Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

The sun had risen, waking me and also the worst case of nerves I’d had in months. It wasn’t from bad sleep. At some point in the night I’d woken to Kicks’ warm body surrounding me, keeping away the chill. Nothing to do with expecting some gang to ambush and kill us, either. This had only one very normal cause: I was meeting Kicks’ family.

What if they hated me? Wouldn’t even speak to me because I was human? How much would he care? It wasn’t as if he spoke to them.

But still, it was his family . This was his blood, the people who’d created him. Meeting them was making me feel like a teenager about to enter high school with a bad haircut, hand-me-down clothes, and the worst breakout in history.

I splashed more water over my face, telling myself that I was being ridiculous. It didn’t work, but not from lack of trying.

Kicks was using his boot to move dirt over the embers from the morning’s fire as I walked back into camp.

“How close is your family’s home from here?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. Him knowing I was all twisted up would only make the situation worse.

“About forty minutes or so if the bike makes it the whole way,” he replied, not looking up from his task.

That was really close. My jerky breakfast wasn’t sitting so well, and it had nothing to do with how sick of jerky I was. I looked down at my cleanest shirt, covered in dust from the road. My black boots were now a tannish gray. “Is there a store around here?”

He stopped and looked up at me. “Why? You look fine.”

Fine . He didn’t mean it in a bad way, but fine ? That was like a gut punch.

“I look like I’ve been bathing in a dust bowl.”

He grew rigid. “You don’t need to impress anyone.”

Every time I told myself I could walk away from this man, he’d add one more word, one more action, that made it so much harder.

“I’d still like to make a good impression.”

His shoulders rose and fell with his deep breaths. “I don’t want you going out of your way for them. Their opinion doesn’t matter.”

For someone who was so perceptive most of the time, he seemed to have this raging blind spot. There was nothing to be done but spell it out for him.

“Even if they hate me, I don’t want to show up like this. It’s embarrassing.” I walked over to him, holding out my arms as if to accentuate what a mess I was.

He looked me over and then met my eyes. “I don’t see the problem, but we can make a detour. If you feel the need to stop, we will.”

“I do.”

A detour to some shops and a scrub in a very cold stream later, I was somewhat presentable in a new sweater and jeans. The new boots weren’t going to be so great if I had to run but were much more presentable than my previous outfit.

Right around forty minutes later, we arrived. The main structure was so large, it couldn’t be classified as a house. This thing was an “estate” at the least, with more buildings around the outskirts. The place had an old-world charm mixed with an intimidating grandeur that made my stomach churn even more.

I found myself staring as I got off the bike. “Did they take this over after the collapse?”

“No. The pack has been here for a long time.”

I’d thought I’d fallen for a Southern boy of average origins, if not necessarily traditional ones. This was the home of royalty or something. He’d thought I’d be fine showing up covered in an inch of dust? Note to self: Don’t ever trust him on appropriate dress.

“How come you don’t sound Scottish?” I asked, trying to shake off my awe.

“I was conceived here, but I wasn’t born or raised here. My mother left as soon as she feared she might be pregnant. I visited but never lived here long enough to pick up their accent.”

She got out of this place as soon as she thought she might be pregnant? A lot of women were scared to have a baby alone. How bad was this place?

“Do we need to knock or ring or something?” I asked, looking at the imposing wooden doors. I could feel eyes on us, though, and flashes of people in the windows.

“No. They see us.”

Not a second later, the doors swung open. A tall figure emerged from the building. He was built like Kicks, had his dark coloring, but his features were a little more refined. Somehow that was a negative. Kicks had more of a rough-around-the-edges, earthy, rugged appeal. This guy looked like he manscaped, and I wasn’t sure I was into the manicuring going on.

“Kicks,” the man said, his voice deep and resonant, and very similar to Kicks’. “Didn’t expect you back here for a long time.”

“This is my brother, Varic,” Kicks said. “Varic, this is Piper.”

Varic eyed me up. I saw his nostrils flare as he took in what he’d already suspected. “She’s—”

“ Yes . She’s human.” Kicks spoke like he was drawing a big, fat line Varic shouldn’t cross.

His brother whistled. “I’d heard the rumors but just didn’t believe it. How the hell did she end up as a guide?”

“Just happened,” Kicks replied coldly.

“So what brings you all the way here?” Varic asked, folding his arms across his chest, eyeing us up like we were unwanted guests.

“What, I can’t bring my mate to visit?” Kicks’ spine grew straighter, his muscles straining so hard that I was waiting for his shirt to rip.

“Just thinking of Dad, it’s a surprising move. I mean, we both know how he is.” Varic shrugged, as if it were Kicks’ issue to deal with.

Kicks had warned me they didn’t like humans, but I didn’t think it would be any worse than what I’d encountered before. I was beginning to think I’d kidded myself. I wasn’t sure if we were going to be kicked off the grounds any moment. The only thing I could say for Varic was that at least he was facing us alone.

“I’m not asking him to accept her. I don’t care if he does or doesn’t. His approval means nothing,” Kicks said firmly.

