Chapter Twenty-Nine

“Come on! You need to tell me,” Blythe whined.

“No! It’s happening tomorrow. You just have to wait,” Killian shook his head. They were sitting in the cafeteria and hardly anyone else was in there. Shayne was preparing lunch and Blythe was supposed to be helping. Instead, she was bugging Killian about the surprise he’d mentioned two days ago.

“Please! I’ll reward you,” Blythe batted her eyelashes. Killian rolled his eyes. She leaned forward and sucked on his earlobe before raking her teeth down his neck. “Are you sure you don’t want to tell me?”

“That’s not fair,” Killian pushed away from her. “Go help Shayne cook. He needs your help.”

“I’m enjoying the show,” Shayne smirked. He was standing in the kitchen doorway, watching them. Killian growled and Shayne laughed. Blythe blushed and got to her feet.

“What are you making for lunch today?”

“I was going to do veggies and sandwiches. We got plenty of bread and a whole new shipment of veggies. Why don’t you mix up some chicken salad and I’ll get the tray set up and make some dip?”

“Why don’t we switch? I’m not good at chicken salad and you’ve made it before. One day when we have more time you can show me how to make it. Until then, you’re the pro,” Blythe suggested.

“Fine,” Shayne rolled his eyes. “You just want the easy job.”

“As if you didn’t pick it for the same reason. Get over it,” Blythe teased him back.

“Maybe I did, so what! I’m the real cook here,” Shayne wiggled his eyebrows at her. She laughed and pushed him playfully. He grew serious all of a sudden.

“What is it?” she asked.

“How are you doing with the whole shifter thing? Are you enjoying it?”

“I really am. Killian and I shift all the time and it’s getting way easier. The first time was rough, I’ll admit that! Thank you for asking, though,” she smiled at him.

Shayne sighed and shook his head. “I’m afraid that you’ve wormed your way into my heart. I care about you like a little sister. I’m glad you enjoy it and that you and Killian are doing so well.”

“He has a surprise for me and won’t tell me what it is. It involves Derek,” Blythe told him, walking over to the fridge and pulling out all sorts of vegetables. She set them all on the counter.

“He made a deal with Derek?” Shayne asked.

“Yea. Well, I guess he did. Derek said he could make it happen. Whatever it is.”

“You aren’t going up on the roof again, are you?” Shayne’s eyes widened.

“No way! I don’t think I’m ready for that again. Surely that’s not what it is,” Blythe said.

“No, it’s not that. Will you stop trying to guess what it is? You’re never gonna get it right,” Killian muttered from the doorway. He was watching them, but mainly his eyes were all for his mate. Blythe fanned herself.

“Will you go away? You’re making me hot,” she teased him.

“I’ll show you hot,” he smirked at her.

“This is still my kitchen! I won’t have any of that in here,” Shayne scolded. “We have work to do. Killian, go away.”

“Fine! I’m going to go see how the training is going. Watch out for my girl, Shayne.”

“She’s safe with me,” he replied.

“Bye, love,” Killian blew Blythe a kiss.

“See you soon,” Blythe waved after him.

“Now let’s get back to what we were discussing. Making a deal with a guard is not good. Derek seems like a decent guy, but I don’t trust him. He’s still human,” Shayne told her.

“Hey, now! Not all humans are bad,” Blythe reminded him.

“I know. Maybe you should tell him to reconsider. I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Surely he would have thought about it. Killian wouldn’t do something stupid.”

“He may not be thinking straight. We shifters have a weakness of doing whatever makes our mates happy, even at our own expense. I’m not saying it’s your fault; I just think maybe you should press harder and decide whether it’s worth it,” Shayne explained.

“I will. Let’s get this meal over with and then I’ll talk to him about it,” Blythe commented.

“Okay. That works. I’m just worried about him. Killian doesn’t have a lot of people watching his back nowadays. I just want you both to know that I have your backs. I care about you both.”

“Thank you, Shayne. That means a lot,” Blythe walked over and kissed his cheek. Shayne blushed like a little kid and waved her off.

“None of that. Killian will have my head.”

***

“I understand what I’ve done and I’m not changing my mind,” Killian said for the tenth time. Blythe was really pressing this matter and it was making him mad. What was wrong with him trying to do something nice for her? She deserved it, after all she’d been through. Yet here she was, trying to get him to back out.

“But why can’t you tell me what it is? I’ll decide for myself whether it’s worth you making a deal with Derek,” Blythe snapped.

