Un.Bridled (Claimed Series #2) (29 page)

With a sweeping look around at her pack, Celeste leaned closer to Hayden, lowering her voice. “I took in many females who were mistreated by men. I taught them how to fight and fend for themselves. I gave them a purpose in life, something they had never been given before. Their mistreatment naturally gives them reason to despise males.” She paused. “Of course, I’m not naïve enough to believe all men are created equal. There are many males I respect and adhere to
, and I expect my pack to look past their discrimination and give respect to where it’s due.”

Cole said Celeste would try to manipulate Hayden. If this
was her attempt at manipulation, Hayden would readily admit that it
was
working. She respected Celeste. She was impressed with her fearlessness to step outside the general mold and make a difference for those who were susceptible to mistreatment. 

What Celeste was trying to achieve by manipulating Hayden, she didn’t know. If it was true, and Celeste had her own agenda, it would probably be with the aim of enticing Hayden enough to join her pack.

But Cole had nothing to worry about. If Hayden didn’t have such a remarkable pack, the idea of joining Celeste would be extremely tempting. However, the very thought of leaving everyone behind was not even an option.

“It’s very admirable of you,” Hayden acknowledged honestly. “I think that more people could benefit from knowing about your pack.”

Briefly, she thought of Rachel and how the other woman would have quickly taken advantage of Celeste’s pack had she known about it. Unfortunately, the ones that did know about Celeste were judgmental about its origins and refused to pass the word on to others.

“Having more people aware of my pack would be beneficial, but I plan to expand eventually.” Celeste appeared livelier at the mention of her future plans. “I’d like to have
other branches with a few betas running their own packs. Our main goal would be to train women and reverse the gender roles that have been forced upon them. After the training, they would be free to leave and rejoin the pack they came from.”

Hayden nodded, remembering when Rachel described how the females were groomed after century-old traditions of being compliant to the males. “It would give them more confidence, more of an equal footing. They wouldn’t be so vulnerable.”

It sounded ingenious, really. Females would have the option of taking on a more active role within the pack.

Without warning, Celeste’s expression turned grim, and just as quickly, a shadow loomed over Hayden. A hand curled around the back of Hayden’s chair and calloused fingers brushed against her shoulder possessively.

“Cole,” Celeste greeted carefully. She met his eyes boldly, appearing quite capable. “I was just getting to know Hayden better. You are lucky to have such promising potential in your pack.”

“I know.” Cole barely spared Celeste much notice before nudging Hayden. “I got in contact with Adolf. We will be leaving here tomorrow afternoon and meeting him near the border of Montana.”

Hayden was forced off her chair and she flashed Celeste a fleeting smile. Trust Cole to come barging over, banging his fists against his chest after Celeste and Hayden just finished discussing a female’s place in the pack.

“Before you go,” Celeste started, standing and looking at Hayden expectantly. “I’m curious to know if you’ve ever
bowhunted.”

“No.” She pulled away from Cole’s domineering hold. “But it’s something I would be interested in learning.”

“Tomorrow morning, then.” Celeste moved around the table and stood next to Cole, only an inch or two shorter than he was. “There is enough game in these woods for target practice. You’ll be an expert before you leave.”

Both Cole and Celeste watched Hayden expectantly, the former disapprovingly and the latter keenly. Cole wouldn’t want her to accept the invitation, but surprisingly enough, he remained silent. She half-expected him to forbid her from going in order to assert his authority.

So, she quickly consented before he changed his mind. “I’d like that.”

Before she could properly get the words out, Cole led her away by the shoulder. His lips were pressed into a thin line, a clear indication he was upset over the situation. She’d experienced his disapproval enough not to be intimidated, but this time, she could
feel
the negative vibes through their link.

“You have nothing to be upset over,” Hayden reassured equably.  

“Well?” Nathan stood from his chair as soon as they were within proximity. “Did you broach the subject of her allegiance?”

Her mind went blank and her expression must have conveyed as much.

Nathan’s face fell and he appeared genuinely disappointed. “You didn’t even mention it,” he assumed, correctly. “I should have expected as much. Sending an impressionable little girl into the hands of an extreme feminist would undoubtedly lead to nothing worthwhile.”

Blake sat up, flashing Nathan a repulsed look. “Lay off her, Nate.” It was rare Blake ever lost his good humor, but there was nothing approachable about his current countenance.

