Chapter 28
“Max? May I come in?” Avery knocked lightly on the bedroom door before opening it.
Violet was asleep in the bed and Max was packing hers and Violet’s clothes into her leather bag.
“How is Violet?” Avery asked quietly as she approached the bed.
It was cold in the room. Marshall, Doran, Andric and Jackar were placing plastic or boards over each of the broken windows, she could hear the soft pounding of their hammers from the other side of the house, but even with the plastic covering the window, the cold wind was seeping into the room.
“She is – is good.” Max shook her head in disbelief and continued to shove clothes into the bag. “She had a bite to eat and then we cuddled and she fell asleep.”
She gave Avery a brief look. “How is everyone else? Are they – is anyone seriously hurt?”
“Mostly just bumps and bruises. Vivian’s arm was broken by a board and the glass in Dani’s leg was fairly large but – “
Max made a low moan of dismay and Avery shook her head quickly.
“They are all fine now. Leta went around to everyone and,” she hesitated, “helped them.”
Tears were starting to slip down Max’s face and she brushed them away angrily as Avery gave her a look of concern.
“How are you?”
Max laughed bitterly. “I’m just great. I mean, my child died today and was brought back to life, I tried to destroy your house, hurt your loved ones, and nearly murdered the man I love but I – “
She suddenly gave a hoarse, barking sob and buried her face in her hands. Her body shook wildly and she sagged against Avery when the Red gathered her into her embrace.
She stroked her hair and crooned soft words of comfort as Max sobbed quietly. “It’s alright, my love. It’s alright.”
After a few moments, Max straightened and wiped the tears from her face. “I’m so sorry.” She whispered hoarsely.
“It’s fine. You needed to get it out.” Avery took her hands and squeezed them. “Why are you packing your things, my love?”
“Why?” Max gave her a look of astonishment. “I – I nearly killed your child and I almost destroyed your home. I am a danger to you and your family and you cannot possibly wish that I stay.”
“We all understand why it happened and no one blames you.” Avery replied.
Max laughed bitterly again. “You cannot mean that, my lady.”
“I do.” Avery said firmly. “If you leave, it will destroy Nicky.”
“How do you know that? Have you spoken with him? I came within seconds of killing him. Why would he ever want me to stay?”
“I have not spoken with him.” Avery admitted. “He has been helping his father and Kaden round up the horses from the forest and move them into the other barn. But I do not need to speak with him to know that he does not want you to leave.”
She gave Max a small smile. “I know my Nicky and if you leave – he will go after you. He has chosen you as his mate. You know that, do you not?”
Max, her bottom lip trembling, shook her head. “With time he will forget about me and find another mate. Someone who – “
Avery laughed quietly. “I did not take you for a fool, Max.”
“Why are you being so kind?”
“Why would I not?” She reached out and shook Max lightly. “You are focusing on what almost happened instead of what actually happened.”
“What do you mean?” Max could feel warmth coursing through her from the touch of Avery’s hands and she wanted to lean into the Red once more, close her eyes and forget everything that had happened.
Avery squeezed her arms firmly. “During the worst moment of your life, you controlled your powers.”
Max blinked at her, opened her mouth and then closed it again with a snap. Avery smiled and kissed her on the forehead. “You controlled them, Max. I know it was close and I know right now you feel terrible, but I believe you need to give it a few days before you make any rash decisions about leaving.”
“I told you, my lady. I do not believe that Nicky will want – “
Avery frowned and gave her another light shake. “At least wait and speak with him, Max. I think you will be surprised by what Nicholas wants. Will you speak with him first?”
“Aye, I can do that.” Max gave her a weak smile and Avery hugged her briefly.
“Good. Now, I’m going to bring you some food and you’re going to eat every bit of it and then crawl into bed with Violet. You need to rest, my love.”
* * *
“Is that the last of them?” James asked as Kaden and Nicholas led the two cold and shivering horses into the larger barn.
“Aye. We got lucky and found nearly all of them in the same area.” Kaden led Rosie into the last empty stall and threw a blanket over her shivering body before rubbing her nose gently.
“Do you know where your sister is?” He asked as he latched the stall firmly.
“I’m right here.” Sophia emerged from the back of the barn. She hooked her arm around Kaden’s waist as he leaned down and kissed her lightly on the mouth.
“How do you feel?”
“Fine.” She smiled at him. “Nothing a hug from Leta couldn’t fix.”
She suddenly sighed harshly. “You lost all of your belongings in the fire, Kaden. I’m sorry.”
