Only Omega

Chapter Seventeen.

The next day I was doing runs around the practice clearing while other trainees started gathering in the clearing for their nine o’clock training session.

“Rachel!” Caine boomed from across the clearing, halting my runs so that I’d cut through the clearing to take up my position on his right flank.

“Alpha?” I asked with my head held high and fists clenched at my sides, radiating the aura of an Alpha as Caine turned to fully face me.

“I have word that the Helix pack has arrived on pack territory-.” he began, gaining my full attention with the mention of Cowen’s pack.

“I’ll be in a meeting with Cowen about the truce but I need you to explain to the younger of his pack members how we do things around here” he continued and I nodded, bowing my head to show my respect and submission towards my elder and pack leader.

“Yes, Alpha” I complied and Caine nodded, glancing into the crowd of on looking trainees to find Jake who was talking to Cameron.

“Jake, you’ll join Rachel in this task” Caine ordered and Jake glanced at me before he hung his head, breathing a low “Of course, Alpha” Caine looked from Jake to me where his eyes came to a rest,  meeting with my crystal clear blue ones “Good, I’ll send the next generation of the Helix over to the two of you” with that Caine took off towards the pack house flanked by Brice and Liam with Drake staying behind to help manage the training session. Jake grunted, catching everyone’s attentions as he walked up to me.

“Looks like we’re on babysitting duty” he grumbled and I laughed, shaking my head at him as I clasped his shoulder with a firm grip of my hand.

“Already forgot I’m a mom huh?” Jake paled and blinked up at me as part of the trainee group chuckled and laughed at his horrified expression, since Jake was most likely thinking of his mother again.

“That smoking piece of ass is a mom?” I tensed at the sound of an unfamiliar voice speaking up from behind me and turned to find a small group of five with a cocky blonde haired and brown eyed guy leading it.

“This smoking piece of ass has a mate” I countered hearing a bunch of comments coming from the trainees including Cameron and Tyler. The guy smirked “You shore about that, babe? This Alpha wouldn’t mind having you around” I smirked, slyly stalking towards him and swaying my hips seductively on purpose to catch his hungry eyes. I stopped right in front of him, leaning in so that our noses were barely touching to whisper “And this Alpha doesn’t care about your title, big shot” with that, I took a few steps back to put some distance between us, formally introducing myself for the first time.

“Rachel, future Luna of the Tyrant pack and this is my brother, Jake” Jake nodded his head towards the group as the cocky blonde stepped forward, extending his hand for me to shake in a friendly gesture.

“Tanner, that right there’s Cooper-.” he jabbed his thumb in the direction of a chocolate brown haired guy, dressed in a pair of basketball shorts and Jordan’s “Fletcher-.” he turned to motion towards the shaggy blonde-brown haired guy with a tight fitted white tank top and cargo shorts paired with sneakers “Collin-.” Tanner jerked his head in the direction of the black haired guy with jeans, a leather jacket and bicker boots “And finally my baby sister, Brittney” the blonde haired girl shot him a glare and playfully punched his shoulder. She was dressed in a pair of dark wash shorts and a black tank top with gladiator flats. Jake stiffened beside me when his eyes locked onto the girl and I knew he had found the one.

“Mate” he breathed catching everyone’s attentions including Brittney’s when she turned to lock gazes with him.

“Oh Rebecca’s going to love this” I muttered jabbing an elbow into Jake’s side as I turned to face Cameron who yelled “Make love, make babies!” that got mostly everyone rolling in laughter as I smirked, looking at a blushing red Brittney.

“Common! Two seconds in and you guys are already embarrassing me!” I smirked at Jake, messing with his hair only to have him smack my hand away and scowl at me.

“I’m your big sister, it’s my job to embarrass you” I plainly said shrugging my shoulders as I hooked my thumbs into the waistband of my low riding, baggy grey sweatpants.

“So why don’t you give Brittney here a private tour while I do the babysitting?” I suggested and Jake instantly brightened up as the Helix pack group apart from Brittney complained about being compared to babies.

“Really?” Jake asked and I simply nodded in reply, giving him enough reason to grab hold of Brittney’s hand and start dragging her away.

“Thanks Rachel, you’re the best!” Jake called and I couldn’t help but laugh as I waved him off.

“And don’t you forget it!” I yelled after the retreating couple, gaining a raised thumb in approval from Jake. Shaking my head from side to side, I turned back to Tanner “Well let’s get this started with” I pushed past him and Tanner glanced at my rear as I walked away, giving a wolf whistle that caught my attention.

