The Reluctant Alpha (4 page)

Both of them shrugged. “No idea,” Logan said as Rory shook his head.

“Hey, Cam,” Cormac said as he turned around, “you still do that little trick of yours?”

Cam inclined his head to the side, reaching a hand out and clicking this fingers. “You mean this one?”

A pair of jeans appeared in Cam’s hand as he chuckled, “Yup, I can still do it.” Cam’s mother was part Witch and she had passed it onto Cam, he kept it mostly secret and not even his friends knew the extent of his powers. He could cast spells far more powerful than the clothing one they all were aware of.

“Do you use it when you turn?” Rory wanted to know.

“It’s been so long he probably doesn’t remember!” Jinx said scathingly.

“Jinx!” Cam’s tone warning his friend to keep quiet.

“What? You don’t want the guys to know you hardly let your beast out?” Jinx’s anger showing through as he spat out his words.

“What’s going on?” Cormac asked, looking between Cam and Jinx.

Cam shook his head. “Nothing. I’ve just been busy with work lately and not had the chance to transform.”

“Cam, you know that’s not good. Your beast will get restless if you don’t turn.” Again it was Cormac who spoke as the twins stared at him wide eyed.

“Enough!” Cam stood up. “I’m going to rest. Make sure all of you get some too.”

As Cam strode to the rear of the cabin he could hear Rory’s voice clearly, “Shit! That’s not good, we all know how bad it gets if we don’t turn.”

Jinx’s soft voice answered, “I know, I’ve been telling him for weeks.”

Cam’s temper rose at the words. He hadn’t wanted them to know it had been weeks, no, months, since he’d allowed his Wolf free rein. Slamming the door behind him he made his way to his room and threw himself down onto the bed. Anger and his beast prowling around inside his head meant it was a long time before he fell over into a fitful sleep.

~
Chapter 4 ~

Loud knocking woke Cam, his head pounding in unison with the bangs on his door. Jinx shouting, “Cam, get up, we’ll be landing soon.”

Shaking his head to clear it he shouted back, “I’ll be out shortly.”

His tone telling his friend to leave him the hell alone. Cam was still angry at Jinx’s loose words and he wanted to calm himself before joining the group in the cabin. Giving himself a quick wash at the sink in the attached bathroom, he brushed his teeth then ran his hands through his hair, looking at his reflection in the mirror.

“Get a grip!” he said aloud as he felt his beast prowling restlessly once again. “You’ll get out soon enough, Wolf, so just relax.”

His beast seemed to take heed, lying down and sighing. “Good, now behave ‘cause I need to focus.”

When he felt as if he was more in control, Cam stripped off his suit, changing into jeans and a casual shirt. Pulling a denim jacket from his always stocked wardrobe, he shrugged it on before rejoining everyone in the main cabin, noting they were already making their descent. Rory still looked a little worried as the land rose to meet them. “Rory, did you manage to get any rest?”

Cam tried to distract his friend and as Rory’s eyes left the window and found his, he hoped he had.

“Yes, I had a few hours on the sofa.” Rory’s eyes darted to the window again.

“I’ve slept on it more than once,” Cam continued the conversation. “It’s not as good as the bed but it’s comfy enough.”

Rory slapped the leather beside him. “Yes, it’s okay for a nap but Logan’s damn snoring kept waking me.”

“Shut up! I don’t snore!” Logan retorted, scowling over at his brother.

Cormac interrupted, “Yeah, you do.”

Jinx caught Cam’s eye, raising an eyebrow, asking if they were okay. Cam moved his head slightly to let him know things were fine and his best friend gave him a small smile. Cam sat down just as the plane landed, not quite as smooth as usual and he wondered if the strip was in disrepair. If so, he’d need to get it sorted before his jet took off. He didn’t take chances with his aircraft.

As they came to a stop, Cam addressed everyone, “Okay, so we’ll go and see what Fearghas has to say and take things from there. Tonight I just want to get a feel of what’s going on and then we can rest up and take any action we need to tomorrow.”

“Sounds good,” Jinx agreed as the twins and Cormac nodded their heads.

“Anything you say,” Cormac said as they stood up, waiting to disembark.

Marcus appeared, opening the door, letting the steps down then turning to Cam asking, “Will I wait for your orders? Or do you want me to return to base?”

Cam thought for a second or two before responding, “Wait, for a bit anyway. I want you to check the strip and see if it needs clearing. We’ll get that done before you take off.”

Marcus agreed. “Yes, it definitely needs some clearing. There are branches and other things on it. Sorry, boss, the landing wasn’t as smooth as it should’ve been.”

“Not your fault,” Cam patted Marcus’ shoulder, “I’ll get it dealt with, then go home. I’m sure we’ll be here for a few days at least and if I need you I’ll call.”