“And yet here you are,” Varic said, trying to sound ironic.

“There are others here I wanted to visit, and this place belongs to the pack, not just you and Dad,” Kicks said, taking a step toward his brother.

Varic wobbled for a second, looking like he might take a step back, but held his ground. “He’s gone right now. Won’t be back until tomorrow, so I’d enjoy your stay while you can.”

Before the tension could escalate further, a woman appeared. She had a regal air about her, with silver-streaked black hair and green eyes exactly like Kicks’. It shouldn’t have made me like her, but somehow I didn’t think anyone with his eyes could be completely evil.

“Kicks,” she said warmly, embracing him. “It’s been too long.”

“Aunt Elara,” Kicks responded, his voice softening as he hugged her back. He kept an arm around her much smaller stature as he turned toward me.

“This is Piper, my mate,” Kicks said.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Piper,” Elara said, smiling and then leaning forward to give me a hug.

I tried not to stiffen at the contact, but I was pretty sure I did anyway.

Elara let me go, a look in her eyes as if she were trying to figure out what my issue was. She probably thought I was one of those humans who didn’t like being touched. I hoped she thought that. Awkward Piper was much better than Killer Piper.

I tried to keep a blank face, realizing I hadn’t been breathing for a few seconds as I waited to make sure she didn’t turn gray.

Elara turned back toward Kicks. “Why didn’t you tell us you were coming? I would’ve gotten things ready for you and your girl.”

“Thought the surprise would be better.”

Elara smiled, taking him at face value. If she suspected he hadn’t planned on coming here, she didn’t let on or give him a hard time.

“Yes, such a nice surprise.” Varic looked put out and wasn’t trying hard to hide it.

Elara didn’t acknowledge Varic had spoken as she took Kicks and me both by the arm and walked us toward the door. “Come inside, both of you. You must be tired from your journey. I can’t believe you came all the way from the States under these conditions.”

She led us through the grand entrance and into a spacious hall. The interior was as impressive as the exterior, with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and walls lined with portraits and tapestries. The trim work alone would leave a person in awe. I could hear people in the other rooms, but no one came out and spoke to us.

“You can freshen up and rest,” Elara said, guiding us up a sweeping staircase. “I’ll bring you something to dress for dinner. You’ll be staying on for a little while, I hope?”

“For a little while,” Kicks said, keeping it vague.

We followed her down a long corridor and into a large bedroom that was still cozy somehow. The huge wooden bed looked inviting, with plush pillows and a warm quilt. The room even had a fireplace.

“Thank you,” I said, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the hospitality.

“Make yourselves at home,” Elara said. “And you come find me as soon as you get a minute.”

“I will,” Kicks replied.

With a last smile toward me, Elara left the room. I was already exhausted by this place.

I poked around, taking in the views from the windows and peeking into the bathroom. “Do you think this shower works?” I asked. I’d cleaned up in the cold stream earlier but been spoiled by hot showers. Even on the boat, we’d been able to take short ones.

“Yes. They’ve got this place set up with a stockpile of fuel to run it. It was self-sufficient long before it needed to be.”

I poked around the bathroom, finding not only shampoos and soaps, but a variety of them.

“I’m heading downstairs to see what’s been going on.” In other words, reconnaissance on his strange family. “You good here alone for a bit?”

Kicks waited, watching me as if I’d be afraid to be in the room alone. It made sense after meeting his brother, but as far as I knew, I could still kill with the flick of my hand.

“I’ll be fine,” I said.

“Have you heard anything yet?”

He didn’t need to specify who he was talking about. It seemed like he wanted to hear from Death more than I did. Meeting his brother, I was beginning to understand. If his father was the more problematic of the two? I didn’t know how long I wanted to stay either.

“Nothing.” It meant nothing other than our being in limbo for an indeterminate amount of time. It shouldn’t have been that alarming, but it was setting my nerves on edge.

She’d told me to come to Scotland, so she’d show up soon enough. It wasn’t like she could die or was out sick. She’d turn up soon enough, whether we wanted her to or not.

What if it was months of waiting, or even worse? Kicks would have to get back to the pack. There was no doubt in my mind that I could survive on my own. It wasn’t just that I could kill, either. Right after Death Day happened, I’d sat there in that apartment, waiting for my father to step up and save me. He hadn’t, so I’d eventually gotten up and found another way. That way had been finding other people to lean on. I’d found Duncan and his pack. When that had gotten tough, I’d moved with Kicks.

But now? I wasn’t looking for anyone. I could get by in this world on my own. That didn’t mean it wouldn’t break my heart to leave Kicks, but there was no doubt that I didn’t need anyone. I’d handle whatever life threw at me, and I’d survive. The only thing I didn’t know was who I’d be on the other side.

“If this drags out, you can—”

“We’re not having this discussion yet again. If it’s your life, it’s my life,” Kicks said.

I nodded.

“It won’t always be like this,” he added as I looked away.

I wasn’t sure if that was for his sake or mine. Who was he trying to convince?

He grabbed my hand. “I’m not going anywhere, no matter how many times you tell me to.”

