HIDDEN (Hidden Trilogy Book 1)

by Yelden, T. J.

  “What are you doing?” I bit out sharply. He looked at me, surprised by the anger in my voice.

  “I like your drawings. Really good.” He said, nodding down at the book.

  “Thanks, but I don’t like people looking at them.” I reached across him to grab the book but he stopped me with his hand.

  “Why not? They’re really good.” He said sincerely.

  “It’s just not something I share with others.” I wanted to snatch the book back, but he had just turned to the wolf one that I’d drawn last night. His hand stilled.

  “When did you do this one?”

  “Last night.”

  “Last night?” He questioned.

  “Yeah, I was thinking about the woods and just started drawing. When I realized what it was, I decided to finish it anyways.” I shrugged. “Like I said before, I’ve always had a thing for wolves.”

  “Yeah?” He grinned at me in pleasure. Weirdo.

  “Yep, ever since I can remember.” I motioned to the book, “If you’re done?” He closed the book and handed it back to me. I pulled my bag closer and tucked it away. I looked around and noticed the others were nowhere in sight.

  “Where is everyone?” Especially after our earlier conversation when I said I needed space from Cade. What do they do? Leave me alone with him.

  “They wanted to do some running. I told them to go and I’d wait with you.”

  “Running?”

  “Yeah. It’s something we like to do in the forest.” He shrugged like it wasn’t important. “They should be back soon. We have to start heading down before too long.”

  “What time is it?”

  “A little after four.” He paused before adding, “Cassie was going to invite you for supper at our parents’ house then to watch a movie later. If you want.”

  “Oh.” I said, thinking about Tyler’s invite to the bonfire.

  “She really wanted you to stay and hang out.” He added. I thought about it and figured I could catch up with Tyler another weekend. He did say they had bonfires every Saturday.

  “Yeah, ok. I’ll probably have to call home and tell them though.”

  “You can call them back at our place. You won’t have much reception up here.” Cade commented. Without a word, we both stood and he helped me fold the two blankets and pack them in the bags. As we finished, the other four emerged from the trees, laughing amongst themselves. Cassie and Bree waved as they approached, Brody smiled, and Hunter, well, he just nodded in my direction.

  Cade told everyone that I was sticking around tonight and Cassie was ecstatic. She talked nonstop most of the way down the mountain about supper, what movie we were going to pick, what snacks we were going to have for the movie, and if we could possibly get two movies in before I had to go home. I just smiled and let her plan. It was nice to have friends to make plans with.

  When we made it back to the McCoy house, I called Nicole’s cell and told her I would be staying a little longer but would be back by midnight. I could tell Nicole was happy I was making friends and told me to have fun. Supper was just the McCoys and me. Bree, Brody, and Hunter went back to their homes to eat with their families. Liam and Mica were nice, but I felt like they were watching me for some reason. Waiting for something. It was a little unnerving to be watched so closely and I was glad when the meal was over.

  After supper, Bree, Hunter, and Brody all came back and we secluded ourselves in the downstairs basement that had an awesome couch and TV. The couch must have been two sectionals pieced together because it was a huge U-shaped piece. The TV itself almost rivaled any movie theater. Ok, it wasn’t that big, but it was huge.

  “This thing is monstrous,” I said, eyes widening as we rounded the corner of the couch.

  “Yeah, but it fits everyone comfortably so it works.” Cassie said, setting down the popcorn and candy on the coffee table. No matter that we just finished supper. Cassie insisted we have snacks too. “Best thing is,” she grinned as she reached down and pushed a lever. “The whole middle section reclines with a footrest and everything.”

  “That is so cool.” I breathed as I climbed on in the middle and made myself comfortable. Cassie sat next to me and before anyone else could move in, Cade claimed the spot on the other side of me. I should have said something, I mean, I was trying to put distance between us but he wasn’t exactly in on my plan. Brody and Bree took up positions on Cassie’s other side while Hunter sprawled out on Cade’s side.

