10 Teeny Tiny Chickens

Ember

Onyx holds my hand on the walk back. My mind spins with the implications of the situation. I want to go home and help my mother protect our position of leadership. But she doesn’t want me there. I’m a liability in this situation - the young, female Heir in a pack of assholes. It’s why she paired me with Hawk. A strong male as my mate fortifies my position.

But I can’t help but wonder, what if that mate is Onyx?

The thought makes my stomach clench. It’s too much to think about a future with him. I’m already indulging in this fling with him. It’s all more than I deserve.

But what if?

When the woods thin and the fresh scent of his packmates reaches me, I squeeze Onyx’s hand. “Hey, I don’t want to talk with them about my pack yet. I need time to think. It’s enough to just know.”

His dark eyes study me and I feel like a bug under a microscope. “You’ll still talk with them about it before you do anything?”

“Yeah. I promise.”

His head bobs. “Okay, well, we still have to talk with Jasper and Hazel about today.”

“I understand.”

As we approach the training building, I keep waiting for Onyx to drop my hand. But he doesn’t. My heart beat speeds up until my blood pounds in my ears. Memories of being zip-tied by these wolves and dragged away like a prisoner replays in my head until I’m squeezing Onyx’s fingers so tight he stops walking.

“Hey, it’s going to be fine. We can just explain, and I’ll do all the talking if you need.” Using our joined hands, he pulls me against him.

His citrus scent soaks in my lungs, calming and centering me.

“No, I need to own my shit.”

He kisses my knuckles and we resume our walk.

Jasper meets us in the thinning trees on the edge of the pack’s compound. He looks calmer, but his shoulders still tense at the sight of me. Dread weighs me down until each step feels like I’m knee deep in mud .

“This is interesting,” he says, crossing his arms. His gaze is cold as he looks at Onyx and then our joined hands. Onyx squares his shoulders and faces my brother.

“We need to talk to you about what just happened.”

“Meet me at my cabin in five minutes,” he says before turning away and striding back toward the building. I watch his receding form, my dread turning to cold fear.

“I don’t know where that is,” I tell Onyx.

A hint of a smile softens his expression. “It’s close. I’ve got you, don’t worry.”

I shouldn't need him, but I cling to his arm anyway. Jasper’s threat that Slate would kill me seems all too likely. Hazel might want to dispose of me herself. It’s only their code of ethics that keeps me from turning and running. They’d restrain me and return me to my pack, which is roughly the outcome part of me hopes for.

Marigold opens the door of the small log-style cabin. She’s wearing a floral sundress with her strawberry blonde hair piled on top of her head. Her cabin smells like sugar and tropical plants. Golden oak lines the interior with warm plaids and accents of sunny yellow. A collection of houseplants grow across the large window in the living space.

“Hey, Goldie. There was an incident during training and Jasper asked us to come here to discuss it privately,” Onyx explains .

“Oh, is everything okay?” she asks me. I have no idea how to answer. No. It’s a wreck, just like it’s been since the minute I arrived here. She must read my expression, because Marigold pulls me away from Onyx and wraps her arms around my shoulders in a tight hug.

Tears threaten again and I take measured breaths to keep them away. When she releases me, she looks me in the eyes and says, “It’s going to be fine. You are family.”

I have to look away. She leads me to the sofa and I settle beside Onyx while she gathers refreshments in her little kitchen.

By the time Jasper, Slate, and Hazel arrive, Marigold has set out a plate of cinnamon cookies. Jasper sits in the arm chair beside the sofa, and she perches on the arm. Hazel and Slate stand, and my hold on Onyx’s hand tightens.

Slate’s gaze narrows on our joined hands, and his frown deepens.

“Jasper told me what happened,” Slate finally says. I note he says Jasper and not Hazel. She fidgets in her seat as he says it. “What is your side of the story?”

Swallowing, I take a deep breath. “I was really upset because I could tell something was wrong with my mother and my pack, and no one was telling me anything.”

Onyx runs his thumb over my knuckles, encouraging me .

“I went to find Jasper, and Hazel asked to spar. I don’t know what happened. I got hurt and just snapped.”

Despite my confession, Slate’s expression doesn’t change.

