Chapter 4

Kyp

Megan sat in the back with Rachel, holding her hand, huddled up next to her in silent support. Rachel clung to her like a lifeline. I was both surprised and honored that Rachel had invited me. It hadn’t been the flippant invite of obligation, either. Her offer had been genuine and that sent warmth all the way through me. I shrugged my shoulders into my jacket I’d grabbed on the way out and Rachel’s smell of something floral, bright, and tangy wafted up. My nose was nearly as good as a full-blood werewolf’s, but not quite. I couldn’t distinguish between smells and sounds quite as well. It was frustrating that I couldn’t pinpoint Rachel’s smell any more than that, but it was uniquely her. I’d never smelled anything else like it. She smelled like kindness and laughter.

Tonight had provided a side of her I’d never seen—I wasn’t sure she’d ever seen that side of herself either. It was clear that her heart had never been broken like this. Her pain was raw and bleeding, her grief suffocating.

****

The hospital’s brightly lit letters glared off the mirror as we pulled into a parking spot. I was not new to hospitals. Mom had worked in hospitals and been on call for the Kentucky pack most of my teenage years. Still, it looked sterile and unwelcoming with the light from the blue letters announcing Rock Falls Emergency showering the ground in an unhealthy pallor.

I glanced back at Rachel as she climbed out of Sam’s car. We all met on the side closest to the entrance and gathered around Rachel, insulating her within the ring of our support.

“Okay, Joanie’s on the third floor,” Rachel needlessly reminded us. We went to the bank of elevators, and I quickly punched the number three when I saw Rachel’s hands were shaking. Her face was calm enough. The exhaustion was setting in and she had shadows blooming under her normally animated green eyes. They were dull and resigned now. Megan had her arm around Rachel’s shoulders and Rachel leaned into her friend.

I felt like a third wheel again. I was the outsider, the newcomer, and while I was Rachel’s friend, Megan and she had been friends since the dawn of time, and Sam had always been in the periphery of their social circle. I wanted to be included in Rachel’s inner group. I was happy to be with her—not happy that her sister was sick—but I wanted to show her she could count on me. But I didn’t know how to do that. Where girls were concerned, I was fairly inept. I could read people, and read them well, but I didn’t always know how to respond. It made me a little socially awkward. The awkward feeling was rising in my gut, and I wasn’t sure what to do. Wolf wriggled uncomfortably inside. I glanced at Sam as the elevator dinged. His face was still drawn in concern, and his body language was protective. He ushered the girls out and I fell in beside him.

The nursing desk was a hive of activity; Rachel looked bewildered at all the commotion.

“I’ll go find out where Joanie is,” I said quietly. I knew how to navigate hospitals and had spoken with many hospital staff over the past few years. This was something I could do. Rachel nodded gratefully. Sam gave me a nod of thanks as I made my way to the desk situated in the middle of five or six hallways like spokes coming off a wheel.

“Excuse me,” I said politely to a harried woman in wrinkled scrubs. She must have had a rough shift. She spared me the briefest of glances.

“I’m sorry, Honey, but visiting hours are long past.”

“I know, and I’m sorry to bother you. I know you’re busy, but my friend’s sister was brought here tonight. She’s trying to find her parents and check on her sister.” I nodded my head toward Rachel still standing by the elevators.

“Poor girl.” The nurse’s face softened. “What’s the name?”

“Joanie Crumb.”

The nurse’s face contorted, wrinkles forming in her dark skin. She knew the name. “Right down hallway number five. She’s still in the ICU, but you’ll find the waiting room at the end of the hall to the left.”

“Thank you so much…Tabitha.” I read her nametag. Her eyes brightened under her tired features.

“You’re welcome.”

“She’s still in the ICU, and your parents are probably in the waiting room beside it.” I told them as I rejoined them then started leading them toward hallway five.

“Rach?” Megan glanced back when Rachel didn’t move.

“I’m okay. Just dreading going in there. Ignorance is bliss, you know?” Rachel rambled.

“Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is better. You can help your parents better if you know what’s going on,” Sam offered. Rachel’s spine straightened.

“That’s true. Okay. Let’s do this.” She marched forward.

We walked down the hallway and Rachel hesitated again before entering the waiting room. With a swallow and quick intake of breath, she rounded the corner and saw her parents. “Mom, Dad!”

The haggard couple rose from their seats and Rachel ran to them, leaping into their outstretched arms, all three of them sobbing together. I gulped at the display of affection and grief. Glancing at Sam and Meg, I followed suit and we slid into seats on the other side of the room, giving the family space and as much privacy as the small waiting area allowed.

