by Melissa Haag
I curled an arm around her waist and gave a gentle nudge, until she lay down so her head was on my shoulder. Her hand settled on my skin just above my heart. The struggles with the males on the roof fell away as I focused on the feel of her. My need for her seemed to grow every day. Just the sight of her could soothe or excite me. Holding her close to my side like this was a dream.
Turning my head so my nose was in her hair, I breathed her in. Based on her scent, her touch affected her just as much as it did me. My pulse sped up slightly, and I tried to ignore the excitement coursing through me.
When she moved her head so her mouth was closer to my neck, I stopped breathing. I hadn’t been joking when I’d asked her to bite me. A nip from her dull teeth would mean everything. A sign that she wanted me as much as I wanted her.
Whatever thought had brought her lips close to my skin seemed to vanish as the hand over my heart curled into a fist. With frustration, I knew she wouldn’t give me what I needed. Forcing myself to relax, I kissed her brow.
It seemed to be what she needed because the hand flattened on my chest once more, and her fingertips starting a light exploration.
“Are they still on the roof?” she asked softly.
I nodded and ran my fingers through her hair. I didn’t want to think about my corrupt pack. I wanted to bask in the feel of her pressed against me, willingly touching my skin. She turned her head slightly and pressed her lips to my shoulder. I might not be able to claim her; but in that moment, I knew she was mine.
Not sleeping no longer bothered me as I listened to her breathing slow. I relished each moment as Charlene slept in my arms. The night progressed slowly and eventually, a few of those on the roof grew bored and wandered off to sleep. Those links quieted in my mind, allowing me a small measure of relief.
When I heard Gregory move in the other room, I gently eased out from her hold.
“I’ll stay with her,” Mary said, sitting up.
“Thank you. I’ll be downstairs.”
Gregory was already pumping water when I reached the main room.
“What are you doing?”
“Mary likes the oatmeal that Charlene makes. I was going to make a batch.”
“Still no closer to a yes?” I asked with a grin.
“I’m hoping this might help.”
“Me too.”
Now that Charlene let me sleep with her once, I hoped she would allow it again. Alone. I sat at the table and watched Gregory cook. Although the links in my mind had quieted slightly during the night as a few of the pack had gone to sleep, the ones who’d been awake had been enough to ensure I wouldn’t sleep. Now, those who’d rested, woke and tugged at my brain with renewed effort. Knowing I couldn’t stay inside forever, I stood.
I’ll join you in just a minute, Gregory sent me.
I went to the door and walked outside. Ash and his followers were waiting for me in the yard.
“You can’t command us to not do something you’ve done yourself,” Ash said angrily.
“When have I ever tried to destroy sanctuary?” I asked, purposely misunderstanding his meaning.
“Human homes. You’ve destroyed your fair share. We should be allowed to do the same.”
“Sanctuary is our home. You will not destroy it. And, if you disagree with that, you are welcome to leave the pack.”
“As long as that human’s in there, this is not our home,” he said, his angry gaze fierce with his belief. “She needs to leave now.”
“The Elders want her here. If you have a problem with Charlene’s presence, you need to speak with them.” I crossed my arms and waited for whatever objection he had next.
He had many. It was unfair they had to sleep outside. I reminded him he could sleep in any of the first floor rooms. He didn’t want to share his kills with the human. I told him he wasn’t sharing his portion of the pack kill with the human, the rest of us were sharing ours.
He likely would have kept going, but the door opened behind me. I knew without looking that it was Charlene when Ash pulled his lips back in a silent snarl.
When she stood beside me, I could smell her sweet scent and the oatmeal she was eating from a bowl.
“Good morning, Thomas.”
“Good morning,” I said gently, not looking at her. I didn’t trust any of the men before me. But when her pulse leapt and the scent of her interest tickled my nose, I sighed and turned to her.
“Charlene, you should stay inside.”
She wrinkled her nose as if thinking about it then shook her head and lifted her spoon.
“Oatmeal?” she offered.
I liked her sudden playfulness, but not in the open like we were.
“What are you doing out here?”
She shrugged and started pulling back the spoon. I grabbed her hand and brought the bite to my mouth. Her taste flavored the oatmeal.
She blushed and cleared her throat.
“I had a thought last night as I was listening to the little patter of footsteps on the roof,” she said, holding my gaze. “And that thought gave me an idea.” She turned to look at the men before me. “Why not send them out to find others and spread the word about what’s happening here.”
I followed her gaze and found them smirking. Ash had run out of recruits here. If I sent him and his followers out, they would recruit more.
“When you’re out there,” she continued addressing them, “be sure to tell everyone how you found females here and how we’re trying to make this place into a home.”
“Charlene...” She didn’t know what she was suggesting; but from the look in Ash’s eyes, he did. So did the others.
“We’ll go,” one of the men said, stepping forward. Eagerness poured from him.
“Of course, you will,” Charlene said. “The thought of finding enough men to break the pack apart and remove me, the terrible human, from your lives is perfect motivation.”
That wiped the smiles from their faces and stunned me. She knew.
“Why would you suggest this if you know that’s what we intend?” Ash asked.
