“Then, a lovely Madeline MacIntosh moved to town and I lost my heart,” Dad said as he blew my mother a kiss.
Adam shared some final words and twelve men gathered at the front of the room. Alicia Pierce kissed her son’s forehead as the casket was closed. The touching moment she had with her deceased husband nearly broke my heart.
My mom took Alicia’s arm and led her out the front doors. The caskets were carried out and put in the back of the waiting Pierce Construction pick-up trucks. My dad was the one to slide Roman’s casket in and close the tailgate. Adam did the same for Connor. Dad climbed into the cab of the truck carrying Roman’s body and turned the key. Mom and Alicia climbed in beside him.
Adam turned to face me and his eyes said what he couldn’t bear to ask. I took his outstretched hand and climbed into the passenger seat of the truck that would carry Connor to his final resting place. Mindy Peterman climbed in beside me and slid her hand into mine. Whatever comfort I could give, I would.
***
The graves were dug and waiting to accept the caskets the men lowered into them. Now, I knew where Adam had been this morning. He’d driven the backhoe up to dig the graves.
No words were said. Heads were simply bowed reverently and silent prayers were lifted to the gods. One by one, hands reached for a handful of dirt to sprinkle over each casket. Bernard Golden led the group.
Most of the women had gone into Cedar River to prepare the tables and food for the incoming crowd.
Adam handed me the keys to the truck. “I’m going to take care of this. I’ll catch a ride to town with Bowie.”
I watched as Bowie tossed his jacket in the front seat of the other pick-up. Daddy and the other Goldens did the same.
Adam said, “I have to do this, baby.”
“You don’t have to, but you will because that’s the man Roman raised you to be,” I said.
“I love you, Luna,” he whispered as he lowered his lips to mine.
“I love you, too, Adam.” I noticed Mindy’s hand was still in mine as I led her to the truck.
Adam was arguing with his aunt. Alicia wanted to stay to see her husband and son buried. Adam felt she had dealt with enough just lately. He finally hung his head in defeat. He waved me on as he reluctantly gave into his aunt’s pleas.
***
The house was quiet when Mindy and I went inside. I showed her where the bathroom was so she could wash up. I went upstairs to Adam’s room to run a brush through my hair and touch up my make-up.
I returned to the downstairs to find Mindy on the sofa, crying. I sat beside her and held her while she cried.
She sniffled a little and looked at me. “I’m pregnant,” she blurted out.
I was more than a little stunned. Mindy couldn’t be more than seventeen or eighteen.
“Connor promised me that he’d marry me and take care of us.”
Oh, well, shit, I thought, though I kept the words in my head. I cleared my throat. “So, Connor knew about the baby?”
Mindy nodded, unable to speak again.
“You know Adam will help you provide for the baby, right? This baby is as much a part of this pride as Connor was.”
“Do you think so?” she said, her voice trembling. “I’m so scared, Luna.”
“I know, honey, but you know Adam’s a good man. He’ll make sure you and the baby have a place if you need it.”
“It will be easier with you as his mate though,” she said. “You’ll be here to understand and help me to adjust, won’t you?”
“Of course, I’ll be here for you, Mindy,” I said, realizing my decision had already been made.
Chapter Thirty- Adam
With all of the help, burying the caskets went quickly. It was encouraging to see the Alphas and leaders of their people getting dirty in effort to help another.
Rock tossed the keys to the truck to me.
“I’ve got to take the backhoe up to the barn,” I said.
“I’ll take it,” he said with a grin. “I’ve wanted to test drive this bad boy since Roman bought it.”
I snickered, “Just park it in front of the barn and I’ll take care of it tonight.”
Aunt Alicia and Madeline McIntyre were huddled in the truck as I climbed inside. The men who stayed behind to help, climbed into the bed of the pick-up, bundled up in their winter coats.
***
Everybody went inside to get warm before piling into the remaining cars and going into town.
