Cravings: Alpha City 2 (15 page)

“I’m just a little sore,” Zoey explained. She could see the guilty look on his face. She turned in his arms and straddled him. “It was pure pleasure ,my love, and I don’t regret any moment of it.”

“I would just as soon cut off my own hand than to hurt you,” Kayden expressed.

“You didn’t hurt me. Now clean me, so you can introduce me to the kids.” Kayden smiled. She already knew he had a soft spot for the children.

Her mate was so attentive as he washed every single spot of her body then her hair. After he dried her off, he blow-dried her hair and watched as she applied some make-up. “You’re beautiful,” he noted.

“You make me feel beautiful when you look at me,” Zoey responded. He kissed her, then took her hand as he pulled her into his bedroom where he had laid out a sundress.

“Oh, Kayden. It’s beautiful. Whose is it?”

He raised a brow in challenge. “Zoey Malone. I bought it for you in Vegas. I got up early thinking I would take a walk, and I saw it in a store window. It looked like something you would wear, and I had to buy it. I had it delivered here to my house. Do you like it?”

“Kayden, you bought me something? It’s…it’s beautiful.” Zoey gazed at the dress. She had never received a gift from a boy, except from her brother, but he didn’t count.

“Of course I did, and I plan on buying you lots of things, so get ready, Zoey Malone, because I’m going to shower you with my love.”

Zoey and Kayden walked hand in hand into the kitchen and found Thorn, Rose, and all the kids eating breakfast. Zoey smiled and went over and hugged Rose then Thorn. Kayden watched as they both hugged her back and smiled.

“I see congratulations are in order, Zoey,” Thorn commented. Zoey blushed and then smiled and looked back at him.

“Yes. But I need to know, Thorn, are you are happy for us?” Zoey asked. Kayden could see the look of shock on Thorn’s face that she would even ask his opinion. He knew his mate wanted to be accepted by him and the others in the pride.

“Of course, Zoey. We love you, and you make that knucklehead happier than I’ve ever seen him, so yes, I approve,” Thorn answered as he pulled out a chair for her.

Kayden watched the kids as they stopped eating and watched his mate with fascination.

“Baby, I want to introduce Rose’s brothers and sister. This is Titan ,the oldest.” Kayden knew that once they got to know her, they would love her. She had the kind of personality that drew a person in.

Zoey must have shocked Titan when he stuck his hand out for her to shake. She looked down at it and hugged him instead. “Welcome to Alpha City, Titan. We hug here, or at least I do. I hope it doesn’t bother you.” Zoey pulled away and waited for his reaction. She was smiling the whole time as he hesitated.

“Yes, ma’am, it’s fine.” Titan’s voice was low and shy sounding. They could see the redness of the blush creeping up his throat to his face.
That’s my girl
. Kayden felt hopeful that it would all work out now.

Zoey placed her hand on Titan’s arm assuring him. “Good. We shall be great friends then. I look forward to getting to know you and your family.” Zoey’s smile was infectious as Titan half smiled then sat back down. Zoey gave the same smile to Russ and Marcus. Both Russ and Marcus blushed as well after talking to her. Then her eyes settled on Carina. Zoey walked over and stood at the chair beside Carina. “May I sit here?” Zoey asked.

Carina didn’t speak, but she nodded as she watched Zoey’s every move. Zoey turned in her seat then introduced herself. “Hello. My name is Zoey Malone, and I can turn into a wolf. After breakfast, I was wondering if you would like to go outside with me so I can shift before I go to work. I love the outdoors, but sometimes I just like to sit in the sun and relax. Would you like to go with me?” It was like the whole room waited for Carina’s reaction. “We won’t go far. Just around the house,” Zoey added. While she waited, Zoey picked up the coffee cup that Rose sat in front of her. She didn’t pressure Carina or explain any further, she just drank her coffee and waited. The boys gave up watching and went back to eating. Rose turned back around and started cooking.

Kayden decided that he would sit at the table and drink his coffee like his mate was doing. She had something up her sleeve because she just sat silently, smiling, and drinking her coffee. Every now and again, he could see Carina glance up at Zoey while she drank her coffee. He could tell the girl was very wise for her age.
She is almost magical
, Kayden thought.

“Well, Rose, this was wonderful coffee, but I want to shift now and go sit in the sun for a few minutes. I will catch you guys later.” Zoey looked over at Carina and winked then got up and started walking to the door. She never looked back as she opened the door.

Carina quietly put her fork down and walked out of the kitchen toward the back door. Kayden and the others leaned over, so they could watch. Carina stood at the front door looking out, then opened it, and went outside. Kayden didn’t want to make it obvious, so he waited until the others had finished eating. Titan continued to look at the back door. It looked like curiosity was getting to everyone.

