by K. S. Martin
“T?” Tina looked up to find Ruth in her doorway. “Cassie and I are done with everything, is there anything else that you need us to do before we go?”
“Do you think I should wear jeans or a dress?” Tina asked still trying to reason out the second biggest problem of the day.
“What does the alpha like to see you in?” Ruth grinned. Tina blushed. “Okay. Not a good idea to show up naked but keep in mind that the pack wouldn’t notice.” Tina’s brows knitted forming a tiny frown line above her nose. “Oh, it’s not because you are not gorgeous. But because there are several of us that who are frequently naked before and after a run.” Ruth winked at her. “Does he prefer a dress or jeans?”
“I don’t know, he’s never said really. He looks at me the same no matter what I’m wearing or not wearing.” Tina stood and pulled the black stiff shirt over her behind.
“That’s the sweetest thing that I’ve ever heard.” Ruth gushed.
“Me too.” Cassie came up behind Ruth and looked over her shorter aunt’s shoulder. “Wear some tight jeans and a belly shirt Tina.” Cassie grinned but Tina was already shaking her head. “Tight jeans and a cute top then. We may play volleyball later or softball, are you up for it?”
“I’m not very sporty. I kind of missed that part of childhood development. I was probably learning baguettes or something equally important.”
“Yeah like payroll.” Cassie giggled. “Are you ready to go then Aunt Ruth? We are on set up.” Ruth nodded. “Do you want us to bring the sheet cake T?”
“That would be very helpful Cassie, and don’t forget the buns.” Cassie nodded and turned to get the bags. “You guys head out, Mac will be here soon to get me, and I need to change my clothes.”
“Don’t worry T, it’s all going to work out, and they will love you, I promise.” Ruth reached out and squeezed her hand before leaving.
Chapter 12
Tina picked imaginary lint off of her denim encased thigh as they drove slowly down the gravel stretch of road that led to the picnic and park area in the community of houses. This community, Mac had explained, backed up to a state park that they used for hunting and running. When she said that hunting was illegal, he smiled and reminded her that law did not govern what the animals did. It was a pretty community and Tina could see herself living here. It was the picture of suburbia, the lawns were manicured, children ran around playing and riding bikes, and it seemed like a place she could call home. Still, she was anxious about what would come, this was so important to his future, to their future.
She’d decided to wear jeans and to follow Cassie’s suggestion. The girl had done right by her so far. Mac watched her out of the corner of his eye and smirked. “Don’t worry. They are going to love you.” He patted her knee and steered the Hybrid into a parking space. His brothers were manning the massive black grills flipping steaks, burgers, and hot dogs. Tina could see vegetables stacked across one of them and could smell roasting corn when she climbed out of the car. Mac was at her side almost immediately kissing her cheek. Her heart wouldn’t slow down and the sea of interested faces staring at her was not helping. People milled about, some were placing table cloths on picnic tables, a few were chatting and laughing while drinking beers, some were setting up serving tables with covered dishes, utensils, plates and drinks. Were all of these people werewolves? They looked so normal, like anyone she would expect to see in her bakery, until you noticed their eyes. She saw that not all were amber like Mac’s eyes. Although, there was something different about the eyes in the crowd, something struck her as wild and intelligent. Cassie and J.D. galloped up to them showing off that they were friendly with the new alpha and his mate.
“Do you need us to carry anything?” Cassie hugged her, her brother followed then shook Mac’s hand as Mac explained that everything was already here. Cassie pushed her glasses up her nose and hooked her arm through Tina’s elbow. “I want you to meet my mom.” Mac let her hand go as Cassie led her away. “She’s very anxious to meet you. She’s a real fan.” Tina smiled curiously, wondering why she would be a fan as Cassie put it when they’d never met. Ruth hurried through the picnickers and met them halfway.
“How are you feeling T?” Ruth turned and looked around. “You aren’t the only newbie here, so don’t be anxious. I’m new too, remember.”
“But I’m not like everyone, remember?” Tina whispered.
