~ Chapter 14 ~
One month. Cam shook his head as he thought of the last four weeks. Four weeks that held a gamut of emotions that had run through the Pack.
Highs, lows, and everything in between.
Stracey’s pregnancy that she’d tried to hide . . . and failed when her morning sickness had morphed into full day, round-the-clock puking where she couldn’t hide it. Never mind the fact that every Shifter could scent the new life forming inside her but tried to respect her privacy and didn’t mention it to her face, instead everyone grinned behind her back and slapped Jinx’s back every chance they got, until she lost her temper and shouted it to anyone that could hear . . . and that was just about everyone.
Chastity was overjoyed for her and after a visit to Feera, the Pack Healer, who’d given Stracey something for her sickness she was back to normal and feeling much better . . . thank goodness. Jinx was on cloud nine, walking around with a permanent grin on his face and Cam had never seen him happier. He’d told him over and over he better make the most of it now because when the babe was born he was in for sleepless nights and cleaning up the dreaded dirty diapers.
“No problem,” Jinx had laughed back.
Cam merely shook his head, remembering how he’d felt when Chastity had been pregnant the first time . . . it seemed such a long time ago.
Then there was the Clayr and Ryder fiasco. If they didn’t sort things out soon he was going to be forced to intervene.
After that first day when it was obvious that they were mates and Chastity had been right, Clayr had refused to even be in the same space as Ryder. She wouldn’t speak to him, wouldn’t meet with him, and when he tried to go anywhere near her she turned tail and ran.
Mason had tried talking to her but his words fell on deaf ears. In fact, she’d told him to “Back the hell off and stay out of my business.”
Ryder was now working with Mason, fitting in nicely and doing a good job . . . if it weren’t for the fact his head was messed up. Cam couldn’t blame the Panther. His beast must be going crazy with its mate so near and yet so far out of reach.
Sighing he looked out over the camp, leaning on the doorjamb. His resolve all but gone, as was his patience with Clayr.
“Hey, are you all right?” Chastity’s arms snuck around his waist. “I could feel your unease when I was in the shower.”
Cam covered her hands with his, tangling their fingers together. “I’m annoyed and frustrated.”
She peeked over his shoulder, cocking an eyebrow. “I don’t need to ask about what. I can guess . . . Clayr?”
“Aye, that lassie needs a good talking to and I’m beyond my limit with her. What the hell is her problem, Chas?”
“I’m not sure . . . maybe she’s just working out some stuff in her head.”
“You were right about them being mates and yet she won’t even talk to him.” Cam shook his head again. “He’s in pain . . . I can feel it, and hers, both of them are suffering and I won’t allow it to continue much longer.”
“There’s only one thing for it then,” Chastity stated firmly.
“Pray tell.” Cam turned, canting his head to gaze into his mate’s eyes. “Because I’m about to knock their heads together.”
“Get them to an out of the way cabin and lock them inside . . . force them to be with each other for more than a few minutes and let nature take its course.” Chastity pursed her lips. “With a warning from you that they’re not allowed to leave until they sort things out. I just realized that they could break out easily enough if they wanted. So, you should order them to stay, otherwise it might not work. We have a hamper with food and wine and give them a time limit or something . . . what do you think?”
Cam thought on it for a moment, wondering if it would work. “I guess it’s better than me banging their heads together. We could try it and if it doesn’t work I swear I’ll explode at her . . . she’s putting him through hell for no good reason.”
Chastity tutted, prodding his chest. “Now you don’t know that. We’ve no idea what’s going on in her head and we can’t judge her. Yes, he’s suffering but I’m sure she is too, so we try and sort it and hope for the best. If they spend time together, hopefully, her Wolf will help her see sense.”
“Fine. tomorrow is Friday, we’ll do it then, after school. I’ll liaise with Mason to get Ryder to where we need him . . . you sort Clayr out. You’ll be better dealing with her because, as I said, my patience has worn thin where she’s concerned.”
“Okay, and I know just the place to use too.” Chastity smiled. “We’ll sort this.”
“I hope so because it’s impacting on everyone and I won’t allow it to continue.”
“I’m aware of that,” Chastity admitted. “I’ve had comments about the situation and I knew you’d take action soon. I think this is the best course of action, darling.”
“We’ll see.” Cam kissed the top of her head before pulling away. “I’ve got rounds to do and then I’ll check in with Mason. I’ll see you when I get back.”
“Okay, I’ve got some Pack business to take care of too . . . we’ll catch up later.”
As he walked away he truly hoped Chastity’s plan worked, the unrest running through the Pack unsettled him . . . man and beast. He wasn’t prepared to allow Clayr any more leeway and if needs be he’d have to use more drastic measures and that wasn’t a road he wished to travel.