“And if that doesn’t work, then we’ll fling our poop,” Sami said.
Aric chuckled as he shook his head. “Sounds like a plan.”
“DID YOU get everything unpacked?”
I rested my feet on the wooden coffee table an hour later and made room for Sami to settle beside me. Aric was busy unpacking our suitcase – something I thought was an utter waste of time because it would be just as easy to keep everything inside and rummage around when need arose – and I was officially bored because the cabin didn’t have a television.
“I just threw the bag on top of the dresser,” Sami replied. “I can get the clothes out of the bag just as easily as I can get the clothes out of the dresser.”
I bit the inside of my cheek. “Don’t say that to your father. He doesn’t find that funny.”
“I already heard,” Aric said, strolling into the room and fixing us with an amused look. “You get that delightful quirk from your mother, Sami.”
“Well, the good news is that I didn’t see any ghosts while I was in there,” Sami said. “The bad news is that the room is so creepy I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a body under the bed and the ghost hasn’t had time to realize it’s dead yet.”
Aric’s smile tipped down. “You get that from your mother, too,” he said, shaking his head. “Are you guys ready to look around, or do you want to hide in here?”
“I say we hide,” Sami said. “I don’t like it when people stare at me. It makes me feel like I have a huge zit and don’t know it or something.”
I snorted and pressed my eyes shut as Aric made a low growling sound in the back of his throat.
“Sami, we’re going to be stuck on top of each other for a few days,” Aric reminded her. “Can’t you please try to adjust your attitude?”
Sami feigned confusion. “What? I’m being good?”
“This is going to be the longest week ever,” Aric groused, extending his hand to help me off the couch. “Come on. We might as well get this over with.”
I took his hand and groaned as he pulled me to my feet, shifting my eyes to Sami to make sure she put Trouble on a leash before leaving. I considered offering her my hand because she looked so worried about what was to come, but given her age I realized what a mistake that would be, and I didn’t want to push matters.
“Let’s do this,” I said.
Sami hovered close to my side as we left, something Aric clearly noticed but didn’t comment on. We’d barely hit the bottom of the steps when James and Helen hurried over from the neighboring cabin.
“There you are,” Helen said, making a face. “We expected you two hours ago.”
“Yes, well, I’m traveling with two women and a puppy,” Aric pointed out. “We had to make multiple stops.”
“No one needs to go to the bathroom that much,” James argued.
“No, but Sami needed juice and Zoe wanted ice cream, so … we don’t travel a lot for a reason,” Aric said, cracking his neck as he studied the campground. “I recognize a lot of these faces.”
“You’ve been the talk of the gathering since we told everyone you were coming,” Helen said. “Everyone is massively excited.”
That wasn’t the word I would’ve used for the expressions being lobbed in our direction, but I wisely kept that to myself. “So, how does this work?” I asked. “Do we all cook for ourselves or is there some sort of communal dinner thing? I thought Aric mentioned a potluck.”
“Yes, you need to cook a dish and share it with the group,” Helen said.
I made an annoyed face. “We’re going to need to run to a grocery store so I can buy things and pretend I cooked them,” I told Aric, causing him to laugh and James to frown.
“I figured we would just buy meat and grill it,” Aric said. “It’s more expensive, but less work.”
“Ah, a man after my own heart.”
“I’d better be the only one,” Aric said, dropping a quick kiss on my mouth and ignoring his mother’s annoyed sigh. “So, who wants to take a walk around the campground?”
“Not me,” Sami answered. “I don’t like the way everyone is looking at me.”
“And how is that, dear?” Helen asked.
“Like they want to cook me at the potluck.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Helen chided. “They’re merely in awe of your beauty.”
What a crock of crap. “They don’t want to eat you,” I clarified. “They’re dying to know if you’re magical, though.”
“Because you’re magical?” Sami asked.
“Yes, my reputation precedes me.”
