by Sara Dailey
We didn’t drive far, and we never left the estate, so I was a little surprised when he stopped his bike and helped me off.
“It’s my dad’s old hunting lodge,” Cade said as he pointed toward the front porch.
“Will anyone catch us here?” I asked.
“He hasn’t used it in years, so unless someone followed us here, no.”
Cade unlocked and opened the front door. He took out a flashlight and led the way inside. It was almost as cold inside as it was outside. Seeing me shiver, Cade hurried over to the fireplace to get a fire going.
“So, why are we here?” I asked, thinking to myself that there was really only one reason for a guy to take a girl to an abandoned hunting lodge in the middle of the night, and Cade and I were not quite there yet. Technically, we weren’t even a couple.
As if reading my mind, he replied, “It’s not what you’re thinking, Alli. I really do have a surprise for you.”
“Okay, so out with it,” I said, immediately blushing.
“What did you want me to help you with?” he asked.
“Really? You mean it?”
I had been bugging the hell out of Cade to teach me how to manage my transformation. I wanted to learn how to turn into a wolf whenever I choose, and not just when I couldn’t help it. Since I had no idea how to control it, I needed someone to help me. Was that too much to ask? Obviously, it wasn’t on my mom’s to-do list.
“You ready to figure this thing out?” Cade asked as he motioned for me to stand in front of him.
“I’m ready! What do I do first?” I asked.
Cade put his arms around me and whispered in my ear, “Relax and concentrate on changing. Clear your mind of everything else. Imagine yourself as a wolf.”
He pulled away so that we were facing each other, and I couldn’t help but giggle.
“Seriously! Stop laughing. Maybe it will help to sit,” he suggested.
I sat down by the fire and tried to meditate, to relax my muscles, slow my breathing, and picture myself running through the woods with Cade by my side. Though I could picture the image clearly in my mind, after a few minutes I decided that this method was crap and definitely not working. Maybe I’m not the meditating kind of girl, not to mention, I felt like a complete idiot knowing that Cade was sitting there staring at me.
“It’s not working,” I complained in my poor-pitiful-me voice.
“Just give it a minute. Close your eyes. Imagine the tightness in your chest, the smell of the earth under your paws, the wind flowing through your thick, blonde fur.”
I really tried to be serious, but “the wind through my fur…” Come on! Is he for real?
Before I knew it, another giggle escaped, which quickly became all out laughter. It wasn’t long before Cade joined in and agreed that meditation wasn’t going to work.
Our laughter finally subsided and Cade said, “Okay, so let’s try this. I’m going to make you really mad.”
I gave him my most seductive smile, rubbed his arm gently, and teased, “Oh, Cade. You couldn’t make me mad. No matter how hard you tried.”
Before he could respond, I trailed little kisses along his neck to tease him.
Just as my lips made their way back up to his, he responded, “Well there is one other way to try to bring on the change.” With that, Cade pressed his lips to mine. This kiss was strong and dominating, he turned me around so that my back was up against his chest, and began kissing the back of my neck and shoulders. I felt a flood of heat spreading throughout my entire body.
“Close your eyes, Allison,” Cade whispered in my ear.
“Imagine me chasing you through the woods. Imagine me nipping at your hind legs,” Cade said as his kisses gained intensity, and chills spread over my arms.
“Imagine what would happen if I caught you, and I will catch you, Allison.”
Well that did it. Instantly, I felt the familiar feeling of my impending change, but this time, it was different. With this change, there was no pain. No doubling-over, no clinching, no aching muscles. None whatsoever. It was fluid, like it was supposed to be. It was immediate. It was perfect.
So now what? I’m on all fours and Cade is sitting there cross-legged looking all smug, like he just won the Super Bowl. I pranced up to him and gave him a little lick on the nose, and then jerked my head toward the door, wanting him to hurry the heck up and change too. I was ready to play. I wanted to run.
“I’m coming. Hold your horses and give a guy some privacy, would ya?” Cade said as he motioned for me to turn around with his finger.
