Chapter 12
Kane stood by his truck, the passenger door open so he could help Elise inside. The back was loaded with boxes of her things. All that was needed was for her to finish her goodbyes. He watched the interaction with interest. Every pack’s dynamics were different.
The Beta’s wife seemed to be the equivalent of Helen, running the pack house and handing out motherly advice. She was fussing over Elise, fixing her hair as a mother might before sending a child off to school for the day, reminding her to come visit before giving her a hug and passing her off to Jake.
Jake, the Beta, must have had a close relationship with Elise. He gave her a one-armed hug, then kept her there as Elise rested her head against his chest. She appeared to take an extra deep breath as if being near the man provided comfort.
Kane cocked his head. Had the Beta assumed a fatherly role in Elise’s life? It would make sense given the Alpha seemed distant and withdrawn.
“I’ll miss you, Jake.” There was an unmistakable sadness in Elise’s voice causing Kane to once again wonder if he’d made a mistake. The past couldn’t be changed though. They were mates now and he wasn’t going to let her go.
The Beta kissed the top of Elise’s head and she turned to her father next. She stood before him, an awkwardness filling the space between them before he gave her a stiff hug and whispered something to her. She nodded and pulled away.
With a strained smile on her face, she descended the steps and climbed into the truck. Kane closed the door and rounded the vehicle while Elise gave a final wave.
“All set?”
She nodded and he started the truck. Her chin was trembling and he opened his mouth to speak but there was nothing he could say that would make the parting easier. It was better to get it over with. His hands gripped the steering wheel and he sighed, put the truck in gear and drove away.
He tried to start a conversation with comments about the weather, the scenery, a humorous billboard they passed but Elise seemed disinclined to talk. To fill the silence, he flipped on the radio letting the music make up for the lack of discussion. A sideways glance showed Elise with her head leaning against the window, staring blankly at the passing landscape.
His lips tightened as he recalled what it was like to leave a place he’d considered home. It had happened all too often when he’d been younger. His father had been a throwback, a rogue who could never settle down or integrate into a pack. They’d been constantly on the move for one reason or another. Either they’d be kicked out because his father’s volatile temper had offended someone or the man would decide it was time for a new adventure. Whatever the case, his own young heart would ache as they drove away.
That feeling would be what Elise was experiencing and now he was the cause. Silently, he vowed he’d make it up to her, teach her to love her new home, assure her he’d always be there for her and she’d never have to leave again. He wouldn’t be the kind of mate his father had been.
Eventually Elise came out of her reverie and sat up straighter beside him.
“How large is your pack?”
He smiled, pleased she was willing to talk. The tension in his muscles eased. “About the same size as the one you grew up in. Our Alpha house has six bedrooms and four baths, office space, a living room, a large dining area and a kitchen. The basement was recently renovated and is a multi-purpose room for meetings with a media centre, pool table, and play area for the young ones.”
“It sounds nice. Who shares the house with you?”
“Besides yourself?” He grinned over at her before returning his attention to the road. “My Beta is John and his mate’s name is Carrie. They’re expecting their first in a few months. Zack’s widow—he was the previous Alpha—she’s continued to stay there as well. Her name is Helen.”
Elise nodded. “There are always people in and out of our house—I mean my father’s house. Is yours similar?”
“Yeah, sometimes it’s a three-ring circus. With you arriving, it will probably be especially busy as everyone will want to stop by to meet you.” He noticed she bit her lip, waves of wariness coming off her. He reached over and clasped her knee. “It will be fine. We’re not as...traditional...as your old pack. They’re a friendly bunch and will be happy to meet you.”
He continued to offer explanations, mentioning various pack members and their roles. “Don’t worry, I know all this information is going over your head but at least you’ll have heard some of the names when you meet face to face.”
“Thanks.”
“I think you’ll like the territory. It’s heavily wooded with streams that feed a small lake. We even have a waterfall due to glacier-cut ravines. It’s one of the largest on the west coast.” He couldn’t help the pride that crept into his voice as he spoke.
“I’ve heard your pack has a lot of influence.”
“Our pack, Elise.” He corrected. “You’re Alpha female now.”
He noted the news had her clenching her hands in her lap.
“You’ll do fine in the role. Your father was Alpha.”
