Everything That You Are

by Nikki McCoy

  Dennis growled. “Shut up, Pinky.”

  “No, really, Brain. You should write poetry or some shit. Hey, Kaden, you sure part of your power isn’t bringing intelligence to idiots? ‘Cause I gotta say—”

  Dennis turned to Michael and said, “Alpha, Kaden, please excuse me for a moment.”

  Nick had stopped in mid-sentence when he saw the look that promised death cross Dennis’s face, at odds with his polite words, and grinned before taking off at full speed around the side of the house. Dennis was on his heels within seconds and sounds of fighting could be heard just before Missy came out to join them.

  “You kids have five minutes to pull your heads out of each other’s asses. I expect you to be at the ranch by the time we get there,” Michael sent to his Betas.

  “Are they at it again?” Joseph asked.

  Michael sent the mental equivalent of a laugh. “Aren’t you glad you’re on surveillance detail?” He heard his most mature Beta by far grumbling in his mind and he laughed out loud as he jumped into the driver’s side and made sure both Kaden and Missy were buckled in.

  As he started the truck and headed out towards the road, he caught the worried look on his mate’s face. “Don’t worry. Those two are always at it. Dennis is the genius and Nick has all the charm, hence the Pinky and the Brain references. You get used to it.” Kaden sent him a doubtful look but he just grinned.

  The drive to the ranch was filled with Missy’s bubbling personality as she went over some of her courses and explained, in excruciating detail, every minute of the time she’d been spending with Katherine. He didn’t mind the constant talking, or even the endless questions, but he’d have to have a talk with his mother about her recent habit of blurting out his more embarrassing moments in life.

  As they drew closer, Michael could see Kaden start to fidget as though he was nervous. He reached over and squeezed his mate’s hand, confirming his suspicion. He had no idea what Henry must think of Kaden’s absence, but the older man was reasonable and he was sure they could work something out for his mate to keep his job and still stay with Michael.

  It didn’t surprise him that Dennis and Nick were already there, leaning against Dennis’s car as they waited. He parked next to them, noticed the state of their clothes, and sighed. Kaden’s eyes were huge as he got out of the truck and took in the streaks of dirt and Dennis’s busted lip. Nick winked at him and grinned, while the other man grumbled under his breath. Kaden sent a questioning look at Michael, who just shrugged and came around from the other side of the truck to take his hand.

  Missy had already jumped out and was bounding up the steps and banging on the door like her life depended on it.

  “Do you know where Henry should be around this time?” Michael asked.

  Kaden thought for a moment then said, “He’s usually in his office. I think his wife was supposed to visit with her family but she should be back by now. She should know where he is.” Michael nodded and they both joined Missy on the porch while Nick and Dennis followed a short distance behind.

  He couldn’t detect any other sounds on the ranch except for those of the animals. Hopefully that meant that all of the workers were elsewhere at the moment. He inhaled deeply and scanned the area, trying to sense anything out of the ordinary. He’d memorised the scents of the murderers the night he had found Kaden in the barn along with Stephen’s corpse, but he couldn’t smell them now.

  “Joseph?”

  “All good out here boss. There’re a few humans working in the stables but no wolves.”

  “Keep an eye out. We shouldn’t be here for more than an hour or two.”

  The house was huge, and with no doorbell or intercom system, it could take a while for someone to respond. After a few minutes, though, Henry’s wife answered the door. She was a sturdy, middle-aged woman in full cowgirl regalia, including the hat and tassels. Michael recognised her immediately, although he’d only met her once. As soon as she spotted Kaden and his sister, she broke out into a smile that looked like it carried more relief than joy.

  “Jade, Missy!” she exclaimed. “I’m so glad to see you two.” She instantly wrapped the girl in a strong embrace but, after taking a single step towards Kaden, she seemed to rethink doing the same with him. Michael didn’t think it likely that Kaden had made her aware of his power, which told him that Kaden must have a relationship with the Connel’s that went beyond employer-employee.