“If you guys are ready, I will take you to the property I want cleaned and fixed up,” Kayden instructed. “Rose, if you would like to get out of the house and come with us to the cabin, you are welcome. I know we didn’t go in it when we went to Pier’s Point, but I think you will love it.” Rose smiled then turned the stove off. All the boys got up, rinsed their plates off, and put them in the dishwasher, then waited for him. Kayden liked that about the boys. Rose had taught them manners he was sure.

“Let’s go. I had some supplies sent to the cabin already,” Kayden explained as they walked to the back door. What they saw when they walked outside was unbelievable.

Zoey had shifted into her wolf, and Carina had shifted as well and was lying nose to nose with her. His heart beat faster as he watched them lay in the sun. His mate had done it. Nothing was said as they walked out the back door.

Kayden leaned down and spoke to Zoey knowing Carina could hear him. “We are going to the cabin if you want to run a little bit. I will carry your clothes if you want to see the cabin too, little bit.” Carina’s eyes were on him the whole time. Before he stood up, Carina was already up, waiting. Zoey got up too, and they all walked down the dirt road toward the cabin.

****

Zoey was ecstatic that Carina followed her outside. Her panther was beautiful, with a white patch, shaped like a heart, on her chest. She lay down in front of her but never spoke a word. Zoey made sure she didn’t speak, but lay down in the sun.

A few minutes had passed when Kayden, Rose, Thorn, and the boys came outside. She knew they were going down to the cabin, and she thought this would be a great chance for all of them to bond. She had already sent London a text that she may be late, helping Kayden with the kids, and she would explain later. And London, being London, wrote back telling her to stay at home and rest.

The wind blew Carina’s fur as they walked under the big oak trees toward the cabin.

“It’s a beautiful day,” Kayden announced. “The sun is shining, and there is a summer breeze in the air. Just perfect. Don’t you think so, Carina?” Kayden was doing such a good job at making Carina and the others feel comfortable.

Zoey would go to the stores herself and buy clothes and supplies for them once they got them settled working. She meant it when she said that she was going to do everything she could for them.

“You see that trail right there.” Kayden pointed. “That trail goes to Brody King’s land. You will be able to tell when you get to it because of all the scratching on the trees. Bears love to scratch themselves on the trees.” Kayden laughed when explaining. He glanced down at Carina as they walked to make sure she was still listening.

All in all, it was going great. They passed several enforcers sitting in the trees watching every movement and sound in the woods. The witch put everyone on edge, and security had been doubled everywhere. She knew that Ryder would have done the same and had since he left last night.

“Here it is.” Kayden pointed to the cabin.

“What do you think about it?” Kayden asked. The shiny gleam in their eyes was hopeful as they stopped to stare at the cabin.
It is beautiful
, Zoey thought. Many days, she had played in the cabin when she was little. Her brother and the others would bring girls there and go swimming at the Point, and it was always a place where she was happiest. It was only fitting that the cabin would be filled with more happy memories with Rose and her family.

Kayden walked over and put their clothes on the ground. “Here are your clothes. I will take the others in the house while you change, and then you come in and look at the cabin.”

Zoey stepped forward and shifted, and started putting on her clothes. Carina didn’t change yet, but watched as Zoey changed into her dress.

“You can stay like you are if you want, Carina. It’s okay if you want to go in the house like that,” Zoey offered, then reached down and rubbed her back.

“Your fur is so soft and pretty,” Zoey said as her fingers glided through the panther’s black hair. Carina started purring as she stroked her back and then she closed her eyes. She shifted back when Zoey stopped her caressing and rose up. Her shift happened within seconds.
She was as fast as an Alpha
, Zoey thought.

“Coming?” Kayden yelled out from the cabin toward them. She smiled and waited as Carina dressed quickly looking around to see if anyone was watching. “Nobody’s looking. I made sure. I checked before you shifted. I won’t let anyone hurt you, sweetheart,” Zoey insisted.

The look on the child’s face was of sadness as she stared back at Zoey. Her eyes held the pain of what had happened to her before Kayden brought them here to Alpha City. She didn’t know what the child had been through, but she was going to make it her mission to bring a smile to that girl’s face. She waited until she was done, and then they walked inside the cabin.

Kayden waited for the new family to say something about the cabin. When they stayed quiet, he took it that they didn’t like it. “You don’t like it?” he asked Titan and Rose.

“It’s beautiful, Alpha.” Rose’s voice was small as she reached out for her brother’s hand. They continued to go from room to room observing every detail.

Zoey came in and stood beside him as they both watched the family. Carina walked over and took Titan’s hand as they took her to the bedrooms and showed her.

When the boys came out, they had the biggest grin on their faces which made Kayden and Zoey smile knowing that at least they liked it. If they didn’t like the cabin, he would find them someplace else in order to make them happy.

