Chapter 9: Chapter Eight

Max took a long inhale and located his mate. She was on the back porch. Hmm, he wondered why. He quickly changed his clothes then went out on the porch. “Sweetheart?”

She was reclining in one of the lounge chairs with a tall glass of lemonade in her hand. “Max.”

“No, don’t get up,” he told her when she started to stand. “I was just surprised to find you out here.”

“Ah. Now don’t get mad. Patrick did tell me you had told him no.” She pointed out to the wooded area surrounding the well-manicured lawn. “But my overprotective bodyguards needed to unwind a little and Mom and Dad aren’t due for a few hours so I shooed them out there and now they’re having fun.”

“And you’re stuck here?”

“Stuck isn’t the right word, but I keep thinking that all I need to do is use those Tears and I could run with you guys.”

He sat down in the lounge next to hers. “You know you’re my mate no matter what you decide. You don’t have to change because you feel left out.”

“I do know that and those close to us don’t dare ask me if I’ve made my decision, and at the same time I find it hard to ask questions because no one knows what to say to me. They don’t want to pressure me.”

“That’s my doing.”

“I know.” She took a sip of her drink. Right on cue Jacob brought one out for Max. “And I know everyone is trying to give me space. Let me make this decision on my own but I don’t know what to do anymore. Part of me says yes. This is my world now and I should embrace it.”

“But you also don’t know enough of our world to feel comfortable making this decision.” He took her hand. “You know you could speak to my sister. She’ll give you all the information you need without any judgement.”

Patrick and Stacey climbed the stairs to the porch so she didn’t answer him.

“Did we interrupt something?” asked Stacey.

“No.” Alicia smiled. “Max and I are enjoying the calm before the storm.”

“Your parents.”

“Yep. They should be here in a few hours.” She lifted her lemonade. “I can’t wait.”

“Do you need us to run interference?” asked Stacey.

“With my parents?” She shook her head. “No, everything is fine. I just get this way before they arrive. Once they get here I’ll calm down and everything will go smoothly.”

***

Alicia stood beside Max as her parents pulled up in front of the house.

“I can’t believe the butterflies that are filling my stomach.” She had an arm around Max’s waist and tightened her hold. “Why am I so nervous about this?”

“Because this is it. You are my mate. That won’t change and if your parents don’t like us together you’ll have to figure out a way to make it work.”

“But I know they’ll love you.” She looked up at him. “I just can’t stop the weird feeling I’m getting right now.”

“Everything will be fine.” Max pressed a quick kiss against her lips before he stepped forward and opened the car door for Alicia’s mom.

“Oh, thank you.” She stood as she stared at the house.

Alicia hid a smile. She had the same reaction when she first saw this house, but then again she thought she was dealing with the devil.

“Mom.” Alicia walked up and hugged her. “It’s a bit amazing, isn’t it?”

“Never thought Max would live in a beautiful bungalow like this. I expected something, I don’t know. Rigid?”

“And dark?” added Alicia.

“Alicia!” her mother admonished her. She stole a glance at Max and noticed him helping her husband. He wasn’t paying any attention to them. “A little.”

Alicia laughed. “I felt the same way when I first saw it. I expected this big dark brooding house. This place though is very warm and welcoming. Max’s father built it for his mom and you can see the love in the way it was designed.”

“You like this place.” Her mom linked arms with her.

“Very much.” The front door opened for them. “Oh, and this is Jacob. He keeps the house running smoothly.”

“A butler?”

“He’s more than that. I consider him family. He’s known Max since he was a child and I find I can talk to him about anything.”

“Miss Alicia.” Jacob waited until Max and her father walked in as well before closing the door. “I have their room ready if they’d like to freshen up.”

“Thanks, Jacob, that would be great.”

He escorted her parents to their room, leaving Alicia alone with Max.

“So everyone expected me to live in some monstrous gothic thing?”

She grinned. “It’s those dark looks of yours. I could see you with a pitchfork when I first met you.”

He laughed at that. Pulling her close he whispered, “And now?”

“I love the way you look, and the way you feel.” She slid her fingers up his shirt. “The way you kiss and touch me takes my breath away.”

