Un.Bridled (Claimed Series #2) (5 page)

Sequentially, Cole moved aside just barely, allowing Hayden a direct path to Shane.

Now that she was able to speak to him freely, Hayden found herself speechless. It was unnerving to be surrounded by observing werewolves and malevolent Hunters, but ultimately, it was her guilt that held her tongue.

She’d seen Falco and Red confront each other the night before Red was attacked. Asher had wanted to go to the other Alphas with evidence of Falco’s destructive temper, but Hayden had wanted to keep quiet, too afraid of Cole knowing she’d met with Asher against his orders. When she found out Falco had sent Red to the hospital with life-threatening wounds, she’d felt solely responsible.

Hayden attempted to smile, but it came out as a twisted grimace. “How is your grandfather?”

Appearing just as anxious, Shane shuffled closer. “He’s recovering. He had a few surgeries to stich everything up, but if things continue the way they have, he should be walking around in a few weeks.”

Hayden struggled for a moment, unsure how to proceed. She suddenly remembered the rabbit leg Shane had given her and pulled it from underneath her shirt. On more than one occasion, it had given her the necessary comfort she’d been looking for.

“It helped me during the full moon. I think you should have it back.” She offered it to Shane, the good luck charm swinging between them. “We all wish Red a speedy recovery.”

Shane accepted his rabbit foot back, looking as if Christmas had come early. He nodded his thanks to Hayden and stuffed it gingerly in his pocket. Next to him, his father cleared his throat impatiently and Shane’s face fell.

“Falco,” Shane started solemnly, his eyes searching the group of werewolves. “We’d like to know what became of him.”

There was so much she could tell him about Falco, Joseph, and the rogues. However, under the eyes and ears of so many spectators, she held her tongue. A shortened version would have to do for now.

“The Alphas voted to exile him from town,” she responded tightly. She looked at Cole, earning an encouraging nod. “There was no excuse for what he did to Red, but it turned out that Falco was under the influence of a drug that made it difficult for him to restrain his wolf.”

Shane’s eyebrows furrowed. “I’m assuming he was framed for the murders around town? But I thought you were the one being framed? A double frame?” He flashed a lopsided grin at the irony.

A Hunter behind Shane scoffed. “That’s a rather far-fetched tale you’re spinning. A drug that tampers with a werewolf’s temperament?”

Hayden frowned at the Hunter who had spurred a chorus of disbelieving admonishes around the circle. “It
is
far-fetched,” she agreed unreservedly. “It wasn’t until the proof was right in front of us that we started to believe it.”

“I was there, so was Red,” Shane defended. “At the bowling alley, it was speculated that there was a serum that could suppress a werewolf’s scent. At the time, no one wanted to believe it.” His eyes widened in interest. “We’ve missed so much. Were the rogues responsible? What was their objective?”

It was hard to believe that Shane still possessed his intense interest for werewolves. Hayden would have thought, after Red’s attack, the human would despise the creatures he learned to admire. She was extremely grateful for his pure and unbiased views.

“The rogues were behind it, but so was Joseph and Devan.” Hayden shifted uncomfortably, already guessing Shane’s next question. “Nathan is now the Alpha to Falco’s old pack.”

Shane’s eyes widened, clearly surprised at the unlikely candidate who filled Falco’s position. “That’s definitely a story you have to tell me in more detail,” he informed with barely suppressed curiosity. His interest died a moment later when he sensed the displeasure and impatience coming from the Hunters. “Until Red recovers, a few members of the family and their friends will be staying here.”

Hayden should have expected it, but it still worried her.

“The Hunters don’t just kill werewolves randomly,” Shane reassured, reading her expression. “They
should
have proof that the werewolf they’re hunting is a rogue or a menace to society.” The human looked at his family, his eyes grim. “I would hope we can all get along. Red is still protecting this town.”

“Just as long as they stay in line,” Shane’s father remarked. He gazed at Cole from beneath the bill of his hat. “We don’t want any trouble.”

Cole smiled, revealing his teeth in a feral grin. The tips of his canines were pointed, though they hadn’t elongated just yet.

“Don’t worry,” he murmured pleasantly. “As long as you don’t go looking for any trouble, we will get along just nicely.”

