Ashton Grove Werewolves (Boxed Set, Vol. 2)
Page 23
“I suppose it’s possible,” Cole said. “I’ve never been very religious, myself. I mean, I believe in God, but I guess I never thought about angels being among us or anything like that before.”
“Do we tell Aislinn she’s the target?” Colin wondered. “It might make her more vigilant.”
“No!” Connor barked. “I will not have her more worried than she already is. She’s nearly worked herself to death preparing for this battle and I won’t have her distracted. Eric already told her our fate rests on her shoulders, that she will be the one to lead us against the demons. I won’t put more pressure on her.”
Colin nodded. “You know I support your decision, and I support Aislinn one hundred percent. Whatever she needs of me, all she has to do is ask.”
“We should get back to the women before they begin to worry,” Michael said. “As it is, Chloe is going to grill me on the way home, wanting to know every word said in this office.”
“Don’t tell her anything,” Gabriel said. “I think it’s best if we keep our mates in the dark until we know more.”
“I’m going to do some angel research,” Colin said, “see what I can dig up. Maybe there’s a way to contact them directly.”
Connor nodded. “Keep us posted. We need all the help we can get. Cassie and Matt wanted to help, but I think I’ve talked them out of it. Matt did insist on arming those of us who plan to remain in human form.”
“You think a gun or a knife is really going to do much against a demon?” Colin asked.
Gabriel shrugged. “Every little bit helps.”
“Let’s meet again in a week to see if we’ve learned anything new,” Connor suggested. “It can’t be at my place though, Aislinn is too nosy.”
Colin grinned at the assessment of his sister-in-law. “We can meet here. I don’t think Kendall will be a problem.”
“You still haven’t explained exactly how you met her,” Connor said.
“It’s a rather detailed story.” He glanced at his watch. “Are you sure we have time for it?”
“I have to say, I’m dying to hear it,” Michael said.
Colin nodded and began his tale, how Suzette told him to sell his motorcycle and buy the Mustang, how he came to be on the highway at just the right time, about Kendall’s face-off with the demons and her healing by the sorcerer. When he was finished, Connor and Gabriel shared a look.
“What?” Colin asked.
“Your mate has already faced the Skulls?” Gabriel asked. “Is there anything she can tell us that might help?”
“She only saw five of them and her main thought was survival. I don’t think she’s going to be much help.”
Gabriel nodded. “Fair enough. We’ll leave her be. Since our mates aren’t training with us, maybe they can use some of their free time to show her around town and get to know her. She’s going to need friends.”
“Why aren’t they training? Don’t they need to protect themselves?” Colin asked.
“We’re going to put them in the middle and have them surrounded. The non-mated women will join the fight, those who aren’t mothers or expecting.”
Colin raised an eyebrow. “You don’t think that’s asking for trouble? I, for one, want Kendall to learn to fight.”
“If you want your mate to fight, I won’t stop you. The last thing I want is Kiera going hand to hand with one of those things. She and my daughter will be at the center, protected by the pack.”
Colin still didn’t think that was wise, but he wasn’t going to say anything more on the subject. He knew Gabriel well enough to know that once he’d made up his mind that was it. It did make him wonder one thing though. If Aislinn was going to be fighting, where was Alisdair going to be?
“And your son?” Colin asked his brother.
“After everything he’s been through, I’m having him trained. He’ll be in the center, protected, but I’m not going to leave him defenseless. Matt had a special blade forged for Alisdair and he carries it with him everywhere, prepared for anything.”
Colin nodded, happy to hear his nephew was well protected.
“Until next week,” Cole said, heading for the door.
Colin watched everyone file out of his office, hanging back a moment. He’d learned a good bit from the meeting, but he still had questions and a feeling of unease was creeping up his neck. He didn’t like the fact that Kiera wouldn’t be prepared to defend herself. He wondered if Chloe and Marin would be just as defenseless. Would the demons see the women as the pack’s weakness and attack there first? It was something to think about.
The first thing he’d do tomorrow would be contact Matt and Cassie, and Cassie’s father. The three of them knew enough about magick to at least tell him whether or not it would be possible to speak to an angel. Once he knew if it was feasible, he’d go from there. He’d log as many hours online as he needed to in order to find the answer to their problem. He knew it was pointless to search the Ashton Grove public library. They barely had a decent reading selection, much less the materials he would need.
Leaving his office, he went to join the others. It was time to see how his mate was faring in her new surroundings. He found everyone gathered in his living room. Kendall looked tired, but happy. It seemed she was getting along well with her new family. He’d hoped the women would become instant friends.
She smiled when she saw him and he walked to her side.
“Enjoying yourself?” he asked.
“Yes, it’s been wonderful getting to know Kiera, Marin, Chloe and Aislinn. I’ve never really had female friends before.”
“They aren’t just friends, sweetheart. They’re family.”
She nodded. “It’s going to be an adjustment, but I think I’m going to be happy here in Ashton Grove.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“Kiera offered to babysit tomorrow while I take Kendall shopping,” Chloe said. “So be prepared to loosen up that wallet of yours.”