“Now that is a good answer.” He captured her lips with his. His tongue brushed against her lips and swooped in when she opened her mouth. His hold tightened as desire took over.

Alicia could feel his need in his kiss, in the way he held her. As his tongue danced with hers she started to feel her desire rise as well. She felt her body fill with excitement.

“I’m sorry, sir, but you have some more visitors.”

Max broke the kiss and brushed his knuckles along her jaw. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’ll see who’s here and get rid of them.”

Not what she needed. With her parents there they didn’t need any unwanted guests.

***

Max found a stranger on his porch. He looked like hell, blood dripping from a huge gash in his shoulder. The man also looked familiar. He didn’t say a word, just waited for the man to speak.

“I am sorry to interrupt you at home, but I didn’t know where else to go.” He didn’t look Max in the eye as he spoke. He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it to Jacob. “My name is Peter and I’m from Dominic’s pack.”

Jacob looked at the paper then handed it to Max. He didn’t need to look at it to know what it was. How this man got it was the question.

“Who gave that to you?” asked Max.

“I don’t remember.”

That made him pause. This isn’t something that was handed out all the time and Max knew who had them. Was this Dom’s way of getting one of his people into Max’s home? “Describe her.”

“Tall, thin, brown hair about collar length.” He dropped to one knee. “I got this from her several years ago but never saw the need to use it. He killed my family, sir. He wanted me to work my way into your main office, see what you had figured out but when there were no openings I let him know that I couldn’t get in and he decided to punish me by killing my mother and my sister.”

The description of the woman was very vague. It could be any one of the women he knew had these. Did one of them give out a sanctuary card a few years ago? He’d have to check his records.

What the man said sounded like Dominic, but could this all be a ruse? He needed to speak to Patrick and Stacey.

Alicia was going to kill him.

“Jacob, please get him cleaned up and have Patrick come to verify his story.”

“Of course, sir.”

Max went back in and found Alicia sitting with her mother in the kitchen having a cup of coffee. “Sorry. My work is never done.”

“It’s okay.” Alicia looked up at him, searching his face to see what was going on.

“Where’s your dad?”

“In the library.” Alicia shrugged. “The moment we passed it we lost him.”

“Why don’t you ladies join him and as soon as I finish with my guest I’ll join you.” He watched as she frowned. He came to her side and bent to kiss her forehead. In a soft voice he spoke to her. “There is a situation, but I have it under control.”

“Now?” She stood.

Max touched her face.

She looked at her mother for a moment before she grabbed his arm and moved them out of earshot. “What is going on?”

“Someone is seeking asylum. He’s a little banged up but Jacob is tending to him.”

“Are you saying that there is a wounded werewolf in this in this house?” She looked at her mom to be sure she couldn’t hear them. “With my parents in the same house?”

“I couldn’t help it.”

“I know, the rules.” Alicia sighed.

“I’m glad you understand. Once Patrick and Stacey arrive and prove he is legit they will take him to one of our safe houses.”

“More werewolves?” she practically growled the last word. “Max.”

“I know, but you also know we can trust Patrick and Stacey.”

She nodded. “And I know this will happen from time to time but this is the worst time for it to happen.”

“Everything will be fine.”

She nodded again, but he knew she didn’t quite believe him. He gave her a quick kiss and headed to Jacob.

***

Alicia wanted to leave with Max but instead she turned to face her mom. The concerned look on her face didn’t bode well.

“Everything okay?”

“Um, yes. Max has to take care of something first. He’ll join us a little later.” She put on her best smile and pulled her mom to her feet. “Let’s go find Dad. Jacob will bring us something to drink there.”

Alicia hoped she got something strong because she needed it.

***

Max watched as Jacob prepared drinks for their guests. “Make sure my mate gets her favorite. This weekend is stressful enough and adding our unexpected guest to the mix just heightens that stress.”

“Of course, sir.” He picked up the tray he had their drinks on. “Patrick said they’d be here in ten minutes.”

“Good.”

He waited for them in the foyer. The moment they showed up he started talking. “The young man in question has a marker.”

“He’s seeking asylum?”

“Yeah, but he looks familiar. I’m not buying it.” Max stared back at the door that led to his guest. “I saw him recently. He was the man outside the dojang.”

