by CJ Ellisson
Chapter Nine
Sean stood pacing by the door to Lily’s bedroom. “I don’t like this, Lily. I won’t allow it”
“You won’t allow it? Come on, Sean. Do you think I want this?” she replied, tying her sneakers before she grabbed her duffel bag to check she had everything she needed.
“Delia challenged me. What would you have me do?” she asked zipping the black canvas bag.
He flung his arm out in a frustrated gesture. “Nothing. That’s what. Delia is my problem. You should have left her to me to handle.”
Lily placed her bag on the bed and sat down beside it. “You tried that, remember? Delia blew you off, and everyone knows it. Now it’s only a matter of time before she challenges me in some way. I need to train.”
“Then I’ll train you.”
Lily laughed, but the sound was soft and full of appreciation. “And how would that look? You’re the Alpha. It wouldn’t be right. Hell, I can’t even let Jack help me even though he offered. It makes me look like I’m incapable.”
“Jack should offer since he’s the reason you’re in this mess.”
Lily got up from the bed and walked toward him. “Is that what’s been bothering you about this?” Lily shook her head slowly. “I have news for you, Delia made up her mind about me way before she lunged. You may think Jack took things too far, but I think she deserved it.”
Sean snorted. “Jack is a Hunter. He should know better than to get into a pissing match with anyone, let alone with a woman. He’ll learn, though trust me.”
Lily raised an eyebrow, not liking Sean’s tone. “What did you do?”
Sean shrugged. “Nothing. The clinic is short staffed and they needed a few extra hands with everyone coming in for treatments. Tensions are still high and raw nerves are causing issues at the clinic. I sent Dr. Volkmann some of my hunters to help out.”
She looked at him. “That’s all?”
“That’s all.”
She narrowed her gaze, her eyes searching his. “Okay, then,” she said before turning to grab her bag from the bed.
“I’m so glad you approve.”
With a wink she adjusted the duffle bag’s strap on her shoulder. “I like Jack and he’s been a big help, not to mention good company,” she said before going up on her toes to give him a quick kiss. “Come meet me after my work out. We can grab some lunch,”
“If I have time. Who are you training with today?”
She shrugged. “Someone by the name of Shannon.”
Sean burst out laughing. “Oh boy. I’ll have the ice packs ready and waiting along with a big bottle of Advil.”
Lily shoved his shoulder back. “Give me a little credit, will you. Who is she anyway?”
“Delia’s sister.”
Lily walked into the martial arts studio alone. The lights were on, but there was no one around and the mat was deserted.
“Terry?” she whispered, taking advantage of the solitude. “Come on, Ter. I’m sorry I was such a mouthy bitch at breakfast the other day. Talk to me.”
With a sigh, she dropped her bag on the floor near the bench outside the training mat and sat down to take off her shoes. Since Shannon hadn’t arrived yet, Lily grabbed her sparing gloves from her bag and slipped them on. A few rounds on the heavy bag would give her a good warm up, and from Sean’s ominous chuckle it sounded as though she would need one.
“Here goes nothing.” She bowed in a show of respect and stepped onto the mat. The large rectangular training area was lined with weapons and kicking pads of every kind. Hardwood nunchucks, bo staffs and short sticks were to one side, while blades of every shape and size flanked the other.
“This place reminds me of Dojo Dan’s place off Christopher Street, don’tcha think?” Terry’s voice was soft as a whisper.
Lily whirled around. Her friend floated between two of the heavy bags that marked either end of the mat suspended from the ceiling by thick steel chains.
“You haven’t trained in Tai Kwon Do in years. What brought this on?”
Lily didn’t answer, just finished straightening her gloves.
“What? You think I gave you the silent treatment, so now you’re not talking to me? Come on, Lily. Don’t be such a baby.”
Terry’s pale eyes narrowed. “You picked a fight with someone, didn’t you? What did I tell you about making friends? I can’t be your only lifeline to friendship, Lil! It doesn’t work when that lifeline has no life!”