Colin grinned. “I have no problem giving her money.”
Chloe had a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Good, because she’s going to need it. We’re going to hit the mall and a few stores on the main strip. Then I thought we’d meet Cassie at the salon.”
“Just don’t wear her out too much,” Colin warned. “We’ve had a few taxing days and I imagine Kendall would like to rest some.”
“Kendall is right here,” his mate said with a pointed look, “and can make her own decisions. A day out with Chloe sounds fun.”
“Just don’t wear yourself out. No one said you had to do all of your shopping in one day.”
“Why don’t you drop Kendall off at the house day after tomorrow?” Kiera suggested. “That way she won’t be alone while you’re working.”
“I think I’m going to take this week to wrap my head around this war, maybe come up with some strategies, or at least come up with something that might help us. All of you have been working so hard while I’ve been gone, it’s my turn to help out.”
Connor slapped him on the back. “We’ll take all the help we can get. And if you want to join us, training is at six tomorrow night.”
‘Training?” Kendall asked.
“I’ll fill you in,” Colin promised.
Everyone made their goodbyes and filed out of the house, leaving Colin and Kendall to themselves. He knew there was a lot to tell her, and a lot he couldn’t say. She didn’t know about the angels, and he had to keep it that way, for the moment anyway. But he did want to tell her about the training sessions, and make sure that she attended. If Matt was providing weapons for everyone, he’d speak to him about arming Kendall as soon as possible. Colin still wasn’t sure that a knife was going to do much against a demon, but it was better than nothing.
After locking up, Colin sank onto the sofa and pulled Kendall down onto his lap.
“So, that was the family,” she said. “I like them.”
He smiled. “I’m glad.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind me shopping with Chloe tomorrow?”
“I’m sure. I keep some cash in a safe in my office, I’ll give some to you tomorrow for your shopping spree. And if you run out, just call me and I’ll bring you more.”
She laughed. “You don’t have to spend a fortune on me, Colin. I just want to pick up two or three more outfits to get me by until my things can get here. And I’d love to do something with my hair and maybe get a manicure at the salon.”
He caressed her cheek. “Whatever you want, my mate.”
She plucked at the front of his t-shirt. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course. You can ask me anything.”
“Something’s wrong. The closer we got to Ashton Grove the more distant you became. Something happened in the car while I was sleeping, I just don’t know what. If you aren’t open with me, how can I help you, Colin? I’m in this too, you know?”
He threaded his fingers with hers. “I know, but there are things I can’t tell you. Not yet.”
“Alpha’s orders?” she asked.
Colin nodded. “You know as much as I’m allowed to tell you. Just...be vigilant when you’re out with the girls, but have fun. I don’t want you to feel like this is a prison. Yes, danger is coming, something you understand more than most having gone up against the Skulls already, but we can’t let it completely rule our lives. They could strike at any time. Tonight, tomorrow, or next month. Living each day in fear is no way to live.”
“You have a plan, don’t you?”
“I don’t know that it’s going to work, and I haven’t worked out all of the details yet, but yes, I have something in mind, something that could really help us. Until then, I want you to train with the guys. Kiera, Chloe and Marin aren’t training, and I don’t agree with that, at all. What my cousins are thinking is anyone’s guess. If a demon comes after you, I want to know that you’re able to defend yourself.”
“Maybe I can talk the women into learning to fight,” she suggested.
“Kiera has a little magick to help her out. Mostly parlor trick type stuff, but if she digs deep she might be able to defend herself. But the other two are just human.”
“I’ll talk to Chloe tomorrow while we’re shopping, get a feel for her thoughts on the situation. Maybe it’s her choice not to fight.”
“Maybe. She’s always been on the passive side so that wouldn’t surprise me. Marin, though. She’s a fighter. After everything she’s been through, I have a hard time picturing her just standing around waiting on everyone to defend her while chaos rains down upon her head.”
Kendall snuggled against him. “Even if they don’t train with the men, maybe there’s something we can do.”
* * *
Chloe arrived bright and early the next morning and Kendall was ready and waiting for her. After kissing Colin goodbye, she hurried out the door, anxious to have a day doing girly things. Something told her that she and Chloe would become good friends. The redhead seemed quiet and a little reserved, but Kendall was hoping she could draw her out during their shopping spree.
She slid into the passenger’s seat of Chloe’s car and smiled. “Good morning.”
“I’m not too early, am I?” Chloe asked.
“No, not at all. Honest, I had a little trouble sleeping last night and woke up at six.”
“Because of the demons?”
“Partly. I guess I just couldn’t get my brain to shut off. Everything Colin told me kept swirling through my mind all night.”
Chloe nodded. “I haven’t been sleeping well, either. All of my tossing and turning is starting to drive Michael crazy.”
“May I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Was it your idea for you not to fight, or Michael’s? Because, personally, I want to be armed and I want to know how to protect myself. And if at all possible, I want to take a few chunks out of those demons.”
“Well, I guess I just figured I’d be holding the baby and wouldn’t be able to fight.”
“I guess I can see your point,” Kendall said. “What if someone could watch the children? Wouldn’t they be safer that way?”
