“I know he can be a little much at times,” Cassie said, glancing at her brother, who slowly assessed the house, Steve, and Nicole, before looking back at me. “But he is a born protector and looks out for those around him. He won’t stop, so sometimes it’s just easier to accept it.” I raised my eyebrow but didn’t respond.
“Hello! I’m Nicole.” She smiled warmly at Cade and shook his hand before she turned and smiled approvingly at me. Cue face flaming in embarrassment. She looked over to Steve before introducing him. “This is my husband, Steve Henkens.” Both Cassie and Cade shook his hand before Cade spoke up.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Cade McCoy and this is my sister, Cassie. We met Kendra in town and just wanted to make sure she made it back home safely.” The last was said while looking at me. I rolled my eyes.
“Oh, well that was nice of you.” Nicole paused before adding, “I’d invite you in to stay a while but the place is a mess since we just moved in.”
“That’s okay. We have to be going anyways.” Cade said as he moved down the sidewalk. “It was nice to meet you all. Welcome to the town.”
“Thank you and it was great to meet you too. Don’t be a stranger!” Nicole called after him. She looked to Cassie before adding, “You are welcome any time too, dear.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Henkens.” Cassie smiled.
“Please, call me Nicole.”
“Nicole.” Cassie nodded. She turned to me before asking, “I’ll see you next week at school if not before, yeah?”
“Sure, sounds good.” I replied and couldn’t keep the smile off my face. Her fun, go happy nature was a tad catching. It might be fun to actually have a friend going into the first day of school. She beamed in return as she skipped down to Cade’s truck. Both of them climbed inside and were soon out of sight on their way out of town.
“The McCoys, huh?” Steve said, scratching his chin while looking off to where Cade and Cassie had disappeared. He turned to me before adding, “They own quite a bit of land around here. As well as half the town shops if I remember right.”
“Cassie said they’ve lived here her whole life.” I supplied.
“Decades I’d imagine.” Nicole commented. She grinned ruefully before adding, “The McCoy boy is quite a looker, isn’t he?” She teased.
“I suppose some girls would find him attractive.” I hedged.
“Not enough to tempt you, huh?” Nicole asked.
“Boys are the last thing on my mind.” Even if his deep brown eyes seem to peer right into my soul.
“Good.” Steve replied, then added with humor in his eyes, “I don’t know if I could handle that one if he came knocking on our door.”
“Steve!” Nicole admonished before laughing to herself. I rolled my eyes, again. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately.
“No worries. I’m just going to focus on school this year so I can get into college.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” Steve nodded approvingly. We all filed into the house and started the arduous task of unpacking.
Chapter Two
The week before school flew by and before I knew it, Monday morning rolled around. My alarm went off at 6:40 am and woke me from a fitful sleep. I’d been having weird dreams the past couple nights. I knew it was the same one, over and over again, but as soon as I woke up, I couldn’t remember a thing about it. Knowing that I didn’t have time to ponder what my subconscious was trying to tell me, I rolled out of bed and into the bathroom across the hall. Within thirty minutes, I was dressed and ready. Best thing about being a low maintenance girl, all I had to do was run a brush through my hair, apply a little mascara, and I was good to go.
Nicole was downstairs making breakfast as I made my way to the kitchen. She didn’t start work until the following week and she was nice enough to volunteer breakfast duty the first week.
“Good morning,” Nicole chimed as she slid a plateful of bacon, eggs, and toast in front of me. My mouth watered at the aroma.
“Morning. Thanks for this.” I nodded down at my plate as I dug in with my fork.
“You’re welcome.” She smiled as Steve walked into the room. Steve wrapped Nicole in a hug before they shared a brief kiss and smiled at each other. He stepped away and sat down beside me.
“Good morning Kendra.”
“Morning.” I replied around a mouthful of food.
“Excited for today?” He asked and I shrugged. Last first day of high school. I was excited about that, but I didn’t think that was what he meant. He continued on when I didn’t answer. “I’ll have to find a car for you before winter comes. School’s not far to walk right now but you’ll need something when the weather turns.”
“I don’t mind walking.”
“I know. But you might want to go places and we only have the truck. Nicole will be using that for work so you’ll need something to get around.”
“Maybe that McCoy family can give you a lift?” Nicole suggested with a wink. I rolled my eyes in response.
“I haven’t heard from them since they left last week. They probably live on the other side of the school and it would be out of the way anyways.”
“Hmm…some boys are chivalrous.”
“Who said we were talking about Cade?” I asked as I stood to put my dishes in the dishwasher. “Cassie could drive too.”
“I have a feeling Cade does most of the driving.” Nicole commented as a knock sounded at the front door. I looked up to see both Steve and Nicole share a glance before they looked at me.
“Don’t look at me. I don’t know who it would be.” I shrugged. Steve sighed and made his way to the door as someone knocked again. He opened the door and I heard deep voices and then a chuckle.
“Kendra, your ride’s here.”
