Enlightening Bloom(14)
The Shaw pack Alpha collects himself from the bomb Bloom just dropped and goes right back to business. “I want to help you, but she’s hidden herself for a reason. And I’ve promised to keep her location secret. I need to know why I should risk revealing her to help you.”
Pike loses his patience, leans forward in his chair, his claws out piercing the leather, and he growls at the other Alpha. Bloom uses the little bit of energy she has to get up from her seat and force Pike back in his. She collapses into his lap, whispering words only he can hear to calm him. When his claws disappear she focuses back on Naven.
“I respect that you’re trying to protect her, but I swear we mean her no harm.”
“How can I trust that though?”
Bloom sighs. “Because she’s my Great-aunt. The only relative I have left from my Dad’s side.”
Naven looks over his shoulder at Nick. Nick gives a barely noticeable nod. They both bring their attention back to Bloom, but Nick is the one who speaks this time. “We’ll tell you how to find her. But I’ll warn you it’s not an easy journey. At least a day of hiking. And you need to be careful when you get close, because if you’re unwanted they won’t hesitate to attack.”
Naven pulls out paper and starts writing out directions. Nick continues to explain the set up. “There will be several others with her. All wolves. All willing to lay down their lives to protect her.”
Chapter 10 – Pike
I smell the wolves long before we reach the top of the mountain. There’s seven of them; two females, five males, and two of them are in their wolf forms. The idea of bringing Bloom into this unknown situation has my wolf on edge. He doesn’t like the idea of bringing our mate around these unfamiliar wolves who could possibly try to harm her, but we have no choice. Though we’re both beginning to think we traveled all this way and won’t find the person we’re looking for. We should be scenting a human among the wolves, but we’re not, and I’m hoping it’s because they’ve found a way to disguise her scent. If Naven and Nick Shaw sent us on a wild goose chase I’ll personally rip their throats out.
I watch my mate as she climbs the slope in front of me. She’s trying to put up a strong front but I can hear her breathing, it’s not as strained as the night of our wedding, but it’s not back to normal either. I offered to carry her, but she refused my help like she’s been refusing my touch. When she willingly climbed into my lap at the Shaw packs house my wolf howled in relief, but it was short lived. Because since the migraines have taken hold I haven’t been able to get pass the pain rolling through my mate to reach our connection, and it’s keeping myself and my wolf on edge. Not being able to have that bond is causing the tiny bit of distance she’s putting between us to be like a knife to my heart, and each time she shies away from my touch the knife digs itself in a little deeper.
Bloom struggles to climb over a fallen tree and I move to help her, but Bonnie beats me there. She’s taking care of my mate the way I should be able to, and as much as I want to hate her for taking my place I can’t because at least I know someone is there. Once she’s over the tree and continuing her way up the hill Bonnie looks back at me, a sympathetic look on her face. She mouths “sorry” before continuing to follow Bloom.
I pick up a large branch that’s lying near my feet and throw it at the closest tree. It breaks into little pieces from the force and I smile, satisfied to watch something other than my heart break.
An hour later we’re coming to the top of the mountain. I take the lead from Tucker as we enter the clearing, where we’re greeted by five of the seven wolves. They’re perched on the steps leading up to a rustic house. The oldest man steps a little closer as he looks us over (he’s clearly the Alpha here). His second follows at his side in wolf form. The two younger men, who I’d guess to be around my age, hold their ground right in front of the entry to the house with their arms crossed on their chests.
I hold my hands up in a show of surrender as I speak. “We’re not here to cause any trouble. We’re looking for someone and we think she may be with you.”
The older man opens his mouth to respond but before a sound can cross his lips there’s a shuffle behind the two younger men at the door. I watch as they move out of the way, an older woman walks out with a mug in her hand, and a she wolf on her heels. She looks over our small group and her eyes settle on Bloom. I could swear that they warm a little at the sight of her, but I can’t be sure. She makes her way to us and I expect the older man to step in front of her to protect her, but to my surprise all he does is give her a little wink as she passes. Her cheeks flame bright red, but she continues walking toward us. When we realize she’s going for Bloom; Bonnie, Tucker, and myself move in front of my mate to protect her.