“That’s still one fine piece of ass” I turned, rolling my eyes at his cocky attitude with my hands placed firmly on my hips.

“And it’s still not your piece of ass” I shot back earning a ‘burn’ from Cameron who was smirking at the Helix group “Besides I don’t think it’s appropriate for my brother-in-law to hit on me like I’m easy” Tanner’s mouth snapped shut and his jaw locked as he stared at me with wide eyes. Fletcher pulled a disgusted face shoving on Tanner’s shoulder.

“Man, that’s nasty!” he playfully teased as Cooper butted in, clearly the future Beta to Tanner from his dominant scent that wasn’t as strong as Tanner’s.

“And classified as i****t” Collin shot Cooper a confused look with one eyebrow raised.

“No it’s not, they’re not blood” Collin protested, causing Cooper to glance between the group until he eventually caved “Whatever but it’s still the same concept” I was about to but in since none of the trainees were going to find their argument amusing but Drake beat me to it along with Zander.

“Sorry to interrupt your little debate boys but-.” Zander paused only for Drake to continue with nostrils flaring and looking ready to pummel someone into the ground like a Mexican bull.

“We’re training here so I suggest you get your asses out of this clearing before I use them as practice dummies!” Drake’s outburst got all four of the Helix pack members high tailing it for the tree line leading towards the lake house. I laughed, turning to face Drake “Thanks, I owe you one” Drake’s jaw tightened as he nodded his head, still breathing hard with his fists balled at his sides. It was clear to see where Tyler got his anger management issues from.

“Just keep that filth away from my damn clearing” he ordered and I bowed my head in submission, knowing fully well that neither Brice, Drake nor Liam liked anything to do with the Helix pack.

“Copy that” I responded, doing a mock salute before turning on my heels to catch up with the newcomers. Fletcher was still staring wide eyed at Drake when I reached them.

“That guy’s scary as Hell” he muttered just as Collin asked “What crawled up his ass and died?” I paused bumping shoulders with Collin to catch his attention then smirked saying “Careful, he just might hear you” with that I took off, walking in the direction of the lake with a terrified looking Collin hurriedly trailing behind. We walked in silence for a minute when Cooper decided to ask “So Rachel, how come you don’t train with the rest of the group?” turning to meet his iron steel gaze from where he stood on my left, I noticed that they matched Fletcher’s identically which meant that they must’ve been related.

“My father personally trains me” I replied carelessly shrugging my shoulders as I stared straight ahead of me. Fletcher suddenly rushed to my side, shoving Cooper out of the way.

“No way! An Alpha trains you?” he asked in disbelief so I shot him a weird look and nodded while Cooper grumbled in annoyance from being pushed aside.

“Not cool cuz, so not cool” he muttered grumpily but Fletcher ignored his cousin and focused on me instead “Why? I mean Alpha’s don’t really train anyone unless they can’t help it, they’re too busy with pack business and all that” I sighed folding my hands behind my head as I stared straight ahead, thinking.

“I guess because I’m too advanced for a regular trainer” I simply replied, not bothering to look at any of them including Fletcher who was clearly the nosiest of them all.

“Advanced? What do you mean ‘advanced’?” he asked and I closed my eyes, just listening to the sounds of the forest around me for a minute, breathing in the fresh air before I answered him “Advanced, as in kicking the Beta’s ass, advanced” Fletcher suddenly stopped walking to gape at me with his jaw dropped. The rest of the group did the same and by the time I realised that they’d stopped I was already a few feet ahead.

“What?” I asked when all they did was continue to gape at me. Fletcher was the first to react by literally freaking out.

“You so have to train me” he announced, grinning at me like the Cheshire Cat. I raised my eyebrows up in surprise when the rest of the group except for Tanner agreed.

“Please, I can take her” Tanner challenged and I was never one to back down from a challenge.

------------------------------

It was lunch time and I was sitting at the table on the back porch of the house with Fletcher on the railing, Collin leaning up against it and Cooper on the porch steps. Tanner was sitting on one of the loveseats.

“Just say it already, I know you want to!” Tanner exclaimed looking at Fletcher who was fidgeting, desperately trying not to say anything but his walls collapsed as soon as the words left Tanner’s mouth “Told you not to mess with her!” Cooper chuckled and Collin struggled to keep a straight face as Tanner grunted in reply, turning to look at me.

“Toss me those, will you?” he asked motioning towards the bag of frozen peas that sat on the table in front of me. I tossed them to him and he caught them, instantly pressing them to his swollen right eye that was slowly turning black.

