Cravings: Alpha City 2

by Bryce Evans

  Zoey stepped forward and shifted, and started putting on her clothes. Carina didn’t change yet, but watched as Zoey changed into her dress.

  “You can stay like you are if you want, Carina. It’s okay if you want to go in the house like that,” Zoey offered, then reached down and rubbed her back.

  “Your fur is so soft and pretty,” Zoey said as her fingers glided through the panther’s black hair. Carina started purring as she stroked her back and then she closed her eyes. She shifted back when Zoey stopped her caressing and rose up. Her shift happened within seconds. She was as fast as an Alpha, Zoey thought.

  “Coming?” Kayden yelled out from the cabin toward them. She smiled and waited as Carina dressed quickly looking around to see if anyone was watching. “Nobody’s looking. I made sure. I checked before you shifted. I won’t let anyone hurt you, sweetheart,” Zoey insisted.

  The look on the child’s face was of sadness as she stared back at Zoey. Her eyes held the pain of what had happened to her before Kayden brought them here to Alpha City. She didn’t know what the child had been through, but she was going to make it her mission to bring a smile to that girl’s face. She waited until she was done, and then they walked inside the cabin.

  Chapter 28

  Kayden waited for the new family to say something about the cabin. When they stayed quiet, he took it that they didn’t like it. “You don’t like it?” he asked Titan and Rose.

  “It’s beautiful, Alpha.” Rose’s voice was small as she reached out for her brother’s hand. They continued to go from room to room observing every detail.

  Zoey came in and stood beside him as they both watched the family. Carina walked over and took Titan’s hand as they took her to the bedrooms and showed her.

  When the boys came out, they had the biggest grin on their faces which made Kayden and Zoey smile knowing that at least they liked it. If they didn’t like the cabin, he would find them someplace else in order to make them happy.

  They followed Carina into one of the bedrooms. Zoey’s grip tightened on Kayden’s hand when Carina’s eyes sparked as she looked in the room. Sitting in the middle of the floor was a child’s table. Carina released her brother’s hand and walked over to the table and ran her hand across the smooth surface. She paused looking from the table to the windowsill, then made the decision for the windowsill. She still didn’t smile as she jumped up on the padded seat to stare out the window.

  “Success!” Zoey muttered. This had been the room Zoey played in as a child. Kayden had made the small table for her, so she would have some place to play while they did their own thing.

  “It needs some work, but I love this place, and I think you will too,” Kayden replied. He watched Rose and Titan take in what Kayden was saying.

  “This is where you want us to live?” Rose asked surprised.

  “Yes, but if you don’t like it, then I can find you and the kids another place,” Kayden offered, but Titan spoke quickly before his sister could.

  “No. We like it.” Titan’s voice was content as he looked over at his older sister.

  “We love it, Alpha, but I know how special this place is to you, and we can’t take it away from you.” Rose’s voice was pained as she spoke. He could see how much she hated saying that to him as she gazed back at her brother in regret.

  “Then you should know what you and your family mean to me, Rose. We are family. You, Titan, and the kids are my family now. And I want my family to have something that is very special.”

  “He means it. We are a family, Rose. I would never feel right if anyone, besides you and the kids, moved into this cabin. It holds fond memories for us from when we grew up, and we want you to make memories here where you can be safe and happy.”

  Kayden smiled down at his mate. She knew what to say at the right moment to clench the deal. She could see Rose wavering as Zoey explained what this place meant to her as well.

  Rose’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes,” both of them said.

  “Then we…we will take it.” There was no doubt that they wanted the cabin if the smiles on their faces told them anything.

  “Great, now let’s get started on what we need to get done here. Cleaning supplies are in the kitchen on the table, and Titan, since you are good with your hands, we need to fix up your room as well. There is an apartment over the garage, but it hasn’t been finished. I will help you finish it, if that is okay?”

  Titan looked amazed that Kayden would help him. “Of course, Alpha.” This family had a lot to learn about how Alpha City was run. He, along with his best friends, helped each other out and believed in helping its members. Something this family wasn’t accustomed to but soon would find out.