  “Hey,” I said, before we were all settled in. “Do you have any blankets?”

  “What for?” Brody asked, confused.

  “So I can keep warm and snuggle down?” I asked slowly, like it was obvious. I watched as Brody’s eyes slid to Cade before coming back to mine.

  “Sure. I’ll find you one.” He jumped up and disappeared around the corner. Five seconds later a blanket was sailing toward my face. Before I had time to put my hands up, Cade caught it and scowled at Brody.

  “Thanks,” I said as I shook my head. I reached for the blanket but Cade was already spreading the blanket out, over both of us.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Keeping you warm.” He replied.

  “Can’t you get your own blanket?”

  “Can’t you share?” He asked, with a raised eyebrow. He had a point. I was being childish and the blanket was big enough for both of us.

  “Fine.” I turned away from him. Cassie had already put the movie in and was working the controls. I pushed on my footrest to recline more and felt, more than saw, Cade do the same to match me. I tried to ignore his closeness and succeeded for the first movie. We finished off the snacks, well mostly Brody did, and moved onto the second movie. Once the second one was in, I started to feel tired as the long day caught up to me. I felt my eyes droop as I fought to keep them awake.

  “I can take you home if you want.” Cade whispered beside me.

  “No, I’m fine.” I argued. “Just need to rest my eyes for a minute.” My eyes closed and the last thing I remember was hearing Cade’s chuckle.

  When I woke, my bleary eyes registered that the credits were running on the screen. I was cocooned in warmth and didn’t want to move. I snuggled down more and sighed in contentment. I didn’t know a couch could be so comfy. I closed my eyes and that’s when I realized my couch had a heartbeat. A steady, strong heartbeat and moved up and down like it was breathing. My eyes snapped open and I finally grasped the position I was in. Sometime in my sleep, I had rolled closer to Cade, wrapping one arm around his middle and laid my head on his chest. One of my legs was even slightly over top one of his. I could feel his arm around my back, a steady cage of warmth and protection. Oh. My. Freaking. God. I scrambled up as fast as I could, knocking my legs into his and pushing off of his chest.

  “What the hell, Kendra?” Brody yelled in surprise as I stumbled back and almost fell into his lap. I caught myself at the last moment and straightened as I looked around the group and avoided Cade’s eyes.

  “I, uh…sorry.” I muttered. “What time is it? I need to go home.” No one moved or looked like they were going to answer. Finally, Cade sat forward and I couldn’t help my eyes as I watched him slowly straighten from the couch in front of me.

  “It’s 11:30. I’ll take you home.” He said softly. I nodded, not sure I could find my voice. I turned to everyone else and said bye, then made my way to the stairs. I could feel Cade behind me as we walked up the stairs and out to his truck. Without a word, he opened the door, grasped me around the waist, and hoisted me into the cab. I tried not to touch him but when you’re being lifted off the ground two feet or more you kind of need to steady yourself. I straightened in the seat and he shut the door once I was settled. I swallowed nervously as he rounded the truck and pulled open his door as he climbed inside. He started the engine and turned the truck around so we were headed past the other houses and down the narrow lane.

  We didn’t talk all the way to my house, and I thought that I was going to get by wit
hout saying anything as he pulled into my driveway. I should have known my luck wasn’t that good.

  “Kendra.” Cade said my name softly which forced me to look at him.

  “What?” I asked, hand on the door handle, seatbelt already off. He looked like he was going to say something, sighed, and then changed his mind.

  “Wait there. I’ll help you down.” He opened his door, climbed out, and shut it. I watched, entranced again, as he gracefully walked around the front of the truck to my side. He opened the door and easily scooped me up before setting me down on the ground. I stood there for a second, nose to collarbone before I realized how close I was to him. Clearing my throat, I stepped away and he shut the door. He followed me up to the front door and stopped on the porch.

  “Thanks for the ride home.” I mumbled but didn’t meet his eyes. Out of the corner of mine, I saw him run a hand through his hair in frustration before he dropped it and stepped closer. Before I knew what he was doing, he enveloped me in a hug that almost crushed me.

