HIDDEN (Hidden Trilogy Book 1)

by Yelden, T. J.

  They met in the middle amongst trees, their challenging stance daring the other to attack first. The other wolf in the center made the first move. He leapt at Cade without warning and landed on his back, biting into his fur. Cade twisted suddenly to shake off the other wolf. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that the other two wolves were engaged with Brody and Hunter, but my eyes were fixed on Cade. I watched, in slight fascination and slight horror at the brutality before me. The wolves used every tooth and nail they possessed to try to find purchase in the other.

  Cade bowled into the side of the other wolf, rolling him a few times on the ground. But he was back on his feet before Cade could subdue him. The other wolf bared his teeth and lunged at Cade. He barely jumped back in time. Cade once again shoulder slammed the other wolf and knocked him off his feet. Cade was able to pounce on the other and he clamped his jaws over the other’s shoulder. The downed wolf used his back legs to scrape his nails and push at the underside of Cade. He finally found enough leverage that Cade had to release the wolf as he was pushed away. I couldn’t tell if their teeth had broken through the skin since the blood wouldn’t show up on their black fur.

  I tried to yell out a warning to Cade as the other wolf lunged forward and clamped his jaws around Cade’s upper front leg. Cade tried to pull away and snapped his own teeth as he tried to rip the other wolf off. Regardless of Cade pulling and snapping, the other wolf never let up. What would happen if his leg broke? Would his wolf genes help heal the break swiftly? I quickly looked around for something to throw at the wolf to distract him, and hopefully not hit Cade, when I realized that Cassie had taken up point in front of Bree and me.

  My search for a blunt object was interrupted when I noticed Bree was lying on her belly with her eyes closed. What the hell? This was no place for a little nap! I wasn’t thinking clearly and couldn’t help my emotions from being appalled and verging on homicidal that she would do that. There was a battle going on for Christ’s sake! I was about to hit her over the head to knock some sense into her when I finally realized that she wasn’t sleeping but projecting her healing abilities. Her wolfy eyes were closed and body tensed in concentration. Rational thought finally returned to me. She must be trying to heal their wounds. I hoped that would be enough so Cade’s leg didn’t break under the other’s jaws. A ferocious growl and whimper made me snap my eyes back to the action.

  Cade was finally free from the other wolf and standing over him, teeth bared and growls emanating from his chest. Brody and Hunter were in similar positions with the other two wolves. Some silent communication must have passed again, because Brody and Hunter backed up to either side of Cade, releasing their attackers. All three widened their stance, continued to bare their teeth, and growled menacingly. Each of the other wolves slowly rose and backed away in crouched positions. When they reached a certain distance, they turned and disappeared into the forest.

  Cade, Hunter, and Brody stood for a few more seconds, watching and waiting for any more signs or threats. When they found none, they turned and trotted back to us. Hunter stepped up to Bree and nuzzled her in their wolf forms. Bree slowly stirred and stood. I watched, fascinated, as their wolves rubbed heads before each turned back to Cade. As one, all of the wolves around me shifted and I got a brief glance of skin before I closed my eyes. Clothes rustled but I stayed where I was until I felt Cade’s arm pulling me to his side.

  “We have to go. Now.” He demanded fiercely.

  “Was that-“ I asked, as he swung me up onto his back.

  “Dusty Rhunes.” Cade growled.

  “What about your arm?” I looked down at the faint scar on his arm. Bree’s ability was amazing.

  “It’s fine. Let’s go.” With me riding piggy back style, we took off running through the forest and down the mountainside. I swear the trip down took even less time than the trip up. Everything was a blur as we entered the clearing next to the main house. When I finally had a chance to look around me I found that we had picked up a few other wolves. I recognized them as some of the pack’s Enforcers. Glancing back to the house, I saw both Liam and Mica standing side by side with worried looks as we approached the back porch.

  “What happened?” Liam asked.

  “Rhunes saw us in wolf form. With Kendra.” Cade explained. “He said he was going to report us.”