“Okay,” Marcus said, looking pensive. “Be careful, Boss.”

“I’m always careful.” Cam grinned as he passed his pilot and left the jet. “Marcus, can you put the bags out here and we’ll get someone to pick ‘em up?”

“No problem.” Marcus waved as Cam turned away, walking towards the welcoming party at the far end of the strip.

He felt the twins and Cormac at his back, Jinx walking quickly to his side. “Is that Fearghas?” his friend asked as they drew nearer to the small group waiting for them.

“Yes,” Cam squinted, using his enhanced sight to take in his uncle. “Jeez, he looks ill.”

“Just what I was thinking,” Jinx replied softly.

When they were a few yards away his uncle and Aunt Marie walked to meet them. “Cameron, my boy! I’m so glad to see you.”

Fearghas grabbed him by the shoulders, smiling into his face, Cam smiled back. “Alpha,” he said with as much respect as he could muster. That word always sticking in his throat.

“No, no, you don’t call me that! I’m your Uncle, plain and simple.” Fearghas gave him a quick shake before hugging him quickly and letting go.

“Aunt Marie, nice to see you.” Cam smiled down at the small woman who seemed dwarfed next to the large men surrounding her.

“Cameron, I’m happy you could come. We’re so worried.” Marie’s eyes had dark circles beneath them, a telling sign that she had not been sleeping at all.

Fearghas turned, his arm motioning for a large, bearded man to come forward. “Cameron, this is Matthieu Oleander, my Beta. He took over a few months ago but you’ve not been here since then.”

Cam smiled, as his Wolf’s hackles rose at the look in the man’s eyes. He obviously didn’t want Cameron or his men there. “Hello,” Cam said as he stuck his hand out towards Matthieu.

It was several seconds before the other Wolf reacted, closing his face down to hide the look Cam had glimpsed, as he took his hand. “Bonjour,” he said as he tightened his grip on Cam’s hand.

“French?” Cam asked as he returned the tight grip before Matthieu relented and released his grip.

“Oui,” was all the Beta said before he turned and walked back towards the cabins.

“Friendly fuck, ain’t he?” Jinx whispered as Fearghas frowned at his Beta’s back.

“Indeed,” Cam whispered back, “keep your eye on him.”

Jinx nodded. “Will do,” he replied as his eyes followed the large Wolf’s path.

Marie motioned everyone forward. “Come, I’ve got some food set up in the kitchen and you can eat while we talk.”

“Sounds good.” Cameron and the rest started to follow after Matthieu, Fearghas, and Marie just in front.

Cam took the time to look around, looking for any areas that were weak spots in case the worst happened and they came under attack. What he saw was a well laid out community with several watch posts dotted around to cover areas that could be potentially problematic. Smiling, Cam realized it was set out just the way he would’ve done himself.

His aunt babbling as they walked, “Fergie is dying to see you, Cameron, he’s waiting for us in the cabin with Angel.”

“Who’s Angel?”

Marie chuckled, “She’s his mate.”

Cam’s steps faltered. “Mate? I didn’t know he had one.”

Marie looked over her shoulder, her smile so bright it was a joy to look at. “Yes, she started helping after the accident and, well, they became close and before we knew it they were mated.”

“That’s great,” Cam replied as he wondered how it was even possible. To truly mate they would need to have sex and he didn’t think someone who was paralyzed would be capable of that. Then again, he wasn’t really sure the extent of Fergie’s injuries, only knowing what his mother had told him.

“Is that possible?” Rory muttered as Cormac said, “Shh.”

Jinx turned around, giving the twins a warning look before continuing on.

His uncle’s cabin was just as he remembered it, large and sumptuous but cozy at the same time. It was far nicer than his own father’s and Cam wondered why his father was so frugal. Making a home comfortable for those that lived there seemed a no brainer to him but his father obviously thought different.

“How long has it been exactly, since the accident?” Cam couldn’t quite remember when his mother first told him.

Fearghas hissed, anger rolling off the Alpha as he stomped on. “I don’t think it
was
an accident, but it’s been almost six months now. You’ll see we’ve put in ramps everywhere so Fergie can get around on his own. They’ve got a little cabin on the outskirts of the Pack, all on one level, with everything made to accommodate him.”

Marie’s hand landed on Fearghas’ arm, as if trying to calm him. “Here we go, come in, come in and make yourselves at home, boys.”

“Cam, is that you?” Fergie’s shout was excited as he barreled out of the kitchen, heading straight for them very fast.

At the last second he managed to pull the wheelchair to a stop, tilting back on its rear wheels. A young woman ran out behind him, shouting as she came, “Fergie! Will you
stop
doing that! You’re gonna hurt yourself, ma cherie.”

