Chapter 36
Cal's extra warm body was wrapped around my own as I tried to sleep the night after Finn's burial and candlelight service. No amount of counting sheep, emptying my thoughts of having Cal tell me to rest helped keep my eyes closed.
The pack was in mourning all day and the atmosphere was thick with worry and concern and we tried to come to terms with what's coming.
Grandma Anne has been hard at work growing silver berries and with her powers, we would have more than we will need for the war.
My mom has been ensuring everyone is healed and is in perfect condition for fighting.
Callum's firepower is stronger and better than ever.
The pack is still adjusting to working with the hunters.
And time was running short on us.
Screwing my eyes shut, I willed myself to sleep but no luck as the clock struck two in the morning.
With a sigh, I gave up and wiggled my way out of Cal's arms so he wouldn't wake up.
We have yet to hear from some of the packs if they would help us but Aunt Tate, my father's sister, was coming tomorrow with her mate to fight with some of their pack.
Luckily, my dad and the others he took with him got the large food supply we had ordered so we could feed everyone. At least I could cross those off my list of suspects.
A list that was still empty.
Flipping on the light in my office, I powered up my computer and started looking through emails.
Not five minutes after, I heard shuffling from down the hall and smelt Cal approaching.
"Hey," He greeted groggily as he wiped the sleep out of his eyes and leaned against the doorframe without a shirt on. "Why are you still up?"
"Can't sleep," I pouted and his eyes held concern.
"How come?" He asked as he shuffled towards me and knelt down.
I entwined my fingers with his and shrugged, "Can't turn my brain off. It's just running with thoughts and I can't make it stop."
"You wanna talk about it?" He tried with a hopeful expression.
"Not really..." I trailed off. "You should go back to bed though."
"Come back to bed with me?"
"I really can't sleep, I've been trying to for the past few hours."
He studied me before mumbling, "Okay."
I whispered something about keys and turned towards the door.
"If you're sleepwalking, I'm not stopping you from falling down the stairs," I called after him.
"Haha, very funny, babe," Came his response.
I waited to see what he was up to and five minutes passed until he came back in with a shirt and hoodie on with his converse on his feet. In his hands, he held another hoddie and my matching converse to his.
"Where we going?" I questioned as he placed my sneakers at my feet and handed over my hoodie.
"Out," He replied simply as I pulled on my shoes and hoodie before he took my hand and pulled me out the door. "Let's go."
"Cal it's after two in the morning, where could we possibly be going?" I groaned even though I was curious and wanted the distraction.
"You'll see," He replied as he grabbed keys off the counter and ice-cream.
Ice-cream?
Whatever he was up to, I didn't question it. Seemed like the time to just go with the flow for once.
Quietly... well as quiet as one can be on a house full of werewolves, we snuck downstairs and headed for the garage.
When Cal walked to my car, I had to bite my tongue to keep quiet and not tell him that he can't drive. But I guess this was a surprise and I didn't want to think any more than I already was, so I allowed it.
When he walked over to the correct side of the car this time, he shot me a wink before we sat down and peeled out of the driveway.
Taking the top down, I felt the chill of the night air against my face and it was refreshing.
My eyes focused on Cal's relaxed expression and I admired the beauty of this man before me. The one who got out of his warm bed in the middle of the night because I couldn't sleep and is now driving up to who knows where with ice-cream in the back.
As the car drove closer to the southern mountain that stood at the end of our pack territory, I gave him a curious look but said nothing.
When he turned unto the familiar dirt road that led up the mountain, I finally opened my mouth.
"How do know about this place?"
With a smirk, he shifted gears before answering, "Mind link is pretty handy. I also may or may not have woken Max up and demanded he tells me what's the most scenic route here."
"Knew I fell in love with you for a reason," I gave him a wink and felt his heart skip a beat through our mind link.
"So it wasn't my amazing good looks and boyish charm? I'm hurt."
"Those were bonuses," I grinned.
Cal pulled into the small area that allowed us to park and look off the cliff. It was a secluded spot that could only be accessed from our pack, so I knew we were safe unless there was an attack.
Which I was desperately hoping didn't happen.
