No Quarter (8 page)

The mood was much lighter around the dinner table as smiles and polite conversation blanketed the room.

Jake joined as the meal was just about done. “Tom’s with Richard and Trina now. There’s a whole lot of screaming going on. I couldn’t take it anymore.” Shaking his head, he began piling food on his plate.

“Screaming?” Colin huffed. “By who?”

“Trina is mortified at leaving, chastising him for what he said about Wendy.” He paused to look at Colin. “I wanted to break his jaw.”

With a smile and a nod, Colin agreed. “Me too.”

“Down boys!” Nala eyed them both. Two alpha males defending their sister’s honor had more testosterone flying around the table than was acceptable.

Tracy interrupted the banter hurrying into the dining room. “Someone is approaching. Someone in a Jag.”

Colin dropped his fork. “Dammit!”

When Nala shot her mate a look he rolled his eyes.

“Stephany Kincade, Roman’s bitch-of-a-sister.”
Colin’s mental words came with an onslaught of loathing. He really detested the woman. The Alpha in her was on guard, the mate in her was relieved that her mate shared the same distaste for the woman. She’d only met her once before and the woman had been entirely dismissive and rude.

Standing from her seat, she tossed her napkin on the table. “Let’s go greet her shall we? I’d rather keep that woman out of my house.”

With a snicker, Colin stood, trying to hide his smile. “Yes, dear.”

They met her in the parking area as she exited her black Jaguar. Her brown hair in a twist, dressed like she had an appointment in court. Her suit, a little too tight for her figure, pushed her boobs up toward her neck.

Nala crossed her arms over her chest. “Ms. Kincade, to what do we owe the pleasure?”

After she swung the car door closed she jerked both hands up by her shoulders and walked around the car.

Nala and Colin snickered as they watched her wobble. Her high heeled boots didn’t maneuver well through the crushed stone.

“Ah, Mrs. Baker, Mr. Baker.” Her blood red lips opened into a wide smile, displaying capped teeth that were too white to be real. “I got word that you were disposing of a few pack mates.”

That was fast. Wonder how she heard?
She pushed her thoughts toward Colin, while maintaining a face stiff as stone.

“Trina might have called her. They used to be friends.”

“Yes, we’ve asked Richard and Trina to leave. Are you looking for new pack mates? My understanding was the Chicago pack had already outgrown themselves.” She allowed a small smile to spread across her lips.

“Oh dear.” She looked Nala from head to toe, “you really do dress for comfort.” Turning to Colin, she plastered her fake smile on once more and put a hand on his shoulder. “Well, there’s so much to do at Scottsboro. What a dump. We could use a few lower Lycans for labor.”

“Lower Lycans?” Nala narrowed her eyes.

Stephany waved her off. “Don’t take offense dear. Stature is stature.”

Memories of cages and shackles flashed before her eyes. She blinked as she tried to regain her composure. “So Richard and Trina will be members of the Scottsboro pack then…under your protection?”

“Stay calm. She’s trying to goad you.”
Her mate’s warning suddenly having her regretting not taking a more diplomatic approach with Richard and Trina. Perhaps they could have been brought around. The thought of them going to live with the harpy standing in front of her made her feel ill.

“My protection? That’s cute. They’ll contribute to their pack and make themselves useful or they can find another pack.” Looking around behind her she said, “Where are my little ragamuffins anyway?”

Looking at the twist at the back of Stephany’s head, Nala fantasized ripping each hair from the root. “They’re packing.”

“Well am I just supposed to stand out here and wait like a vagrant?” She crossed her arms under her boobs. “Or are you going to invite me in?”

Not a second too soon, Richard and Trina rounded the corner in their pickup truck, which was sagging under the weight.

“Looks like you won’t have to wait after all.” Colin flagged them over.

The truck creaked as it rounded the corner and came to a stop. “Stephany!” Trina waved. Nala noticed the swollen and red skin under her eyes where she’d been crying. Guilt crept up until she felt as if she were choking on it.