I knew he was stripping his clothes off so they wouldn’t get shredded to bits, and I really tried not to look, but I couldn’t resist. I peeked over my shoulder and caught a glimpse of the backside of one very naked Cade Walker. Before I could stop myself, a tiny little growl escaped my muzzle, and I immediately turned back around as he shouted, “Hey! No peeking!”
Seconds later, a giant, dark wolf was at my side pushing open the door with his nose. Good thing he was smart enough not to close it all the way. Guess you learn a thing or two when you spend enough time in this form.
Cade stepped out of the way to let me out, and the chase was on.
Chapter 23
Cade
What the hell? I was sure that I had left my window open when I snuck out to meet Allison. I have been sneaking out almost every night, and a locked window could only mean one thing. My dad knew. Avoiding my father for the past three weeks has been like a full-time job, but now there was no way around it. I would have to face him.
What I wanted more than anything was to stand up to my dad and tell him that Kendall and I were over for good. While we may have kept up appearances at pack functions and school, our relationship was over, as far as I was concerned.
On one hand, I felt like a complete jerk asking Kendall to play along, but on the other, I knew the true reason she was doing it, and it wasn’t because of her feelings for me. The only reason Kendall agreed to our little charade was to maintain her status in the pack, but honestly, I think in her crazy-ass mind, she truly believes that at some point I will beg her to take me back. Kendall resides in her own little my-life-is-perfect bubble, and she would freak if anyone found out that things weren’t as perfect as they appeared.
I took my time walking around to the front of the house knowing that Dad would be waiting for me. I wasn’t kidding myself. This wasn’t going to go well. It kind of felt like I was a convict headed into prison for his first day on the inside.
As soon as I walked in the door Dad grabbed me by the shoulders and threw me up against the wall. As he stormed toward me, he shouted, “I gave you an order, Cade. A direct order; and you disobeyed me.”
His hands gripped the collar of my shirt, holding me up against the wall. My toes barely grazed the ground.
“You will not see her again!” he growled as he tossed me to the floor like I weighed next to nothing.
Never had my father been violent. Never had I seen this side of him. The fury in his eyes overwhelmed me, and I felt true fear for the first time in my life.
I remained on the ground but looked up at him to admit, “I’m sorry, Dad. I can’t. I can’t stay away from her. I tried. I really did. You don’t understand.”
He backed away, suddenly appearing calm, composed as he straightened his clothing.
Then with furrowed brows, he looked me straight in the eyes and threatened, “Well, understand this, son. If you can’t stay away from her, I will make sure that she stays away from you… permanently.”
He left me sitting against the wall as he turned and walked away as if nothing had even happened.
Chapter 24
Kendall
Three miserable weeks! It’s been too long. I had given Cade his time to think, and the clock was ticking. Either he needed to decide that he was ready to re-commit, or I would be forced to go to Marcus and the elders. Something had to be done.
At least, he was no longer seeing Allis
on. He barely gives her the time of day at school, and not that I was checking, but there hadn’t been anymore action on the pier since I caught them the last time. If Cade is seeing her, he’s doing a really good job of covering his tracks. And if he thinks I’m going to keep pretending that we’re still together for much longer, he’s got another thing coming.
After an afternoon of shopping alone, I pulled into the driveway and noticed my mother’s car in the garage. What was she doing home on Sunday afternoon? Usually she is off with the other female pack members, playing bridge or something. Who knows what those women do all day?
Mom was the last person I wanted to see. I have avoided her like the plague since Cade decided that we needed “a break,” I spent most of my time with Shari, occasionally Becca, and I even went shopping with Cami once. If Mom knew that I haven’t been with Cade for the last three weeks… well, I could only imagine what she’d have to say about it.
I wondered if Marcus was suspicious. Surely, he had noticed my sudden disappearance, which made me curious as to what Cade had told the alpha. Where had he been spending his time?