“Believe it or not, I didn’t start this one. Sean’s old girlfriend has something she wants to prove and she wants to prove it all over my face. I’m just here to sharpen my skills.” Lily stopped fidgeting with her glove and looked up, waiting for Terry to say something.”
“Well?”
Terry shrugged, the motion sending sparkles cascading toward the mat. “Well what? Do you want me to haunt the bitch?”
Lily burst out laughing. “No, but cut me some slack, okay.”
Terry studied Lily’s face. “Are you okay to do this? I mean, you’re well enough, right?”
Lily shrugged. “Let’s find out.” Feet apart, she perched on the balls of her feet. Fists by her face, she circled the bag, throwing jabs in a traditional front back punch. She slowly increased her pace, adding kicks and altering punches in different combinations.
Moving fast she pivoted for a spinning back kick, and as the bag swung out she turned again, landing a jump round kick to connect as the bag rebounded back.
“Not bad,” a woman’s voice sounded from the side of the mat. “You’re quite the flexible flyer.”
Lily jerked around. At first she thought the voice was Terry’s, but her friend must have sensed another person and disappeared at some point.
An auburn haired woman not much taller than Lily bowed onto the mat and walked over. “You must be my new trainee,” she said as she came to a stop about three feet from where the heavy bag swung back and forth like a pendulum. The woman inclined her head in a short traditional bow. “I’m Shannon.”
Lily dropped her hands to her side and mirrored the woman’s bow. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Lily Saburi.”
“It looks like you know your way around the mat. Have you trained long?”
Lily shook her head. “Not in years, but I guess it’s like riding a bike. You never really forget.”
Shannon tilted her head, her eyes evaluating. “That depends on a lot, but it looks to me like you were taught well. You’re quick and you stay loose. That’s good. You’ll need to stay loose or Delia will chew you up and spit you out.”
Lily’s eyes locked on the woman. “So you’ve heard.”
Shannon laughed. “Who hasn’t.”
As if she could read Lily’s unease, the woman put her hand on Lily’s shoulder. “Look, I want to make one thing clear before we begin. I have no beef with my sister. It’s true she and I are polar opposites—not just in appearance, but in demeanor and in viewpoint. I agreed to help you simply because I think Delia has overstepped herself. Sean made it clear to everyone he would never abide by any such contract. Our father’s dealings were terminated the minute the old Alpha drew his last breath. Delia knew then. Hell, she knows it now. This business with you is nothing more than posturing to save face, at least in her own mind.”
Shannon walked toward the low pegs on the wall and grabbed a pair of sparring gloves. “Dual-natured women aren’t as hotheaded as our men. We’re protective, but most of us can smell bullshit the same way we smell a storm coming. Too much has gone on over the past six weeks. Christmas is coming, and it’s the time to end all this garbage, not add to it. The situation as is stinks enough.” She slipped her gloves on. “So, are you ready to work?”
Lily nodded.
“Good. Get your mouth guard.”
Lily moved passed her to grab her bag from the bench.
“Oh, and one last thing. Don’t drop your hands or you’ll drop and give me fifty.”
Lily laughed. “I knew I was going to like you.�
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Lily groaned trying to sit up. “That woman is a goddamned sadist. Ouch! You and your evil chuckle. Shit! Ow! You weren’t kidding were you?”
Sean handed her a fresh ice pack. “You can’t say I didn’t warn you. Let’s hope she doesn’t tell Delia how sore you’re going to be tomorrow. When do you train again?”
Lily gritted her teeth and pushed herself to a sitting position, wincing the whole way. “My abs are on fire, my legs are like noodles and I’m going to be covered in head to toe bruises, and you want me to train with her again?”
Sean reached for a cup of water and the Advil. “Stop being a baby. I spoke with Shannon. She’s impressed at how well you did. She said you were one tough bitch, to quote her exactly,” he said handing three gel-caps to Lily.
“That’s nice, but I still want my .45 and 9mm back. If I have those, I’m good. No one is going to blindside me then.”