“What?!” I almost yelled. I glanced to Nicole to see her smothering a laugh as I peered around the corner to see who was at the door. Cade was standing there. My eyes bugged. “What the hell are you doing here?” I asked heatedly.
“Kendra!” Nicole scolded before she sidestepped around me and walked toward the door. “Finish getting ready and be down here in five minutes.” I stared bewildered as she and Steve ushered Cade into my house. My House. Cade smirked in my direction and I scowled. This was so not happening. I pivoted and went back upstairs to brush my teeth and grab my school bag.
It was supposed to be warm that day so all I had on was a t-shirt and my favorite jeans. This time I wore sneakers. Just in case there was running involved on the first day of school. You never knew when you went to a new school what kind of reception you would get. I slung my bag over one shoulder, glanced in the mirror and scowled at myself for checking my appearance. Why should I feel the need to impress? I turned and slowly made my way downstairs. I could hear Nicole laughing at something that was said and it just set my irritation on edge. Ok yes, it was nice to have a ride to school. But why did it have to be him? Why, of all the days, did he have to show up today? Or ever?
I rounded the corner and came to a halt as my eyes landed on him. Before when he walked into the house, I only caught a glimpse of him before I left to finish getting ready for school. Now, he was standing not two feet away, looking directly at me. I couldn’t help my eyes as they traveled down his tall, lean frame, taking in his form fitting t-shirt, hipbone hugging jeans, down to his combat boots. My eyes made the reverse journey before I could stop myself and I found him smirking, again, at my blatant perusal. Oh. My. God. I did NOT just check him out with him watching. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Ok, great start to the new school year. I opened my eyes and regarded him.
“I don’t recall a conversation about me needing a ride to school.”
“I was passing by. Thought it would be a nice gesture, it being your first day in a new school and all.”
“Is Cassie with you?”
“No. She rode with the others.”
“Others?”
“Brody, Hunter and Bree.”
“Do you all live aroun
d each other?”
“Not far.”
“Oh.” I glance at Nicole and Steve to see them watching our exchange with interest. A little too much interest on Nicole’s part. I cleared my throat. “If we’re doing this, we should probably be going.”
“After you,” he gestured for me to go in front of him. I turned and made my way toward the front door but he stepped around me to open it for me. I gave him a sideways glance that he didn’t acknowledge.
“Bye Kendra!” Nicole called as we made our way down the front steps. “Have a great first day!” I waved in response and looked down the driveway to see an unfamiliar car. An unfamiliar NICE car. It was a Dodge Charger, newer model, sleek black, and oh so sexy. I had to be drooling. Did he have an obsession with black vehicles? Not that I was complaining. This car was a powerhouse of power…speed…and sexiness. I stared hard at the car as we approached and finally noticed that Cade was following me to my side. I turned and faced him.
“What are you doing?”
“Being a gentleman.” He again sidestepped me and opened the passenger door. I looked from him, to the door and back, then raised an eyebrow. He grinned in response. “Just get in.” I shook my head and slid inside, holding my backpack on my lap. He shut the door and I watched his graceful frame saunter around the front of the car. I couldn’t believe I was letting him drive me to school. But then again…
I glanced around the interior and thought I could put up with him for a few blocks just for a chance to ride in that car. I sighed in admiration just as he opened his door and folded himself inside. Without asking, he grabbed my backpack and set it down in the seat behind. He glanced at my seat before demanding, “Buckle up.”
“Well aren’t we bossy this morning.” I grumbled as I reached for the seat belt. He didn’t answer as he put his own seat belt on and started the engine. I closed my eyes in satisfaction at the purr of the engine and a small smile escaped.
“You okay?” Cade asked, and I looked over to find him looking at me funny. I sat up straighter and cleared my throat.
“Fine. What happened to the truck?” I asked to sidetrack him.
“I don’t like taking that into the school parking lot.”
“And this is better?” I asked appalled.
“Well, it fits better. Besides, people know not to park beside me unless they have a death wish.”
“A little protective of your babies, huh?” I teased.
“I’m protective of everything.” His fleeting glance in my direction had me clamming up. He backed out of the driveway and headed in the direction of the school. The school really wasn’t that far. It would have only taken me fifteen minutes to walk. Now it was going to take five.
“Do you like your stepdad?” Cade’s question caught me off guard.
“What?”
“Your stepdad. You don’t have the same last name as him so I assumed your mom married him after you were born.”
“He’s not my stepdad.”
“He’s your father then? He took your stepmom’s last name?”
“Look, I’d really rather not talk about it.” I stated firmly as I looked out the side window. I pulled my silver necklace free and played with the pendant on the chain as I ignored Cade beside me. Thirty seconds later we pulled into the parking lot, near the end of course, and farthest from the school doors. As soon as he parked, I reached behind the seat, grabbed my bag, and was out of the car in no time. I headed toward the main doors without looking back at Cade, who I could feel following me with his gaze.
There were a few students around, but not many that early. I made my way to the high school office to pick up my locker combo and schedule. The staff was nice, maybe a little too chipper for the first day of school, but I hardly paid attention past accepting my combo and schedule. My mind was still back on Cade and our conversation in the car. Why was he asking personal questions? Why did he have to ask THAT personal question?
