Hidden Dangers of Love

Chapter Nine

***If anyone has any comments please don't be afraid to comment.

(I know there are spelling mistakes in the first few chapters) ***

Astrid stood there in shock. "What?" She gasped. She looked at Caleb, his face was as pale as a ghost. "I... I can't go... Astrid please go..." Caleb stuttered. Shock lit his gaze. "Why can't you go?" Astrid exclaimed, turning to him. "It... I don't know... I wouldn't know what to do." He spoke quietly. "Really? One of the strongest wolves I know and you can be around when your sister has a baby?" She laughed. She shook her head and grabbed his hands. "Come on. You can wait around while I go see her. Once the baby is here you can come see. Okay?" She said as she dragged him from the house. Astrid glanced back to see him nodding reluctantly.

When they got to the treeline Astrid went right to Memphis, leaving Caleb and Seth behind. She changed form back to human and walked up slowly. Memphis was out of sight if the school, hidden behind a large oak tree and some brambles. "Memphis... Are you okay?" She asked as she crouched beside her. Memphis nodded, her eyes glazed with pain. Astrid glanced up at Cole who looked like he was going to be sick, she just rolled her eyes. She glanced down the trail as Lisa arrived. "I can't believe you boys. Cole, go stay with Caleb and Seth and keep guard. Lisa and I will help her." Astrid snapped. Cole didn't need to be told twice. He kissed Memphis on the forehead and changed before running off.

"One of the older girls are coming, she is considered a healer and knows how to help." Lisa said as she rushed over. Astrid nodded. Just keep her calm. She thought. "Memphis, it will be okay, someone is coming to help just breathe." Astrid spoke softly as she stroked her hair.

It took only five minutes for the girl to come. Astrid moved to the side Lisa was on when she arrived. "Memphis, its Lorraine. I am here to help you." The lady said calmly as she brushed back her beach blonde hair. She glanced over at Astrid. "Can you go fetch some water from the creek. It is close by, take some moss." She said sternly, turning back to her patent. Astrid jumped up changed, running into the forest. She grabbed some moss with her teeth and dunked it in the river. She changed back and rang it out so it was damp. She decided to gather more.

By the time Astrid got back there was crying and screaming. She stood in shock when she saw half of a baby out. She raced over and showed the damp moss. "Pat her head and neck down with it, she has a fever." Lorraine said without taking her hands off the baby. Astrid handed one to Lisa and they both helped sponge her down.

It took another fifteen minutes before the baby was born. Astrid's gaze softened, it was a little boy. "Cole, Caleb, Seth!" Astrid called quietly. Memphis was already half asleep as she held the baby, her makeup was watermarked from tears. She looked up as the three boys walked hesitantly out of the bushes. They were as pale as ghosts but as soon as Cole saw the baby he rushed over. "Oh Memphis..." He whispered, kissing her forehead. Astrid didn't move as Caleb walked over, standing behind her. Astrid got up and leaned her head against him as she watched them get Memphis on her feet, Cole practically carried her back home.

Astrid closed her eyes. One day maybe... She told herself, nuzzling into Caleb as he kissed her head before following the others, him close behind.

When they got to the house, Astrid went with Memphis into the room, she was settled into her bed in no time, the baby in her arms. "I might need to change the colours now." She joked tiredly. Astrid shook her head. "Maybe he will like pink." She said softly. "I need to get some rest. Cole has the baby, please make sure he doesn't do anything foolish." She let out a small laugh before snuggling up.

Astrid smiled as she turned to walk out the door, she blinked in surprise when Lorraine walked in. "I will watch her." Lorraine said quietly before walking past. Astrid shrugged and left the room silently.

Astrid ended up drifting off in Caleb's bed reading a book. When she woke up the dusk light was shining through the window. "Why do I keep sleeping." She sighed as she covered her face with a pillow. She didn't move as the door opened.