  “Were any of you hurt?” Mica asked, concern edging her voice as she looked us over.

  “No, Bree took care of us.” Hunter commented as he pulled Bree closer to his side.

  “I thought they’d left?” Cassie asked with frustration.

  “They did.” Mica answered. “They must have heard you and came back for something.”

  “But they can’t do that, right?” Cassie asked. “They are supposed to ask for permission to enter our lands again.”

  “That pales in comparison to what they will report.” Liam noted softly. “Gene will report this to the High Council.”

  “Gene?” I asked.

  “Dusty’s dad.” Cade replied.

  “Rhunes’ Alpha.” Mica pointed out. Everyone was silent so I asked the question that had to weigh on everyone’s mind.

  “So, what happens now?”

  “We’ll be summoned to the High Council. There’s no escaping that outcome. You’ll have to come with us.” Liam said.

  “No. No way is she going.” Cade said as he took a step to stand in front of me.

  “You don’t have a choice.” Liam growled softly as he frowned at his son. “She must be present.”

  “They can’t do anything.” Mica reassured Cade. “She’s not human. Even they will be able to scent that.”

  “They’ll figure out she’s not human, but will that matter to them?” Cassie asked. “Only wolf shifters are held in any regard to them.”

  “They might know what she is.” Bree pointed out.

  “They might not, either, and deem her a risk to our secret.” Hunter noted.

  “They can’t say she’s a risk if they don’t know what she is.” Brody put in.

  “Doesn’t matter.” Cassie scoffed. “They’ll feel threatened by the unknown and want to eliminate her anyway.”

  “Cassie!” Mica admonished.

  “You know it’s happened before. Why is this time any different?”

  “Because she has us.” Cade said and pulled me closer to him.

  “That will look even better.” Hunter replied sarcastically. “A future Alpha infatuated by an unknown creature.”

  “Enough!” I yelled and was surprised when everyone turned to me. “First of all, I’m not a creature. So screw you Hunter.” I glared at him. “Second of all, for the safety of your pack and the possibility of finding out what I am, I’ll go.”

  “Kendra-“ Cade started to argue.

  “No Cade. I’m going.” We stared at each other, neither one of us wanted to back down. Liam’s cell phone finally broke our staring contest.

  He pulled it out of his pocket before muttering, “That was fast.” He answered the call saying, “Liam speaking.” He listen for a minute and I watched as his eyes shifted from me, to everyone else, then back to me. He nodded and replied, “We’ll be there,” and hung up.

  “Well?” Cade asked.

  “We’ve been summoned by the High Council. We are to drive over to Ashland and board the private plane that will be sent in the morning. Everyone that was in the clearing is commanded to be there.”

  “All of us?” Bree squeaked. Hunter wrapped both of his arms around her.

  “Yes. Which means your parents will be coming too. As well as some of our Enforcers.” He looked to me before adding, “I’ll have to talk to Steve and make an excuse for you. We won’t be able to tell them the true reason why we need to leave.”

  “What are you going to say?” I asked.

  “I’ll think of something.” He sighed before adding, “I’ll take you home to pack a bag. You’ll spend the night with us and make sure you have enough clothes for two more nights at lea
st. I’m not sure how long we will be there.”

  “Where are we going?” I was curious where the High Council would be located. Some remote wooded area? I had pictures of a wooded clearing with a high table and elaborate chairs behind where the Council members would sit running through my head.

  “Dallas.” Cade replied, looking grim. Huh, not exactly hiding...or secluded. He ushered me toward the garage as Liam led the way. Cassie fell into step beside me.

  “Cade, you should stay here.” Cassie stated. “I’ll go with Dad and Kendra to pack a bag. It would look weird if you came too.”

  “Why do you get to go?” Cade frowned.

  “Because I’m a girl and can help her pack. I don’t think Steve would want you touching her bras and panties.” Uh, what? Cassie was apparently trying to lighten the mood and it worked. A small smile tugged at Cade’s lips before I had a chance to respond.