Shane and Hayden shared a look. Shane might be the only buffer between the Hunters and their bloodlust, but he was a flimsy buffer. Ultimately, if the tension reached a high crescendo, Shane had no hope of stopping any sort of vengeance.

In turn, the werewolves would not hesitate to defend themselves.

Cole curled a dominant hand around the nape of Hayden’s neck before steering her out of the circle. The werewolves parted for them, their postures still cautious with the proximity of the Hunters. Blake closed in behind her, a protective barrier as they returned to the pack house.

Red may have survived the attack, but it did not lessen the Hunters’ thirst for vengeance. Everyone would be walking
on pins and needles. She knew even the tiniest of slips would cause a torment of chaos.

As they neared the pack house, the smell of burning food wafted down to greet them. Hayden’s stomach dropped as she remembered the unfinished stir-fry she had abandoned.

“
Hayden!
”

“Technically, I’m supposed to drag you back home.”

Hayden raised her head from her drawn knees and looked at Blake. The male was leaning against a tree opposite of Hayden, but nearer to the street. Apparently, he didn’t want to risk Adolf’s wrath by getting too close to the territory line.

She frowned. His presence could only mean one thing. “Cole has you watching me.”

Blake clicked his tongue in approval and flashed a thumbs up. “Got it in one, kid.” He dropped his arm back to his side. “You said you wouldn’t go near Adolf again. Surprise, surprise, Cole didn’t believe you. He asked me to keep an eye on you just in case you went against his orders.”

“He asked me if he was clear,” Hayden rebuked. “I said I understood him, not that I would obey.”

“Crazy loopholes,” Blake praised. “I’ve used them a few times myself.” He slouched against the tree and watched her with an unusual amount of intensity. “Being masters at loopholes ourselves, Cole and I both knew what he really meant. You know you’re not supposed to be here. So why are you?”

Her mood darkened at his question. “For the first time since I’ve joined the pack, you’re actually taking your duty as beta seriously.” She studied him irritably. “What’s wrong? Are you actually taking Nathan’s parting words into consideration?”

Blake never took things too seriously. If Cole wanted him to jump, Blake always considered dodging first.

The beta scoffed and slid down the tree trunk. “I’m glad that prick is gone. Like
I
would take anything he says seriously.”

Hayden quirked an eyebrow in disbelief.
Blake had the tone of voice down, but his expression gave him away. He missed Nathan just as much as the rest of the pack did.

“Cole was downright serious when he told you to stay away from Adolf.” Blake’s eyes widened dramatically. “You should have heard him last night. From the tone he used, I couldn’t even
imagine
going against his orders.”

Hayden shifted, unsettled with Blake’s description of Cole’s behavior. “He said to watch me closely, not drag me away from Adolf’s property.”

The brunette sighed theatrically. “And there is that lovely loophole again.” He pressed his shoulders into the tree trunk, wiggling until he was comfortable. “I want to know if you’re here only to disobey him or if you’re here out of genuine interest to learn how to fight.”

Hayden turned her head marginally and gazed at Adolf’s massive house.

“Come on,” Blake grumbled. “I think I have a right to know your motives if I’m going to keep this between the two of us.”

That made her pause. “You’re not going to tell Cole I was here?”

“I didn’t tell him that I caught you out with Asher, did I?”

He hadn’t. He definitely made it his priority to reprimand her in his own way, but he never told Cole about that night. Hayden could only trust that Blake would keep his word.

“I want to learn how to fight.” She cupped her knees. “I wouldn’t keep coming here and sitting in the cold just to piss Cole off. But if I’m able to do that at the same time, then all the more reason to do it.”

Blake observed the way Hayden perched herself on the mound of snow. “What is it with you two?” he asked, suddenly serious. “Cole respects old pack traditions, but he’s usually lenient. He never overreacted like this with Devan. And
you
aren’t exactly innocent in all this. You do everything in your power to ruffle his feathers. I thought it was amusing at first, but I think this is something a lot more deep-seated than simple dominant plays.”

