Fighting Fate

CHAPTER 8

Nathaniel tapped the fingers of his hand on the steering wheel in time to the music. The drive to Bozeman airport was just about 2 hours and he was nearing the end.

His thoughts had been alternating between preparing for the business at hand and worrying over Fiona. She’d been out of sorts lately, distant and tense. Her beautiful face had become worn and it was rare to see a smile reach her eyes.

Whatever was bothering her, she had brushed it aside to the kids as just being “tired from too much working.” But he’d seen her take on the rigors of the summer for more than a decade, and this wasn’t just fatigue. Something else had gotten under her skin.

What baffled him was her not sharing the burden with him. It wasn’t like her to stay so closed off.

When he pressed, she became uncomfortable and offered him just enough information to get him off her back. But he knew she was only appeasing him, trying to keep him from fussing over her. And he hadn’t wanted to push her too hard.

He hoped she’d reach out to someone, even it it wasn’t him, if she truly needed council. As much as he wanted to pick her brain, hold her and caress her and kiss away the worry until she melted into him and told him everything, he knew she wasn’t in the right headspace for that.

But it didn’t mean he wouldn’t keep trying. He needed her to know he was paying attention, her shift in mood wasn’t lost on him, and he was ready and waiting for her to confide in him.

Just thinking of her in some kind of turmoil made his heart squeeze.

When he’d left this morning, he had told her he was taking Jack to his parents' house, which was on the way to the airport. He’d also booked her a massage and left the gift certificate on the kitchen island for her. Once she got the older kids dropped off at camp, she’d have a quiet day to enjoy some R&R.

He knew it wasn’t much, but a few hours of peace were golden when you had three kids. He hoped he’d find her at least a bit more at ease when he returned home after his lupine shift.

His attention once again turned to the day’s task, as he began following airport signs to the correct lot. Once he found a parking space, he glanced up to identify his parking row number.

In the reflection of the car window, he made sure he looked professional and presentable. He knew Fio would’ve given him the once over had she been here. It was important to put forward a competent image to incoming visitors, especially international ones who showed so much interest in their operation. Satisfied with his appearance, he strode off toward the baggage claim area.

He spotted Tom, Louise, and their Betas as soon as he walked through the glass doors. To an outsider, they seemed a formidable group.

Thomas Wilson’s graying hair was closely cropped, a habit he’d never been able to shake since his time in the military. His waistline had begun to expand, but Tom was still imposing and as tough as nails.

His wife Louise was tall for a woman, standing even with her husband at 6 feet. Today, she was even taller in low wedges and looked effortlessly polished in navy slacks and a soft gray blouse. Her dark hair was pulled pack into a low chignon.

Their Betas Cameron and Bryce were even taller, lean, and well muscled from hours in the gym. They were both American Ninja Warrior fanatics and spent as much time as possible swinging around like monkeys. Very un-wolf like in human form, but they were extremely agile and strong when they shifted so they were excellent to have on a hunt.

Approaching the foursome could make just about anyone feel small and insignificant. But Nat had never met more genuine folks and he smiled as he made eye contact with them.

“Well, don’t we all clean up nice?” He exclaimed.

Louise met his cheeky tone head on, “Anyone meeting us for the first time would think we mean business.”

Nat barked a laugh in response and winked at Cam and Bryce.

“We’ll have them fooled!”

The two Betas laughed with him and reached out their hands for warm shakes.

“It’s been a minute Nat, how the hell are ya?” Cameron asked.

“Can’t complain any more than I usually do. Beta life right?” he replied

“Bloody slave drivers, these Alphas.” Bryce joined with a nod toward his superiors.

“Tell me which other Betas spend as much time fooling around as you two?” Louise chided.

Her Betas stepped aside as she came in for a hug, having to bend at the knees to accommodate Nathaniel’s shorter height.

“Good to see you Louise, Tom.” Nat nodded in respect, clasping Tom’s forearm as Louise drew away.

“And you Nathaniel. All going to plan so far?” Tom got straight to the point.

He had a ribald sense of humor, but it only came out occasionally. Today he was here in an official capacity and would maintain his business persona.

“Yes sir, I think we’ve got things as pinned down as well as we can expect. Of course, I’m sure we’ll find ourselves needing some flexibility with having 3 of them, but we’ve allowed some extra time to buffer unforeseen circumstances.” Nat replied.

“Good, good. And where is your better half today?” Tom questioned

“Ah she stayed back to get the twins off to camp and I’m making her take care of herself today. It’s been a long summer and I’ll admit, she’s better at the communication and logistical end of things so a lot of this has fallen into her lap.” he explained.