He ushered me out of the car and I took in the spectacular view that never gets old. The crescent-shaped moon shined in all its glory above us. Thousands of stars glittered across the sky. Tiny dots of the street lights we had the pack illuminated from down below.
"It's beautiful up here," Cal stole the words from my thoughts.
"Penelope and Charlotte and I used to sneak up here all the time, I forgot the last I've come up," I climbed onto the hood of the car as Cal grabbed the ice-cream and a spoon. "Don't scratch my car," I playfully glared at him as he climbed up and passed over my cookie-dough ice-cream.
"Enjoy," he said and pressed a kiss to the side of my head before leaning back.
Opening it up, I stared down at the container but didn't scoop any out. My tummy suddenly turned as I didn't feel like having any.
Something must definitely be wrong if my second favorite thing on this planet isn't appealing to me.
Covering it back up, I placed it to the side and felt Cal's eyes staring a hole into me from behind, but he didn't say a word.
Hugging my knees to my chest, I looked out at the view as the silence stretched on.
I didn't want to admit it before, but something's been plaguing my mind. It wasn't just Finn's death, it was something else. Something more and something I didn't want to speak out before the words became too real.
Because if that happened, I don't think I'd survive it. Most importantly, I don't think I'd want to survive it.
"Why aren't you speaking?" I asked into the silence when Cal remained quiet.
He sat up next to me but I didn't turn to look at him as my eyes were glued to the clouds passing over the moon.
"You said you didn't want to talk about it. I respect that but I couldn't sit at home while you sat in your office and not sleep," He explained.
I nodded in understanding as he went quiet once again.
Sometimes boys just didn't get that us girls really mean we want to talk when we say we don't. But he was right, I did say that and he's too sweet to make me talk.
My sweet idiot.
"Yesterday, when I visited Finn's mom, I... I think I had a panic attack," I started and I heard him suck in a harsh breath.
"Ev-"
"I don't know if that was what it was. I've never had one before." I paused as I mulled over my thoughts. "It felt like everything that was stacking up over the years finally knocked me down. Dealing with the rogues, not being able to know my mom's family, Alpha duties and most importantly... watching people around me die.
"I love being Alpha, I do. But it's so much sometimes. I love leading the pack but when everyone is in danger and I can't protect them and do my job, I just..." I trailed off and screwed my eyes tight. "I... I'm scared."
Scared. One word but so very powerful. I don't think I've ever felt this level of fright in my life. The last time was when Callum and June were taken, but somehow back then I knew he was going to be alright. I hadn't experienced loss then nor had I been in love with him.
Now? Well, now both have happened. I knew what losing someone close to me felt like and it sucked. Now I know what it feels like to be in love so unconditionally that I don't know how I'd live without it for twenty years.
His warm hands gripped my cold ones and I turned to him. His eyes searched mine and I saw the vulnerability in his, "If this is about Finn... I can't say it ever gets easier with time. It doesn't. But what I do know is that you'll be alright. It's called being human, Ev." He gave me a weary smile.
I shook my head at his words, "It's not about Finn, not really."
His left hand remained gripped in both my hands as his right hand cupped my cheek, "Then what's scaring you, Princess? If it's about being Alpha, then you don't need to worry about protecting everyone on your own because I'm right here. By your side remember. I'll try my hardest to protect everyone as best as you do."
My insides warmed at his words, "Thank you."
He nodded as if what he said was no big deal. It was a big deal though, to me anyway.
"I'm worried Ev. You aren't sleeping, you're unusually quiet, even when I'm being extra annoying and you haven't eaten ice-cream in days. Tell me, Princess, please. Tell me what do to." His pleading tone crushed me.
"You scare me," I revealed and he was startled at my admission so I quickly continued. "Not you but the thought of losing you. When Finn died, it hurt, it still does. But if I lose you Cal... if that were to happen to you, well I don't think I'll ever be alright. I can't lose you, not now. The thought alone, it scares me to my bones. I'm not scared about the rogues or about myself, even though I should be. I'm scared of not having you at the end."
"Ev..." He whispered in a pained voice as his thumb rubbed circles on my cheek. "Nothing's going to happen to me."