Cam smiled at his cousin, taking everything in quickly. The sparkle in his eyes, the muscles in his upper body. He looked the picture of health; apart from being stuck in a wheelchair that is. The woman grabbed the handles of the chair, pulling him backwards before leaning down and placing a kiss on Fergie’s cheek.

His cousin grabbed her, hauling her body until she sat on his lap and kissing her lips for a brief moment. Pulling back he grinned up at them, “Isn’t she beautiful? This is Angel, my mate. Angel, meet Cam, my cousin and his friends.”

Cam couldn’t help the grin that appeared on his face, “Nice to meet you, Angel. I see you’ve got your hands full with this one.”

His eyes took in her long dark hair that shone and sparkled in the waning sunlight. Her eyes were like dark brown pools of chocolate and they too sparkled, with obvious love for his cousin. She was absolutely stunning.

Angel laughed, “Oui! He is definitely a handful. Cam, nice to meet you.”

Fergie almost pouted, his eyes locking with Cam’s. “Don’t start any of your ‘playboy’ nonsense with her. I saw that smile you gave her!”

“Sorry,” Cam laughed, “but she’s so beautiful I just couldn’t help myself!”

Angel’s face blushed as Fergie scowled up at him. “Hmf!” was all he said, still scowling.

Fearghas shouted from the kitchen, “Come through, we’ve got a lot to talk about.”

Cam saw Fergie’s face cloud over as Angel squirmed out of his lap and rushed back through to the kitchen, following Marie. Cam ushered Jinx and the boys forward, “Go on, I’ll be there in a minute.”

Fergie looked up at him, “What’s going on?” Cam asked and saw his cousin’s frown deepen.

“I’m not sure, Cam, but I’m sure my accident wasn’t, an accident that is.” Fergie’s eyes hardened. “I’m sure I was knocked out first and then thrown over the cliff. I sensed someone just before I blacked out but it’s the strangest thing, when I remember that moment, I can’t remember feeling worried, or on alert, or scenting anyone. Ya know?”

“Weird,” Cam agreed before nodding towards the rest of them. “We better get in there. I assume you don’t want your new mate getting all the attention from those guys. Especially the twins!”

Fergie growled, turning quickly and speeding off towards Angel. Cam smirked as he followed, not quite believing his cousin looked so well.

“Angel, stay away from them! They’ve got arms like an octopus!” Fergie rumbled as he took his place at the table, one that had no chair. “You lot, if you lay a hand on her I’ll rip your head off. Understand?”

Jinx grinned as Rory and Logan put their hands in the air, talking as one, “Absolutely.”

“Good, ‘cause I don’t want to embarrass you by having a cripple whipping your ass.” Fergie slapped Angel’s backside as she walked past, her face blushing almost scarlet.

Marie squealed, “Fergie! Will you behave? Our guests have just arrived and you’re already threatening them.”

“Behave? Me? Not happening, mother. You should know that!” Fergie grinned as Cam laughed out loud, especially at the shocked looks on the twins and Cormac’s faces.

Fearghas sat at the head of the table, Cam taking the seat directly opposite, with the boys dotted on either side. Marie placing plates and food in the middle, telling them to help themselves.

Cam poured himself some juice as he waited until his Wolves were settled before looking straight at his uncle. “Okay, tell us what’s going on and shouldn’t your Beta be here?”

Surprised that the Beta wasn’t where he should be, at his Alpha’s side, Cam raised an eyebrow as Fergie snorted. Cam’s eyes found his cousin’s, who only shook his head as Fearghas took a deep breath and started to talk.

It wasn’t only Cam that was shocked at what had been going on, Jinx and the rest sat listening with growls escaping every now and then. It started with Fergie’s
“accident”
but it by no means ended there. The old Beta had sustained terrible, fatal injuries in a car crash, Matthieu taking over only three months previous. Although the now Beta had been with the Pack for only a short time, he had been moved up the pecking order. Before he had been one of the Pack Guards and Fearghas had thought he would be a good fit for Beta.

When his father said this Fergie snorted again but held his tongue.
“Interesting,”
Cam thought as he tuned back into his uncle. Several more guards had just disappeared, whether hurt, killed, or just moved on, nobody knew. Fearghas was convinced it was certainly not the latter.

His logging business had also had some very nasty accidents, ones that they’d never encountered before, and again Fearghas suspected foul play. Then there was the luxury cabin business, several of the cabins being vandalized just prior to important clients arriving.

Cam listened avidly and, apart from the physical injuries, disappearances, and death, it all felt like a hostile takeover. Something he had dealt with many times in his corporations. “Uncle, I have to agree that this all adds up to what looks like someone trying to take over. Whether it’s the Pack, the land, or just the businesses, we can’t be sure at this time. It’s definitely not humans behind it so we can only assume it’s another Pack. So, tell me about any nearby. Give me as much information as you can.”