No one said anything for long minutes. Sam held Megan’s hand and mine fidgeted in my lap. I knew my way around hospitals, but I’d never been in this position. I didn’t know what the protocol was or quite how to behave. Wolf squirmed inside, my anxiety making him nervous as well.

Rachel and her parents finally broke apart, each of them wiping their eyes and running noses.

“Tell me everything.” Rachel hiccupped.

“Thank you for bringing her.” Rachel’s dad looked up and acknowledged us before turning back to his daughter.

“They’re still running some tests.” His voice cracked and he cleared his throat while Mrs. Crumb dabbed her swollen eyes with a tissue. “They aren’t sure what chemicals were mixed in with what she took. Whatever it was wasn’t pure.” A shudder rippled through his wide frame.

“Do they know the main drug at least?” Rachel’s voice was quiet, and Wolf whined at the anguish in her voice.

“Cocaine,” Mr. Crumb said and wiped his right eye again.

Beside me, Megan gasped and I glanced at her fallen expression. Sam rubbed his thumb over her hand and leaned over and kissed the side of her head.

“How did, why would she, how long?” Rachel stammered.

“We don’t know, Honey.” Mrs. Crumb spoke brokenly. “It’s possible this was her first time using cocaine. They didn’t find any initial needle marks, so there’s not a history of her using that way—at least not that they’ve told us. They’re still doing tests to check out her brain.” Her face dissolved into a wrinkled mass of grief.

The pain in the room was raw and it pricked at my insides. Wolf hung his head.

A noise in the hall had us all glancing at the door. I startled when I recognized the person that walked through the white door frame.

“Kyp?”

“Hi, Mom,” I answered and nudged my head in Rachel’s direction. Mom quickly put two and two together and with a quick nod to me, Sam, and Megan, went to Rachel’s parents.

“Jennifer!” Mrs. Crumb gushed. She glanced at me as if seeing me for the first time. “Oh, is, is that your son?”

Mom glanced back and smiled at me. “Yes. This is my son, Alexander, but everyone calls him Kyp.”

Wolf preened at the unmistakable pride in her voice.

“Oh! You’re Kyp! I’m so sorry. We’ve been so rude! Megan, Sam…” Mrs. Crumb’s words fell all over themselves as she gripped Mom’s hand and looked over and really saw the three of us sitting against the far wall.

“It’s fine.” Megan smiled kindly as she went over to them and joined the group. Sam and I followed so that we were all clustered around Rachel and her parents.

“I wanted to come check on you all again and see if there was anything else I could do for you,” Mom said.

“Oh, Jennifer, you are so sweet. We can’t thank you enough.” Mrs. Crumb’s chin trembled again, and she released Mom’s hand and covered her mouth. “So sorry,” Mrs. Crumb mumbled.

“No, no. You cry. It’s all right,” Mom soothed as Mr. Crumb put an arm around his wife and Mom patted her back. Rachel’s face was torn between pain and confusion as she watched her parents. I took a step nearer to her, wanting to comfort her, but unsure what to do.

“Jennifer was the EMT that got the call out to, to your sister,” Mr. Crumb began to explain. “Jennifer is the reason Joanie is still alive,” he finished, voice husky.

Rachel’s mouth dropped open as her eyes welled up again. Mom gave Rachel a soft smile as she patted Mrs. Crumb’s back.

“Do you guys want anything to eat? Can I get you anything right now?” Mom asked again. A quick check of the clock on the wall let me know Mom’s shift had recently ended, so she’d be ready to head home—or help the Crumbs now. “There’s a good little coffee shop across the street. Can I bring you something back?”

“Oh, I um,” Mrs. Crumb started.

“It’s all right. Mom, I’ll go. Do you guys just want coffee, or snacks, too?” Rachel volunteered.

“We left the cookies in the car,” Megan said. She glanced at Sam, “Let’s go grab those and bring them up. Do you want us to bring coffee on the way back up?” she asked Rachel’s parents.

“I actually wouldn’t mind a quick walk,” Rachel confessed. Her dad nodded at her, understanding Rachel’s need to be active.

“Here.” Mr. Crumb dug out his wallet and handed Rachel a credit card. Rachel took it and seemed to shrink in on herself, unsure what to do next.

“I’ll go with you,” I broke in quietly as Meg was about to offer. I wanted to be useful, to let Rachel know I was her friend. Meg peeked at Rachel who nodded.

“I’ll stay here with you two,” Mom said and took the seat that Rachel had just vacated.

Meg, Sam, Rachel, and I walked to the bank of elevators together in silence.