“Why indeed,” she said then took another bite of oatmeal. She had their attention and mine as we waited for her to finish her mouthful.
“Perhaps I believe there are more of your kind out there interested in what we’re trying to build here. More than you think.”
“We?” the man said, disbelief and hostility flushing his face.
“Yes. We,” I answered.
“Or maybe there’s another reason,” she said with an indifferent shrug. “You decide. However, if you go, you have thirty days to send back as many as you can. The day after you all return, Thomas will accept the new members. Oh, and you all go or none of you go. Make your time count.”
The men looked at me. I fought to maintain control as they all pulled at me, wanting me to allow them to leave. Ash grinned as sweat broke out on my forehead. He now knew how close I was. It would only take a few more members to pull the pack apart, and I doubted Grey would be back in time to prevent the fighting that would occur when that happened.
Without any choice, I nodded; and they raced into the trees.
“Charlene, do you know what you’ve done?” I said, still staring at the woods.
“I gave you a reprieve for a month.”
“No, you’ve doomed the pack.” I rubbed my head and, surprisingly, the pain eased.
“Do you have a headache?”
“Yes. You gave me one.”
She shook her head at me, likely knowing it was a lie, and turned to walk inside. Without the troublemakers around to occupy me, I followed her.
“I don’t think I’ve doomed the pack, by the way,” she said over her shoulder.
“Oh?”
“I think I just gave it a real chance.”
She opened the door and froze just a step inside. I looked over her head and saw Gregory had Mary pinned against the wall, his face buried in the crook of her neck.
With Mary’s jean-clad legs
wrapped around his waist and her arms around his shoulders, I thought Charlene might feel embarrassment. Instead, dread surrounded her. Did she think Mary unwilling? Her closed eyes and parted lips conveyed just how much she liked what Gregory was doing to her.
“Congratulations,” I said to the pair.
Charlene turned to look at me, her eyes wide.
“Thank you,” Mary said with a bright smile as she unwound her legs from Gregory’s waist.
As Charlene’s gaze locked onto the bite on Mary’s neck, her scent soured with grief.
TWELVE
“Congratulations,” Charlene said, woodenly.
I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her back against my chest.
“Liar,” I said softly near her ear.
“Don’t worry, Charlene,” Mary said. “I’m not leaving. Thomas is staying, so we’re staying.”
Charlene nodded, eased out of my embrace, and went to sit at the table with her oatmeal. With my head clearer, I watched the way she played with her food and wondered what had happened to change her playful mood. I glanced at Mary who shrugged.
“I was wondering if one of you could talk to Winifred for me,” Charlene said without looking up. “I’d like to know if she’d be willing to extend an invitation to families who might like to stay here.”
I doubted Winifred would extend that kind of invitation until there was an Elder living here to help protect everyone and keep the peace.
“Maybe we’ll find a few Elder candidates that way or get a second pack in here that agrees with what we’re doing.” She took a small bite of her oatmeal.
“Packs typically don’t share territory,” I said, sitting beside her.
“Oh.”
Her dejected mood put me on edge. I didn’t like her looking, sounding, or smelling so unhappy. I struggled to think of something that would cheer her up.
“Aren’t Leif and Ann their own pack?” she asked, finally looking up at me.
“They are. Small packs of two to three generally don’t hold a territory. It’s too dangerous in such a small group, not from our own kind, but humans.”
“Where is Ann?” She frowned as she looked around.
“She had her cub last night and is sleeping.”
The news surprised me as much as it did Charlene.
“What? Why didn’t you tell me?” she said, staring at Mary.
Mary shrugged. “I didn’t think you’d be interested. She is really cute, though.”
“She?” I said.
Winifred, Ann had a female cub. Will they be safe here?
Mary said you sent the troublemakers away for a month. She should be fine. I know you’ll help Leif keep her safe.
I would try, but my control over those here was limited.
Did Grey reach you?
He has. We’ve begun training. I don’t like the idea of training someone so young; but we seem to be lacking any older serious candidates, and he’s very determined.
I know. Take care of him for me.
Everyone knew the risk of taking the Elder oath. If the trainee’s intentions weren’t in the best interest of preserving and protecting our kind, he would die as soon as he tried to accept the responsibility of being an Elder. If his intentions were honest and right, that didn’t mean he was safe. If, at any time, that changed, he would die instantly.
Winifred, what would happen if Grey finds his Mate after his takes the oath?
When she didn’t respond, I knew the answer.
I stayed in the kitchen to keep an eye on Charlene while Gregory and Mary slipped away. It relieved me that she finally said yes to Claiming. Who knew what would happen to the pack when the other’s returned?
Although I stayed close to Charlene throughout the day, she remained quietly distracted and when she went to bed, she didn’t invite me to lay next to her again. She told me to get out.
With Mary already moved back into the room next door, I sat on the floor in the hallway and wondered why Gregory and Mary’s pairing had upset Charlene so much. She’d known they were interested in each other, and our kind didn’t choose randomly. Without answers, I dozed in the hall and hoped the sun would bring more clarity to Charlene’s mood.