“That’s a nice way of putting it,” James said dryly. “As for you, Sami, everyone is dying to meet you. Your father was the best at all the competitions when he was your age, and people expect you to follow in his footsteps.”
I stilled, my mind working overtime to absorb what James was insinuating. “What competitions?”
“They’re games,” Aric clarified. “It’s nothing big. Everyone plays baseball and volleyball. There’s a big game of Capture the Flag at some point. They’re not competitions. My father is exaggerating.”
“They’re competitions,” James said. “The child who wins the most prizes earns the most respect.”
“Well, that sounds positively dreadful,” I said. “Sami, you don’t have to play games if you don’t want to do it.”
“Of course she does,” Helen argued. “People will think she’s odd if she doesn’t.”
“I don’t care what other people think.”
“Neither do I,” Aric interjected. “If Sami doesn’t want to play the games, she doesn’t have to play the games. It’s pretty simple.”
Helen refused to back down. “We’ll talk about it later,” she said, patting Sami’s shoulder. “There are family games as well as children’s games. Surely you’ll want to participate in those.”
“Only if they’re naked games,” I quipped, inadvertently stepping close to Aric when James scorched me with a dark look.
“Be careful about what you say in front of these people,” James snapped, lowering his voice. “Open fornication is frowned upon here.”
That made absolutely no sense. “You guys strip naked and run around in the woods together,” I reminded him. “Are you telling me that never gets freaky-deaky? If so, I don’t believe you.”
“Aric, you can’t let her say things like that,” James warned, shaking his head. “People won’t appreciate her sense of humor.”
“I don’t care what other people think,” Aric said. “I care what I think. I find her hilarious.”
“Does that mean you’re going to get freaky-deaky?” Sami asked. She seemed genuinely curious.
“No, and don’t listen to your parents,” James said, leading Sami away from us. “The games are good for you. They build self-esteem and teach you how to be a gracious winner.”
“That’s only if she is a gracious winner,” I said, tugging Sami back to my side. “I know you don’t want to hear this, James, but I’m not a stellar athlete.”
“I noticed,” James said dryly.
“Sami has half of my genes,” I said. “She’s not going to be the same kind of athlete Aric was. And, quite frankly, I don’t think it’s fair to put that sort of pressure on her. She doesn’t have to play the games if she doesn’t want to.”
“I think you’re being unreasonable.”
“Well, I don’t,” Aric said, gripping my hand tighter. “We’re Sami’s parents. If she doesn’t want to play the games, she doesn’t have to.”
“I can’t believe you’re fighting this,” James argued. “You excelled at the games.”
Instead of immediately responding, Aric forced a smile and focused on Sami. “Sweetie, can you go inside and grab a bottle of water for me? I forgot, and I’m really going to need one.”
Sami looked worried. “I … .”
“Go,” I said, grabbing Trouble’s leash. “Grab one for me, too.”
“I’m not your sla
ve.”
“No, but I’ll bribe you with ice cream tomorrow if you do it.”
“Well, I’m not a slave, but I can be bought,” Sami said, smiling as she turned toward the cabin. “Don’t leave without me. I’ll be right back.”
Aric watched her go, his expression unreadable. He waited until she disappeared inside before turning on his father. “Don’t push her,” he warned, his voice low and menacing. “I don’t want her participating in those stupid games if she doesn’t want to.”
“But you loved the games,” Helen protested.
“I didn’t love the games,” Aric countered. “I played because I wanted Dad to be proud of me. Sami doesn’t have to jump through hoops for me to be proud of her. I already am.”
James balked. “You didn’t need to play the games because of me.”
“We both know that’s not true,” Aric said. “As for Sami, knock it off. We all know they’re going to put her in the over-twelve group, and because she hasn’t shifted yet, they’ll kick her ass.”
James’ face drained of color as he realized the truth behind Aric’s words. “I didn’t think about that.”
