HIDDEN (Hidden Trilogy Book 1)

by Yelden, T. J.

  “Sounds like a fun group.”

  “Yeah, but if we follow the rules then they don’t have any reason to get involved.”

  “And if they found out about me?”

  “You’d probably be called in to stand in front of them while they figured out what you are and what to do with you.”

  “Fantastic.” I drawled.

  “But don’t worry. Dad and Mom will figure this out.” Cassie said encouragingly. “We just need to keep everything hush hush while they do.” My phone beeped and I looked down at it to see a message from Cade.

  Movie night with pack? I smiled, knowing he was referring to the boys, Cassie, Bree and me.

  Why didn’t u just wolf speak to Cassie?

  Because I wanted to ask u

  Ur getting better, asking instead of demanding

  I’m learning

  A throat cleared and I looked up to see both Cassie and Bree smiling at me. “What?”

  “So, movie night?” Cassie asked, I laughed but nodded. The girls stood up and straightened things out while I texted back.

  Be there shortly

  I’ll save u a spot

  The ride to the McCoys’ land didn’t take long. I replayed the conversation in my head about lifemates and how only wolves could mate with wolves. If that was the case, things between Cade and me, well, we could never be more than friends. Right? We piled out of the car at Cassie’s house and made our way inside. It was quiet, which was unusual. Since my inadvertent discovery, the pack was more open about being around me. A few Enforcers were usually present in the house and smiled whenever they saw me. Other pack members would smile in my direction when we passed to Cassie’s house. I was happy they were okay with my knowledge of their existence and trusted me enough not to tell anyone. Of course it might have had something to do with Cade giving off alpha vibes and strongly suggesting they accept me or else. Just maybe.

  “Where is everyone?” I asked as I looked around the empty house.

  “Oh, I forget you don’t hear us.” Cassie shrugged and tapped her temple. “Dad and Mom are out of town on business, with a few of the Enforcers as back up. We are holding down the fort tonight.” She grinned. “By the way, I checked with Nicole and she was cool with you spending the night. I packed a bag for you.” I just then noticed the backpack that she had slung over her shoulder.

  “Sneaky.” I commented, not really upset with her for packing my things for me.

  “Figured you wouldn’t mind.” She set the bag down by the stairs and turned toward the basement. I lifted my nose as the scent of pizza hit me.

  “Did the guys order pizza?” I asked. Both Bree and Cassie shared a look.

  “Uh, they did but they are in the basement.” She paused before adding, “behind the closed door.”

  “So?” I asked, not sure where she was going with that.

  “So,” Bree said, looking at me closely. “You shouldn’t be able to smell it. A human wouldn’t.” My eyes widened at her statement.

  “I thought we ruled out human for me?” I tried to laugh it off.

  “Right,” Bree drawled.

  “Is this the first time you’ve been able to scent things you normally wouldn’t?”

  “How would I know?” I shrugged.

  “Hmm,” Cassie contemplated, and then turned and led the way to the basement. Bree and I followed her down.

  “Hey, you guys finally made it!” Brody yelled around a mouthful of pizza.

  “Couldn’t wait for us?” Cassie asked as she rounded the corner and snatched up a slice for herself. She plopped down in her usual spot and I caught Cade’s eye as I rounded the corner of the couch. He uncovered a plate of two slices of pizza and motioned for me to sit beside him.

  “Here.” He said, I sat down and was surprised when Cade draped a blanket across my legs, sharing it with him. He really could be sweet at times. He handed the plate to me after I was settled between him and Cassie.

  “Thanks, you didn’t have to hide my slices.”

  “If I didn’t, Brody would have eaten them.”

  “Would not!” Brody laughed as he reached for another piece from the end of the couch. Bree rolled her eyes beside him and reached for one herself.

  “You are such a dork.” Cassie laughed. I looked around the group and noted that Hunter was sprawled on the other side of Cade again. Just like the first night we watched movies together.

  “So, what movie is it tonight?” I asked.

  “Bree has one.” Cassie piped up before anyone could say anything. I saw Bree’s face turn a subtle shade of red.