"You don't know that. Don't promise me something that you can't keep," I asserted.
Sighing he nodded but there was a fierceness to his eyes and I knew he wasn't finished.
"Okay, I don't know that but I know for certain that I love you too damn much to leave you. Who else is going to call me an idiot?"
"Cal-" I started.
"No, listen to me, Everette Blackwood," He cut me off. "It's alright to be scared, that just means you care. You're so strong all the time and I love that about you but you're allowed to feel scared sometimes, you hear me? It's alright. But you can't think like this or else you'll drive yourself crazy. One day, I will have to leave, but that day will be when we're old and gray and you move so slow that you can't hit me on the head anymore. Until then, I'm staying right here, by your side. I always keep my promises and I promise you that I will try my hardest to stay alive, for you, only you."
"Promise?" I held onto a little hope by his words.
"Pinky promise." He removed his hand from my cheek and held out his pinky and hooked one of mine with his. "You better promise me the same thing, babe. It's a two-way street."
"I promise," I vowed before grabbing his head and pulling him in for a kiss.
His warm lips felt extremely inviting against my cold ones and I melted into his arms.
'I love you.' I heard through my mind link and smiled a genuine smile in the kiss.
'I love you too...idiot.' I felt him nip at my lip from my term of endearment.
Cal pulled away first and his eyes roamed my face, "How are you feeling now?"
"Better," I acknowledged. "Sometimes I forget that I need you more than I care to admit."
He grinned at that, "Is that so?"
"Okay buddy, don't get all cocky on me now." I slapped his shoulder.
"Do you feel like eating that now?" He motioned towards the ice-cream.
Picking up the container, it was like a ball of anxiety within me disappeared and the ice-cream addict in me woke up.
"Pass me the spoon," I answered and he smiled with relief plastered on his face.
After we both polished off the ice-cream, we headed back home as exhaustion finally caught up to me.
Cal held me in his arms all night and I slept like a bear in hibernation.
~~~
Feeling something tickle my nose, I instinctively swatted at it.
Until I heard an, "Ouch," when my hand connected with something.
Opening my eyes, Cal was laying next to me. He was holding up the end of my hair and I knew he was using that to tickle my nose.
"It's like you want to get hurt while I sleep," I commented and he smirked and dropped my hair.
"Morning sunshine," He kissed my forehead. "How are you feeling?"
I stifled a yawn as I sat up in bed with him, "Way better than yesterday. It's honestly the best sleep I've had all week."
"Well considering you woke the whole house up while snoring-" I elbowed him at his comment but he just smiled.
"Glad to see you're back to normal, Princess."
"Thank for last night. You don't know how much that meant to me," I said earnestly.
"I have a few ways you can thank me," he gave me a cheeky smile before climbing out of bed. I noticed he was freshly showered and dressed already. "However, that's going to have to wait because you have guests."
"Did any of the others agree to help? Are they here?" I asked as I flew up from the bed and rushed to the bathroom.
"I was told not to disclose the surprise," He leaned against the door frame as I quickly brushed my teeth and then changed.
Grabbing his hand, I flew downstairs and caught the scent of someone I haven't seen in a while.
"Aunt Tate!" I squealed and rushed into her arms.
"Ev!" She wrapped her arms around me tightly and I waved at Uncle Aiden who stood behind her. He and my mom were talking.
Uncle Aiden could be intimidating but not to me, he was always a gentle giant. Though, I think Aunt Tate's presence in his life made him that way because according to my everyone, mostly my dad, Uncle Aiden was a vicious leader before Tate entered his life.
They had their own troubles on their side of the country. But that's a story for another day.
"You're here to help?" I asked but I felt a knot in my stomach starting at the prospect of Aunt Tate having to fight.
Cal's hand slipped into mine as soon as I pulled away from Aunt Tate and just like that, the knot disappeared.
"Of course we are. This was my home and you all are family, literally. I couldn't not drag Aiden out here," She answered.
"I would be here even if she didn't drag me," Aiden rolled his eyes but his lips twitched with a smile as Tate flipped him off over her shoulder.
"Not the point," She said. "But look at you Ev, you've gotten so tall."
"I saw you a year ago," I raised a brow in question.
