by Lola Gabriel
“Can I ask you something?” Wren asked after a brief silence.
Liya tore her gaze away from Illa and glanced at him. “Of course. You can always ask me anything.”
“How did you know you were ready to have kids?” Wren asked.
“I don’t think we’re ever really ready,” she answered. “Illa wasn’t planned, but she’s definitely the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“Even if she’s Hunter’s daughter?”
“She’s my daughter too, so she’s half of me. Her father doesn't define who she is, and who she’s going to become,” Liya whispered and looked at him.
He nodded slowly and glanced down at Illa. “She’s going to be great one day.”
Liya smiled and looked at Wren. “She already is.”
Wren took her hand and smiled slightly. “So are you, Liya.”
8
Wren stepped onto the snowy path that led through the forested area behind Liya’s house to her back door, and surveyed the area around him.
The conversation he had had with her about his father and Cole still lingered in his mind, and he just couldn't stop thinking about it.
Frankly, Wren wouldn't be surprised if Cole had gotten himself involved in Crescent activities. Cole had never been the type of person who could differentiate from right or wrong, and he’d often do things without considering his family, or the pack. He’d do whatever he wanted, and for some reason Luther always seemed to tolerate and accept what he did. Even if it was the worst thing imaginable.
Wren remembered the time when Cole accidentally tipped over the rowboat in which he and one of his many human girlfriends spent the day. She got stuck under the overturned boat and tragically drowned. Luther didn't shout or do anything to Cole, but instead gave a lecture to the rest of the family that they weren't meant to keep human company, not even as pets.
Wren shivered as he thought of Cole’s possible involvement with the Crescents and possibly trying to recruit them into their pack, but the thought that Luther could have also known about it, and condoned it, was what made Wren feel sick to his stomach. He never thought his father would ever have anything to do with the Crescents after what happened. On more than one occasion did the Wylde family appear on the Crescents’ radar, but it wasn't because of their indiscretions. Maybe the Crescents found them too boring and wanted to spice things up a bit. Little did they know that there were plenty of things happening in their family that they were not even allowed to talk about with one another.
Wren kicked the snow in front of him as he clenched his jaw, flashbacks of his past rushing back. He hated reliving his memories, as if experiencing them the first time wasn’t bad enough.
Branches cracked and he jumped slightly, feeling much more on edge than he should. Something was wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He tried to think of something more pleasant and the image of Liya on his kitchen table filled his mind, creating an uncomfortable shift in his jeans.
“For heaven’s sake,” he muttered as he adjusted himself.
Now was not the time to think about Liya naked on the kitchen table with her legs wrapped around him. The heat rose inside him again and he shook his head.
“Wren, pull it together,” he muttered again as he found himself at her back porch. He climbed up the three stairs and stopped a few inches from the door.
As he opened the back door, he checked around him one more time before stepping inside. The inside was immaculately cleaned thanks to Luca and his cleaning crew, and Wren made his way through the house. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, but at the moment, anything would be better than nothing. He knew he might also be looking for something that wasn’t even there, but it was worth a try.
He went upstairs and searched the small loft area. There wasn't much in there, but he opened the large chest of drawers, rummaging inside. There was nothing that belonged to Liya, and he clenched his fists in frustration.
Liya’s words from earlier kept replaying in his mind and he was once again reminded that he wasn't like his father. That was probably one of the things that he had struggled with the most in his life. He didn't ever want to turn into his father, but he was so afraid that he would, so he built high, impenetrable walls around him which no one was able to get through.
Except for Liya.
She managed to swat them away as if they were made of paper. She made him open up about his family, and about himself, and she even made him cry. He recalled Luther scolding him when he cried during his younger years, calling him weak, but Liya insisted that it didn't make him any less of a man. In fact, she was convinced it showed true strength. Wren still struggled with the idea of showing his emotions and emotionally connecting with others. It had been easy with Liya and Illa, but Wren didn't know if he’d ever be ready to open up to the rest of the world.
The floorboards creaked from downstairs, and Wren turned around and noticed a shadow quickly moving out of sight. He quietly descended the stairs, and as he rounded the corner, he saw someone in the kitchen.
“Who the hell are you?” Wren said.
The guy, who was about as tall as Wren, with dark hair and broad shoulders, turned around, and judging by the look on his face, he was pissed beyond belief.
The familiar scent filled Wren’s nostrils and he narrowed his eyes. “You’re Hunter.”
“And you must be...” He paused and pretended to think for a second. “Oh yeah, I don’t care.”
“I’m Wren.”
Hunter glanced at him with haughty derision. “I know who you are, but as I said, I don’t care.”
“What are you doing here?” Wren asked.
“I could ask you that same question,” Hunter answered and turned to him.
“Look I don’t know why you’re in Bigfork terrorizing Liya, but it’s got to stop,” Wren said, mentally preparing himself for a sudden attack. From what he had heard about Hunter, he wasn't going to take any chances.
“She burnt down my goddamn house, but I’m the one whose terrorizing her,” Hunter scoffed incredulously. “What about my feelings?”
“From what I heard, you don’t have any,” Wren said simply.
