Love and Deception

Chapter Fourteen

Noah

Noah extended his mind just enough to make sure Carlie was getting some alone time with Luca before withdrawing to let them enjoy it. While it was difficult for him to not be with his family, he also understood that they had been alone for a long time. They needed space to adjust. He would try to give them as much as possible without compromising their safety. Not to mention his parents were overwhelming on a good day. He turned towards them only to be immediately enveloped in his mother’s arms. “Mom. Thank you. I know it’s not enough but I don’t have anything else to say.”

“Hush. He’s my grandson. I’ve done more for less.” She slapped at his shoulder. When he pulled out of the hug she grabbed both sides of his head and pulled him back down until their foreheads were touching. It was a soothing gesture she’d used when he and his siblings were young wolves who needed calming from their raging emotions. “I’m so happy for you. And...I’m sorry. I was fooled as well or I would have searched for her.”

“Mom, don’t. We all were. If Olivia hadn’t put it so plainly for me I would have continued on trying to accept her death too.”

“Well…” She sniffled and blinked rapidly. Then as if they had never been the tears disappeared and were replaced by a fierce rage. “And this sorcerer? I’m assuming that now that Luca is free you’ll be killing him? Or her.” She pegged him with one of her hard mom stares that had him wishing he could toss one of his siblings or hell even his own son in her path to chill her out.

“It’s complicated. That is the plan but Wade and I need to do a couple more things first.” His father lost interest in his phone at the mention of the other sorcerer and found Noah’s face.

“You trust this Wade?” Noah shrugged.

“For the moment. We want the same thing in regard to Lucius. And he’s certainly proven himself capable of putting my mate and our child first.” Erik nodded but did not look convinced. His mother on the other hand tapped her finger against her chin as she plotted.

“I don’t understand what could possibly be more important than removing such a man from our lives.”

:Don’t tell her.: Wade’s voice thrummed loudly in his mind. Noah immediately froze his face in its expression so as not to give away this new development. :I’ll explain as soon as they leave. Trust me.: Noah sent back a thought of unhappy agreement hoping it reached the intruding sorcerer. He wasn’t sure how his apparent telepathy worked. It was very different than the pack link. “It won’t take long Mom, I promise. Now how about you and Dad go get some food and give Luca and Carlie some time to catch up. We’ll meet back here and figure out where everyone is staying until we get Lucius sorted.”

“We’re at Jasper’s.” Erik responded. Noah raised a brow. Staying at his cousin’s? “While I try to allow my children their freedoms and rebellions I am well aware of the property they own. That being said, we would never invite ourselves into your space. Especially with a family to get reaquainted with. Jasper is away and offered us his home for as long as we needed.” Ari moved close to Noah again and kissed his cheek.

“I’m rather starved actually. I love you. We’ll see you in a few hours.” She walked past his father and placed a soft hand on his arm before moving down the hall without him. Erik turned to face him. And here came the lecture about how easily he could step in and fix it all and how unreasonable Noah was being for not wanting him to do so.

“Dad…” His father’s perfectly manicured hand rose in the universal parent gesture for silence.

“I don’t agree with your plan. Whatever it is. I understand the foulness of the magic that was used to ensnare Luca. I’m sure there is more where it came from or you wouldn’t be hesitating. Still, killing the source solves the problem.” Noah opened his mouth to respond but Erik shook his head firmly. “I know that you know that I can and would fix this for you. I am however agreeing to wait for such a request before stepping in.” Noah couldn’t help the skepticism that contorted his face. “Apparently I am guilty of suffocating my children. While I would hope that you all know it was meant for the best, I understand that it is important for you to learn how to manage your lives on your own.” That sounded a lot like a Mom speech but he was surprised his father had listened.

“I know you’ll help if I need it. Trust me though, I’ve got it under control.” His father looked like he wanted to say more but clenched his jaw instead with a nod.

“That witchling is waiting for you.” The distaste with which he uttered the name was nearly palatable in the air. But he hadn’t tried to take a chunk out of him so Noah supposed that was good. Noah turned anyway to see Wade waiting at the end of the hall. Far away from his father. His father sighed softly, which for him was an incredible display of emotion, and clapped Noah on the shoulder. “I suppose I should head towards your mother before she tries to adopt the entire pediatrics wing.” Noah chuckled. That was definitely something she would do. Erik headed down the hall, answering a work call not five steps away. Did they ever give him a break? Wade met Noah halfway between their original standing positions. Noah didn’t want to be too close to Luca’ room in case things got heated.

“Alright Wade. Now tell me why you want me to lie to my mother?”

“Technically speaking you shouldn’t tell any of them.” He held up a hand to halt Noah’s immediate objections and Noah felt himself getting pissed at the frequency with which he was being shushed today. “I got a good look at the spell when I was with your mother. The binding has had five years to work on Carlie. It’s grown so subtly that her wolf hasn’t been aware of the magic. If Lucius chooses to suddenly yank on the chain she could very well attack us.” Noah frowned heavily, reminding himself that Wade was not the problem and choking him would solve nothing.

