Fighter (Outsider Series)

by Micalea Smeltzer

  Jack shrugged. “He’s a kid in our eyes. I felt being renounced might snap him out of his… psychotic state.”

  “Obviously not,” Caeden’s body was coiled tightly, veins popping out along his arms and neck.

  Jack sighed. “I didn’t come here to fight with you. I just came here to let you know that we are no longer following Travis. I don’t want my pack attacked, unjustly. If you want our help, we’re here for you.”

  Caeden took a calming breath. “Thank you,” he finally said, “I appreciate this.”

  “I can assure you,” Jack said, “that if we ever hear from him again or happen to learn anything we’ll contact you.”

  “Thank you,” Caeden reached out to shake the man’s hand.

  Surprised, Jack took it.

  “I’ll be going now,” he said. “I’m sorry to have surprised you.” He waved over his shoulder and then disappeared into the woods.

  “That was weird,” I said.

  “Yeah,” Caeden rubbed his face as he closed the door, “it really was.”

  “Do you think this is a set up? A way for Travis to get information?” I asked.

  “Honestly? No,” he rubbed his stubbly jaw.

  Caeden padded into the family room and collapsed onto the couch.

  “What makes you so sure?” I asked as I sat down beside him.

  “I’m not one-hundred percent sure… It’s just… The look in his eyes was honest.”

  I sighed. “This flippin’ sucks. We don’t know who to trust anymore.”

  “I know,” stared up at the ceiling. “Some days, I really hate being Alpha. I’m too young.”

  “Don’t say that,” I rubbed his leg. “You’re a wonderful leader.”

  He let out a snort of laughter and said seriously, “And, you’re a liar.”

  “Caeden,” I said and flinched.

  “Oh, babe I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it,” he sat up and wrapped his arms around me. I was already, unconsciously, rubbing the scar on my arm.

  “It’s okay,” I mumbled.

  “No, it’s not,” he picked up my arm and placed a light kiss on top of the scar. “That was such a shitty thing to say. Forgive me?”

  I nodded. “You didn’t mean it. I’m just… really sensitive about it.”

  “I know, babe, I know.” He pulled me against his chest.

  “What are we going to do about Travis?” I asked.

  “We’ll come up with a plan,” he pressed his lips to the top of my head. “I promise. No more rushing things. This time, we’re going to kill that son of a bitch once and for all.”

  That sounded good to me. I snuggled closer to his side, thinking I might just be able to take a nap when the doorbell rang.

  “What the crap?” Caeden said.

  “Do you think he’s back?” I asked, sitting up.

  “No… this is someone else. I think… It couldn’t be…” He mumbled as he sniffed the air. Caeden strode out of the room and pulled open the front door. He stood, staring and frozen, his mouth agape.

  A tall good-looking guy built like a football player stood outside our door. He swept his sandy brown hair from his face and removed his sunglasses. With a smirk, he waved. “Hello Cay-berry.”

  seventeen.

  “Nolan?” Caeden gasped. “I haven’t seen you in years! What are you doing here?” Then, they did the weird half hug, half chest bump, thing that guys do.

  “In the flesh,” the guy said. “I heard you might need some help.”

  “With what?” Caeden narrowed his eyes at the guy but I didn’t sense any anger or fear from him, so I stayed back.

  “I heard that some psycho wolf was after my Cay-berry. I thought that a tiger might be better suited to handle the situation,” he then winked at me. “And who’s this lovely lady?” he asked, stepping into the foyer.

  “My wife,” Caeden said and moved back. He wrapped his hand around my waist and pulled me possessively against his side. His mate mojo was kicking in. I poked his side in warning.

  “Nolan Odair,” the guy held his hand out. Now, that he was closer, I could see that he was a few years older than us, definitely in his twenties.

  “Sophie Beau-” I blushed. “Sophie Williams,” I corrected myself.

  “I’m assuming you’re recently married,” he looked between us.

  “Yes,” I answered.

  “Cay-berry, I’m hurt,” he put his hand over his chest. “Where was my invite?” Nolan pouted.