Nathan’s words were harsh, but Hayden forced herself to endure them. He was right. They were all right. Hayden had gone into the conversation, prepared to address Celeste’s support against the rogues. Instead, it had completely slipped her mind.

Had that been Celeste’s intentions all along? Had she known Hayden intended to ask for her help and distracted her with tales of female heroism? Were the things she claimed even true? They had to be. Why would she lie about something like that?

She sat on the chair, feeling the inquisitive stares from her pack members. They had predicted this would happen. Even though most of them didn’t voice their concerns, they had believed Celeste would get the better of her. And Hayden felt mortified that they’d been right.

“She’s going out with Celeste in the morning. I’m sure she will address the topic at that time.” Unexpectedly, it was Cole who covered for her. He stood over Hayden, appearing neutral, but his
stance was protective. “It’s better if Hayden gradually introduces a proposition of an alliance, as opposed to springing it on Celeste.”

Hayden gazed at him
with disbelief. He’d been the most vocal about the dangers of courting Celeste, yet there he stood, defending her. It would have been justified if he rubbed her failure in her face and delivered the famed ‘
I told you so’
line.

But he stood there, a solid wall of defense between her and the pack.

She pressed her fingers against the crown of her forehead and smiled sadly. He could be an overbearing Alpha at times, but it was times like these that she was reminded of his genuine aspiration to protect her. 

“I won’t fail,” Hayden vowed, knowing only Cole would detect the appreciation in her tone
regarding his actions.

He inclined his head. Whether he truly believed she could do it or not, it didn’t matter. What mattered was she had a true confidante in Cole.

“But why?”

Addie tried to smile at Hayden’s insistent questioning, but it came out strained. “It just doesn’t appeal to me,
that’s all. I think many of the females would agree with me.”

Hayden found herself biting her nails and watching Addie bustle around the kitchen. Unsettled with the discussion she shared with Celeste, Hayden had wanted to talk to someone regarding the topic of an all-female pack and the other things Celeste had mentioned. She hadn’t wanted to talk to any of the males, so she had approached Addie. She needed to confirm that she wasn’t the only one who thought Celeste had notable ideas.

Unfortunately, Addie didn’t think they were that great.

“I still don’t understand,” Hayden persisted. “I think training the females and sending them back to their packs, with the knowledge of how to defend
themselves, would be a step in the right direction.”

Addie set down the pot of uncooked roast and began chopping potatoes. “And what direction would that be?” she asked mildly.

“Females would have more of an equal footing with men.” Hayden tapped the distressed countertop her nails, unable to believe Addie wasn’t seeing eye-to-eye with her. “They would be able to obtain ranking in the pack if they wanted to. They wouldn’t be forced into obedience.”

“There are so few Alphas.” The woman’s blue eyes finally looked up from the sliced potatoes. “And when I mean Alphas, I mean female Alphas. These female Alphas are a whole different breed from the rest of us.”

Hayden’s face soured and Addie chuckled.

“I don’t mean it as an insult.” She was quick to backtrack. “I just mean they have different interests. Most females are not concerned with learning how to fight. Contrary to what you’ve heard, they are quite comfortable where they are and what they are expected to do.”

Hayden couldn’t quite grasp what Addie was implying. “But you don’t have a choice. Since the beginning, the males expected the females to cook, clean, bear children—”

“No.” Addie’s face was stern. “I’ve had a choice. We all have a choice. If we wanted to learn how to fight, there are many men who would be willing to teach us. But I enjoy cooking and cleaning. I enjoyed raising a family. I wouldn’t have traded it for the world.”

Addie proceeded to occupy herself with adding the carrots and potatoes to the roast before beginning to season it. Hayden watched her, trying to come to terms with such a different perspective.

“I don’t want you to get the wrong idea, Hayden,” Addie said smoothly. “I admire you for your strength. You make a very impressive Alpha and I feel comfortable with you leading the pack with Cole. But just as I don’t expect you to adhere to my ways, I wouldn’t want you to expect me to adhere to your ways.”

Straightening from her slouched position, Hayden frowned as the words registered. Could it really be true? Could there be females who just didn’t
want
to step out from the shadows? Hayden had assumed, from the women she’d talked with, that females were forced into meek and submissive roles.

But Addie made it sound as if she freely chose that kind of lifestyle.