By the time I found my locker and had it open, the hallway was filling up with students. There were a few curious looks my way but no one made an effort to talk to me. Which I was fine with. I wasn’t in the best of mood thanks to Cade. Speak of the devil, I watched as he stepped up and leaned against the locker beside me.
“What was that?” He asked quietly.
“What was what?” I murmured as I fiddled with things in my locker instead of looking at him.
“You blew me off.”
“You were asking questions.”
“Isn’t that what people do to get to know someone?”
“Why would you want to get to know me?”
“I told you, we take care of our own. I can’t protect you if I don’t know anything about you.”
“What is with all this talk about protection? And who said I needed your protection?” I asked heatedly, but still confused as I looked up at him. He regarded me steadily before continuing.
“I did. The sooner you accept that the smoother our interactions will be.”
“I don’t want or need anything from you.” I said as I slammed my locker shut and squared up with him. He stood straighter in front of me and gazed down at me intensely.
“Are you challenging me?” He asked. His voice had dropped and he seemed to have grown in size as he took one step forward into my space. Something inside me stood at attention and I refused to back down. That was something I learned at an early age in the foster system. You back down once and you are the punching bag. While standing up to others can still lead to being bruised and beat up, at least they know you aren’t an easy target.
“Whoa, you two, take it down a notch.” Cassie interjected as she gently pushed Cade back and faced me. “What’s going on?”
“Your brother is pushy and demanding.” I stated, still staring down Cade, which was a feat when he stood about six inches taller than me. Cassie snorted.
“Tell me something I don’t know.” She looked around and I finally realized the scene we were making in the hallway as other kids stared at us. I ignored Cade as I half turned and leaned back against my locker. Cassie sighed before looking back at me. “What’s your first class?”
I glanced down at my schedule and replied, “English.”
“Great! That’s what I have. Let’s go.” She looped her arm through mine and tugged me down the hallway. I glanced once behind me to see if Cade had moved on, only to find his gaze locked firmly on me. His brown eyes were doing that penetrating thing again, where they tried to find answers I was unwilling to give. I turned quickly around and attempted to pay attention to where I was going. Cassie led me down the hall and swept me into a room that filled up fast. She snagged a table near the back with two seats and ushered me into the other one. She didn’t pry as to what went down between her brother and me which I was eternally grateful. I didn’t know what his problem was and his whole “protector” demeanor was really…well, weird.
My first three classes went by easily enough. Cassie was in the first two with me. Our second class was art, which had Cade in there with us. I ignored him as much as I could, which was difficult when Cassie insisted we all sit at the same table. Since Cassie and I had different third period classes, Cade took it upon himself to escort me to our next class, P.E. It was a silent walk because neither of us was willing to rehash what went on that morning.
When we finally reached the gym, I was more than happy to see shy Bree sitting alone on the bleachers. Without a word, I left Cade and went to sit by her. I watched as Cade made his way down the bleachers and sat next to Hunter. I could already tell this was going to be a fun class with him and brooding Hunter in it. The teacher went over the rules, what was expected, and then we were assigned another locker in the locker room. We were told to go make sure the combinations worked and I found that Bree had a locker right next to mine.
“How are things going, Kendra?” Bree asked as we tested our lockers.
“Fine.”
“I’m sorry about last week.” I looked at her in questi
on. “About calling you out. Saying you were staring at Cassie and the guys.”
“Don’t worry about it.” I smiled. “Besides, I was.”
“I know.” She chuckled.
“I was just curious. I really didn’t mean to watch them that long.” She nodded before changing the subject.
“I saw you arguing with Cade this morning.” She said, leadingly. I didn’t take the bait. “I can’t believe you stood up to him.” That got my attention.
“What do you mean?”
“Most of us back down. He can have a really…intimidating…personality.” I looked at her in question before she quickly continued. “I don’t mean he’s abusive. Quite the opposite. He’s a natural born protector and looks out for those close to him. But his personality makes him appear, well for a lack of better term, alpha wolf.”
“Alpha wolf?” I asked. “So like he’s top dog and everyone else does what he says?”
“Essentially, well about the top dog thing, anyway.” She nodded, happy I understood her. “Not everyone sees it that way, obviously,” she nodded in my direction, “but he’d never put anyone in harm’s way. He doesn’t tell people what to do unless it’s for their safety or those around them. Like I said, he’s a born protector.”
“I don’t like people asking questions about me.” I muttered almost to myself but Bree somehow heard me.
“Is that what he was doing this morning?” She asked as we walked back out to the gym.
“Yes.”
“He can’t protect you if he doesn’t know you.”
“Why does he think he has to protect me?” I asked as we waited by the gym door. The class was just about over. A masculine voice from behind us caught my attention and I turned to face Hunter.
“It is just the way he is.” He regarded me closely. “Cassie adopted you as one of us, so he sees it as his responsibility to see to your protection.”
HIDDEN (Hidden Trilogy Book 1) Page 3