They followed Carina into one of the bedrooms. Zoey’s grip tightened on Kayden’s hand when Carina’s eyes sparked as she looked in the room. Sitting in the middle of the floor was a child’s table. Carina released her brother’s hand and walked over to the table and ran her hand across the smooth surface. She paused looking from the table to the windowsill, then made the decision for the windowsill. She still didn’t smile as she jumped up on the padded seat to stare out the window.

“Success!” Zoey muttered. This had been the room Zoey played in as a child. Kayden had made the small table for her, so she would have some place to play while they did their own thing.

“It needs some work, but I love this place, and I think you will too,” Kayden replied. He watched Rose and Titan take in what Kayden was saying.

“This is where you want us to live?” Rose asked surprised.

“Yes, but if you don’t like it, then I can find you and the kids another place,” Kayden offered, but Titan spoke quickly before his sister could.

“No. We like it.” Titan’s voice was content as he looked over at his older sister.

“We love it, Alpha, but I know how special this place is to you, and we can’t take it away from you.” Rose’s voice was pained as she spoke. He could see how much she hated saying that to him as she gazed back at her brother in regret.

“Then you should know what you and your family mean to me, Rose. We are family. You, Titan, and the kids are my family now. And I want my family to have something that is very special.”

“He means it. We are a family, Rose. I would never feel right if anyone, besides you and the kids, moved into this cabin. It holds fond memories for us from when we grew up, and we want you to make memories here where you can be safe and happy.”

Kayden smiled down at his mate. She knew what to say at the right moment to clench the deal. She could see Rose wavering as Zoey explained what this place meant to her as well.

Rose’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” both of them said.

“Then we…we will take it.” There was no doubt that they wanted the cabin if the smiles on their faces told them anything.

“Great, now let’s get started on what we need to get done here. Cleaning supplies are in the kitchen on the table, and Titan, since you are good with your hands, we need to fix up your room as well. There is an apartment over the garage, but it hasn’t been finished. I will help you finish it, if that is okay?”

Titan looked amazed that Kayden would help him. “Of course, Alpha.” This family had a lot to learn about how Alpha City was run. He, along with his best friends, helped each other out and believed in helping its members. Something this family wasn’t accustomed to but soon would find out.

Clasping his hands together, Kayden answered, “Alright, let’s get started then.” But before they got started working, he knew he needed to talk to Zoey about the guards. He escorted Zoey over to a corner to talk in private.

“I know you have to work today, and I know you are going to get upset, but please humor me, baby, especially with what took place yesterday. Thorn will go with you today.” Kayden waited for the fireworks, but nothing came. He could see the fire in her eyes, but she refrained from speaking her mind, and hopefully she understood.

“For now, my love.” Zoey patted Kayden on the cheek letting him know that he won this round; however, Zoey wouldn’t always give him his way. He read that message loud and clear, and he loved that about her.

“Now, I need to get the kids’ sizes, so I can go and get some clothes and supplies for them. Can you spare me for a while?” Zoey asked, the conversation forgotten.

“Of course, baby. Go, and here is my card.” Kayden started to get his credit card out of his wallet, but Zoey stopped him.

“Nope, this one is on me. You can get the next one,” Zoey insisted.

“Okay, baby.” Kayden nodded then kissed her softly on the lips then turned around and walked out the back door.

Zoey watched as her mate walked out the door. She took a second to look around and enjoy watching the boys run from room to room giggling. Even Carina came out of her room and got some cleaning supplies, but the next subject was going to be harder to get them to accept.

“Here goes nothing,” Zoey muttered then sauntered over and stood beside Rose. “Rose? I need the kids’ sizes so I can go into town and buy some clothes for them.”

Rose was already shaking her head before Zoey even finished her comment. “Zoey, you and the Alpha have done enough. Once I find a job, I can get the kids some clothes. Please, no more.”

“Speaking of jobs, Rose. You said that you worked in an office as a secretary?”

“Yes, I did. I was the office manager for an insurance company,” Rose offered.

“Well, we are in need of one at my company. We are a small company, but we are growing so fast that we can’t keep up with it all, and we have to hire some people, and we desperately need a secretary. The job pays well, and we offer insurance and a 401K if you are interested,” Zoey explained. She waited not wanting to push Rose. They were offering them so much; she could tell Rose and her siblings didn’t want to take handouts, but she was serious when she said they were desperate.

“Zoey, I know you are only offering this job just to help me out, but I can find a job. You don’t have to make up a position for me. Really, it is okay.”

“Zoey is telling the truth. I was going to call you today after letting everything calm down first, but we are in desperate need of one. It’s not a handout, Rose.” Both Zoey and Rose jumped from hearing a new voice in the house. Smiling at her best friend, Zoey listened to London and what she had to say. “The job will be a lot to take on. Our company is growing faster than we can keep up with. If you take it, you would work your ass off. As the company grows, so would your job duties. In fact, you would probably move up quickly and make more money soon. I can’t hold off long, so I will need an answer soon.” London had walked in the cabin without anyone hearing her, and she just clenched this deal.