“You know maybe if you just listened to Fletcher then-.” Tanner cut Cooper off by shooting him a glare just as Hayden and the rest of the group broke through the treeline.

“Shut the Hell up, man!” Tanner bit out and I couldn’t help but laugh at how Cooper looked with his hands up in surrender and eyes wide like he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“What happened to him?” Cameron asked me, jerking his head in Tanner’s direction while everyone else eyed the damage.

“He thought he could take Rachel on” Fletcher piped earning him a low warning growl that erupted from Tanner’s chest. Beau and Brett shared a look as Hayden shook his head at me in disapproval and Cameron laughed uncontrollably.

“What? His ego needed to be deflated” I defended holding my hands up in surrender like Cooper had not too long ago.

“My ego huh? So that’s why you threw in that last blow?” Tanner sarcastically asked, this time glaring at me as Fletcher and Cameron basically clung to each other for dear life from their laughing fits.

“No, that was for Hayden” I said jabbing a thumb in Hayden’s direction, catching him and everyone else off guard. Tanner quirked an eyebrow up in confusion.

“Him, why?” he asked just as Hayden asked “Me, why?” I face palmed, shaking my head as I looked from one to the other saying “Payback for all those comments about my ass” Collin couldn’t hold his laughter in any longer and threw his head back, a deep sound rumbling up from his chest. Hayden seemed to click and glared at Tanner who brushed him off, in turn glaring at me.

“Payback, seriously? I was out for like two minutes!” Tanner exclaimed jumping to his feet and basically sticking his finger in my face as I laughed uncontrollably.

“Knockout!” Fletcher commented which only caused him and Cameron to laugh harder, nearly rolling around on the porch floor and gasping for breath.

“It isn’t funny!” Tanner cried but instead of getting everyone to stop laughing it only made us wheeze louder in between laughs “Ugh!” Tanner grumbled and eventually took his seat back down on the loveseat, resorting to icing his eye instead of wasting his breath on us.

“That was classic” Cameron announced when he finally managed to calm down enough to actually speak, wiping away his fake tears along with Fletcher.

“Hey that reminds me!” Cameron suddenly said looking at Tate who was leaning up against the railing at the far end of the porch “Don’t even think about it Cam-.” before Tate could finish his threat, Cameron was already blurting the words out at a fast pace “Marie totally whooped his ass at practice today!” Brett chuckled along with Beau and Hayden while I breathed a laugh at the thought of Marie taking on a muscular Tate about a foot taller than her and actually winning.

“I was distracted, okay!” Tate defended but Cameron scoffed, pointing a thumb in Tate’s direction and using his other hand to cover his face, whispering to me “So he claims” I laughed but stopped when Tate grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked out over the back yard “I had something on my mind” again Cameron scoffed rolling his eyes as Tate turned to lock his rust coloured ones with me for a split second, just long enough for an image of the night before to flash through my mind.

“Shore you did” Cameron sarcastically said rolling his eyes and shaking his head as Fletcher struggled to contain his laughter. Just then Rebecca came out onto the back porch with a pitcher and glasses in hand while trying to carry a struggling Holden as well.

“Okay, okay for goodness sakes just sit still, will you?” she muttered looking at Holden who was thrashing wildly trying to escape towards me as Rebecca set everything down on the porch table.

“He wants his mommy” Rebecca said and handed Holden over to me. He sat in my lap and instantly started playing with my high ponytail “Mother Nature knows that boy has a mommy attachment” Hayden shot me a smirk before he turned to politely smile at Rebecca saying “He’s a mommy’s boy alright” I flashed back to the day before and how I’d said that Holden was a ‘daddy’s boy’ but Hayden didn’t agree and I found myself smiling brightly “You can say that again” Rebecca nodded her head in agreement before she focused on the drinks she’d brought out.

“I brought you some ice tea, the sandwiches are still in the kitchen-.” she paused looking at everyone from one end of the porch to the other “I’ll be right back” and with that she disappeared back into the house. Holden wasn’t thrashing anymore but he was making a ‘give’ motion with his small hand towards Hayden.

“You want daddy?” I asked him blowing on his chubby cheek to make a funny noise that got Holden laughing and babbling happily “Give daddy?” at this Holden started thrashing wildly until I stood up and handed him over to Hayden, placing a quick kiss to Hayden’s cheek as I whispered “Daddy’s boy” causing him to chuckle and shake his head. I smiled and focused on poring myself a glass of ice tea.

“Want some?” I asked Hayden motioning towards my glass and he nodded, bouncing Holden on his hip “Please, babe” I poured him a glass and handed it to him as Rebecca came back out onto the porch with a plate of freshly made sandwiches and Holden’s baby bag.