“And that means I can’t tell her why?”

“As I understand it, the man and the wolf are separate consciousnesses living in the same mind in a kind of symbiotic relationship. More pronounced of course in those not born to it.” Noah nodded his agreement. “The wolf will instantly fight the spell and its effects. The wolf can’t be forced to believe that you, it’s mate, would ever seek to harm it. The woman, however, can be. They would fight each other in her mind if Lucius pulled hard enough. It would drive her mad.” Noah exhaled sharply. Render his mate insane to free her? Absolutely f*****g not.

“So...we don’t tell her. Or anyone.”

“And pray that Lucius decides to spring a new trap instead of flip his kill switch.”

“New trap?” Wade pressed his lips together into a fine line as he thought over something. Noah tried for patience and stillness as he waited for the sorcerer to come to a conclusion.

“Like I said, I got a good look at the spell when I was in Luca’ mind. I thought that Lucius’ goal was Carlie but I was wrong. It was Luca all along. I should have seen it because if you hadn’t stumbled on them, he would have succeeded.” Noah only raised a brow to question him, no longer trusting his words not to come out as a menacing growl. “Luca has known him his whole life. He never had any intention of killing the boy, he merely wanted to set himself up as a hero. He was drawing it out for maximum effect. While Carlie still had ties to her mortal life and her memories of you, Luca has none of those things. Given time he would have grown to be loyal to Lucius, helped on by the subtle manipulations of the spell.”

“Except Carlie.”

“I’m sure he planned to have her killed in a tragic accident while Luca was still young. And allow him to get vengeance thus giving him a taste for blood early on. It is...very clever. Though again, ultimately set up to fail. Werewolves are never alone. Even the loners will be protected if under attack from a non wolf.” Well that was true. All of that information made Noah want to call his father and suggest they both go and take on Lucius and his whole stupid band of spellcasting morons. “I’ve called the Council. As soon as they let me know how to proceed we will. Be ready to move quickly.” Noah nodded. Wade disappeared in a snap of the air around him leaving the smell of burnt ozone and smirk on Noah’s lips. Show off.

Carlie

Carlie spent a blissful hour with Luca just chatting about things that had gone on while he’d slept. She answered all of his questions about Noah and his new grandparents. She was happy to see that he was coming around to the idea the more he learned about them. She was sure Noah was keeping them away while she spent some time with her son. She appreciated it as well as the quiet comfort he sent through their mate bond without actually speaking. She smiled softly at how he always managed to know exactly what was needed. He used to tell her he just knew. Before the accident that threw their lives so drastically off course. Yet as she gazed down at her son who was talking animatedly about how difficult it was going to be to catch up on his favorite shows she realized she wouldn’t trade any of it. Without it she never would have gotten to have the Luca she had now. And he was perfect.

Luca’s nurses came and went twice before Noah returned. He seemed tense but gave Luca a giant smile. The sight of the two of them getting more comfortable warmed her very soul in places she hadn’t known were cold. She hadn’t known how much of herself she had locked away to spare herself the pain. She watched Luca converse with his father and wondered what he was thinking. Had he always been curious about who Noah was? He’d only ever asked her once and when she’d told him he’d died before he was born he seemed to accept it and never need anything more. Except now that she watched him study Noah, find similarities, and relax further with every response she found herself worrying about the first few years of Luca’s life. Had he been unfulfilled like she was and yet hadn’t known any different?

“Well I’m sure they won’t mind but we’ll have to make sure it’s ok with your mom.” Noah’s deep voice stole through her thought spiral. She blinked and turned to find Luca staring at her expectantly. “Luca was hoping that Nana and Papa could come with us to dinner this evening.” Noah explained to Carlie. She felt her eyes widen. He thought he was getting out today?

“I’m not sure we’re going to be able to take you home today sweetie. You were asleep for a very long time.” Luca’s face instantly turned into an angry pout.

“I’m all better.” He grumbled.

“I know that. But the doctors want to make sure everything is ok before they release you.” Luca stayed pouting with his arms crossed tightly over his chest. She’d forgotten how very independent he was somehow. She even found herself smiling as he turned his head away from both her and Noah to gaze out the window. “How about we ask them if they want to eat with us all here? And I can ask the doctors how long you need to stay.”

“I want to go home. Or to Noah’s.” He insisted. Stubborn as a mule. Just like his father. She also noticed the sublet yawn he tried to hide.

“Alright. Well Dad and I will talk to the doctor while you rest. We’ll ask Nana and Papa about dinner but I’m sure they’ll say yes. So think about what you want to eat.” She added with a smile. After a few moments he nodded grudgingly and turned his whole body towards the window, still holding his arms tightly across his chest. It was an angry position she was used to seeing and the familiarity of it eased even more tension from her body. He was still himself. Noah looked at her with a question in his eyes. He’s tired and upset. If we leave him for a few minutes he should nod off to sleep. Noah nodded and reached over to ruffle Luca’s hair softly.

“I’m gonna go find the doctor bud. I’ll be back.” Luca mumbled a goodbye without moving, earning a smirk from Noah. He blew a kiss to Carlie and nodded his head toward the door. She waited until he’d left again before curling around Luca’s angry body.