After a deep breath, she walked over to the open window. She looked at Richard, who refused to look at her, then to Trina. “If your position changes, understand that our door is open. So long as you have such a distaste for the newest members of our pack, then it’s the whole pack that is my priority.” She cleared her throat. “A check for the value of your home will be mailed to you.”

Trina nodded and sniffed. “Thank you.”

“We’ll be fine,” Richard grumbled through his clenched jaw.

Looking over her shoulder at Stephany who was fighting not to twist an ankle as she made her way to the truck, she turned back to them. “I’m not so sure. Just remember what I said.”

“I’m in the black Jag over there,” she said pointing at her car. “Just follow me to Scottsboro.” Looking at the truck she sighed. “Will this thing even
go
the speed limit?”

The arrogance and insults were grinding at Nala to a point she couldn’t stand. If this particular bitch didn’t vacate the premises soon, she’d have to show her exactly why she dressed for comfort.

Maxine, one of the Gnomes ran toward them with a box in her hand. Her red curls bounced as she ran, calling out. “Wait!”

Stephany spun around and looked down screaming. “A rat!” She kicked her leg at Maxine.

Nala threw her left leg forward colliding with Stephany’s, whose foot narrowly missed hitting Maxine in the face. Grabbing her by her throat, Nala growled. “Do not ever assault one of my pack mates or I will rip out your throat. Do you understand?” Her chest heaved as furious anger boiled in her veins.

“Are you mad! What is that thing? Let go of me!” She pulled at Nala’s hand, trying to release the tension on her neck.

Colin’s warm hand rested between her shoulder blades. “I think you made your point.”

“That
thing
is a Gnome
and
a pack mate. It looks nothing like a rat. Apologize to Maxine or I’ll crush your windpipe.” A loud growl bubbled in her chest.

“I’m so sorry,” Maxine yelled. “I didn’t mean to startle her. Please, Miss Nala, I’m okay.”

Releasing her grip she stepped back. Stephany coughed as she slid down the truck, rubbing her neck.

Maxine lifted her arms, stretching so that the little box was near the truck window. “This is to say we’re sorry. We really must have failed getting to know you for you to dislike us so much. I wish we could have been friends.”

Fighting the urge to pick up the little Gnome and squeeze her in a bear hug, she smiled and took a knee. “That’s very generous of you.”

Richard snagged the box and threw it at Trina, who gasped when she opened it to see a large ruby ring. “Oh my. It’s beautiful.” She smacked Richard with the back of her hand and proceeded to cry.

Turning to Colin, she set her jaw. “Get that filth,” she tossed her head back toward Stephany, “off my lawn.”

She stormed off toward the house, seething.
How could anyone be so fucking rude?
It touched her heart that the Gnomes, even after being dismissed by Richard and Trina, still wanted to give a peace offering…to show their good nature. Lower Lycans? She could only guess whatever classified someone as a lower Lycan, meant that they were not treated as well as the rest. What did ‘lower’ infer? Low quality? Lesser bloodline? It sickened her, the thought of two pack mates leaving to go to that.

Reaching the forest edge, she stopped, closing her eyes. The collective…that was her concern. She couldn’t worry too much about two pack mates that refused to cohabitate with the others. When Grace proposed integration, Nala agreed with the best of intentions—to protect them as well as elevate their pack’s diversity. She wanted to be a leader in the new paradigm. But her decision forced out two pack mates that may have otherwise lived the rest of their lives as part of the Belfast pack without incident.

Top that off with the assault on the Beta’s wife of what was certain to be a rival pack, and she had a mess on her hands. Stephany had no pride. She’d run back to Scottsboro insisting someone come for her head…only hours after she finally bonded with her mate.

The Gnomes weren’t guests any longer. Not only were they not a burden, they flourished into peaceful assets among their Lycan counterparts. They had huge hearts for tiny creatures, often foregoing sleep so new mothers could rest, working extra hours helping the farmers, so that they could be with their family. They made do with what they had, never complaining or asking for a thing. Their only request was to live above ground in actual homes and to be part of a community. Who could begrudge them of that? Who could think that these wonderful little people should freeze to death because a small fire would draw the attention of the humans?