“Here you guy are, some of my famous burger sandwiches” Rebecca announced, setting the plate down next to the drinks on the table and dropping Holden’s baby bag on one of the empty chairs.

“Thanks mom” I thanked pecking her cheek before sitting back down with Hayden plopping down beside me.

“No problem dear, Caine and the boys should be out soon so I’ll just go prepare something for them” she insisted and I nodded as she retreated back into the house, causing everyone to jump up and snatch a sandwich.

“These are so good” Cameron groaned as Fletcher nodded in agreement with his mouthful of food. I laughed, shaking my head at the sight of them since they were more alike than anything. Like Rebecca had said, it wasn’t long before Caine got out of his meeting but instead of coming down from his office he called me up through the mind link. I finished my second glass of ice tea then stood up, catching everyone’s attentions.

“Caine ordered me to meet him in his office, you don’t mind-.” I trailed off motioning towards Holden. Hayden shook his head and waved it off “Go, I can take care of him, don’t worry” I nodded, leaning down to place a quick kiss to his lips and him leaning up to peck my forehead.

“Thank you” I breathed then took off into the house, ascending the stairs and heading towards Caine’s office. A guard let me in as soon as I got there, already expecting my arrival.

“You called, father?” I asked bowing my head to show my respect towards my Alpha but Caine brushed it off, motioning towards the couch across from the arm chair he was seated in by the fireplace.

“Take a seat, Rachel” he insisted and I did as I was told, sitting down on the couch so that I was facing Caine and a very calm Cowen seated on a completely different couch from the one I was on.

“Cowen and I would like to discuss the results of the truce with you” Caine announced and I nodded in understanding, politely crossing my legs and keeping my head high with pride.

“The Helix pack will be uniting with the Tyrant pack temporarily until the issue regarding the Raptors is resolved” Cowen spoke, finally looking away from the portrait above the fireplace and to me with a clenched jaw and emotionless gaze.

“As you now know, Reign is trying to take over the States and because of my certain involvement the Tyrant pack will be under constant threat-.” Cowen paused glancing at Caine out of the corner of his eye before he continued “Which is why I have requested for you to train the next generation of my pack, from what Caine told me your method of fighting is rather interesting” I looked at Caine and he nodded his head in agreement but I shook mine in doubt, hurriedly protesting.

“I’m not the one that trained me, I have no idea how I do what I do most of the time, let alone how to teach others to do the same” Caine raised his hand, signalling for me to stop and I did, snapping my jaw shut as he motioned towards the phone sat on the edge of his desk on the other side of the room.

“That is why I contacted your brother, he and some of the Lacus pack will arrive shorty to assist you in-.” I cut him off, not caring if it was disrespectful or went against everything an Alpha stood for.

“Pardon my interruption Alpha, but isn’t everything that we’ve done so far focused on leading the Lacus pack away from me and my mate?” I asked thinking about how Dalton would react if he knew that the reason why I’d ran away was to be with Hayden.

“The matters regarding Reign and his pack are of more importance, surely you as an Alpha and my daughter understands that the well-being of the pack comes first” Caine said his stature stern as he sat up straight in his seat, eyes locked onto me, waiting for my response. It was clear that because of the issue with Reign, the Lacus and the Tyrants had decided to put their feuds aside for the well-being of both their packs. My Alpha instincts were leading my decision and to my wolf the pack was what was most important.

“I understand Alpha, the safety of the pack comes before all else” I replied bowing my head to show my respect and agreement. My personal life was to always come second when compared to the pack; it was just the way of the Alpha.

“Good, your brother is estimated to arrive at dusk and since I’m leaving to go meet with other packs regarding the war, you’ll be the one to see them in” I nodded my head to show that I understood and breathed out my reply “Yes, Alpha” Caine stood from his seat and made his way over to the windows behind his desk, looking out onto the back yard with his hands folded behind his back.

“We’re going to need as many packs siding with us as possible if we’re going to win this war, we already have the Lacus as well as the Titan pack but more will be needed” he explained, glancing back at me from over his shoulder when he continued “I know it’s hard for you Rachel, but this must be done-.” he paused looking from me to Cowen then lying his gaze to rest upon me “Your brother is our best bet at turning trainees into Warriors of your capabilities” I knew Caine was torn but he knew better than anyone that it had to be done not just for the sake of the pack but for the sake of every pack present in the United States.