“Because I want it to be a surprise. Trust me, it’s worth this. I love you and want to do something nice for you. You deserve it. Now go to sleep. Tomorrow is the big day. You’ll get to finally find out what the surprise is.”

“I’m still worried about this. I don’t like it.”

“Who put these ideas in your head? Was it Shayne? Maybe I need to have a talk with him,” Killian growled.

“Don’t you dare. You leave poor Shayne alone.”

“You only started this after working with him today. He needs to learn to mind his own business,” Killian snarled.

“He cares about us. He was only worried about you. He doesn’t want anything bad to happen to us or for you to regret this in the future,” Blythe told him.

“I can take care of myself and you. You’re my responsibility, not his.”

“Don’t you dare get jealous, Killian. He’s a friend. Leave him alone,” Blythe scolded.

“Fine. But drop this nonsense. Let’s get some sleep. I’m tired,” Killian commanded.

“Whatever.” Blythe rolled her eyes and rolled away from him. She had her back to him and faced the wall. Killian sighed and rolled toward her. He pulled her back against him and held onto her when she tried to wriggle away.

“I’m sorry for making you mad. But trust me. This will be worth it. Just accept that I’m giving you a gift. I need to do this for you. Please,” Killian explained.

“Fine.” Blythe rolled over and touched his cheek. “Thank you.”

“Do you mean that? I don’t want you mad at me.”

“I’m not mad, just worried. But I am still excited for whatever this gift may be.”

“That’s good. It won’t disappoint.”

“Good night,” Blythe smiled at him.

“Good night, love,” Killian kissed her.

***

A knock on the door woke them both the next morning. Killian groaned and didn’t move. Blythe laughed at her mate and pushed him off of her. She crawled off the bed and walked toward the door. She pulled it open, hiding herself behind it.

“Derek? What are you doing here?” she asked. She heard Killian move and then he was behind her, his hand on her hip.

“Is it time?” Killian asked.

Derek nodded. “It’s time. We’re set up in the cafeteria. No one is there this early.”

“What time is it?” Blythe yawned.

“It’s around five in the morning,” Derek smiled at her. “We had to do it early so no one would ask too many questions. Today’s Friday anyway. No one’s going to pay too much attention since we leave after next shift.”

“Can I know what the surprise is now?” Blythe asked.

Derek’s eyes widened. “You didn’t tell her?”

“No. I wanted it to be a surprise,” Killian told him.

“Well, it’s going to be. This has never happened before. I talked to some people and they’re going to see if they can make it happen for everyone. It’s only fair.”

“Now I really want to know what it is,” Blythe muttered.

“I’ll let you two dress and then we need to hurry.”

“Give us five minutes,” Killian said. Derek nodded and they closed the door.

“I’m so excited,” Blythe smiled.

“You should be. This will all be worth it,” Killian kissed her. “Now get dressed.”

Five minutes later, they were both ready to go. Killian opened the door and let Blythe go first. He pulled the door shut behind them and they all stood for a moment in the hallway. Derek nodded.

“This way,” he told them. They followed quietly behind him. Blythe kept wringing her hands, her nerves and excitement getting the better of her. She looked over at Killian and he saw her animal eyes flash at him. Her tiger was reacting to her spiking levels of emotions. He reached over and took her hand, giving it a slight squeeze.

“Everything will be fine,” he promised her.

“I know, it’s just that I don’t know what to expect.”

“You’ll enjoy this,” Killian pulled her closer and put his arm around her shoulders. He kissed the side of her head.

They arrived at the doors to the cafeteria and Blythe took a deep breath. Derek looked at both of them and smiled. “Take a deep breath and then go in. You’ll be fine,” Derek told her.

“Thanks,” she smiled back.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and then pushed her way into the cafeteria. She opened her eyes and screamed, “Father!”

Blythe ripped out of Killian’s arms and ran toward her father. Her father threw his arms open and embraced her. He picked her up and spun her around, laughing while tears streamed down his face.

“Is it really you?” Blythe asked.

“Yes, my darling. It’s really me,” her father replied.

“How are you? How are Mother and my sisters?”

“They are great. They really wish they could have come today, but they would only let one of us come.”

“I’m just glad that I get to see one of you. I missed you so much.”

“Why don’t we sit and you tell me all about your time here. Is it miserable?” Her father sat down and Blythe took the seat next to him.

“It was miserable at first, if I’m being honest, but now I enjoy it.”

“You enjoy it?” Her father’s eyes widened. “Are you sure you’re okay? How can you say that?”

“Blythe?” Killian’s voice had them both turning to look at him.