She needed to talk to her King and Queen for guidance. She’d place the call after dinner. She’d gone this far on her own, but with integration, she needed direction. Any Alpha would have the same questions, the same challenges and the same concerns. The fact that she was a female Alpha shouldn’t matter. Smart Alpha’s often seek counsel from elders…this should be no different. So why did she feel like a failure?

Because Scottsboro wouldn’t stay in the past. Because Mr. Kincade would be coming for her, of this, there was no question in her mind.

The next morning before breakfast, Nala spoke with Colin and he agreed to return to McGovern University and talk with Roman and Grace. He made mention of checking in on Wendy while they were there.

Dressing for comfort, she felt she’d rather not run the risk of ruining more dress clothes in case the school went under attack once more. Colin seemed to have understood. That, or he kept his wife’s request in mind, because he dressed in jeans and a black, form fitting T-shirt.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about. I knew you’d look good in a pair of jeans.” She winked and nudged him, hoping to lighten the mood. She could feel anxiety rolling off her mate, though his thoughts were quiet. It drove her mad wondering what he was thinking again. Really? What good was having a mental connection if she still had to wonder what was on his mind?

“Actually, I’m just sort of…numb. All I keep seeing is my sister on the floor of the bathroom. I haven’t had a coherent thought all morning.” He blinked a few times then shook his head.

Running the tips of her fingers along his hairline above his ear, she smiled. “That was nausea. Pregnancy is a real bitch from what I understand. Don’t worry. There’s no way Zoltar will let anyone near her. She has an entire herd of Centaurs standing guard from what Grace said on the phone.” She cleared her voice and took a step back. “I’m sure if they needed help, they’d ask.”

With a light chuckle and a roll of the eyes, Colin shook his head. “You don’t know my sister. Stubborn runs in the family.”

They stopped in to let Jake know they were leaving before heading to the car. Nala had confidence in her Beta’s ability. He never overstepped and showed loyalty to her almost immediately. Whether that was due to her position as Alpha or half-sister-in-law, she didn’t know, nor did she think it mattered.

Once in the car, she began to relax. The drive there was more comfortable this time, with her mate opening up, talking about the past when he and Wendy were children.

“It was like having an older brother. She used to push me around a lot. Don’t get me wrong, she never bullied me, not Wendy. She’s too busy being a mother to
everyone
.” His eyes crinkled at the side with this smile and it pulled at her heart, filling her with warmth.

“So what did she do?” She asked as she rubbed her fingers in his palms. Holding hands with him had been her first step toward intimacy and it was something that felt nice to her. She often held his hand when she needed to feel a connection. She imagined Wendy cutting big chunks of blond hair off his head, or moving his chair as he went to sit.

“Something she still does, though not many people catch it, when we’re at the dinner table and she’s walking around to serve, she’d flick my ear. You know, playfully mean, but it never really hurt. That kind of thing. You know, a gentle reminder that she is my
big
sister.” He laughed while giving her hand a squeeze. “She used to put extra Brussel sprouts on my plate too, because she knows I hate them.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Well, we have that much in common.” Closing her eyes as she smiled, she leaned back in her seat, reveling in the sunshine coming through the window. It had been a few days since she’d went on her morning run and she missed that brief moment she took each morning…just closing her eyes and absorbing nature.

“Damn this is the longest driveway on the planet,” he complained as she sped down the path.

Straightening in her seat, she took a deep breath. The vulnerability she showed with her mate would have to take a back seat during this important business meeting.

Zoltar and Wendy stood in the parking lot to greet them. Wendy looked good as new and radiant. The bump in her belly was starting to show as her shirt stretched to accommodate her tummy.

“You look fantastic!” Nala embraced Wendy for a brief moment before releasing her. The woman just oozed warmth and affection and it was something Nala really loved about being around her. “Motherhood suits you.”

Zoltar shook her hand, then Colin’s. “Welcome back.”

“It’s about time!” Wendy shrieked noticing the bonding mark on Nala’s neck. “Good for you, little brother!” After wrapping her arms around his shoulders and squeezing, she kissed his cheek five times before releasing him.