  “I was afraid after that incident you’d decided to quit. Henry told me all about it. That man was causing trouble before then and I told Henry we should have fired him months ago but we never thought he would go that far. Are you okay, sweetie?”

  Michael saw a faint blush creep into Kaden’s cheeks as he answered the woman, but Michael was too busy taking in this new information to pay much attention to their greetings. This was the second time someone had mentioned the fact that his mate had been in danger on the ranch before he’d found him. And why was she calling him Jade?

  Michael heard his name spoken, pulling him from his thoughts, and looked over at the woman who had addressed him.

  “Michael Rockheim, right?” She glanced down at his hand that still held Kaden’s but didn’t remark on it as she continued, “Cheryl Connel. I think we only met the once at a horse show about a year ago, but my husband raves all the time about your brilliant business mind. Seems you’ve helped him out on more than a few ventures. It’s nice to see you again. Please, come on in.” Michael gave her his most charming smile, then glanced back at his Betas.

  “This is Nick and Dennis. If you don’t mind, they wanted to take a look around the area. It’s a beautiful piece of land you’ve got here. Dennis is thinking about purchasing a few acres of his own, so I thought I’d bring him along so he could get an idea of what exactly he’s looking for.” It was a small lie, but he needed the men outside to keep an eye on the house while Joseph stayed closer to the barn and the outskirts.

  “Not at all. You gentlemen have a quick look-see while I take them to Henry.” She turned back to Kaden. “He’ll be so happy to see that you’re okay. He’s been worried about you.” Both men nodded and thanked her before Michael turned to close the door. They followed the woman through a spacious living and dining room, then down a long hallway before stopping at a partially open door.

  “Henry,” she called out as she opened the door to a rustic-looking office. Almost everything inside was made of wood, including the walls, and a few trophy heads of elk and deer adorned the walls. Henry sat behind a huge, oak desk littered with papers, and looked up at the sound of Cheryl’s voice. His eyes lit up brightly as he took in their presence, but just as his wife had done, he ignored Michael in favour of Kaden.

  “Damn, it’s good to see you boy.” Henry raised himself from his desk chair and started towards Kaden but seemed to remember himself before he got halfway across the room. There was no doubt in Michael’s mind now that Kaden had given them the impression that he didn’t like to be touched. He could also see that Henry cared just as much for the man as his wife did.

  The older man beamed a smile at Missy, who was ploughing into him almost before he could open his arms to return her hug.

  The girl was too excited to slow down, though, and she whirled back to Cheryl, asking, “Has someone been watering my plants? I left a note. I’m sorry I had to leave. Is my garden okay?”

  Cheryl, obviously accustomed to the girl’s eccentricity, took her by the shoulders and steered her towards the door. “Everything should be fine. Why don’t we leave these gentlemen to their business and go check up on your plants?” She closed the door on their way out, giving them a little privacy.

  “Hi, Mr Connel. I’m sorry I’ve been gone for so long. Things have been a little…well…” Kaden’s voice lowered and he sent a desperate glance at Michael.

  “Son, is this about what happened with Jim?” Henry cast a furtive look at Michael then returned to Kaden. “Did he hurt you again? I called the cops and gave them a repo
rt the day you went missing. I didn’t give them all the details, but you’ve never missed a day of work since I hired you and I got worried.”

  Michael watched Kaden blush furiously again and shake his head. “No, it’s nothing like that. I had some other problems I needed to take care of. I’m sorry if I’ve caused you any trouble.”

  Henry narrowed his eyes at Kaden as though trying to ascertain whether he was being told the truth or not. Finally, the man turned to Michael and said, “Mr Rockheim, it’s good to see you again.” He also took notice of their joined hands but ignored it just as his wife had.

  Michael had been prepared to deal with the usual rudeness he’d seen other gay couples subjected to and had decided he’d much rather live with that instead of having to let go of his mate for the sake of propriety. Henry surprised him, though, with his air of nonchalance at the occurrence. Michael reached out his other hand and Henry grasped it in a firm handshake before returning to his desk chair.