"What are you doing?" Astrid smiled when she heard Caleb laugh. She uncovered her face, her hair was in her face. "I was talking to myself." She replied with a soft smile. Thinking to myself, same thing. She watched as Caleb smiled. "Its not the same thing. Talking to yourself makes you look crazy." He said, walking close and kneeling down. "Thinking to yourself, its only for you. And sometimes someone else." He added, leaning toward her. Astrid felt the hair on her neck prickle. You can read my mind! She watched as he nodded, smiling. "How?" She whispered quietly. "That's one thing I can tell you." He said as he got up. Astrid moved so he could sit down but he just stood there. "Because of who you are and where you come from, your mate or supposed to be mate..." He hesitated when he glanced away. "If there is a strong enough connection when they are together, mates can hear parts of each others thoughts." He said with a smile. "Then why cant I read yours?" Astrid asked boldly, crossing her arms in mock anger. Caleb rolled his eyes, "The males have a stronger sense of it, because we deliver the bite too." He said as he watched her gaze. Astrid looked away, at the window. My thoughts will never be to myself.

Caleb smiled softly. "Its only when I'm around you. Plus after time you will be able to do it too." He said, moving his face close to hers until their breath intertwined. She smirked as he placed a soft kiss on her lips, slowly grazing his lips down her jaw and neck. At that moment she should have pulled away but instead she let out a longing whimper as a shiver ran down her spine. Astrid leaned her head back more, leaving more room for his kisses.

Astrid left his fingers intertwine with hers as she leaned back on the bed, feeling him move her whole body onto it. Caleb straddled her as he set a trail of kisses all over her face. Astrid giggled before his lips met hers softly. She let out a quiet moan, making Caleb growl softly in satisfaction.

Something was different. Astrid didn't know what it was but she assumed his wolf side was taking over more, making him barely controllable.

As Caleb moved away from kissing, his warm breath puffing gently in Astrid's face, his eyes were a dark blue. She gave him a smile of encouragement before she moved her hands to the back of his head. Astrid pulled him close, their lips only a hair length apart. "What if I told you I was okay with this now." She murmured softly, her warm breath making him shiver. Caleb's eyes grew darker as lust filled his eyes. "I would have to tell you I might not be in control." His voice was low but had only a hint of worry as he grinned. Astrid smiled and kissed him strongly, pulling him closer. She felt him run his hands under the bottom of her shirt. She let out a soft gasp as she pulled away from his lips for a moment, kissing along his jaw, causing him to groan.

"Caleb! Your father wants you!" Astrid sighed as they stopped when someone pounded on the door. Caleb growled out of frustration, his eyes back to the regular blue. Astrid quickly fixed her hair and smoothed down her shirt as Caleb opened the door. Seth stood there with a grin om his face. Astrid quickly walked over and ran her hand down Caleb's back calmingly when he let out a low growl at his packmate. "Go, I will be here when you come back." She whispered quietly into his ear. She gave him a smirk when he turned around with a look of disbelief and excitement.

With that, the two boys left quickly and Astrid closed the door.

"Okay, now to make myself look better." She muttered to herself. It was finally time she was ready for him to make them mates. She wanted it. Maybe it was the heat but she was ready after so much trauma from Damien.

Astrid smiled at the mirror when she finished getting ready. She had put on a blue lace bra and underwear, her teeth brushed and one of Caleb's shirts draped over her body. She smiled and walked out of the bathroom, plopping herself in the center of the bed, closing her eyes and waiting for Caleb to come back.

