by Amira Rain
“You could even have your own business and export some of your pieces to sell to folks from the cities we trade with. That's what I do with some of my paintings." With her dark eyes twinkling, she paused briefly. "We've gotta let the boys know that exporting whiskey isn't the only game in town, right?"
To say I liked the idea of having my own business was an understatement. I loved it. I adored it. I had told Fiona that I was looking forward to becoming a wife and a mother, and that was true; I absolutely was. I also wanted my own thing. I'd just never had a clue, up until right then, what my own thing could be.
I'd had a few different jobs to help pay the bills while in Stony Rapids, but nothing that had ever stuck. Nothing I tried really interested me or excited me; nothing that I'd felt like I might want to do for decades. Now I felt like maybe I'd found my calling.
Fiona and I spent the next hour or so discussing the possibilities of it, agreeing that I could even teach ceramics and pottery if I became good enough at it and I wanted to pursue that part of it.. I now had big plans for a real future for the first time in my life. I imagined a future with a loving husband, children, and my own thriving business, and for the first time in my life, I felt as if I had a real shot at long-term happiness.
Once we'd finished discussing my business plans, Fiona and I even talked about planting a rose garden near the town square as a way for me to honor my birth mother and her love of roses. After that, I became a bit unexpectedly emotional and had to fan my misty eyes.
"Sorry. Happy tears."
With a shaft of sunlight slanting in through the wide storefront window, making her long brown curls gleam, Fiona smiled. "Nothing wrong with happy tears when you're starting a happy new life."
The moment she said the words "happy new life," my first thought was of Grant. Of a "happy new life" with Grant. With him as my mate for life. I knew the choice I was going to make was probably inevitable at this point. It was probably all over but my official declaring of it.
However, I planned to honor the promise I'd made to Grant, to give it a little more time to be sure, and in the meantime, continue to share a bed with both him and Adrian. I figured I could suffer a few more weeks.
When we returned to the house for dinner with Mil and the boys, she commented on my bouncy mood and gave me a little smile near the end of the meal. "What a change from the young woman who didn't even speak when she first arrived here."
I couldn't deny that I was on cloud nine. To the point that I just should have known that something would happen to spoil it. Being in that good of a mood all day long would have been too perfect. Perfect hadn't been a running theme in my life.
The men had dinner in the council lodge during their meeting, and it was shortly after they returned that my happy mood popped like a bubble. Brandon and Martin had been put to bed, so the remaining family members present were Grant, Adrian, Samuel, Mil, Fiona, and Bennett. The non-family members present were Steven Ashcrest and me. Before the meeting even got started, Grant welcomed everyone to get a drink at the bar before we all took seats around the long oak dinner table. Just based on the intensely serious look in his eyes, and the way he seemed reluctant to meet my own eyes while we all got drinks, I could tell that I wasn't going to like what he had to say at this meeting. I wasn't even sure why or how whatever he had to say in regards to his plans for dealing with the wolves could upset me. Somehow, I just knew that they would.
He sat at the head of the table, with Adrian on his right, and me on his left. To my left sat Mil, and then Fiona. Opposite us sat Bennett, Samuel, and Steven. I didn't think anyone had intentionally designated one side of the table for women and one side for men; it had just kind of happened that way.
After draining his glass of whiskey in a single gulp without making even the slightest face, Grant began recounting the recent problems with the Howell wolves, focusing on their whiskey thefts, their attempted whiskey thefts, and their attacks.
"I've known for a while that they must be dealt with permanently, though to be honest, since there aren't many of them, I thought the problem would resolve itself slowly as we kill more and more of them each time they attack. Now they're getting bolder.
“I think the more their numbers dwindle, the more desperate and frenzied they're becoming. And then, with the attack the other night, when Lila was present...." With a deep crease between his heavy-lidded eyes, Grant glanced at me before shifting his gaze back to the rest of the group. "I've come to the conclusion that the wolves from Howell must be dealt with now, and with finality. They all must be killed. In addition, with agreement from the council, I've decided on a simple plan.
“We're going to set a trap for the wolves. As a group, they don't seem very bright, just greedy, and we don't think we'll have any problems getting them to fall for the trap. We're simply going to leave one of the warehouses open at night while the guards pretend to fight among themselves nearby. Several guards have already volunteered for the task and have agreed to make it look very convincing, really tearing each other up a bit, before feigning unconsciousness.
“At this point, knowing that the wolves will be watching from the woods, as they've been doing every night, we think they'll go in to loot the warehouse. This is when I'll lead several hundred of this community's strongest shifters out in a charge from where we'll be hiding. And soon after that, all the Howell wolves will meet their deaths."
Mil took a sip of her vodka on ice and set the glass on the table, her gaze on Grant. "I think it's a good plan. But I think you know what my question is."