“Rachel?” Megan whispered once the metal doors swooshed shut.

“I’m all cried out,” she said hollowly. The doors opened and we exited into the main lobby, the long sterile hallway to the left led to the parking garage and Sam’s car. I knew the coffee shop Mom mentioned and it was out the main exit and to the right, down the street a little way.

“Want me to come with you?” Megan asked.

Rachel shook her head and sniffed. “No. Go get the cookies. We’ll get coffee and meet you back in the waiting room.”

“If you’re sure?” Megan’s eyebrows drew together. Rachel gave her a firm nod.

“Unless there’s more bad news, I think I’m over the worst of things tonight.”

Sam caught my eye and nodded solemnly. I knew he was reminding me about the threat of Victor Atwood—a werewolf who had recently come to the area and had kidnapped Sam and Dominic Wolfe barely a week ago. We still weren’t sure what he wanted, or even where he was. But we knew that we needed to be on high alert, especially after dark. Victor had enhanced control abilities. He could force his entire pack to do things against their own will—all at the same time. It was terrifying. I nodded back. I had not forgotten.

We shuffled toward the front door. I left my hand where Rachel could take it if she wanted to. Still unsure how to give her what she needed, I tried to watch her and read any cues she gave off.

“The coffee shop is down the block there.” I pointed outside the glass double doors as we approached.

“I need a giant latte. With extra milk froth. And probably a double pump of pumpkin spice flavoring.”

“You going to stay here tonight?” I asked, thinking about all that caffeine.

“Probably. Although I’m not sure if my parents would prefer me to stay, or for me to go home so they can pretend at least one of their children is getting a good night of rest.” She sighed. “I imagine Clary will be flying in sometime tomorrow, so she probably isn’t sleeping either.”

“Clary is your other sister?”

Rachel nodded and then shivered as we exited the double doors, our breath frosting ahead of us as the cold night air hit. “Clarice. She lives across the country in Washington now. She’s working her way up the advertising agency ladder. She’s doing a great job of it, too.” A small smile toyed with her lips.

I scanned the surrounding area and let Wolf stretch out with all my senses to check for any threats.

“Do you have a favorite coffee drink?” Rachel surprised me by asking. She’d seen me drink coffee a few times in the weeks we’d known each other.

“Just black. But I haven’t tried too many other types. It’s kind of unmanly to walk up to a counter and order a tall, non-fat, skinny, mocha, gelato, whatever with fluff on top.”

Rachel giggled and the sound brought a smile to my lips. Wolf’s hair suddenly stood on end as the breeze blew a scent in my direction. It was werewolf, but with my part-human nose, I wasn’t sure if it was one from Sam’s pack or not. I hadn’t met his whole pack yet and had only scented the ones I’d fought with to save Sam and Dominic from Victor.

“Rachel, we need to move a little quicker,” I said quietly. My hand found the small of her back, ushering her down the sidewalk, her too-big flip-flops slapping noisily against the concrete.

“What is it?” Wariness tinged her tone.

“I smell wolf.”

Her heartbeat accelerated. Half a block to go to get into the coffee shop. The neon OPEN sign blinked brightly in the window and represented a haven of light and at least one other person.

The breeze blew again, and the scent came but softer, fainter. I strained my ears for any sounds out of place, for footfalls, but heard nothing beyond the hum of the hospital and the distant traffic. Rachel stepped closer to my side.

“Do you think it’s one of them?” Her whisper quavered.

“I hope not. It’s fainter now, so they must be walking away from us.”

Rachel pressed herself against me the remaining yards to the coffee shop, my arm never leaving her back.

We both issued quick sighs as we came into the puddle of light from the flashing neon sign. A few other patrons stood in line at the counter of the shop.

I held the door open for her and immediately the dark, rich, earthy fragrance of roasted coffee beans covered every other smell. Rachel ducked through the door, tugging my hand behind her, surprising me yet again. Her hand shook and I squeezed it lightly.

“I’ll be right with you,” a cheerful barista called from the espresso machine as it whirred to life. I did a quick scan of the room. Three people waited in line behind the cash register and two more sat at a table in the far corner. Rachel’s hand was still shaking in mine and when I saw a short, mostly secluded hallway leading toward the bathrooms, I led her there, rather than getting into line.

“Can’t…stop…shaking.” Her teeth chattered as she leaned against the wall.

“It’s all right. You’re safe now,” I whispered, leaning toward her, assuming her tremors were a result of the stress of the hospital and then the unknown wolf.

