by Donna Flynn
“Let’s go,” Lucan, demanded jerking her to his side, pulling her behind him, ignoring the wide-eyed stares of the teenagers around them who all gaped as she struggled to keep up.
Gina ran behind them hoping to ease the situation, but Lucan turned giving her a low warning snarl and she froze in place.
“You’re hurting me,” Mercy told him trying to pull her arm away.
“I don’t care,” he snapped opening the door of his Mercedes, tossing her inside before jumping into the driver’s seat and taking off wheels spinning, releasing a spray of gravel behind that pelted the other cars in the area and left a trial of dust floating behind.
“Luc.” She sat up and fastened her seatbelt trying to explain, but he silenced her with a dark glare.
“Not now,” he growled gripping the wheel, fighting the rage consuming him. When he found her in the arms of one of their kind, he near lost control. If Alec had not been there to keep him from shifting things might have gone a lot worse. Of course, Alec too had seen her with the other male and even now, ran to vent his own rage before facing her again.
The ride was a quiet one, the only sound, the soft hum of the engine as they both sat contemplating the evening. Mercy looked to her brother seeing clearly the anger and frustration on his face as focused on the road ahead. Never before, had she seen him lose his temper like had back at the bonfire, but she had never lied to him before.
Tears filled her eyes and her body shook as she contemplated the scene she would have to confront once they made it home. He was so angry, almost uncontrollably and she feared facing him. It wasn’t that she thought she didn’t deserve his anger, she just worried that in his current state he wouldn’t be reasonable and for the first time in her life, she was actually afraid of what he might do to her.
As they turned into their driveway Mercy noted Cade waiting on the porch his jeans unbuttoned, his feet bare, and his face grim. Praying he would be her ally, she threw the door open and ran into his open arms tears rolling down her cheeks soaking his chest as she sobbed. He patted her back and held her close glaring at his brother as he approached the porch.
“Don’t baby her she is the one in the wrong, she lied to us!” Lucan bellowed leaning against the porch rail, running his hand through his hair in frustration. He hated to see her so upset, he had felt her hurt and confusion the entire ride home, but she had outright lied to them. That lie had endangered herself and everyone in attendance at the bonfire.
“Give her a break, it’s not like you never make mistakes in your life,” Cade told him angrily.
“I make many, but I don’t count lying to those I love among them.” He returned with a snarl, which earned a raised eyebrow from his brother who was aware they had been lying to Mercy since the day they had found her.
“There are things worse than lying about seeing a guy she likes,” Cade argued in her defense.
“Not this one,” he growled his wolf responding to his agitated state, fighting to get free. “I can’t do this right now. I need time to cool off and get my head together. Can you handle her from here?” He looked towards the woods eagerly. The urge to run and work off the anger raging inside strong.
Cade nodded sensing his brother’s need for relief. “Go I will take care of her till you come back.” He directed Mercy into the house, pausing in the foyer as Alec walked down the last of the steps from the upper floor dressed in a pair of flannel sleep pants looking rumpled and sleepy as if he had just woken.
“What’s going on?” He asked breathing heavier than normal after running the entire way home and barely making it into the house before Lucan pulled into the driveway.
“Lucan hates me,” she wailed turning from Cade to throw herself into his arms. He wrapped her in his embrace, which immediately made her feel safe and protected. Alec always had that ability. He was a safe harbor when she was hurt or in trouble and she needed him more than she cared to admit after the nights debacle.
“Nonsense, even when he is angry you must always remember he loves you,” Alec told her his hand twined in her soft hair as her face pressed against his chest. It was right she came to him in times of trouble or sorrow. He was her destined mate, it was his job to ensure her happiness and he didn’t take his responsibility lightly.
“Not this time, he’s so mad, I’ve ever seen him like that,” she told him her voice broken as she trembled involuntarily. “He never hurt me before, but tonight I was scared he might.”
Alec noted the bruises forming on her arm, purple and black shapes the size of a man’s fingers then looked to Cade who was staring at them in horror too. His head began to pound, his heartbeat quickened as he noted each mark that marred her alabaster skin. If not for Mercy pressed so close, he might not have been able to keep from chasing after Lucan to make him suffer for each mark he had placed upon her.
“Nothing you ever do would make him hate you. He was very angry, but he did not mean to hurt you. He left because he needed some time to think before you two talk about this.” Cade told her, aware Alec was contemplating chasing down his brother. A male who found his bond mate would kill anyone who hurt her, he just prayed their relationship with Alec would circumvent that instinct. “Come let’s get you something warm to drink and we can talk.”
“Some hot chocolate will calm you.” Alec told her knowing she loved the rich chocolate drink. He had even memorized how she took it, milk, two marshmallows, whipped cream and a piece of chocolate bar on top for extra flavor.
They adjourned to the kitchen where Cade prepared their drinks while Alec sat with Mercy at the table trying to coax her into smiling. Alec’s cell phone rang and he answered immediately expecting Lucan to be on the other end, but to his surprise found an unexpected voice from his past.
