HIDDEN (Hidden Trilogy Book 1)

by Yelden, T. J.

  “Nickolas is a dear friend to my old pack,” Mica assured Liam. “He would never put us in danger.”

  “This is information we do not want going back to the High Council.” Liam looked to Nickolas and then to Carver. “I will have your word that this information will not leave this room.”

  “I swear.” Nickolas answered.

  “Not a word.” Carver answered. Liam nodded for me to answer the question.

  “A note was left with me saying it was safer for me to stay away. The note was signed by Clara, my mother.” I explained.

  “No last name? No father’s name?”

  “No.”

  “Where did your last name come from then?”

  “The church assigned me a last name.”

  “Hmm…well this is a mystery.” Nickolas mused. “I will need to check the records to see if I can find some information, if that’s all right with you, dear.”

  “Yes, please do. I would really like to know who they were.”

  “I will start straight away upon my return.”

  “I also have this,” I said as I pulled my necklace from my shirt. I unhooked it from around my neck and handed it toward Nickolas.

  “From your parents?” Nickolas asked, as he flipped the ovals over in his hand, searching.

  “I don’t know. The one with the wolf was left with me when I was little. The other is from Cade. ”

  “If there was an encryption then we would have better luck. But seeing as it is blank,” he sighed and handed it back to me. “I’m afraid it won’t do me much good.”

  “Okay. I thought I’d try.” I reclosed the chain around my neck and hid it under my shirt.

  “Is there a way we can get a hold of you? In case we have more questions?” Cade asked.

  “Enforcer Carver will notify me if you need something.” Nickolas waved his hand as he stood up to leave. “He is my grandson after all.” He smiled at our shocked faces, before confiding, “It’s the only reason the High Council keeps us around. Good noses run in the family. Besides, I’ve no love for modern technology. Always changing and some new gadget coming out every year. How is one supposed to keep up?” I followed him to the door as he turned around. “I would like to hear from you every now and then, if you don’t mind, dear.”

  “No, not at all. Thank you for all your help.” I smiled.

  “My pleasure.” He smiled. I couldn’t help the urge to hug him so I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his middle. “Ah, such a sweet girl.” He returned my hug and kissed the top of my head in a fatherly fashion before he backed up. “Enjoy your stay in Dallas.”

  “Thank you, again.” Liam added, as he ushered Nickolas and Carver out the door. We turned back to the table with lunch. The group broke up into small groups and discussed the new development. I was more than happy to cuddle up to Cade on the couch and close my eyes. Nothing could be done at that moment. Hopefully more information would be forthcoming in the near future. For now, I was content with the fact that I knew what I was. The rest I would deal with another day.

  The next few days, we spent sightseeing and going to the art expo so I had something to report to Steve and Nicole. I had some time to think about being a latent and knew there were other shifters I should contact, if only I knew how. They might be able to help me bring my wolf to the surface since latents were more common in their groups. Then again, did I want to become what everyone was afraid of? What if Nicolas was right and I was a white wolf? What changes were in store for our future then?

  ***

  We were visiting the last section of the art expo before boarding the private jet to take us home. Cade walked beside me while Cassie and Brody looked at something at one of the booths a couple steps behind us. Hunter and Bree decided to do some sightseeing elsewhere with their parents on our last day. Liam and Mica were with Brody’s parents somewhere nearby, probably with a host of Enforcers surrounding them. I knew I needed to bring up the subject of talking with other shifters, but I wasn’t sure how Cade would take it. My guess was not good, not good at all.

  “Cade, I need to ask you something.” I glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention to our conversation.

  “What’s that?” His eyes looked down at me from one of the paintings we were looking at.

  “Nickolas mentioned that other shifters have latents. I was thinking I need to talk to them to-“

  “No. Absolutely not.” Cade cut me off with a firm shake of his head. So, I guess I wasn’t too far off on his reaction. “You don’t need anything from them. We will figure out how to bring your wolf to the surface on our own.”

