Chapter Seven

Cain pulled up in front of his home and sighed. They hadn’t learned anything new from their trip to Colorado. Only that neither he nor Adam were able to catch a familiar scent on the girl’s clothes. They’d been hoping, with the attack having been so recent, that something would be found. Whoever was doing this had no intention of stopping and that scared Cain. Each attack had been worse than the last and if this madman wasn’t stopped he was going to kill someone.

Cain was so tired that he practically had to crawl out of his vehicle before he slowly made his way to the front door. All he wanted was a hot shower, food and some rest before he went to see Emily. His wolf was close to the surface, brought up by his frustration and need to protect. If anyone would be able to soothe the beast it would be Emily.

Walking into the house, he heard the noise and racket of numerous guests. So he probably wasn’t going to get the nap. He could still get a hot shower and food, though. Cain stomped up the stairs when he caught a strong trace of a mouthwatering scent. Emily had strolled through this spot very recently. His chest seemed to throb as his wolf fought to hunt for her.

He placed his hand on the wall then shook his head. His wolf was always strong but he’d never had the feeling that his wolf was trying to break out of his body. It was a little scary, more than, but after a few deep breaths his wolf seemed to settle. He turned sharply and walked back down.

Maybe it was because their relationship was so new? He’d have to ask his Alpha. Emily had been at the front of his thoughts for the past three days and every time he remembered the run they’d shared, he grew more anxious to see her.

It had been amazing chasing her as she’d run, jumped and teased. They had lain in the woods together, just taking in the sounds of nature. He’d watched her fall asleep and had closed his eyes beside her.

His cock hardened at the memory of her taking him deep inside, riding him with the moonlight shining over her.

The words to ask to mate with her had been on the tip of his tongue when she’d dropped her head back and climaxed. The jolt that had gone through his body had sizzled him and he had rolled her over to pound himself inside her until she’d come again, screaming, taking him with her. But he feared his actions in the past might keep her from fully committing herself to him. If Emily told him ‘no’, that she didn’t want to be with him, Cain wasn’t sure he’d ever recover. That didn’t mean he couldn’t slowly seduce her in accepting a mate bond.

Dropping his bag at the base of the stairs, he turned then headed to look for her. She needed to join him for a shower now. That would take care of the first round before he hunted some food to keep up his energy for several more rounds. With a grin on his face, he pushed open the kitchen door.

Toby was in the middle of the room, tying his shoes. “You’re home!” he exclaimed.

Cain smiled. That was a good greeting, and he was expecting a better one from Emily.

“Hey, champ.” He ruffled his hair. “How’s it going?”

Toby smiled up at him, showing a missing tooth. “Good.”

“Hey, there’s something different about you.” Cain stroked his chin, pretending to think about it. “Did you get your hair cut?”

Toby laughed and shook his head.

“Hmm, wonder what it is.”

Toby smiled, his large gap in plain view.

They both turned as the kitchen door opened. Toby scowled and bent down to finish tying his shoes. Kyle smiled when he spotted the brothers.

“Hey, just came in for some water. We got a football game in the back yard going,” Kyle told them.

Toby mumbled something and jumped off the stool. That wasn’t a greeting that Toby usually gave. His little brother was always welcoming to others. Cain nodded at Kyle and placed a hand on Toby’s shoulder, keeping the boy from running off. Toby would tell him what was bothering him sooner or later.

“Okay, bud, let’s figure this out.” He studied Toby again. “It’s not new shoes. Hmm, let’s see…”

Toby still had the scowl on his face.

“What’s up, bud?”

Toby looked down at the ground and kicked the cupboard. Cain waited patiently. When Toby appeared to finish thinking about what he wanted to say, he looked up at Cain with big eyes.

“I thought Emily was your girl,” he told his older brother.

Cain nodded. “Does that bother you?”

Toby and Emily loved each other. Cain knew that for a fact. Maybe Toby is feeling left out?

Toby shook his head enthusiastically. “No, if she was your girl, she’d stay. Not go away again.”

Cain nodded. “Okay.” That wasn’t actually how it worked, but Cain understood Toby’s meaning.

Toby shifted from one foot to another. “But if she’s your girl, how come Kyle was kissing her?”

Cain felt like he had been punched in the stomach. His vision blurred and his gums tingled like his fangs were trying to burst free. “Where?” he demanded.

Toby tilted his head at him. “On the mouth.”

Cain tried to hold his fury in. He looked at the young, innocent boy in front of him. “Where were they?”

“In the living room.”

