Hidden Creek

Chapter Twelve

Haven

“Thanks for the ride. Really.” Jerome smiled at me as he slid off of my bike and passed the extra helmet to me.

“No problem. Hand me your phone.” I keyed my number in quickly. “If she shows up here, call me. Not the cops. The cops won’t do s**t, but I’ll make sure you’re safe. Alright?”

“Alright.” He turned toward the apartment complex before spinning on his heel. “Hey, why are you being so nice to me?”

Trying to make connections within the human community? I shrugged, not really sure what to say. “I guess it’s time indigenous people stopped isolating ourselves from the surrounding white communities and started making ties where we can. We can’t ever make any change for ourselves unless people know we actually exist.”

“Well, thanks. Consider yourself tied.” I watched the area as Jerome bounded up the steps of his complex. Once he was safely inside, I sped off towards Red Moon territory.

***

“Where have you been?” Davidee lounged in the chair across from my desk.

“Parsa got in my head.” I huffed. “I saw this f*****g couple arguing, of course I had to step in and do something.”

“You’re really getting in touch with your inner human, huh?” He smirked. “First the human boy and now this human couple.”

Rolling my eyes, I slumped into my chair. “The human boy is an outlier. The human couple... The girl punched the guy, and I couldn’t just let it happen.”

“About your fan-” Davidee started.

“Stop.” I held up my hand, cutting him off. “I’m not going to do anything with his number.”

“Maybe you should.” He sighed. “I had some time to think after Nuna and I talked. Ultimately, it’s your decision whether you want to try to get Bammiuk back or go after this new guy. I was right, humans and wolves can’t be mates. But... Him smelling so good, and you being so attached to him could indicate the presence of a mate bond if he were turned. You have no way of knowing for certain unless he becomes a wolf too. Are you ready to turn someone you don’t know on the off chance he could potentially be your mate when you know for certain you could still be mated to Bammiuk?”

“That’s... That’s way too much to think about...” I rubbed two fingers against my temple, squeezing my eyes shut. “Tell me what to do.” I sighed.

“You know I can’t do that.”

“Wipe the smirk off of your face, brat.” Without even opening my eyes, I sensed his lips flatten out.

He cleared his throat, and I heard him shift in his chair. “Sorry. It’s a tough situation. Would you even want Bammiuk back?”

“I don’t think so. He broke my heart without a second thought, Davidee. And the way he’s been laying with every b***h in this pack? I don’t even want to think about where he’s been these last few years.”

Davidee gasped sarcastically. “Haven Tayen Waska. Are you slut shaming?”

“Of course not.” I barely opened my eyes, peeking at Davidee as I tried not to smile. “Okay, maybe a little.”

“As your brother, I genuinely don’t want to know the answer to this question. As your mock therapist, I think it’s relevant. “Have you been with anyone since Bammiuk?”

A disgusted grunt escaped without my permission as I stared at him in mild shock. “Davidee.”

“Seriously. Just answer the question.”

“No... I can’t risk a pregnancy.”

“So, you’re full of pent up frustration with no outlet because you’re scared of compromising the Alpha position.” He swallowed hard. “You know protection is a thing, right?”

“You know none of it has a one hundred percent guarantee, right?”

“It has enough of one. Bammiuk doesn’t have any bastards yet.”

“What about the human? Nik?” I sighed. “He’s intriguing.”

“You don’t even know him, Ven. Maybe spend an unobstructed hour with him and see how you feel after that.”

That’s an interesting idea. “You know what, you’re right.”

“Woah, no. I wasn’t serious. I really think you should focus on reconciling with Bammiuk.”

“We’ll just have to see how it goes with Nik first.” I smiled devilishly as I pulled the slip of paper out of my pocket.

Davidee exhaled deeply and leaned back in his chair. “Okay. When this ends horribly, don’t complain to me.”

‘It’s Haven. Want to meet? -H’ I hope he gave me the right number...

Before I could even set my phone down, it chimed. ‘Absolutely

When and where -N’

‘I’ll pick you up. What’s your address? -H’

***

Nik

My shirt landed on the floor a foot away from me as I rifled through my closet. “You’re acting ridiculous.” Lawrence laughed as he watched me frantically discard shirt after shirt. “She’s not even that hot.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re an idiot.” I quipped. “When was the last time you had a serious relationship?”

“High school.”

“And how did that end?”

“With a baby.” Lawrence murmured.

“And after you two broke up?”

“Another baby...”

“Exactly.” I smirked. “You’re my friend, but you definitely aren’t my go to for relationship advice.”

“I should call her, right?”

“Absolutely not. Leave that poor girl alone. She’s moving on with her life, and you forfeited all of your custody rights.” I ran my hand through my shaggy black hair. “Do you think this blue shirt looks good?”

“I think you should stop dying your hair black. But yes, the blue brings out your eyes.” Lawrence huffed.

“You’re such a drama queen.” I smirked.

Lawrence opened his mouth, but was cut off by two solid knocks on the door. “She’s here.” He groaned.

“Is it weird that I’m nervous? More than just anxiety, I’m actually butterflies nervous.” I whispered as I threw on the sky blue shirt.

“Yeah, man. That’s super weird.” He shook his head.

“Hi.” I smiled as I opened the door.

“Hello.” Her voice was low and came out like honey. “Are you ready?”

I nodded, trying not to look too excited. “Where are we going?”

“A spot near my house. It’s beautiful.”

“Okay, cool.” I trailed beside her, making sure to keep a little distance between us as we walked from my apartment to the parking lot. “Wow, that’s a sweet bike.” I whistled.

“Thanks.” She tossed me a helmet as my mouth dropped open.

“This is yours?” That was way too excited. Calm down.

“Yeah. My brother and I have matching bikes. His is a sleek black, though.” A small smile turned up the corners of her mouth.

“I like the dark purple better. It has more character.”

“Hmm.” She looked down at the bike for a second before nodding. “I think so too. Now, are you going to hop on or are we going to talk about my bike all day?”

“Let’s go.” I slid the helmet on and hopped on behind her. She smelled like wind, sunshine, and fresh snow. That’s nice...My nerves settled as we sped off. It was hard not to enjoy the peace of the Tetlin mountains as I wrapped my arms around Haven’s waist. My eyes widened as we pulled up to an ornate gold gate with vines wrapping around the top of it. “Wow.” I murmured.

“Haven.” A tall man leaning against a booth next to the gate gave her a wide smile. He pressed a button just inside the booth’s door and the gate swung open.

“See you later, Aponivi.” She pulled through the gate and kept driving.

Where is she taking me... The idea of a weird s*x cult started seeming more and more realistic as we drove over a long bridge, through the woods, and up into the mountains. She pulled to the side on a dirt road, and more than a little fear made my pulse spike. “So... Where are we?”

“Fear is radiating off of you in waves, hon. Relax. I’m not going to hurt you.” She chuckled. “There’s a creek up here that no one but my brother and I know about. I live really close to here, you have nothing to worry about. We’re in the Chisana mountains off access road seven. You can text someone and let them know where you are if it makes you feel better.”

“Oh, no, that’s okay.” I laughed nervously. “We’re going to a creek?”

“Mhm. As far as my brother and I are aware, it’s never been named, so we call it the hidden creek. It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.” A delicate smile spread over her face. That’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t help but smile as I walked behind her. All of my fear was gone, all that was left in its place was excitement.