He shook his head. “They’re only things, little Lycan. What matters is that no one is hurt and – “
He yelped in pain when Piper came flying out of nowhere and attacked his leg.
“The gods be damned!” He grabbed Piper by the scruff of the neck and pulled him off his leg.
“You could try being a bit more grateful, you rotten cat.” He muttered as Piper hissed loudly at him.
He dropped him gently to the ground and Piper hissed again before disappearing into an empty stall. They could hear him growling softly and Hudson’s answering growl, and Kaden rolled his eyes. “I don’t regret climbing into the hayloft and risking my life to save his, at all.”
Sophia gave him a sweet smile. “He’s just upset. He’ll calm down in a few days and be back to the loving Piper we all know.”
James snorted loudly as Sophia kissed Kaden on the cheek. “Thank you for saving my rotten cat, human.”
“Aye, you’re welcome.” He tugged lightly on her braid before winking at her. She grinned and turned toward Nicholas. He was standing apart from them, staring silently at the horses, and Sophia went to him quickly.
“Baby brother? Are you alright?”
“Aye, I’m fine. Why?” He said dismissively.
Sophia frowned and cupped his face. “You almost died today, Nicky. Max nearly killed you.”
He shook his head. “No, she didn’t.”
She sighed harshly before glancing at James. “She did and we all know it. Nicky, I know you care for her but she is dangerous.”
Nicholas glared at her and she cupped his face again. “She does not mean to be, I know that. But the power she wields – it is a danger to us all. What if she hadn’t stopped today? She would have killed you, that is certain, and possibly the rest of us as well.”
“Her daughter was dead! Do you blame her for reacting the way she did?” Nicky asked angrily.
“No. I do not.” Sophia said softly. “But I love you, Nicky, and I have no desire to see you or the rest of my loved ones be in danger. I – I do not think she should stay with us any longer.”
Nicholas inhaled sharply and pulled away from her. “She is my mate, Sophia. If she leaves, so will I.”
“Nicky – “
“No! I will not discuss this any longer.” Nicholas pulled away from her and stalked out of the barn.
Sophia gave James a helpless look. “I am not trying to upset him, James. I just – I’m worried about him.”
“Aye, I know.” James said. “But if you continue to push him about this, he will leave with her. You know he will.”
Sophia rubbed at her forehead. “What are we supposed to do then?”
“I don’t know.” James replied.
* * *
“Are you certain that no one saw you?”
“Aye, I told you that.” Ryker replied impatiently. “The only ones in the barn were Nina and Violet and neither of them saw me start the blaze.”
“Good.” Emmett stared into the fire. “It turned out better than I thought it would. The demonstration of both Max’s and Leta’s powers was beyond my wildest imagination.”
He stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Do you remember Teagen?”
“Aye, the blacksmith.”
“Tomorrow morning you leave for the city. You will go straight to Teagen and give him a description of the silver collars the leeches used to hold us prisoner. We will need at least a dozen of them. While he is making the collars, you are to go to the south side of the city and speak with Jonathan. He will arrange for as many Lycans as we need.”
Ryker frowned at Emmett. “One – why would Teagen ever make collars that would trap his own kind and two – there will be a hefty price for the amount of Lycans we require. Jonathan does not provide his services cheaply.”
“I realize that. Do you think me a fool?” Emmett snapped at him. “The cost does not matter. I will do and pay whatever it takes to get my hands on that girl.”
“There is still the matter of Teagen – “
“The gods be damned, Ryker! Must you question everything? You will tell Teagen that the collars will be considered payment of his debt. That will erase any lingering misgivings he may have about making them.”
“Fine!” Ryker retorted. “I will return to the city and do what you ask. I grow tired of the country and this ridiculous family, anyway. But before I go, would you mind telling me how you think you’re going to stop Max? She’ll rip us apart if we give her the chance.”
Emmett smiled bitterly at him. “I have one more errand for you, Ryker. You are to go to Darven’s and purchase some pine nettle syrup.”
Ryker gave him an assessing look. “And will it be you who gets close enough to use it on her?”
Emmett sighed impatiently. “We will figure out a way.”
“Aye,” Ryker scoffed, “of course we will. And do you believe it will stop her from using her powers to destroy us?”
“She cannot destroy us if she cannot see us.” Emmett replied softly.
Before Ryker could reply there was a knock on the door.
“Come in.” Emmett called.
He smiled when Nicholas and Tristan entered the room. “Nicholas! How are you feeling, son?”
