Powerless

by Catherine Johnson

  “You’re certain about challenging Daniel at the November moon?”

  “Aye. I’m no’ goin’ tae let Bryn run around any longer than I have tae. I doona want tae give him any more opportunity tae hurt you or Donna; but I need tae make the challenge in front o’ the pack. If I cannae win them over first, they need tae see that it’s a fair fight. Why lass, do you no’ think I’ll win?”

  Ma tone is teasin’, but I’ll admit tae ma pride bein’ pricked a little.

  “Don’t be outrageous. I’m worried about Bryn having another four weeks to get up to God only knows what. But you’re right; it needs to be out in the open as far as the pack is concerned.”

  She’s lookin’ out o’ the window, but she’s no’ seein what’s there.

  “What’s on your mind sweetheart?”

  She’s quiet a while, but I can tell she’ll answer when she’s ready. She looks at me before she starts tae speak.

  “How do you feel about bringing your stuff from Donna and Michael’s over here?”

  “You want me tae move in with you?” I know I sound a little surprised, but it’s no’ that the idea doesnae appeal tae me.

  She shrugs. “It’s not that I’m worried about making the most of the time we have left because I think you’re going to lose. It’s more about not wasting any more time.”

  I put ma mug down and scoot over so that I can take her in ma arms. If I had ma way, she’d never be out o’ them.

  “Darlin’, that’d be grand. Might get us both sacked, though.”

  “Yes well, we would actually both have to turn up for work on occasion.”

  “Michael’s no’ in work today. I’ve no’ much at theirs, but if you’re sure, we can get everythin’ shifted today since we’re both no’ doin’ anythin’ else.”

  “Oh I don’t know about not doing anything else.” And there’s that smile again. At this rate we’ll no’ be leavin’ the flat all day.

  “But you’re right, it’d be ideal to get it sorted today. I suppose you want to drive again?”

  I answer her by kissin’ her until she’s breathless.

  “Oh okay, you can drive.” She pants when I let her up for air.

  It’s no’ so long later that we’re pullin’ up outside Donna and Michael’s. We have tae keep a bit o’ focus or that crack I made about us both gettin’ sacked’ll be comin’ true. Becca knocks. I realise why the door’s locked when it never had been before, it all adds tae my determination tae take Bryn down. It’s Michael that answers the door. O’ course he’s grinnin’ like the Cheshire Cat when he sees that it’s us.

  “Well I didn’t expect to see you two today. Must be losing your edge there, mate.”

  “Funny, remember what I told you ‘bout no’ givin’ up the day job just yet?”

  Becca is a touch more direct, but she sees the funny side o’ things. “Are you going to rip the piss out of us on your doorstep or let us in and give Donna a chance to have a go as well?”

  “Come on in, by all means.”

  He steps back and waves us intae the house with an exaggerated bow. Donna’s in the kitchen doing something with meat and vegetables that looks like it might end up as a stew. She turns when we enter the room, she’s lookin’ mighty smug.

  “Damn, but it’s hard being right all the time. I hope the two of you are finally on the same page now?”

  “Yeah, yeah. Donna the All Knowing, we are here to bow before thee.”

  “There’s no need for sarcasm, Becca.”

  “Did your gift of foresight inspire you to pack up Callum’s stuff this morning by any chance?”

  Becca’s question obviously catches Donna off guard; her jaw nearly hits the floor. Donna being Donna, though, she’s no’ speechless for long.

  “Not letting the grass grow then? Well, what’s the point in delaying the inevitable? But no, my crystal ball is in for repairs, you’ll have to take care of that yourselves.”

  Michael comes in and opens a cupboard under the sink. He emerges with a roll o’ black bin sacks.

  “I’ll give Callum a hand. You two can talk shoes or whatever.”

  Becca rolls her eyes at me. “These two are about as subtle as a ton of bricks.”

  “Aye lass, but let them have their games.” I kiss her on the forehead before shruggin’ ma jacket off and hangin’ it over the back o’ one o’ the chairs round the table.

  I wasnae jokin’ about no’ havin’ much here. I’ve no’ had a chance tae look through all the stuff that Michael had packed away for me yet. It doesnae take us long tae get everything packed up and loaded intae the car. Michael doesnae grill me for the dirty details o’ last night, but he does ask me more about London and Ireland. When we get downstairs, the lasses have moved tae the sofas and there are cups o’ tea waitin’ for us. It doesnae look as though the lasses have been gossipin’ either.

  “You two look serious.” Michael says as he finds his seat next tae Donna.

  “Just debating strategies for getting through the next month in one piece. It’s half term next week. Do you think your parents would take the kids for the week? The boys love it in Scarborough, and it’s one week out of four that we won’t have to worry about them.”

  “I’m sure they’d love to. I’ll give them a bell later and ask. They were wondering the other week when they’d get to see them before Christmas.”

  “You think we’re goin’ tae have trouble, Donna?”

  “And you don’t?”

  “No’ at all, I think you’re right, unfortunately. Better safe than sorry, and it’s a good idea tae get the boys out o’ the way for some o’ the time at least.”