Rose’s brow rose in surprise at the offer. “Then you got yourself a deal. When do you want me to start?” Rose asked smiling.

“I know you are trying to get moved in, but if you could start in two days, that would be great,” London answered. “We have a lot to do with the new project Alpha Ringo wants, and we are still working on the AS 2000.”

“That would be great. It would give me time to get this house together, and then I can start work. I’m thankful you guys thought of me first. I really do appreciate it,” Rose said.

“Great. I have some time to help clean or do whatever you need me to do, Rose.” Leaving nothing else to be discussed, London took off her jacket and laid it on the counter.

“Oh no, I couldn’t ask you to do that. You have done too much already, and you have work to do,” Rose swallowed quickly. Zoey could tell she wasn’t used to people helping her.

“You see, Rose, that is the beauty of being a part owner of the business. I can leave and come in whenever I want. I like cleaning windows, so can I start in the living room?” Rose didn’t know what to say as London didn’t wait for an answer and picked up the supplies and walked into the living room.

“Rose, it takes getting used to, but this is how Alpha City is. We help each other out. You are not the first person, nor will you be the last one we will do this for. One day you can do something for those who come here and need help. It’s not charity. It’s just what family does and should do.” Rose’s eyes teared up. Her eyes widened as she watched London clean the windows, and before she could look away, trucks started pulling up with workers. Members of the pride were dropping off furniture, food, and some were coming inside to help in any way they could.

Rose couldn’t stop the tears as they fell down her face. “I never knew it could be like this. We have been through so much, and I just never knew prides were like this. When I left the kids, I thought I would never see them again. But now…” Zoey hugged Rose letting the tears fall. She needed to cry and let out all the fears she had been feeling. Because life was changing quickly for them, she needed to see that there was still good in people.

Purdy Bellows and her sister, Nancy, were part of Kayden’s pride. They walked in and hugged London, speaking to her. London pointed to Rose as both looked over at her. She wondered what they thought about her and Kayden, or if they even knew yet. She was worried that some wouldn’t accept their mating, and she didn’t want any backlash against her mate. She loved him and knew he loved her, but sometimes people felt that they should mate with their own kind.

“Well, look at you, Alpha,” Purdy announced walking over and staring at her. “That mate of yours put a big mark on you letting everyone know who you belong to.” Zoey blushed as Purdy went on and on about the mating mark.

“Purdy, are you okay with the Alpha and me mating.” The smile left Purdy’s face.

“Now you listen here, missy. You may be my new Alpha female, but make no mistake, we don’t take the same stance as that SOB of a father he has. We have known since you were young pups that you belonged to Kayden and he to you. We couldn’t be happier that you finally decided to take the plunge. We love you, sweetheart. Don’t forget that,” Purdy announced then hugged her. Zoey breathed out. She was happier than she had ever been.

If Purdy and Nancy Bellows accepted you, then it had to mean that most of the pride did too. Nothing got past these two busybodies, but they were good as gold and loyal to the pride.

“Now that it’s out in the open, let me look at you.” Purdy took Rose’s hands and opened them up so she could look at Rose. “The men are going to have a field day with a beauty like you.” Rose blushed and bowed her head shyly smiling.

“I’ve got food in the car and some towels and sheets for your beds. Now they are new, so don’t think I gave you hand-me-downs, because I love the sales, and there was a huge sale on sheets and linens today. Don’t you look at me like that, Rose. You will take them as a gift, and I don’t want to hear you saying no. So let’s go get that food out of the car, and let’s get to cleaning.” With that being said, Purdy and Nancy turned around and walked out to the car.

Rose and Zoey watched as Purdy and Nancy walked out of the house. Leaning closer whispering, Zoey explained, “You will get used to them. Purdy does all the talking, but when Nancy says something, you need to listen. She is the wisdom, and Purdy is the mouth. They mean well. Nosey, but good peeps.”

Bowing her head, Zoey could see how emotional Rose was getting. “I won’t ever be able to repay you and the others for what you are doing for us,” Rose responded.

“You don’t have to. It doesn’t make you weak or mean that we feel sorry for you. It means we care for you, and we want you to be part of our family. Family helps each other out when they need it. You don’t have to ask; we just do it.” Zoey grabbed Rose’s hand. “I hate Kayden’s father for how he has made you and the kids feel. This is how prides are supposed to be run, Rose. Not like that. Kayden is a good Alpha, and so is the rest of the Council. It will take some getting used to, but you will, and then you’ll know this is how it is meant to be.” Rose squeezed her hand back.

“Now, what are those sizes?” Zoey asked, and Rose smiled and told her.