Mrs. G had organized the community and was putting on a potluck dinner for us.
Mr. G cornered me as I came down the stairs. “We’re having a special meeting of the Shifters Council next week. Don’t make any decisions until then, Adam.”
I couldn’t imagine what he was implying, but he certainly had my curiosity peaked.
The house emptied out quickly. Aunt Alicia had changed her clothes and headed out with the McIntyres. Bowie and I were the only ones left in the living room.
My best friend grinned at me. “I know this isn’t what you wanted, brother, but you’re an Alpha.”
I punched him in the arm, “I never wanted this, Bowie. I sure as hell didn’t want it at this price.”
He patted my back, “I know, but Roman could never be accused of being stupid.”
I ran my fingers through my hair. “Remind me of that later, would you? Right now, I’m just worried about Luna. Will she run? I mean, she could end up being a wolf in a pride of pumas, Bowie.”
Bowie put his hands in his pockets, “If she runs, then she’s not the woman or wolf I think she is. Adam, listen to me. Luna McIntyre pursued you in high school until you couldn’t tell her ‘no’ again. When you came home, she sat back patiently and waited until you were ready for her. She’s loved you since we were in high school. If you think she’s going to run because the idea of helping lead the pride is too much for her to handle, then I think you’ve got another thing coming. Luna’s nothing if not stubborn.”
I laughed, “That is too true. Let’s go find some of your mom’s cooking before the others devour it.”
Everyone was waiting for us when we arrived. Aunt Alicia met me at the door with a smile and a hug. Mrs. G came out from the kitchen to kiss my cheek and tell me what a good boy I was. That remark made me laugh. I hadn’t been a boy in a few years, but the laughter felt good. The day was a sad one, but we had to celebrate the lives of those we lost as well as mourn their passing.
I sought out Luna while everyone else was fixing their plates. She was in the kitchen, washing a few of the dishes. I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist.
“You better get out of here before Adam catches you,” she said with a giggle.
I growled low in my throat and nipped her ear, “Who else would be accosting in the kitchen of the Cedar River Community Center?”
She giggled again. I released her long enough for her to dry her hands and hang the towel up.
She tilted her head as I pulled her against me again. “How are you?” she asked.
“I’m okay. There have just been a lot of things hitting me at once,” I said as I kissed her lush lips.
“Adam, we need to talk, you know that, right?” she said as I pulled away.
I pulled back far enough to look deep into her eyes. “What are you saying, babe?”
“Get that look off your face right now, Adam James Thomas!” she scolded. “I just mean we need to get a few things straightened out.”
I released her and walked over the pull the shutters across the serving window closed. I kicked the doorstop out so the door slammed closed.
“Let’s have it out then,” I said as I paced the floor.
“Adam, I’m not doing this here and now. Our friends and families are out there. We’re mourning the loss of two very vital men.”
“Trust me, Luna, I know. I was there when they died, remember? I watched their blood flood the floor. I know all about it.”
“Lower your voice, Adam,” she sai
d sharply.
“I have nothing to hide, Luna. I’m Alpha of the Pierce Pride. I will roar as loud as I want right now. I’ve already claimed you as my mate, publicly. Now, you’re backpedaling on this whole relationship?”
Luna headed for the back door. I reached it before she did and locked it. In the entire time I’ve known Luna McIntyre, I’ve never seen her as mad as she was that day.
The fire danced in her eyes and I knew I was treading in dangerous territory. She turned on her heel and walked out of the kitchen. When the door flung back, I saw her walk out the front door. I pushed the door open and meant to pursue her. Bowie pushed me back into the kitchen and made me sit down.
“Whether you are Alpha or not, Adam, she needs to get some air. Let her walk off her mad or you’re going to see how deep she can sink her teeth.”
I took a deep breath and put my head in my hands. Brady Golden came in with a cold beer and set it down in front of me.
“Whew, the emotions are running high today,” he said as he took a draw off his own bottle.