“But he isn’t aware of you being part of this pack yet which is why when he does figure it out, you can still make it so that your parents never find out” I was grateful for his aid in still trying to help me and Hayden but I also knew why he had to bring Dalton to Tyrant territory and I respected his decision “You may go now, I’m leaving shorty so I expect trained Warriors by the time I get back” I stood from my seat and bowed my head to show my loyalty towards my Alpha.

“Yes, father” I breathed then nodded towards Cowen in acknowledgement before I turned to leave the room, heading back down stairs and out onto the porch.

“Rachel, is everything alright?” Hayden asked when he noticed that I wasn’t saying anything and just stood there, staring at the forest treeline ahead of me. Everyone else turned their attention to me when Hayden spoke, clearly curious to why Caine had called me.

“Dalton’s coming” I replied never once looking away from the treeline as I spoke. Hayden visibly stiffened while the rest looked confused.

“Who’s Dalton?” Brett asked in honour of everyone else who nodded in agreement. Tate didn’t say anything or even moved as he just stared at me with a hard gaze and jaw clenched “My brother” before anyone could even manage a word, Hayden jumped up from his seat with Holden on his hip asking “Why, did they find us?” and for the first time since I stepped out onto the back porch I turned to meet his forest green eyes that I loved so much.

“No, Caine called them saying that he needed help training the trainees” I paused, trying to compose myself but the thought of how I left my relationship with Dalton when I left Lacus territory was haunting. The fight we had, played out over and over again in the back of my mind.

“Apparently Caine wants them to have equal fighting capabilities to me and since Dalton trained me-.” I trailed off, unable to find my words as Hayden slumped back against the porch railing and ran a shaky hand through his hair.

“We’re dead, aren’t we?” he breathed staring off into the distance as he continued “If Dalton finds out that the reason you left was because of me then he’ll-.” I cut him off by tenderly reaching out to cup his face and force him to look up at me.

“I won’t let him hurt you or our pup” I promised as Hayden looked at me, leaning his forehead against mine while wrapping his free arm securely around my waist “It’s not us I’m worried about, Rachel” I ran a hand through his hair and down from his ear to the edge of his jaw tenderly, gazing down at his soft pink lips.

“I’ll be fine, he’s my brother I know how to handle him” I assured as Hayden shifted, tilting his head back to press a gentle kiss to my forehead while I buried my face into his chest, gripping at his shoulders. 

The thought of how my brother would react terrified me to no end as I breathed in my mate’s scent to help calm my wolf.

------------------------------

The sun was just starting to set over the horizon as two black Land Rovers pulled up the drive to the Tyrant pack house. I was stood on the front porch with Tate and Jake while other random pack members stood gathered around the yard. As soon as the engine to the leading car stopped and the driver’s side door opened, I was met with a gaping Dalton.

“R-Rachel?” he asked, blinking up at me as if in disbelief. When his eyes started, glazing over I made my way down the porch steps and slowly walked towards him, reaching a hand out to lightly stroke his cheek.

“I-I thought I lost you, I thought you were-.” I cut him off when he pulled me into a tight hug and buried his face into my shoulder as I patted his hair, whispering to him soothingly.

“It’s okay, I’m okay” I assured but Dalton shook his head, wrapping his arms tighter around my waist and pulling me closer as if he was afraid that when he’d let go I would disappear “They took you away from me-.” I cut him off by gently tracing my thumb along his cheek bone, trying to calm him down “No they didn’t, I ran away” as soon as the words left my mouth, Dalton forcefully pushed me away like I’d burnt him with my touch, looking at me with confused and naive eyes asking “What, why would you just leave us like that?” he was hurt and I could see it in his eyes and posture, the way he stood was as if he was taking a defensive stand in a fight.

“To be with my mate” I simply replied and Dalton paled, glancing behind me at something which just so happened to be Hayden, stepping out onto the front porch with Holden on his hip.

“No, Rachel no” Dalton muttered lowly, shaking his head in disbelief as he stared directly at Hayden who froze at the sight of Dalton.

“Not the runt, please no” Dalton breathed like he was trapped in some type of bad movie and just wanted it be over so he could get as far away from it as possible.

“That’s exactly why I left Dalton, because I wasn’t given a choice” this was the last straw for him and Dalton lunged forward at Hayden but I managed to place a hand on his chest, gripping at the fabric of his white T-shirt to keep him in place.

“Let go of me!” he snarled in my face, shoving at me but I stood strong, keeping him rooted in place.