  “It’s not a bad thing you moving in with Becca either. She could do with someone around with some sense of self-preservation.”

  Becca gives Donna a snarky look, but doesnae argue with her point. “Aye, she told me about her stalker.”

  “There’s not much else we can do really, is there?” Donna asks the room in general.

  Michael answers her. “Not really, carry on as we have been doing. No going out alone if we can help it. Keep in touch by text if we can’t, and assume that they’re probably going to make a move before the full moon. As much as I agree with the idea of Callum moving in with you Becca, it puts us in a worse spot.”

  “How so?” She asks from my side.

  “If Daniel finds out that the two of you are a mated pair and that you’ve realised it, it puts him in an even worse position with the pack. Callum’s strong enough to be Alpha, and he has a strong mate. Daniel might be strong enough to lead the pack, but he’s not been demonstrating exceptional leadership lately, and not having a mate puts him a rung lower.”

  “And the shit just keeps piling up, doesn’t it.” Donna mumbles.

  “Aye, but we’re no’ powerless. We are pack, we have each other, and doona forget, the shite that doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.”

  I finish my drink, as does Becca. I hold ma hand out for her mug. When she gives it tae me I take both o’ them intae the kitchen and leave them by the sink. As much as I’d like tae stay and chat, I doona want tae waste the opportunity tae spend the day with ma lass.

  “We better be off darlin’. The day’s wastin’.”

  “Oh, don’t let us keep you.” Michael gets the look he deserves from both o’ us, but he doesnae try tae keep us. After all, he’s got a day with his own mate, at least until the bairns finish school.

  As we’re drivin’ back, Becca turns tae me. “The only problem with the boys being gone for Halloween is that it puts you right out of luck for seeing me dressed up.”

  “Ah lass, you’ll no’ dress up just for me?” I’m only exaggeratin’ ma disappointment a little.

  There’s that wee smile again. “I’ll see what I can manage.”

  I’m no sure I’m goin’ tae make it the full moon. If Bryn or Daniel doona come for us first, this lass might run me tae exhaustion.

  Chapter Twenty Five

  I had n
o idea that life could be as it has been for the past three weeks. I thought I had normality and domesticity with Rob; I was wrong, or this is something else. It’s not been without its hiccups, and there is still a shadow looming over us, but I’m happier than I’ve ever been.

  After that first night together, I knew that Callum living at Donna and Michael’s wouldn’t work. Not that it would cause problems, but more that I wasn’t prepared to sneak around like a teenager with my first boyfriend, trying to avoid getting caught by my parents. Callum would have been here most of the time anyway I’m sure, just so that we could have some privacy; I wouldn’t have been letting him spend too many nights away from me. In the afterglow, in the contentment of that morning, I knew it was only a matter of time before Callum would be virtually moved in with me, or me with him somewhere; it might as well have been sooner rather than later.

  I have every faith in Callum that he’s going to beat Daniel and reclaim his place as Alpha, and I’m going to be there to help him any way I can; but I’m not a fool. I know it won’t be simple, easy or quick. I’m not prepared waste a moment that I could be with him. I refuse to look back at this time with regret.

  Through the week we have a cosy routine. One of us wakes the other up. I’ve stopped setting my alarm, I haven’t needed it and it kept going off at inopportune moments. The only reason that we take turns to shower now, is that we’d never get out of the flat on time if we didn’t. After a quick breakfast we usually leave the house around the same time; me to go to the station, Callum to be picked up by Lee.

  I’m usually home before Callum, I’ll start the preparations for tea so that we can eat when he gets home. Then the evening is ours to do with as we wish. We’ve reached an entente cordial regarding the television remote. Callum is thrilled that I don’t watch soaps or reality programmes, but that doesn’t mean I want to watch sports channels all night. Each night we fall asleep wrapped in each other, feeling safe, feeling loved.

  As I said, it’s not been without its shadows. When we left for work on Tuesday morning, we spotted Bryn parked a little way up the street, watching for us. At that time in the morning it was fairly obvious that Callum hadn’t popped by to discuss the price of fish or borrow a cup of sugar. Bryn drove off as soon as he realised that Callum had seen him. He hasn’t staked out the flat since, but I started to see him at the station and in the city when I left the office for lunch. I’ve started to eat in the staff room again. I’d rather be watched by the busy bodies at work than by Bryn any day of the week. I feel relatively safe on the station platform, given the number of people around, but it’s hard not to flinch when I can feel him staring at me.

  Saturdays follow a similar pattern since Callum works then, but Sundays are our own. The first weekend, the weather was fine, so we spent our time on the moors. Hiking on two feet isn’t anywhere near as much fun as running on four paws, but it’ll do. It gave us a chance to talk without getting distracted. Last weekend, the weather wasn’t good enough to spend the day outdoors, so we spent the day getting distracted.