“Oh, how rude of me! Killian, this is my father. Father, this is my mate, Killian,” Blythe smiled.

“Nice to meet you, sir,” Killian held out his hand. Blythe’s father looked at Killian’s hand and then back at Blythe.

“He won’t bite,” Blythe teased. Frank blushed and took Killian’s hand.

“Nice to meet you too, son,” Frank replied.

“I just wanted to introduce myself. I’ll let you two talk. I’ll be by the door if you need me,” Killian told them.

“Thanks, babe,” Blythe kissed him. She looked at her father and saw his eyes widen and then he shook his head and sat down. As soon as Killian was gone, she turned on him. “What was that about? Were you really not going to shake his hand?”

“These creatures frighten me. We don’t know anything about them,” Frank told her. “I can’t believe you’re mated to one.”

“He’s a great person, Father. He loves me,” Blythe snapped. “How can you judge someone you’ve never met? I’m a shifter now, too. Killian had to turn me to save my life. Are you going to judge me, too?”

“You’re like them?” Frank asked. “You poor thing. I’m so sorry you had to go through this.”

“I wouldn’t change it. I love Killian. I couldn’t imagine never meeting him.”

“I heard about that girl getting killed,” Frank quickly changed the subject. “Your mother was sick with worry. She didn’t know if it was you. They wouldn’t release a name for ages. Finally, we heard it was someone else and your mother could rest again.”

“She was a friend of mine. It was all my fault,” Blythe told him.

“Your fault? How could it be your fault?”

Blythe quickly launched into the story of how it all happened and how Carrie had died.

“I’m sorry, sweetie. That shouldn’t have happened to you. I’m glad you’re okay.” Frank hugged his daughter close. Blythe breathed in his scent, wanting to remember it always.

“I love you, Father,” she whispered.

“I love you, too,” he replied. “Why don’t you let me take you home?”

“That’s impossible.”

“Your mother and I have been saving money. I brought it with me in case I could pay off one of the guards to get you out of here. Come with me. Your mother misses you.”

“I can’t leave Killian, Father. I love him.” Blythe shook her head. “Don’t talk of such nonsense. I would never put you and mother in that situation. You could get in serious trouble.”

“We would do it for you,” Frank told her. “Please reconsider.”

“I’m not leaving.”

“As you wish. I’ll tell your mother that you’re doing well. What’s it like being a shifter and living with them? Do they treat you well? How are the guards?”

“The guards were really harsh at first. They called me a whore and slut and stuff like that. But once I started cooking, I won them all over,” Blythe commented. “As for being a shifter, it’s amazing. I love how freeing it is. I just wish I could run in the woods and be free in my tiger form.”

“That’s what you are?”

“Yes, I am a tiger,” Blythe nodded.

“Can I see?”

“Are you sure you won’t get frightened?” Blythe asked.

“I’m sure. Just don’t bite me,” her father teased. Blythe could tell he was trying to be happy for her. She loved him for that. He was trying to make her comfortable.

“Maybe just a nibble,” she teased back. Her father laughed. Blythe got to her feet and started stripping. “Close your eyes.”

Her father closed his eyes and Blythe heard Killian growl at the guards. They all turned away, giving her privacy. She quickly stripped and shifted to her tiger form. She used her head to bump into her father. He gasped and his eyebrows almost disappeared into his hairline. His fists whitened as he gripped the table. Blythe licked one of his hands and he slowly calmed the longer she stood in front of him. She could hear his breathing steady and his heart stop racing.

Very slowly, her father reached out to touch her head. She started purring and he laughed. “You’re like a big house cat,” he told her.

Blythe shook her head and shot him a glare. He laughed again and scratched her ears. “You’re beautiful.”

Blythe flicked her tail and turned toward Killian. He understood and told everyone to turn away or close their eyes. She shifted back to human form and dressed. She touched her father’s shoulder and he turned to face her.

“What did you think?” she asked, watching his face.

“I think you really enjoy life here. I’m glad you’re happy. We’ll try to be happy for you, though we miss you dearly.”

“You just miss my cooking,” Blythe told him.

“Yea, that might have something to do with it,” he shrugged.

“Father!” Blythe pushed him playfully. He laughed and then sobered.

“They told me I can’t stay long. I’m just glad they let me see you. I brought two more suitcases full of your stuff. I hope that’s okay. The guards have it. One named Derek told me he’d drop your stuff off at your room when we were done. He took it to have it inspected.”

“Thank you! I was really running out of clothes,” Blythe smiled.

