Chapter 13: Chapter 13

KYA

After school, Ian stops before he gets into Dec’s truck. “Kya?”

I open his door. “What’s up, kiddo?”

He climbs into the truck and buckles up. “Are we going to join your pack?”

I toss our bags into the back seat. “I’m not sure. That’s up to your parents. I hope so.”

He nods his head. “Me too. I hate our pack. No one talks to me. I don’t have any friends. Mom and Dad too. No one cared when Aiden was born.”

I shut his door and walk around to get in the truck. “I’m sorry, bud. Why do you think that is?”

He plays with the aglet on his sweatshirt. “Because dad doesn’t rank very high. There’s a girl in third grade that I play with sometimes. Her parents are both omegas. It’s even worse for her.”

I knit my eyebrows. “That’s not right. Your family is so great. What about the kids in other packs? Do they play with you?”

He shakes his head. “Not really. They stay with their own packs. But the ones in your pack all play together. They don’t care about rank. That’s why I want to join your pack. Can we get pizza?”

I laugh at his random desire for pizza, but I could totally go for some. “Absolutely.” We go to the pizza place in no-man’s-land to bring some home.

I place the boxes on the kitchen island, then head to my favorite rocking chair on the porch. I call Dec. “Hey, beautiful. What’s going on?”

I relish the sound of his voice. I don’t know when it happened, but I’m pretty sure I’ve forgiven him. “Hey. I just wanted to talk to you.”

I can hear shuffling in the background. “You sound down.” The shuffling gets louder, and I can tell papers are being moved.

“I’m all right. What are you doing? I can hear you going through papers.”

He hums. “Yeah. I’m signing paperwork. It’s for the land on the western border. I finalized the purchase this morning. It’s officially ours now. I’m trying to organize the guard shifts to cover the larger area. That’s my first priority, especially with all the rogues coming in.”

My mouth drops open. He told me he was planning it, but he never told me he actually did it. “That’s amazing, Dec. What are your plans for the area?”

I can hear his pen scribbling. “I want to start building over there. The first thing I’m going to do is make is a cabin where the rope swing and slide are. That will be for us. Eventually I’ll add more further down the river so everyone can enjoy it.

“It’s ten miles, so there is plenty of space. I was thinking about bringing shops into the area, so we don’t have to drive all the way to no-man’s-land for everything. Maybe add a few more houses too, since the pack keeps growing.”

I am in awe. I always knew Dec would be a great alpha. I’m so proud of him right now. “You know, Mark is a contractor. Maybe he could help you out.”

I hear him drop his pen on the desk pretty hard. “Are you fucking kidding me? The guy is a contractor and that bastard alpha is giving him shit? Give me your uncle’s number. I’ll call him as soon as I finish the guard shifts.”

I get the biggest smile on my face. “I’m not going to keep you any longer. I’ll text you Uncle Mark’s number. Bye, Dec.”

“Bye, beautiful,” he murmurs.

I send the text, then go back inside and wash up.

Uncle Mark is already home from work. I feel so guilty for what happened to him. It’s not fair. He went to school to be a contractor specifically because of his low rank. There are no low ranks in my pack. Everyone is important.

Everyone digs into the pizza and Ian finds a movie. We turn it into a family movie night. I make popcorn while Aunt Kendra breaks out ice cream and toppings.

As soon as the movie is over, I pull out my homework and get busy. Mark comes in the bedroom.

“Kya. I just had an interesting conversation with your mate. It seems he needs my expertise. I’m meeting with him this weekend to discuss his plans. Is this your doing?”

I shake my head. “Nope. It’s yours. I only mentioned that you’re a contractor.”

He kisses the top of my head. “If this weekend goes well, we may just change packs after all. Will you be okay returning to your pack?”

I nod. “Yes, of course.”

He nods to my arm. “I’m glad to see he claimed you. How did Owen take it?”

I shrug my shoulder. “He didn’t say anything. Bianca brought it up at lunch. He just left the table.”

“Hmm… There’s one more thing. Alpha Roberts was pretty pissed off this morning. He got a call from Alpha Redd last night. I don’t know the details, but I know Alpha Redd made sure to point out that you’re his mate and he is not letting you go.”

My mouth drops open. I quickly get control of myself and clear my throat. “Thank you, Uncle Mark.” He nods his head and leaves the room.