Cain nodded. There had to be a reasonable explanation. He knew Emily and Kyle, and they would never betray him. Still, it was hard to hold back a full shift. Biting his lip, he mentally pushed back at his wolf.

“I don’t want her going away with him,” Toby told him.

Cain wanted to gently ruffle his hair again while reassuring his younger brother, but he was afraid to touch the boy. Something was wrong. “She won’t. Don’t worry.”

Cain kept his gaze away before he strode across the room toward the door that Kyle had just exited. A few quick words and he’d have his answer and would be able to get his control back. It would be better if Cain spoke to Kyle before tracking down Emily. Never in his life had he feared that he might hurt someone, but at the moment he was terrified of just that.

As carefully as he could, he slid open the door. He glanced down and could see the hairs on the back of his hand standing up.

What is happening to me?

“Breathe,” he murmured out loud to himself. If Tony or his dad were close by, he hoped they’d be able to help, because Cain was on the verge of panic.

The warm air washed over him as he cleared the deck, but the sounds of shouting and playing assaulted his ears. It was too much. Even his heart beating was too loudly.

He smelled her, Emily, his… Cain peered across the lawn to where she was standing next to Kyle. His vision narrowed and he could only see her after a moment. Fury rolled through him and he snarled.

Emily sensed Cain, and her heart actually stuttered before resuming the steady rhythm she was used to. How crazy is it that I know when he’s near and get so excited? When she’d heard stories of love and mating, Emily had believed they were exaggerated. Now she knew the truth.

She smiled, but as she turned, the smile immediately fell from her face. He looked furious. Had something gone wrong during his trip? Oh God, what if someone had died? Emily wanted to offer him comfort but the rage she saw on his face had her staying right where she was. Cain appeared livid at her.

When he reached her, he grabbed her arm in an iron-tight grip and yanked her toward the house.

“Hey!” she protested but then thought better of it when Cain growled. She wasn’t sure what was going on so hopefully they could get to the bottom of this mess.

He dragged her forward so hard she tripped over her own feet. She hadn’t been prepared for his speed. Hell, she was fast, but there was an animalistic sense to him. Stronger than she’d ever been around. Before she had a chance to try to catch up, Cain half-turned, then picked her up and threw her over his shoulder.

Emily should have probably been humiliated, but she was frightened of him. Not for herself but for whatever had happened to cause this.

He went through the open glass door, crossed the kitchen then kicked the swinging door open into the hall. Hanging upside down, she grew a little nauseous at the manhandling.

She cursed at him quietly, demanding he put her down before she threw up. Emily could feel the bile start to rise. She started kicking and scratching when he opened the bedroom door then slammed it behind him. He dropped her on the bed none too gently.

“Cain?” Emily raised herself on her elbows. “Are you okay? What happened?”

“What the hell were you thinking, Emily?” he yelled.

The volume had her flinching away. He’d never shouted at her like that.

She blinked. “Wh…what?” she managed.

He stood in front of the bed, his eyes flashing. She could feel the shimmering in the air as he tried not to shift. Shit, what could she do to calm him? She hadn’t been prepared for this. Very slowly she raised her hands in front of her. “Talk to me,” she pleaded.

“Why, Emily?” Cain’s voice cracked. “Why?”

“Cain, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Please just tell me what happened. What I did.” She tried to keep her voice soft and controlled. He was pacing the room like…a caged wolf. “Cain, calm down.” Should I suggest we shift together?

“Don’t! Do not tell me to calm down, Emily. Did you think I wouldn’t find out? Did you think I would just shrug it off?” His voice had gone low, dangerously low.

“Find out what?” She moved farther up the bed. She didn’t like where this was going. “Talk to me, Cain.”

“Shut up. Just shut the hell up,” he ordered, still in that deadly tone. “What did you think I’d do, Emily?”

For the first time in her life, she was afraid of him so she kept her mouth closed—partly from fear and partly from the fact she couldn’t believe he’d told her to shut up. That wasn’t like him. Sure, he was domineering and arrogant, but he was never downright disrespectful.

“Answer me, damn it!”

“You told me to shut up,” she blurted out. She hadn’t meant to say it, but she was scared and starting to get pissed herself.

He was on her—from the door to the bed in one leap—and he sat with his knees holding her legs down and arms at her side. He wasn’t hurting her, and in fact even in the yard when he’d grabbed her, his touch had been firm but gentle. That reassured her some.

“Cain.” She didn’t struggle. “Cain, I need you to explain to me what I did.”

He snarled. “What? Do you want me to say the events step by step so you can relive your fun?”