Grant sighed, the sound blending with the faintest of growls rumbling deep in his chest. "I think I do. And the answer is yes. Although you know how much I hate it whenever you ask to do this. I think it's putting yourself in harm's way for no good reason."
Mil scoffed. "Being locked in a titanium-and-steel cage being in 'harm's way?' Not really at all. To the point that this time, Fiona's going to join me. And as far as 'no good reason'...Grant, equality is always a good reason. We women may not be shifters, but we have strength, power, and skill, and it's only right that we contribute to protecting our community. And so we will."
Grant made another faint sigh-growl. "Fine. You'll both not only be in the cage, you'll be wearing full body armor as well. We'll have to get Fiona a pair of night-vision goggles like yours, too. None of us bears needs to get shot by friendly fire."
Mil knocked back the rest of her vodka and scoffed again. "I can assure you, dear nephew, none of you bears will sustain any injuries from friendly fire. Except maybe just slight injury to your egos when Fiona and I likely take down the majority of the wolves ourselves."
I was beyond lost, and I said this, glancing from Mil to Grant. "Can someone please explain to me what the two of you are talking about?"
Fiona spoke first. "I'm good with a gun, and always have been. In the past, when my husband was alive, and when we'd have occasional trouble from various wolf packs, I'd always ask to help. Fearing for my safety, my husband never allowed it, but he finally, eventually, relented when I agreed to help with my marksmanship skills from the safety of an enormous titanium-and-steel cage, impenetrable to the wolves.
“Think of a massive dog cage, as demeaning a way as that is to put it, but that's the idea. Like the last time, several years ago, when I took out three wolves during a fight, the cage will be covered with branches and leaves until it's time for the battle.
“Then, Fiona and I will pull a cord that will uncover the cage so that we can take good aim through the wide holes, which are maybe as wide as a hand. Wide enough for a wolf to slip a paw through, maybe, but that's it. In addition, the cage can only be unlocked from the inside. Fiona and I will be completely safe in the cage. We'll step to the center if any of the wolves try to approach."
I'd never wanted to be a part of something more in my whole life. I wanted the chance to take down some of the wolves myself. I wanted to avenge my parents' deaths. Both sets of my parents.
I glanced from Mil to Grant. "I want to help. I want to be in the cage, too. I'm a good archer, and I can use my longbow to-"
"Hell, no. Over my dead, rotting body."
Grant had spoken his words through gritted teeth.
"But I'll be safe in the cage with Mil and Fiona, and I can-"
"Hell. No. That’s my final answer, Lila. Because of the reasons we spoke about yesterday."
"Because you don't trust me around the wolves? Not even in a cage? You don't trust me not to unlock it from the inside and come tearing out in a fit of blind rage or something?"
Grant didn't say a word. He just looked at me with his strong jaw clenched. I knew he didn’t trust me not to do what I'd said. Which, I had to grudgingly admit, was understandable, considering I'd come tearing out of a locked truck when previously faced with the wolves. But I'd resolved not to lose my head like that again. I was determined to display better judgment now.
Across from me at the table, Adrian sat up a little straighter and cleared his throat, his gaze on Grant next to him. "I say hell yes. I have faith in Lila and I trust her not to repeat the mistakes of the past. I say she be allowed to fight." Pausing, he leaned over the table a little, gaze still on Grant. "And that's my final answer."
*
A low growl rumbled in Grant's chest the moment Adrian had finished speaking his words, a seeming challenge to Grant; his words of unexpected faith and trust in me.
I thought there was going to be a fight. I thought there was soon to be an actual shifter fight right there at the family table. Grant wasn't shooting daggers at Adrian with his icy blue eyes; he was shooting swords and bayonets.
But before either of them could make a move, shift, or say anything further, Mil spoke, her gaze on Adrian and her voice as cool and commanding as I'd ever heard it.
"That will be enough, Adrian. Not one more word. Grant is the chief and leader of this community, and his final decisions are not to be questioned at a family meeting. Ever. Period. End of story. And if you plan on doing this again, now or at any point in the future, you may leave this house and this city right this second."
For a long moment, a pin dropping on the table would have sounded like thunder. Then Adrian shifted his gaze from Mil to Grant, and his green eyes bore a look of genuine remorse.
"I apologize, brother. Won't happen again."
I couldn't help but think what a profoundly agreeable, even-tempered sort Adrian was. At that moment, it made my heart go out to him. It made him seem even more attractive to me for some reason. As did the fact that clearly, he had trust and faith in me.
Which, of course, Grant clearly didn't. I suddenly couldn't believe that earlier that day, I'd had such a clear idea of who I was likely going to choose to be my mate for life.
A slight dip of his head was Grant's only acknowledgment of Adrian's apology. After that, he adjourned the family meeting and everyone dispersed. Hugging my arms to my chest, I went up to my rooms, alone, crabby and confused.