“Fine.” Nicky replied shortly.
“Good, I am glad to hear it. And the others? I was just on my way downstairs to check on your sister.”
“Everyone is shaken up but we were very lucky.” Nicholas glanced at Tristan. “There is a matter that we must speak with you about.”
Emmett stared shrewdly at them. “You are here to ask me to keep the young Lycan’s powers a secret.”
“Aye, we are.” Tristan said steadily. “It is a matter of great importance that no one outside of this family knows what she is capable of. She is my child and I will do whatever it takes to protect her. Do the both of you understand what I am saying?”
Emmett held his hands up. “My Lord Williams, of course we do. You forget, I am the father of a young girl and I understand perfectly your desire to protect her.”
He gave them a wide smile. “Nicholas is my son and I would never do anything that would jeopardize or put his adopted family in harm’s way. What Leta can do will never be revealed by either myself or Ryker.”
“Do I have your word on that?” Tristan asked.
“Of course.” Emmett held his hand out and Tristan shook it firmly.
“Now,” Emmett clasped his hands behind his back and smiled at Nicky, “I don’t suppose you are interested in traveling back to the city with me in the next day or so?”
“Nicholas shook his head. “I will be staying to help dad and the others rebuild the barn.”
“That’s what I thought.” Emmett cleared his throat. “I have been away from my business for too long but I would very much like to stay with you for a little longer, if that is agreeable to you. I would, of course, gladly help with the clean-up and the rebuilding of the barn.”
“That is very kind of you, Lord McKenzie, but if your business requires your attention we have more than enough hands to help us rebuild.” Tristan replied.
“Nonsense!” Emmett said jovially. “You can always use more people for this kind of thing. I’ve already decided to send Ryker to the city on my behalf. He is more than familiar with the business, and he will let my associates know that I have escaped the leeches clutches and will be returning soon.”
“Very well.” Tristan gave Emmett a strained smile as he and Nicholas left the room. They closed the door firmly behind them and Nicholas sighed loudly.
“Do you believe them, dad?” He asked in a low voice.
Tristan stared solemnly at him. “Nicky, I know that Emmett is your birth father but if he reveals Leta’s powers or tries to use them for his own gain, I will not hesitate to protect her – in any way I need to.”
Nicholas nodded. “Aye, I know.”
Tristan squeezed his arm. “I’m sorry, Nicky. I hope to the gods it does not come to that.”
* * *
She caught her breath and her heart quickened when the door to the bedroom opened. It was late evening. She had not seen Nicky since she had nearly killed him this morning, hiding in his room like an embarrassed child, and she had no idea what he would say or do. Frankly, despite her earlier talk with Avery, she was shocked he was even in here.
Perhaps he is here to tell you to leave his home and never come back.
She bit back her sob and stared down at Violet’s sweet face. The little girl was in Nicky’s bed with her. She had told herself she was doing it because it was still cold in the room despite the flames radiating warmth from the fireplace, but in truth she hadn’t had the heart to move her into her own bed. She had almost lost Violet forever and she needed desperately to feel her child’s warmth and touch her soft skin as reassurance that she was okay.
If Nicholas asked her to leave, she would do so. It didn’t matter that she loved him. She had nearly killed him and he would have to be insane to want her after today. She would not beg or plead for a second chance. She would accept his decision and move on. Violet was all that mattered, she reminded herself, not her own heart’s desire.
She jerked in surprise when Nicholas slid into the bed behind her. He put his arm around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder as he stared at Violet. “How is she?”
“Fine.” She whispered. “She’s acting perfectly normal.”
“That’s good.” He kissed her shoulder through her shirt. “How are you?”
“Nicky, I – “
She twisted around to face him. He stroked her face from her jaw to her temple, his warm fingers sending shivers down her spine.
“Why are you here?” She whispered.
A small smile crossed his face. “This is my bed.”
“No, that isn’t what I meant. I mean – “
“I know what you mean, sweetheart.” He interrupted. He studied her face in the dim light of the candle before pressing his mouth against hers in a gentle kiss.
“I’m here because I love you.” He murmured against her mouth.
She choked back her soft sob as tears ran down her face. “I almost killed you today.”
“You didn’t.”
“But I – “
“You didn’t.” He said firmly. He kissed her again and stroked her back. “I love you, Max. I love you and I love Violet, and I want to be your mate and Violet’s father. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I will do whatever it takes to make you and Violet happy.”
“You – you aren’t looking for a relationship.” She said stupidly. “You just want a – a quickie.”