Emily shook her head. “Cain, please…you’re scaring me.”

He abruptly let go of her and backed away. He curled his lip with a look of disgust.

She sat up and reached for him, but he shook his head. No, she was going to get answers. If he pushed her away she might never get him back. He loved her, she was certain, now she needed to show him she felt the same way. “Let’s just talk…”

“Go,” he barked.

“What?” she asked. “We need to work this out.”

He turned his cold eyes at her. “Go. Get out. I don’t want to see you. Don’t want to be around you.”

His eyes were so dark that she couldn’t even see any humanity in the depths. She stood up slowly. “At least tell me why.”

“Get out!” he yelled at her.

She fumbled for the door while tears ran unchecked down her cheeks as her heart broke. Cain wasn’t even giving them a chance. He’d left for three days, come back mad and was telling her they were through. Years and years, they’d danced around their feelings for each other and he was saying he didn’t even want to give them a chance? Had he gone crazy?

She made it out of the door and down the hall, but stopped as she ran into something solid.

“Emily.” Kyle gripped her shoulders. “You okay?”

She nodded. She was numb. How could Cain turn on her? She’d been so looking forward to having him home.

“Did he hurt you?” Kyle asked her quietly.

She shook her head. Cain hadn’t hurt her, not physically, but he’d also just destroyed her. The look on Cain’s face was one she would never forget. She’d known he’d be home today and had hung around waiting for him. Then he’d flipped out and…

“Aww, isn’t this sweet?” Cain’s voice came up from behind them.

Emily jumped and slammed her back into the wall. His eyes were still the unusual black. Where was Lamont? Or Tony? They had to know what was happening. Could a shifter become possessed or something?

Kyle shifted slightly, which blocked most of her body from Cain’s view. She wanted to tell Kyle that it wasn’t necessary, but Cain snorted then growled.

“Coming to her rescue?” Cain spat.

Kyle looked between Cain and Emily. She shrugged but nodded to assure him that she really was okay. Kyle turned back to Cain. “Just making sure she’s okay.”

Cain laughed—it was sharp and angry. “Were you? Were you really?”

Cain’s fist flew out and landed on Kyle’s jaw, forcing Kyle through the wall. Kyle’s head cracked against it and the sheet rock fell in clumps around him.

Emily screamed and ran toward Kyle to help. What the hell!

Cain grabbed her arm before she reached him and pushed her back into the wall. “Don’t touch him,” he ordered.

Emily looked up at him. He’d actually hit Kyle. Kyle was a friend of theirs. Sure, Emily was closer to him, but Cain had also hung out with him. She was sure that the noise they made would be calling to others in the house. Help would be coming. “Cain. Please tell me what’s wrong.”

“Wrong?” His hand snaked up to her throat. The way he’d done before when they’d been about to make love. His possession, his hold on her, marked her as his. “Why do you say something’s wrong?” he murmured.

Was his voice different? Rougher? His hand tightened but still he did not hurt her. Pinned against the wall like this, she would normally be turned on, begging for him, and she actually considered it. Her body didn’t know the difference between Cain claiming her and him being mad. Emily bit her lip as arousal traveled up her spine and made her flush.

“You’re not laughing now, are you?” he asked. “Did you when he had his mouth on you? His hands?” he spat at her.

“He didn’t touch me,” she said. “No one touched me but you.” Why would he even think she would betray him? If she could get him to remember their last time together, maybe he’d snap out of whatever he was going through.

He laughed. “You lie! Just couldn’t wait to get another wolf between your legs.” Cain moved in to cover her body with his. She was trapped between his body and the wall with his hand still around her throat.

Emily could work with this. His actions might not make any sense whatsoever, but from the way he was acting he still wanted her. He felt betrayed, like he’d been deceived. Still, he wanted her, and this was all because he had some stupid idea that she had been with Kyle.

“You know,” she said. “Look into my eyes and you’ll know. I’ve never been with any other shifter than you. In the past three days, you were all I could think about.”

The hand around her neck started to shake. Cain blinked rapidly.

He was finally listening.

“Smell me,” she urged. “I’ve been sleeping in your bed, alone. I have your scent on me and no one else’s.”

He took a deep breath. After, he lifted his head then peered down at her. If she wasn’t mistaken, the color in his eyes was lightening.

“I’m yours,” she told him. “And you are mine.”

Cain whined, a low sound, which came from the back of his throat.