  Caeden chuckled. “Nolan, you never stay in one place very long. Sending you an invite would be a waste.”

  “True,” he nodded.

  Caeden ushered Nolan into the family room and we all sat down. I felt awkward. After all, I didn’t know this guy. So, I just sat beside Caeden and kept my lips sealed.

  “Nice place,” Nolan looked around.

  “Thanks,” Caeden said.

  “I heard about your dad,” Nolan cleared his throat. “I’m sorry about that. He was a good man.”

  Caeden turned away and looked out the back windows.

  “So, you’re here to help?” Caeden said, finally turning back to Nolan.

  Nolan sat back and laid his arm across the top of the couch. “Of course.”

  “How did you hear about what was going on with Travis? You’re a drifter.”

  Nolan shrugged. “Just because I drift, doesn’t mean I don’t hear and know things. I’m not completely removed from my streak.”

  “Streak?” my brows knitted together.

  Nolan looked at me, his strange green eyes with flecks of orange and gold, meeting mine. “That’s what you call a group of tigers. A streak.”

  “So you’re not a-”

  “Wolf? Nope, that’s just lame,” he winked at me to let me know he was just kidding. “Tiger, all the way.”

  “That’s awesome!” I exclaimed and nearly fell off the couch in my excitement. I’d never met another type of shifter before.

  Nolan and Caeden laughed at my enthusiasm.

  “Can you do anything that we can’t do?”

  “Nothing special, no. But tigers are different than wolves, so we hunt and take down our prey in a different way.”

  “Do you still heal faster than normal?” I asked.

  “Yep,” he said.

  Suddenly, my hostess skills kicked in. “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry! I’m sure you’re hungry and thirsty. Can I get you anything?”

  “Do you have sweet tea?” he asked.

  “Of course,” I smiled.

  “I’d love some of that, thank you,” he smiled at me.

  “I’ll be right back,” I hopped up from the couch and ran into the kitchen.

  I grabbed the pitcher of sweet tea from the refrigerator and glass with a lemon wedge design on it. I added some ice and poured the tea over it. I dug through the pantry and found an assortment of chips and other snacks. I put everything on a tray and carried it to the family room. I placed the tray on the ottoman and handed Nolan his tea before sitting next to Caeden and drawing my legs underneath me.

  “Cay-berry, do you have a plan yet?” Nolan asked, after taking a sip of the iced tea.

  “No,” Caeden growled. “I’m not trying to rush things. I want to look at this from all angles and come up with a proper plan.”

  “Spoken like a true Alpha,” Nolan lifted his drink in the air in salute.

  “Besides,” Caeden continued, “I know Travis is up to something. I just know it.”

  “Have you heard from Maria, yet?” I placed my hand on Caeden’s thigh as I turned to look at him. I giggled when I realized he was still shirtless but I was enjoying the view too much to tell him to grab a shirt.

  Caeden shook his head. “No, these things take time. I expect her to call me soon though.”

  “What are you suspecting?” Nolan asked.

  “I’m not quite sure,” Caeden bit his bottom lip. “I’ll take you to where the scent is the strongest and see what you think.”

  “Sure,�
� Nolan nodded and finished off his tea. He looked around the large room and then back at us. Sheepishly he said, “I hate to impose on you newlyweds, but would you mind letting me stay here?”

  “That’s not a problem,” Caeden answered. “There’s a guest room down here.”

  “Thanks,” Nolan breathed and rubbed his hands on his jeans. “Before we continue this lovely chitchat, can I take a shower?”

  “Sure,” Caeden stood. “Your room is this way.”

  Caeden took Nolan to the guest room, while I stayed on the couch.

  Caeden returned and pecked me on the lips. “Sorry about that. I haven’t seen him in years. He’s the last person I’d ever suspect to show up at my doorstep.”

  “How do you know him?” I leaned back on Caeden’s chest when he sat down behind me.

  “His family used to live nearby and we’d hang out together. He’s a few years older than us. He left home when he was fifteen and has been roaming ever since. His family left after that and I haven’t seen him since.”

