Chapter 14: Chapter 14

DEC

“Well, that was an exciting morning,” Chase says while we drive across no-man’s-land. I grunt, not even giving a reply.

I’d changed my clothes as soon as we got back to his truck. We always have spare clothes. I almost didn’t want to, because my shirt smelled of Kya.

“Turn down that dirt road,” the boy pipes up. Chase makes the turn and continues on for about two miles. “There’s a turn behind a tree on the left. It’s easy to miss.”

I roll down the window and smell the air. Rogue wolves are nearby. My nose crinkles as Chase makes the turn. We drive for another five minutes before the kid tells us to pull over.

There are makeshift tents and structures littered around a central spigot. We follow the boy to a little nest with a sleeping woman snuggling two little pups. He kneels beside her. “Auntie. Where is D?”

The woman is startled. “Virgil. You’re alive.” The two pups snuggle closer to the woman.

I look around at all of the eyes staring my way. Women and children are all I see.

“~There are no men, only she-wolves and pups. What the fuck is going on here?”~ Chase mind-links me.

I shrug my shoulders; I have no clue.

Virgil—I’ve heard the aunt say—walks toward the back of the camp. Two little pups are playing alone just outside of the camp. “Virgil!” The pups run up to him.

He picks them up one at a time. “Alpha Redd. This is my brother, Davey. And my cousin, Sam.” They look to be around five or six, just old enough to be in school.

I nod to the boys. “Virgil. Who are all of these rogues?”

He shrugs his shoulders. “I don’t know, sir. Everyone has their own story. My auntie took care of us when my parents died. Her mate died at the same time, but she was expecting. She made it through the sorrow to save her pup.” He points at Sam.

Virgil begins walking back toward the camp.

“And the other pups she was holding?”

The boys keep up as we continue forward. “They’re hers. She was working in another pack to help care for us. She found a second mate. He was already old by the time she found him.

“She didn’t want to join his pack because we wouldn’t be welcome. He only comes around when he’s looking for…you know.”

I nod. “Are there any others that are looking for a new pack?”

He shrugs his shoulder. “I know of a few.”

I nod toward the camp. “Point them out.”

Four teens load into the truck along with D on Virgil’s lap. No longer having to care for her niece and nephews, Virgil’s aunt is able to go to her mate’s pack.

All of the pups in the truck are orphaned with no connections. There’s a brother and a sister and two more males. I’m offering them a pack so long as they can show they’re loyal and willing to follow orders.

We pull up to the pack house and unload their things from the back of the truck. Mother and Father are waiting outside as we pull in.

“This is Miss Regina and Alpha Troy. They run the pack house. You will follow their orders. There is to be no fighting and no trouble. Understood?”

I know the pups are already intimidated by my father. They should all know better than to piss off an alpha. The pups all agree and are led inside to their rooms.

D is to share a room with Virgil. Their sister, Anna, and another new girl take the room beside them. There is a total of nine new pups, including Virgil.

“Mother. Do you need some help with all of these pups?” I ask as I wrap my arm around her shoulders.

She nods. “That would be nice, Declan. Finn is more trouble than help.”

Father walks into the kitchen. “Declan. We’re going to need another refrigerator and freezer to accommodate all of these pups.”

I nod. “Yes, sir. I want them training as soon as possible. Some of them are old enough to find out their skills. I’ll get them all registered for school first thing tomorrow, then Chase, Finn, and I will stop and get more supplies.”

Father nods, then begins filling two large pots of water at mother’s request. I get a five-pound log of hamburger meat and begin frying it up in two separate frying pans. The pups are all quiet as they begin to sit around the extra-long table.

“Did everyone wash up?” Mother asks. They all nod. I set out three large dishes of cheeseburger macaroni and some salad as Mother wrangles the little pups into their seats.

Father brings out juice and milk. “I expect manners at the dinner table. We are not savages. Is that understood?” he warns them.

Virgil is used to the way things work. “Yes, sir.” The rest of the newbies follow his example and give my father a response. I leave them to eat, heading to my office.

I decide to take Weston up on his offer. He answers the call on the first ring. “What’s up, Declan?”

I get straight to the point. “I’m having rogue issues. Is anything happening in your territory?”

He doesn’t waste time. “No, man, everything is good here. I can’t thank you enough for getting my nieces back to me. They’re already much better.”

I nod. “Yeah, that’s why I’m calling. You said you owe me one. I need more guards for the time being. I’ll put them on the other edge of my territory and bring my guys up. I only need a few good fighters.”

He grunts. “Uh…yeah, I can send a few over, not many though, maybe four or five. I can send them over tonight.”

I relax just a touch. “That’s all I need, man. Thanks, Ryan.”

I yawn, then call for Lily to meet me at the pack house. She knocks on my door. “Alpha Redd?”

I look up. “Yes, come in.” She sits in the single chair. I should replace the ones I broke.