  “Why are you so against me asking them?” I asked frustrated.

  “They are dangerous. They aren’t as in control of their animals as we are. Plus, wolves and other shifters don’t mix.”

  “But don’t you see that is the problem?” I asked. “Why can’t you work together? At least talk to each other. They would be a huge help in this instance since they have experience dealing with latents.”

  “No. I forbid you from talking to them.” Cade was turning all Alpha wolf on me but I wasn’t going to turn belly up for him.

  “Excuse me?” I raised my hands to my hips to emphasize my point. “You can’t forbid me to do anything. I have a mind of my own. You’ll be leaving soon for Enforcer Training. You won’t be around to watch over me.” Cade squared off with me.

  “I’ll always watch over you.” He insisted.

  “Not if you’re in another state.” I pointed out. Cade pressed his lips in frustration.

  “We should probably be going if we want to catch the plane.” Cassie said as she walked up to our side. She looked between us and cocked her head. “What’s wrong?”

  “Kendra wants to meet with other shifters to talk about her latency.” Cade replied and crossed his arms across his chest. Cassie’s eyes widened.

  “You what?” She asked in disbelief.

  “I don’t see why it would be a problem. They have answers I need. What’s the worse they could do?”

  “Rip you apart for trespassing on their territory.” Brody commented dryly as he joined us. Well, that was promising.

  “But I’m not a full-fledged wolf. You said it yourself my wolf scent is weaker.”

  “They won’t make the same mistake as us.” Cade pointed out. “They are more familiar with latents and will recognize the weaker scent for what it is.”

  “This is exactly why I need to talk with them. Learn what they know.”

  “I don’t like it.” Cade said.

  “Let’s think about this for a while before doing anything rash.” Cassie suggested.

  “Fine.” I gritted out.

  “Fine.” Cade growled.

  The ride to the airport and two hour plane ride was less than pleasant. Cade brooded beside me and would only give people one word responses. They finally got the clue that he was in no mood to be messed with and finally stopped talking to him. Why I was still sitting by him, I wasn’t sure but if I moved I knew that would just set him off more. The ride back to the McCoys was mostly spent discussing wolf traits and things to look for as my wolf surfaced. I noted that my heightened sense of scent and hearing was probably due to my wolf. I wonder how close to the surface she might already be.

  I never did broach the subject of visiting other shifters again. I knew where Cade stood on the issue and was more than aware that he would never change his mind. If I was going to contact them, I’d have to find a way to do it on my own.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Two weeks later was my eighteenth birthday and graduation. Nothing like having everything the same weekend, right? Since we were seniors, we got out of school earlier than the rest of the students. That was fine by me. I passed my classes with flying colors and would be able to keep my scholarship to Southern Oregon University. Liam and Mica had offered to pay my tuition since I was now adopted into their Pack. I politely declined. I didn’t want to feel indebted to the
m and they were already more than willing to take me on as a member of their Pack. There wasn’t any formal ceremony or papers to signify my acceptance into their pack. Liam and Mica just restated that they considered me one of them. If I was shifter, I would be able to hear other pack members in my head, but since I couldn’t shift, well, nothing really changed. Liam and Mica reminded me that if I ever needed something, to just ask. It was nice to feel wanted. Like I was finally home.

  The night before my birthday, I found myself once again at the McCoy house. Apparently this was a tradition when a wolf turned eighteen. There was cake, ice cream, and snacks as we all sat in the basement waiting for the clock to strike midnight. I was a little nervous. I mean, Nickolas said that since I was a latent, it was less than likely I would know who my lifemate was. Cade was more optimistic than me. He thought it was a sure thing for us since I was a wolf. A latent, yes, but a wolf, nonetheless. I secretly hoped he was right.

  “Less than a minute now.” Brody announced happily.

  “Don’t get your hopes up. Nothing might happen.” I warned.