  “Can’t breathe,” I gasped out and he immediately dropped his arms.

  “Sorry. I’m sorry.” He stepped back.

  “What was that for?” I questioned as I took a couple deep breaths.

  “I…I just wish…”Closing his mouth he shook his head. “Never mind. I’ll see you on Monday.”

  “Ok.” I said slowly. Man, were boys confusing. I turned and opened the door, and then looked back as I shut it too see Cade watching me intently. I closed the door and locked it, listening to his retreating steps. Soon his truck started and the sound faded as he drove home. I sighed, turned around, and almost jumped out of my skin. Steve was regarding me from the next room.

  “Everything all right?” He asked, concern edging his voice.

  “Yeah. Fine.” I said as I faked a yawn. “I’m going to bed.” I nodded goodnight and could feel his gaze on me as I went up the stairs. I went through my bedtime routine and was soon slipping under the covers. My phone beeped as I reached for the light. I pulled it up and saw a message from Cade.

  Sweet Dreams, Kendra.

  I stared at the screen for a few seconds. Cade sent that? I shook my head but typed out my response.

  Night, Cade.

  I closed my eyes and dreamed about the black wolf from my drawing, peering from the trees.

  Chapter Five

  Sunday passed quickly. Nicole and Steve didn’t ask too many questions about my day on Saturday or the ride home with Cade. The only awkward moment was when Steve opened the door early Sunday morning and found my backpack sitting right outside the door. He brought it in and handed it to me when I woke up, with a questioning look. I shrugged. Cade must have brought it back some time that morning since I forgot it at their house.

  Nicole was gearing up for her new job at the childcare center. I could tell she was excited and it was contagious. By Sunday night I’d pretty much forgotten about the awkwardness between Cade and me. Another school week and more homework. Hopefully things would level out and be normal.

  Monday morning rolled around and I was unsurprised to find Cade pull in the driveway to pick me up for school. Conversation was subdued beyond a greeting and I was glad when we pulled into the school parking lot. Hunter met us outside the door where the others were milling around. He stepped in front of Cade, cutting him off.

  “Can I talk to you a minute?” Hunter spoke in a low voice, addressing Cade only. They regarded each other for a few seconds before Cade nodded subtly and stepped off to the side. Curiosity got the better of me and I pressed my back up against the pillar opposite of them to hear their conversation. Cassie and the others didn’t spare me much of a glance since I pulled out my phone to make it look like I was busy. Instead, I was intent on the conversation on the other side of the pillar.

  “You have to stop, Cade.”

  “Stop what?”

  “You know what I mean. She can’t fit the role you need.”

  “Don’t tell me what I need.”

  “I’m just looking out for us. For the-“ The last word was uttered so low I missed it.

  “You think I’m not?”

  “I think you’re thinking with something other than your head.” There was a small scuffle and a grunt before Cade’s low voice returned.

  “You want to run that by me again?” Cade’s voice was low and dangerous.

  “Think about it Cade.” Hunter was closer like he was being pressed up against the pillar. Did Cade have him pinned? “You are more moody, irrational. You disappear for hours at a time each night.” Movement sounded from the other side, and Cade’s voice sounded farther away.

  “What I do is my business.”

  “Not when it affects us all.” Brody paused before adding. “I’ve followed you.”

  “You’ve what?” Cade demanded.

  “I know where you go. See you standing in the trees. Watching.”

  “Damn it, Hunter. Can’t you leave well-enough alone?”

  “She can’t be one of us. She can’t lead us.”

  “Don’t you think I know that?” Cade growled. “Damn it all. I can’t control what I feel. What she makes me feel.”

  “What do you feel?”

  “That she’s mine. Mine to protect. Mine to care for. Just…mine.” Cade growled. A long paused followed before Hunter spoke softly.