“I can’t have you on guard duty, as you are well aware. I need you to assist Miss Regina in the pack house for the time being. You can work out a schedule and routine with her. You can start tomorrow.

“We just got eight new pups last night and this morning. Most are teens that already have their wolf. They need to learn how to work in a pack.”

She nods. “Yes, sir.”

“Thank you. You’re excused.” I grab the chair and take it downstairs to the entertainment area. Damn, I’m tired.

I check my watch. Chase has already gone to pick up Alana. I head home for a quick nap.

KYA

Owen never made it to class, and I didn’t see him at lunch. It’s nice not having to look over my shoulder for once.

Uncle Mark is already home in his office when I walk into the house. Ian and I finish our homework, then I get started on dinner. Mark walks out of his office. “Kya.”

I look up from the cutting board. “Yes?”

Mark clears his throat. “Alpha Roberts has requested that you return to your pack. After this morning’s confrontation, he believes that Alpha Redd is after this pack and doesn’t want a spy in his territory.”

My mouth drops open. “Are you serious? I’m a spy now? Dec doesn’t want this pack. He’s busy enough as it is.”

He nods. “I know. I couldn’t say anything because I’m already bad off with him. I spoke to Mr. Ramirez—Damon and Bianca’s father.

“He told me Damon’s view of what happened at the school. He said Owen was causing trouble and earned what he got. Of course, Owen put a spin on it to make Alpha Redd look bad.” He shakes his head, exasperated.

“When do I have to leave?”

He gives me an apologetic look. “Tonight. Please stay for dinner so you can say your goodbyes. Poor Gretchen, she’s going to be devastated.”

Aunt Kendra walks into the kitchen red-faced. “Go ahead and pack, sweetie. I’ll finish in here.” I set the knife down then wash my hands.

Most of my delicates are still in my bag. I begin folding my clothes and loading them into my duffel bag. I get my things from the bathroom, check my backpack, then load everything into the backseat of the truck.

Gretchen is crying when I walk back inside. I set her on my lap. “Hey, sweet girl. I’m sorry I have to go.”

She wraps her arms around my neck. “You promised. You said you would stay here.”

I kiss her soft hair. “I know. I would stay if I could, but your alpha said I have to leave. He’s the boss of this pack.”

She sniffles. “He’s not your boss. He’s a meanie head for making you go away. I don’t like him.”

I hold back a smile as much as possible. “Shh. It’s okay sweet girl. You guys can all visit me whenever you want.”

We eat dinner in a somber mood. I feel like everything is my fault—but—I know it isn’t. What is wrong with that guy. Owen, the asshole.

I shake my head. At least I’ll get to be with Dec and my family. I want to surprise him. “Aunt Kendra, did you let my mom know that I’m coming?”

She shakes her head. “I haven’t had a chance yet.”

I give her a gentle smile. “It’s okay. I want to surprise them.”

DEC

After my nap, I meet Chase in the office in my house. This office has furniture. We discuss the new guard schedule and get it implemented right away. We make a list of supplies that we need for the pack, and for my office at the pack house.

After checking in on a few of my new guards, I call it a night. I make it to the back of my house when I smell the most intoxicating scent. I rush to the front where my truck is parked. She’s here, she’s fucking here!

I get to my front door and shift back. Kya bursts through the door.

I reach my arms out for her, but she’s in tears. She looks at me with disgust on her face, then shoves me away as hard as she can, causing me to take a step back.

“I trusted you. I can’t believe you did it again.” She rushes to my truck.

Oh no. Not this time. She’s not getting away from me. “STOP.”

She stands facing away from me. “Let me go! I can’t stay with you. I can’t be with you, you man-whore!”

What the fuck did I do wrong? “You’re not leaving. I didn’t even know you were coming tonight. You told me you would be here this weekend.”

She wipes her eyes and glares at me. “So, that’s how it is. Get it now while you can, before I come back. Then lie to me the whole time?”

I am so lost right now. “Baby, what are you talking about?”

She loses her shit. “Don’t you ‘baby’ me. I’m not your baby. I’m no one to you. I rejected you for a reason. You couldn’t learn from your mistake.”

I don’t even know what the fuck is happening right now. “STAY PUT.”

She crosses her arms. “You asshole.”

I rush into my room to grab a pair of shorts. That’s when I smell it. That fucking crazy bitch! I throw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, then rush back down the stairs.

I pick Kya up and set her in the passenger seat. “BUCKLE UP.” She glares at me as she clicks the seat belt, then crosses her arms in a huff. I drive like a maniac to Sarah’s house.

I pull Kya from the truck and drape her over my shoulder. She hits my back as I lug her up the steps. I don’t even knock on the door.

“SARAH!” I growl out. She timidly steps forward. “WERE YOU IN MY HOUSE?”

She squeaks out an answer. “Yes. Dec, you know how I feel about you.”

I growl again and set Kya on the couch—not very gently. She’s a tough girl, she can take it. “STAY.”