  Clasping his hands together, Kayden answered, “Alright, let’s get started then.” But before they got started working, he knew he needed to talk to Zoey about the guards. He escorted Zoey over to a corner to talk in private.

  “I know you have to work today, and I know you are going to get upset, but please humor me, baby, especially with what took place yesterday. Thorn will go with you today.” Kayden waited for the fireworks, but nothing came. He could see the fire in her eyes, but she refrained from speaking her mind, and hopefully she understood.

  “For now, my love.” Zoey patted Kayden on the cheek letting him know that he won this round; however, Zoey wouldn’t always give him his way. He read that message loud and clear, and he loved that about her.

  “Now, I need to get the kids’ sizes, so I can go and get some clothes and supplies for them. Can you spare me for a while?” Zoey asked, the conversation forgotten.

  “Of course, baby. Go, and here is my card.” Kayden started to get his credit card out of his wallet, but Zoey stopped him.

  “Nope, this one is on me. You can get the next one,” Zoey insisted.

  “Okay, baby.” Kayden nodded then kissed her softly on the lips then turned around and walked out the back door.

  Zoey watched as her mate walked out the door. She took a second to look around and enjoy watching the boys run from room to room giggling. Even Carina came out of her room and got some cleaning supplies, but the next subject was going to be harder to get them to accept.

  “Here goes nothing,” Zoey muttered then sauntered over and stood beside Rose. “Rose? I need the kids’ sizes so I can go into town and buy some clothes for them.”

  Rose was already shaking her head before Zoey even finished her comment. “Zoey, you and the Alpha have done enough. Once I find a job, I can get the kids some clothes. Please, no more.”

  “Speaking of jobs, Rose. You said that you worked in an office as a secretary?”

  “Yes, I did. I was the office manager for an insurance company,” Rose offered.

  “Well, we are in need of one at my company. We are a small company, but we are growing so fast that we can’t keep up with it all, and we have to hire some people, and we desperately need a secretary. The job pays well, and we offer insurance and a 401K if you are interested,” Zoey explained. She waited not wanting to push Rose. They were offering them so much; she could tell Rose and her siblings didn’t want to take handouts, but she was serious when she said they were desperate.

  “Zoey, I know you are only offering this job just to help me out, but I can find a job. You don’t have to make up a position for me. Really, it is okay.”

  “Zoey is telling the truth. I was going to call you today after letting everything calm down first, but we are in desperate need of one. It’s not a handout, Rose.” Both Zoey and Rose jumped from hearing a new voice in the house. Smiling at her best friend, Zoey listened to London and what she had to say. “The job will be a lot to take on. Our company is growing faster than we can keep up with. If you take it, you would work your ass off. As the company grows, so would your job duties. In fact, you would probably move up quickly and make more money soon. I can’t hold off long, so I will need an answer soon.” London had walked in the cabin without anyone hearing h
er, and she just clenched this deal.

  Rose’s brow rose in surprise at the offer. “Then you got yourself a deal. When do you want me to start?” Rose asked smiling.

  “I know you are trying to get moved in, but if you could start in two days, that would be great,” London answered. “We have a lot to do with the new project Alpha Ringo wants, and we are still working on the AS 2000.”

  “That would be great. It would give me time to get this house together, and then I can start work. I’m thankful you guys thought of me first. I really do appreciate it,” Rose said.

  “Great. I have some time to help clean or do whatever you need me to do, Rose.” Leaving nothing else to be discussed, London took off her jacket and laid it on the counter.

  “Oh no, I couldn’t ask you to do that. You have done too much already, and you have work to do,” Rose swallowed quickly. Zoey could tell she wasn’t used to people helping her.

  “You see, Rose, that is the beauty of being a part owner of the business. I can leave and come in whenever I want. I like cleaning windows, so can I start in the living room?” Rose didn’t know what to say as London didn’t wait for an answer and picked up the supplies and walked into the living room.