He laughed so loudly that Violet made a soft snort of displeasure and rolled away from them. She curled into a ball and muttered, ‘bad puppy’ before lapsing into loud snoring.
“You made me see the light, sweetheart.” He winked at her. “And now you’re stuck with me forever.”
She suddenly threw her arms around him and hugged him fiercely. “I’m sorry, Nicky. I’m so sorry. I was out of my mind and I lost control but I swear I never meant to hurt you. I won’t lose control like that again. I promise you. I know that doesn’t mean much but – “
“Stop.” He whispered soothingly. “It’s alright, my love.”
“I do not deserve you.”
He frowned at her. “That isn’t true. Do not say that again, Max.”
She kissed him and hugged him tightly again. He returned her hug before giving her a nervous look. “Do you – that is – do you have feelings for me?”
She gave him a blank look and he shook his head hastily. “It is alright if you do not uh, feel as strongly for me as I do for you. I know we haven’t known each other long and I – “
“Nicholas, I love you.” She said quickly. “Why would you think I do not?”
“You’ve never said it.” The look of relief on his face was oddly adorable. “I’m not trying to push you into anything, Max. If you need more time I’ll understand, but I’m not letting you go. I can’t – “
“I love you, I love you, I love you.” She whispered before cupping his face and pressing kisses across his face. “I love you.”
He was smiling happily at her and she grinned at him. “Technically I’ve said it more times than you now.”
He gave her a wicked grin and cupped her breast. “I prefer showing you how much I love you, sweetheart.”
She made a soft moan of approval when he pinched her nipple lightly, before glancing at Violet sleeping next to her. She bit at her lip. She wanted Nicholas but her desire to keep Violet close was overriding her desire for Nicky.
“Nicholas, I’m sorry, I – “
He shook his head. “Do not apologize. Violet comes first.”
She smiled gratefully at him and turned on to her side. Nicholas spooned her as she reached out and stroked Violet’s warm back before tucking the covers more firmly around her. “Did you know that Leta could – could bring back the dead?” She asked tentatively.
He sighed, his warm breath stirring her hair. “We suspected it. She saved dad’s life the day he was shot with that arrow, but we weren’t entirely sure if he had actually died and Leta brought him back or if she healed him before he died.”
Guilt flooded through her. She needed to tell Nicholas that it was Ryker who had tried to kill Tristan but she was afraid. Afraid of what would happen when he found out the truth. Nicholas would go after him and Ryker and Emmett were dangerous. Emmett might be pretending that he was a changed man but she doubted that he could keep up the pretense for much longer.
And if Nicky finds out that it was Ryker? What do you think he’ll say and do to you when he discovers you knew all along?
She shoved the voice out of her head. She was a coward, she knew that, but deep down she secretly hoped that Emmett would be unable to continue to deny his true nature and that Nicky would simply banish both him and Ryker from his home.
Emmett will never let you go. And now that he knows about Leta, he’s even more dangerous.
“I – I’m worried now that Emmett knows about Leta.” She said softly. “I know he’s trying to change but I’m not certain that he can ever truly become a good person.”
“He released you of your father’s debt.” He pointed out gently.
“Aye, he did.”
He kissed the back of her head. “Dad and I spoke to both Emmett and Ryker about keeping Leta’s secret. They promised not to reveal it.”
“Do you believe them?”
She felt him shrug behind her. “I don’t know. But they would be wise to stay true to their word. My father is very,” he paused, “protective of his loved ones. He will do what is necessary to keep them safe from men like Ryker and Lycans like Emmett.”
“You mean he would kill Ryker and Emmett.” She said flatly.
“Aye.” He didn’t hesitate. “He would.”
She twisted her head to study his face. “Even though Emmett is your birth father?”
“Aye.” His face had a look of careful neutrality and she cupped it gently.
“How do you feel about that?” It was a stupid question but she couldn’t think of any other way to put it.
He sighed. “I don’t know. Does it make me a fool to just hope that it does not come to that?”
She shook her head. “No. I don’t think so.”
He sighed again and she took a good look at him. There were dark circles under his eyes and tiny lines of weariness etched around his mouth. He needed rest and she was babbling away to him. She raised his hand to her mouth and kissed his knuckles gently. “I think we should try and get some sleep. Do you mind if Violet sleeps in the bed with us tonight?”
“No.” He blew the candle out before nuzzling her neck affectionately. “I love you.”
She smiled into the darkness. “I love you, Nicky.”