The next day, she seemed unhappier. I reached out to Winifred to ask for suggestions. She had a few theories but thought the most likely was that Charlene was homesick.
Hearing that Charlene might be missing home sent a jolt of panic through me. Humans who missed home tended to return home. So I put extra effort into finding ways to make sanctuary feel like home for her.
We covered more of the windows and replaced a few missing pieces of glass. Then, Anton showed me an overgrown garden by the lake just north of the building. Yet, I wasn’t sure a garden would be enough to stop her from wanting to leave. I needed something more. Something familiar.
Late Thursday, I asked Gregory and Mary to keep an eye on Charlene and ran to the junkyard to search for coins to purchase some human food for breakfast.
I found just enough for a box of cereal, which Winifred assured me Charlene would like, and some milk. Not knowing how else to keep milk cool, I set it outside.
I’m heading to sanctuary after I dismiss my students, Winifred sent me as I sat in the hallway outside Charlene’s door. Recycling the metal gave me enough money to stock up on some provisions. Hopefully that will help her feel more secure there.
Thank you. I hoped it would too.
Restless and worried, I stood and let myself into her room. She lay curled in her bed, a frown pulling at her lips. Even in her sleep she looked sad. Wanting her to not feel alone when she woke, I slipped into bed beside her.
She sighed and leaned against me. I closed my eyes and dozed, feeling relaxed for the first time in days. She didn’t move much as the hours passed, except to roll toward me. Her breath tickled my arm, and I drifted back to sleep.
I felt the change in her breathing and opened my eyes just after dawn. Wanting to spend the day alone with her, I reached out to the pack members still at sanctuary and gave them all something to do. Hem would make sure Anton stayed out of the way as well.
I heard Gregory and Mary moving around in their room then steps in the hallway.
Charlene stayed still for several more minutes before she stretched and opened her eyes. I was laying on my side so I could watch her.
Her gaze narrowed when she saw me.
“I warned you.” She pushed me off the bed with her hands.
I hit the floor with a thud and sat up to scowl at her.
“I didn’t sleep in your room,” I lied. “I came to wake you up.”
“You were in my bed without permission,” she said, leaving the covers. She leaned over the bed and started to make it. Each movement was an angry jerk.
“You’re unusually upset. Didn’t you sleep well?” I asked. I’d slept great.
“I slept fine,” she said, turning to study the dresser. She stood there stiffly for a moment before her shoulders slumped. Slowly, she turned toward me. “Thomas, I’m...bored.” Her pulse changed ever so slightly with that word.
“You just lied.”
With a sigh, she sat on the bed. The dejected way she looked at me and the way she clasped her hands worried me.
“I’m lonely,” she said softly.
Fear had my gut clenching painfully. She wanted to leave. If I were honest with myself, she’d wanted to leave the entire time she was here. Yet, if she hadn’t left yet, I doubted she would now. Still, I hated knowing she would stay somewhere she was miserable.
I sat next to her and looked down at my hands.
“Do you miss your family?” I asked.
“I try not to think about them,” she said. “But when I do, I miss them so much it hurts.”
“Will you go back to them?”
“No. Never. I love them too much.”
“I’ve been trying to figure out why you stay. You have family out there and miss them. Here, you’ve been attacked repeatedly,
are resented by many, protected by few...why stay?” I looked at her. She focused on her hands. “I think you’re hiding here because of what you can do.”
When her pulse started to race and panic flavored her scent, I knew I was right and nudged her.
“None of that,” I said. “No one is going to make you leave because you’re different. In fact, that’s a strong reason to let you stay. You’re not just human. You’re more. Don’t be afraid to show that you can move things with your mind.”
She seemed to relax slightly. Her stomach growled just then, a perfect chance to try to make her smile.
I cleared my throat and stood.
“I have a surprise for you. But it means spending the morning with me. I’ll feed you first,” I said.
She looked up at me with hope in her eyes. I playfully nodded toward the door.
When she stepped into the bathing room downstairs, I grabbed two bowls, cereal and the milk and set the table.
“Milk?” she said in surprise when she walked out.
“It is. Did you know after we are weaned, we typically don’t drink milk again? It’s not necessary. We seem to get what we need from the animals we eat. Winifred believes it’s because in our other form, we tend to eat it all.”
She made a face, and I regretted my choice of topic and changed it back to humans.
“So I was a bit surprised to learn humans drink milk their entire lives. And tend to eat more vegetables than meat,” I said.
She sat at the table and looked in her bowl.
“Cereal?” she asked in disbelief. Excitement lit her gaze, and I nodded and handed her the milk.
With a smile, I watched her dump milk into the bowl and start spooning the mess into her mouth.
“Mmm.”
She made that sound with each bite. I forgot to try mine and just watched her enjoy herself.
“Aren’t you going to eat?” she asked when she’d devoured half her portion.
I reached for the milk, neatly poured a bit into my bowl, and took a bite. It was awful. Had she not been watching me, I would have spit it out.
“You don’t like it?” she asked.
It was a struggle to chew it enough to swallow.
“It’s different,” I said finally.