“Now,” Wendy wagged her finger at him, “before you even ask, the doctor said the pup is fine. We’re both very healthy and I’m no worse for the wear.”

The feeling of relief from Colin washed over Nala. She felt she could even breathe easier, which told her that her poor mate had been overwhelmed with anxiety he was trying to hide from her.

“That’s really great news.” He looked to Zoltar. “You’re keeping up patrols?”

He gave one firm nod. “I have at least three of my men guarding her at all times. There is round the clock surveillance and nightly patrols. They won’t hit the school again, not without one hellova fight on their hands.”

Colin smacked him on the back. “That makes me feel a little better.”

“We’re going to meet in Grace and Roman’s apartment. This way,” Zoltar said as he held his arm out to guide them.

Wendy looped her arm through Nala’s, who fought the urge to jump. Leaning toward her, Wendy whispered, “I’m very happy for the both of you.”

Unsure how to respond, she smiled and looked over at Colin before turning back to Wendy. “Thank you. So tell me, how’s the nausea? Any better?”

“Oh yes! The Pixies gave me some ginger root to chew. It’s a little spicy but it really does the trick. The doctor says that it should be subsiding any time now.” Lowering her voice to a whisper, she continued, “I’m having weird cravings though. Yesterday, I wanted pumpkin pie and pickled herring. It sounds absolutely revolting, but it’s what I wanted.”

“Yuk.” Nala snickered. “That does sound repulsive.”

“Here we are,” Zoltar said as he stopped in front of a door. He knocked twice.

Roman opened up the door. “Hello. Grace is in the back, cleaning like a maniac.”

Colin opened his arms and the two hugged briefly. “Good to see you. I miss you around Belfast.”

“Not as Alpha dear. No offense. He’s my friend.”

None taken.
Colin’s use of their connection made her heart jump. Suddenly, she felt soft, like room temperature butter.

True to Roman’s words, Grace was scrubbing the table like it hadn’t been cleaned in a decade. “Hello, Grace.” Nala stood a little straighter in front of her queen.

“Come, sit.” Grace flagged them over and then took one more swipe with a towel.

She tensed during the small talk, eager to find the answers to her questions. When it was finally time, she filled them in on the events of the previous day. “The problem is, I’m not worried about them. Apologies, Roman, but I really do not trust your sister.”

He held up his hands, “No offense taken. Don’t trust her at all. She’s always been power hungry and offensive to anyone she deems less worthy.”

“She referred to them as lower Lycans. I don’t know what that means, but the connotation makes me very uncomfortable. My biggest fear is that I sent Richard and Trina to bowels of hell.” She took a deep breath. “This isn’t a challenge the Alphas before me have faced. Couple that with the fact none of us have heard from FOSE, I don’t know how to proceed. We’re not just a pack of Lycans anymore. But we are a pack and I need to know what the best thing is for my pack. So I’m seeking your guidance.” She folded her hands in her lap and lifted her chin. Admitting her need for help was a difficult pill to swallow. Alphas are prideful. It is one of their qualities. But pride and humility had to dance in harmony for an Alpha to be successful, to have a healthy and protected pack.

“FOSE has had their hands full with the Separatists issue. Very little has been done to regulate integration. There are no clear cut rules for us yet.” Roman looked to Grace. “I think she should put the whole pack first without concern for those who cannot adapt. What do you think?”

She closed her eyes for a moment. Nala noticed Roman did the same. She looked to Colin, pulling together her brows.
Nap time?

Grace opened her eyes, the violet in them glowing. “The memories of our elders are vast. It takes concentration sometimes.”

She cringed, having forgotten that her King and Queen could read her mind. She took a deep breath and held it in as she tried to hide her embarrassment.

They opened their eyes. “Proceed as you have. If any Lycans dare threaten the cohabitation with other species, they are to be excommunicated. It sends a solid message that we are moving forward as a cohesive society. There’s a risk of creating animosity, or even more separatists. But we cannot allow threats to hold us back.” Grace took a deep breath. “You’ve done the right thing. Hopefully Richard and Trina will come to see the error in their judgement.”