  “Yeah and something could happen.” Cassie countered.

  “Yeah, you two could look at each other, the power of the lifemate bond breaks the latent curse, and all’s well in couple land.” Brody replied. The “latent curse” was Brody’s term for my “affliction”. Everyone seemed to be picking up the term too.

  “You forgot the part of me being the harbinger of doom.” I replied sarcastically.

  “Eh,” Brody shrugged. “That could just be some fabled story Nickolas cooked up.”

  “And if it isn’t? If she is a white wolf foretold to bring about great change?” Cassie asked.

  “We’ll deal with one thing at a time.” Cade replied.

  “Well, you are eighteen in three…two…one. Happy Birthday!” Brody exclaimed. Everyone looked at me expectantly. I met Cade’s eyes but everything felt the same. Nothing had changed. There was no huge string pulling me toward him or the universe focusing in on just him. He was just Cade.

  “So, anything different?” Brody asked hesitantly.

  “No.” I replied and broke eye contact with Cade. I barely caught a glimpse of frustration from him before I turned away.

  “Oh.” Brody said, disappointedly.

  “Well, it’s still your birthday.” Bree said. She raised her glass and said, “Happy Birthday, Kendra.” The others followed suit.

  “Thanks.” I smiled and tried to hide my own disappointment.

  “So, what’s next?” Bree asked.

  “Graduation?” I suggested. Bree laughed.

  “I know that silly. I meant with your latent wolf.”

  “That’s still being debated.” I answered.

  “Meaning?” Hunter asked.

  “Meaning,” Cade growled, “I don’t want her going anywhere near those other shifters and Kendra is more than willing to put herself in danger and do it anyway.” Cade growled.

  “Oh…that.” Bree commented.

  “I should probably head home.” I said trying to avoid another argument and rose from the couch. “I have to help Nicole get things ready for the graduation party.”

  “I’ll walk you out.” Cade replied. After saying bye to everyone, Cade followed me up the stairs and out to the car. The night was cool and cloudless. I glanced up and knew the moon wasn’t up yet since I could see a smattering of stars clearly. I smiled internally thinking back to one of the first things Cassie joked about. Full moons and werewolves. Crazy how fast life can change. Just as we reached the driver side door, Cade backed me up against it and caged me in.

  “I wish you could see how dangerous it would be to go to the other shifters.” He murmured.

  “I need answers, Cade.” I stated softly. My hands rubbed the front of his chest as I tried to sooth him.

  “I know.” He sighed. He reached down with one of his hands and captured one of mine. “I just think we should find another way.”

  “I’ll give Nickolas a call and see if he has any advice.” I compromised. He let go of my hand and brought his hand up to run his finger along the side of my face in a gentle caress.

  “I have a birthday present for you.” He grinned down at me.

  “You do?” I smiled in return. He nodded and pulled his other hand from the hood of the car that held a small box with a ribbon around it. Excited, I accepted the box from him and carefully opened it. What was inside took my breath away.

  “You made this?” I breathed as I pulled out the small figurine of a wolf.

  “Yeah. It took some time to whittle but I finally got it right.” The black, hand carved piece of wood easily fit into my hand but the craftsmanship was amazing. Every detail was evident from the piercing eyes to waves in the fur. The wolf sat on its hindquarters and looked regal, almost as if he was standing guard.

  I looked up at Cade. “It looks like you.”

  “I wanted you to have something while you are at college. A promise that I will always protect you. No matter where I am.”

  “It’s perfect Cade. Thank you so much.” I choked out as I wrapped my arms around him in a fierce hug. He held me tightly in return with his head resting on mine.

  “Will I see you tomorrow?” He asked.

  “Probably not. I have to help Nicole all day from the sounds of it.” I replied softly and pulled back. I tucked the wolf back into the box for safe keeping.

  “Then I’ll see you at graduation.” He said and I nodded.