Hazel sighs. “I wasn’t injured. Honestly, I could have pushed her away sooner but her arm was dislocated and I didn’t want to hurt her worse.”

Slate’s grasps the back of the armchair as he frowns at her. “Jasper said she was out of control and choking you. Even when you tried to end the fight, she wouldn’t stop. I’m scared of what would have happened if you hadn’t gotten the drop on her.”

“I wasn’t in danger,” Hazel argues. “I wouldn’t have sparred with her if I wasn’t confident I could protect myself. You guys are over reacting.”

My gaze connects with Hazel and she gives me a small smile. For the first time, it really feels like she’s on my side.

“I can’t have you… snapping, like you said,” Slate says, fixing me with a hard stare. “What’s your plan for preventing that from happening again?”

“I will make sure I don’t lose control,” I say solemnly.

“Trying harder isn’t the answer.” Slate rubs his jaw, locking me in place with his emerald eyes. “You won’t spar again”

“But-” I start to argue.

“With anyone.” He cuts me off. “If you were a pack member, there would be a consequence.”

“It’s not her fault,” Onyx blurts .

My muscles tense as everyone turns their attention to the man beside me.

“She needs to take responsibility for what happened. And she is. What’s the problem?” Slate asks.

“She reacted that way for a valid reason,” Onyx argues. “She wasn’t trained properly. I think with enough time with my dad, that can be fixed and she’ll be fine.”

“Granite Ridge’s training methods are brutal,” Jasper agrees. “But I was trained the same and I’ve never lost control like that.”

“Funny you should say that,” Onyx growls.

It’s like my blood is turning to ice, my heartbeat fluttering out of control. I’m not sure why, but I don’t want them to know. To know how weak I was.

“What do you mean?” Hazel asks, her eyebrows pinching in concern as she regards me.

“You need to tell him. I’m very interested to know if he was aware of what was happening,” Onyx says, dropping his voice. Rage sharpens each syllable.

“No, I don’t,” I say, my voice barely catching as I tuck my legs up under me.

“Ember,” Jasper says, his voice softening. “What’s going on?”

All eyes are on me. My tight breaths aren’t getting enough oxygen into my lungs, and they begin to sting and ache. The edges of my vision blur as I study the floor.

Silence stretches on. Fabric rustles and Jasper squats down beside me, getting low until his hands come into my view. Onyx’s hand tightens around mine .

“What do I not know?” he asks. Something about his tone loosens my throat. There’s no way to keep the tears from my voice, but perhaps I can speak.

“Onyx saw some scars from the trainers from when they’d hurt me as punishment after I lost fights.” Hardly more than a harsh whisper, but the words are out there.

Every line of Jasper’s body tightens and his jaw grinds. With clipped speech, he asks, “You were included in those?”

All I can do is nod. The movement causes a tear to escape. My movements are jerky as I wipe it away with the back of my hand.

I wait for him to call me a liar. When we were children, he always won. He was four years older than me, but that didn’t seem to matter to the trainers forcing us to compete. And then he was safely at home with our parents while I faced the consequences.

Hazel slips out of her seat and returns with tissues.

“What are you guys talking about?” Slate asks.

Jasper stands, his hand brushing my shoulder as he steps back. “Granite Ridge likes to pit wolves against each other, and the loser will often get physical punishment as motivation. Some trainers take it too far.”

“Yeah, far enough to scar,” Onyx adds, his voice a physical rumble against me.

And there it is, out in the open for everyone to see. I don’t think I can take their pity. I’d prefer their judgment .

“That’s why you react so violently during a fight,” Hazel fills in.

My panic swells again, and I rest my cheek against my knees, focusing on Onyx’s stony face. Dark ocean eyes stare back at me, the residual glow of his emotions finally fading.

“I’m sorry,” Jasper says, his voice rough. I can’t look at him, but I can hear Marigold murmuring under her breath and running her hands down his back.

“Onyx is right. If you stay longer, Fisher can work with you to get control over your reactions. But absolutely no fighting any of my wolves.”

“Okay.”

“Thanks,” Slate says, sounding more like a brother than the Alpha of a pack in that moment.

