Chapter 21: Ada's Mate

Ada

My insides are in turmoil as I get ready for dinner. I am concerned about the stakeout at the caves. Nothing might happen, but there is a chance that everything could go wrong. Especially since they are wolfless.

I pull a mustard yellow kimono over my black tights and camisole. For a moment I look longingly at my favourite wedges before I pull the hideous moon boot closer. Mother was right, your shoes and hair can ruin the fanciest dress. I comb my hair one last time before I pick up my cane and go.

“About time,” Reese smiles as he leans against the stairs.

“You look beautiful,” his voice is sultry as he looks me up and down.

“Thank you,” I throw my arms around his neck and move in for a kiss.

His arms go protectively around my waist as he pulls me closer. I moan softly when his tongue slips into my mouth and I press closer to him.

“We shouldn’t make them wait for dinner,” his voice is hoarse as he pulls away. “Once a day is enough.”

“I guess,” I sigh theatrically, and he picks me up.

“You know what?” I whisper seductively in his ear as he carries me down the stairs. “You’re a great kisser.”

“Oh, really,” he chuckles. “Thank you.”

“My toes even curled in my moon boot,” I playfully bite his ear and his laughter fills the room.

“What’s so funny?” Cooper calls from down the stairs. Zoe tucked safely under his arm.

“My boot,” I smirk.

“I can only imagine,” Cooper rolls his eyes.

“Did the girls arrive?” I ask Zoe as Reese puts me down.

“They’re here, bags and all,” Zoe nods.

“What do you mean bags and all?” I frown.

“We forgot to tell you,” Reese looks at me apologetically. “You’re having a sleepover. The four of you can plot and plan while the three of us visit the caves.”

“Good idea,” I smile as we walk to the dining room.

Blake looks up when we enter, but he only gives us a look and shakes his head before turning to Zayne. I do not let his attitude get to me. I now know this is about his demons and not about me.

The moment I see Clyde, the devil stirs within me. I want to ask him if he bombed anything lately, but I bite my tongue. As much fun as it is to provoke him, I need him off my back so that we can figure out what is happening.

“How’s your ankle, Ada?” Dad asks as I take my seat.

“It’s fine as long as I take my medication,” I reply while I start dishing food.

“Well, it shouldn’t be long until your wolf can help you heal,” Tyler says. “Now that Cooper’s wolf returned, I suspect that it should not be long until ours return as well.”

“That would be so great,” I sigh. “Getting rid of this boot will be the highlight of the year.”

For a change, we enjoy our meal without any unpleasantness. Mostly because Margo and Clyde do not say a word and nobody talks to them.

“Father, we should discuss our visit to Opal Moon this weekend for the funeral,” I say when everyone has emptied their plates.

“What for?” Clyde squints his eyes at me. “Killian knows that you found your mate. There’s no need for you to go anymore.”

“Interesting,” I pout my lips and cross my arms as I look at him. “And how would he know?”

Clyde turns a shade paler and this time my toes curl in satisfaction. I knew all of these simultaneous events were too much to be a coincidence and darling dearest cousin just gave himself away. He is in cahoots with Killian. I just do not know why.

“Everybody knows,” Clyde chuckles awkwardly. “It’s not a secret.”

“But no one at this table has reason to tell Killian anything,” Tyler’s voice is low and filled with anger.

“He … he called this morning,” Clyde’s eyes move quickly from side to side and I know he is making up a story to cover his ass. “He wanted to speak with Ada, but you weren’t here and we talked and …”

“And you blabbed out our pack’s business,” Father growls.

“No, no,” Clyde protests wildly.

“Did you forget to carry over another message, dear cousin?” I ask sweetly.

“Let me guess,” Zayne leans forward. “You also told him about our wolves being dormant.”

“Yes, but …”

“Dammit Clyde,” Father slams his hands on the table and everybody goes quiet. I look at Dad and my eyes go wide when it seems like he is fuming at the mouth. I have never seen him this mad. “What the f*ck is wrong with you? We have been hiding all of this from our pack and you tattle to the alpha next door. You f*cked up all our negotiations with Killian. Now he won’t help with the rogues anymore.”