  “I just want you to know, Mr Rockheim, that I don’t put up with that sort of behaviour around here. I fired the man as soon as I saw to it that Jade was taken care of. He’s a valuable asset to my ranch and I won’t have anyone jeopardising his or anyone else’s safety while in my employment,” Henry said.

  Michael looked over at Kaden but his mate kept his head bowed, not willing to meet his eyes. Although he had no idea what Henry was referring to, he could feel his anger rising at the picture the man was painting.

  “I know that, Henry, and please, call me Michael. I have a feeling that if you’ll still allow Jade to continue to work for you, we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other. There is a situation, however, that I need to continue to take care of with Jade. It shouldn’t take more than another week at most to resolve. Would you mind terribly if I returned him to you afterward?”

  “Not at all,” Henry said as he leant back in his chair. “Considering the thousands you’ve helped me save in financial concerns over the years, I think I can suffer without one of my best workers for a bit longer. That is if that’s okay with you, Jade?” Henry turned to the other man with a questioning look.

  Kaden finally looked up and, with a huge smile, said, “Thank you, Mr Connel. I’d really appreciate that.”

  Henry slapped his hand down on the desk and smiled widely. “It’s settled then. You got time to visit with Mockingbird before you go? Jake’s been working with her but she sure does miss you.”

  Michael watched the smile on his mate’s face widen even more as he nodded vigorously. He had so many questions at this point, he didn’t know where to begin, but they would have to wait until tomorrow. He’d promised himself that he’d give his mate at least one day that was carefree, now he just had to bite his tongue long enough to follow through.

  Henry walked them out and led the way to the barn where Mockingbird was stabled. By the time Kaden had her saddled and bridled, both he and the horse were practically prancing with excitement. The glow on Kaden’s face made him look like a kid in a candy shop, and it got easier and easier for Michael to stave off his questions and suspicions for the day.

  While walking the mare to the paddock, both Kaden and Henry filled him in on the progress Kaden had made with the mare. He hated the fact that he needed to relinquish contact with his mate and even grew a little jealous of the horse, but his respect for the young man and the way he put his power to use grew exponentially.

  Apparently, Mockingbird had been wild when she was captured by her first owner. After the man had tried unsuccessfully to tame her, he’d started to abuse her when he realised she wouldn’t be the money-maker he’d envisioned. When Henry had purchased the mare, his highest hopes had been only to tame her enough to allow him to breed her. Kaden’s care and training, however, had resulted in such great strides that Henry was now planning to enter her in show and jumping contests as early as next year.

  “There’re still a few kinks to work out. She still gets spooked by sudden movements and shadows if she doesn’t have an experienced rider on her,” Henry was telling him, “but that boy can work wonders I ain’t never seen in a horse whisperer.”

  Michael stood beside the man against the gate surrounding the paddock and they both watched as Kaden put the mare through her paces. The horse seemed just as eager to please him as he was to spend time with her. Michael was struck again by just how lucky he was to have this young man as a mate.

  “Boss,” Nick sent.

  “What is it?” Michael immediately went on alert, but kept a part of his attention on Henry, who was still talking to him.

  “One of the stable hands has been watching you and Kaden for the past five minutes. He’s human, but the guy just creeps me the fuck out.”

  Michael thought back to the trouble the Connel’s had alluded to involving Kaden just before he’d found him again. Henry had sworn that he’d got rid of the troublemaker, but he didn’t want to take any chances. “Keep watching him. Kaden was involved in an altercation with a human here before he witnessed the murder in the barn. Let me know if the man does anything else besides give you the ‘creeps’.”

  Michael could feel the mental equivalent of a growl from Nick as soon as he mentioned the fact that Kaden had been in danger before the murder. He smiled inwardly, pleased that his Betas were willing to protect his mate as much as he was. He’d never thought of himself as particularly lucky in life, but thinking about the strength of his mate, the acceptance of his parents, and the loyalties of his men definitely made him feel like one lucky son-of-a-bitch.

