Elise knew the story well. Her father had felt his mate’s terror through the mental connection that all bonded pairs shared. He’d raced as fast as possible to her side, but it had been too late. The gun-shot that killed her mother, had echoed through the woods as he came charging up the small crest to where his mate lay dying. They’d never found the hunters; her father had stayed with his mate as she breathed her last, rather than giving chase...
A pan clattered on the stove, causing Elise to jump and bringing her out of her reverie. She smoothed her sweaty palms on her pant legs and banked down the fear that had been rising inside her. Helen had her back turned and was busily flipping the bacon, not noticing anything was amiss. “Yes, Thomas was shot—possibly seasonal hunters who wandered onto our property either not seeing the ‘No Trespassing’ signs or deciding to ignore them.”
“So, what will Kane do about someone hunting on his land? Tell the sheriff?” Elise was pleased her voice was calm, not revealing the inner panic she’d been feeling mere moments earlier.
“It’s tricky. We can’t let on that anyone was shot. They’d want to see Thomas and it would be hard to explain how the wound was healing so quickly. Kane will probably report that he heard shots fired or that there was a near miss. Nothing will be done though. There might be a few more patrol cars for a day or two, but the local police don’t have the manpower to watch this large an area. Nor do we want them around all the time. Like all packs, we try to keep a low profile.”
Elise digested the information. It was just like home. A pack was basically on its own when problems arose. Involving the local police was always too risky. As Helen grabbed some paper towels to lay the bacon on, Elise realized that she was standing there watching the other woman work. “Can I help with something?”
“How are you at making toast and coffee?”
“I think I can handle it.” Elise found the needed items under Helen’s directions and went to take out the plates. “How many do you think will be here for breakfast?”
“Breakfast tends to be pretty quiet around here, so probably just the four of us. Kane’s staying at the infirmary and called to say he won’t be back until mid-morning. Thomas is still unconscious and he wants to talk to him as soon as he wakes up.”
The two women worked companionably as they finished the meal preparations. As the sun streamed in the numerous windows it warmed the large homey kitchen taking off the morning chill. Elise mused that it was very evident Helen took pride in her culinary domain. The wood cabinets gleamed, as did the various pots and utensils that hung over the large marble topped workstation, and the floors were immaculate.
In actuality, Elise found it a bit intimidating to think that someday she might be called on to fill Helen’s shoes. While she’d helped Sarah, Elise knew she wasn’t an experienced cook nor was she particularly domesticated beyond the basics. Alpha females were in charge of the house as well as organizing social gatherings and dealing with minor problems. It also meant providing leadership and advice to others in the pack and really, Elise thought, what words of wisdom did she have to share at her young age? Truth be told, she’d sort of floated through life thus far, never applying herself overly much to anything in particular. It was a bit disconcerting to realize that at almost nineteen years of age, her life had no goal or focus. She’d have to do something about that now, though exactly what she wasn’t sure.
By the time the meal was ready, John and Carrie appeared. John looked tired from his late night and sat down heavily in his chair. Carrie fussed over him, bringing him coffee and putting jam on his toast. Elise watched them while she ate, wondering if she’d ever feel the need to do that for Kane. Was that what was expected of her now? A slight sigh escaped her. She wasn’t even sure if she knew how to be a good mate. All in all, the morning thus far had left her feeling more than a bit inadequate.
Breakfast was partially over when the back door opened and a tall blonde woman entered wearing a skin-tight dress of shocking pink. Elise immediately remembered her from the previous day. She was the woman who’d cut in front of her and blocked the door before hanging all over Kane and trying to monopolize his attention. What was her name again?
“Marla, this is a surprise.” John’s greeting supplied the answer. His voice was neutral, but Elise had the general impression that the Beta wasn’t overly pleased to see the newcomer. The look in his eyes was icy rather than the usual friendly blue she’d come to expect. Neither of the other two women were overjoyed either, if their suddenly stiff postures were any indication.