Her green eyes glanced up at me through her lashes and then she leaned her head against my shoulder. My eyes widened, not expecting that, but let my arms pull her into a hug. Her body twitched as her hands fisted the front of my jacket. I wrapped my arms tighter, Wolf and I both curiously warming at her trust and the way she felt snuggled up against me.

“I’m here,” I whispered to her, unsure what else to say, or if she needed me to say anything at all.

Her shaking eased and then a loud rumble gurgled up from her stomach. Rachel gasped.

“Guess I’m hungry after all.”

“Did you eat before…” I trailed off, realizing talk of the party might be taboo. Her cheeks stained pink.

“No, I didn’t. I was too upset.” She didn’t duck her head away in embarrassment this time, though her cheeks still blushed.

“Mom says they have a great turkey sandwich here.”

She smiled. “I think I’ll try one.”

I scanned the room again and as far out into the darkness as I could beyond the windows and reflections at the front of the shop. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, aside from more customers than I expected at nearly midnight.

“What can I get for you?” the barista chirped when it was our turn.

“Two large coffees, one black, one with three creams and two sugars. One large pumpkin spice latte with extra pumpkin spice and extra froth on top. One regular pumpkin spice latte.” She turned to me. “Can I get your mom anything?”

I was touched that she thought of my mom at all under the circumstances. I shook my head. “She’ll have a cup of tea when she gets home. But thanks.” Rachel nodded.

“One hazelnut latte—make that one a medium and decaf, and one more medium black coffee.” She stopped to peruse the menu as the barista rang up drinks. “What is the turkey sandwich your mom gets?” Rachel asked me.

“Uh, that I don’t know. Sorry.”

Rachel pursed her lips. “I’ll go with the turkey and artichoke panini. Kettle chips and an extra pickle, please. Actually, throw in four extra bags of chips. And go ahead and add the ham on rye with extra mayo, and the chicken with smoked gouda panini, please.”

I wondered if Rachel was planning on feeding a small army or if she was that hungry.

“Pickle fan?” I asked as the barista handed Rachel back her card and the receipt.

“Mmm. I love pickles. Megan hates them. I always eat hers.” The thought brought a smile to one side of her mouth.

Soon there was a growing collection of coffees on the counter. Rachel picked up a cup and handed it to me.

“Try this,” she said with a grin. I looked at her then the coffee cup, puzzled.

“What is it?”

“I got you a fancy coffee to try so you didn’t have to unman yourself trying to order one.”

I laughed—a genuine laugh that made the barista glance over her shoulder from where she was snapping the lid on another coffee.

Bringing the coffee cup to my nose, I sniffed. The rich coffee tones were offset with pumpkin and several dark spices that made me think of Christmas.

“You’re sure about this?” I teased her.

“Definitely.” She grinned back, her eyes appearing pleased, though still cry-swollen.

I took a tentative sip and felt the hot, sweet liquid melt all the way down my throat, leaving behind the taste of fall, bonfires, and chilly nights all wrapped up in a mouthful. I blinked at the cup then looked at Rachel.

“You can’t tell anyone, but this is delicious,” I whispered, half-serious. If anyone in the Kentucky pack had found out I liked a frilly coffee drink, it would have resulted in insults, name calling, and probably a skirmish or two. I didn’t think anyone from Sam’s pack would care, but I didn’t want to take any chances. Not with my impending acceptance into the pack. Rachel smiled back and then her face lit up all over when the barista put Rachel’s coffee on the counter. She cradled it and closed her eyes, hands seeping up the heat from the paper cup. She inhaled like some food critic gone rapturous and then sipped ever so gingerly.

“Heaven in a cup,” she said. “It’s a shame pumpkin spice is only around a few months a year.”

“Well, it does taste like fall.”

“It does.” She smiled back and watched me take another sip.

With a large two-handled bag and two drink carriers full of coffee, we were ready to go back to the hospital.

Rachel’s face shuttered as we reached the cafe door.

“Let me slip out first and scent,” I whispered. She nodded, her face drawing up.

I slid out the door, letting it fall shut behind me to block out the aroma of the coffee. My senses sharp and on high alert, I checked the surroundings and let Wolf up to the fore. I smelled nothing unusual. No wolf.

Reaching back, I kept my eyes on the darkness where the lights didn’t reach and opened the door for Rachel. I took the bag and one of the drink carriers from her once she was on the sidewalk.

Neither of us said anything until we’d quickly made our way back into the hospital. Rachel’s steps faltered as we exited the elevator onto the third floor, and she was practically dragging by the time we reached the waiting room door. I gently nudged her in camaraderie, and she gave me a weak smile.

“There you are.” Megan rose from her chair to take the drink carriers from us.