“Dalton if you so much as touch him I’ll-.” I threatened but Dalton cut me off by whirling round on me with Hell’s fury in his eyes as he snapped “You’ll what? Huh Rachel, what exactly would you be able to do about it?” my jaw clenched as I struggled against my wolf to stay calm and keep my composure.

“Kill me? Leave my pup fatherless?” Dalton demanded and I lost it, shoving my face up close to his and snarling in outrage “Would you leave mine like that?” I asked with a feral growl erupting from my chest that caused Holden to start crying. Dalton’s nostrils flared and without warning he tore free from my grasp and started towards Hayden but I stopped him by getting in his way.

“Get out of my way, Rachel” he demanded but I refused to listen and instead met his threatening gaze head on.

“Move, now!” he ordered as a last ditch attempt to threaten me into getting out of the way. I didn’t, resulting in Dalton taking a swing at me but I ducked just in time for him to miss and for me to send a round house kick into the side of his face. He spat blood, shooting me a death glare as he rammed his body into mine and forced me up against a nearby tree with his hand wrapped around my neck.

“Dalton!” Nicole’s voice reached my ears as the pressure around my throat tightened, cutting off my air supply. Thinking fast I send my knee up into his gut, causing him to let go of my throat and giving me enough time to head bud him, forcing him to stumble back and away from me.

“He’s my mate Dalton, and your brother-in-law!” I snapped, stalking closer to him and sending a fist connecting with his jaw. He knelt down and I kicked him in his stomach, flipping him over so that he was lying on his back in the middle of the driveway.

“He’s also the reason why you left, why you abandoned your family and pack!” Dalton countered trying to get up enough so that he was at least on all fours. I bent down so that I was at eye level with him then motioned at the world around us.

“This is my family Dalton, this is my pack” as soon as the words were out, Dalton tried to jump up onto his feet but for the third time I sent my foot into his side, forcing him onto his back. He coughed blood as I pointed to where Jake stood with Brittney at his side.

“And that-that’s my brother, your brother!” Dalton spat at my feet, looking up at me like I was lower than dirt in his eyes as he wiped the back of his hand across his mouth.

“They’re nothing to me just like we’re nothing to you!” he snapped standing upright with his fists balled at his sides, staring me down with venom and hurt swirling in his eyes.

“You’re my family, you all mater to me” I said honestly never once taking my eyes off his to show that I was being sincere and serious about everything.

“Then why are you replacing us?” he demanded taking a threatening step forward, expecting me to move but instead I stood my ground to snap in his face “They can never replace you but they can be there for me when you never were!” I felt Nicole and Hayden stiffen as Dalton’s canines began extending to full length, his eyes flashing from a dark blue to a pitch black.

“I’ve always been there for you! I was the one who trained you and stood up for you-!” I cut him off by shoving him in the chest, forcing him back a step as I met his eyes with my own flickering from blue to black.

“I’m not a little kid anymore Dalton, I’m a grown woman who can fend for myself and make my own damn choices!” Dalton’s nostrils flared as he breathed heavily, a rabid look clouding his eyes like a feral predator just waiting to attack.

“And I chose to be with Hayden” I stated which pushed Dalton over the edge and allowed his wolf to take control, gripping at my throat to dig his extended claws into my bare flesh. I felt my wolf threatening to break free and as I looked up into Dalton’s blackened eyes, I was met with the reflection of my glowing red ones.

“What the-?” Dalton asked loosening his grip on my neck slightly when he saw the animalistic gleam in my eyes like that of a bloodlust predator on the hunt but as soon as I blinked they were back to black. I let out a low threatening growl, snapping Dalton back to reality as he once again gripped my throat in a choke hold.

“Dalton-.” I managed refusing to try and convince him any longer and instead chose to settle things like we had when we were younger. I gripped at his arm that was clutching my throat and dug my own nails into his bare flesh, causing his hold to loosen just enough for me to tear free and whirl round, body slamming him down onto the driveway. I pressed my foot down onto his neck, forcing all my body weight into it in order to cut off his air supply, chocking him.

“I’ve tried to reason with you for long enough, now you listen to me! You’re going to accept this, accept them and if you don’t then I won’t hesitate to do what I must to protect my family, understand?” I threatened, bending down so that our faces were just inches apart with our empty black eyes locked onto each other in an intense stare.

“I said; do you understand?” I ordered a response when he only stared at me, refusing to even attempt to speak past my foot, pressing down on his windpipe. He tilted his head to the side glaring at Hayden with so much hatred and disgust before he chocked out a “Y-Yes” as soon as the words escaped his lips, I stood up and stepped away from him, giving him room to catch his breath and cough. wheezing for air.