  “Rose, it takes getting used to, but this is how Alpha City is. We help each other out. You are not the first person, nor will you be the last one we will do this for. One day you can do something for those who come here and need help. It’s not charity. It’s just what family does and should do.” Rose’s eyes teared up. Her eyes widened as she watched London clean the windows, and before she could look away, trucks started pulling up with workers. Members of the pride were dropping off furniture, food, and some were coming inside to help in any way they could.

  Rose couldn’t stop the tears as they fell down her face. “I never knew it could be like this. We have been through so much, and I just never knew prides were like this. When I left the kids, I thought I would never see them again. But now…” Zoey hugged Rose letting the tears fall. She needed to cry and let out all the fears she had been feeling. Because life was changing quickly for them, she needed to see that there was still good in people.

  Purdy Bellows and her sister, Nancy, were part of Kayden’s pride. They walked in and hugged London, speaking to her. London pointed to Rose as both looked over at her. She wondered what they thought about her and Kayden, or if they even knew yet. She was worried that some wouldn’t accept their mating, and she didn’t want any backlash against her mate. She loved him and knew he loved her, but sometimes people felt that they should mate with their own kind.

  “Well, look at you, Alpha,” Purdy announced walking over and staring at her. “That mate of yours put a big mark on you letting everyone know who you belong to.” Zoey blushed as Purdy went on and on about the mating mark.

  “Purdy, are you okay with the Alpha and me mating.” The smile left Purdy’s face.

  “Now you listen here, missy. You may be my new Alpha female, but make no mistake, we don’t take the same stance as that SOB of a father he has. We have known since you were young pups that you belonged to Kayden and he to you. We couldn’t be happier that you finally decided to take the plunge. We love you, sweetheart. Don’t forget that,” Purdy announced then hugged her. Zoey breathed out. She was happier than she had ever been.

  If Purdy and Nancy Bellows accepted you, then it had to mean that most of the pride did too. Nothing got past these two busybodies, but they were good as gold and loyal to the pride.

  “Now that it’s out in the open, let me look at you.” Purdy took Rose’s hands and opened them up so she could look at Rose. “The men are going to have a field day with a beauty like you.” Rose blushed and bowed her head shyly smiling.

  “I’ve got food in the car and some towels and sheets for your beds. Now they are new, so don’t think I gave you hand-me-downs, because I love the sales, and there was a huge sale on sheets and linens today. Don’t you look at me like that, Rose. You will take them as a gift, and I don’t want to hear you saying no. So let’s go get that food out of the car, and let’s get to cleaning.” With that being said, Purdy and Nancy turned around and walked out to the car.

  Rose and Zoey watched as Purdy and Nancy walked out of the house. Leaning closer whispering, Zoey explained, “You will get used to them. Purdy does all the talking, but when Nancy says something, you need to listen. She is the wisdom, and Purdy is the mouth. They mean well. Nosey, but good peeps.”

  Bowing her head, Zoey could see how emotional Rose was getting. “I won’t ever be able to repay you and the others for what you are doing for us,” Rose responded.

  “You don’t have to. It doesn’t make you weak or mean that we feel sorry for you. It means we care for you, and we want you to be part of our family. Family helps each other out when they need it. You don’t have to ask; we just do it.” Zoey grabbed Rose’s hand. “I hate Kayden’s father for how he has made you and the kids feel. This is how prides are supposed to be run, Rose. Not like that. Kayden is a good Alpha, and so is the rest of the Council. It will take some getting used to, but you will, and then you’ll know this is how it is meant to be.” Rose squeezed her hand back.

  “Now, what are those sizes?” Zoey asked, and Rose smiled and told her.

  Chapter 29

  Thorn drove the SUV to town so they could buy the kids some clothes, and thankfully they had, because Zoey had already filled the back part of his vehicle up and was well on her way filling up the front. She had gone to the furniture store and got bedroom suites and a living room suite for the cabin. She told the owner, who was part of the pride, that she didn’t know if they would like this furniture, but they could use it until they picked out what they wanted. Redmond told her that it would be delivered today. He advised that he would give them the table and chairs for free, and that would be his gift to the new family.