“That was a lot. We should all take a break and decompress.” Marigold stands. Jasper follows her, his face full of tension.

“I think that’s a good idea,” Slate confirms.

Onyx doesn’t release my hand as I stand, anchoring me as I sway on my feet.

“Hey,” Hazel says, giving me pause. “What’s going on with you guys?”

“You’ll have to be more specific,” Onyx says dryly.

“You’re holding hands,” Slate points out.

“Oh.” My mouth parts, but I can’t put words together. This wasn’t something I had picked a label for yet. I didn’t expect anyone else to know, but under the circumstances, I’m grateful he didn’t let me go.

“We are seeing each other,” Onyx says calmly .

My heart skips a beat before it begins to buzz against my ribs.

“You’re dating my sister?” Jasper asks, eyes narrowed.

“Yes, when two adults are attracted to each other and enjoy spending time together-” Onyx says.

Slate cuts him off. “Are you sure this is a good idea? You are from different packs. Unless one of you wants to change that?”

Questioning my actions toward Hazel is one thing, but he has no right to interfere in my relationship with Onyx.

“It’s none of your damn business. Look, I didn’t ask him to be my mate. We are just figuring out how we feel. If it gets serious, I’m sure Onyx will consult you,” I snap, though it’s weak with exhaustion.

“Have you really thought this through?” Jasper questions, looking to Onyx.

“It’s not up to you,” he snarls.

Slate’s jaw ticks, his eyes alight as he rises to meet Onyx’s anger. But Hazel takes his arm, running her hand down it to claim his hand, soothing him. “Guys, this is great. Two people we care about are dating. It’s not an international incident.” The tension breaks, the entire room letting out a breath.

“Okay,” Slate concedes.

“This reminds me of how you guys reacted to Jasper and me,” Marigold says with a laugh. “Everyone needs to relax. One crisis at a time. ”

Everyone ambles toward the door, small looks exchanged between partners as we end our meeting. Footsteps slow as we reach the front door.

“How long am I staying here?” I ask, taking the opportunity to question the Alphas.

“I’m not sure. We are waiting to hear from your mother,” Slate says. “We discussed maybe a week.”

“Okay,” I answer, something in the back of my mind reminding me that they are still keeping things from me. But after the emotional turmoil of the last hour, I can’t find the energy to have that conversation.

“I’m glad you’re staying longer,” Hazel says. “I think we should do something fun to get your mind off things. Would you like to join us for a girls night?”

“I don’t thi-,” I start to say.

Marigold claps her hands. “No, it would be so fun! It’s exactly what you need, and we need to spend more time getting to know you!”

“I can host,” Hazel adds. “I promise we won’t braid each other’s hair or anything weird. Just hanging out and lots of snacks.”

Usually I would decline, but something about Hazel’s kindness eats away at me. Maybe I should try something new.

“When is this girls’ night?” I ask.

“How about tonight?” Marigold asks.

“I’m down,” Hazel says.

“Oh, wow. That’s soon.” I glance to Onyx, but he shrugs. “No reason to wait, I guess.”

“Great! Come over after sunset.” Hazel’s nose wrinkles as she smiles, her head tilting towards her mate.

Onyx squeezes my hand as we follow them out of the cabin.

We grab a late lunch in Onyx’s kitchen, and then I crash for a nap before my evening with Marigold and Hazel. Onyx seems to know that I need space to decompress. Today was humiliating, and I still have to face an evening with the two women mated to my grumpy brothers.

Time races by and I find myself standing on Hazel’s patio. Onyx watches from the trees, though he’s promised to go home and not patrol the cabin in his wolf form.

“Ember!” Hazel greets me, swinging open her door. “Come in, I’ve almost got drinks ready.”

A small fire crackles in their fireplace, filling the cabin with warm light. Marigold gives me a little wave from the kitchen. She’s emptying bags of chips into bowls.

I drift behind Hazel across the living space to the kitchen. “Here, let’s take these to the coffee table,” Marigold instructs, and I pick up two of the bowls - one of cheese puffs and one with BBQ chips. She adds a bowl of dip and a dish of chocolates.