“For an Alpha, you’re pretty clueless,” Hunter muttered and when Wren growled at him angrily, baring his teeth, he held his hands up in defeat. “Relax, that was a joke.”
“I’m going to ask you again, and it will be the last time,” Wren said and stepped towards Hunter. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought my little message was quite clear last night,” Hunter answered casually.
Even though he seemed composed, Wren kept his defenses up and at the ready. “Relax, dude. I’m not here for you, or Liya. I just want my daughter,” Hunter shrugged.
“No,” Wren answered simply.
Hunter frowned and crossed his arms. “It wasn't a request. She’s mine.”
“You can’t have her. So you can just go on home now,” Wren said.
Hunter chuckled and shook his head. “You don't understand. I need her. She’s got an amazing calming ability that might grow into more, and—”
“So that’s the only reason you want her back?” Wren asked in disgust. “Because of her ability? Not because she’s your daughter?”
“She’s a Crescent, and so is Liya,” Hunter said and took another step closer to him. “You do know that, right?”
“They’re not anymore. They’re a part of my pack now,” Wren answered and pushed his chest out to show his dominance.
“Oh, right. Because of the imprinting thing?” Hunter asked. “How is that, by the way? Can you not keep your hands off each other or what?”
Wren looked at him with contempt and refused to answer.
“Oh, come on. Stop being so damn stuck-up. What’s it to you if I take Illa? She’s not your daughter,” Hunter said and with his thumbs clenched inside his fists.
“It doesn't matter. Liya is mine now and that makes Illa mine too, and I am not going to allow anyone
to take either of them away without a fight,” Wren answered.
“Why are Alphas always so eager to fight?” Hunter asked, unfazed by Wren’s threats.
“Because we protect what is ours,” Wren hissed.
“Yours.” Hunter smirked in amusement and said, “Wow, I never thought Liya would finally find someone to imprint with again.”
“What do you mean, again?” Wren asked with narrowed eyes and Hunter laughed wickedly.
“I knew there was something she wasn't telling you. She didn't tell me either. I had to find out from my best friend,” Hunter said with a bitter chuckle.
“Am I supposed to feel sorry for you?” Wren asked.
“No. I don't want your sympathy,” Hunter answered. “I’m the one who should feel sorry for you, really. Your new girlfriend is keeping secrets from you. Dangerous secrets.”
“Why should I listen to you? I don't know you,” Wren said.
“That may be true, but you should know who you’ve imprinted on. She’s keeping things from you that are kind of important, wouldn't you say? That’s not a good way to start a relationship,” Hunter pointed out as he slowly started to circle Wren.
“What the hell do you know about good relationships?” Wren growled.
“Let me guess, Liya told you I was abusive and pushed her around,” Hunter said.
“She showed me her scars, and not just the ones on her skin,” Wren answered.
“That’s very noble of you, to save the little damsel in distress,” Hunter sneered. “You should just remember that we all carry around secrets of our own. Secrets we don’t tell anyone, whether we imprinted on them or not.”
“If you have something to say to me, then just say it,” Wren grumbled.
Hunter sneered at him. “Liya hasn't told you about Miles, has she?”
“Who the hell is Miles?”
“Maybe I should let her tell you instead. It’s not my place, and it’s not my story to tell. I’m just here to warn you,” Hunter said.
“I can look after myself,” Wren muttered.
“I can see that. You’ve grown up a lot since the last time I saw you.”
Wren stepped forward. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? When did you see me?”
“My folks lived out in Silver Bay around the fifties, too,” Hunter said.
“You’re lying,” Wren scowled.
“Why would I do that?”
“You’re a Crescent, and Crescents lie.”
“Then Liya is true to her pack after all,” Hunter smirked. “I’ll see you around, Wren.”
“Wait,” Wren growled, and Hunter glanced at him expectantly. “You knew my family?”
“Everyone knew your family, Wren,” Hunter answered simply. “Now you go home and ask Liya to tell you all about Miles.”
Hunter walked past Wren and Wren suddenly grabbed his arm. “You’re going to leave Bigfork, right now. I don't ever want to see you here again.”
“Watch that temper, Alpha,” Hunter growled. “I’m just here for Illa.”
Wren’s grasp tightened and he growled as well. “Just go back to wherever the hell it is that you came from.”
“As I said, I’m not here to fight,” Hunter said and held his hands up in the air.
Wren narrowed his eyes and his grip loosened. He wasn't sure what he thought when Hunter stepped away and quietly left the house, but standing there by himself in the center of the room, he began to question everything that had happened in the last few weeks.
Was Hunter telling the truth? Had Liya imprinted before? If she had, it would be impossible for her to imprint again. Wolves mated for life, and even after one dies, they’re unable to imprint again, right?
There were too many questions floating around in Wren’s mind, but there was only one way to find out.
He had to ask Liya.
Wren arrived home about an hour later, having gone for a drive to try to clear his head. The new information Hunter had brought to light was troubling to Wren, and worst of all, it may or may not have even been true. Dissatisfied that his head was still as much a mess as it was when he left Liya’s house, he stepped into the living room to find Liya on the floor, playing with Illa. Illa chased after a fluffy pink ball and laughed every time she threw it back to Liya.