Astrid grinned slightly when she heard footsteps, the door opened. "Astrid I-" Astrid glanced over to see Caleb fighting off his self control as he he in. A big grin spread across his face. She let our a small whimper of desire, making him instantly come over, now hovering over her. "Don't do this to me." He whined as he kissed her jaw softly. But as soon as Astrid relaxed he got up and looked away, letting out a shaky breath. "I need to go meet with all of the Alpha's." He explained, not meeting her gaze. "I can't catch a break." He muttered under his breath after. Astrid giggled when she heard him. He shot her a glare but smiled. "You will get your break, Alpha." Astrid smirked as she got up, going to the dresser and looking through her clothes. "Well since you don't want me, I guess I will have to change." She said sadly, a smile on her face as her back was turned to him, she let out a small laugh as he came up behind her and hugged her warmly. "Astrid don't tease me, I want you so badly... But if I want to be alpha I need to stop neglecting my duties." Caleb said with a soft growl as he kissed her neck.

After Caleb left reluctantly, Astrid changed into a light blue tee shirt and jean shorts. She wasn't sure what she was going to do now. She watched the mirror for a good five minutes. She glanced over her whole body, the scars were slowly fading thanks to her quick healing. But the memories remained. She felt a cold shiver run down her spine but she shook the thoughts from her head. She was ready for him. She wanted to be connected with Caleb fully. And her heat wasn't helping at all either. She let out a soft growl of impatience before leaving the room.

Astrid walked downstairs, she watched as some others looked at her. She wasn't usually without Caleb by her side since she was rescued. Astrid smiled at them before walking into the kitchen. She took out some hotdogs and warmed them up.

As she ate, she felt the presence of someone walk in, spinning around she froze. It was Jacob.

Astrid dropped her food and went to scream before he covered her mouth. She watched as he glanced around nervously before whispering to her. "As much as I want you for myself, I came to warn you, Damien is going crazy and I don't agree with him after what he did to you." He said quietly. Astrid removed his hand, he narrowed his eyes but let her relax. "As much as I hate you for letting him what the hell are you talking about?" She said coldly. "Damien and Johnathan called the meeting. They are going to ambush Caleb and Jack. Damien has gone crazy. He killed his little brother because he talked to you. And now he plans om killing Caleb so you don't habe a choice." Jacob said harshly. Astrid froze in place, her body started shaking. "Cole! Seth!" She yelled. She watched Jacob freeze with fear. "Its okay. I can convince them to let you join this pack after hearing this if you need to get away from Damien." She spoke firmly as Cole and Seth ran into the room. "Yes Astrid?" They said at the same time. Both their eyes landed on Jacob and their eyes turned black. "No! Don't harm him!" She said hastily as she jumped from the stool, blocking Jacob. It felt weird protecting him, he was such an ass to her. Both of them narrowed their eyes but calmed down. "The meeting is fake. Damien is going to ambush Caleb and Jack." She blurted out, tears formed in her eyes as she spoke but she blinked them back quickly.

"What?" Cole said harshly. His eyes turned black once more. "How do you know he isn't lying." Seth piped in, crossing his arms. "Do you really want to take that chance? Your best friend and future alpha as well as the current alpha are in danger!" Astrid snapped at them. They both blinked still her before nodding. "We will gather fighters. Astrid stay here, you will have a guard." Cole said as he went to leave. "No way I'm coming!" She said with disbelief, crossing her arms over her chest. "No." Seth said sternly. "Seth stay with her and the prisoner. Flint will help you. And if this flea bag is lying we make sure he knows not to cross our paths. Now go up to the office and stay there until we are back." Cole said in a hurry before leaving the room. He was quickly replaced by a tall, dark haired man with hazel eyes. Flint and Seth led the two of them upstairs and right to the end of the hallway. When they walked in, Astrid was a little surprised. She had never seen this room before. There was a desk in the corner with a computer, one medium sized window against the back wall, a few chairs and a small couch. Astrid walked in and went right to the window. w signed as she looked out. The clouds were hovering now, threatening to rain. She hoped Caleb was okay.

It was almost two hours, by this time Astrid was sitting on the couch, leaning on Seth. Jacob was sitting in the office chair, gazing at his feet while Flint sat om the window ledge. The sun was going down now and they could barely see outside. Caleb where are you? Astrid cried out mentally. She buried her face in Seth's bicep as she felt tears threaten her. Seth ran his hand up and down her arm soothingly.