"That's a lot in dog years," She winked before turning to Cal. "And of course I've already met your mate, the infamous Cain."
"Aunt Tat-"
"Relax, I like him already. I for one don't care whose son he is. Once you're happy." She pointed at Cal, "Are you making her happy?"
"I'd like to think the gallons of ice-cream I'm giving her is making her happy," Cal winked my way.
"Is she still addicted?" Tate asked.
"Oh, you have no idea," Cal chuckled.
"Hey, don't team up against me," I pouted. "Callum made me eat ice-cream at three o'clock this morning, do not listen to him."
"Nope, pretty sure you ate it on your own free will," He smirked and I didn't miss the pleased expression on Aunt Tate's face.
I was about to retort but a mind link buzzed through my head.
'Alpha. Someone just turned up on the east border. Heading your way now and I think you're going to want to see this.'
'What do you mean someone? Who is it?!' I practically yelled through mind link.
The wolf didn't respond but he didn't sound worried either. Also, since when did my pack let uninvited wolves into our pack.
"Someone's here," I announced as I rushed to the door. "Mom, stay inside."
Cal and Tate immediately asked me who it was but I just told them what I knew. I had no fricking clue.
Exiting the packhouse, my dad and Uncle Thomas were jogging up the driveway.
"Everette?" My father called. "What's going on? A pack member said someone's heading this way, who is it? Where's your mother?"
"Mom's inside and I don't know, he didn't say." I felt on edge as my family and I stood on the front lawn in anticipation.
I caught a faint scent. It was vaguely familiar but I couldn't place it for the life of me.
Uncle Thomas drew in a sharp breath and Cal gave me a questioning look.
Before I could come up with an answer, a man walked through the trees across from us with a duffle bag slung across his shoulder.
"Well, I certainly wasn't expecting this welcoming committee." He grinned as he ran his hand through his beard.
"Teddy..." My father stumbled back in shock.
Aunt Tate however, broke out in a sprint and ran towards her little brother, "Teddy!"
With a chuckle, he dropped his bag and pulled his into his arm, "Hey there Tate."
"You're here! What? How? I thought... we thought- How?!" She was practically yelling and I saw my mom peek ou the window before dashing out the front door.
"I'll explain all in good time," He said setting her down. "I heard there's a war and well, you know me, always up to kick some rogue ass."
"Teddy," Uncle Thomas was on the brink of tears as he looked at his twin brother.
Uncle Teddy brushed him off and just mumbled, "brother," before approaching me with a grin.
"Evy? That you?"
I wrapped my arms around him as he lifted me off the ground.
"Uncle Teddy," I chuckled in surprise and relief.
Setting me back on my feet, he grinned and ruffled my hair, "You've grown since the last time I saw you. Heard you're Alpha now and this dude," he motioned to Cal, "must be your mate. Callum Cain right?"
Cal nodded and shook Uncle Teddy's hand, "It's nice to meet you, Sir."
"Call me Teddy, kid, you're family now."
"Family," my dad scoffed from beside me. "Big talk for the man who disappeared from his own without so much as a goodbye or a phone call. Where the hell have you been Teddy, don't bullshit me."
"Thane, he just got here. Relax." My mom held him back.
"He up and ran away, we deserved some answers."
Teddy raised his hands in surrender, "You're right. I should have at least contacted you all."
"Damn straight! Now care to tell us how you knew about the rogues or Callum?" My dad rose an expectant brow.
"Jane told me," Teddy shrugged. "I kept in contact with her over the years."
"You what?" Uncle Thomas asked in shock. "All this time and you couldn't even contact us?"
"Oh fuck off Thomas, me leaving wasn't about you all. I had to leave and I did. What matters now is this rogue problem we have to protect the pack from."
"And what pack are you talking about? You're a rogue now remember? You left and you became the thing you hated the most-"
"Don't you ever call me that again." Uncle Teddy growled. "I'm not some sick rogue, so don't talk about something you don't know anything about."
That seemed to strike a chord in Uncle Thomas he nodded, "I know, I'm sorry. What happened to Na-"
"Don't say her name. Don't you dare say her name!" Uncle Teddy fumed and I could tell his wolf wanted out.