“Right.” She looked down at her hands. “Confession time. I never had much to do with the running of the pack or the politics involved. I was the baby of the family.” She shrugged and made a face. “It never interested me that much. Sometimes, I helped with filing but that’s about it.”
“I didn’t agree to be mated with you because I needed a secretary. Helen and Carrie will help you learn the ropes.”
“I suppose.”
A dinging sound from the dashboard interrupted the conversation.
“Looks like we need to get gas. There’s a place on the edge of town. I have to stop at the hardware store as well.”
As quickly as possible, he completed his errands. Now that he was back on home turf, his mind was full of the long list of things he had to do. He’d been away for almost forty-eight hours and, while John was in charge during his absence, there always seemed to be things that needed the Alpha’s exclusive attention. Elise would understand that, though. Even if she hadn’t been involved in running the pack, she’d be aware of how busy her father had always been.
He stowed his purchases in the back of the truck and climbed back into the cab.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“That’s okay. I was people watching while you were gone.”
“Smythston is a nice place. Not too big but large enough that it has the needed amenities. People aren’t too nosey either which is a bonus. I’ll have to bring you in to town one day and show you around.”
“That sounds nice.”
He nodded. “Just a few more miles and we’ll be home.”
The news had Elise looking tense again and he gave her knee a reassuring pat once more before putting both hands back on the steering wheel. They were on the part of the road where Zack had his accident, the memory of the crash making him more cautious. It was still hard to believe Zack was gone and that it was because someone had tampered with his brakes. Trying, once again, to figure out that mystery kept him quiet until they pulled up in front of the house.
As he brought the truck to a stop, the front door of the sprawling house opened and several people came out to greet them.
“Welcome home, Kane.”
“Congratulations on being mated.”
“We missed you.”
The friendly comments swirled around him and it took him some time to make his way around to Elise’s side of the truck. By the time he got there, she was already out and waiting for him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“Everyone, this is Elise, my mate.”
His announcement drew everyone’s attention and they took a moment to size her up, nodding in approval.
Carrie stepped forward first, a hand on her rounded belly. “Hello, Elise. I’m Carrie. Welcome to our pack.”
“And I’m John, her mate, and Kane’s Beta.”
“I’m pleased to meet you.” Elise smiled and shook their hands and then greeted the others.
Pleased with how Elise was already making friends, Kane grabbed two of her bags from the vehicle and then gestured with his chin. “Come on inside. The others will bring the rest of your things.”
A few of the men immediately headed towards the truck, grabbing the remaining boxes. He nodded in approval at how everyone was pitching in to help Elise feel welcome.
He led the way inside, knowing the rest would follow. The familiar scents and sounds of the house washed over him and he exhaled happily. It was good to be home.
“Kane?” Marla appeared beside him.
“Yes?” He hadn’t noticed her outside greeting Elise but he must have missed her in the crowd.
“Kane, I need to talk to you.” She placed her hand on his arm.
“Can it wait? I just got home.” He held up the bags he was still holding.
“Oh. I…I’m sorry. I just…” She pressed her lips together and blinked back tears.
He sighed and set down Elise’s bags. “I guess I can spare you a minute.”
“Oh, thank you so much, Kane.” Marla placed her hand on his chest. “I…I missed you.”
“Marla...”
“I know you have a mate now. We can still be friends though, right? You know how it is for me.” She gave a sad smile. “With Ryne gone and no family…”
Guilt washed over him as she mentioned not having a family. He still felt responsible for the death of her father. It had been years ago and everyone said there’d been nothing he could do but that did little to ease his sense of guilt. He and Dietrich had been out on patrols together and, being the senior Lycan, Dietrich had taken the lead. For some reason, the man had veered from the usual route into more dangerous territory and lost his footing, tumbling down a ravine and breaking his neck. To this day, Kane wondered if he could have prevented the accident.
He realized he hadn’t really been listening to what Marla was saying. And, he glanced over Marla’s shoulder and noticed Elise was standing near the base of the stairs looking lost. “Elise, wait! I’ll just be a minute.”
Marla tugged at his arm. “But Kane, I need to tell you about Ryne and—”
“Yes, I know you miss him.” He nodded, impatient to get away.
“But there’s more. He—
“Marla, we’ll talk later. Elise is waiting for me.”
