I watched Conner walk across the paved road to a path that led into the woods. I wanted to see their training area but that was lower on my list. I glanced around at the many houses lined up. It looked like one of those housing developments. Every house was very similar with well kept yards. Farther down the road they had a business area where the pack members could go shopping without leaving the territory. I had to admit that it looked like a well run operation.
“Want some coffee before we explore?” Logan asked and I glanced up at him. Logan’s blonde hair swayed in the breeze as a few strands waved over his brown eyes. It was relaxing being around Logan. He had a fun aura that didn’t make me feel uptight.
“What I really want is an iced peppermint mocha…” I watched him grin and my eyes widened. “You have a place that can make those?”
“Yes, and I’m betting it will be better than anything you have ever tasted.”
Okay, if they made great peppermint mochas, it might be worth staying, even if it is hell. I loved them that much. I could sell my soul for those. I followed him in anticipation until we arrived at a cute little café. It had little circular tables outside and the door was slightly propped open. There were a couple of ladies sitting down outside and a few inside waiting in line.
“Take a seat… I’m about to rock your world.” Logan said with a broad grin. I chuckled and walked over to take a seat while he disappeared inside. I looked out at the green neighborhoods. It was very peaceful here. I could hear children laughing and yelling somewhere in the distance. I wondered what type of mischief they were getting into.
“How did things go with Julia? Did she like her mate prospect?”
“No, but I don’t think anyone can measure up to Alpha Sion. You know she has had her eyes on him for years.”
“She needs to give that up. Everyone in the pack can see Bree is interested in Sion. She is a beautiful, accomplished young woman. He has been holding out for his fated mate, but eventually he will have to take a mate. If he has to choose from here, it will be her.”
“I disagree. I think Bree is all that you said, but Alpha Sion doesn’t look her way. It is strictly business with her.”
“It is for now, but that’s because she is a professional. Trust me… she will be who he chooses.”
Yes, I was eavesdropping on their conversation. The two women sitting at the other table spoke loud enough that I could easily hear them. I chewed on my inner lip as I continued to listen in on their private conversation.
“He doesn’t look at her with interest.”
“Who does he look at with interest? But you can’t tell me there isn’t anyone he is interested in. A young virile alpha male… not a chance.”
“I just want him to be happy. After he lost both of his parents, he lost a part of himself.”
“That’s all we all want.”
“One amazing iced peppermint mocha.” A hand sits a drink down in front of my face and I look up to see Logan with stars in his eyes. He was like a puppy wagging his tail waiting for me to try the drink.
I smiled as I pulled the drink closer. I grasped it in my fingers and sipped on the straw. Oh my amazing heavenly goodness. I looked up at him in shock as a wide grin spread over his face. He nodded his head and patted my shoulder.
“Welcome to heaven.” Logan teased with a wink.
“Oh Logan, who is your new friend?” One of the ladies at the other table asked.
Logan smiled and shrugged. “I have no idea…” He then laughed and nodded his head at me. “This is Clover, she is here as the alpha’s personal masseuse. She is also an amazing cook and I don’t think we will ever let her go. Not if our alpha has anything to say about it.” He winked at the ladies and helped me to my feet. “Later.”
I followed him as he led me away. He looked at me and grinned. “They like to flap their gums but don’t pay them any mind. There is nothing between Bree and Sion. Never was and never will be. Sion…” He glanced around and lowered his head to mine. “He doesn’t like her… at all… not even as a person. He only keeps her around because of his father, but you didn’t hear this from me.” He cleared his throat and straightened up.
He wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t know. It was obvious how Sion treated Dr. Sinister that he wasn’t remotely interested.
“Logan, is that your girlfriend?” I heard an older woman ask from her porch.
Logan laughed and shook his head. “No, but I am keeping her safe just the same.”
“Such a good boy.”
“We have a pretty friendly pack here. There are always a few bad eggs but that isn’t the majority.” Logan smirked as he listened to me finishing my drink. “Told you… amaaaaaazing.”
“Okay, you are right, that was one of the best peppermint mochas I have ever had.” I handed him my empty cup that he discarded along with his in a nearby waste can.
It was pleasant walking around the pack territory with him. Everyone was very nice and welcoming. Most of them assumed Logan and I were dating though. I’m sure Sion will love that.
We walked into a clearing where a lot of children were gathered together. I was instantly interested in what they were doing. I didn’t get to play with other children growing up and this was something I always felt like I missed out on.
“Logan! Want to play with us?” A boy with red hair and freckles asked as he waved over at us.
“Can we?” I hurriedly asked, looking up at Logan, who looked down at me in shock.
“You mean you want to?”
I smiled and bit my lip, nodding my head. It’s the little things, right? And this was like crossing something off of my bucket list. Playing a normal child game… check.
“Alright, let’s do this… but we need code names. I am G-man and you are Scoop.”
“Okay sounds like fun… what are they playing?” I asked.
“We are in Knuckles! What’s the game?” Logan asked as we walked closer to the kids.
“It’s hide and seek.” The boy looked over at me.
“This is Scoop… and I am G-man” Logan announced proudly, as he patted my shoulder.
“Lester is It.” The red headed boy said, pointing at another boy who had brown curly hair.