I finish my homework just as Gretchen comes in for bedtime. I tuck her in, then take my phone and head outside. I don’t give Dec a chance to say anything. “Did you call Alpha Roberts last night?”

He has no shame when he answers. “Yep. I wanted to let him know that you’re mine, and that little bastard needs to stay away from you.”

I run my fingers through my hair. “I told you I could handle it.”

I can hear the smile in his voice. “I know. I have no doubt of your capabilities. However, technically you didn’t tell me I couldn’t call him.”

I grunt. Damn. It’s true, I didn’t say for him not to call. I’m actually happy he stood up for me.

I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. “You arrogant ass, Declan Redd… Thank you.”

He laughs out loud. “Anything for my luna. How did the little bastard take you being claimed?”

“Not very well. He walked away during lunch.”

Dec laughs. “Glad I could be of service. I gotta get going, baby. Chase and I need to make sure the new guard schedule is working out.”

I pout with my lip sticking out. “Fine. Be that way.”

Dec chuckles. “I love you, baby.”

A gigantic smile spreads across my face as my heart beats wildly in my chest. “I love you, too.”

DEC

Lily and Greg are teamed up on the new boundary line. They’re mates and awesome guards. I sniff the air. “Damn it, Lily. Why didn’t you tell me before I set up the new schedule?”

She has a guilty look on her face. “Sorry, Alpha. I just found out. Greg doesn’t even know.” I raise my brow.

“What don’t I know?” Greg looks between the two of us.

“You two go home and talk. Greg, be back tomorrow. I'll have a new partner for you.” Greg looks mad, but Lily shakes her head and steers him in the direction of their home.

“What was that about?” I take off Kya’s hat and scratch my head, before putting it back on backward. “Lily is expecting. I don’t know who to team him up with now. I already have the guards running ragged.”

Chase thinks for a minute. “All of the pack is trained. Maybe ask for volunteers until more members are old enough to take their places.”

I shrug my shoulder. “I guess that will work. As of right now, it’s you and me.”

He cracks his back and begins jumping. “All right, let’s do this.”

Chase takes off to cover the area. I lag behind making sure the new border is clearly marked.

Freya, Chaz and Ashley just finished their training. I think Freya should go with Bruno. That is her father after all. Hmm. Pauly should be good to go tomorrow, hopefully. A foul scent grabs my attention.

“~Chase, we have company~,” I link with him. He hightails it back just as I locate the intruders. There are three little ones and a big fucker. Chase sneaks up behind a little one from the back. He stealthily knocks it out.

I face the leader head on. “You know. I’m really tired of you weak fuckers thinking I’m a pushover. Bringing pups into battle is a pathetic move. You don’t stand a chance against a whole pack, what’s the point?”

The larger wolf stops. They haven’t crossed into my territory yet.

“Cross the line and you forfeit your life.” One of the little pups whimpers. I know they’re scared; I can smell it. “You pups don’t have to die. If you want a pack, I’m willing to hear you out.” I cross my arms over my chest.

Chase gets another pup into a choke hold. I stare down the big wolf. “You know I will kill you. Do you really want to try me?”

The wolf snorts and turns around to see that all the pups are knocked out. Chase is in front of him with his arms folded, almost as menacing as I am. The large wolf looks between us. He tucks his tail and runs.

Chase shakes his head. “Pussy.”

I snort. “At least he knew it was a losing battle.” I look over the pups. “Why are there so many rogue pups? This isn’t normal.” I point out the smallest “That one looks like he just got his wolf.”

Chase nods. “We could give them sanctuary. They’re so young.”

I nod. “We have the means, and these guys probably don’t have anything. Tell Vertigo—Victor—whatever his name is, to come talk to me. Take these guys to the infirmary. I’ll keep guard in the meantime.”

Chase picks up the biggest of the pups and clears out.

After a short while, Chase returns with Alana and Ve…Vi…the kid. Alana picks up the small one while Chase grabs the last pup. “That’s my sister,” the kid says to Alana.

I raise my brow. “You left your sister?”

He dips his head in shame. “I was going to bring her into the pack after Roger took over. Since that didn’t happen, I couldn’t.”

I step forward. “You could’ve told me.”