“Good, now that we understand each other-.” I paused looking to where Nicole stood with a scared Aiden hiding behind her legs and Colton flanking her side “Rebecca made dinner” I announced then took off towards the porch, pushing past Hayden and into the house before my anger got the best of me. Everyone followed my lead inside and towards the dining room where Rebecca had already set up the dishes.

“I trust it went well?” Rebecca asked as I stood behind my chair on the opposite side of the table to the right from where Hayden would be sat at the end. Just then Dalton barraged into the room, still breathing hard with a murderous look in his eyes.

“Or maybe not so well” Rebecca muttered as Dalton was about to lunge at me when Nicole placed a stern hand on his chest, stopping him “For once will you please just let her be? She has a life of her own now and can make her own decisions, Dalton” I was grateful for her aid and squeezed my eyes shut as I leaned over the back of the chair, still standing with my back half facing towards my brother. Dalton shot a glance in my direction then slowly nodded his head.

“Fine” he snapped heading towards the other end of the table, opposite to where Hayden was to sit.

“Good, now can we please just have a normal family dinner?” Nicole asked glancing between me and Dalton, waiting for some sort of reaction and only when I stubbornly nodded my head did she ease up, looking at Rebecca.

“I’m so sorry for my mate, he-.” Rebecca waved it off, setting the last of the prepared dishes out onto the table as she said “No worries dear, Rachel can be just as hard-headed sometimes” Nicole nodded and took her seat with Aiden beside her, signalling me and Dalton to follow her lead. Hayden took his seat with Holden in his lap. Tate sat across from me with Jake and Brittney beside me and Rebecca seated next to Tate along with Colton.

“I made your favourite dear, since I knew how nerve wracking all this would be and because I know how much you like finger foods” Rebecca announced, motioning towards the platter of chicken wings and mini sausages placed across from me as she passed the mashed potatoes to Brittney. I started calming down a bit and gave a small smile.

“Thanks mom” I thanked, reaching for the platter then started filling my plate with the various types of foods littering the table.

“Pleasure dear” she assured ignoring Dalton when he stiffened at me calling Rebecca ‘mom’. After that the room was filled with an awkward silence until Holden started crying and struggled in Hayden’s lap, reaching towards me.

“You want to come to mommy?” I asked, finding a distraction from Dalton as I scooped Holden up out of Hayden’s lap and into mine.

“He’s adorable, what’s his name?” Brittney asked, smiling tenderly at the sight of Holden playing with my hair that hung loosely down my shoulders in soft waves.

“Holden” I replied, reaching across to dig into Holden’s baby bag that sat on the floor next to Hayden’s chair in search of his favourite brown teddy bear.

“You want teddy?” I asked Holden, shaking the bear in front of him to see if he’d take it “Here’s teddy” I cooed handing the bear to him and watching as he hugged it to his chest, letting go of my hair, allowing me to eat.

“You’re really good with kids” Brittney complimented as Rebecca nodded across from her, dropping her fork to take a sip of her wine “She was a natural from day one, I was actually surprised by how quickly she adjusted to it all” Brittney smiled lovingly at Holden who was babbling happily as he played with his teddy bear.

“Both of them for that matter, Hayden’s a fantastic father” Rebecca added causing Tate to stiffen across from me. Dalton who kept tensing as he listened to the conversation stayed completely quiet.

“Don’t listen to her, I just think my mothering instincts kicked in, is all. Hayden’s the natural” I whispered to Brittney, loud enough for everyone to hear and Rebecca playfully swatted at me from her seat across the table “Nonsense dear, you’re the one who changes the dippers” Nicole laughed and Hayden nodded his head frantically in agreement “Listen to her, you change the dippers” I knew he was talking about that one time when I’d asked him to change Holden in the middle of the night and I couldn’t help but laugh at the memory.

“And the rule in a marriage is that the one who changes the dippers wears the pants” Rebecca matter-of-factly stated, pointing her wine glass in Hayden’s direction as Nicole piped in.

“I’ll drink to that” she said holding her wine glass out to clink it with Rebecca’s before Rebecca continued “But the point is that you swooped right in and took responsibility dear, that’s what makes you a natural” I shook my head breathing a laugh in disagreement, finding everything peaceful for once since Dalton arrived but the thought lingered in my mind ‘For how long would things be peaceful?’

------------------------------

Later that evening after I’d helped Rebecca and Brittney with washing the dishes, I was heading upstairs to my and Hayden’s room when I caught sight of someone sitting on the back porch steps through the sliding glass door. From the tone back muscles, rippling through his Grey long sleeve, V-neck shirt and messy black hair that stuck up in all directions, I knew it was Tate. Gathering up my courage, I stepped out onto the porch and took a seat beside him on the steps.