“I can tell,” he looked her up and down, taking in Killian’s shirt and baggy shorts.

“You use what is available,” she answered his unasked question.

“I guess so.”

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but we need to hurry this along. I have to get him out of here,” Derek said, coming up on them.

“He can’t stay longer?” Blythe asked.

“I’m afraid not,” Derek replied.

“Can he come back?”

“I’m not sure. I’m trying to get it okayed, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

“Thank you for this,” Blythe told him. “It means a lot to me.”

“Yea, well, we both got something out of it,” Derek shrugged.

“I love you, sweetheart,” Frank interrupted, not sure how much longer he had with his daughter or if he’d ever see her again.

“I love you, too. Thank you so much for understanding. Tell everyone that I love them and miss them,” Blythe told him, hugging him close. She held on to him for a long time, needing to remember how it felt to be held by her Father. She pulled back, a tear escaping down her cheek. He brushed it off with his thumb and cupped her face.

“You’re beautiful.”

He tilted her head and kissed her forehead. Then he released her and started after Derek. He turned twice to look back at her as they escorted him out of the cafeteria. Blythe closed her eyes, not able to watch him walk away again. She missed her family all the time and seeing her father reminded her of everything she was missing and longed for.

Arms engulfed her and she was enveloped in heat. She moved her head until it rested on Killian’s chest. He hugged her closer and rested his head on her chin. “Are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m going to miss him,” she sighed. She felt the tears prick her eyes. She was trying to be strong, but she loved her father so much. Would she ever get to see him again? She let the tears fall as Killian held her. They stayed like that until Blythe’s eyes dried up and she sniffed. She looked up at Killian, wiping at her nose. “I love you.”’

“I know. Was it worth it, though? Did you have fun?”

“I did. Thank you so much for this. You have no idea what this means to me.”

“I told you it would be worth it,” Killian smiled. She leaned back to look at him.

“I will kill Derek if he makes you do something against your morals or that puts you in danger,” Blythe growled.

Killian laughed. “He should be shaking in his boots,” Killian teased.

“Hey now,” Blythe snapped her teeth at him. He laughed and turned toward the door.

“Let’s go back to our room.”

“Okay,” Blythe agreed. She let Killian lead her away. When they arrived, they found two suitcases sitting outside their door. They each grabbed one and entered their room. Blythe set hers on the floor next to the bathroom door and Killian did the same. “I’ll go through them later.”

“Sounds good.”

“I can think of some better things I want to do right now,” Blythe smiled at him.

“Oh yeah? Like what?”

“Like loving my mate.”

“I’m glad you didn’t want to leave,” Killian said suddenly. Blythe’s face turned into one of confusion.

“Huh?”
“When your dad offered to pay off the guards and take you home. I’m glad you stayed with me. I don’t know what I would have done without you. I don’t think I could have let you walk out that door.”

“You’re my world now. I love you,” Blythe admitted. “I couldn't leave you. Not even for my family. You’re my family now.”

“Your father seemed understanding. He was a little intimidated and scared at first, but he handled your tiger well. I feared that he would be scared and it would sadden you.”

“I was a little worried too, but he did great.”

“Now enough talk. Let’s make love.” Killian moved toward her like a predator stalking his prey. He grabbed her by the hips, spun her and threw her on the bed. She landed with a laugh and quickly flipped onto her hands and knees. She growled at him, flashing her fangs. He growled back and crawled toward her.

“Come and get me, big boy,” Blythe taunted. Just as Killian pounced, she launched herself over him and landed on her feet at the end of the bed. She licked her lips and ran her hands down until she cupped her sex.

Killian snarled and leaped toward her again. He tackled her, spinning them in midair so he landed on the bottom as they hit the floor. He held her in his arms as he got to his feet. He walked her over to the bed and threw her on it, quickly pinning her beneath him.

“That was naughty,” he whispered, nipping her ear and then sucking on her earlobe. He licked her neck and scraped his teeth down to her shirt collar. He took a claw and shredded the front of the shirt before ripping it apart and throwing the ruined material away. He sucked a nipple into his mouth and Blythe moaned, grabbing his hair.

“Yes,” she groaned as he slid a hand beneath her shorts and down to cup her pussy.

“This is mine,” he growled, pulling away from her breast to look at her.

“I’m all yours.”

“Yes, you are. Say it again,” he demanded.

“I’m all yours, Killian,” Blythe told him.

“Forever and always.”

“Forever and always,” she repeated. And Blythe knew that she meant it. She was going to spend the rest of her days with this man and she couldn’t be happier.