“Killian doesn’t care that she found her mate,” Clyde says urgently. “If she rejects her mate …”

“Enough!” Dad bellows. “Not only have you leaked out sensitive information, but you also betrayed my trust. You’re always whining like a little b*tch because I exclude you from the pack’s business. Now you know why, you f*cking m*ron.”

“Alpha, I didn’t mean …”

“Ada,” Dad turns to me and his eyes are still blazing. He has not calmed down one bit. “Get this fool into the dungeon. I don’t want to hear from or see him until the rogue situation has been resolved.”

“Theo, no,” Margo starts sobbing and throws herself against Dad. “I beg you, please don’t do this. He’s my son.”

“Girls,” I say and they stand up.

“No, please no,” Margo’s cries fill the dining room as we walk over to Clyde.

Clyde jumps out of his chair and runs to the nearest exit, but Willow is faster and blocks his way.

“Please make this harder,” she smiles wickedly. “I haven’t had fun in a while.”

I take my cane and slam it as hard as I can against Clyde’s legs and he lands on his knees.

“Get your filthy hands off him,” Margo shouts hysterically.

“Margo shut the f*ck up or you’re joining him,” Dad warns.

Margo crumbles into a bundle on the floor and wails like a wounded animal.

“Come on, big boy,” Violet and Zoe each get hold of an arm. “Let’s take a walk.”

“You’re making a mistake, Alpha,” Clyde hisses before we push him out of the dining room.

“I’m so glad you invited us over, Ada,” Willow grins as we escort Clyde. “I would’ve been so disappointed if I missed this.”

“Don’t thank me,” I laugh. “This all poker face over here. He buried himself.”

“Enjoy this while you can, b*tch,” Clyde spits the words. “You have no idea what’s coming. I’ll be the last one laughing.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” I grin as I open the gate to the dungeons. “Unlike you, I can keep a straight face and my mouth shut when I know things.”

“You’re bluffing and I’m not falling for that,” he laughs humourlessly as Violet pushes him into the cell and Zoe locks the door.

“If you say so,” I shrug.

“You’re not going to get to me,” he shouts as we turn around to leave.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” I turn around to face him. “Lola and Toby send their regards.”

I did not think it is possible, but Clyde almost turns transparent in front of my eyes.

“Look at that, all your emotions displaced on your face for the world to notice. You see, cousin,” I lean against the wall, just out of his reach. “You are a nasty person with nasty habits. I hit the mark with the bomb, and I started digging. You’ve been busy, cuz. And I must thank you. If it weren’t for your big mouth, it would’ve taken me so much longer to prove your participation.”

“But I’m one step ahead of you,” he smirks. “I warned Killian in time and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“Thanks for the update,” I wink at him and leave.

“You’ll regret this,” he shouts after us.

“Yeah, yeah,” I wave him off.

“Ada, what were you talking about?” Zoe asks curiously as we walk back to the castle.

“I have no idea,” I chuckle. “I was bluffing. But I can tell you this, Clyde, Killian and the bomb are no coincidence. It’s all connected but I don’t know how. And I’m willing to bet that they have something to do with the rogues as well.”

“That’s wild accusations,” Violet whistles. “It’s a good thing you haven’t told anybody since you can’t back it up.”

“Yeah,” I sigh heavily. “And I have no idea how to do it. Clyde burned our bridge with Killian, and I don’t know how to fix it. On the bright side, if I’m right, Killian knew about my wolf.”

“You should keep on pretending with Killian,” Willow suggests. “Continue as if he doesn’t know about your mate or wolf. He’ll slip up easier if he’s under the impression that you don’t know anything.”

“I'll keep that in mind,” I smile at her. “But first things first. We need to get Violet’s mate. Once he’s safe, we can start stirring the pot.”

“So, is Reese your mate?” Zoe asks excitedly as we approach the castle’s door.

“I think so, yes,” I nod.

“And?” Violet grabs my arm and looks at me with anticipation. “Tell us more.”

“Oh,” I smile wickedly as I open the door. “He knows what to do with his lips.”