The blender pulses as Hazel finishes our drinks. A bottle of non-alcoholic margarita mix sits by the sink. I take one of the armchairs, and Marigold sinks onto the sofa and tucks her feet under her. She tosses a cheese puff into her mouth with a grin.

“Here,” Hazel says, handing me a wide goblet full of frozen pink margarita. She settles into the other armchair and helps herself to the glossy dark chocolates.

“This is so fun. Why don’t we do this more often?” Marigold asks. Hazel just shrugs.

“Hazel, I’m really sorry about this morning,” I say, feeling the weight of my mistakes still hanging over me.

She frowns. “You don’t need to apologize. I get it. And it’s going to get better.” She states it as an inevitable fact, leaving me unsure of what to say.

“Hey, we are here to have fun and relax. No apologies needed.” Marigold slides sideways to lounge across the sofa. “I really want to hear about you and Onyx.”

“Oh, no,” I say, burying my face in my hands.

“Oh, yes.” She grins wickedly. “He was such a pain in the ass when Jasper and I got together. This is more than fair.”

“Why? What was his problem?”

Marigold sighs dramatically. “For a long time, I had a crush on Cedar.” She waves her hand in the air. “But he had zero interest in me. I think Onyx had always pictured us getting together someday, and he didn’t take it well when he realized that wasn’t going to happen.”

“He has a big heart,” Hazel says, her eyes crinkling as she smiles fondly. I squirm uncomfortably in my seat. “So what happened between you two? And when?”

“This is so embarrassing,” I mutter.

Marigold giggles, taking a long drink of her margarita.

“Okay, I’ll tell you about me and Jasper, would that be fair?” Marigold says.

“No, that’s okay. I don’t need to know about that.”

“Then how about this? I’ll spare you details about your brothers if you tell us about you and Onyx,” Hazel teases.

Scowling at her, I press my lips together.

“Please? I’m dying to know. I need details so I can tease him,” Marigold whines.

Taking a fortifying sip of strawberry slush, I begin. “Remember the last pack party?”

“Um, yeah. It was last week,” Hazel says.

“We kinda had a thing.”

“A thing?” Marigold is almost bouncing in her seat.

“Yeah, he was annoying me, and next thing I knew, he kissed me.” My cheeks burn against my palms as I attempt to hide my face.

“Holy kitty-titties, are you serious?” Hazel says, leaning forward in her chair. “So you guys make out, and then we ask him to watch over you while you stay with us.” Her words tumble into laughter. “What are the chances?”

“Well done there,” Marigold adds, grabbing another handful of cheese puffs .

Tentatively, I reach for some chips. They’re delicious, and they give me an excuse to pause my story.

“So what about after you arrived? How did you go from a random kiss to saying you’re dating?” Hazel licks the sugar off the rim of her drink.

“I don’t know. We were just spending time together. He’s such a flirt,” I whine.

Hazel laughs. “Yeah, he really is.”

“Ew,” Marigold says, pulling a face.

“When I was upset, he was sweet. He comforted me.”

“I bet he was comforting ,” Marigold mutters.

“So yesterday we were feeding the chickens and goats, and I kinda pranked him,” I say.

“Oh, we should prank the boys!” Marigold interrupts me, swinging her feet down to the floor as if she’s about to jump up. “Sorry, continue, I want to hear everything, please.”

Despite my embarrassment, I can’t stop smiling. “I just stuck apple slices in his hoodie and the goats were all over him.”

“Good one,” Hazel says with an approving smirk.

“That still doesn’t get you to dating. When did he make his move?” Marigold says.

“We kissed right after that.”

“Ooh!” she squeals. “And he confessed his feelings?”

“Actually, Cedar caught us making out,” I say, unable to meet their eyes.

Marigold sets her drink down and leans forward. “Dammit, I thought I was the first one to know! ”

“What? You figured it out?”

“Honey, he came in smelling like you so strongly, I knew he had been all over you.”

“Oh, no.” I would melt into the cushion if I could.

“Jasper and Marigold did the same thing, don’t worry,” Hazel says, rolling her eyes at Marigold.

“Ew, that’s my brother,” I reply without thinking. Both girls dissolve into giggles.

“Your brother is a total Casanova,” Marigold says with a grin.