“Sir?”

“Stacey, would you look at my guest? I need you to confirm what I’m thinking. I promise he won’t see you. Patrick you are to keep her safe just in case. I’m going to speak to him alone. I don’t want him to know we’re onto him, yet.”

“Then you know who it is,” said Patrick.

“Pretty sure.” Max ushered them into a small room that had a large window in it. It looked into one of the many guest bathrooms in the house. They watched as Jacob worked on a man.

Stacey sucked in her breath. “That’s Dominic.”

“You sure?” asked Patrick.

“Yes.” She backed away from the window even though he couldn’t see her. “I’d know that face anywhere.”

“Take her home and keep her there until you hear from me.”

“I’m supposed to protect you,” argued Patrick.

“I am in my own home with family all around. He would never attack me here.”

“He doesn’t play by the rules.”

“Oh, he will. I know just how to make him.”

***

Alicia saw him walk into the room before her parents. She smiled when he came up to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Everything okay?”

“We can enjoy our evening now.”

She felt tension when she slipped her arm around Max. “He’s still here?”

“Alicia.”

She didn’t say anything else because her parents were now watching them intently. Instead she patted him on the chest. “Dad loves your library.”

“My father loved books as much as I do, and he collected a lot of the first edition classics. I’ve added a few of my favorites as well.”

“There are a few I have at home that would fit in this library,” said Alicia’s dad. “If I were willing to give them up.”

Jacob came in and handed Max a drink. “Dinner is ready if you are, sir.”

“Thank you, Jacob.” He gave his mate a squeeze. “Ready?”

Alicia nodded, preoccupied with the strange werewolf in the house. What if he decided to wander around and show up while they were eating?

“He can’t leave the room he’s in. I promise,” Max whispered in her ear.

“How did you know what I was thinking?” she whispered back.

He just touched his nose.

“I still am amazed by that.” She leaned into him as they entered the dining room. Jacob gave them a nice homey setting, seating Max and Alicia opposite of each other, placing her mom at her side and her dad beside Max. Max, always the gentleman, held her chair for her before he took his own.

Jacob followed Alicia’s instructions and created a beautiful salad so her mom would know she was getting plenty of roughage. Once they were done with their salad, he brought a simple but popular staple of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, plus green beans.

“This is delicious.”

“Jacob is a great chef, Mom.”

“You should have had him make one of my specialties.”

“And hear you grumble it’s okay when you realize he can make it as well as you?” Alicia shook her head. “Didn’t want to see that happen.”

“I am not that bad.”

“Love you, Mom.” She said that every time she knew she was right but didn’t want to get into an argument with her mom.

Max set his napkin on his dish. “I have something to take care of real quick, but I will be back in time for dessert.”

Alicia watched him leave then pasted a big smile on her face.

Her mom played with her napkin for a few moments. “Are you happy, Alicia?”

“Happy? Of course, Mom. Why do you ask?”

“Because he seems so domineering. Something I know you hate, yet you seem to cow down to him every time.”

She couldn’t stop the smile that started to spread across her face. “Cow down? I promise I don’t let him dictate what he wants me to do. It’s just being the girlfriend of such a powerful man I have a certain role to portray.”

“Even here? At home?”

“I did this for you, Mom. I wanted you to like Max for Max not because he’s made of money.”

“Do you think so little of me?”

“No.” Alicia turned her chair toward her mom. “I know you want what’s best for me. Max makes me incredibly happy. I don’t care how much money he has. I like the way he makes me feel. We fight like normal people but he’s kind and considerate. He treats me like a queen and I love him.”

“You know I love hearing that.” Max leaned against the doorframe before he moved back to his chair. “I thought we should celebrate with a glass of champagne.”

Jacob walked in with four glasses and the bottle of champagne. He filled each glass before setting it in front of each one of them. Alicia got hers last. Max lifted his and waited for her to lift hers as well. Something winked at her from the bottom of her glass.

“Max?”

“Just be careful drinking down to it. We’ve seen too many shows where someone gets choked on the damn thing.”

“That is in movies and sitcoms. I think I’ll be okay.” She took a sip. “It this the one you had me design?”

Max nodded.