  Michael waited until Henry ended the story he was relating to him about how he had met ‘Jade’, then said, “Henry, I need you to do me a favour,” while keeping his eyes on his boy.

  Henry shot him a worried look. “Is it concerning Jade here?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Then name it.”

  Michael sent a brief smile to the man. “I’m worried that there might be the possibility of a threat to Jade. It’s through no fault of his own, and it doesn’t involve his earlier altercation with one of your workers. I will get to the bottom of it as quickly as possible, but I need to take all the necessary precautions.”

  “Such as making him take a vacation from work?” Henry asked. When Michael nodded, Henry paused to think for a moment then said, “I like you, Michael. You’ve never steered me wrong. And I can tell that you and my boy here have some type of relationship going.” Michael had to grit his teeth against his conflicting emotions at that statement. On the one hand, he was grateful that Henry could accept their homosexual relationship, but on the other, his instincts screamed at him to tell the man that Kaden was his boy, not Henry’s or anyone else’s. “But I gotta say, you hurt that kid and I’ll take it out of your hide.”

  That comment suddenly dispelled his anger. His mate certainly had a way of endearing himself to people, and he couldn’t hold it against Henry for feeling protective over him. “Point well taken,” he said with a grin.

  “Good, now tell me what you need me to do,” Henry said gruffly.

  “If anyone asks about Jade or comes by here wanting to speak with him, please call me. You still have my phone number?”

  Henry nodded and said, “Will do.”

  They stood and watched over the next hour as Kaden showed off the little tricks he’d taught to Mockingbird and the improvements she’d made while under his care, commenting here and there whenever the man surprised them with his expertise.

  Michael knew Kaden was using his power to communicate with her, but it was still amazing to see the amount of trust the animal had in him. Dennis and Nick joined them eventually to enjoy the show, but Michael could tell they still kept half of their attention on their surroundings.

  A little while later, Kaden brought Mockingbird back to the stables where he stripped her of saddle and harness, then rubbed her down affectionately, all the while talking to her soothingly.

  Henry bid his farewells and clapped Kaden on the back while shaking his hand.
Michael saw his mate’s face pale and realised the man must have hit one of the bruises still colouring his back. An irrational surge of anger at the man’s ignorant gesture rolled through him, and he had to force himself to stay calm in the face of Kaden’s pain. Kaden smiled through it all, though, and he felt his pride in his mate grow even more.

  Chapter Eight

  By the time they had collected Missy and loaded themselves back into Michael’s truck, he couldn’t keep his urges in any longer. He pulled Kaden into his arms to give him a gentle but firm hug.

  “You’re amazing, you know that? The way you use your power. Your patience and dedication. Mother Earth could not have given me a more precious gift than you.” Michael squeezed him to emphasise his words, then pulled back to look at the most beautiful face he’d ever seen.

  Kaden’s cheeks were flushed and his eyes were dancing with delight. The excited animation on his face was breathtaking, and it filled the air with vibrancy.

  Michael let Stephen know that they were leaving and made sure that Dennis and Nick were ready to follow them before starting the trip back to his house.

  Missy had brought along a few of her flowering plants and some of her more frivolous possessions such as the MP3 player currently blasting her favourite songs through the headphones plugged into her ears. She’d also collected a few of her cookbooks and was content to flip through them in the back seat.

  After several minutes of silence, he heard his mate’s timid voice ask, “You’re not mad at me?”

  Michael looked over at him in confusion. “Why would I be mad?”

  Kaden swept his eyelids down and stared at his hands folded in his lap, replying, “I know you got angry when you heard Henry call me Jade and mention that…well…that something had happened.”

  Michael took in the way his mate was wringing his hands and biting his bottom lip in nervousness. It suddenly became imperative that he calm the man’s fears, especially due to the fact that they revolved around his reaction to things that he had been unaware of.