  “We don’t have to watch it, we can save it for another time.” She said.

  “No,” Hunter spoke up which surprised me. “Whatever it is, we’ll watch it.” I watched as Brody stood up and selected a chick flick from the shelf and proceeded to slide it into the player.

  “How did you know which one she wanted?” I asked curiously. Brody grinned as he turned around and made his way back to his seat. He tapped his temple in answer. “How often do you guys do that?” I asked.

  “A lot.” Cade replied, as he leaned forward to grab a drink and hand it to me. “We can communicate that way from an early age. The closer the bond, the stronger the signal, so to speak. Helps us communicate across great distances.”

  “Cool.” I said, as I accepted the drink and leaned back in my seat, balancing the plate in my lap. Cade watched me as I settled. To make sure I didn’t spill anything? Or was he checking if I needed anything else? As the movie started, I tried to ignore the wayward glances Cade threw my way and engrossed myself in the pizza and movie. It wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t all that into chick flicks. I’d suffer through it for Bree though. At one point when I finished my pizza, Cade took my plate and set in down on the coffee table in front of us. I smiled my thanks and he nodded in return.

  Things between Cade and me were…different now. He seemed more relaxed and open that I knew what they were, but with the revelation of lifemates from this afternoon, I knew there was no chance for us to ever be anything more than friends. I didn’t know what was going on in his brain, or if he wanted something between us. I mean, he was a wolf. A destined Alpha wolf. He was supposed to meet his lifemate somewhere, settle down, and pop out the next heir. I didn’t exactly fit anywhere into those plans. Especially when I didn’t even know what I was. There was no room for an “us” in that picture.

  Reluctantly, I realized that I was falling for him. Yeah, he was frustrating, overbearing, and a caveman but he could be sweet too. I loved watching the way he cared about his pack members. He protected them, and I knew he protected me like I was a pack member too. But things couldn’t go any further than that. There couldn’t be anything between us when we had no future together. If we tried, and he found his lifemate, my heart would be shattered into a million pieces. He would probably feel guilty for leading me on, and things would forever be changed between us. It was better to cut off any developing feelings then have my heart broken when he found his lifemate one day. I decided then and there that I would treat him just like Brody and Hunter. A friend to hang out with, nothing more. It was the way things had to be, for both our sakes.

  All through the movie I kept myself aware of the distance between Cade and me. I didn’t want or need a repeat of that first time when I was sprawled out on top of him. I could tell he knew there was a shift in my demeanor, but I tried to look like I was paying attention to the movie. A couple times he moved his leg that was closest to me so that he was barely brushing up against mine. Both times I subtly moved mine away. After the second time, he took a deep breath and folded his arms across his chest. I glanced at him, then quickly away when his glaring eyes met mine. Apparently Cade had an idea of what I was doing.

  On the second movie that Brody picked out, some action film, I received a text from Tyler. Bonfire tonight. U in?

  Can’t. Movie night at McCoys

  Oh. Next week then?

  I paused before answeri
ng. If I wanted to put some emotional distance between Cade and me, then I needed physical distance too. I had to save myself the heartbreak somehow. I could probably work it so I was there to help with the car but not any other time. At least when Cade was around. I texted Tyler back.

  Yeah, I could stop by next week

  Cool. I’ll talk to u in school. Enjoy ur movie.

  Thanks have fun at ur bonfire.

  I slipped my phone into my pocket and could feel the heat of Cade’s gaze on the side of my face. Aw shit. I shifted, nervous under his penetrating gaze and finally decided I needed some space. Now. I pulled the blanket to the side and stood up. Brody paused the movie.

  “Where you going?” Brody asked. I walked around the edge of the couch before I answered him.

  “Bathroom. Upstairs.” I added.

  “Why upstairs?” Hunter asked, curiously.

  “With your superior hearing I don’t need you listening in on me peeing.”

  Brody scoffed. “One floor isn’t going to help,” He mumbled under his breath.