Roman cleared his throat. “We will look into the Scottsboro pack. Like you, Nala, I do not trust my sister or her husband. The Chicago pack prescribes to the hostile takeover method of expanding their packs’ territory. She’ll not be content with her mate as Beta for long. Make no mistake, their pack is greedy and money hungry. Scottsboro is very humble in comparison to Chicago. They’ve been far from nature for entirely too long.”

Grace patted Roman’s hand. “It’s okay. I’ll say it.” She turned her attention to Nala. “Should she challenge you again, show no mercy. Do not hold back for fear of my mate’s feelings. No quarter.”

“Are we maintaining an Alpha challenge as a no quarter competition?” Colin’s voice cracked a bit toward the end.

Grace stood. “There’s no reason it has to be,” she paused and looked to Nala, “but it’s unlikely someone will accept if you concede. There are many that are unhappy with a female as Alpha, Nala. You have to know this. You will be challenged and they will want to fight to the death to be certain all other females know their place.”

Her stomach flopped. She already knew this to be true, it was no surprise. Hearing from the queen was a different matter entirely.

“And if she were with child?” Colin’s voice was raspy, as if he choked on his words.

“The Beta may take her place,” Roman interjected, “the same as when an elderly Alpha is challenged.”

That didn’t bode well. Nala’s choices were to risk her life and the life of her would-be pup or her brother-in-law. How could she have put Colin in this position? Avoiding her mate’s gaze, she looked to Wendy, the life growing inside of her. She wanted to same but that desire was selfish.

“Rest assured, we will be bringing this issue before FOSE. They need to get the new laws and repercussions in order so we all know how to proceed. This far, most of this has fallen on Grace and while my queen is smart and resourceful, she hasn’t
all
of the answers.” Roman winked at Grace.

“That’s what you think!” The playful tone in Grace’s voice had calmed Nala to some extent, but she had more questions than answers. More dread. More fear. More concern for Colin.

The meeting took on a casual tone as Zoltar began pouring wine. Grace had prepared plates of fruit, cheese, crackers, and sausage ahead of time. Wendy sipped at iced tea, shooting smiles at Colin whenever he glanced her way.

Nala cleared her throat. “I was wondering if my new sister-in-law would be up for a walk?”

Wendy grinned as she placed her tea on the table. “Are you kidding me? I’m surrounded by unbelievable amounts of testosterone every day. I’d love some girl time.”

“Not alone!” Zoltar’s jaw flexed and he gripped the armrests of his chair.

“Oh for heaven’s sake, Z, it’s broad daylight and the whole herd is out today. Nala’s a warrior. She’s not going to let one hair on my head succumb to damage.” She shook her head. “Honestly, it’s like having a nursemaid on my heel twenty-four-seven.” She walked over to him and kissed his forehead. “I love you.”

Shaking his head, he looked up at her. “I don’t have to like it.”

Laughing, she patted his shoulder. “Nope. You don’t. But I’m going.”

When Nala stood, she faced Zoltar. “There are three royals here, and I’m bonded with the other Lycan in the room. You all have a connection with us. If anything should even smell something wrong, I’ll call for help. Okay?”

Wendy grabbed her forearm. “Oh come on. He won’t even let me pee in peace anymore. He’ll have to be okay with it.” She blew a kiss over her shoulder as they left the apartment.

“So,” Nala started as they made their way out of the school, “I take it he’s been a bit overprotective since the attack?”

“That’s an understatement. I wasn’t kidding about using the bathroom in private. He checks on me every ten seconds.”

She imagined Colin acting the same, fussing over her every move until their pup was born…if they ever had any.

Once outside, they both looked around. Nala was scanning the area for any sign of threat.

“Come on,” Wendy pulled at her arm, “there are beautiful trails in the forest.”

Her arm felt warm where Wendy connected with her. The only other Lycan to exude such warmth for her was her mate. She wondered if it weren’t something in their blood or if it was a familial connection now that Nala was a member of their family. Whatever it was, it seemed to turn her insides to mush and her shoulders relaxed from their usual tense position.