“You’re absolutely right T. You are the alpha’s mate. That makes you a little more important than someone like me.” Ruth said. “Now come and meet Grace. It will be good for appearances if you meet her first and she gives you her approval. Keep in mind that she is doing your job. The alpha’s mate is normally in charge of the females but since you’re human, Grace is doing it. So you and she should like each other at least and also,” Ruth whispered. “She already likes you, so don’t worry.”
‘Why though? I don’t know her, we’ve never met.” Cassie giggled. “Because silly, you gave me a job when nobody would, and J.D. and Ruth, now mom doesn’t have to work two jobs and hand all of her money out to us. We have enough for some extras for the first time since my dad was killed.”
“Oh honey, your dad was killed?” Tina’s eyes filled with tears as she grabbed Cassie’s hand. “I’m so sorry.”
“It was a long time ago T, before I knew you, I was nine and J.D. was seven. He was shot during deer season.”
“Oh my god, by a hunter?” Tina was nearly hysterical wondering in the back of her mind if that could happen to Mac.
“No, well yeah, sort of. He and his human buddy were out in the woods drinking and hunting deer and another hunter accidentally shot him. Dad was shot in the heart and he died instantly. Neither of them was wearing safety orange and his buddy took a shot to the thigh. It was tragic but hunting accidents happen. We’ve all healed Tina so don’t worry about it.” Cassie dragged her forward. Tina saw some curious glances as she passed groups of people gathered around tables and in small groups, some glances were suspicious and a few outright hateful. Tina suspected that it wouldn’t matter who she was, those malicious glances were for humans in general. She would make an effort to prove any misconceptions they had about humans as wrong. She smiled that much more at everyone. Cassie stopped at a large table filled with at least twenty pack members. “Mama, this is Tina, the new alpha’s mate and my boss. Tina this is my mother Grace, the pack’s female beta.” She looked like an older version of Cassie. Grace was in her late forties, blonde, tall and capable looking. Grace put her hand out and Tina shook it as Grace’s pulled her into an embrace and hugged her thoroughly.
“I am so very happy to finally meet you Tina. You have no idea what a God-send you are to my family.” She hugged Tina again fiercely.
“Easy mama, you’re going to break her in half.” Cassie laughed as Grace finally let her go.
“Let me show you around and introduce you to everyone.” Mac came up behind her and pulled Tina against him.
“I think I should do that, besides I’m missing my mate already.” A few women close by giggled. “Everyone, this is my mate Tina. Tina this is Melody, Lynn, Sharon, Brenda, Lester, James, Elsa…” Mac rattled off so many names she would never remember any of them but she smiled at each and every one of them and shook hands when they were offered. She was proud of his natural flair of making each of them feel special when introduced. Mac would mention various accomplishments, jobs, children, their homes or new cars and it was like he knew each of them intimately even though he’d been their alpha for a very short time. Tina smiled up at him and loved being tucked into his side as he made the rounds at the picnic. It seemed like everyone found her acceptable and she began to relax. The lunch was set out on big platters and everyone started to line up to get food. Everyone stepped back urging Mac and Tina forward to the front of the line making Tina uncomfortable. She stopped as he passed a few people.
“Mac you’re cutting in line.” Tina tugged on his arm. She heard someone chuckle. Tina turned to find
a grinning man who she thought was named Lester.
“Ma’am, the alphas eat first. Go on.” He motioned her forward.
“But that’s not fair.” Tina complained. Another man laughed.
“Yeah but that’s the way it is, so take advantage. If you stay back here with us you may not eat.” A few more chuckled. Mac bent and kissed her cheek.
“Come on sweetheart, it’s customary that we are served first and there’s plenty for everyone, I made sure of it.” Mac said more to everyone than to her, more laughter trailed behind her. Tina followed but was still uncomfortable with it.
“Come on T, we’re starved.” Ruth called from the front of the line. “No one eats until you do so you’re holding us all up.” Everyone in the line chuckled at her nervousness making it worse. Tina walked quickly beside Mac.
“I still don’t think it’s right.”