“I’m sorry. I know I’m a bother.” She let her hand fall and stared down at the ground. “I’ll be fine. Just forget what I said.”
He sighed. “Marla, you’re not a bother. As a member of the pack, you’re always welcome to approach me. It’s just your timing that’s off.”
She leaned into him. “You’re so good to me, Kane.”
He absent-mindedly gave her a one-armed hug. “Anytime, Marla.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” She suddenly brightened. “Now go take care of your new little friend. You really shouldn’t keep her waiting. She might get bored and go looking elsewhere.” With a laugh, she turned and walked away.
He frowned watching her walk away. Why would she make a comment like that? Of course, Elise wouldn’t get bored. Giving his head a shake, he made his way to Elise who was patiently waiting for him.
“Sorry about that. Marla needed a bit of reassurance.” He took her hand and led her upstairs, guiding her to their suite at the end of a small corridor.
“Our rooms are up here. Since the house is usually busy, I have my own little retreat. There’s a bedroom, bath and a sitting room that are strictly off limits to the rest of the pack. Sometimes, even social animals like wolves need their own space.” He offered the explanation with a crooked smile, while opening the door and ushering her inside.
“It’s very nice.” Elise wandered about the room, peering into the closet and then into the sitting room.
“Carrie moved some of my stuff over, so there’ll be room for your things. She’ll help you unpack or rearrange anything that you want.”
“Thanks, but I can do it myself. If she’s going to whelp soon, I’m sure she’s tired and doesn’t need the extra work.”
“That’s considerate of you.” He guided her to the window to show her the view thinking it would be a pleasant surprise for her. “See over to the west? That’s the direction of your father’s land. Of course, you can’t see it, but possibly it will make your old pack seem not quite so far away.”
She seemed pleased and looked up at him with a smile. He turned her so she was facing him and he cupped her face, his thumb stroking her cheek. “I know this has been hard on you, Elise. Leaving behind everything you know on such short notice has to have been a bit overwhelming, but I’m proud of how you’re handling things.”
“I think I’m sort of...in shock, maybe?” She furrowed her brow. “Everything happened so fast that I didn’t have time to think or react. I just instinctively followed the Alpha’s orders.” She shrugged and sighed. “Besides, there really wasn’t much choice was there? I could fall in with the plan or leave the pack.”
“You’re right. A wolf that refuses to comply with the Alpha doesn’t stay in the pack long, though I doubt your father would have immediately thrown you out.”
“Maybe not right away, but he’s rather traditional and expects obedience...” Her voice trailed off.
“I did get that impression.” Silently, he cursed her father. She’d felt forced to accept him as a mate, seeing no other option. He tried to reassure her. “Our relationship has had a bit of an unusual start but I’ll do my best to make you happy.” Pausing, he wondered what else he could say or do to make this easier for her. “I need to check in with John to see what’s happened while I was away, but after supper I’ll take you for a walk around the immediate grounds. Then, tomorrow morning we can go for another run.”
“I’d like that. It looks to be a nice territory.” Elise twisted around so she could see out the window again.
He observed his land with pride. “It’s a beautiful place, especially down by the lake. I think you’ll enjoy it here, but just like at your old home, don’t go too close to the edge of the property. We have the same problem with hunters and trappers that your old pack has.”
She murmured her agreement but pressed her hand against the window pane, a sad look crossing her face.
He took her in his arms, running his hands down her back. “It will take some time to adjust, but soon this will feel like home. Don’t worry. I’ll be here to help you.”
As he held Elise close, feeling her warmth and breathing in her scent, a sense of contentment settled within him, a new kind of happiness he hadn’t experienced before. It felt right having her here, in his home, in his arms. Who would have thought when he’d first caught a glimpse of her months ago, that one day they’d end up mates? The hand of fate had definitely been involved.
For just a moment he allowed himself to dream. Everything in his life was finally falling into place. He was an Alpha, had a prosperous pack and a large territory. True, there were challenges to face but he’d handle them with his mate at his side. They’d blood-bond, have pups together, be a real family. The kind of family he never had, one filled with love, trust and respect.
Leaning back, he gazed down into Elise’s eyes. She was young but she’d learn. He sensed an inner strength in her. Yes, the mating had been a good choice and he couldn’t wait for what the future held for them.