  “Don’t need to know that!” I threw over my shoulder. “Start the movie. I’ll be right back.” I rounded the wall and made my way upstairs. I found the bathroom on the main floor and decided I really did need to pee. I didn’t turn on any lights in the hallway since it was lit enough to see my way to the bathroom. After finishing my business and washing my hands, I opened the door and stepped out into the darkened hallway. A movement from the hallway made me jump out of my skin.

  “Holy Hell!” I yelled as I finally realized Cade strode down the hallway toward me. “What the hell is your problem sneaking up on people?”

  “What is your problem?” He growled at me as he approached.

  “Excuse me?” I asked, hands automatically going to my hips. He stopped a foot from me and glared down at me. I returned his gaze.

  “You kept moving away from me, you promised Tyler you will go to his house next weekend, and you ignored me throughout the whole movie. Both movies.” He added. I could feel the frustration, anger, and a little hurt, coming off him in waves. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong.” I hedged. I couldn’t let things continue with him, I just couldn’t. That thought was like a broken record playing through my head. Was that selfish? Maybe, but sometimes you have to make the hard choice to save yourself later.

  “Then let’s start with the easy one.” He said. I noticed that he was balling and un-balling his fists at his side. “Why are you going to Tyler’s next weekend?”

  “He’s a friend. I want to hang out with him.”

  “Were you going to tell me you guys were going?”

  “I didn’t say Bree and Cassie were going. Tyler invited me. I want to go. Alone.”

  “Alone?” He seethed.

  “Yes.” I stated empathetically.

  “You can’t go alone.”

  “You don’t have any say in what I do. I’m not one of your wolves that you can tell what to do.”

  “I’m looking out for your wellbeing.” His voice rose.

  “I don’t need you to look out for me!” I yelled. “I’ve taken care of myself just fine without your help.”

  “Why were you ignoring me?” He changed tactics.

  “What?” I asked, confused on the change of subject.

  “Why were you ignoring me downstairs?”

  “I was watching a movie.”

  “You moved away. Never looked at me.”

  “I was watching a movie.” I stated firmly.

  “GOD DAMN IT, KENDRA!” Cade roared, frustrated. My eyes widened but otherwise I held my ground. He turned and paced away a few steps and placed his hands against the wall. He took a couple deep breaths before he turned and glared at me. “I don’t understand you. We were getting along fine. It’s like something snapped and now you put a canyon between us.”

  “I don’t know why it matters.” I muttered.

  “Why what matters?”

  “You’re going to find your lifemate someday and be extremely happy with her. Another wolf.” I can never be that.

  “Where did you hear about lifemates? When?” His eyes widened in surprise.

  “I asked Cassie and Bree about it today.” I shrugged. “They told me.” I paused before adding softly, “We can never be any more than friends.” He quickly stepped closer to me and grabbed me by my biceps.

  “That’s not true. What we have is different.” He insisted.

  “What we have, or could have, can never be.” I said and shook my head. “You’re destined to be the Alpha of your pack. You need a strong Alpha woman by your side. One who understands pack politics and how to govern a pack. One who can shift into a wolf with you.”

  “Kendra-,” He breathed.

  “No, it’s done. We’re done. I need to go home.” I said decisively and shook out of his hold. “Cassie!” I yelled, knowing she’d hear me. Two seconds later she was at Cade’s side. She looked between us before her gaze landed on me.

  “Yeah?”

  “Change of plans. I need a ride home.”

  “I’ll take you.” Cade said firmly. I shook my head.

  “No, if Cassie is okay with it, from now on she will pick me up and drop me off. At least until my car is fixed.” I paused before adding while I looked at Cade, “If you don’t want to work on my car anymore I’ll understand.” He growled in frustration.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I said I’d finish your car.” He ran his hands through his hair.

  “Thank you.” I nodded and made my way to the front door, Cassie at my heels. I snagged my backpack by the stairs and opened the door.

  “Kendra, you don’t have to leave. Let’s talk about this.” Cade said from behind me. I took a deep breath before I half turned toward him.

  “I think it’s for the best, Cade.” I said softly. “We need some distance between us. We can still be friends, I just can’t do more. I’m sorry.” I turned away again but his voice stopped me.