“Hello Alec, we need to talk about what happened tonight,” the male on the other end said, his voice instantly reminding Alec where he'd seen Kirk before. The gangly youth changed a lot since the summer Alec had spent with his pack, but now he recognized him as the local Alpha’s son.
A growl emanated from deep within his throat and Mercy glanced his way with surprise. “I need to handle this it’s business,” he explained placing his hand over the receiver.
“Why don’t you take the call outside, I need to talk to Mercy anyway.” Cade said sensing Alec’s need for privacy.
“You may want to listen to your friend. I am sure you do not want Mercy to hear our conversation,” the man on the other end said as he placed the phone back to his ear.
“I’ll be right back,” Alec assured Mercy as he rose from the chair.
“Okay,” she answered wearily.
He squeezed her hand then walked out to the porch to address the new problem. “How did you know I was here?” he hissed into the phone.
“You think your father is the only one who has people working for him?” The man chuckled. “Alec, I have always liked you and I really don’t want this to be unfriendly, so let us cut to the quick. My boy Kirk has taken a liking to this girl, Mercy. He will keep her in the dark about what we all are as long as none of you give him any more trouble.”
“Why would we do that? She’s ours, we do not need to agree to anything with you Jared.” His hand trembled as he clenched the phone. Everything they had kept from her was now in danger of coming to light if he did not keep his cool.
“I have the feeling if she found out about your duplicity she would be heartbroken and that might force her to shift prematurely. She would be lost, confused, and I don’t think she will choose those who have lied to her to help in her time of need. Of course, as the local pack leader, I would be only too glad to take her in and help her find her place in our world.”
“She’s mine, I have claimed her in front of my pack,” Alec growled.
“Ah, but you see what happens in your pack is of no consequence to me and mine. You have not completed the bond, so she’s fair game. Do not interfere with her and my son, in return we will keep your secret.”
“You know me. I am giving you my word and I never go back on my word.”
No matter how mad he was, he knew Jared was honorable. He only sought to please his son, something his own father might do for him, but it still rankled.
“I’m game for a little healthy competition, but until she knows everything he can't push her to make commitments she won’t understand.”
“Of course, I would not allow my son to do something so dishonorable. Good luck, I am sorry it came to this. I have always respected you, but blood is thicker than water I am sure your own father would understand.”
He hung up and Alec clenched the phone in his hand ignoring the loud pop that followed as it crumbled in his palm piercing the skin with its jagged broken pieces.
“Alec?” Mercy came through the doorway, her eyes growing wide as she saw the crushed phone dangling from his bleeding hand. Blood spattered the ground at his feet and she cried out, rushing to his side, then taking his hand in her own.
“Its fine,” he told her pulling the already healing hand back before she noted the flesh mending itself. “It’s just a scratch, lets go and have that hot chocolate.” He held the door open and walked in behind her tossing his phone on the counter before washing his hands then joining her and Cade at the table. As he reached for his mug, Mercy grabbed his hand turning it over, inspecting the damage.
“I could have sworn it would look worse.” she told him, but released his hand and grabbed her own mug taking a sip of the chocolate while staring at him with a puzzled expression.
“Let’s be glad it was not,” Cade told her before sipping his own hot chocolate shooting Alec a warning glare.
“So bad news,” she asked.
“What?” Alec asked still angry and distracted by the call.
“Your business call, was it bad news you seem upset?”
“Nothing I can’t handle,” he replied looking to the doorway where her brother was entering.
Lucan’s clothes were rumpled and he was exhausted, but when Mercy stood, he opened his arms and she ran into them without hesitation. “I’m sorry baby,” he whispered holding her close. “I would never intentionally hurt you.”
“I’m fine,” she told him relieved he was speaking to her.
“We need to talk about this,” he said dreading the conversation ahead.
“You know what Luc, why don’t we wait until the morning. She’s tired and you could use the rest.” Cade looked pointedly at Alec’s destroyed phone on the counter hoping his brother would get the message something was wrong.
“Yeah, good idea.” He kissed the top of Mercy’s head and hugged her once more before letting her go. “Get some rest nothing will change overnight,” he told her, but the frown Alec gave him was not reassuring.
“Thank you,” she told Cade hugging him then walking to Alec and doing the same.
“Get some rest Angel,” Alec whispered burying his face in her sweet smelling curls, holding back the howl of displeasure that roared to life inside him as he breathed in another males scent.
“Thanks for helping me.” She kissed his cheek and pulled away shocked to find large flecks of amber taking over his usual brown eye color. As if sensing her scrutiny he blinked and they returned to normal, leaving her shaking her head wondering if she was imagining things. “Good night,” she said to them all before leaving the room.
Lucan walked to the front hall to make sure she was up stairs before coming back and taking a chair at the table picking up her mug and sniffing it.
“How she drinks this I will never know,” he said pushing the mug away in disgust. “I need coffee.”