She smiled at him and stuck her fingers into the glass, sloshing the champagne until she could hook the ring with a finger. Alicia pulled it out and held in in her hand. Max got up and knelt beside her. Taking the ring from her hand he took a cloth out of his pocket and dried it off.

“Alicia Marie Braswell I have found I can’t live my life without you in it. You’re my soulmate and I want to make you my wife and my partner in life.” He held the ring out for her to slip her finger into it. “Even though I can be a bit dominating and overbearing, you always stand toe to toe with me and that is why I love you.”

Out of the corner of her eye she saw her mom’s head drop. She knew he had heard her. Too bad she didn’t know about his hypersensitive hearing.

“Will you marry me?”

“Max, I…” She turned to her mom. “Mom? You had some trepidations and I want you to be happy for me. If you don’t think this is a good idea say something now because there is no going back.”

“Does he make you happy?”

“Very much.” She looked right at Max.

“Then you have our blessing, baby girl,” said her father.

She breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes, Max, I’d love to marry you.”

He slipped the ring on her finger then captured her lips with his. He showed her parents there was strong passion between them without making it X-rated. After he broke the kiss he whispered in her ear, “Tonight I’ll show you how happy I am that we’re getting married. Now all you need to do is pick a date.”

Her eyes widened at that.

***

Stacey felt cold. Knowing that Dominic had the audacity to show up at Max’s house filled her with dread.

Patrick drove her back to her apartment. He had tried to draw her into a conversation, but she wasn’t ready to talk.

“I can’t believe he did that.”

“I’m not.”

“What?” She looked at Patrick.

“You think Max was surprised to find him on his doorstep? He expected it.” He glanced at her before turning his attention back to the road. “Tonight might not be the best of nights but Max was ready for him.”

“I had hoped I’d never see that man again.”

“He doesn’t know you were there.”

“You don’t know what was ingrained in me. I was taught to be invisible so that man couldn’t find me. I had to stay in the background, hide behind a shield.” Anger laced her voice. “A shield you broke through.”

He pulled the car over and stopped. “You don’t need to hide who you are.”

“Don’t you understand?” She punched him in the chest. “That madman thinks I’m supposed to be his mate and he will destroy anyone who tries to get in his way. That includes you and me!”

“That is what your father told you.” Patrick turned toward her. “He knew he couldn’t protect you, Stacey and he wanted you safe. Your dad taught you that because he thought the fear would accomplish something he couldn’t. But now you have us. A whole network of family that will make sure that man won’t get within sniffing distance of you.”

“Why would anyone put themselves in danger for me?”

“Really?” He quieted down for a moment. “You deserve to be protected. You’re beautiful, smart, and almost perfect.”

“Perfect? I’m not perfect.”

“To me you are.”

“Patrick.”

“No! You listen to Alicia, Max, your father but you won’t listen to me! I am the one who has been with you, has seen the side you keep from everyone else. I got to see your wolf and I know you never allow her the power of release. I have seen your heart.” He took her hand and placed it on his heart. “Everything about you has touched me deeply. More deeply than any other woman has.”

“Patrick, I have feelings for you too, but I can’t do that to you. Dominic would kill you. He thinks that I am his and he will destroy anything that would keep me from him.”

“You think he’s not going to come after me? After what we’ve done?” He gripped her shoulders. “Even if you told him we were a fling and it meant nothing he would still try to kill me. That is part of his nature. He’d say he did it to teach you a lesson so you wouldn’t do it again. Then he would turn you into a slave and if you stepped out of line one time he would take something you hold precious and destroy it in front of your eyes.”

“I know.” Tears started streaming down her cheeks. “He fractured my ribs once in a jealous rage because I fell and a young man in school helped me to my feet. Something very innocent sent him off the deep end.”

“I know you don’t think we can protect you but we’re more powerful than Dominic.”

“How?”

“Because we’ve been trained since we were pups to fight for what we believe in. We’ve gone against tougher opponents when we were younger and never lost. He will not best us.” He quieted down for a moment. “Do you know your father told me that we smell the same now.”

“How is that possible? Only mates smell the same.”