“You can have them back whenever you like. I never said you couldn’t have them.”
Lily’s mouth dropped open, and even that caused physical pain. “Well you could have told me before I put myself through Samurai training.”
He laughed out loud. “Give it a day or so. You’ll be back to normal faster than you think. In the meantime, I think it’s time we made you a full member of the Compound.”
Lily winced. “Sean, I’m not ready for this. It’s too soon--”
“I’m not talking about making you a full Were.” The scent of her adrenaline made his nose burn. “I know how you feel about that—for now.”
She raised an eyebrow at his little addendum, but didn’t comment.
“I’m talking about having the clans officially accept you into the Compound. It’s a ceremony that takes place only a few times a year, and it has to be at the full moon.”
Lily still didn’t say a word.
“What, no good?”
She hesitated, not wanting her words to be misconstrued. “It’s not that. I’m honored, but are you sure it’s the right time for this?”
“Lily, do you know how many people at the clinic have benefited from the work you are doing with Dr. Volkmann? It’s time, so what do you say?”
She nodded. “Just tell me when and where.”
Lily opened her eyes to the sound of the phone blaring. Who would call this early? There was only one person perky enough for that. Rissa.
Rolling over, Lily picked up the receiver, her muscles screaming in protest. “Good morning, Rissa,” she croaked.
“Good afternoon is more like it. How are you feeling?”
Lily squinted at the clock radio. Two p.m. Ugh. “I’m okay. A little sore, but nothing a hot shower won’t cure. How are you? Aren’t you supposed to be at the clinic today?”
“Already been and done. Listen, why don’t you take a shower and then meet me for a late lunch? I’ll meet you in the conservatory in say, one hour?”
“Ris, I don’t think so.”
“I’m not taking no for an answer. If you don’t show I’m coming to you.”
Lily sighed, flopping back onto her pillow. “Okay. One hour.”
The conservatory was a large room with three glass walls overlooking a large duck pond. Even this late into the season, swans glided majestically in the cold water giving the snow covered landscape an ethereal yet regal feel.
The room had a gas fireplace built into the center of one of the walls, with a floor to ceiling rock mantel separating the panes of glass, giving the hearth a freestanding feel.
“Lily!” Rissa called from one of the chairs near the fire. “Over here.”
“Hey,” Rissa said, giving Lily a quick peck on the cheek. “You look pretty good for someone who went ten rounds.”
“Hey, yourself.” Lily looked around a little more. “Not exactly what I expected when you said meet me for lunch. This looks like it should have a chamber quartet playing.”
She chuckled. “This isn’t where we’re eating. I just wanted you to meet a few of my friends.” Rissa gestured with her hand to a handful of women standing near the bar at the far corner. With a smile she waved them over.
Lily smiled keeping her cool, not wanting Rissa or anyone else to see the anxiety clutching at her stomach. She hated surprises, especially ones that required social graces.
“Lily, I want you to meet Gillian Albright, Celia Wegman and Heather Snow.”
Lily inclined her head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
Celia sniffled, fishing in her purse for a tissue. “No, Ms. Saburi. The pleasure is all ours—I mean mine.”
The woman dissolved into tears, and Lily glanced at Rissa, not knowing what to do.
“Cel, pull yourself together. You said you wouldn’t do this. I know how you feel but we’re supposed to be letting go and having fun today. Remember?” Rissa said patting the woman’s arm.
“I’m sorry, Rissa. I’m just so relieved. I got a call right before we got here. Kevin is going to be all right. They were able to reverse the damage the virus did, he’s going to recover. He may have some spotty memory loss, and they will have to give him something to prevent him from phasing for a while, but he’s going to be okay…and it’s all thanks to you, Lily…”
Celia melted into sobs, throwing her arms around Lily’s neck nearly knocking the petite woman over. “Thank you for saving my son."
“It’s okay, Celia, I’m glad I was able to help.” Lily replied rubbing the woman’s back. “That’s what I promised Rissa and Sean I would do.”