"Okay you two, calm down before I lock you both in the Crypt," My dad stepped in. "Thomas, why don't you go get mom and dad. Teddy, come inside and we'll get you something to eat."
The twins glared at each other but relented.
Uncle Teddy followed my family inside as Cal and I stood and watched what unfollowed.
"That was very-" Cal started.
"Dramatic?" I took over.
"I was going to say epic, but that works too," He chuckled. "Your Uncle Teddy seems like he has a story though, what's his deal?"
"His mate died in a rogue attack," I recounted. "He left not long after that. Didn't leave a note, never called, nothing. We all thought he was dead. Not my dad and Uncle Thomas though, they had faith. All this time he's been in contact with Jane and she didn't say a word."
"Why'd he leave?"
I shrugged, "If I had to guess it was to find the last rogue that killed his mate. The way he talked about rogues just now, I have no doubt about it."
Cal nodded in understanding, "Can't blame the guy."
The rest of the day was spent catching up with Uncle Teddy, training and planning.
Apparently he did leave to find the rogue. He said it didn't take him long but after he was finished with that, he couldn't find it in himself to come back. He didn't say it was because of his mate, but I knew. Her memory was all over the pack where they'd began their life together.
That kind of memory would be torture for anyone.
Uncle Teddy spent the last few years across the country living at some campsite. He called Jane once every few months but he didn't like socializing anymore.
I don't how he did it. How he survived losing his mate. Worst yet living alone with his thoughts for so long.
He was keeping a lot of his pain tucked away though. His shoulders were tense. His man bun was disheveled and I could tell he hadn't had a hair cut or shave in a while.
Most importantly, he was pissed with Uncle Thomas. He spoke with Uncle Thomas' mate Ophelia and their kids Sunny and Dax, but he didn't even look at his twin.
At least he was home and here to help.
So were Aunt Tate, Uncle Aiden, and their two hundred wolves they brought along to help.
That gave our side around eight hundred warriors including the hunters.
When I Cal and I returned to the packhouse after training, my dad met us in my office.
"I have news about other packs helping," He looked grim and I knew this wasn't good.
"Let's hear it," I grumbled as I sank into the couch with Cal.
"Alpha Pete of Brave Paw pack, your grandpa's Carson friend, is sending fifty wolves tomorrow since his pack is already on the small side."
I nodded in understanding.
"Alpha Owen of Whisper Bane Pack declined our request. I guess we were already suspecting that since he always says-"
"He'll never put his pack in danger especially because they live near the badlands infested with rogues. Yeah, yeah, heard it all before," I sighed.
"Last but not least, Alpha Benjamin of Desert Furs Pack... no help from him either."
"That's bullshit," I growled. "Wasn't his father your friend? Uncle Ben?"
"Yeah, but since Ben passed away and the incident last year, you know Benjamin hates our pack."
"Yeah because he's slimy sleazeball who doesn't deserve to an Alpha," I fumed.
"Wait, what happened last year?" Cal asked with concern.
"Every year we have a meet up for all the unmated wolves of each pack to meet up and find their mate. Last year, Uncle Ben had just passed away so Benjamin became Alpha and thought he was the best thing since toilet paper. But being full of shit, he groped me."
"He what?" Callum's eyes flickered light green and his body temperature spiked.
"Wait till she tells the rest of the story," My dad said to him.
With a smirk, I shrugged, "Before he could go much further I body-slammed him into the floor. Broke his hand but that's not nearly as much of him I wanted to hurt. While everyone was shocked at what happened, I made it clear that Benjamin was a misogynistic pig, which everyone already knew, and he sexually assaulted me. Needless to say, every one from his pack that found their mates with someone from my pack decided that they leave his pack and join mine. Clearly that didn't go well with him if he's still a stuck up little bitch."
"Language," my dad gave me a pointed stare.
"You body-slammed him?" Cal asked in awe.
"Of course I did. Had to teach him a lesson to never touch a woman without her permission."
"You're incredible," he looked at me like I just slung a cape on and became superwoman.
I shot him a wink before my dad announced, "That gives us a total of eight hundred and fifty."