“Celeste…” Hayden paused when Addie made a face at the mention of the redheaded Alpha. “Celeste said she rescued a few females who were in abusive situations and taught them how to defend themselves.”

“And you think the common denominator is men?” Addie asked sharply, becoming surprisingly sensitive. “It’s unfortunate what those women went through, but that type of abuse is
very
rare among werewolves. You grew up as a human, Hayden. It’s more common among your kind than it is ours. “

Judging from Addie’s passionate response, Hayden figured she didn’t believe Celeste. “You don’t think Celeste was telling the truth?
What about Rachel? Wasn’t Rachel mistreated?”

Addie nodded sharply. “Rachel had a troubled past, yes. And I’m not claiming Celeste is lying either. All I’m saying is that females are a rarity in the werewolf community. I can believe rogues would mistreat the women, but with traditional werewolves, the males take our safety quite seriously.”

Hayden abruptly backed down when she remembered the day the Hunters first arrived in Albertville. The males had quickly stepped in front of Hayden, her pack allegiance a nonfactor. They had
all
protected her.

“If you want to argue about fairness, then you should realize male werewolves receive unfair treatment as well.” Addie had lightened her tone and her eyes grew soft once more. “It’s always expected of them to be strong and skilled fighters. Only the best are looked upon with respect. How is that fair to others like Fergus and Nathan?”

“I understand,” Hayden whispered, feeling a bit guilty for her fervent opinion that all females should learn how to fight.

She realized not all women were created equal, just as men weren’t created equal. As Shane Donovan once commented before, the whole could not be judged solely on a piece. Just because one female wanted to fight, didn’t mean the rest of them should.

Nevertheless, even if she understood and respected where Addie was coming from, Hayden still believed there should be options available for females who
did
want to learn how to fight and couldn’t obtain help themselves.

She was just more levelheaded about her opinion now.

Addie put the roast into the oven before wandering over to Hayden’s side of the counter. Taking Hayden’s hands in hers, Addie observed her affectionately. “You hardly ever come to me for advice.”

Before she could defend herself, Addie squeezed her hands in interruption.

“I understand you are independent and have your own mother to go to for advice.” Addie released one of her hands and placed it on Hayden’s head. “But if you ever find yourself needing more guidance, never be afraid to come to me. As the only two females in the pack, we need to stick together.”

Hayden nodded, smiling genuinely at Addie’s open concern. “Thank you.”

She watched as Addie escaped from the kitchen, feeling as if their discussion had given her more clarity, but she also acknowledged the shadow of doubt that lingered.

* * *

Needless to say, Hayden approached Celeste the next morning with far more caution and a lot less overconfidence. With a bow clutched in one hand, and a quiver strapped over her shoulder, Hayden followed the other female as they trekked through the woods.

Wanting an extra layer of security, either out of genuine paranoia or out of the need to feel in control, Hayden strapped her knife holster across her chest when she’d dressed that morning. With her jacket fastened completely, the holster was veiled from prying eyes.

“Do you know why Cole is so worried about you being alone with me?” Celeste broke the silence, her voice as cold as the brisk morning.

Hayden stared at the woman’s back. The abrupt inquiry at least answered her earlier question. The tension between them wasn’t simply in Hayden’s head. Celeste had noticed it as well, Hayden’s change of demeanor especially.

For a woman as smart as Celeste, Hayden figured she’d give a half-truth instead of an outright lie. “He thinks the temptation of your pack will be too much for me to resist.” She tried to say it teasingly, but it came out stiff, somber. 

Celeste exhaled once in absurdity. “It sounds like he doesn’t trust you. That he’s insecure over your pack loyalty.”

Leaping lazily over a fallen log, Hayden tried not to agree with her assessment. Ironically, it was the same theory she’d come up with herself. “He has nothing to worry about,” she avowed confidently.

“Unfortunately, my reputation for stealing pack members precedes me.” Celeste threw a bitter smile over her shoulder. “One of my more recent members, Erin, belonged to another pack. Erin’s old Alpha alleged that I manipulated her away from him. The word spread quickly.”

Hayden grimaced. Was this where the pack’s suspicions stemmed from? “Obviously you didn’t manipulate her…”

“No, of course not.
I don’t force people to join my pack.” Celeste sounded warily amused. “Erin felt out of place in her pack. She couldn’t seem to do anything right and she believed she was underappreciated.”

