Chapter 107 Chapter 107
Calum left the cave before dawn to get to the ridge where he sent Gage and Devin. The ‘cave’ as it turned out, was an actual cave, with several extras added, Furniture, cabinets and in one corner, a distillery, that he had no idea how Marilyn got to run without power. It felt like a cabin that was made out of stone. Part of him didn’t want to know how she did it, she was… he couldn’t think of a word to adequately describe her.
He hadn’t slept more than a few minutes. Instead he paced or stood in the entrance of the cave fighting his own instincts to go back to Shaelan. His cat was as conflicted as he was, understanding why he couldn’t, but not being at peace with the facts. He wasn’t used to not being in synch with his cat, since his very first shift both halves had always been connected with the same destination in mind. He was battling with himself in the last day, while keeping his cat contained so he didn’t go back. If he’d been able to shift and burn off the emotions riding him, that would have made his life less tense as he waited for backup.
Traveling was a little easier, now that he knew what to look for. Marilyn explained how they got the drop on shifters they tranq’d had made his ego feel less damaged. Now that he knew to check up in the trees and not down, he was able to move with more confidence and speed.
He paused and looked down the ledge he’d just climbed. Needing the physical exertion to burn off his impatience, he’d taken a short cut and gone up instead of around. During the climb his mind bounced all over the place, but always ended up back on Shaelan. One of the many things that had him swearing in frustration. How the hell Gage had lived with this torment about Kelsey for so many years, he had no idea. Then again, maybe he did, he’d left his mate more for her safety than his. The main problem in this entire situation was her father… he’d had to leave so he wouldn’t do anything epically stupid that would put her in harm’s way. Not that what he’d just done was smart either, climb a shelf on a mountain covered in burrs… his clothes did not deflect them like his fur, he’d discovered. At least he’d have something to do while he waited for the guys to get here, pick burrs out of his hair, clothes and boots.
Double checking his location, he nodded and got back to getting to that ridge. Devin and Gage had until dark to get their asses on this mountain, then he was going back to the village—with or without them.
Shaelan set the book aside and got up to pace around the room, again. She’d done that at least ten times now, trying to work off the uneasy feeling that was plaguing her. Before that, she’d stood out on the small deck behind the house and stared off into the trees. Had she hoped to see Calum? Yes, then again, she would have had a fit if she did. He needed to stay away. He had to stay away.
Rubbing her hands up and down her arms, she looked from one to the other. Every few minutes her skin felt like it was crawling with something. If it were just her arms, she’d say she was anxious, but the feeling was on most of her body as well.
“You are wearing me out, just watching you today.”
Nona’s voice made her jump. She blew out a breath. “I’m sorry. I can’t sit still.”
“I caught that.” Setting the knife down, she pushed the tray of herbs away and grabbed the edge of the table to assist her in standing up. “Your cat is riding just under your skin…” she came over to her and rested a cool palm on Shae’s arm, “you’re away from your mate.” She gave her a soft smile. “You have every right to be uneasy.” Patting her arm, she chuckled. “Some day, when all this settles down I’ll tell you about my first change.” She winked at her. “I damn near ripped Mari to shreds.” Shaking her head, she went over to the window. “It’s a small blessing she can’t shift…” glancing at her over her shoulder she raised her brows, “we can’t control the woman, imagine the cat.” Jerking her head toward the glass she grinned again, “speaking of… here she comes, half the length of the stairs ahead of your mother, Aunt Louisa and....”
When she stopped speaking, Shae went over to look for herself. Her mother had her arm wrapped around someone. It was Billie. Shae turned and ran for the door, leaving it wide open in her wake. She ran down the stairs as fast as she could manage.
Her mother stopped walking and Billie looked up to see her. She started running up the stairs, two at a time, her long black hair flying out around her like a cape.
Shae stumbled down the last few steps to get to her, landing in her arms when she stopped. They squeezed each other tight, both panting and shaking from the exhilaration.
“I wanted to see you…” Billie gasped, “I had my first heat… and…” She buried her face in Shae’s neck and squeezed again.
“…I didn’t know yet, so you couldn’t.” Shae finished for her, just as breathless.
Billie nodded, then paused and inhaled in an obvious manner. She leaned back and covered her mouth, a tear rolling down her eye. “Oh Shae, they sent you in there too?”
It took less than a heartbeat for Shaelan to understand what her friend meant. “Oh… no.” She hugged her to her again. “Come on. We have to talk.” Billie just nodded.
Aunt Louisa and her mother ushered them up the steps as they clung to each other, awkwardly tripping every few feet.