  Zoey was ecstatic and couldn’t wait for the kids to see the bedroom suites she had picked out.

  She had picked out bunkbeds for the boys’ room because she had overheard them talking about how cool it would be if they had some in the room they were sharing. She added a gaming system, TV, and a computer to the order, so they all could learn about them. She also added another computer and had it delivered to the house. She would tell Rose that sometimes she may need to bring some work home with her, and that would be the reason for the computer for her.

  Feeling pretty good about what she had accomplished, she giggled. Thorn glanced over at her. “What are you giggling about?”

  “I’m just happy. I love helping people, Thorn, and they are such good people.” Thorn was smiling until he looked up in the rearview mirror. Zoey looked back and noticed a black truck with black tinted windows driving up fast on their bumper and then rammed the back end. Thorn already had the phone to his ear as he sped up trying to lose them.

  “What the hell are they doing?” Zoey demanded as she held on to the side of the door.

  “Hold on, Zoey! They are trying to run us off the road!” Thorn yelled.

  Zoey held on as the truck rammed them, again, making Thorn swerve over the road.

  “You have a gun?” Zoey asked quickly. Thorn quickly looked over at her to see if she was serious.

  “Gun. Now!” Zoey yelled.

  “In the glove box,” Thorn answered as the truck came up beside them. Whoever it was tried to ram into the side of them, but Zoey was quick as she grabbed the handgun, rolled down her window, and smiled. She aimed and started firing into the driver’s side door. She knew she was hitting her mark when the windshield busted and the truck veered off the road hitting a tree.

  Zoey glanced back but didn’t see anyone getting out of the vehicle.

  “Don’t ask me to stop. We don’t know how many more are coming,” Thorn advised.

  “Fine by me.” Zoey blew out the breath she had been holding. Her adrenaline was pumping so much, she didn’t have time to be scared.

  “Where did you learn to shoot, short st
uff?” Thorn asked drawing her attention away from the mirror. She could tell he was checking out their surroundings as he turned on the road heading to the cabin.

  Looking back into the mirror, Zoey tried to explain. “My brother and Kayden actually taught me when I was little. Both of them said they wanted me to learn how to shoot since I was smaller than everyone else, and that I needed to know how in case I ever needed to use the gun.” Zoey explained.

  “I think they taught you well,” Thorn announced then looked in his rearview mirror again. The phone rang as they turned on the road to the cabin. “Yes, Alpha. We are safe and on the pride road now. Zoey put about five rounds into the driver’s side door, and the vehicle crashed into the tree. Yes, I think she hit her mark, but we didn’t stop to check.” Zoey tried to listen but kept an eye out looking around for any more danger. A group of speeding trucks passed Thorn and Zoey hauling ass toward the truck that wrecked. Zoey turned around in her seat to watch the entourage of vehicles as they passed. She could see Kayden’s truck speeding down the road toward them. Thorn pulled over as Kayden jumped out and ran around to Zoey’s side to jerk the door open and pull her out. She could see the panicked look on his face as he held her hands out checking her for any injury.

  “I’m okay, baby. I was the one shooting the gun. They were trying to run us off the road.” His eyes were glowing as he leaned down and inhaled her scent. It was as if his body needed to smell her scent to make sure she was safe. She could feel how shaken he was as he gripped her tighter.

  “It’s okay, Kayden. We handled it,” Zoey added, trying to calm her mate down. She rubbed his back up and down when his phone rang. He continued to hold her with one arm and answered it with his other. “Yes. Who was it?” Zoey couldn’t hear the other side of the conversation as Kayden walked her over to his truck and put her inside. He closed the door without saying anything further to her. She watched as he closed the phone and said something to Thorn, then got into the truck. He reached out and grabbed her hand.