For the Love of The Guardian

Advance Thwarted

“I know you’re ready for more.” Sarah’s brain replayed what her father said as they walked down the stairs to the family room. The thud of her boots against the stone floor echoed against the barren walls. They hadn’t spoken since leaving the apartment, knowing that the few things they still wanted to discuss should be done in private. How she wanted to know more about the threat on her life, and more so who had suggested it. Her gray eyes scanned the room, her mind processing each person as a potential threat.

The men were gathered in small groups about a large, decorated table. Asia had spared no expense in making this room look like a banquet hall. The several tables they had slid together were covered in white cloths, with spring flowers in low vases adorning their centers. The simple ceiling light and fan had been removed, and hanging from that outlet split an electrical wire the connected to the two small crystal chandeliers. They were not large by any means, but the gems that hung from them reflected the light magnificently. The refracted light danced across the cream ceiling. A sideboard containing coffee and pastries adorned the far end of the table, nestled in between two bookcases. The apposing end of the long table faced the large fireplace, the TV above the unit was had a live image on display that looked similar to the woods out front. Sarah stood processing the room, the men and the television, something about the screen was familiar.

“It’s a live feed.” Eli had come up behind the heiress and offered her a steaming cup of coffee.

“Of what?” Sarah took the mug with a thankful smile and nod.

“The southern ridge, we put up a camera for it a few days back.” Eli nodded to her as he excused himself and moved to speak with Henri.

Sarah sipped the warm liquid and looked about at the males. The Alpha’s had broken into two groups and the sons had split into several more. Immediately Sarah noticed that Liam was talking with Sebastian and Erick, a cup of coffee in his hands. She took in how he held his mug firmly, his fingers sliding around the mug and through the handle. His unoccupied hand becoming animated the more he talked. His brown eyes seemed to dance with delight as Erick spoke about something that made them laugh.

“People watcher?” a male voice spoke in her ear, causing her to jump.

“Jared, you shouldn’t sneak up on someone.” Sarah chided her friend, moving with him as he escorted her from the doorway.

“You shouldn’t gawk at someone.” Jared smirked as they chuckled together.

To an outsider, their conversation would appear to be intimate. They stood close together and spoke in hushed whispers. Their cheek bones nearly touched as they leaned in to whisper to the other. It wasn’t anything new and both their parents had grown accustomed to their close friendship. Often times their parents would refer to them as kindred spirits and early on had hoped to see them join together in marriage. The hopes were dashed when Jared found his mate, a gorgeous blond female that had come to work the lumber-mill last winter.

“How is Elaine?” Sarah continued their quiet conversation, her lips smirking to the newly mated male.

“She’s driving me crazy.” Jared ran his hand through his dark hair. “She wants to have kids, Sarah.”

“Is that so bad?” Sarah laughed loudly, ignoring the eyes that turned toward them as her voice danced about the room.

“No,” Jared hushed her and spoke quieter than usual, “she just wants them now. I’m not ready for that.”

Sarah was starting to laugh at the look of fear that had washed over her friends face, when their conversation was interrupted.

“You two seem to be having a good time.” Zane’s audacious smile sucked the joy from the space.

“We were, until you arrived.” Sarah dead panned, not seeing Jared’s eyes go wide.

“Oh come now,” Zane moved to run his hand down her arm, “you know you love when I’m around.”

A low growl caught Sarah’s attention from across the room. Her eyes looked about, but she couldn’t tell where it came from and neither could her company. Zane appeared unaffected by the sound.

“Touch me again and I will break your fingers.”

Zane moved in closer so that his lips brushed against her ear, “I do like them hard to get.”

“Try off limits.” Sarah said through gritted teeth, her eyes staring down her father. The pained expression on his face told her he did not approve of the advances from Zane. Her eyes stayed on him as she watched him move to speak with Alpha Cage.

“Nothing is off limits to me, darl’in.” Zane moved to brush his fingers against her cheek.

It was the loud shriek that came from Zane that garnered everyone’s attention.

“You should know better than to address an heir in that manner, brother.” Liam had appeared out of no where and held the hand of Zane firmly in his grasp. The sound of bones crunching in his fist caught Sarah’s attention.

Zane spat at Liam’s feet, watching the anger rise up his neck as they stared at each other. A low growl passed from one to the other. Sarah’s hand gently rested on Liam’s arm, as she felt her pulse quicken at the touch.

“Thank you for intervening, but it’s not needed.” Sarah said with great diplomacy and a calm soothing tone.

“See, she likes my advances, brother.” Zane spat again.

Sarah didn’t need to look to see the anger rise on Liam, as she felt it in her too. Their wolf reactions weren’t fast enough to stop her though, with one quick motion her fist came and connected with Zane’s left cheek. The shriek that left his mouth caught the attention of the Alpha’s in the room and all eyes were officially on them.

“I do not appreciate your advances.” Sarah spat at Zane, who stood clutching his face.

Liam’s arm came around Sarah protectively and she felt the anger that was rising within her recede at his touch.

“It has been made known, Sarah Cobalt has publicly declined the advances of Zane Estro.” Henri spoke in his booming voice, the commanding Alpha within him taking over the encounter. He moved across the room until he was close to the fallen male, “I would advise that you seek proper protocol from now on if you wish to court my daughter!” His voice a whisper laced with anger and rage at his actions.

“I apologize for his actions.” Alpha Gene spoke up, “It appears he needs more lessons in proper etiquette.” He had moved to come along side his son, so that as he finished speaking his hand came up to swat Zane on the back of the head. It was the period to his statement, the glare given to him the retreating moment as father and son backed down.

