Chapter 24

24

Tami

K ane’s been gone for hours, half the day, and I’m starting to worry. There’s no way for me to call him. When he left, he just took the trailer and went on his way. Kane doesn’t drive. He can, but he prefers walking or running, so it takes him longer to get places.

The sun starts to set, and I’m fully dressed, ready to go out and help him unload the trailer. I know he’ll be upset about it, but I don’t care. I miss him and I’ve been away from him all day. The pull is getting stronger, and I don't like it. It’s agonizing how much I miss him right now. I hear the trees rustling and heavy footsteps crunching through the snow.

I immediately spring into action, running to the door and sliding on my boots, grabbing my scarf and coat. I throw open the door and race down the porch steps, careful not to slip. I look around, sniffing the air as if I can find him that way. I’ve been acting weird all day.

Kane was right, the pregnancy has started to change me. I can only drink water. I tried some leftover juice and couldn’t keep it down. Our baby only wants water. I could barely stomach the bacon and pancakes, but I ate them anyway.

Darkness quickly falls as I stand outside, waiting for him to come into view. Our cabin has a small road that leads to the main one, which takes you into Wintermoon. No one ever comes here except for the small shipping truck to collect Kane’s furniture for sale on the island.

The trees rustle again, sending a gust of cold wind in my direction. I shiver, clutching my coat tighter. Maybe I should zip it up. A shadow appears on the small hilltop that leads to the main road, and I gasp. It’s not Kane.

His dark ebony skin stands out against the white snowflakes clinging to his broad shoulders. His striking silver eyes almost seem to glow. A thick, well-groomed beard frames his full lips, which hint at a mysterious smile.

His tightly wound dreadlocks are dusted with snow, giving him a unique look. Pulled back slightly, they reveal a strong jawline and high cheekbones. He’s wearing only a t-shirt and sweatpants, his bare feet buried in the snow. With his hands by his sides, he walks down the small slope toward me.

I’m unsure whether to run back inside the cabin or stay and talk to this imposing man. Something about him makes me stay put, almost as if I’m drawn to him. His steps are slow and careful, as if he’s trying to keep me comfortable. I remain still as he approaches and comes into full view. He stops just a few feet away, practically towering over me.

He slowly leans in, then takes a sharp breath. I wince but remain still because I don’t know this man. But there’s a familiarity to him; he reminds me of Kane in a way. Is this one of his brothers?

“Tamera,” he says in a low, husky voice, then starts to circle around me as if he’s sizing me up. “But you like to be called Tami, correct?” My head turns, following his movements as he circles me.

“Who are you?” I ask, but it comes out more like a demand. He smiles, flashing his white teeth. His canines are long and sharp, just like Kane’s.

“I’m Levi, alpha of House of Zorah, and Kane’s brother,” he announces. I gasp, looking away from him.

“Oh,” I blurt out, unsure how to address the alpha of the pack, so I let my head fall, not meeting his eyes. He stops in front of me, his hand coming to my chin, lifting it to meet his gaze. His silver eyes are stunning but also terrifying.

“The women don’t bow to the men in my pack. We’ve waited centuries for you. You will be worshipped, not driven to be some house slave to make a man’s life easier.” I swallow and nod nervously as he removes his finger from my chin. He leans in again, taking a big whiff of my scent, then his hand immediately presses against my abdomen.

“You’re pregnant.” He murmurs. I step back from his hand, not wanting him to touch me.

“Kane went to the village to get supplies. He’s not here.”

“Not yet.” He says with a sneer.

“I—I’m going inside until he gets back,” I tell him. He gestures toward the cabin.

“Good, you shouldn’t be out in the cold like this. And you certainly shouldn’t be here all alone. I know what Kane is up to. I’m putting a stop to this tonight.” He mutters, folding his arms over his chest. I start to turn and walk away but pause when I hear that comment. Wait, what? Stop what tonight?

I should go inside for safety, but the stubborn part of me won’t let this go. I storm over to him and point my finger at his chest. He smiles, which makes me even more nervous .

“You don’t know me, but I know Kane. Whatever you’re about to do, just stop.” I tell him.

“You are going to provide strong pups to my pack. You're very strong-willed.” He smiles again and takes a step back, giving me a wink, “Incoming.” I let my hand drop to my side and look around. The trees are rustling again, more intensely than Levi’s arrival.

“Kane’s not happy that I’m here,” Levi says with a smile. I look around for any sight of him, gasping when something leaps out of the trees.