Everyone jumped up when the door moved. Flint and Seth stood in front of Astrid protectively. "Jack? What happened?" Flint breathed out a sigh and they both moved. Astrid froze when she saw a scratch slowly healing along the side of his face, a white cotton patch covered a spot on his head. He looked exhausted but he talked calmly. "There was an ambush. It started a few minutes before Cole arrived with a fighting crew." He leaned against the wall and let out a breath. "We won. But a few warriors are in critical condition." His gaze flashed to Astrid, his eyes glazed with worry. At that moment she realized Caleb was one of them.

"Where are they?" Seth said worriedly. Jack was about to speak when a girl with beautiful wavy blonde hair walked in. "Jack! Alpha or not you need to come back to the care area!" She scolded softly, guiding him out. "That's where the rest of them are too." She spoke before leaving with Jack. Seth walked to the door and looked back. Astrid followed. "Flint, stay with him, downstairs in the lobby." Seth ordered cooly. He still didn't trust Jacob. Astrid smiled at Jacob and Flint before rushing after Seth. They walked down the hall and down stairs. I really don't know this house very well. Astrid realized as they went down a different hall. There was a room off to the side where Seth entered. Astrid let out a whimper as a cry broke through the still silence when they walked in.

"Its okay... Whatever happened to them, remember they are werewolves and they heal quickly." Seth murmured as they walked down the hall he was close my her side she knew he was trying to comfort her.

Astrid just nodded as they stopped at a counter. The lady that she saw earlier was there. "Hello you two." She said with a smile. "Hey Leah." Seth said with a smile. "He is just down the hall, turn left and the third door down, on the left." Leah's smile faded. "Just stay quiet." She hesitated before looking away. It must be bad... Astrid said to herself silently as they turned the corner. When they got to the the third door Seth met Astrid's gaze. "Remember what I said." He murmured before opening the door.

When the two of them walked in, Astrid felt tears well up her her eyes as Caleb looked over at them. His neck was restrained and his eye was bruised. He had a bandage around his head and his right arm was in a cast. "Caleb..." Astrid whispered quietly as she walked to the bed, her eyes filled with ears as she kneeled down on the floor beside the bed. "I don't have it nearly as bad as the others. And I heal quickly." Caleb assured her with a whisper when he saw the fear and sadness in her gaze. "I will come back later to visit." Seth spoke after a moment of silence. "Thank you Seth." Caleb groaned as pain flashed in his gaze. Astrid watched as Seth nodded and left the room silently. Turning her gaze back to Caleb, she let out a small whine. "I should have come... I would have helped and you wouldn't be so injured." Caleb just shook his head. "I can't imagine you being hurt again like you were. I'm grateful Seth kept you behind. And we got the back up just in time. You did just fine." He whispered, his good hand intertwining with hers.

After almost an hour, Astrid was kicked out by a nurse and sent out of the hospital area. "I will be up tomorrow." Was the last thing Caleb said to her that night. When she got to the main room she instantly saw Jack with Cole, Seth and Flint. She walked over and stood beside Seth. "He was a big help. We would have died without his help. I believe he should get a chance." Jack said calmly. Cole narrowed his gaze. "I think it should be discussed with Caleb tomorrow when he is up." Cole watched Astrid with a soft gaze before looking back at Jack. The alpha was nodding in agreement. "He will be guarded tonight in a spare room. Cole, organize two men to stay with him, Seth, get Lisa and tell her to stay with Astrid tonight. I appreciate your help Flint." Jack nodded and dismissed them. Seth turned to Astrid and met her stare before going to find Lisa. Astrid sighed and went to her room. She wasn't getting sleep tonight.

