziness has barely been present the past couple of days. Dr. Martinez said that would probably happen, and I’m glad she’s right. Fainting in front of any of the Weres we’ve seen doesn’t exactly say Prime Alpha. Especially when they believe you’re a run-of-the mill human. It’s also meant I can focus on what I need to do…not what I have no idea what to do with.
Next thing I notice is that I’m hungry. I grab a piece of fruit from the bowl that was placed in the room. This ranch says money as much as the places I grew up in. Who has a fruit bowl in their guest bungalow? Heck, who has a guest bungalow?
Seth is coming out of the adjoining room as I head out, dressed and ready like I am. I’m glad he’s an early riser like me. Each motel we’ve stayed at he’s been waiting at the truck when I come out.
I pull up a chair in the little kitchenette, wondering when the Tate ranch will start to wake up. Seth rummages around in the cupboards and pulls out a pretty jar crammed full of muesli.
I roll my eyes, smiling. “Of course.”
Seth grins as he finds himself a bowl. “I’m pretty sure she makes her own.”
Excitement bubbles in my belly. “I have good news.”
Seth looks up from the milk he was pouring, looking like I might be Santa and about to make all his wishes come true.