“Of course she’s better at communication…she’s a woman.” Louise said dryly.

“Ha! I won’t argue with that Alpha.” he laughed outwardly, but inwardly the comment made his heart twist. Fio was an excellent communicator, so why wasn’t she letting him in right now?

“The flight has landed.” Bryce’s statement shook him from his reverie. They all looked up and the screen and then waited to see which baggage carousel the 3 visitors would need to report to.

Navigating toward the other end of the airport, they positioned themselves near the stairwell in direct view so they wouldn’t be missed. Fortunately, this was the final leg of the journey, so they wouldn’t have to wait for the gentlemen to go through customs.

Fifteen minutes later, they began to see passengers trickling down the stairs and escalators. Louse spotted them first.

“Ah, those look like 3 werewolves to me.” the rest of the crew followed her gaze and everyone straightened to welcome the applicants.

***

“f**k, they look the mafia.” Kieran whispered as they all caught sight of the welcoming party.

“Don’t overreact Kieran, I’m sure they are lovely folks. Of course they are going to put forward a strong contingent. First impressions are important.” Einar, always pragmatic, smiled and held up a hand in greeting.

All three men took a deep breath as and threw their shoulders back when they reached the bottom of the escalator.

“Hallo! You must be the Wilson pack representatives. Very nice to meet you at last. I am Einar Skarin. Here are my companions Broc Drummond and Kieran Hughes” Einar approached with confidence and affability. It was impossible not to like the Swede. Broc and Kieran gladly let him take the lead.

One man stepped forward from the group and grasped Einar’s extended hand, shaking it firmly. His bright eyes and easy smile put them all at ease. His blonde hair was longer on top and combed neatly back from his brow. He was dressed in charcoal gray slacks and a white button down, simple enough to not be fussy but still put together.

“Welcome to Montana gents. Beta Nathaniel Avery, we’ve spoken a few times. Glad you made it safely. And yes, these are the Alphas and Betas of the Wilson pack.”

Broc and Kieran also shook hands and then everyone moved in for introductions.

As an introvert, Broc was usually a bit uncomfortable in these situations, but he’d studied all the Yellowstone Pack’s leaders so he felt confident addressing them as he shook hands.

Thank goodness Beta Avery’s wife had sent them each a dossier, which he and Einar had quizzed each other on during their travels. Kieran, a natural people person, wasn’t concerned at all. He’d be winging it and skating by on his Irish charm.

But Broc found comfort in preparation and had been thrilled when Mrs. Avery had sent it without him even asking.

She hadn’t known, but she’d been a godsend in making this smoother for him.

After the meet and greet, Beta Cameron led the group toward the baggage carousel. The two Betas paired off with Kieran, chatting easily as they awaited the bags.

Einar was already deep in conversation with Alpha Thomas and his wife, who also held the title Alpha.

Here again, he silently thanked Fiona Avery for her work. It was a peculiar custom to refer to both male and female as Alpha and he was thankful to have had time to get used to it.

Beta Nathaniel stood near him, but didn’t press for conversation. He seemed utterly comfortable remaining silent.

Broc liked his energy, something about him gave off a calming vibe.

“I’d hoped to be able to thank your wife in person for all the work she did preparing us. The dossier was a huge help” he broke the silence. The Beta smiled and turned his face to respond.

“I’ll be sure to tell her, it was her idea and I know she’ll be glad to hear you found it helpful.”

“Indeed, thank you Beta.” Something about Nathaniel's presence was making Broc light headed. His jaw tightened as the man turned toward him to continue chatting, but he kept his face impassive. What was throwing him off?

“I know she’s looking forward to meeting you all. I’ll admit though, my oldest two expect you and Mr. Hughes to arrive in kilts.”

“Ah! Yes, well we wouldn’t want to disappoint the bairns. I did bring one, they are remarkably handy for the shift. Can’t speak for Kieran though. How old are they?” he smiled while keeping an eye on the carousel, which had finally begun to move.

“Eight. When they heard we were having visitors from across the pond they wanted to learn about where you were coming from. And kilts were the factoid they honed in on.” The joy Nathaniel found in his children was obvious to see.

“Aye, it’s to be expected. And what did they like about Sweden then?”

“Oh, Vikings of course,” the Beta answered without hesitation.

“Aye, I’m not sure Einar travels with his shield though.” he quipped, enjoying the casual moment with his host.

Nathaniel threw his head back and laughed. The motion created an eddy of air, sending a warm scent in Broc’s direction. His eyes closed for an instant as his chest tightened. Just as quickly, the feeling was gone and he shook his head to clear it. What the f**k was that?