“You will insult the pack if you defy their customs and declare them wrong.” Tina gasped. That was not what she wanted to do. Everything was going so well. She took the plate that Cassie shoved into her hands and took a hot dog and an ear of corn. “Now you’re insulting your host.” Tina’s eyes filled and her vision blurred. “Easy girl, I’m your host. Don’t panic.” Mac said gently and placed grilled onion, roasted peppers, and a small piece of steak on her plate, then coleslaw, potato salad and pasta salad. “If you can’t finish it, it’s okay.” Mac winked and she felt better because there was no way that she was eating all of that. “Go to that table over there.” He pointed, “I’ll bring you a drink. Do you want diet soda?” She nodded. “Okay, I’ll be there in a second.” Cassie, Ruth, Grace, and J.D. filed past her table in favor of another and Tina was disappointed. She’d hoped they would sit with her since she knew them and was sitting at this long table all by herself. Tina got up and carried her plate to sit with Cassie’s group. Grace patted the seat beside her and Tina sat down.
“This is great corn!” J.D. said around the ear that he was chewing on and Tina laughed when Grace smacked him for talking with his mouth full. Cassie pointed and laughed at him. Mac sat down on the bench beside Tina and popped the top on her soda can.
“You didn’t like my table?” Mac asked. Tina shook her head. “So that tradition is booted.” Tina’s brows knitted.
“What do you mean?” Tina asked and took a bite of her hot dog.
“Well, I was told that families sit together at these functions, that each family occupies a table.” Mac looked at Grace.
“That was an old tradition that the alpha twenty years ago came up with. He wanted his table to look down on the pack because he thought that he was better than everyone else. It was a silly tradition but next time you should sit with a different family so you aren’t showing any favoritism.” Grace advised. “Besides, of course Tina is more comfortable sitting with people she knows and sees every day, she’s new, and everyone will understand that.” Mac nodded and took a bite of steak. He had to be careful, no individual should appear more important to the alpha than any other until he was accepted and the hierarchy established. They would eat dessert at another table he decided.
“I’m stuffed.” Cassie declared leaning back from the table.
“Yeah me too, and going for seconds, does anyone need anything?” J.D. climbed out of his seat and headed for the food table without waiting for an answer. Cassie followed him.
“I thought you were stuffed?” Ruth called after her laughing.
“I’m proud of you.” Mac whispered in Tina’s ear looking down at her nearly empty plate.
“It was all so good. I need to walk around and let some of it digest.” Ruth giggled.
“Not me, I don’t want to move except to unbutton my pants. Are you getting seconds too T?” Tina shook her head vigorously and Mac chuckled. Tina wandered around the picnic area looking for a restroom. She spotted several little boys daring each other to stuff a whole hot dog in their mouths like the hot dog eating champ they’d seen on TV. There were four of them, all around ten or twelve years old that were egging the smallest of the group on. One of the bigger boys slapped him on the back and he got choked. Tina hoped that he would cough it up but he didn’t. He was obviously struggling and turning a dark red as he stumbled to his knees. The other three stood and watched. When Tina hurried over to the group, they ran away. Tina scooped the little boy up, wrapped her arms around him, and pressed her fist into his belly under his sternum. She pulled that fist with her other hand up into his gut hard and nothing happened. The boy was flailing his arms and legs in obvious distress and Tina jerked her fist again. She’d just had an instructor in the bakery six months ago that taught them CPR and how to use an automated defibrillator when she bought one for the bakery. She thought that sometimes a coffee and chocolate rush might be a bit much for some of her older customers. Tina jerked him once more, now he was as limp as a rag doll but the piece of hot dog flew out and he gasped drawing in a huge breath of air. He wailed loudly, Tina figured he was probably scared by what had just happened to him and he ran away from her. Tina turned to see where he was going so that she could make sure that he was alright but met with several angry sets glowing amber of eyes then heard a chorus of growls and snarls. Fear raced along her nerves and her skin broke out in hot and cold gooseflesh. A few advanced on her and Tina backed away but they got closer fast. Her hands and feet suddenly cold with the fight or flight response and she bolted for her hybrid that was parked a few feet away. Mac left the keys in the ignition earlier and Tina started it then raced away speeding through the community. Her tires screeched loudly around a corner and she narrowly avoided a parked car before she thought it would be safer to slow down and not kill anyone. Tears streamed down her face, partly fear, partly anxiety over Mac’s probation. What would happen now that they thought that Tina tried to hurt one of their young? They would never accept her now. They would kick Mac out, he wouldn’t have a job or a pack, and she sensed that both were very important to him. Tina wiped at the tears oozing over her cheeks and parked behind the bakery. Hurrying upstairs so Janet wouldn’t see her and ask questions, Tina let herself into her apartment and curled up on the sofa. Mac found her that way thirty minutes later, her head resting on her knees and her face in her hands. Her shoulders still shook with tremors.