His shoulders drop, defeated. “I’m sorry, Alpha Redd.” I nod for Alana and Chase to go. “Do you have more family waiting for you?” He nods. I close my eyes and grunt.

“Get back to the pack house. Tomorrow you’ll ride with me and Chase. We’ll get the rest of your family.” The kid bites his lip and nods with tear-filled eyes.

The morning guards arrive so Chase and I head to the pack house. The kid is dressed and ready to go as soon as we walk through the door. Alana drives to the school while Chase and I grab a quick nap.

“We’re here.” Alana tells us as she pulls into the parking lot.

I sit up and look out the window. I don’t see my truck. Alana parks and we all pile out. We stand near the front entrance while we wait for Kya.

I perk up when I see the bastard alpha-wannabe. I've forgotten his name; honestly, I don’t care what it is. Alana steps in front of me. The runt smirks as he gets closer. “Hiding behind a girl, huh. The rumors are true. You are weak.”

I growl deep in my chest. “She’s there for your protection, not mine.” He laughs.

“~Lan, move~.” She steps out of the way allowing me to move freely. I reach my arm out and grab the little fucker by the throat. I slam him down with my knee in his chest, while still gripping his throat. He didn’t even see me coming.

Pathetic. I’m seriously lacking sleep and he can’t keep up. I feel his pack members approach but keep a grip on his throat. I know Chase is already watching them. “Who is the weakling?” I ask. His eyes blaze, but he doesn’t say a thing.

“~Interesting. Check out the beta~,” Chase mind-links me. I look up to see him in the back of the group with his sister, both holding back smiles.

Kya’s scent hits my senses. I look up and give her a wink. She shakes her head. “~Don't worry, baby. I'm not hurting anything but his pride.~” I look back to the weakling pinned under me.

“You have nothing to say now?” He growls but doesn’t speak. “That’s what I thought.”

A slight pain hits my side. I grip tighter on his throat as blood runs down my thigh.

“~Dec!~” I hear Kya’s voice in my mind.

I lock a tight grip around his hand, crushing his fingers around the hilt of a blade. “~I'm all right, baby,~” I reassure her.

“A knife, really? Pathetic little weakling. I feel sorry for your pack, having you as their future leader,” I look up to the pups in his pack. “Come get this weakling. He needs a nurse, or his hand will heal deformed.”

The sweet girl with brown hair and her mate step forward. I stand up and toss the knife to his beta. He slightly lifts his chin, showing me respect. Kya rushes forward. I pull her to the side. “I swear, I didn’t start it,” I tell her.

She cocks her brow but places a hand on my side. Her touch sends chills shooting through my body. She closes her eyes. Warmth seeps into me as my body quickly heals under her hand.

She opens her eyes and looks up at me. “That hit your kidney.” I nod. “You didn’t even flinch,” she says.

I shrug my shoulder. “You give me strength.” She caresses my chin. I grasp her hand and smell her wrist.

Our combined scents turn me on, and I subtly pull back, not wanting to offend her. She looks up into my eyes and steps closer. I wrap my arms around her and kiss her neck. I smell her arousal.

My mouth drops open in surprise. I don’t speak, afraid to make her uncomfortable. “Thank you for healing me.”

She pulls back with a smile on her face. “I had to. My mate in pain isn’t exactly comfortable.”

I give her a gentle kiss. “Go clean yourself up. My blood is all over you.”

She looks at her left hand, finally noticing the blood on it. She swallows, then nods. “Yeah.” She looks back up into my eyes. My heart beats out of my chest. It feels like the first time our eyes locked, announcing our bond.

My body is tingling. It is as if the world around us has disappeared, and time has slowed down. It’s only us, right here, right now. Her chest rises and falls with every breath in sync with mine.

She swallows hard. My eyes drop to her throat. Saliva drips over my canines, aching to sink into her delicate flesh. She slowly, gently bites her plump pink lip. My chest rumbles at the subtle movement.

The bell rings, bringing us back into the present. She closes her eyes at the startling sound and giggles. Alana takes Kya's arm and drags her out of my grasp. “Let’s get you cleaned up before we’re late.”

Kya looks back over her shoulder, her green eyes bright and clear. She waves goodbye.

“Bye, love.” I stand stoic as I watch her walk through the door and out of my sight.