Grudgingly, I strolled up to our front porch, and just as I was about to open the door, Mom swung it open. “Oh, hey Kendall. You scared me to death! I’m heading over to Noel’s. Would you like to come? I’m sure Cade will be there.”
I shimmied around her to get inside and said, “No thanks. I have some homework to catch up on.”
Mom turned around and followed me inside. “Homework? What? It can’t wait?”
Without turning to face her, I lied, “No, Mom. It can’t. I have an essay due tomorrow for English. I’ll be in my room. Text me if you need anything.”
I figured my measly excuse wouldn’t be good enough for her, and, of course, I was right. “Okay, I know something is up. Are you and Cade fighting? You better not be causing problems, young lady!” I turned around to find her standing in the middle of the foyer with her hands on her hips.
Before I took my leave up the stairs, I tried to assure her, “Mom, everything is fine. Really. Ask Noel. I’m sure she will tell you that Cade and I are more in love than ever.” That ought to keep her satisfied.
Almost satisfied, anyway. Before Mom headed out the door, she scolded, “Everything better be fine. You better not screw this up! I’m counting on you to keep that boy, or we will never be anything more than lowly pack members around here.”
I didn’t respond. As I stomped up the stairs, my mommy-dearest slammed the door behind her.
I made it up to my room just before my cell said, “Message received.” I flipped it open to find a message from Cade.
We need to talk. Can I come over?
Surprise, frustration, and excitement all coursed through my body simultaneously. It was the first time he contacted me since everything fell apart. I texted him back, and he was at my door less than five minutes later.
After I invited him in, he followed me into the kitchen. “Hungry?” I asked, hoping to dispel the nervous energy in the air.
“No thanks. Can we sit down?”
We sat down at the kitchen table, and he scooted his chair closer to mine. His blood-shot eyes were glued to the floor. He looked like hell, but I figured it would be best to keep that thought to myself.
After an excruciating long moment of silence, Cade admitted, “I spent some time thinking, and I realized what a jerk I’ve been to you. I’m sorry Kendall. Can we just forget the last three weeks and start over?”
These were the words I have been longing to hear, but what did he expect me to do? Just pick up where we left off like nothing had happened? Act like I hadn’t seen him getting it on with another girl? Every fiber of my being wanted to tell him to screw off.
But I didn’t. There was too much riding on me to make things right with the future alpha, no matter how much I wanted to physically hurt him for humiliating me like this. If anyone found out what has really been going on, I would be mortified.
Forcing my instincts to take a back seat, I smiled and said, “Okay. I’ve missed you.” Then I kissed him. Really kissed him. Just to remind him what he’s been missing. I said, “We have the house to ourselves. My mom won’t be home for a few hours.” Then, I straddled his lap and kissed him again.
Chapter 25
Allison
Even though I didn’t hear from Cade all day yesterday, I have been on cloud nine since Saturday night. It was unbelievable. Secret dating certainly wasn’t as good as for-real dating, but on Saturday night something changed between us.
Things were going to be different now, and before we left the lodge, Cade promised me that we would figure the whole Kendall thing out soon. He would find some way for us to be together. And I knew he would. Maybe that was what he was up to all day yesterday.
I knew in my heart that he cared about me just as much as I cared about him. Sneaking around for almost a month wasn’t exactly how I imaged our relationship would begin, but if it was my only option, then I’ll just have to wait it out.
Cade and Kendall couldn’t pretend forever, could they? I wanted nothing more than to be able to hop in Sammy’s car this morning, lean over, give Cade a kiss, and hold his hand on the way to school. It was so hard pretending like nothing was going on. At least, Kendall hadn’t been riding to school with us. Apparently, Shari was her new personal chauffeur, which was just fine with me. How awkward would that be? Me, Cade, and Kendall all sitting next to each other like everything was normal.
I heard Sammy honking the horn in our driveway, so I rushed the finishing touches on my make-up and ran downstairs.
“Who are you trying to impress?” Aiden asked giving me a little eyebrow raise.