“Because we’re supposed to be mates.” The moment he said it he knew it was true. He wanted Stacey with a desire the overpowered him. Although he had only been around her for a few weeks no one had affected him the way she did.

She didn’t speak, just looked at him. Then he felt her fingers curl around his. “My father will be furious.”

“So will Max.” He used his other hand to control the wheel as he pulled back into traffic and headed to her apartment. “We need to speak to both of them as soon as possible.”

“You don’t want to wait until you deal with Dominic?”

“That would just make this worse. Max needs to know that I’m the one who needs to face Dom, not him. If we’re destined to be mates, then I have the right to confront him.”

“Patrick, the thought of what he could do to you tears at my heart.” Stacey squeezed his hand.

“Thank you for trying not to piss me off. I know you’ve led a sheltered life and haven’t been around a lot of alphas other than that asshole.” Patrick turned down the road her apartment building was on. “And I’m not sure how to prove to you that I can hold my own against Dom but know that I can.”

***

Alicia wiggled her fingers and watched the light bounce off the diamond. Somehow Max had figured out a way to surprise her. The ring was beautiful. Although it was her design, he had taken two different designs she had shown the jeweler and merged them into this one.

“I’m glad you like it.” He had an arm around her as he walked her back to their room.

“So much.” She gave his waist a squeeze. “There’s something I can’t wait to show you.”

“Can I ask a favor first?”

“What?” She looked up at him, curious.

“I want you to give Dom a message.”

“You want me to talk to him? He won’t listen to me… oh, I get it. You want to show him he’s beneath you now that you know who he is.”

“I knew who he was from the moment I saw him and because he was trying to pull one over on me, I never allowed him the upper hand.”

“Is that what you want me to tell him?”

“You can tell him whatever you want. You know what he needs to know.”

“That I do.” She walked to the door that Dom was behind. “Let’s see how much I can piss him off.”

Max held the door for her.

“I thought you wanted me to talk to him.”

“I do,” he said. “But I also want him to know that as my mate you are off limits. He is old school and will respect that.”

“And if he doesn’t?”

“Then I will kill him.”

“Okay. I’ll make sure he knows.” She brushed her hair out of her face, straightened her shoulders and walked close enough Dom could see her. Max had put him in the vault. The one place where she knew the man could be controlled.

“So, the legend approaches.”

Alicia looked at him. He knew who she was. Not unexpected. “Hmm.”

“What?” He tried to act like the alpha he pretended to be, but she lived with a real one so knew the difference.

“You really aren’t all that, are you?” She walked around him.

“What are you talking about?”

“You, Dominic. You posture a lot, but you really aren’t the alpha Max is.” She stopped and looked him in the eyes. “I am the mate of the true alpha. You, well, you’re just a poser.”

He growled as anger filled him. Dom tried to lunge at her but found his feet locked against the floor.

“Oh yeah, you’re in the vault. I remember the first time Max brought me here. The only way you’re going to move is if Max puts your DNA into the system. I recommend you stop fighting. You’re just going to make it worse.”

“And where is your mate?”

“You think he’s going to lower himself to talk to you?” She shook her head. “You get me instead. Hence the security system. Max will protect me, especially from the likes of you.”

“I want to talk to Max.”

“And I want you out of my house.” She shrugged. “But we don’t always get what we want.”

He growled his frustration.

“I have the power right now so you might want to think about how you speak to me.” She stepped up until she was about a foot away. “I am the mate of the most powerful alpha and you will heed my words. If you continue on the path you are on you will be defeated and will be outcast. Many have tried and all have failed.”

“Failed what?”

“Trying to control our people with an iron fist.”

“Our people? They are not your people. You are human.”

“I am the Legend. I touch both worlds. Because of that I am stronger than you. Smarter than you. I am loved by human and werewolf. All listen to me.” She wasn’t quite sure where the words were coming from, but she couldn’t stop them. “Everywhere you turn you will be met with resistance. Even when you think you’ll win. When everything looks bleak for the other side. Hope will win. Love will defeat you. Kindness will be the victor.”

“You speak gibberish.”

“Do I?” She took a step closer to him. “You know my words are true. You know the old ways but refuse to accept it’s time to change. Change always comes and you either embrace it or get buried by it.”