  “You need to get your shit together, man, or this, whatever this is, won’t end well.” Hunter stalked around the side of the pillar without glancing my way and went inside the school. A few seconds later, Cade emerged lost in thought and didn’t even notice me as he followed Hunter. Brody and Bree spared me a glance before also going inside. Cassie stepped up beside me and looped her arm through mine.

  “We need to work on your stealth skills.” Cassie said as she pulled me toward the door.

  “What? What do you mean?” I asked innocently.

  “Oh please. Let’s add acting to the list too.” She chuckled. I had to laugh with her, even with Hunter and Cade’s words echoing in my head. Since the game was up, I decided to ask Cassie about the conversation.

  “Who were they talking about?” I had a pretty good idea, but I wanted confirmation.

  She sighed. “You showing up this year has thrown everyone. It’s going to take some getting used to.”

  “So they were talking about me.”

  “Yes.”

  “And Hunter’s worried that Cade wants to be with me more than he should?”

  “Yes, but that’s not something Hunter can demand. Cade’s happiness comes first.”

  “I don’t know what everyone is going on about.” I replied and Cassie gave me an “are you stupid” look. “Ok, I know we are attracted to each other but this isn’t some Romeo and Juliet story. Right?”

  “God I hope not.” Cassie muttered.

  “Right. So, if, and I mean a big if here, Cade and I do end up seeing each other, what is the worst that could happen?”

  “How about we worry about that when the time comes, yeah?” Cassie said dismissively.

  “But-“

  “No. Right now, we have English. Let’s be teenagers while we can. Okay?”

  “Fine.” I sighed.

  The conversation was dropped and for the next few days, the memory was pushed to the side. I was still escorted between classes, sat with them at lunch and common study hall, and Cade drove me to and from school. He didn’t attempt to talk to me about last weekend or what he tried to say. Or anything about his encounter with Hunter, even though it was on my mind.

  Friday found me and Bree in the library. Brody was waiting outside because and I quote, “there’s just too much knowledge in there for one man to take”. Bree and I shook our heads in amusement as we entered the library. We were looking for resources on the topic of earth ecosystems for one of our classes. Bree wandered off to the computer to see what she could find while I went over to the bookcases.

  Just then I noticed Tyler trying to catch my eye from the other end of the
bookshelf. He nodded his head in an invitation to talk. I smiled and walked down to meet him.

  “Hey.” He said with a smile.

  “Hi.” I replied, returning his smile.

  “I wasn’t sure if you were going to get away.” He said as he looked beyond me to see if anyone else was around us.

  “I’m free to go where I want.” I shrugged.

  “Are you?” Tyler questioned quietly, I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to hear that so I didn’t acknowledge his question.

  “Did you have something you wanted to talk about?” I asked, pulling his gaze back to me.

  “Yeah, I wanted to see if you were interested or free for a bonfire this Saturday?”

  “Yeah. I don’t have any plans.”

  “Really? Cool.” He smiled.

  “Could Bree and Cassie come too?”

  “Uh sure.” I scowled at his hesitancy and he rushed to explain. “It’s not that I don’t like them or don’t want them to come. It’s just that usually wherever they are, Cade, Hunter, and Brody are too.”

  “So you just have a problem with the boys?”

  “Well, it’s easier when they aren’t around.” He hedged. I thought about it and couldn’t find fault with his reasoning. The boys didn’t really mix well with other boys in school.

  “If I can get the girls alone, would that be better?”

  “That would be an impressive feat.” He commented with raised eyebrows.

  “Done.” I nodded. Confident I could find a way. “What time tomorrow?”

  “Any time after 7 is fine. I’ll text you the address.”

  “Great.” I smiled then looked over my shoulder. “I should go before someone comes looking.”

  “Yeah, like Stalker Boy?”

  “He’s not in this class.”

  “Then one of his enforcers.” Tyler replied almost nervously as he looked around.

  “His what?” I asked, confused.

  “Oh, it’s a tag name that came up a few years ago. One of my friends overheard Brody talking about Cade being the leader and Hunter and Brody being his enforcers.” Tyler shrugged. “The name stuck.”