After I'd changed into pajamas, there was a knock on the door, and I wasn't even sure who I was hoping it would be. Or who it wouldn't be. A part of me felt like I'd had enough of Grant for the day. At the same time, I wanted to see him, wanted to give him a little piece of my mind.
I didn't even know what I would say. I certainly didn't want to be expelled from the house and the city altogether. Although, I knew Grant would never actually do that. At least, I didn't think he would.
It was him at the door, and he came in silently, guided me into the living room, and sat us down on the couch.
Frowning, he took my hands before speaking. "Consider this a test, Lila. A test whether or not you can really earn back my trust by keeping the promise you made to me yesterday. The promise to follow all my instructions, to the letter, in regards to helping me keep you safe from the wolves."
"It sounds like I would be pretty safe from the wolves in the cage."
I hadn't been able to help the comment. Not to mention that I'd felt entitled to make it.
With his handsome face not betraying any signs of anger, if he felt any, Grant continued on. "I'm not saying never with the cage. I'm not saying never at any point in the future. I'm saying not right now. Not until trust is rebuilt. Not until I can be sure that you won't do something like unlock the cage and come tearing on out."
"But I've resolved to use better judgment. I'm determined to keep my head next time, and-"
"We'll set the trap and battle it out with the wolves tomorrow night. You'll be here at the house with a few staff members and Brandon and Martin. Maybe you can keep your mind off things by looking after them during the fight."
The fact that my hands were in Grant's was the only reason I didn't ball them into fists. I really couldn't. I did, however, scoff, miles beyond irritated.
"So, let me get this straight. Not only can I not use my archery skills to help take out the wolves and avenge my parents' deaths-"
"These aren't the same wolves that killed your parents."
"Doesn't matter. They're evil like the wolves from Stony Rapids, and they'd serve the purpose just fine. Now, because of your decision, not only can I not use my archery skills to help take them out, but you're saying that I'm actually expected to babysit instead?
Would you like me to also stand barefoot in the kitchen and bake a pie while I'm at it, Grant?"
"Sure. So long as you follow my instructions to keep you safe."
Feeling a rush of anger, along with other emotions I couldn't even articulate, I wrenched my hands from his, stood, and began pacing the living room with my arms folded across my chest. "You are making me so mad right now. Along with a bunch of other emotions I'm not even sure about."
"It must be strange. Strange to be so angry at someone when you know deep down, their only intent is to protect you, even from yourself because they care about you deeply. Maybe even more deeply than you realize."
With most of my anger suddenly gone, I stopped pacing and looked at him. "All I'm asking for is a second chance. A second chance, like you yourself got to save me from the wolves. That's all I want, too. I lost my head the first time I tried to fight them, yes.
“Now all I want is a second chance to prove that I can do things differently. I just want to prove that I can stay in the cage and fight without doing anything crazy. I just want to earn back your trust.”
"Baby steps. For this fight, you'll work on earning back my trust by staying in the house, door locked. There will also be several guards in a wide ring around the house to also help keep you safe."
"And the guards are less because you actually expect any wolves to escape the fight and get so near, but more because you think you actually might need guards to help keep me contained, right?"
Grant didn't answer, just stood, came over to me, and took me in his arms. Somewhat against my will, I instantly kind of melted into him, the feel of his masculine strength wrapped around me really too much to resist. While planting a few slow kisses on the top of my head, he began rocking me almost imperceptibly, and I melted even further.
I'd just lifted my face for a kiss on the mouth when his phone went off.
He answered the call, listened for a few seconds, and then said all right before ending the call. "Three wolves have sent one of our incoming supply trucks into a ditch just outside of town. Adrian, Samuel, and I will go deal with things, and it may be very late before we get back. I want you to get a good night's sleep.
“And, Lila...I'm likely going to be busy with preparations for the trap and the fight all day tomorrow, so if I don't see you until after the fight...I want you to look me in the eyes right now and tell me you will not be stepping a single foot outside this house tomorrow night.”
I did look him right in the eyes, with a sense of defeated resignation.
"I promise. I won't. You can trust me."
He pulled me even closer and gave me a long, lingering kiss before speaking again. "Good. Because our possible future happiness dep
ends on that."
He soon left, and I went to bed. However, I didn't fall asleep right away. I tossed and turned, imagining Mil and Fiona excitedly preparing for the fight. I felt like a little kid, grounded, not allowed to go to the party. This feeling was made worse by me knowing in my heart of hearts that it wasn't unreasonable for Grant to have "grounded" me.
I knew what he'd said had been the truth. He was just trying to keep me safe. Even from myself. I realized that because my emotions about my parents and the wolves were so strong, I had proven myself to be a loose cannon around the wolves. I knew that, all things considered, Grant wasn't wrong in his thinking.
Though at the same time, I wished he'd have a little more faith in me like Adrian seemed to. I wished he'd just been willing to give me a second chance. A chance to rebuild his trust, and not in a "baby steps" sort of way. In a big way, in the cage.