“Let her go, Cain,” Lamont said from behind Cain. He looked quickly over to Kyle and watched as he tried to sit up. Cain blocked Emily from his view, and Lamont knew he had to get them separated. Whatever had happened needed to be taken care of quickly, before someone got badly hurt. He’d heard what Emily was saying to his son so he had a good idea what was going on.

The crash and shouting had not only had him coming out of his office but the others in the house had also came running. He’d sent everyone but Tony away.

Cain didn’t turn, didn’t acknowledge his Alpha. That was not acceptable. “Cain,” Lamont said then growled. He was an Alpha for a reason and he could get Cain under control.

Finally, Cain turned his head, but still held her. He wanted to gasp at the difference in his middle boy. Cain was not in control of his wolf, although it seemed that Emily had made a breakthrough and was in the process of bringing him back. Lamont had an idea of what had caused Cain’s actions and his stomach clenched in worry.

“Cain, let go of Emily,” he repeated.

Cain just shook his head. His shoulders shook, his breathing rapid.

“That is an order from your Alpha,” Lamont said loudly. He moved forward. “Now!” He put all his power in his tone.

Lamont watched Cain try to get control. His eyes were black, which Lamont had never seen before. As Cain blinked, they lightened.

He let go of Emily abruptly, but she immediately reached for him.

“No,” Lamont said. “Both of you go to the study now,” Lamont ordered.

Without looking at either of them, Cain turned, then headed down the stairs. Lamont knew Tony was standing behind him.

“Tony, help Kyle to the living room and take care of his injuries,” Lamont said. He never took his eyes off Emily.

He walked slowly to her. “Come on, honey.” He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her from the wall.

“Kyle never touched me. I swear,” she told him softly. “Something is wrong with Cain. He would never act this way. We have to help him.”

“I know, honey.” He pulled her with him down the stairs.

“He didn’t hurt me,” she said. “As furious as he was, he never hurt me. That has to mean something, right?”

Oh God, this conversation is not going to be fun. And now that Cain was back to himself, Lamont was worried on how his son would react to his actions. “It means everything,” Lamont assured her.

He led her to the study, so proud of her that she’d not only managed to calm Cain but was still trying to protect him. If he could have handpicked the perfect partner for his boy, he would want it to be Emily. He’d known for a long time that there was attraction and need between the two of them. He had stayed out of their business, trusting for them to come together when the time was right.

Now it seemed that they’d found themselves into a situation that very few shifters ever had to go through. It wouldn’t be easy.

Cain had his back to them as they walked in but would be aware they had entered the room. Neither he nor Emily were being silent. Lamont gently ushered Emily to the couch before he made his way behind his desk. A reminder that he was the Alpha and in charge.

He took his seat. “Want to tell me what happened?” he asked Cain.

Cain didn’t answer, hadn’t faced him or Emily. That was fine for now. Lamont knew how to get through to him.

“Okay, maybe you can tell me when you two mated, and why you didn’t tell your Alpha or get his permission first.”

Emily’s head popped up, and Cain turned. Yes, that got his attention, their attention.

“We didn’t, Lamont,” Emily answered.

But Lamont wasn’t looking at her—he was looking at Cain.

Cain nodded. “We did not. You should know better than that.”

Lamont leaned back in his chair. “And you should know better than to put your hands on a female. A girl that you swore to me that you would always protect.”

Cain darted his eyes away. “I didn’t mean to. I…I just couldn’t stop.”

Lamont looked over at Emily, who was watching Cain.

“You remember Marc?” he asked them.

They both nodded. Marc had been a young wolf, only about five years older than Emily. Marc had come home to find his female with another were and had killed them both. It was the only murder to have ever happened in his territory.

“He’d gone into a rage when he found out his mate had betrayed him. To this day, he doesn’t remember what he did to them.”

Emily sucked in a breath, and Cain’s eyes narrowed. They could see where he was heading with his questions.

“We didn’t mate,” Cain told him.

Lamont believed that they hadn’t intended to. But he knew, could sense, that they were indeed bonded together.

“Yet you two are very much mated.”

Cain laughed. “Mated. Soul mates,” he said. “Are you kidding me? That’s fiction, romance novel crap.”

Lamont nodded, seeing Cain had put together what he was saying. There were some things that an Alpha didn’t share with his Pack. The truth of the very few fated loves was better off being considered as a myth. There were too many of them that would chase the rare gift of fated mates and would never allow themselves to fall in love and live their lives. The Alpha Council had decided that any word about the subject should be held quietly unless a couple found themselves in this situation. “It has also been said that when one mate betrays another, the pain from it can be blinding and result in things the injured mate would never normally do.”