He was saying that, but there was one thing that had certainly spooked him. “And what if I can get pregnant? Then what?”

Fear flashed in his eyes. Kicks, who was scared of nothing, looked like he’d seen a hellish monster looming over him.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” he said, pretending that hadn’t terrified him. “That’s still highly unlikely.”

I nodded, completely aware that he hadn’t answered the question.

A knock at the door saved us from awkward silence.

“Yes?” he called.

“It’s Didi,” a young girl said. “I have some clothes Elara sent up for you.”

“Come in.”

Didi was a cute girl in her teens with a shy smile. She almost tripped on her way to lay her items on the bed while staring at Kicks.

He gave me a nod and then headed out.

I walked out of the bathroom, and Kicks was waiting for me, adjusting his cuffs. He had on a black shirt and slacks. It might’ve been the change that threw me, but I was a second away from tripping over the rug like Didi had.

His eyes widened slightly, and there was a flare of heat there that set something off in me. I felt a blush creeping up my neck and shifted nervously.

“You look…stunning,” he said, his voice softer than usual.

I took a deep breath, smoothing down the fabric of the dress Elara had dropped off for me. It was a deep shade of red, elegant and much finer than anything I typically wore. It was long, but the silk slithered over my skin, showing off all my curves. Most days I was in jeans and a sweater, and for the last two weeks I’d been in the same jeans and sweaters over and over again.

“Thanks,” I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. “You look nice as well.”

He offered me his arm, and I took it, feeling the warmth and strength of his muscles through the fabric of his shirt. We walked down the long corridor, our footsteps echoing off the hardwood floors.

The huge dining room was filled with long tables and a fireplace at one end, which could fit a loveseat inside of it. Pack members were already seated, their conversations creating a low hum. The room quieted as we entered, and at least fifty pairs of eyes turned to watch us and not one smile in my direction.

Kicks’ arm went around my waist, making something clear. I just wasn’t sure if he was claiming me or declaring protection. Perhaps both?

He led me to the main table, where Varic was seated in the center. A small brunette was sitting beside him and giving me the evil eye.

“Piper, this is Athena, Varic’s mate.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said. My smile faltered when she didn’t bother responding.

Kicks let out an aggravated sigh. I headed toward Aunt Elara, and the two seats open beside her, before Kicks got into words with his brother. If they were all like Varic and Athena, this was going to be one long and unpleasant meal. I hadn’t gotten this chilly of a feeling even back in Groza’s pack. Kicks had been right about wanting to avoid this place. It felt like sleeping in a viper’s nest.

As we took our seats, Kicks introduced me to the pack members nearby.

“This is Isla,” he said, gesturing to a tall, striking woman with sharp features and piercing green eyes. “She’s the lead scout here, and also my cousin.”

Isla nodded at me. “Nice to meet you,” she said, her voice cool but not openly hostile.

“That’s her husband Roggie.” Kicks pointed to a burly man with a beard that nearly reached his chest. “He’s in charge of security.”

Roggie gave me a nod, barely looking at me. “Welcome,” he said, his tone polite but distant.

I was wondering if this wasn’t just about being human. Varic had said he’d heard things. The truth was bad enough, but that had surely been embellished after Groza got through with it. I was sure she’d laid it on thick before she died.

“You ready to leave yet?” Kicks whispered, his breath warm against my ear.

“It’s not that bad,” I said, “but maybe we should check out some other spots while we’re visiting Scotland?”

He laughed softly. “We can head out tomorrow.”

I nodded, trying to hide my enthusiasm.

As the night progressed, I met more pack members.Each cool greeting made Kicks grow stiffer. The introductions continued, each one a coin toss on whether it would be chilly or downright frigid. I was beginning to wonder if we’d make it through dinner without someone dying.

All I wanted to do was turn back time to when Kicks had said visiting his family wasn’t such a good idea and agree with him. I should’ve taken him at his word. Sleeping in a mud hut would’ve been better than staying with these people.

As the meal began and the wine flowed, the tension eased somewhat. People relaxed as they began forgetting I was there. The food was simple but hearty, and the conversation flowed more freely, but Kicks didn’t leave my side for a second. The only saving grace of the night was Aunt Elara telling me stories of Kicks’ youth. It wasn’t enough to want to keep me there, though.

“Tomorrow morning soon enough?” Kicks asked as soon as we were in the bedroom.

“I guess I can make it through breakfast,” I joked.

“I warned you,” he said, unbuttoning his shirt.

“I did enjoy hearing the stories from your aunt. They were sweet,” I said.

“You think filling someone’s pillow with cow dung was sweet?”

“You were defending your cousin. You’re a born defender of the underdog,” I said, watching as his shirt came off, the way his muscles flowed with the smallest of movements.

“Pips, don’t do that.”

I looked up, realizing I’d gotten caught staring hard.

“Do what?” I said, trying to pretend I hadn’t been staring like I wanted to jump on top of him.

He was strung tight, as if he were barely holding back.

“I’m going to go take a shower,” he said finally.