  “Why does he call you Cay-berry?” I asked, with a small chuckle.

  “I don’t know,” he shrugged. “He always has. You’d have to ask him.”

  “Why’d he leave home?”

  “Honestly? I’m not sure. His family’s great. I was really surprised when he just up and left.” He brushed my hair off of my neck and I shivered from his touch. “I always suspected this life became too much for him. Being a shifter is a lot to handle.”

  “Yeah, it is,” I rubbed my eyes and yawned.

  “Go to sleep my she-wolf,” his lips brushed my ear. “I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

  * * *

  I had a major crook in my neck when I woke up but at least I’d actually gotten some sleep.

  “Hey, beautiful,” Caeden kissed the side of my head.

  “How long was I asleep?” I yawned.

  “A few hours,” he replied.

  “And you didn’t move?” I sat up to look at him.

  “I was right where I wanted to be… with you in my arms.”

  Gosh, that boy had a way with words and knew how to make a girl swoon.

  “Where’s Nolan?” I looked around the empty room.

  Caeden stretched. “Probably eating all our food.”

  My stomach rumbled in response to the mention of food; reminding me that I hadn’t eaten all day.

  “How about I make some spaghetti?” I suggested.

  “Sounds delicious. I’m going to go get a shirt,” he pointed to his naked chest.

  “I’ll start dinner,” I answered, already heading to the kitchen.

  Nolan was there, sitting at the built in nook, devouring a box of Pop Tarts. It looked like he was already on his third pack.

  “Hungry?” I raised a brow.

  “Starved,” he answered.

  “I’m going to make spaghetti. Is that okay with you?” I asked.

  “Hey,” he put his hands in the air, “I’ve barged into your house. I’ll eat whatever you want to give me.”

  I laughed and pulled out the box of noodles and sauce. I grabbed some garlic cheesy bread from the freezer, placed it on a pan, and popped it in the oven.

  “Where did you come from? I mean…” I hesitated.

  He chuckled. “I got your meaning. I was up north in New Jersey.”

  “What’s in New Jersey?”

  “Nothing… Everything… I just want to see the world,” he answered.

  “How’d you hear about what’s going on here?” I asked, curiosity getting to me.

  He opened another pack of Pop Tarts. “I know it might seem like you’re very isolated but word travels fast in the shifter community. Weddings, births, and deaths,” he paused and looked up under his thick black lashes at me. I was struck again by his strange colored eyes. “When I heard that Cay-berry might need some help, I came as quick as I could.”

  “Well thanks,” I said, turning the knob on the stove, so that the water would start boiling. “We need all the help we can get.”

  “It’s not a problem,” he waved his hand. “I live for a fight. It’s the only thing I’m good at.”

  “I’m sure that’s not true,” I poured the blood red sauce into a pan.

  He just shrugged.

  “So… why do you call Caeden, Cay-berry?”

  Nolan chuckled and shook his head. “It’s just this one time when we were little, he fell into a blueberry bush and came out covered in them. I thought his skin was going to turn blue. Thus, Cay-berry was born.”

  I giggled and leaned on the island. “I love hearing stories about Caeden when he was little.”

  “Oh no,” Caeden came up behind me and pulled me against him. “What’s he telling you? I swear, they’re all lies,” he kissed my neck.

  “Lies? Never,” Nolan scoffed.

  “Dude?” Caeden stared at the table. “All of my Pop Tarts?”

  “Every. Single. One.” Nolan smirked and stuck the last piece in his mouth.

  “Don’t make me put a lock on the pantry,” Caeden warned.

  “You know you’d never do that. You love me too much,” Nolan grinned.

  Caeden rolled his eyes. “You’ve been gone for years and then you just show up and act like you left yesterday. What’s up with that?”

  Nolan put a hand on his chest. “Aw, Cay-berry. You’ve missed me. How sweet.”

  “Nolan,” Caeden said warningly. “Why did you leave?”

  “Haven’t you ever wanted to get away? Pretend you’re not part of this life?” Nolan ran his fingers through his light brown hair. “There’s so much responsibility that comes with this life. I didn’t want that. So I left.”