At Hayden’s silence, Blake snorted. “It’s not like the rest of the pack doesn’t see the attraction between you two. Why do you and Cole have to make things so difficult? You’re part animal, for
God’s sake. Just… mate and get it over with.” He had a far more derogatory term for ‘mate’ on the tip of his tongue, but one look from Hayden made him rephrase it.

“It’s a lot more complicated than just simple chemistry,” Hayden replied sullenly.

“Yeah? I don’t have much planned for today. I’m waiting.”

Her hands fell from her knees and she began clawing at the snow. She never considered talking to someone about her situation with Cole. If anyone crossed her mind, it was her mother. But her mother was still accepting the unfamiliarity of a werewolf daughter.

The situation with Cole was a heavy weight on Hayden’s shoulders. She wondered if admitting it aloud would lessen the burden.

A strong gust of wind blew a few strands of hair across her face. She kept her head down, protecting herself against the icy chill and Blake’s close regard. “You remember Cole’s mom and dad, right?” she ventured tentatively.

“Of course.”

Hayden took a deep breath and slowly released it. “As you know, they were life mates. Xavier shot himself in the head after he found Marie dead.” She looked at Blake. “No matter how much Cole begged his father to stay with him and the rest of the pack, Xavier still killed himself. He couldn’t bear living without his life mate.”

Blake nodded solemnly. “I remembered it was hard on Cole, on all of us. I’m surprised he told you that.” He tilted his head in question. “Is that why you two are having problems? He has commitment issues?”

She smiled bitterly. “You could say that.” Her fingernails broke through the thin layer of snow and began clawing at the soil. “How do you think Cole would react if he had his own life mate?”

The beta opened his mouth, ready to respond instinctively, but stopped short when he grasped Hayden’s insinuating. He paled and lost every line of mirth on his face.

“Really?” he asked barely above a whisper. “Hayden…” he trailed off, a loss for words.

There was nothing to say in response. Blake seemed genuinely surprised and Hayden sat patiently until he came to terms with it.

“Fate bit Cole in the ass!”

The beta raised his hands in defense at her narrow look.

“He was already affected by the relationship of one pair of life mates. It’s a bit ironic that the same thing he cursed is now happening to him.” Blake sniffed. “Many werewolves can only dream of having a life mate. I think it’s a bit unfair that the one werewolf who is gifted with his other half is desperately trying to avoid it.”

He stood up and approached Hayden’s motionless form. “It does explain a lot of things.” He plopped down next to her. “He would have killed you that day in New York if he hadn’t recognized you as his mate. And despite the evidence leading in a different direction, Cole was able to find you when Devan kidnapped you.”

They sat in silence, Blake reeling with the news and Hayden adjusting to someone else knowing her secret.

“A part of me understands why Cole is so hesitant, considering what happened with his father,” he murmured. “But I think it’s selfish of him to keep you under his thumb.”

She smirked bitterly. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Blake threw an arm around her shoulders and pressed her close. “If you think about it, having distance from him is a good thing. You’re only eighteen-years-old, Hayden. Life mates are… forever. You would be tied down with him for the rest of your life—”

“That suddenly sounds a lot more terrifying when you put it that way,” Hayden stated.

She sat there, suddenly burdened with the implications of forging a relationship with Cole. It wasn’t a simple fling she could try out to see if she liked it. It would involve the highest form of commitment.

“If you want Cole to make the first move, you could always make him jealous,” Blake suggested slyly. “He’ll come along.”

Making him more possessive than he already was wasn’t an option Hayden wanted to consider.

“It’s not that,” she said. “I don’t want to force Cole into anything. I just want independence. I want to learn how to fight for myself and for the pack. I want to be able to meet with Asher or anyone else without Cole throwing a fit.” 

“He doesn’t think you’re weak,” Blake pointed out unexpectedly, as if reading Hayden’s unspoken doubts. “That’s not the reason he’s holding back from establishing a relationship with you. It’s because of his parents.”

She remained silent. While Xavier and Marie were a major factor behind Cole’s reluctance to form bonds, Hayden couldn’t help but to feel as if her weakness was another contributing influence.

“Hey.” He tapped her chin with his free hand, forcing her to look up. “You’re something else, you know that? And Cole knows it. I guarantee you he won’t last much longer before caving in, consequences be damned.”