“So we just hide?” I asked quietly, looking up at Logan,
“Yep and don’t let Lesty here find you. What are the boundaries?” Logan asked.
“Everything east of here up to the territory fence,” Lester said as he walked past us. “I’m counting now morons, so better run!”
The boy began counting and the children scattered. I can not explain the thrill of excitement that was going through me. I felt like I was in a race. I sprinted off and Logan jogged effortlessly at my side.
“Go hide!” I hissed at him and he chuckled. “Seriously you are much bigger than me. You’ll give me away. Get!”
“Alright, Scoop, don’t get caught.” Logan winked at me and dashed away from me, obviously showing off his speed. Asshole. I didn’t have my wolf now. Of course he was faster than me.
I ran through the woods until I saw a rustic looking cabin. I ran around the cabin looking around. There were several large unkept bushes in front of the cabin. It looked like a great spot to hide, so I jumped into the bushes. I could hear children screaming and the sounds were getting closer. I was concentrating on the sound that I never noticed the noise from behind me.
“What are you doing?” I looked up to see a man with red hair and blue eyes. He looked to be several years older than me. We just stared at each other for a moment until I heard another child’s squeal. It was close. Too close. I reached up, grabbed the man’s hand and yanked him down. I held my finger up to my lips and he just stared at me quietly.
We stayed hidden in the bushes for a few minutes until I heard the sounds traveling away. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding and smiled apologetically at the man.
“Sorry… I can be a bit competitive. My name is Clover…” I looked around and shrugged. “I guess I am hiding in your bushes.”
“You shouldn’t be here.” The man said, standing up.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know the area well. This is my first day here…” I raised my eyes to him, waiting for him to give me his name.
“Kai.”
“Well Kai. I am sorry for hiding in your bushes. I didn’t mean any harm.” I watched as he shook his head.
“I don’t give a damn about the bushes. It just isn’t safe for you here.”
Okay, now he piqued my interest. “Why?” I asked and he sighed, shaking his head.
“You don’t know who I am?”
“Yeah, it was part of my first day crash course. I aced it for the test but dumped it as soon as it was over.” I smirked at him and listened as a laugh escaped his throat.
“Well, Clover… the thing is my wolf, and I aren’t exactly communicating correctly. He shifts on his own and I have no control over it. It all goes blank for me. I’m told he can be quite aggressive and has disconnected himself from the pack.”
“Have you known your wolf to be unreasonable?” I asked curiously.
“No, not usually. We lost our mate and afterwards he separated himself from the pack and me.”
“Hmmm… I don’t think your wolf would hurt anyone without cause. This was his pack. Sounds like there is something that is upsetting him. You know I used to work with new shifters in my pack. Maybe I can see if I can reach your wolf. What is his name?”
“It’s Aces… but he won’t even let Alpha Sion communicate with him.”
I frowned and looked around. The cabin was isolated away from everyone. He was out here all alone. “They make you stay out here?”
“No. I was afraid I might hurt someone so I decided to move out here.”
“Where were you before?” I could see he was sad. He looked lonely. I knew that look… I was that look.
“I lived in the packhouse until recently. I am—”
“The delta!” I said in excitement. “Me too… well was. I was the delta in my pack up until now…” I trailed off quietly.
I watched as Kai’s eyes widened and then warm arms encompassed around me. “Clover…” I heard Sion’s voice and spun around in his arms. I smiled up at him excited to see him. Wow, I was pathetic, but you know what, I didn’t care. I missed him. My hands pressed against his chest, and he leaned his head on my forehead. “I told you to stay with Logan.”
“I did, but then I was playing hide and seek. You see how big he is?! There is no way I was taking that handicap. You didn’t want me to lose, right?” I listened as Sion chuckled and his lips brushed over my forehead. “I was worried when I saw Logan, but not you.”
“As you can see, I am fine. I was talking with Kai.” I turned my head to look at Kai but stayed in Sion’s arms. “Why don’t you join us for dinner tonight, right?” I looked up at Sion and watched him look up at Kai, nodding his head.
“Is she…” Kai asked and Sion’s smile widened.
“For now she wants to be called my private masseuse, but when she is ready… she is my luna.”
“Why aren’t you ready?” Kai asked and I frowned for a moment.
“Come to dinner and you’ll find out.” I suddenly grinned up at him. I figured he might need some coaxing and I wondered if he might have a curious nature. His lips curled upwards and he chuckled.
“Alright, I’ll be there for dinner.”
“Great!” I then looked up at Sion and tapped his chest. “And you and I need to have a chat.”
“Looks like you plan to scold me.” Sion chuckled and pulled me into his side. “See you tonight, Kai.” He then corralled me along walking me deeper into the woods.
“We have been trying to get him to come back to the packhouse… he would never join us… not even for meals.”
I looked up at Sion and saw his eyes watering.
“You’ve been here less than 24 hours and now he’s coming home. Even if it is just for dinner… it’s a start. Thank you.” Sion stopped and turned to me. His wet eyes were gazing down at me. There were so many unspoken words in his eyes, but I could read them.
I reached my hands up and wrapped them around his neck as I pulled him towards me. I wanted to feel his lips. He needed to feel mine. I couldn’t deny how right this felt. I felt complete with Sion. There was a part of me that needed the intimate contact. I brought his lips to mine and for just a moment… I felt sparks.