“Sweetheart.” Mac knelt beside her. His warm hand stroked her from her nape to the base of her spine. “Baby, it’s okay.” Mac murmured against her hair. She scrambled into his arms and buried her face in his neck. “Oh sweetheart, it’ll be okay.”
“It won’t be, they didn’t like me, and they think I tried to hurt that little boy Mac, but I didn’t, he was choking, I had to get the hotdog up or he was going to…” She started sobbing again. “I’m so sorry Mac, if you want to find another mate, I understand. I can’t do this. I’ll always be a human and they don’t like humans.” She sniffled loudly.
“Hey, I said its okay. Everyone thinks it’s okay. We know you saved Ronnie. You did a good thing Tina and nobody thinks you were trying to hurt him.”
“They growled at me though and that’s what they thought.”
“I know baby, they’re sorry, it was a misunderstanding, and nobody thinks it anymore. Everyone wants you to come back to the picnic.” Tina’s head was shaking and Mac chuckled and lifted her. “Well everyone it looks like she doesn’t want to go. You know the rules. No one can have any chocolate and peanut butter cake before the alpha so I guess it will go to waste.” Tina opened her eyes and looked around. Her apartment was full of pack members. There were so many that she wondered how they all fit in the tiny apartment. She wiped her face self-consciously.
“I’m sorry that I growled at you Tina, I meant no harm, I was frightened for the boy and my emotions were running a little high. Please come back to the picnic.” A wolf named Frank volunteered. Tina wiped her face again, she must look awful.
“I’m sorry that I ran away. I should’ve explained.”
“It’s okay T. We all know how it is to be different.
” Cassie said from the back of the crowd. Tina smiled at her, thankful that she’d come.
“Come back to the picnic, I really want some of that cake.” J.D. called and everyone laughed.
“I told you it was his favorite.” Cassie giggled. Tina nodded.
“I want to wash my face, I must be a mess.” She sniffled. Mac pulled her in tight and kissed her temple.
“You’re as beautiful as ever sweetness.” The crowd of pack members filed out of her apartment leaving them alone. “It must have been terrifying.” Mac led her into the bathroom and ran cool water on a fresh washcloth. He wiped her face, wiping away the tears, the fear, and the anxiety. Mac kissed her cheeks and lips until he felt that she was calm and happy then wrapped her in his arms. “Feel better?” She nodded. “Good.” His lips pressed warmly against her temple. “Let’s go back to the picnic, there is still cake, volleyball, softball, horseshoes and I want to show you our house. Okay?”
“Our house?” She asked meekly.
“Yes, sweetheart. The alpha’s house. When I am confirmed as the alpha we will be expected to move into the community. Until then we can live here or at your house but from now on, we will be sleeping together every night.” Tina nodded again liking that idea a lot. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.” She took his hand and tugged him out of the apartment.
***
“I’m glad that you came back.” A tall curvy woman with long dark hair came over to Tina’s side of the car as she got out. She reminded Tina of wonder woman. The woman hugged her hard. “If there is anything that you ever need or want, let me know.” Tina looked at her and then Mac, puzzled. “Oh. I’m sorry. I’m Beth Anne, Ronnie’s mother, the boy you saved.” Tina’s face softened and her eyes welled. “I had a real hard time getting pregnant, and he’s been my only blessing. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost him.” She hugged Tina again.