“You hateful witch!” Cindy lunged toward Nicole but Harper pulled her back.
“Let’s vote Ryder.” Harper said quietly. He put Lucy back down on her mother’s lap. At least that would keep her in her seat. Harper thought.
“Will?” Ryder gave him a solemn look.
“It’s okay Ry, I understand. Take your vote.” His eyes shifted to Nicole. There was no love in them.
“Do I get to vote?” Kelly cried just as Ryder was about to speak, he dipped his head forward. “I vote for me and the boys to stay with the pack. I mean..,” she swallowed, “we like it here.”
“Kelly!” Nicole shrieked.
“You’ll stay with your mother Kelly. You aren’t old enough to leave her yet.” Will said sternly. Kelly crossed her arms over her chest and glared at her mother.
“You all have had time to think about it and you’ve heard both sides…” Ryder started.
“I haven’t said anything yet.” Matt stood and Ryder waited. “If you vote to keep her… Matt trailed off for a second then lifted his chin. “I don’t have anything against the rest of the family, but if Nicole stays, we go.” He rubbed a hand over Lucy’s hair. “You all know that she’s our only pup, what you don’t know is that we can’t have any more. When she was born, well, we just can’t. I won’t stay here with someone who I can’t trust around my girl.” Matt sat and put an arm around Cindy pulling her and Lucy closer to him.
Ryder knew what happened but the rest didn’t. They’d barely made it to the midwife when Cindy delivered in the back of the SUV. Lucy was stuck and the midwife had to rip her from her mother’s womb to save them both. If they’d been able to make it to a doctor, even a human doctor maybe… but the midwife lacked experience. If Cindy weren’t a shifter, she would’ve died that day. Ryder put a hand on Matt’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
“Hands up, she goes.” Ryder said loudly. Every hand in the room went up except Nicole’s and her family. “Will, she’s out by lunch tomorrow. You and the pups are welcome to stay, I understand if you can’t. They are always welcome back.” Ryder gave each of them a stern look. “As long as I’m Alpha, you’re each welcome.”
“I want to stay.” All three kids spoke at once.
“I understand and I’m happy to have you all, but you need to discuss that with your parents.” Nicole sniffled quietly then got up and left the room. “Back to work.” Ryder said when she and Will were gone. Evan clapped Ryder on the back as he passed him.
“Me and Eric are headed to town, indicators and locks.” They disappeared from the room. Cindy picked Lucy up and carried her back outside to sit in the sunshine. She probably didn’t want to run into Nicole upstairs either.
“This pack has plenty of drama. I’ll give it that.” Sidney sat down next to Harper. Harper let out a pent up breath. “Take it easy Harpo, you’ve only been here a week. It’ll get easier.” Sidney bumped her shoulder with her own.
“How’s…things?” Harper grinned looking at Curtis.
“Oh my God.” Sidney fanned herself. “That is one incredible wolf. It’s a wonder that I can walk.” Harper stifled her giggle. “We’re going to grab a bite and spend the rest of the day upstairs if that’s okay?” Harper shoved her. “Hey don’t make fun either, I heard you guys last night. Also, I haven’t been laid proper in years. I’m making up for lost time.”
“You’ve been laid, you liar.” Harper giggled.
“I said ‘proper’.” Sidney batted her eyes.
“I get it Sid. Have at it. Enjoy him. He works hard around here and you both deserve some happiness.”
“I will. I’m glad that wolf is leaving before me and you have pups. There’s no telling what she would do to them.”
“I know.” Harper said softly. “I was upset over Lucy, of course but that’s what kept running through my mind. What if it were my pup? She hates me anyway and she’s a malicious bitch. If she had a shot at a pup of mine, I have no doubt she would hurt him.”
“Him?”
“Or her. Stop.” Harper shook her head. “I don’t even know if I’m pregnant.”
“What did you have for breakfast?”
“Cereal and coffee.” Sidney pursed her lips. “See, I don’t think I am.”
“We’ll just keep an eye on that. If you start craving carbs…” Sidney winked and stood then Harper saw Curtis waiting. “See you tomorrow.” Sidney grinned and hurried to melt into his side.