“Hey, you,” Liya said as she smiled up at him. “We were wondering where you’ve been.”
Wren approached them and crouched down beside Illa. “Hey. I just had to do a few things in town.”
“Is everything okay?” she asked, and he studied her. Her blue eyes looked worried, but he wasn't in the right frame of mind to talk to her just yet.
Usually, Wren would deal with his problems or any issue that arose by himself initially. He’d let it fester in his mind, more often than not exaggerating it tremendously and unnecessarily. He had the tendency to make a mountain out of a molehill, and he wasn't sure how to not do it. It had been the way he dealt with things ever since he could remember, and too much time had passed by for him to change his ways.
“Wren?” she asked with a frown and Wren realized he didn't answer her.
“Yeah,” he shrugged and stood up.
“Are you sure?” she asked. “You have that look on your face again.”
“Now you’re an expert on reading my facial expressions,” he grumbled as he walked to the kitchen.
Liya pushed herself up from the floor and walked towards him. “What is going on?”
“Nothing, okay? Can you just let it go?” Wren asked with a slight scowl.
Liya took a step back and he looked at her, his eyes flashing. “I’m sorry,” she said and held her hands up in defeat. “I don’t want to fight with you.”
Wren looked at her and the anger built up inside him at a steady pace. Hunter’s words repeated in his mind and he couldn’t look at Liya anymore. He lowered his gaze and shook his head.
“Just tell me what’s wrong. Maybe I can help.”
“I saw Hunter,” Wren said simply.
Liya’s eyes widened and she stepped forward again. “When? Where?”
“It doesn't matter,” Wren muttered.
“Of course it does. Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?” she asked, and Wren shook his head again. “Oh, no. Did you fight with him? Is he dead?”
“No. He knew my family,” Wren answered, not moving his gaze from her.
“Oh,” she answered flatly, not really knowing how to respond to that. “Is that a good thing?”
“You tell me, Liya,” Wren said and crinkled his nose.
“What are you talking about?” she asked.
“Tell me about Miles.”
Liya stood frozen on the spot, her eyes fixed on him. She let out a breath and said, “Hunter told you about Miles?”
“Partly, but he said I should ask you.”
“Wren, listen to me—” she said but he cut her off by raising his hand.
“You already imprinted,” he asked, “with this Miles person?”
“Yes, but—”
“Why didn't you tell me?” Wren demanded, his tone getting louder with every word he said.
“Because I didn't think it mattered,” she answered.
Wren’s blood boiled in his veins and he exploded. “How could it not matter? Did you only pretend to imprint with me?”
“No, of course not. I—”
“Then what, Liya? You can’t imprint twice!” he exclaimed.
“Miles died, okay? Is that what you wanted to hear?” Liya asked.
Wren bit down on his bottom lip and shook his head at himself.
“Miles was killed by a Crescent, and yes, I did love him. Yes, he was a big part of my life, and yes, I will always think about him because that bond isn't just broken by death, okay? I should have told you, sure, but it’s painful. You should know all about it. I spent so much time not pressing you to tell me things that you don’t feel comfortable talking about. I never put pressure on you to do anything you weren't ready for.
I thought that you’d extend the same courtesy to me, but clearly I was wrong,” Liya said and turned away.
“Liya, wait...” Wren said, wanting her to come back to him, but she walked to Illa, picked her up and stomped down the hallway.
“Liya, please,” Wren called after her, but she ignored him completely.
Within a few minutes, Liya came back down the hallway with her and Illa’s bags, and Wren’s heart sank into his boots.
“Where are you going?”
“Anywhere but here,” she muttered as she sat Illa on the couch and put her jacket on.
“It’s freezing outside. Your car isn't even here. You can’t walk home,” he pointed out.
“I called Krew. He’ll be here in a few minutes to take us home,” Liya answered as she picked Illa up from the couch.
“You really don't have to go,” Wren said and approached her.
“No, I think I do. I’ve clearly overstayed my welcome, so we’ll just go,” Liya said and they heard a car pull up outside, followed by a knock on the door. “That’s Krew.”
“What about Hunter? What if he hurts you and takes Illa away?” Wren asked as Liya walked to the door.
Liya stopped in front of the door, her hand resting on the doorknob. She glanced at him over her shoulder and said snidely, “Well, then that’s on your conscience, Wren.”
Liya opened the door and Krew stood on the front porch.
“Are you ready?” Krew asked.
“Yeah, can you just get our bags, please?” Liya asked, as she and Illa walked to Krew’s SUV and climbed inside without a word.
“Of course,” Krew answered and stepped into the house.
Wren watched as he took the bags, and as he was about to leave the house, Wren stepped in front of him.
“Step aside, Wren,” Krew said calmly.
Wren’s nostrils flared and he hissed, “I am your Alpha, Krew, and you do not defy me.”
“It’s one thing to defy you, but it is an entirely different thing to defy the Alpha’s mate. You should know that. She takes precedence, especially with little Illa, but you know this,” Krew said, reminding Wren of the rules surrounding the mate of the Alpha.