“Yeah? Well I did,” Aric said. “This is my family. Mine.” He thumped his chest for emphasis. “Don’t push Sami into doing something she’s not ready to do. I don’t want her spirit crushed if she can’t physically keep up with these other kids.”
I rubbed my cheek as I considered his words. Was Sami really at that much of a disadvantage? Aric seemed to think so. He didn’t seem upset. Er, rather, he didn’t seem disappointed for himself. He did appear worried about Sami.
“Don’t worry about Sami,” I said finally, shaking myself out of my reverie. “She’ll be fine.”
“See.” James puffed out his chest. “Zoe thinks she should play the games.”
“I didn’t say that,” I cautioned. “I said not to worry. As for the games, well, she might not be as strong as the other kids, but she has other gifts. I’m guessing she can win a lot of the games by using her enhanced talents.”
Aric seemed intrigued by the suggestion, while James’ face drained of color.
“That’s an idea,” Aric said. “When one of the kids tries to steal the football from her she can burn him.”
“That’s not what I meant,” I said, shaking my head. “However, I’m not above cheating. I’m sure we can figure something out to give her an edge. I’ll help her.”
“Don’t even joke about that,” James warned, casting a furtive glance over his shoulder. “The council doesn’t look kindly on cheating.”
“I think that ‘cheating’ was the wrong word,” I said. “It’s more like … aggressive strategizing.”
This time Aric didn’t bother hiding his chuckle. Helen responded by fanning her face as James stared me down.
“Perhaps we should steer Sami away from the games,” James said after a beat. “That might be best for everyone.”
“I’m not doing that either,” I said. “Sami can do whatever she wants … within reason. If she wants to play the games, great. If she doesn’t … well … you and everyone else are going to stay off her back. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
James swallowed hard. “Yes.”
“That’s good,” I said. “I would hate to be forced to start aggressively strategizing against you.” I turned a bright smile in Aric’s direction. “Are we ready for our tour?”
The smile he sent me was full of love and adoration. “I’m ready for anything as long as I have you.”
“Oh, good grief,” James muttered. “People will be whispering about you nonstop.”
“Well, as you know, I’m happiest when I’m the center of attention,” I said, meeting Sami’s gaze as she exited the cabin. “Come on, Sami. We’re going for a walk.”
“As long as no one does anything freaky-deaky, I don’t care,” Sami replied. “I’m bored, but I’m not that bored.”
“She definitely gets that from you,” Aric said.
Nine
“Wow. So we finally get to meet the famous mage. It’s an honor.”
I narrowed my eyes as I studied the pretty brunette who greeted us close to the grill shortly before dinner. She accepted the steaks and corn Aric handed her with a wide smile before fixing me with what can only be described as a grimace.
“She has a name, Claudette,” Aric said, slipping his arm around my waist.
“Zoe, right?” Claudette faked a bright smile. “That’s an … interesting name.”
“So is Claudette,” I replied, working overtime to keep my manners in place as I extended my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Claudette waited a beat before shaking my hand. “You, too. I was starting to think it would never happen.”
“We’re not big on camping,” I said.
“Oh, that’s not how I remember things,” Claudette said as she focused on Aric. “You used to love camping.”
“I don’t mind camping, but Zoe and Sami hate it,” Aric explained. “Zoe doesn’t mind a hike in the woods, but she prefers sleeping on a nice mattress.”
“And ready access to ice cream,” I added.
Claudette looked as if she’d swallowed a big worm as she fought to keep her smile in place. “Yes, well, how great for you.”
I glanced at Aric, but he was focused on the woman. She had a good six inches on me, and her hips were narrower. She had long dark hair that fell in waves past her shoulders, and her cheekbones were high and sculpted. She was beautiful … which I found completely irksome.
“How have you been, Claudette?” Aric asked, changing the subject. “I haven’t seen you since … wow … I think it was the summer before my senior year.”