"Not even half of what they have," I scrubbed my palms down my face.
"Well, not to brag but we do have fire on our side and your grandma can manipulate the earth which included being able to slap those rogues with branches. So, I'd say we have a fair chance," Cal pointed out.
"But they know you have your firepower so they must know about Grandma Anne. If they nearly drowned you with water when they kidnapped you then who knows what they'll try now," I said exasperated.
"But when they took Cal, they had in an enclosed space. It would be much harder to stop the fire out in the open," My dad mused.
"Fire extinguishers do exist."
"Stop being pessimistic," Cal groaned.
"I'm being pragmatic."
"Well then stop trying to make up theories on what they'll do."
"That's called planning."
"Okay, I had enough of Thomas and Teddy today, I'm going home," My father said as he headed out the door without a backward glance.
"It's enough wolves," Cal said with determination.
"But it's still going to be bloody and we don't even know when they'll get here or from which direction. We'll get through it though," A new sense of encouragement after Cal's words last night struck me, "together."
"Absolutely," he grinned.
"How was training with the hunters today?" I asked as I lay back on the couch and slung my legs over his lap.
"Rough start but once everyone got over their differences, we got down to business. They all work well together, I just don't know why some can't just shut up and see this is important," He explained.
"Who's being a hard-ass?" I asked with curiosity since I thought I made myself clear.
"The usual hunter haters, Bert and Doris. Not much of Bert though, he just threw in a few jabs before his daughter made him shut up. Doris, on the other hand, couldn't stop commenting on how we brought the killers home."
I sighed in exhaustion but as I processed what Cal said, one thing went through my mind.
Be wary of the wicked and wise. The one who lost before and has nothing to lose again. That person will bring you great suffering.
Flying up in my seat, I looked at Cal with wide eyes.
"What? What's wrong?" He questioned as he went on high alert.
'Don't speak, use mind link,' I said to him and he nodded. 'The Moon Goddess, what she said about the one who lost before... what if she meant someone who lost a person twenty years ago? Someone like Doris and Bert. Hell, maybe it is Doris or Bert!'
His eyes narrowed, 'That doesn't make sense.'
'Doesn't it? They both lost their families. What more do they have to lose? They could be helping the person behind the rogues.'
'But why would they?'
'They aren't fond of me as Alpha, maybe they want a new leader?'
'I don't know Ev, it seems like a reach,' He shook his head unsure.
'I know, but who else could it be? They hate me and I'm pretty sure they aren't fond of my mother either after they thought she was going to turn a werewolf over to your dad. After the war twenty years ago, a handful of people hadn't come around to liking her. What if it's because of that? Because of the hunters coming here and they want revenge on my family. Heck Cal, you were a hunter and now you're one of their leaders. It seems plausible.'
'Well, when you put it like that... What should we do? Call them out?'
'No.' I answered quickly. 'We need to keep this between us for now. You can't tell anyone. One, we can't let them know we may be on to something and two, in case it isn't any one of them I don't want them to know I don't trust them.'
'Okay, seems solid. Do you know the others in the pack who don't really like your family?'
'Yeah, just two others but they're nice even though they have their reservations. We could follow them around tomorrow. See if they do anything strange?'
He nodded, 'Yeah, that should clue us in on who's behind it if any of them are.'
'I don't know if I will feel relieved if it's none of them or relieved if it is and we catch them,' I said.
'Whatever it may be, at least we'll know.'
'We have to be careful though, if they're capable of helping rogues to this extent, they're dangerous.'
'Well luckily I have my Alpha to protect me,' He grinned and lightened the mood.
"You're a dork."
"Yeah, but I'm your dork."
A/N
Chapter Update: Sunday
Oh, seems like Ev has some leads ð
But how cute is Cal at the beginning of the chapter? I'm all for the romance â¤ðð
Also Teddy is back! And Tate!
Tate's story might be my next novel... I have so much ideas though, don't know what to write. There is Tate's story, an alien story, a kinda greek mythology one, a bxb greek mythology, an lgbtq+ contemporary one. Drowning in ideas; tell me what you wanna read next from me. More werewolves or something different?
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-Shania. ð¾