  “When do you leave?” I asked as I thought about his Enforcer Training. I knew it was supposed to start after graduation but no one gave me a straight answer.

  “Right after graduation.”

  “Right after?” I asked, shocked.

  “Yes. Those were my orders.” He replied tightlipped. I reached up and traced his eyebrow and jaw with my finger to smooth out his frown.

  “When will I see you again?”

  “I don’t know. I won’t know a lot of the details until I get there. But I’ll call as often as I can.” I closed my eyes, thinking how hard it was going to be to not have him around for weeks on end.

  “Hey,” he said and kissed me lightly on the lips. I opened my eyes and looked at him. “It’s not like I’ll be unreachable. We can still talk on the phone.”

  “I know.” I sighed. He leaned down and kissed me a little harder. The unknown was what killed me. Was he going to change serving the High Council? All those Enforcers seemed so intense and scary. I didn’t want that for Cade. I…liked…him just the way he was. Really like him. Cade broke our kiss and rested his forehead against mine.

  “Get in,” He said as he backed up and opened the door. “I’ll see you the day after tomorrow.” He promised. I slid into my seat and Cade closed the door after me. As I drove away, I watched in the rearview mirror as he stood and observed me disappear down the lane. Five years of Enforcer Training was going to be rough. I wasn’t sure how we would handle being apart for that long. Would we still care for each other? Would we still want to be together?

  When I reached my house the lights were off. I walked toward the front steps and stopped when I saw a wrapped package on the front porch. I reached down and picked it up to find that the bundle was white flowers. I looked for a note and found one nestled in amongst the stems. I opened it and turned the note toward the street light to see the words. I frowned as I read the note.

  Kendra,

  While your friend would have been a prize to have, I think stealing you from Alpha-boy would be even more fun. Think of me as I pound him to a pulp in training. I know I’ll be thinking of you. Happy Birthday. – D.

  There was only one shifter I knew with a name that started with a D, and that was Dusty. What would he want with me? Was it to get back at me for the High Council thing? I shook my head and pocketed the note for later thought. I didn’t want to explain the flowers to Steve and Nicole so I walked back to the street and dumped them in the trashcan there. I turned and walked back toward the ho
use.

  Halfway there, I paused as I cocked my head to the side. My new found senses told me that I was no longer alone. I slowly turned to face the street and was met by a girl and young man who stood in the semi darkness. They studied me as I did them. The girl looked familiar, but from that distance I couldn’t make out her features very well. The boy was lean and had a predatory look in his eye. Each wore comfortable jeans and a t-shirt. I shifted my weight, unsure if they were a threat and if it would be smarter to run.

  “Don’t remember me?” The girl asked. Her voice sounded familiar and then all of a sudden I remembered.

  “Restroom girl.” I breathed. The young man let out a deep chuckle at my statement which caused the girl to frown.

  “My name is Amber.” She said forcefully. She looked over at the man beside her and said, “My brother, Clint.”

  “Are you a panther too?” I couldn’t stop the question from popping out as my eyes focused on him. His chuckles subsided and he regarded me steadily.

  “How much do you know?” He asked gruffly.

  “Only that Amber is a panther.” I shrugged. “I didn’t even know her name until ten seconds ago.”

  “We heard you finally know what you are.” Amber said. I looked back at her.

  “How did you find out?”

  “News travels fast.” Huh, so much for High Councilor Anton’s edict about keeping quiet.

  “I thought other shifters were on the outs with the wolves.” I asked curiously. Clint bared his teeth.

  “I told you she would side with them.” He said headedly at Amber. She glared at him.

  “She doesn’t know everything yet. She’s only heard one side.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” He exhaled sharply. “She’s probably already brainwashed.”

  “Hey, standing right here.” I pointed out, waving my hand to get their attention. “What don’t I know?”

  “We can help you.” Amber said as she looked back at me.

  “Help me with what?”