“Yes, you stopped spending time with us out of the blue,” Claudette noted, her voice tinged with disappointment. “We heard it was because of a woman, but no one believed the gossip. You were never one to settle down when we knew you. That’s what you told people, right?”
Ah. Now I get it. She had a crush on Aric back then and is bitter because she thought she would eventually get a shot at him. Oh, well, I won. It’s probably wrong to do my “I won” dance in front of a crowd, right?
“I had to find the right woman first,” Aric said, shooting me a fond smile. “Once that happened, I was more than happy to settle down.”
“And lucky you,” Claudette said, focusing on me. “However did you manage to reel him in? I’m just dying to know.”
She was going to be “dying” for another reason if she didn’t rein in the attitude. “Well, I was mean to him, then I kind of stalked him a bit, then I had sex with him, then we broke up and I was mean to him again, and then we realized we couldn’t live without each other. It was like a fairy tale, really.”
Aric’s eyes twinkled as he squeezed my hip. “She didn’t have to reel me in. I reeled myself in as soon as I met her.”
“And you didn’t have any second thoughts about her not being a wolf?” Claudette asked. She was feigning curiosity, but I could tell she thought I was something akin to boob sweat rather than a legitimate romantic choice. “You were poised to take over a prime position on the leadership council. All of that ended when you married her.”
“I never had any interest in being on the council,” Aric said. “Nothing ended when I married Zoe. That’s when everything began.”
“Oh, that’s sweet,” I said, faking a bright smile. “I’m going to sit at the picnic table and let you catch up with your friend.”
“That sounds like a lovely idea,” Claudette purred.
Aric snagged the back of my shirt before I could move too far away. “I don’t want you to go,” he said. “I’ll miss you if you leave me.”
“I … .” I knit my eyebrows together, confused. He obviously wanted me to stay, but why? Claudette was aggressive, but he could easily take her if it became necessary. “Someone needs to watch our kid so she doesn’t disappear into the woods.”
“Mom and Dad are busy doting on her,” Aric
said, refusing to let go. “I want to dote on you.”
“Okay.” I found the situation surreal, but I had no intention of abandoning him … unless things got really uncomfortable, and then he was totally on his own. What? The most she can do is try to smother him with her impressive cleavage. He’s strong. He’ll survive.
Aric and Claudette eyed each other silently as I shifted from one foot to the other. Finally, I couldn’t take the uncomfortable silence one second longer. I decided to make things better.
“So, did you two used to date or something?”
“No,” Aric answered immediately, making a face.
“Oh, thanks for that,” Claudette said dryly. “I feel so … loved.”
“Well, I never loved you,” Aric said, his tone harsh. “Claudette and I were close in age growing up so we always got shoved in the same games and events. It’s a small group, so everyone knows each other.”
“Oh. That sounds … nice,” I hedged.
“There’s a little more to it than that,” Claudette offered. “We went out on a date. We went to that dance together. You must remember that.”
“Sure,” Aric confirmed. “I believe I walked inside, got a photo taken and then hung out in the parking lot with Bruce and David because I hate dances. The only reason I even went is because my father made me.”
“Yes, but you asked me,” Claudette prodded.
She was clearly trying to get under my skin, but Aric was the one fraying under the pressure.
“I only asked you because my father insisted,” Aric explained. “It seems he had some business dealings with your father and he wanted them to go smoothly. I was told that you demanded I ask you out and your father wanted to make you happy … so that’s what happened to close the deal.”
Claudette’s mouth dropped open as I internally cringed. Aric was usually the charming one, while I walked around with my feet jammed in my mouth. Apparently we were changing personalities this week. That couldn’t be good.
“That’s a lie,” Claudette said, crossing her arms over her chest. “You liked me. I know you did. I wrote you several times … and even tried calling … but you were always busy after that. I heard not long after that you were dating some magical … monster … and I figured she cast a spell on you to make you forget.”
Desperate Covenant (Dying Covenant Trilogy Book 2) Page 8