Kya growls back at me. “I’m not your little puppy.” I ignore her and turn my attention back to the bitch.

My arm shoots out, my hand grips her throat as I hold her against the wall. “What were you doing in my house?”

I feel her swallow under my hand. “I was waiting for you, of course.”

“Why?”

Sarah’s parents are at the top of the stairs trying to figure out what’s going on. I don’t even pay them any mind. “I wanted to make love to you. We’re so good together—”

I shove her harder against the wall, stopping her from completing that sentence. I actually wonder how crazy she really is. “WHAT DID I WARN YOU?” I let up just enough for her to talk.

“If I come on to you again, you would banish me from the pack for treason against the luna.” She begins tearing up.

“HAVE WE EVER HAD SEX?”

Her lip quivers and her tears fall on my hand. “No. I lied. I love you, Dec. Your mate rejected you. She doesn’t want you, but I do.”

I let go of my control over Kya. She leans her head into her hands and sobs. My hand tightens even more around Sarah’s throat.

“Pack your bags. I want you out of my territory before dawn.” Sarah’s parents rush down the stairs, begging me to change my mind. I release Sarah’s neck. She falls to the ground in a heap. I look at her parents.

“Your daughter was warned. She made her choice.” I touch Kya’s shoulder. She looks up at me with pain in her eyes. I offer my hand to her. She takes it, allowing me to pull her up.

I wipe her face with my thumbs, then follow with kisses on her soft cheeks. “I promised you.” She nods her head and cries, then jumps into my arms. I grip her body to mine and lift her so her feet don’t even reach the floor.

“I’m sorry for using my alpha commands on you. I just couldn’t lose you again.” She cries even more but nods her head. “No more crying, baby.”

I stand her back up and wipe her face. Taking her hand, I lead her back to the truck.

Kya grips my hand on the drive home. “I’m sorry,” she whispers into the silence.

“What do you have to be sorry for? I would’ve thought the same thing if the roles were reversed. I’m just happy you’re here. What happened to waiting until this weekend?” I kiss her hand.

She gives me a grimace. “Alpha Roberts made me leave. Owen put a spin on what happened this morning. I don’t care, except for my family; I’m worried about them.”

I kiss her hand again. “I’ll get a place set up for them, just in case. They will always be welcome here.”

She smiles up to me. “Thank you, Dec.”

I give her a wink. “Anything for you, my luna.”

I pull up to our house then grab her duffel bag. “You know my bed is at my parents’ house,” she says.

I shake my head. “Not anymore.”

She blushes then reaches for her backpack. I grab it before she can. “After you, baby.”

She walks up the steps and into our house. I’m pretty sure today is the first time she’s been here. She looks around, taking in the surroundings.

I step up behind her and run my nose up her neck, inhaling her divine scent. “What do you think?”

Her face glows as she looks into my eyes. “I think I’m home.”

I drop the bags then pull her to me. I kiss her with all the love I have for her. My arms wrap around her, and her body crushes against mine. It feels so perfect. My chest hums in contentment.

She pulls back giggling. I can’t help the smile on my face as I caress her soft cheek. I run my fingers through her hair. “I love you, baby.”

She leans her head on my chest. “I love you, too.”

She pulls away from me and reaches for her duffel bag. I take it from her, grab her backpack, and lead her to our room.

My nose wrinkles from the offensive scent of Sarah. After I’ve set Kya’s things down on a chair, I grab a towel and a set of sheets from the hall closet. “The bathroom is through that door. I’m sure you want a hot shower after your drive.”

She takes the towel. “Thank you.” She rummages through her bag then steps into the bathroom.

I strip down the bed and change all the sheets, including the pillowcases. I have a thought to burn them; instead, I will just throw them into the laundry room. Then, I grab a set of basketball shorts and a T-shirt to sleep in.

Normally I sleep nude, but not tonight. I want Kya to be comfortable. I know she’s not ready for anything. I grab another towel for myself.

As soon as I get back to the room, she opens the door, holding her bundle of clothes. “Laundry hamper is in there. There’s room for you to hang your things later.” She turns and nods to the closet.

I shower quickly, while being engulfed in her heavenly scent. I have to calm myself down, I don’t want to scare her away.

I dress and walk into the room. She’s sitting in a chair looking awkward. “Are you afraid of the big bad wolf?” I say.

She shakes her head and giggles. “Not the wolf.” Her eyes unconsciously look down my body as she bites her lip.

I rumble in my chest to get her attention. “Baby, get in bed. You have school in the morning.”

She strolls to the bed and climbs under the covers. “Yes, ~Dad~.”

I growl playfully, but damn, that was sexy. I kill the lights, then lie down next to her. She’s facing away, I pull her to me so I can smell her skin. I kiss her cheek then lay my head back down. “Sweet dreams, Kya.”

“Mmm… Sweet dreams, Declan.” I smile into her hair as she softly snores.