“I’m really happy for you guys,” Hazel says, turning the conversation back to me and Onyx. I cringe under the attention, but it’s better than hearing about my brother’s romantic escapades.

“There’s just something about him I really like,” I admit. “But I don’t see how we can make it work. I don’t want to hurt him, but I’m going back to my pack soon.”

Both girls stare at me for a few seconds.

“Would you want to join our pack?” Hazel finally asks.

“I can’t,” I say. “I’ve got a responsibility as Heir, and Jasper already ran off. I’m all our pack has left.”

“You can,” Hazel says quietly, all her laughter gone. “Your pack isn’t a healthy place to be. You deserve a safe and loving home. More than just Onyx. Jasper is here. We are here.”

“But that’s the thing, if I’m Alpha, I can change my pack,” I say.

“What if Onyx went with you? We would hate to lose him, but it’s not like it’s far away.” Hazel asks. I can’t believe what I’m hearing .

“He has all his friends and family here. I couldn’t do that to him. My pack is a miserable place to be right now, and it could be years before that changes.” It hurts to say those thoughts out loud.

“So are you just going to be in a relationship even though you can’t be together very often?” Hazel asks. Marigold grimaces.

“I don’t know,” I say.

“Okay, this is a fun girls night and we got all serious again. Everything is going to be fine. Love conquers all obstacles,” Marigold says in a sing-song voice.

“Alright, it’s your turn then,” Hazel says with a wink.

“I don’t think Ember cares,” Marigold says.

Normally, I wouldn’t want to hear any of it, but after what I just went through, it seems fair. Narrowing my eyes at her, I say, “Actually, I’d love to hear the story.”

“Fine.” Marigold cracks her knuckles and folds her hands over her knees. “I asked to be his roommate, and we got really close.” Her tone is dreamy and I almost forget it’s my brother she’s talking about.

Hazel jumps in, “And you guys kept it all secret from us, sneaking around.”

“We hadn’t really figured it out,” Marigold shoots back.

“When was this?” I ask.

“Last year, like three or four weeks before the whole invasion thing,” Marigold says lightly. I tense at the mention of the pack conflict. It was the fight where I lost my father and then I hurt Onyx during the following struggle.

“He took me on a date out for coffee and let me drive his car and then we made out on the side of the road,” she confesses with a manic giggle.

“You guys were ridiculous,” Hazel says, rolling her eyes.

“Hey, your first kiss with Slate was right after he tattooed you, and you didn’t even know he was a wolf,” Marigold says.

“We don’t have to talk about that,” Hazel says, wrinkling her nose. “So, Ember, what kinda of stuff do you like?”

I blink at her sudden question. “Stuff I like?”

“What are your hobbies?” Marigold adds.

“Oh, I don’t know.” I shrug. “Listening to music, I guess. And I’ve been playing Jasper’s video games that he left behind.”

“Onyx loves video games.” Hazel says.

“I know,” I say with a smile I can’t help. Her grin widens until she’s beaming at me.

“I didn’t see it coming, but I think you guys are good for each other. He can be kinda wild, but he’s hilarious and really sweet and I think that’s a good fit for you.” Hazel concludes, looking satisfied.

“I appreciate that, but-” I start, but Marigold stops me.

“Hey, we are here for fun. No more worrying about problems. Everything will work out, and we are here for some girl bonding. So, I say we prank the boys. ”

“Slate was going to take them all out on a run,” Hazel muses.

“I have just the thing. I thought they were so funny, I ordered them for an art project or something,” Marigold says.

“What?”

Ten minutes later we’re sneaking into Marigold and Jasper’s cabin. It’s empty and no sneaking is required, but the girl bonding energy has gotten ahold of me and I can’t stop smiling.

Marigold comes out of their spare bedroom with a little baggy of tiny plastic chickens. She pops the bag open and pulls a few out to show us. They’re about the size of my thumb nail, and absolutely adorable.

“I was going to make something with them for Cedar,” she says quietly. “But this is better.” We each take a handful and begin moving through the cabin, stashing them in partially hidden places. Marigold takes the bedroom and tucks them into Jasper’s pockets. I tuck one behind the masculine looking bath products and then another behind the toothbrush that isn’t bright pink.