“The old ways have worked for thousands of years.”

“That was before modern technology. How do you plan on dealing with that? Killing anyone who invades your territory? How long do you think you’ll survive?” She held up her hand when he went to answer. “I don’t want your lies. You would lie to my face to get what you want. That, I can’t tolerate.”

“I will win.”

“No, you won’t.” She sighed. “Let me ask you a question. If you had the ability to stay a werewolf or become human what would you do?”

“I would never change.”

“Exactly, and because you won’t, you will be sitting on the sidelines as the world passes you by. Learn from history.”

“You’re talking human history.”

“You have human DNA or you wouldn’t be able to shift so your comment is ignorant. It is everyone’s history.” She gave him a bored look. “This is why you won’t win, Dom. You don’t care about the human side of you and you should. You don’t care about the wolf side either. You only care about the power and power will get you nowhere.”

“I don’t care what you say.”

“I know and that’s sad, but once you’re defeated, I’ll come back to speak to you.” Alicia paused. “If you survive the war that is coming.”

Max walked into view and guided her out of the room. “That was interesting.”

“I know. Weird.” She leaned into him for strength. “But I couldn’t stop the words coming out.”

“Where are the Tears?”

She pulled them out of her back pocket.

“How long have you had them on you?”

“All day?” She shrugged. “I got up early to work on the design again, but then my day got busy and I never got a chance to put them back.”

“One of the first things out of your mouth was ‘you are the legend’.”

“That’s true, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, but I’ve never heard you call yourself that before. In fact, whenever anyone refers to you as ‘the legend’ you always remind them that you have a name.” Max smiled as he looked down at her face. “My favorite though was when you called him ignorant.”

“Oh my god. Please tell me I didn’t say that.”

“He was trying to say he wasn’t human and you reminded him that he wouldn’t be able to shift without human DNA.”

“I don’t remember any of it.”

“We knew the stones spoke to you, but this is the first time they have spoken through you.”

“I’m glad you find this amusing. I’m a bit worried about it. I don’t like giving up control. Yet the stones and I are tied together a lot deeper than I thought. What is going to happen if I wear them against my skin as you want me to?”

“You’re right. If they cause you discomfort…”

“They don’t. In fact, I feel my best when they’re near me.”

“Okay, then how do you want to do this? I don’t want you to be forced into something you don’t want to do.”

“I don’t know. Maybe I should wear one on my skin and see what happens? If nothing then I can add a stone and see how I do with two then three and so on until I can wear all of them without any weird things happening.” Alicia scratched her forehead. “Is there anything about the legend and the stones beyond the poem you showed me?”

“Not in writing.” Max steered her to their room. “There are stories told that say the stones are more than crystals. That they’re almost alive.”

“What about me?”

“Not really. Most of what is told is about the Tears. How they came about and what to expect when they’re found.”

“Which we’ve already done.” She leaned into him as she sighed. “I do feel a bond with them.”

“I hate asking this but I’m just curious...” Max opened their bedroom door.

“No, they haven’t told me if I should change or not. They seem to be content with either decision.” She stepped into the room with him. “I sort of wish they would. It’s hard for me to decide. One minute I am going to change and the next I realize how much my life will change and the people I’ll leave behind.”

“You won’t really be leaving them, sweetheart.”

“I will when they start looking older and I won’t. Then they start to realize that I’m stronger than I should be, can hear things that I shouldn’t. That smells are more intense. I can see details they can’t. The list goes on.”

“Things that I accept naturally. I never thought about that aspect of what you’d have to adjust to.”

“Everything I named has a good and bad. Right now, I’m aging when you’re not. In ten years, my vision will start to falter and I’ll have to wear reading glasses. If I use the Tears I won’t have that problem. I also wouldn’t get weaker or lose part of my hearing. That’s why I’m so torn. I look at those stones and they fill me with serenity but the thought of what they can do does the exact opposite.”

“I know you’ll make the right decision for yourself and you know I’ll stand beside whatever you choose.”

“You know we can’t keep him forever.” Alicia slipped the Tears back into her pocket.

“Our guest is only here temporarily. I’ll have Patrick escort him off the premises as soon as your parents leave.”

“Thank you.”