  “I’ll see you when you get back.” Cade said softly as he wrapped me up in a hug and kissed me gently. I followed Cassie into the car and soon Liam, Cassie, and I were headed back toward my house. Only an hour had passed so Steve was a little surprised to see me walk through the door. When he saw Liam and Cassie behind me, his eyes widened.

  “Everything all right?” Steve asked.

  “Yes, of course.” Liam answered coming forward to shake Steve’s hand. “I came across an event I thought would benefit Kendra and wanted to ask in person if you would allow her to go.”

  “What event?” Nicole asked as she followed us into the living room.

  “There is an art expo coming up and I think it would be a great opportunity for Kendra to attend. She would get the chance to speak with some artists and learn from them.” I tried to keep the shock from my face. An art expo? That was brilliant!

  “That sounds fantastic.” Nicole exclaimed. “Where is it?”

  “Dallas.”

  “Dallas.” Steve echoed. “As in Dallas, Texas?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s a long ways. When is it?”

  “We’d go down tomorrow and it runs through the weekend.”

  “She’d miss school?” Steve asked skeptically.

  “Three days only.” Liam assured.

  “I don’t have much going on right now anyways with graduation not too far off.” I tried to help. “I can catch up on anything I miss when I get back.”

  “I don’t know, sweetie.” Nicole hedged. “It sounds like a great opportunity but it’s such short notice and I can’t imagine you could find a plane ticket in a decent price range to go.”

  “My family and I have some business to attend to in Dallas, which is why I’m bringing up this opportunity. We would be more than happy to take Kendra with us and look out for her.”

  “I’m sure you’ve all bought your tickets already and there is no way Kendra would be able to purchase-“

  “We are flying in a private jet. There will be plenty of room.” Liam assured. I watched as both Steve and Nicole were stunned speechless.

  “Please let me go.” I almost pleaded. “I’d love to meet real artists and hear their stories. I’m sure there are workshops to attend where someone could give me a few pointers or lessons, right?” I asked, looking back at Liam for help.

  “Absolutely.” He nodded as he smiled approvingly at me for playing my part.

  “Well, what do you think, honey?” Steve asked as he turned toward Nicole. She still appeared speechless. She looked between me and Liam before she finally met Steve’s gaze.

  “If Liam is going to look out for her, I’m sure she’ll be in safe hands.”

  “Oh thank you!” I exclaimed as I ran forward and hugged them both.

  “Make sure you tell us all about it when you get back.” Nicole said as she hugged me in return.

  “I will, I promise.” I turned to run upstairs and pack a bag.

  “You’re leaving now?” Steve asked.

  “We leave early tomorrow morning. I’d thought it be best if she stayed with Cassie so we could all leave together early.” Liam explained. I didn’t hear the rest as I sprinted up the stairs with Cassie on my tail. We entered my room and Cassie closed the door behind us.

  “Your dad is a genius.” I smiled.

  “Don’t get too excited. There actually is an art expo that he’s going to take you to if we have time.” I froze at Cassie’s words and looked up at her in excitement.

  “You’re serious?” I breathed. She eyed me warily.

  “Yes.” She replied slowly. I whooped then launched myself at her for a hug.

  “I’m going to an art expo!” I exclaimed. Cassie laughed at my exuberance.

  “After we talk to the High Council.” She pointed out. What a way to put a damper on things.

  “Right.” I sighed. “What do I need to wear?”

  “Something nice.” She walked over to my closet before asking, “Do you have a skirt or anything?”

  “A skirt? Me?” I asked in disbelief.

  “Right.” She sighed. “Well, these dress pants will do. And this blouse.” Cassie proceeded to pick out most of my clothes for me as I packed it. It took us less than ten minutes and I was ready. I walked down the stairs to find Liam sitting in the living room with Steve and Nicole, laughing at something that was said. No hint that tomorrow we were meeting the High Council to possibly determine my fate. And find out what I was, hopefully.