“Large black for Daddy, cream and sugar for you, Mom,” Rachel offered. “Meg, I got you a decaf latte. I know you don’t like caffeine this late. Sam, black coffee for you, too.”

“Thanks, Rach.” Meg’s eyes were kind and sympathetic as she bumped Rachel’s shoulder with hers since Rachel’s hands were full of drinks. Meg took over handing out the beverages while Rachel wilted into a chair.

“Nothing new.” Mr. Crumb rubbed a hand over his jaw. Rachel nodded and took a long pull from her coffee.

I stared at Sam and he was quick to pick up that something wasn’t right and gave me a nod, letting me know he’d be sure to speak with me.

Megan twitched. I figured Sam had spoken into her mind. I was a little envious of this ability. All Alphas and Betas could communicate mentally with their packs. True mates, like Sam and Meg, were rare but also often developed the ability. But I was left out of this perk of pack life. It was one of my greatest failings as a werewolf that I had never been able to fully link with my Alpha or Beta back in the Kentucky pack. It was always a sore spot and something that had driven my Alpha up the wall. Just another obstacle in being only half werewolf.

“Rachel, do you want to come back with me and stay the night?” Megan asked as she sank beside her friend.

“Oh, Honey, why don’t you?” Mrs. Crumb encouraged. “At least one of us will get some sleep. I’d feel better if you did.”

Rachel glanced slyly at me and I barely kept my grin under wraps. Mrs. Crumb had fulfilled Rachel’s earlier prediction nearly word for word.

“I don’t mind staying.” She held up her large coffee. “I’m properly caffeinated.”

“I know, Baby. But this way you’ll be fresh tomorrow when we need to nap. Clary is coming in and you’ll want to catch up with her, too.”

Rachel’s shoulders slumped slightly. “All right. Are you sure?”

“Go home and rest, Sweetheart,” her dad chimed.

****

In the end, Rachel decided to go back with Sam and Megan to their cabin. I rode home with Mom. I finished texting Sam about the wolf I’d smelled when Rachel and I went on our coffee run. Mom was driving and she covered a yawn with the back of her hand as she drove us to pick up my truck.

“Rough one tonight?” I asked as I put my phone up.

“You saw Rachel’s parents,” she said sadly. “I wasn’t sure we’d made it in time when we first saw Joanie.” She shook her head.

“You think she’ll make it?”

“I hope so. How was Rachel? Actually, how did you end up at the hospital?”

“It’s an interesting story,” I hedged. My mom and I talked. About pretty much everything. But somehow, sharing Rachel’s pain made me feel like I was outing her.

“And?” Mom nudged.

“Well, let’s say I intervened in a difficult situation that Rachel would probably find embarrassing if I told you. But she wasn’t in a good place when I got to her. I think she’s pretty messed up about her sister.”

Mom sighed sadly. “She has good reason to be.”

We were quiet for a few minutes. My phone pinged. Sam got the info.

“So, anything more cheerful happen to you today? Let’s find something less depressing to discuss,” Mom said.

I couldn’t help the way my mouth stretched wide, even though I felt guilty being so happy on the tails of Rachel’s pain.

“Sam mentioned my joining the pack tonight. Permanently. They want to set it up for the week after next.”

My mom squealed like a teenager.

“Alexander! I am so pleased to hear this. I think this is what we’ve always been searching for. This pack seems to be the real deal.”

“And they aren’t making any stipulations about my mixed blood. It’s like it doesn’t even matter to them.”

“And it shouldn’t. It doesn’t matter. You are important, valuable, and deserve to be treated with respect.” Mom had been giving me variations of this speech most of my life, but it still made me smile grimly, thinking about why she had to give me such a speech. The Kentucky pack had made my life difficult and wasted no opportunity to put me firmly in my place—the Omega. The very last wolf in the pack hierarchy.

“I know, Mom,” I whispered, sudden emotion rising. My mom and I had only ever had each other. Maybe now we’d both find a place we fit.

We pulled into the drive at the cabin, the porch light twinkling in the deep black of the late night.

“See you at home?” Mom asked as I opened the car door.

“Yep. I’ll follow you out. Let me leave a quick note.”

I yanked a piece of paper out of a notebook from my backpack, still in the tiny seat behind the driver’s side of my truck. I scribbled my message then folded it. I glanced at the paper in my hands. It felt inadequate for what I was trying to convey, but it was all I had for the moment.

I scurried up the steps and put the paper right inside the glass door, so they’d be sure to find it. The truck roared to life as I turned it over, testy from being out in the cold. Soon I was following Mom’s taillights down the road and back to the rental we currently called home.