“Already done,” Cade said rising to pour a cup then placing it in front of him.
“So who called?” Lucan asked his gaze falling to the destroyed phone.
“The boy’s father, he’s the local Alpha. He regrets any trouble, but only wants what is best for his son and of course he thinks that's Mercy.” Alec explained.
“I thought the local Alpha was friendly with your father?” Cade said.
“He is,” Alec, sighed pushing an annoying lock of hair behind his ear. “He said all he needs is for us to let Mercy decide who she wants to be with. As long as we do not interfere he will keep our secret.”
“Our secret would expose them too,” Cade, said slamming his fist on the table earning a groan of protest from the antique wood.
“But she will know we have been lying to her. How well do you think that will go over?” Lucan stated sitting back in his chair to contemplate their choices.
“He believes she will turn to them for help if she finds out since Kirk has not lied to her,” Alec added. “We have no real choice here, my claiming her does not affect other packs, to them she is free game.”
“If she chooses him and it gets back to your pack it would bring doubt about your ability to lead them,” Lucan told him honestly. “I mean if you can’t hold onto your mate against another Alpha heir, how would you handle pack business?”
“True, but I do not intend to lose her.” Alec stood and stretched looking resigned to the battle ahead. “I’m done for the night, I will see you both in the morning.”
“If I were you I would take advantage of the weekend and lay some ground work,” Cade advised.
“You're right about that,” Alec answered before leaving them alone while he planned how best to pursue and win his mate.
Chapter Five
Mercy woke early the next morning dreading the confrontation to come. Lucan had been so angry the night before. He was always hard on her, but had never physically hurt her before, not even for a spanking when she deserved one. She did not understand the change in him when he found her with Kirk. He had been like another person, one she hoped never to meet again.
On top of everything else, he had dragged her out of there with little thought to the others who were attendance. She’d been humiliated in front of her peers, who she was sure would be gossiping all week long about the spectacle they had made. Worse was she had been embarrassed in front of Kirk would probably never want to see her again. Not that she could blame him.
“You can’t hide all day,” she told herself forcing herself from the bed. “I can handle this. I lied and I will apologize, but I will also explain he has to let me grow up. I am not six any more I need to experience life. I am sure once I make him understand, he will agree to give Kirk a chance, if of course Kirk even wants to speak to me again.” She peered into the mirror and pointed at her reflection. “Yeah right, vampires and werewolves are real too.” She laughed and decided the best course of action was to face her punishment and pray he did not lock her up until she turned eighteen, a probability she did not want to think about.
*****
Alec, too disturbed by the night’s events to sleep, got up at dawn and waited in the kitchen for her to appear. The brothers joined him after the sunrise to discuss the best way to handle the situation. They had argued for hours how best to approach the situation, but were still torn.
“Lucan are you in control?” Cade asked with concern. His brother spent a good part of the night walking the floors, angry she had lied to them and upset with himself for hurting her.
“I’m alright,” Lucan, answered taking a swallow of his coffee, the sixth cup of the morning. It was his drink of choice and Caffeine was never a problem for their kind since the buzz burned through them quickly.
“You didn’t hurt her on purpose,” Cade, reminded him.
“If I thought you did, you would not be sitting here you would be ten feet under and missing your heart,” Alec told him coolly.
Lucan did not doubt his words, they might be friends, but he would do anything to protect Mercy, even if that meant eliminating one of her brothers to
keep her safe. He took no offense. The idea he would threaten another of his kind, one who was much older than he was, showed why the entire pack knew he would be the next Alpha. He possessed a strength and control of his wolf impressive to even his father, one of the strongest Alpha’s in the country.
He didn’t bother to respond to respond to his comment. Alec didn’t want an answer, so they sat in silence until the sound of Mercy walking down the steps announced her arrival.
Mercy entered the kitchen aware every eye in the room followed her as she went to the refrigerator, grabbed the orange juice and poured a glass before joining them at the table. Alec offered a warm smile as she settled into the chair next to him and her heart rate pick up considerably.
From the first day she met Alec, they had formed a bond between them. He quickly became her best friend and confidant, the one she turned to when she needed advice, or a hand to hold. He often stayed for dinner, or to play board games with her family at night, spending most of his free time at their house instead of his own.
Everything was perfect until at thirteen she asked him how she would know when a boy liked her. He had grown angry at her innocent question and interrogated her about who was interested in her. She had assured him there was no one in particular, but he had been sullen and angry, making an excuse soon after to leave. After that he, began to spend more time away, always too busy with his father to come by.
Although hurt, she never questioned his sudden absences until she spotted him one night with a date at the local movie theater after he had told her he was staying home with his dad. He had been sitting with a gorgeous blond-haired girl she recognized from school. The girl was leaning close to him, pressing her larger than average chest against him as she flirted shamelessly. Alec had smiled wrapping his arm around her and placing a kiss on her pouty red lips, which had only increased the girl’s aggressiveness.