  “I’m ready.” I pointed out the obvious as Cassie and I stood by the door. Liam rose and shook both Steve and Nicole’s hands.

  “Thanks again for allowing her to go.”

  “Thank you for providing this opportunity.” Nicole said with a smile before turning to me. “Have fun and behave.”

  “Yes ma’am.” I said with a small salute and smiled.

  “Call us for anything.” Steve added as we filed out the door.

  “Will do.” I waved and slide into Liam’s car. As we pulled away and headed out of town I turned to Liam. “So, there really is an art expo?”

  “Yes, Mica found it online. I didn’t want to outright lie to Steve and Nicole because they deserve to know where you are. This way they can look it up online and ask questions afterwards.”

  “As long as I get a chance to go.”

  “This meeting tomorrow should only last one day.” Liam replied. “They just want to understand the situation. Once they find out you’re not human, they may try to figure out what you are, but there will be no grounds to keep you there.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Positive.”

  “Well, that makes me feel a little better.” I looked over at Cassie in the front passenger seat. “The way you talked earlier I’d figured they’d try to kill me.”

  “Dad said there would be no grounds to keep you there. Doesn’t mean they wouldn’t do it.” Cassie pointed out.

  “Come again?” I blinked.

  “The High Council has a lot of power.” Liam answered as he frowned at Cassie beside him. “One of the reasons they always summon people to them. They don’t want to waste their time traveling to the Packs. If they want more time with you, they will demand it. However, if we bring enough people with us, they won’t be able to do that without looking bad when there’s been no law broken.”

  “How many people are we talking?”

  “Your group of six, the parents of the other three, and six enforcers.”

  “You’re bringing twenty people with us?” I asked appalled. “Won’t they see that as a threat, or something?”

  “We’re justified.” Liam assured me. “When they demanded everyone in the clearing be present, it is their parents’ right to be present also. Even if they are eighteen. You all are still in school and under your parents’ roof. Six Enforcers as guards is standard for us when the Alpha leaves the territory.”

  “How many will the Rhunes Pack bring?”

  “They are smaller so probably only nine or ten.”

  “The parents of Dusty’s friends will probably be there
.” Cassie added as we pulled in front of her house. Cade waited on the steps for us and had his arm around me as soon as I stepped out of the car.

  “Everything go all right?” He asked.

  “Yep. Your dad’s awesome.”

  “Runs in the genes, baby.” Cade teased. I laughed lightly and punched him in the side. For my benefit, he faked like it did damage. My friends and their parents were standing around as we walked slowly into the house.

  “What time do we leave tomorrow?” I asked.

  “Early. Like five am.” Cade shuddered.

  “Oh goody.” I replied.

  “The plane leaves at six thirty so we need to be there by six.”

  “We’re not flying with the Rhunes pack, are we?” I asked.

  “No way.” A small growl escaped him at the thought. “They have their own plane picking them up.”

  “Good.”

  “I don’t think I could stand to ride in the same plane as him.” Hunter growled.

  “Same.” Brody nodded and copied Hunter’s growl. I could tell they were both thinking about the fight earlier. Seemed both their wolves were a little close to the surface at the moment.

  “What time is the meeting with the High Council?” I asked.

  “With the time change two hours ahead, we land around eleven. The meeting starts at noon.”

  “They’re not going to let us eat ahead of time are they?” Brody asked as he looked at Liam who shook his head in slight amusement. “Damn it.” Grumbled Brody.

  The rest of the night was spent packing everyone else’s belongings for the trip and Liam met with his Enforcers and brother, Darren. Six Enforcers were chosen to go with us, besides Reith, Hunter’s dad. Liam figured his mind would be on the proceedings more than keeping an eye on things. Liam left instructions with Darren who was to run the Pack in his absence.

  Tanner made an appearance with his dad who was one of the Enforcers going with us. He slid to my side and gave me a hug which I returned.