“Alright, I’m all done here,” Hazel whisper-yells.

“Me too,” Marigold answers.

“Alright, who is next?” I say, feeling ridiculously excited.

Fisher and Clove look a little puzzled when we arrive, but Hazel is honest about the prank and Clove laughs for a while before she can nod her approval .

Hazel picks her way through the rest of the house to find anything specific to the twins, while Marigold and I take their bedroom. We tuck little chickens into the shirt pockets of the plaid work shirts Cedar prefers for gardening. She places one on top of his gaming console. I slide a couple into each boy’s pillowcase and then tuck them up on the higher display shelves in between the various knickknacks from their childhood. One of them had a thing for painting pet rocks at some point, and they make the perfect platform for a chicken.

It’s odd being in his room without him. I’ve been in here before, but last time it was heated. The sheets are wrinkled and I remember the feel of his mouth against my lower stomach. Despite all the reasons I shouldn’t, I want him. More than just his touch. I’m quickly getting addicted to his thoughts, both the snarky ones and the kind ones.

“Okay, I think we’re done here. There’s only a few left to use on Slate,” Marigold says, snapping me out of my thoughts.

We walk back to Hazel’s cabin, and Marigold links her arm through mine. I stiffen, but then force myself to relax. It’s strange having female friends, but they’re sweet and seem supportive. As long as I don’t make any mistakes, maybe I can keep these friendships.

Hazel laughs her head off while she tucks chickens in Slate’s art supplies and then into his closet. Marigold drags me back to the sofa and we help ourselves to the snacks. I finally try a chocolate and it’s divine. Just as I’m reaching for my second one, my phone buzzes.

Sienna: I need you to get some information from that pack without them knowing.

What? Does she seriously want me to spy on them? They’re our allies and they’re trying to make good on that promise. Gritting my teeth, I type back.

Ember: That’s not a good idea. We need their alliance.

Sienna: That’s why I said without them knowing.

She sends a list of reports, like the locations of their security cameras and the schedule of patrols. Everything they’d need to raid the pack.

Ember: Don’t ask me to do this. It’s not right.

Sienna: This is your duty and it’s an order.

Ember: Why? How is this going to help the shit show you’re dealing with?

Sienna: Do not question me. This is necessary, and you’re going to do it.

“Everything okay?” Marigold asks. I click my phone off and stow it away.

“Sorry, my mom is being annoying,” I say, quickly picking up my half-melted margarita and sipping it.

“I know the situation with her sucks. But I’ll second Onyx’s offer for you to stay.”

“Chickens are deployed and I’m starving!” Hazel announces, plopping down. She grabs the entire bowl of chips and starts to shove them into her mouth.

The conversation stays light, and Hazel laughs while telling us about Slate’s initial flirtations and then about how they finally got together. It’s sweet and makes me feel hopeful.

Footsteps on the porch announce Slate’s arrival.

“It’s late, let’s head home,” Marigold says to me.

Hazel wraps us in a tight hug before we slip out.

“Did you have fun tonight?” Marigold asks.

“Yeah.”

“No, seriously,” she says, giving me a hard look.

My arms cross over my chest. “I’ve never really had friends like this before, which sounds totally pathetic. But there aren’t a lot of women in our pack and none of them are close to my age. So this was really nice.”

“Again, this is why you should stay.” She smiles, hoping I’ll suddenly change my mind and agree.

“Thank you for everything,” I say, waving at her as we split paths. She heads south toward her cabin with Jasper, and I climb the steps to the porch of Onyx’s home.

Cedar greets me with a simple, “Hello.”

The shower roars behind the hall bath’s door, so I guess Onyx is occupied. Pushing the disappointment down, I close the door to my room. It’s late and I really am tired. Despite the comfortable bed, my mind buzzes with everything from the last two days. The problems in my pack. My new friends. My mother’s awful texts. But mainly, my new boyfriend.

My phone beeps with another message from my mother, demanding my attention. My stomach churns as I turn my phone to silent and place it face-down on the dresser, far from my bed. Tomorrow I’ll have to face her demands. But not tonight.