  “Just left?” Caeden asked, in disbelief.

  “Yep.” Nolan popped the “p”.

  “You just forgot about your responsibility and left?”

  “Uh… yeah,” Nolan replied.

  Caeden gripped the countertop so hard that his knuckles turned white. “I looked up to you! You were like an older brother to me and one day, you were just gone.”

  “Where’s this coming from?” Nolan snapped. “You were fine and now you’re looking at me like you want to strangle me.”

  “You caught me by surprise. Now, I’ve had time to process.”

  The two men glared at each other, chests heaving.

  I rolled my eyes at their silliness. “Go hug each other and stop fighting.”

  “What? You can’t be serious,” Caeden glared at me.

  “I’m very serious, Caeden Henry Williams. Go hug your friend and apologize for your behavior. He’s a guest,” I eyed my husband.

  Caeden looked at me and when he saw that I wasn’t going to budge on the issue, he swished his head towards Nolan. “Sorry dude. I shouldn’t have said all that.” He put his hands in front of him. “But I’m not hugging you.”

  “What makes you think, I’d let you hug me?” Nolan raised an eyebrow, a smirk on his lips. I was starting to think the guy was always smirking

  Caeden narrowed his eyes in jest. “Oh, now I’m definitely hugging you.”

  The two guys began to run around the kitchen.

  I rolled my eyes and dropped the noodles in the boiling water. After all, boys will be boys, and nothing I’d say would stop them.

  They finally settled down and I was left on my own in the kitchen. I pushed play on the iPod dock and my music began to pump into the quiet kitchen. I found myself singing along and dancing in time with the beat, waving the wooden spoon around.

  I jumped when a voice behind me said, “That’s hot.”

  I blushed at being caught and turned to see Caeden standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his muscular chest.

  “Can you do that every time you cook?” he asked.

  “Yeah,” Nolan said, poking his head through the doorway. “It’s like having free entertainment.”

  “Stop checking out my wife,” Caeden pushed Nolan away.

  “Dinner’s almost ready,” I
told him, effectively cutting of the death glare he was sending Nolan. “Grab the plates and set them on the table,” I pointed to the stack of plates I’d removed from the cabinet but hadn’t made it to the table with.

  “You got it,” he grabbed them up and swooped down to plant a kiss on my cheek before going to the table. I blushed, amazed by how easily we’d eased into the role of husband and wife, and having our own home.

  Nolan leaned against the counter. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “You can get the drinks,” I pointed to the cabinet that the glasses were in.

  “What do you want to drink?” he asked, removing the clear glasses with the light blue bottoms.

  “Water, please,” I smiled at him and stirred the pasta.

  He filled up my glass, got some more sweet tea for himself, and then asked Caeden what he wanted.

  Satisfied that the noodles were done, I drained the water and poured them into a large bowl. I then added the sauce and cheese before stirring it all together. I placed the bowl on the table and went back for the bread.

  We were almost finished eating when Caeden’s phone rang. He pulled it out his pocket and looked at the screen. “I have to take this,” he mumbled, not meeting Nolan’s eyes or mine as he left the room.

  I looked at Nolan and he shrugged before going back to shoveling spaghetti in his mouth. Wolf shifters definitely weren’t the only ones with a healthy appetite. Nolan couldn’t seem to eat enough to satisfy his hunger.

  I, on the other hand, was suddenly not very hungry.

  I grabbed my almost empty plate up and went to the sink to dispose of it.

  Caeden had looked worried when he read the caller ID. Who could it have been?

  Before I could ponder too much, I busied myself with cleaning everything else up. I did, however, leave Caeden’s plate on the table and covered it in saran wrap, in case he got hungry later. I left the kitchen, with Nolan still eating. I knew it was rude to leave a guest but I had to find Caeden.

  I headed straight to his office because that seemed to be the most logical place for him to go.

  I found him sitting on one of the blue couches with his head in his hands, chest heaving.

  “Caeden,” I whispered tentatively, suddenly, wishing I had knocked.

  For some reason, I felt like I was interrupting something.