“I can’t do this without her,” I said.
Brady laughed. “Maybe if you would have told her that instead of demanding it, you may have gotten better results.”
Bowie slapped his brother and shot him a look.
“I’m just sayin’,” Brady said.
The kitchen door opened and whoever it was came inside. I lifted my head to see Madeline McIntyre standing there.
“Fuck,” I said softly.
Bowie and Brady left me alone with my mate’s mother, who looked as if she would gut me with one swipe of her hand.
Madeline sat down next to me and simply stared at me. I stared back. For the first time, I noticed Luna had her mother’s eyes.
“Are you in a civil mood?” she asked after about five minutes.
I lifted an eyebrow, “I’m always civil.”
She snorted, “Yeah, right. That conversation you were having with my daughter certainly sounded civilized. That would be why she stormed out of here without her winter jacket.”
Concern rolled through my mind.
“She went back to her apartment,” Madeline said.
I was instantly relieved.
“You know, Rock and I have fought with Luna for years over one subject: you. She has fought for you and defended you for all the years we’ve fought to keep you apart.”
I opened my mouth to speak.
Mama McIntyre arched her eyebrow wickedly and said, “Alpha or not, Adam, so help me I will turn you over my knee. You aren’t too old to have that done, you know. I am still making my point so you will be quiet until I’m done.”
I could only grin.
“My daughter loves you, Adam. She has been willing to lay her life down to keep you safe and I believe you have felt the same way about her. The problem she is facing right now is a personal one. You have your own demons that you are dealing with. You never wanted to be Alpha. You never wanted to take it the way that you did. You went and fought in a war, leaving you with scars deeper than anyone can imagine.”
Madeline took a drink of my beer. “Luna never anticipated being Alpha or even an Alpha’s mate. It’s not anything she has ever desired. However, she has always desired you. My daughter is not one to back down from a fight. She won’t start it, but you can damn well bet she’ll throw the last punch. She’s fought for the right to stand beside you since she was in high school. Do you honestly think she’s going to stop fighting now?”
I considered it and realized that Madeline was right. I shook my head.
“Exactly. Yet, you are doubting her simply because she needs to adjust. She is going to have a lot more obstacles to deal with than I had. She’s a wolf. She’s stepping into the position of mate to the puma pride’s Alpha. If the shoes were on your feet, would you be ready to step in to that position?”
I thought about it and the older woman had a very good point. “I know you’re right, but I’m scared enough as it is.”
Madeline chuckled throatily, “An Alpha who admits he is scared? You are a rare one indeed, Adam Thomas.”
“I can’t do this without your daughter by my side,” I admitted.
“You won’t have to. She will be beside you until the day you die. However, the ramifications are hitting her pretty hard right now. She knows you were given the Alpha and she’s happy for you, but it is suddenly occurring to her what this situation means for her.”
Madeline stood up and kissed the top of my head. “We accept you as our daughter’s mate, Adam. Rock is over the moon to think that we can work on rebuilding the relationship between the pride and the pack. Of course, the thought of grandkids helps, too.”
I took Madeline’s hand in mine and noticed how soft it was in comparison to Luna’s. “Thank you, Mrs. McIntyre.”
“Adam, you better just get used to calling me ‘Mom’,” she said as she walked away.
I sat at the counter for quite a while thinking on the entire day. Ana brought me a plate of food. In her cat-like way, she perched on the stool next to me while I ate.
I couldn’t stand it anymore. Anastasia Golden has never been one to hold her tongue so this was unusual. “Just spit it out, Ana.”
She cocked her head to one side. “You’re different. My cat wants to submit to you. She never was that way with Roman.”
I have to admit her statement shocked the hell out of me. “Really? Well, I feel honored, I think. For the moment, I’m still just Adam so say what you want to say.”