  “How much distance?” He asked, hesitantly. I looked back at him and that was the first time I’d ever seen Cade unsure, and I didn’t like it. He was supposed to be a strong, self-assured Alpha. Why would my leaving affect him so much?

  “Cade, we’ll still be friends.” I said softly. Cassie had walked ahead to the car and was waiting inside. I headed that direction and Cade beat me to the door to open the passenger side. Ever the gentleman. Even as I was basically breaking up with him, not that we were dating to begin with, he was still being nice. Me, on the other hand…

  “What if I want more?” He asked quietly just as I was going to step inside. I glanced up at him.

  “Just remember that you have a wolfy lifemate out there that is waiting for you to find her. You’ll fall in love with her, have a future with her. I’ll-” I paused before clearing my throat and adding, “I’ll still be a friend. But I can’t start something with you when I know there is no future.” I quickly slid into the seat and pulled the door from Cade’s grasp. Cassie turned the car around and headed down the driveway. I didn’t look back.

  “You sure you know what you’re doing?” Cassie asked.

  “It’s not like we were dating. We need space between us.”

  “Doesn’t sound like he wanted space.”

  “I need space.” I clarified.

  “Why?”

  I hesitated before I admitted softly. “I don’t want my heart broken when he falls in love with his lifemate.”

  “Oh, honey.” Cassie sympathized. She didn’t say anything else on the matter but did ask, “Does this mean I’ll see you less?”

  “I hope not.” I glanced at her, fighting back the tears. I never cried. I wasn’t going to start now. “We will just have to hang out at my house more often. I’ll still come out and work on the car. Do you mind driving me around?” I asked.

  “Not at all. I can keep an eye on you that way.” She winked trying to lighten the mood. A beat passed in silence before I made my soft confession.
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  “I think I liked him more than I admitted to myself.” I commented.

  “I think you both came to that realization tonight.” Cassie said as she pulled out onto the main highway. I didn’t comment as the sound of a forlorn wolf howl echoed through the trees around us.

  Chapter Ten

  The next few weeks were rough, and as we closed in on the holiday season, I couldn’t seem to get in a chipper mood. I felt horrible for the way things went down between Cade and me. We weren’t dating, but there was still something there, even if it was unexplainable. And unattainable. I had to remind myself daily - morning, afternoon, and night - that Cade was off limits. He was destined for a future I couldn’t share, I needed to accept that and move on. Unfortunately, my heart wasn’t having any of that.

  That first Monday after our…fight, I panicked. Cade didn’t show up for class and I couldn’t help the worry I felt. I hesitantly asked Cassie about it and she gave me a sad smile saying that he needed some time, and distance. Apparently he had shifted and ran. A long ways away. They expected him back by the end of the week. Maybe he’d find his lifemate. The thought made my chest seize and I tried to push through the rest of the day. I had no idea what the teachers said, but I had other things on my mind at that point. Steve and Nicole gave me funny looks when Cassie picked me up instead of Cade. But they didn’t comment. I was grateful that they didn’t pry. It wasn’t something I really wanted to rehash at that point.

  At school I would go through the motions, dedicate my time to my school work, just to keep busy. I picked out a few familiar faces in the younger grades that were pack members, but I didn’t do more than nod in greeting. While they were all nice and understanding, I still knew it was my fault that Cade ran off. I did go to Tyler’s bonfire that following weekend. While I had some fun, it felt like I was trying too hard to have a good time. I missed Cassie and Bree. Even Brody and Hunter. Cade, well, that was a constant ache.

  When Cade returned to school, things were strained between us. I was at my locker when I felt something shift in the air. I glanced up to find Cade staring directly at me from down the hall. We studied each other. He looked a little disheveled, but otherwise I drank in the sight of him. Oh how I missed him. A brief flash of hurt and longing passed through his eyes before his face blanked. Hunter jostled him, breaking our eye contact. I shut my locker and hurriedly walked to my next class. We didn’t talk during any of our classes. Or at lunch. Or study hall. I tried to smile and talk with everyone else, but there was an underlying tension in the group that I knew was entirely my fault. But I had to stick to my beliefs. Cade was a wolf. I wasn’t. There was absolutely no future for us.