It’s Kane. His large frame flies through the air and lands between me and Levi, the impact nearly knocking me off my feet. I start to fall back, but Kane catches me by my coat, pulling me back to my feet, holding me until I’m steady. His eyes never leave Levi’s.

“You could have brought her home, brother. Keeping her shacked up here in this cabin and pregnant…” Levi growls, shaking his head, “this is unacceptable.”

“I have a right to be alone with my mate for as long as I need. You have no right to question me about my decisions with my family.” Kane snaps back. He releases me and gets into his brother’s face. Both of them are massive, but Levi is larger. Levi smiles and remains unmoved by Kane's stance.

“I just discovered her pregnancy this morning. My plan was to bring her back to the village.” Kane argues, but Levi just laughs.

“I heard whispers from Wintermoon. They say you brought a trailer filled with months’ worth of supplies. Were you planning on bringing Tami into the village before or after the baby was born?” Kane doesn’t answer him.

“This ends tonight. I want you and your mate in our village before sunrise. That’s an order.” Levi says, then starts to turn away .

“No.” Kane’s answer is simple and final. Levi turns around, looking almost stunned, as if he can’t believe he’s being challenged.

I flinch when a cloud of black smoke appears out of nowhere, sparkling with gold. My mouth drops open in shock as Kade appears from the smoke, wearing her sheriff’s uniform. Her blue eyes and vampire smile dazzling. She looks at me, beaming that smile, and I’m not sure whether to blush or be terrified. How did she do that? Then I remember, she’s a hybrid vampire-witch.

“Looks like I’m just in time for the dog fight,” she beams. I glare at her. That comment is not helpful. Levi and Kane look at her for a moment, then go back to fight mode. She’s supposed to be the sheriff of Wintermoon. Why isn’t she breaking this up?

“No? Did I hear that correctly?” Levi moves closer to Kane.

“You did.”

I look at Kade, and her eyes widen, a smile crossing her face. Oh my god, she’s enjoying this.

“Will you do something!” I snap at her. She looks at me with a pout, then sighs.

“Fine!” She gives an exasperated shrug.

“Levi, back down. Kane just found his mate, and he needs to…” Levi holds up his hand, clearly irritated.

“Stand down? I think you forget who you’re talking to.” Levi sneers. Kane growls and steps back but doesn’t defend Kade.

“I’m sheriff of Wintermoon, and you took an oath when you first arrived here.” Kade reminds him.

“To the Master Coven, Kade. You are just the sheriff of Wintermoon. You don’t have authority over me and how I rule over my pack. This is pack business and none of yours.” He growls. He moves closer to Kade, but she remains unfazed.

“I remember when he turned you. A traitorous witch against her own coven because you didn’t agree with their summoning demons during the Great War. I carried your nearly dead body to King Amir at his request. House of Zorah has constructed some of the most historical palaces that still stand today. You are a youngling. They may call you Mother Kade here, but you are just Kade, the youngling, to me. I may as well be your uncle. Stay out of pack business!” Levi growls.

Shit.

Levi is something. Kade still stands unfazed, but I can see the irritation in her eyes. Levi moves back to Kane, getting right in his face.

“Agree to return to our village tonight, or I’ll make you submit in front of your mate.” Levi warns. Kane smiles, keeping his hands at his side.

“I told you, Levi. When I’m ready.” Kane snaps back. Levi laughs and starts to back away. I try to move towards Kane, but he holds up his hand. Almost immediately, Kade grabs my arm and pulls me back. I try to snatch my arm away, but she has an iron grip.

“Let go of me.” I snap. She ignores me, pulling me up the stairs to the porch.

“No, the alpha has given an order, and Kane needs to be tamed. You’ll stand back until they’re finished,” she says. I gape at her. Kane and Levi start to strip down. I look away because I don’t want to see them naked.

“Why are you letting this happen?” I ask her. She shrugs, never taking her eyes off them.

“This is pack business, Tami. And honestly, Kane shouldn’t be keeping you here. You’re a daughter of Wintermoon now, and he’s keeping you cooped up in this cabin. Isn’t that what you were running from in the beginning?” I fall silent. I’ve been in such a love haze, intoxicated by Kane, that I didn’t even notice. Kade places her hand on my belly and smiles.

“You’re giving Wintermoon a new baby. You deserve so much more than this, and Kane knows that. He’s just being selfish, not wanting to share you.”

“What’s about to happen?” I ask, and Kade smiles.

“Time for that dog fight. This might push you to finally claim your mate.”