I gave him a dirty look, and said, “Shut up, Ad. Let’s go.”
I rushed out into the cold, thrilled to be next to Cade once again, and pulled the Suburban door open, only to have my heart completely crushed. I could hardly believe my eyes. Kendall was sitting next to Cade, and to make matters worse, the she-devil had the nerve to smile at me. Holy mother of God! WTF!
They were holding hands! And, since Aiden grabbed the seat in the back, the only open seat was next to Kendall. Cade kept his eyes on the seat in front of him, refusing to look my way, which was probably a good thing. I quite possibly would have lost it had he made eye contact with me.
Trying my damnedest not to look like I might puke at any moment, I took my seat next to the bitch and slammed the door shut a little too hard.
“Sorry,” I said under my breath.
The whole way to school, I kept secretly staring at Kendall and Cade’s entwined fingers. Cade didn’t say a single word to me; he didn’t even acknowledge that I was in the car. Every time, Kendall would lean over and whisper in his ear, I felt bile rise up in my throat.
It’s not that I really expected him to dump the bimbo “officially” already, but I honestly thought that he had more respect for me than to flaunt their relationship in front of me, especially now. Obviously, something was up, and Cade would better have an explanation.
By the time we pulled up in front of the school, I couldn’t wait to get out of the car. I didn’t look at anyone or talk to anyone; I hopped out of the car and hurried toward the entrance. I heard Aiden calling my name, but I kept walking straight ahead pretending I haven’t heard him, and concentrated on getting to first period as soon as possible. I had to get away from them, away from all of them. Fast. Or I was going to have a complete breakdown in the middle of the commons. That, I couldn’t afford.
I walked into room 302, and forced myself to muster up a smile when I saw Teagan.
“Hey, Alli-cat. Are you feeling okay? You look like you’re about to be sick.”
“I’m okay, I guess. I just don’t feel all that great this morning,” I admitted as I took my seat.
“Oh, maybe you should go to the nurse. Could be the flu,” Teagan suggested.
I closed my eyes for a moment to concentrate on not throwing up my breakfast. What just happened?
Cade and Kendall? Just like that? And he didn’t even bother to tell me! How was I supposed to react? I laid my head down on my desk and tried not to let my emotions get the best of me.
I will not cry, I will not cry, I will not cry! I repeated silently over and over again.
“You sure you’re okay?” Teagan asked again.
With my eyes still shut, I gave her a quick nod to let her know that I was alright. Teagan had really been the best these past few weeks. It was nice to have a real friend again, even if she was just a school friend. That was better than having no friends. I even told her about Cade. Well… I didn’t tell her his name, but she knows that I had a secret thing going on. And the best thing about Teagan was that she didn’t ask questions.
“Secret boyfriend troubles,” she said. “I hope he isn’t one of those testosterone-filled, alpha males that you have lunch with.”
Before I could stop myself, a small chuckle escaped my lips. Oh man, she doesn’t know just how right she is, I thought to myself.
“I really don’t want to talk about it. Let’s talk about something else. Anything else,” I pleaded, finally opening my eyes.
“Sure, but talk to someone. Maybe one of those girls you eat lunch with. Or the counselor.”
I gave her half a smile. “I wouldn’t exactly call them my friends. We all live in the same neighborhood, and we ride together to school. That’s it. And I’m not talking to the school counselor. Me and counselors don’t mesh,” I admitted.
Teagan started sorting through her school work and let the subject drop. Thank goodness, because I was fighting the urge to spill my guts to her about the whole sorted affair, and only because the teacher droned on and on until the dismissal bell rang, did I keep my secret safe. We didn’t have the chance to say anything else to one another before the class was over. I surely would have regretted saying anything about Cade, but the need to tell someone was hard to resist. Teagan and I walked out together, and before she took off for her next class I asked, “Hey, do you mind if I sit with you at lunch today?” She smiled and said, “Sure thing, I’ll save you a spot.”