“Breakfast is ready, please take your seats.” Asia had announced from the large double doors, her voice an angelic presence among the raging hormones in the room.

Sarah nodded a thank you to Liam and moved to sit near her father at the head of the table. To her right Henri stood, his back to the fireplace. Across from her was Jaroth, and beside him Jared. The father’s would have their son’s positioned near them, so it was with great surprise that Sarah watched Liam stand to her left. Her heart rate increased as they all stood, waiting for the moment her father would motion them to sit. It wasn’t a long drawn out moment, though her mind thought it was hours.

Soon Henri was nodding and all were seated.

“I hear you work in the auto shop.” Liam spoke quietly, as they ate in relative peace.

“I do.” Sarah replied calmly, her heart racing as his closeness.

“I would love to come by and see the shop, if that’s ok, Alpha.” Liam looked from Sarah to Henri.

“Of course, Liam.” Henri smiled, “I would like your feedback on expanding. I hear your development team is the best.”

“I wouldn’t go that far, sir.” Liam gave a half hearted smile, “We’re a small crew that gives their all.” Liam’s smile was warm and welcoming as his brown eyes met hers.

Sarah couldn’t deny the spark that hit her gut as his knee bumped hers. She couldn’t say it was on purpose or not, but it was enough to force her to seek counsel.

“I’ll be in the shop all afternoon, feel free to stop by.” Sarah smiled graciously and then turned to her father. “May I be excused, Alpha? I need to meet with Ashleigh before the day begins.” Sarah offered a pleading look to her father, as she watched his expression soften.

“Absolutely.” He rose from his seat, as Sarah rose from hers. “I believe Ashleigh was in the kitchen last I saw her.”

“Thank you, Alpha.” Sarah nodded her head in respect. “Liam.” She nodded to her left, as she took note that he too stood as she exited the table. “Gentleman.” She nodded to the rest of the table and moved gracefully from the room.

She fought the urge to run, as her legs carried her slowly from the large room and down the hall to the dining room. She moved with poise and grace as she entered and smiled to the women and children that sat about the smaller room eating.

“Needed to escape the testosterone?” Lois, Erick’s mate smiled from her seat at the table. Across from her sat Asia, with her son Levi beside her.

“Actually,” Sarah smiled, “I was looking for Ashleigh.

“Oh, she just stepped out for some fresh air. Said it was a bit stuffy in here.” Asia replied, her voice a soft melody.

“Thank you.” Sarah nodded to the ladies and moved gracefully to the door.

Again her body wanted to bolt and look for the woman, as she hoped she held answers to the questions that plagued her mind. Once through the door her eyes scanned the front lawn. The trucks and SUV’s from the guests arrival yesterday had been organized and were all parked in a line to the left of the lawn. Across the large space, in the tree line, the faint hint of a figure was seen. Sarah nearly dismissed it, until she watched the black haired female appear from the shadows. The smile that came across her face touched delicately against her eyes as she moved to meet up with the woman.

“Sarah, what are you doing out here?” Ashleigh smiled back to the young woman.

“I had to talk with you, I think you’re the only one that can help me.” Sarah’s voice hinted at the emotional torment she was going through.

“Men trouble?” Ashleigh joked. Her smile faded slowly as she took in the pained expression. “What’s going on?” She motioned for her to move and walk with her deeper into the forest.

“I’m not sure if I found my mate or not.” Sarah cut into the issue like a hot knife into butter. “Dad said you’d have some experience about finding a mate before your of age.”

“He’s not wrong.” Ashleigh sighed, “Tell me exactly what’s going on.”

“Well, there was this wolf that literally ran into yesterday afternoon. When he touched me I could have sworn my wolf howled in my ears.” Sarah glanced to Ashleigh, watching as she took in the information. “Then today her defended my honor and stood up to an Alpha’s son that was advancing on me. I can’t say for certain, but I think he gave a possessive growl over me.”

“Is the wolf of age?” Ashleigh’s voice was soft and thoughtful. She was very much a mother figure to Sarah. Many times Asia tried to be motherly with her, Sarah was always drawn to the kindred spirit in Ashleigh.

“I believe so.” Sarah cleared her throat, “Today when he touched me…” he voice trailed off as she recalled the feeling of his knee against her own and how her body seemed to resonate like a tuning fork at his touch.

“Sarah, if he is your mate there will be a draw you can’t deny.” Her smile was warm as her arm came about her shoulder. “When you come of age the pull to him will be greater than breathing. You’ll hunger for him in every sense of the word.”

“Is that how it is for everyone?”

“No, but those of us that are lucky to find them early begin to feel the draw before hand. It makes it that much stronger when you come of age.”

“So I shouldn’t deny it?” Sarah began to question as the auto shop came into view.

“I will tell you I didn’t, and I don’t regret not denying it.” Ashleigh smiled, her own memories of being in Vera’s living room bringing a smile to her face.

“Thank you, Ashleigh. I don’t know what I am doing and to be completely honest, it kind of scares me.”

“Yet, in about a month you’ll have a craving that can only be sated by him. Though, I am curious, who is this lucky wolf.”

Sarah blushed a deep red as she looked to the woman, “Guess I should get to work.” Sarah took off at a run toward the shop.

“I’ll find out eventually.” Ashleigh shouted playfully after her.

“I’ll see you at dinner!” Sarah laughed as she waved behind her, her body still moving quickly toward the shop.