Rissa and Gillian helped peel Celia off Lily’s shoulders. Heather handed her another wad of tissues, and then glanced at Lily.
“Rissa invited us today so you could meet other dual-natured women. We know that besides us, the only other women you’ve met are Delia and Shannon Monroe. Shannon is a good friend. She’s as sweet as she is a bad ass, and I think the two of you are probably cut from a very similar cloth—especially after hearing how you went toe to toe on the martial arts mat.” She paused, for a moment. “Delia on the other hand, well…you saw for yourself.”
Lily gave the woman a half smile. “Thanks Heather, I appreciate that. I like Shannon, too.”
Heather shrugged. “It is what it is, but things are changing, and we wanted you to know we don’t all resent you. Personally, I think it’s kind of romantic the way you and Sean got together—I mean, besides Jerard and the attack and all.”
“Heather!” Gillian’s voice was a harsh whisper, and she shot an apprehensive glance across her shoulder at Rissa.
“It’s okay, Gillian. I happen to agree with Heather. Sean has been waiting a long time for someone like Lily. I think we all have,” Rissa said linking arms with her new friend.”
Lily raised an eyebrow, and gracefully removed her arm. Putting both hands up, she tamped down on the self-conscious heat blooming in her cheeks
“Okay, everyone. I appreciate the vote of confidence, but enough with the mush. My reputation as a bad ass is in jeopardy of damage beyond repair.”
They all laughed.
Heather sat on one of the plush couches. Why don’t we order drinks and then go into town for lunch. I’m in the mood for lobster at the Oarweed in Perkins Cove.
“Sounds good to me. Who wants what? I’ll treat first,” Lily said.
Celia shook her head, pulling Lily down onto the couch next to her. “No way, you’re our guest of honor.” She turned to the plump blonde standing to her left. “Gillian you do the honors.”
The blonde fished in her bag. “I still can’t believe you survived an ‘A’ level training session with Shannon…Where the hell is my phone? I have a notepad app on it somewhere… Anyway, my brother is training to be a Hunter and she threw him off the mat. He couldn’t take it. You must be very determined.” She paused, glancing into her purse again. “Got it. Okay order up ladies.”
“’A’ level?” Lily glanced at Rissa questioningly.
Gillian lifted her hand as if showing height. “Oh yeah, ‘A’ level is way up there. Most H
unter trainees start at level ‘C’. I heard Shannon keeps a private diary of all the hunters who vomit on her mat after their first class.”
“I do no such thing.”
Everyone turned at the sound of the woman’s voice. She was sitting in a high back chair with her back to everyone. Sitting to her left was Delia.
“Shannon!” Gillian got up, her face pale. “I didn’t know you were sitting there.”
“Obviously,” Delia muttered from behind the chair’s leather wing-back.
Lily got up and moved around to the front. “Hello Shannon, good to see you again.” She smiled at the woman, and then shifting her gaze to her sister, she nodded once. “Delia.”
Delia snorted back. “Gold-digger.”
Shannon put her drink on the small round table between their two chairs. “Delia, this is what I was talking about. You just don’t get it, do you? Either that or you just refuse to accept it.”
“What I don’t get is how my own sister could spend her time and her expertise on a single-natured human.”
“Dee, I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you the way you hoped. I’m sure everyone here feels the same. But that’s just the way that one went. Lily had no part in Sean’s decision to annul the contract—and I’ve got more news for you—I will teach her every counter move, every trick I know if you follow through with this immature notion of challenging her.”
She paused, her face both frustrated and sad. “Think about it, Delia. Don’t you think all your time and effort would be better spent in some other way? A more productive way? Maybe then you might actually meet someone who will appreciate you for who you are and not what our family can give them. Sean never cared about political gain, but if that’s all you think you’re worth, all you value, then I’m sure there’s a guy out there who will sniff that out and use it, and you.”
Delia stood. She towered over her sister and Lily and half the women present. She smiled, but it was cheerless. “Maybe you’re right, Shannon. Maybe I have been setting my sites too low.”