“We’d actually discussed that, but we’re worried the demons would find a way to track them. The alphas thought the kids would be safer with the pack.”
Kendall wasn’t so sure. She didn’t think the demons had a shifter’s sense of smell, so how would they track the kids? But if the alphas had already given the order, who was she to argue with them? Being new to the pack, she had no say in how things were run, even if her mate was related to both alphas.
“Well, I plan on taking full advantage of the training the alphas are providing. I refused to be at the mercy of the Skulls again! They won’t take me without a fight,” Kendall said.
“I wish I had your passion, your desire to fight. I’ll admit to being terrified, but I trust that Michael will protect me and our son. He would die before he let anything happen to either of us.”
Kendall gave her a long look. “You realize it may very well come to that. You could lose your mate, your child, your own life. The Skulls could wipe out your whole family in a matter of minutes.”
Chloe blanched.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”
“No, you’re right. We need to face the possibility of losing those we love, but we’re all hoping that we’ll be victorious, without having to lose many lives.”
“Let’s just forget I said anything. I’ve ruined a good day.”
Chloe smiled. “Yes, let’s forget about the war for one day. It will be nice to do a little shopping and treat ourselves at the salon. Don’t you think?”
Kendall nodded. “I haven’t done anything like this in a while.”
“Well, our mall is tiny, but I’m sure you’ll find something you like.”
They pulled into the mall parking lot and found a space near the door. When they got inside, Kendall smiled. It might be small, but it smelled the same as any other mall and had the same feel to it. She was anxious to start her shopping. Not knowing much about the smaller shops available, she decided to just follow Chloe. When they stopped in a maternity store, she was a little surprised.
“Are we shopping for someone else?” Kendall asked.
Chloe gave her a bashful smile. “Michael doesn’t know it yet, but I’m expecting again. I thought I’d buy a dress or two just to have on hand for when I’ll need them.”
“Congratulations! That’s wonderful, Chloe!”
Chloe’s cheeks flushed with happiness. “I don’t want to tell him until after the war is over. He doesn’t need anything else to worry about. If he knows about the baby, I’m afraid he’ll lose his focus.”
“I understand. I promise, I won’t say anything.”
“Thanks, Kendall.” She gave her a curious look. “Have you and Colin talked about children?”
“Um, no. Things are still very new between us. He doesn’t even want to go through a mating ceremony until after the war is over. I can’t say that I blame him, there’s a lot to do between now and then. And the demons could attack at any moment.”
“I guess that’s true. We’ll have to plan your ceremony. It will be fun,” Chloe said with a smile. “Or would you prefer an actual wedding? Michael and I were married, but Connor recently performed a mating ceremony for someone in the pack. Ramsey and Harper. You’ll meet them later I’m sure.”
“I’ll admit, when I was a little girl, I always dreamed of what my wedding would be like. But he hasn’t asked me to marry him.”
Chloe frowned. “Why not?”
Kendall laughed. “Probably because we’re strangers. Yes, we’re mates and we know we’ll be together forever, but it isn’t quite the same thing. You and Michael love one another, Kiera and Gabriel love each other, and Marin and Cole love each other. From what I saw, Aislinn and Connor do, as well. It was different for y’all. You got to know one another before committing to each other.”
“What about you and Michael?”
Chloe sighed. “I knew the moment I met Michael my life would never be the same, unfortunately, he didn’t seem to feel the same way and disappeared from my life a week after I met him. He was around just long enough to knock me up. But I tracked him down. Which, actually, didn’t work out so well for me for a while. The good news is that in the end we ended up together. Even if it was at Gabriel’s decree.”
“Decree?”
“I thought I was in love with another wolf and he broke my heart. I turned myself over to Gabriel and told him to find me a mate. He chose Michael.”
“So he never asked you to marry him?”
“No.” Chloe smiled. “But he swears it was one of the happiest days of his life. It was a few days later that he confessed he loved me.”
“Well, I don’t see Colin confessing his undying love anytime soon. We just don’t know one another well enough for that.”
“It will come. Colin is a lot like Connor. They both feel things deeply, and they’re very passionate about most things in life. I find it hard to believe that he won’t fall in love with his mate. I imagine it’s just a matter of time.” Chloe smiled. “Now, what stores do you want to hit before we stop for food?”
“I’m not picky. I have a few knit dresses Colin picked up for me and one pair of jeans. I thought I’d get some shorts or capris with a few short sleeve shirts. Denim and khaki mostly, so that they’ll go with anything.”
“That’s sensible. Now what are you going to buy that isn’t sensible?”
“What do you suggest?”
“Frilly undies and naughty nighties.”
Kendall burst out laughing. She had a feeling that she and Chloe and were going to become the best of friends.
Chapter Six
Colin ran his fingers through his hair, leaving furrows in the shaggy locks. This was a lot harder than he’d thought. The information on the internet had been so varied, and he hadn’t known which sites to trust and which were just fiction. A trip to the local parish church had yielded him a strange look from the priest and very little information. Cassie’s father was on the case, as well, and right now, he was Colin’s best shot at finding out more about angels.