“I love you. I know it’s not as fast as you wanted but we are going to leave. I will make them go as fast as possible.” She kissed the top of his head and held him for another moment before getting up to follow Noah. “Rest, my love. But not too long this time.” She saw the small smile that was his response before she closed the door behind her and entered the hall. Noah was leaning against the far wall texting on his phone. She walked straight into him and snuggled close, nuzzling her face into his neck. “Where were you earlier?” He frowned for a moment and then understanding clicked.

“One of those telekinetics was in your apartment.”

“Did you kill him?” She asked, finding her muscles grow rigid with anxiety again. Damn would she ever truly relax?

“No.” Noah responded with a distant look in his eyes as he studied her. “I scared him and sent him packing with a message not to send anymore or the result would be a lot bloodier. He agreed.” She sighed and wiggled back close to his chest again. “If you really want to leave tonight I can sic my Dad on the staff here. Though I think for appearances sake we should at least give them a few days to run more tests. Hopefully find some sort of plausible explanation that doesn’t result in an entire genetic workup on our whole family.” Carlie nodded.

“I know he’s frustrated but it’s ok to stay. I want him out of Lucius’ way and a hospital full of regular humans is a perfect safe space. Not to mention he has no authority to restrict your parents being here. I’m pretty sure Luca is as safe as he can possibly be with those two.” Noah smiled widely.

“So. You met the parents. What do you think?” She grinned back.

“I am honestly impressed you survived your childhood.” He chuckled. “Seriously though, they are great people. Well….your mother is a wonderful woman. Little scary. Your father is terrifying. I’m sure he’s a good person too but I don’t know that I’ll ever see it first hand. Except maybe observing it with Luca.” Noah nodded along.

“For what it’s worth they both feel really bad for believing the story we were told.” She shrugged her shoulders.

“It’s done. There is no need for guilt anymore. We need to square Lucius away and then we can start new. Which, by the way, you want us to move in here?”

“Well, I realize that Luca isn’t in school yet so he probably wouldn’t be too hard to relocate but I understand if you have ties here. I don’t care where we live as long as it’s in the same house.”

“You sure you’re ready for a woman and a toddler in your house?” His large smile returned.

“Woman I’ve been way too bored the last five years. I NEED a little chaos.” She tried to hide her building laughter at his ability to change moods so quickly. “You don’t think so?”

“I think you are grossly underestimating the amount of chaos a nearly five year old can bring into a person’s life. Especially when said person is not used to it.”

“Please.” Noah scoffed. “I have three younger siblings. Twin sisters among them if you remember. I can handle kids.”

“You were a kid yourself those days. It’s different when you’re an adult.” One elegant dark brow rose over Noah’s eye.

“Are you implying I don’t have the stamina to care for my son?” The erotic lilt to his tone sent a shudder through her. She had to forcefully remind herself that it was inappropriate to jump him in the hospital, much less the hallway. His parents were still in the area. How embarrassing would that be?

“Well. I guess I just need to pack our things.” Noah’s expression changed yet again to incredulity.

“Really? Just like that?” His surprise made her giggle.

“Oh you’re right. I should take my child, just released from the hospital, to a rat infested crap hole apartment as opposed to a nice, no doubt ritzy, condo that his father owns. What was I thinking?” Noah smiled again. “Of course. Luca will be fine. He may be a bit testy while he adjusts but it never takes him long. Not to mention the added people in his life, especially wolves, will quickly overcome his unease about being in a new place.”

“Good.” Noah pulled her in for another hug and a deep longing kiss that stole her breath and melted her bones. The passion and love she felt flooding their mated link was different than it had been just a few days before. He felt complete which in turn completed her. If someone had told her that this would be her life at any point in the past five years she would have probably punched them. At the very least laughed until she cried at the sheer ridiculousness of the idea. Yet here they were. Together. Whole. One more obstacle left to climb and it was shortly to be dealt with. Then they could continue on to their happily ever after. She pulled out of the kiss and took a deep breath to steady herself.

“I shouldn’t be long.” Noah’s lust fogged face frowned.

“Where are you going?”

“To pack our things.” His frown deepened.

“We’ll do it together later.” He was already reaching for her to pull her back against him. She squirmed out of his hold with a laugh at his frustrated sigh.

“It will be faster if I do it alone. Besides, I want to get done quickly.” She pressed herself against him, flattening him against the wall in the process. “The faster we can be in the condo, the faster we can be alone.” Ice tinted eyes bored down into hers.

“I’d like that a lot.” She mumbled her agreement and kissed him again. Hard and possessive. It was returned in kind and she wrestled her way free before they set off the alarms in the building. She smiled over her shoulder and blew a kiss at a heated gaze from her mate. She was mostly telling the truth after all. She was going to go to her old apartment, pack the things Luca would be devastated to lose, and then she was going to stop by Lucius’ office and kill him. Everything would be nice and tidy by the end of the evening. Then they could have their hard earned happily ever after.