  I’ve been busy today. Whilst Callum’s been working, I’ve been getting things together for Donna’s party tonight. Fortunately we decided not to invite Daniel or Bryn, or things might be about to get extremely messy. I went out early to buy the supplies, the food at least. Callum wanted to get the fireworks. Werewolf or not, I think the whole fire thing is a throwback to caveman days. Mention gunpowder and explosions and men turn into giddy five-year-olds. After grabbing a quick bite to eat, I put all the food together; it’s your average party, buffet assortment. Donna doesn’t know that I bought a cake for her. However, I do value my life, so there’s only one candle. If I tried to put the same number of candles as the number of years, or even got the ones that are shaped like numbers, she’d probably end me. I move my small dining table as close to a wall as possible, and set the food and paper plates out on it. I set the drinks up in the kitchen, since the majority of them will involve the fridge. I fill the sink with cold water and ice and put plenty of bottles and cans of beer in it, adhering to the age old rule that when man plays with fire he must also drink beer.

  Now that the clocks have been turned back, it gets dark before five o’ clock. Callum gets in just as the sun is setting, about an hour before any guests are due to start arriving. As much as I’m happy to see him, I’m slightly worried that there might not be any food left by the time everyone gets here. I’m more concerned by the size of the firework boxes that he’s stacking by the door.

  “Lass, that looks like a fine spread. You must be knackered.”

  “A bit, but I’ll be fine once the first bottle is open. You’ve got an hour, maybe a bit less. Do not start on the food until people get here.”

  He wraps me in his arms and pulls me in for kiss that leaves me wondering whether having a flat full of people tonight is really a bad idea.

  “There’s only one way you’re goin’ tae keep me from that lot, sweetheart. You’re goin’ tae have tae turn my mind tae other matters.”

  “I could read the sports results to you whilst you’re in the shower?” I’m teasing, but I’m half expecting him to go for that.

  “As fine as that would be, darlin’ I had somethin’ else in mind. Since those wee boys are stayin’ over tonight and we have to behave...” He tails off suggestively.

  “Best get a move on then, or people will be arriving before we’re dressed.”

  By the time we step into the shower, I know we haven’t got the luxury of time to play. I make sure that Callum knows that he should stay still, then I grab the shower gel and a sponge and begin to wash him from his hair down to his feet. I’d prefer to take my time, to tease, but that will have to wait for another day. My first priority is making sure that he doesn’t smell like he’s spent all day in someone’s attic, an objective that’s easily achieved. My second is to take him in my mouth until he begs for mercy. Also easily achieved, but again, something that I will be spending more time on given another opportunity. The feel of him, solid and throbbing with need between my hands and my lips makes me almost unbearably aroused. I’m beginning to regret being so selfless, until Callum catches me by the shoulders, bringing me up to stand. Without speaking he turns me to face the wall and puts my palms flat against the tiles. Less than a second later he’s inside me. It’s quick, hard and primal. The feel of his fingers working my breasts and the sensitive flesh between my legs soon has me throwing my head back and shouting my climax into the water, right along with Callum.

  Donna, Michael and the boys arrive first, before I’ve had chance to finish drying my hair. Of course that provides them both with plenty of fodder for taking the mick out of us. I’m sure they’ll get bored soon, I hope they will. The rest of the pack begin to arrive not long after them.

  Everyone is a little wary at first. They’re nervous of Callum. I’m not surprised if Rob’s been spreading stories to more people than just Claire, and they are perfectly entitled to be a little suspicious after his absence at the last full moon. Considering that for the first hour or so, Callum’s arm doesn’t leave my shoulders, and that a happy smile never leaves my face, it’s obvious to everyone that we’re together. Several people ask me about the flat, including how long I’ve been here. I think everyone is lot less surprised that I’m no longer with Rob than by my relationship with Callum. It’s been clear for the past couple of months that something was seriously wrong between Rob and me.

  Callum and Michael disappear to set the fireworks up on the slope behind the building. I can only hope that they don’t break an ankle whilst they’re scrambling around down there, or that they don’t put any of the neighbours’ windows through with badly aimed rockets. The two of them are acting less like adults than Jacob and Jonathan, who are itching for the fireworks to start.

  It appears to be infectious; several of the other men decide to join them. I see at least Mark, Ethan and Richard disappearing. We can hear them laughing and joking through the open window. At first
I think the debate about where to pin the Catherine Wheel could become a problem, but I decide they’re all big enough and furry enough to take care of themselves and refill my wine glass.

  The large boxes were apparently the kind that have a full display set up on one fuse. A full display of what I’m not sure, ground-to-air missiles maybe. I’m surprised the Police haven’t turned up accusing us of endangering aircraft on their flight path into Manchester airport. The kids love it, though; they stand on the balcony shouting with each bang and flash. Michael, Callum and the others make it back inside with no need for medical attention, so I’m going to call that a win.

  Nearly the whole pack is in our living room. It seems like almost all the members that knew Callum before my attack are here. I saw a few of them pull him aside for a quiet chat in the corner. Judging by the exclamations followed by hugging and back slapping, it looks like he’s been setting the record straight with a few people. A few heads turn in my direction, followed by more back-slapping. Looks like I’m very definitely at least part of the topic of conversation. I salute them with my glass and smile.