Celeste stopped in front of a prepared target, unaware of Hayden’s stunned expression at her back. When the redheaded Alpha turned around, Hayden was quick to look down and hide her reaction to the words.

She couldn’t help but to relate to the story. How many times had she tried to do the right thing for her pack, only to end up being reprimanded?

“Hayden?” Celeste called uncertainly. “Are you alright?” She paused. “You aren’t disappointed we’re starting out on a stationary target, are you? I promise we’ll move on to a bigger challenge after we get your form down.”

Pushing away the voice in the back of her head, Hayden smiled away her uncertainties. “No. I agree. We have to start somewhere.”

Celeste observed her for a moment longer before proceeding to remove a few arrows from her quiver. The older woman then began instructing Hayden how to shoot her bow properly. It was little things that Celeste adjusted and reminded Hayden of, such as using two fingers to hold the bowstring at full draw and keeping her grip-hand relaxed until the arrow hit the target. 

Celeste claimed a relaxed posture was most vital and stressed never to take longer than a few seconds to lock a shot. A werewolf’s aim and instincts were sharper initially as opposed to stalling and trying to find the best angle.

Hayden had her knife training to fall back on. It helped with her aim and her reflexes. Her first few arrows were a bit wide, but eventually, the arrows began to drop closer and closer to the center of the target. With each arrow that embedded in the bull’s-eye, Hayden felt her tension leaving and her confidence returning.

As she reached for another arrow, she contemplated on how best to approach the subject of Celeste’s assistance with the rogues.

“Are you going to stay at the cabin for much longer?” Hayden ventured casually.

Celeste’s sharp gaze moved from Hayden’s posture to her face. “No, not long.” Her words were careful and her eyes were wary. “Our home wasn’t destroyed as yours was. We were aware of the attacks close by and decided to move out before they got much closer.”

There was a hanging silence in the air.

“I’m actually a bit disappointed in Albertville’s Alphas,” Celeste commented, her casual poise returning. She placed her hands on her hips and watched as Hayden notched another arrow. “They knew the Hunters were close and they knew the rogues were looking to attack. But they still decided to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. They were sitting ducks. They should have known better.”

Hayden stilled before lowering her bow. “If we hadn’t gone to the celebration, the Hunters would have blown all of us to pieces.”

“Do you truly believe that?” Celeste asked. “I think the Hunters were forcing you out of town. I think they are sadistic bastards, but they wouldn’t have mass murdered so many people, especially in human skin. The rogues took advantage of your celebration and the Alphas should have seen it coming.”

If Hayden wanted to convince Celeste to help them, she couldn’t outright disagree with her, though she wanted to defend Cole. And even Adolf and Eric.

“I think the Alphas just wanted their pack members to have a semblance of normalcy, especially because of the uncertainty constantly hanging in the air.” She shrugged. “But I agree with you. I think they should have seen it coming and prepared for it.”

Celeste began to pick through the arrows in her quiver before selecting one. “What do you think the rogues want to accomplish, Hayden? What is their purpose?”

Briefly, Hayden thought of telling her about the physically altered rogues she and Cole had encountered. Or that Nicolas was most likely creating another, more superior werewolf. But she forced her loose tongue aside and settled for something a bit more ambiguous.

“I don’t know,” she said. “I just know Nicolas wants us out of the way or he wants us killed. He wants the Hunters to think we’re the enemies.”

Celeste nocked her arrow, drew it, and then released it, sending it straight into the bull’s-eye. “And what do you have planned to stop Nicolas and his rogues?” She didn’t seem to be paying attention to the conversation, but Hayden knew better.

“I…” Hayden trailed off, her cheeks flushing when she realized she didn’t have an eloquent answer. “We want to destroy Nicolas and his rogues.”

Green eyes froze before they riveted around to assess Hayden. “That’s a rather vague and despicable plan. I would have thought Cole and the others would have given you something a bit more substantial before sending you here to convince me to join your cause.”

If possible, Hayden grew even more rigid. Though she wanted to look away in shame, she forced herself to keep steady eye contact with Celeste. “I’m not going to deny it,” Hayden said boldly. “I thought I could ask for your help.”

“How can you ask for help if you don’t even have a plan to destroy Nicolas?” Celeste whispered, but her tenor began to grow in intensity. “Somehow, the very idea of working with the same Alphas who have stained my reputation and forced me to become an outcast is inconceivable. Please don’t judge me too harshly if I deny them any sort of assistance.”