“What’s wrong?” I asked bumping shoulders with him to catch his attention as I brought my knees to my chest and wrapped my arms around them.

“Nothing” he muttered staring up at the stars in the sky, refusing to look at me. I raised an eyebrow up in confusion since he always talked to me and shared pieces of his past that very few people knew about.

“Tate, you can tell me” I assured reaching out to wrap my hand in, his intertwining our fingers.

“I won’t judge” I said as he glanced down at our hands, then looked up to meet my eyes with his rusty red-brown ones.

“Tomorrow’s her birthday” he whispered just low enough for me to hear. I knew he was talking about his mate from the hurt and sheer agony swirling in his eyes when he looked at me.

“Tate-.” I began but he cut me off by reaching into the pocket of his dark jeans with his free hand and pulled out a fine silver chain with a small crescent moon charm dangling from it “I never thought I’d ever want to live again after what happened but-.” Tate trailed off, his voice cracking as he fought back the sobs threatening to escape, his eyes glazed over as he met my gaze “But then I found you and Holden” he lightly squeezed my hand, rubbing his thumb tenderly across the back of it, gripping the necklace in the other tightly.

“I want you to have this-.” Tate said, holding the necklace up to show what he was referring to “It was hers, I got it for her the night we first-.” he shook his head, swallowing back tears as he tried to continue “Rachel, the happiest I’ve ever been since then is when I’m around you and Holden” the tears in his eyes broke through and went streaming down the side of his face as he stared directly into my eyes as if I was the only thing he could see.

“Tate, I can’t-.” I tried to object but Tate wouldn’t even let me finish as he let go of my hand to drop the necklace into my palm then closed my fist and held it between both of his hands.

“Yes you can, please Rachel” he begged almost in desperation, always looking at his weakest whenever the topic of his deceased mate came up “Please, for me. Wear it for me” he bowed his head and started shaking with the sobs wracking through his body. The kitchen light flickered off, signalling that both Brittney and Rebecca had gone to bed, leaving the house completely dark.

“Tate-.” I tried but once again he cut me off by snapping his head up to meet my gaze with a desperate plea locked inside his gaze “Promise me, please” I reached across with my free hand to lightly cup the side of his face, feeling the slightest trace of stubble forming on his sharp jawline as my resolve broke and I gave into his request.

“I promise” I breathed running my thumb along his cheek bone as I gazed into his eyes. He leaned into my touch, sighing in content as he briefly closed his eyes, savouring the moment before opening them again when I pressed my forehead against his. My eyes were shut when I felt his soft lips tenderly peck mine to which I responded before he could pull away, moving to place a quick kiss to my forehead.

“Thank you, princess” he whispered as I leaned my head on his shoulder and he buried his face into my dirty blond curls. I sighed, realising that I most likely had to get moving before Hayden realised that I was gone and would come looking.

“I have to go, Hayden will-.” I mumbled when Tate pulled one of his hands away from mine to affectionately stroke my hair.

“I know” Tate whispered, kissing the top of my head before he let me go so that I could stand and start for the back door.

“You coming?” I asked when I noticed that he wasn’t following but instead was staring back up at the stars again.

“No, I’m just going to stay here for a little while” he replied and I didn’t question him, knowing that it had something to do with his mate and child. I went back and knelt down by his side, leaning across to lightly kiss his cheek and whisper.

“Everything will turn out alright in the end, I promise” Tate turned his head to meet my eyes with his softening in affection and love.

“I know” he breathed, nodding and I gave a small smile before rising to my feet and heading towards the door.

“Night, Tate” I said looking back at him as I opened the sliding glass door and was halfway inside. Tate shot me a sad smile “Goodnight, princess” with that I closed the door and headed upstairs to where me and Hayden were staying during Dalton’s stay only to find Hayden already fast asleep with Holden in his crib, wrapped in a white blanket with his teddy bear. I stripped out of my skinny jeans and flats but left the oversized red T-shirt that I’d borrowed from Hayden on as I crawled into bed, tenderly kissing his cheek. Hayden stirred and turned around on the bed to subconsciously wrap his arms around my waist, pulling me closer into him as he buried his face into the crook of my neck. I placed Tate’s necklace on the nightstand beside me and wrapped my arms around Hayden’s, closing my eyes with a sigh of joy, happiness, and perfection as I fell asleep there in my mate’s arms.