The twins spent the day getting settled. They decided on a routine with Jolene, settling who would cook, who would clean and so on. The twins wanted to do their part and make sure everything was shared equally.
Kira tried to offer Jolene some money but Jolene said she wouldn’t hear of it. Adam had already given her some to ensure that they had plenty to eat. Kira had wanted to object and return the money to the Alpha but Jolene wouldn’t hear of it. She said they were part of the pack now and the number one pack rule was never argue with your Alpha. Adam was easygoing but he expected obedience.
The twins retired early and tried to get some sleep. They were a little surprised at having to share a room, and a bed, but they didn’t complain. It wasn’t the first time they’d shared.
Kira stared at the ceiling. “Psst!”
“What?” Whispered Lilah.
“You awake?”
“No I’m deep in sleep. You?”
Kira giggled. “Yeah me too. You okay?”
Lilah sighed. “I think so. It’s just all been so sudden. I’m kind of still in shock.”
Kira chewed her cheek and looked at her sister’s back. “I called mom earlier.”
Lilah tensed. “What did you say?”
“That we had to leave Charming, that we’re okay and we’ll explain everything as soon as we can.”
Lilah turned over and faced her sister. “You didn’t say anything about Joseph?”
Kira shook her head. “I figured you would… when you’re ready.”
“Okay… thanks.”
Kira smirked. “You know what this reminds me of?”
Lilah smirked. “Sleeping over at grandma Norton’s house.”
When they were younger the twins had a sleepover at their grandmother’s house every Saturday. They always spent the evening watching old movies, eating popcorn and then shared a bed. Usually they spent half the night gossiping.
“At least there’s no chance great grandma Norton’s going to jump out of a cupboard at us.”
Lilah groaned. “Ugh don’t remind me!”
For the last few years of her life their great grandma had lived with their grandma. Their great grandma often forgot to wear clothes and got turned around so badly she would get into the spare bedroom closet thinking it was her room. More than once she emerged from the closet naked in the middle of the night, scaring the hell out of the twins.
Kira tweaked her sister’s chin. “I’ve missed you.”
“Me too.” Lilah said yawning loudly.
“Night Li.”
“Night Ki.”
Chapter Four
15th November
Gabe carefully placed another card on top of the pyramid and held his breath. It held. He smiled but then frowned. God he was bored. He was on duty at the Sheriff’s station but nothing was happening, his already restless wolf was driving him wild. He’d take anything at that moment. A drunken teenager, a speeding driver or even Winston the elderly bull shifter who occasionally took it upon himself to streak around naked. Where was a naked bull when you needed him?
He needed something to take his mind off his aunt’s phone call. She’d phoned that morning. She had begged and pleaded with him to come and see her and his father but Gabe had refused. She had cried but Gabe would not be moved. He loved his aunt deep down, but since his mother died he couldn’t help but feel anger towards her. And as for his father… no he didn’t want to think about him.
Deanna Hardison, a bobcat shifter and fellow Deputy, strode into the station and slapped her handcuffs on her desks. Gabe’s playing card pyramid collapsed and he let out a grunt of annoyance.
Deanna pursed her lips. “Working hard I see.”
Gabe collected the cards together and began rebuilding. “This place is dead, there’s nothing to do.”
The bobcat shrugged and took a lunchbox out of her desk and began munching on a cheese, chips and pickle sandwich.
“Guys!” Called Liv from the front desk. Liv was currently covering the receptionist job, she insisted on it much to her mate Alec’s consternation who didn’t like her working. Especially as she was pregnant.
Deanna wiped her hands and followed Gabe to the front desk.
Liv smiled at them serenely, she was knitting a tiny yellow sweater. “Hey the alarm at Jolene Whittaker’s house just went off.”
“Yes!” Exclaimed Gabe.
The two women stared at him in surprise. “I mean… I’m just glad that there’s something to do… I’m not really glad the alarm went off… I…”
Deanna impatiently interrupted him and grabbed the list of master codes for all the pack alarms. “We get it, let’s go.”