Cain shook his head. “She is not my mate.”

Hurt flickered in Emily’s eyes, but she quickly schooled her face.

“How’d she betray you, Cain?” Lamont asked him.

Cain turned around to the window again. He took a deep breath before looking back at his Alpha.

“She betrayed me with Kyle.”

“I did not!” Emily yelled, jumping up from her seat.

Cain whirled on her. “Don’t fucking lie to me. Toby saw you.”

“Toby? Toby saw…” Her eyes widened and knowledge filled them.

Cain growled and took a step toward her.

“Cain,” Lamont warned.

“Cain, it wasn’t…” She put her hands up, but he moved his gaze away.

Emily bit her lip and looked at Lamont. “I was playing Monopoly in the living room with Toby. Tony and Kyle came in, and I—”

Cain whipped around and had her by the arms. “So you admit it!”

“No!” She shook her head. “I mean, he came in and picked me up and…kissed me for like a second. Just hello. He’s been doing it for years. That’s all. I swear that’s all.”

“That’s not all!”

“Yes, it is. I haven’t been alone with Kyle. Not once.”

She wasn’t lying. Lamont could smell it and knew that Cain could too.

“I swear, Cain.” She begged for him to believe her.

He shook his head. “I just… When Toby told me Kyle kissed you, I lost it.” He lowered his head. “I could feel it start to happen. I knew Kyle was in the yard. I was heading to ask him. I knew, know, that there was a reasonable explanation. I didn’t really think you had but my reactions weren’t mine. When I saw you… I don’t really remember all of it until we were in the hall.”

“I’m so sorry,” she said softly.

“Don’t! Don’t you fucking apologize to me!” Cain’s eyes burned. He could have hurt her, killed her. Lamont heard his thoughts even if they weren’t said out loud. Cain turned to him. “She needs to go back to school.”

Emily’s gasp was audible, but Lamont wasn’t surprised.

“No,” he told his son.

Cain looked him in the eye. “I am asking, as your son, send her back.”

“Unprotected?”

Cain frowned then rubbed his hand over his face. “No. Hell.”

Emily’s eyes had cleared and her voice was strong when she told them, “I don’t have to be sent anywhere.” She looked at Lamont. The anger burned bright. This wasn’t something he could fix, though. Only Cain was going to be able to, if it was what his son wanted. “I’m going home.”

She walked out without permission from her Alpha. Not that Lamont could blame her. He sighed wearily. He was starting to feel his age. Had he ever been as young and careless as these kids? Probably. His own father had warned him about arrogance. Still, Lamont thought he was a good Alpha. Cain would be too if his son had the desire to lead, which he didn’t.

After she’d slammed the door, Cain looked at Lamont. “I could have killed her.”

Lamont nodded. “Yes. But you didn’t even hurt her. Out of your mind with rage and you managed to not cause her one ounce of pain. At least physically.”

Cain flinched.

“Although I’m not sure how many times you can break her heart before she gives up on you,” Lamont advised.

“I know,” his son confessed. “I wanted to mate with her. I almost asked her to but didn’t. She’s all I ever wanted.”

Lamont stood and clasped his son’s shoulder. “There is no one else who suits you so well.”

“I don’t deserve her.” Cain’s voice was full of hurt. “I never did.”

“So you’ve tried to push her away time and time again,” Lamont said.

“Yes,” Cain said.

“It never worked,” Lamont pointed out.

“No it didn’t,” Cain agreed.

“What does that tell you?” Lamont asked.

“That I’m an idiot. Every time I think that I have my shit together I screw up. I hurt her and end up being an ass. She’s so kind and yet I think I should have her? She needs someone who will worship her the way she deserves,” Cain said.

“Why can’t that be you?” Lamont asked. “You love her and she loves you. Why can’t you show her how wonderful she is?”

“I don’t know how,” Cain confessed, pacing away. “I try…”

“Try harder,” Lamont said.

Cain whirled. “How?”

Lamont shook his head. “You’re not a coward. You’re a good man and a strong shifter. You keep getting in your own way. Either let her go or claim her. But stop waffling. That isn’t fair to either one of you.”

“I need to think,” Cain told him.

“No,” Lamont assured his boy. “That is the last thing you need to do more of. You need to talk to your mate and beg her forgiveness. Let her calm you as you show her the love she deserves.”

Cain stared at him for several minutes. The silence felt heavy around him. It wasn’t something a human or even a normal shifter might feel, but an Alpha could practically taste strong emotions.

Finally, Cain smiled. “I have a mate to claim.”