She showered quickly and within half an hour, Astrid was changed and ready to sleep. She was a little shocked as Seth walked in, Lisa not in sight. "Change of plans. Lisa is sick." He said with a smirk. "I will be sleeping on the floor if you need me." He continued before changing form and curling up by the window. Astrid smiled and shut the might off before crawling into bed. It didn't take long for her to be asleep.

When Astrid woke, Seth was no longer there. She sighed as she looked at the empty spot beside her. She remembered the previous night and jumped out of bed. She changed quickly out of her soft pj's before heading downstairs. She let out a breath as she saw Jack talking with Cole and Caleb. As soon as Caleb locked eyes with Astrid he smiled softly. You are okay, and up already. She closed her eyes in relief as she made her way to them. She notices he still had a tensor bandage around his wrist but he looked fine otherwise.

As she neared them, she stopped a few feet away, unsure if she was allowed in the conversation. "We discussed this last night Caleb, Jacob wishes to leave his pack and join ours. Astrid watched as his gaze grew cold. "He was part of the crew that kidnapped Astrid." He said in a low voice. His eyes almost black. Astrid walked up behind him quietly and placed her hand on his back to calm him, he relaxed almost instantly. She placed her forehead on his back.

"We know. But he is the one who came to warn us. He saved both your lives." Cole jumped in, he was leaning against the wall as he talked.

There was a long silence and when Astrid looked over Jack and Caleb had locked eyes, Cole was watching them.

"Fine." Caleb growled reluctantly after a few more minutes. He tensed up again as Astrid moved away and toward the kitchen. When she got in she made herself some cereal. Eating it quickly and going back upstairs to get ready for the day.

Astrid quickly took her clothes off in the bathroom and turned on the water, getting ready for a shower. She scrambled to get a towel when she heard the door to the room open. She breathed a sign of relief as Caleb walked in, taking his shirt off, leaving just his shorts and a six pack. He must not have heard her because when he headed toward the bathroom taking his shorts off to reveal boxers he stopped. He gazed at Astrid as she stood there in a crooked towel. She let out a small smile as she blushed, looking at her feet.

"You can go first if you want." She finally spoke up, he obviously was going to shower and she didn't mind him going first. She blinked at Caleb as he closed the distance between them. She leaned her back against the wall as he came less than a foot away. His slid his hands around her waist and softly kissed her. "We could go together and save water." He suggested with a grin. Astrid shook her head firmly. "Not while you are still injured." She scolded, glancing at his injured wrist. She felt him growl a protest but she just shook her head. Astrid ducked under his arm and walked away toward the room. She let out a deep breath as she felt his gaze follow her. She dropped the towel as she moved toward the dresser. She giggled softly, knowing that teasing him wasn't going to help. She looked over her shoulder, not turning around fully. His eyes were dark blue and a grin spread across his face. "You will regret that when I'm all better." He said with a smirk as he stripped and got in the shower. She shook her head with a laugh. Not if I refuse. She teased in her head.

Astrid changed into a dark green tank top and yellow jean shorts before sprawling on this bed, burying her face in the pillows. She closed her eyes, letting out a deep breath as the scent of Caleb made her relax more.

When Astrid heard the shower stop she smiled. She wasn't going to bother now, she would go later. She felt tired, not getting the best sleep without Caleb there last night.

"Teasing me with your thoughts isn't going to help you." A voice murmured as Caleb crawled onto the bed. Astrid could tell he was just wearing boxers. Astrid smiled and turned around to face him. He settled beside her, he kissed her cheek softly before pulling up the covers. Astrid did the same thing. A nap would be okay with her even if she only woke up an hour or so ago.

Astrid nuzzled close to Caleb and sighed softly. It didn't take long for her to drift off comfortably, his strong arms wrapping her close.

When Astrid woke up she still felt Caleb's grasp on her. She carefully wiggled free, his growl of protest making him pull the closest pillow into him. Astrid walked to the window with a yawn. The sun was past afternoon. Looking out the window quickly, she saw a large wolf with green eyes glare at her before disappearing into the forest.