Ana’s green eyes began to dance. “Alright, Adam, you are an ass! You had better get your shit straightened out and quickly. You and Bowie have this whole ‘gotta take care of the women’ attitude. You two didn’t choose weak women. We fight for you and beside you. Sometimes, however, we have our own shit to deal with and there’s no asses you can kick. Our demons are there and they’re real.”
I hugged Ana close. “I know, honey. I’m going to go over to Luna’s as soon as I say good-bye to everyone. I promise you I will be nice to her and give her the time she needs to come to terms.”
Ana kissed me on the cheek, “You better be nice to her, Adam. Alpha or no, I will kick your ass if you break her heart.”
I took my finger and drew an “x” over my heart with my finger.
Chapter Thirty-One- Luna
I had pulled out a pair of sweatpants and an old t-shirt for Mindy to wear. She’d called her parents and told them about the baby. They begged her to come home, but she said she wanted to stay with me tonight.
We were sitting down to a bowl of popcorn and a chick flick when the knock sounded on my door. One whiff of the air and I knew who it was. I looked at Mindy who could only smile. Damn him!
I got off the couch and answered the door. “What do you want? Want to drag me back to your cave?”
Adam hung his head, “I came to apologize, Luna.” From behind his back, he pulled a single white lily.
I’m a sucker for lilies and he knows it. “Did you steal this from one of the funeral arrangements?” I asked.
“Mr. Simpson opened his greenhouse and gave it to me. He said he remembers how partial you are to his lilies.”
I smiled. Mr. Simpson was such a sweet man. I bowed my head to sniff at the sweet smell.
Adam leaned against the door frame. “I wanted to come by and tell you how sorry I am. My emotions are so high right now and we shouldn’t have been talking about the situation. I just didn’t want to go home and leave things as they were.”
“I appreciate it, Adam. Do you want to come in? There is someone here who really wants to talk to you.”
Adam looked puzzled. “Sure, I’ve got time. I’m actually going out to the Goldens’ house tonight. I need to shift and take a run. The dragons are going up and need someone to run with Ana so I volunteered.”
I opened the door further so he could come in.
Mindy was curled up on the couch as she watched Adam walk inside. She watched him with a very wary eye.
/>
“Mindy, how are you?” he asked. “I promised you we could talk today and I completely forgot.”
Adam walked to the coffee table and sat down in front of Mindy.
Mindy reached for my hand and I sat down beside her. Adam noticed the gesture.
The young woman’s voice trembled as she began her story. Adam nodded in all the appropriate spots. When she made her announcement, Adam took her small hand in his big hand.
“As Alpha, I promise you safety, shelter, and security,” he vowed.
Mindy looked at me.
“I told you he’d make sure you and the baby are taken care of, didn’t I?”
Adam cleared his throat, “I’m sorry Connor isn’t going to see his child, Mindy.”
Her blue eyes sparkled with unshed tears, “I know. He told me he intended to challenge his father for Alpha and I begged him not to. I know how the challenges go. Roman would have claimed a second to take his place and he would have chosen you, Adam. Connor had a lot of hate in his heart. His drinking didn’t help. Sometimes he just got out of control.”
Adam gripped her hand a little tighter, “Did he ever hit you, honey?”
Mindy’s bottom lip trembled and she gripped my hand until my knuckles turned white. She slowly nodded her head.
“Dammit!” Adam said, startling the young girl. He quickly apologized. “Hitting a woman is never acceptable and I want you to understand that. Whether you are pack or pride, our men treasure strong women.”
Adam glanced at me when he said the last phrase. I smiled slightly. He looked back to Mindy. “Do you need a place to stay or are you good for now?”
Mindy turned to me and I nodded.
“I’m good for tonight. At some point, I’m going to have to go home and talk to my parents. They didn’t know about the baby until tonight. Connor and I had kept it quiet because he knew how his parents had been when you two told them about your relationship. He said when he became Alpha he would change things.”
Natural Born Enemies (Cedar River Series) Page 14