Hayden smiled at his reassurance. “Thank you, Blake.”

The beta stared at Adolf’s house from over her head. “If this is what you really want, Hayden, and if Adolf will agree to train you, then I won’t get in the way.” His amber eyes looked down at her. “Have you talked to Cole about this? Any of this?
Talk
, not argue?”

“Talking civilly with Cole?” she asked with mock astonishment. “Is that even possible?”

Blake grinned and unwound his arm from her shoulders. “That’s what I thought.” He stood up and began backpedaling off Adolf’s property. “Maybe that should be your first step.”

She watched him go, marveling at her fortune of having a beta as understanding as Blake. Even though he’d been snippy around the house lately, especially with Fergus, he’d effectively eased her burden. Somehow, her conflict with Cole didn’t seem as unbearable now that she had a comrade.

After a few more minutes of quiet contemplation, Hayden stood, knowing she wouldn’t get much more accomplished. Adolf hadn’t made an appearance today, just as he hadn’t yesterday. Yet, despite the grim outlook, she was determined to change his mind.

Wiping the snow off her pants, she headed back to the street.

“What are you doing?”

Whirling around, she spotted Asher strolling towards her. The blond beta appraised her oddly, having just caught her exiting Adolf’s property.

“Sightseeing,” she replied innocently. 

He stopped short. “Keep your secrets then.” Asher frowned. “I was hoping to catch you before tonight. I wanted to invite you to
The Lounge
. There is something there that you might want to see.”

Planting her boots firmly on the side of the road, she gave Asher her undivided attention. “You were trying to tell me that last night.” Her eyes flickered to Shane’s house before looking back at Asher. “I’m sorry. I was a bit distracted then.”

“Who wasn’t?” He paused, studying her face with yearning. “I just noticed it myself, but I thought you might be interested in the fact that Fergus and Blake are fighting over a girl.”

That took her by surprise. “What?” she asked dumbly.

Asher chuckled, his dimples the most prominent feature on his face. “Yeah, I thought it was a bit odd myself. But this isn’t just any female. Her name is Rachael Cooper, an old member of Xavier Slayter’s pack. When Cole’s father passed away, she was one of the many members who left and settled with the other Alphas here. Rachael relocated with Falco.”

Hayden narrowed her eyes. “What are you trying to say?”

He placed his hands in his pockets and shrugged impishly. “She doesn’t like being a member of unstable packs. A lot of Falco’s—Nathan’s— pack members are disturbed over what happened with Joseph and Falco. Not only are they worried about the Hunters’ attention, but they’re wary of having such an inexperienced Alpha.”

A strong surge of protectiveness coursed through Hayden. “She’s using Blake and Fergus to get into Cole’s pack.” She breathed steadily, trying to quell her anger. “She’s setting them against each other.”

No wonder why Fergus and Blake were at odds. A
woman
was getting between them. Considering Fergus and Blake used to be inseparable, things were clearly getting serious enough with this female to warrant their current animosity.

Asher nodded once, pleased with her reaction. “She usually hangs out at
The Lounge
,” he hinted heavily. “You could always… surprise her with a visit.”

“I like the way you think.” Hayden nodded absentmindedly, her mind plotting possible scenarios.

She wouldn’t stand by and watch this woman tear her pack apart. Fergus and Blake were the backbone of the pack. Without their coexistence, tension would remain and they would never fully heal.

“Hayden,” Asher called lowly. “You might want to wear something a bit…”

She looked down at her jacket and jeans.

“Classier? More elegant?” the blond beta supplied, scratching the back of his neck in unease. “Not that you don’t always look good. Because you do, but trust me, you’ll have a huge advantage over her if you put on something a bit more…”

“Attractive,” Hayden supplied dryly, not at all insulted with his stumbling attempts. In fact, it sounded like a good idea. Men tended to fight with muscle and women tended to fight with couture. “Don’t worry, I’ll be there tonight.”

Turning, she retreated back to the pack house, feeling rather vindictive.

* * *

Hours later found Hayden leaning against the bar, enduring Asher’s impudent appraisal. Studying the newly remodeled tavern kept her busy until the blond beta recovered his wits.