Chapter 232 Chapter 232
Jesse pulled up the lane slowly, hoping that Blair had gotten the message, and few would be there when they pulled in. “This is Blair and Kobie’s clan.”
“And they’re tigers?”
“Yeah. Calum and his mate are here, they’re jaguars. “
“Everyone’s animal gets along when they’re out?”
“They do.” He grinned, recalling a few instances over the years, “for the most part.”
“They probably have better control of theirs than I do of Minn.”
“You’ll learn, there are many elders and experts that will be able to help you, Leah.”
“I look forward to that. I think.”
He parked as far from the house as he could.
“How-how many people live here?”
“Uh, I’m not sure now, a few have come back, around fifteen I think, including guards.”
“Guards?” Her eyes went huge.
Turning off the van, he closed his eyes, knowing he didn’t word that right. Turning, he looked at her, she looked so scared. “Kobie’s clan got away from Tomas, and some of them made their way back. One of Tomas’ men wants them, so we have Alliance guards here to help keep watch.”
“Are all of our kind affected because of that Tomas person?” Her voice was shaking.
“For now.” Reaching over, he took her hand in his. “We’re getting closer to ending what he’s doing.”
“I always thought,” she squeezed his hand, “I thought we were the few that suffered, my mom,” she swallowed and shook her head, “but it’s all of our kind, isn’t it?”
He nodded slowly, lifting her hand and kissing the back of it. “We’re going to end it, Leah, I promise.”
Thera stuck her head between the seats and bumped their hands.
Leah looked out the window, “she wants out.”
Jesse glanced toward the house, Blair and Calum stood there. Most likely making the others stay inside because of Thera. Turning in his seat, he looked at the leopard. “No biting. You don’t want to deal with those two if you hurt one of theirs.”
Thera gave her head a shake.
He didn’t know if it was a yes or she was shaking him off, but he got out and opened the door. Thera jumped down and lifted her head to scent the air. He heard the other door close and turned to see Leah basically forcing her feet to move. Trusting the cat to behave, he rushed over and took her hand. She squeezed it so hard, he knew she was really struggling. “They’re friends.” He told her quietly. “They’d never do anything to hurt you.” Leaning down, he made sure she looked at him, “you’re safe here.”
She nodded but didn’t look convinced. “I don’t know if I can stay.” She whispered it, her voice vibrating.
“I’m right here.” He glanced over to see Blair and Calum stood where they had been, knowing that it was best they come to them. “Come on, one step at a time.” He wrapped his arm around her, still holding her shaking hand.
He didn’t want to drag her, but it felt like he was. Thera walked on the other side of her, with cautious steps. Jesse glanced at Calum to see he was watching the leopard as well. He’d know probably before anyone if Thera was going to do something regrettable.
“Jesse, how was the trip?” Blair smiled at him but still made no move to come closer.
“Long.” Jesse gave him a quick look and then turned so he could see Leah’s face. “Calum, Blair, this is Leah.” He didn’t like her breathing. She held her hand against her chest. “It’s okay.” He whispered.
“Hello,” she finally rasped out.
Pulling her closer, he wanted her to feel like he was surrounding her, keeping her safe.
“Leah.” Calum inclined his head, but his body was still tense.
“And this,” Jesse motioned to the leopard that wasn’t as relaxed as he’d like her to be. She was hunched down, ready to spring at any moment, “is Thera.” Her ears flicked back at the mention of her name.
“I’m sorry.”
He glanced at Leah to see she had that glossed-over look in her eyes, she was staring at the ground. “It’s okay.” He told her and he knew she was too overwhelmed to stay at the front. He looked to Calum, who was watching her carefully now as well. When the woman he held stopped shaking, he knew Leah was where she felt safe.
Evanna leaned over and put her head on his shoulder for a few seconds and then straightened so it was necessary for him to keep his arm around her. “Thera, behave.” She said in that deep brisk voice he knew well. With a short huff of air, she turned to look at Calum and Blair, “Sorry about that, Leah has a hard time with strangers.”
“Calum, Blair, this is Evanna.” Jesse said as if he hadn’t just introduced Leah.
“Evanna,” Calum said without pause.
“Glad you’re here,” Blair said. “We put the trailer back there, so you’d have some privacy.” He motioned to the back of the yard.
“Thanks.” Jesse looked at him. “Does it come equipped with a shower?”
Blair grinned, “yeah it does and two beds with soft mattresses.”
Jesse let his shoulders relax. “A shower, coffee, something to eat that doesn’t come in a wrapper, and then I will probably sleep for twenty-four hours straight.”
He glanced down to see Evanna was looking at the house.
“This is huge.” She said with awe
“Doesn’t feel big enough sometimes,” Blair grinned.
“Your whole clan lives in that?” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a tie for her hair.
“For now.” Blair tucked his hands in his pockets, “we’re going to be building some smaller homes around the property so some of the couples have their own space.”
“I’m pretty good with a hammer, let me know if I can do anything while we’re here.” Evanna turned and walked toward the back of the house.
Shaelan came out the door.
Jesse was surprised when Thera ran over to her.
“Aren’t you gorgeous,” She bent down and rubbed her hand along Thera’s jaw.
“You must be Shaelan.” Evanna turned around and came back over. She held out her hand, “Evanna.”
Shaelan took her hand, “I’m so glad you’re finally here.” She motioned to the other side of the yard, “come on, I’ll show you the trailer.”
Jesse, Blair, and Calum watched them walk away.
“You look like you haven’t slept in a week.”
Jesse turned back to Calum, “I don’t think I have really.” He rubbed his hand over his eyes and blew out a breath. “I was hoping Leah would be able to stay at the front.”
Calum clapped him on the shoulder, “it might be easier if she just observes the coming and goings around here for a while, to make her more comfortable.”
Blair gave him a surprised look.
Calum shrugged, “who do you think Shae runs every thought by?”
Jesse shook his head, “just going to grab some bags from the van. And someone needs to unload those crates of vegetables.” Going back over, he opened the door and pulled out the three bags of clothes and other items Leah had bought. Once Evanna realized she was in that fluffy skirt, she was going to want something more of her style to put on.
“Vegetables?” Blair raised an eyebrow at him.
“She wasn’t leaving food behind to spoil.”
Blair grinned, “food is good.” He looked around the yard, “I’ll go grab some help and get that done.” He looked in the van, “what about the other boxes?”
“Leave them here for now. At some point, I have to go through the clan paperwork and see what is what.”
Blair nodded, “yeah clan paperwork is something I never thought I’d have to care about.”
Jesse chuckled, “Alpha looks good on you though.”
“Everything looks good on me,” Blair smirked and walked away.