Chapter 4

Love?

Mel was confused and had no idea what to think. Adam appealed to her physically, and he was so protective of her. They were developing a connection she wasn't sure she wanted, but there was no way to avoid it when other people continually pushed them together. It wasn't just her family that was doing it. It was also the circumstances that required it. Now, they were sharing a room, and that was something she had never wanted to do. It was too intimate and brought them too close together.

There was nothing to do about it. Mel was really tired and needed to sleep. So did Adam.

They secured the room, and she slept in the bed while Adam changed to his wolf and slipped onto the floor close to the door. She always felt guilty about him sleeping on the floor. The problem with sharing the bed was she was afraid they would share so much more if she allowed it. Mel fell asleep with Adam on her mind, and it was no surprise she dreamed of him

.

They managed to make it through the night without being attacked again. It was a relief, but they still needed to make it through today and find out what the hell was happening. She looked at Adam and saw he was still in wolf form. When he turned to look at her, their eyes met.

"It's time to get up. I need a shower, but I have no clothing here. I have to wear something other than PJ's," Mel explained.

Adam morphed into his human form. "Maybe we should call someone and have them bring clothing for you. I don't want to leave you alone and unprotected. It is clear now that someone is after you, and maybe all of them are."

Yeah, she had that feeling, too, and there was no denying it. If she didn't want someone forcing themselves on her, she needed the protection of at least one person. The problem was when they called to request clothing, there was a possibility someone else might find out. If they went downstairs to her room, they might run into somebody. This shit was so complicated. She was developing a new appreciation for what all her other cousins had gone through. Her problems weren't over with either. They were looming ahead, and she had no idea what would happen. She wasn't willing to mate just to avoid evil people trying to exploit her.

She did feel bad now because she had suggested that Joey just mate Naqi and get it over with. She'd seen something between them and hadn't understood why they didn't just do it. It would have stopped everything that was happening to her cousin.

Now, she was in the same situation and didn't want to do it either. Mel thought there was a good chance she and Adam might end up together, but she refused to do it just because she was being threatened.

They headed back to her bedroom so she could get dressed. It didn't take long to get there, and it didn't take her long to finish dressing. Since it was breakfast time, they were sure that was where they would find everyone else. When they arrived in the dining room, they were obviously correct. They decided to eat first and then ask for time with their alpha pair to discuss an issue they needed to talk about. None of the strangers who said they had been sent by the council were at breakfast. She hoped it meant they had left. Mel didn't think she was that lucky, but they were making themselves scarce.

Maybe they were aware of what one of their group had done and knew it wouldn't be hard for the rest of them to figure out what was happening. Trev and Janie would know what to do, or at least she hoped they would. They would need to locate their so-called visitors to find out why they were really there. The pack greatly outnumbered the visitors, so they should all be safe. Adam and Mel ate quickly before they requested Trev and Janie meet with them. Maybe things were going to be all right. Mel could only pray that they would be.

They headed to the meeting room, but things got hairy. A group appeared in front of them, including the nasty wolf that liked to stare.

"We have you now," the man who called himself Richard snarled.

"Who exactly do you think you have?" Trev asked curiously.

"The two white wolves, one unmated and one mated–to which we know how to break the bond," Richard explained.

"You don't have anyone yet," Trev declared.

That was when the one that stared at her tried to grab her and went flying. Thank the goddess Harry made her an artifact that even covered someone physically trying to attack her if they had ill intent. Richard tried to grab Janie, and he went flying, too. Again, thank the goddess for Harry. The little witch had been a true friend to white wolves, and they all loved her.

Trev moved up to where Richard stood and hit him hard in the jaw. It was hard enough to knock him out, and then Trev worked on the others. Adam moved quickly to the one who tried to touch his mate and made the same move, but it didn't knock him out. That was when he began to pound on him. He only stopped when he saw that there were a couple of other wolves that Trev had not taken out yet, and he began to work on them. He hurried to the dining room and came back with magical handcuffs.

Those were placed on each of the wolves that had been knocked out, but somehow Richard was gone. How he had snuck away was impossible to say. There were only five other wolves with him, so it was hard to believe they had been that distracted. Mel sat down and had someone bring her some sketching paper. She quickly sketched Richard, drawing on her memory and using Janie's suggestions to make him look more like he had. If she was honest, she'd not paid him much attention or any other guy. The one who stared was the only one she'd even looked at because he annoyed her.

"You are so talented. I had no idea you could do that," Adam was awed.

"Mel keeps her talents hidden," Janie observed. "She does some of the drawings for Joey, but usually cartoons. That looks just like the asshole. We should scan it and send it to Damon and Ariel. Maybe they will recognize him. I'm sure his name isn't Richard."

It embarrassed her a little that everyone was gushing over her drawing. Adam would eventually find out she was artistic, and Janie had always known. Even before they knew they were white wolves, they knew they were related, some more distantly than others. They had known each other since they were kids and had gone to Ariel's summer camps.

Mel handed the drawing to Janie to copy and send to everyone. They needed to identify the guy and figure out what he was doing because while he had failed, there was no doubt he would continue to try.

No white wolf was safe if he believed he could cancel a mating. Mel heard some claims about it, but they also said it was excruciating. One way was to kill the mate, but there was another way, and no one talked about what that might be.

One nasty male told Ariel she would no longer exist to her mate. He would have no way to find her and would no longer feel her in his life. All the pain would be hers.

That was what they had intended to do with Janie. Mel had not mated yet, which made her a perfect target. It was what they preferred since no one truly knew the pain wouldn't kill someone while you were trying to separate them from their mate.

Anyone who could do something like that or even claim to have the ability should be dealt with harshly. The pictures were sent along with the message of what had happened. Damon was informed about the prisoners. He sent back a message that he would be arriving within the hour. Did that mean he was already here or on his way? Otherwise, how was that possible?

Not quite an hour later, they were in the meeting room when Tiny knocked on the door.

"We have company. Damon McDougal wishes to see you."

"Send him in. I can't believe he made it so quickly," Trev announced.

"Not only did I make it quickly, but I brought Harry with me. We have also identified the man in the drawing. Someone has a real talent," Damon observed.

"Thank you, I try. So, who was he?" Mel asked.

"Nicolas Graves was your recent guest. He disappeared because he uses witches' artifacts that allow him to flash away so he can live to fight another day," Damon explained. "We thought he had retired from this behavior, but apparently, he found a reason to return to his heinous business."

"There are some criminals who will never quit. I heard about one who was after a white or red wolf mate. You have to be pretty bad to scare Nicholas Graves," Harry admitted.

"I can't believe we didn't realize he wasn't legitimate. Sadly, no one trusts the council, so we weren't sure, and I was shocked when they appeared at our door. The guy has brass balls. If one of his wolves hadn't gone rogue, he may have gotten away with it," Mel declared.

"Be thankful that he did. Any guy that scares Nicholas Graves is not someone you want to meet," Harry mentioned.

"I've heard of this guy. The last I knew was that you didn't know what he looked like," Janie said.

"That's not true. A few years ago, Tyne's mate, Moe, was approached by him. They heard others coming closer. She turned to see who it was, and when she turned back, he was gone. He carries a powerful artifact that allows him to flash away instantly. Moe went through a horrible ordeal because of the guys who captured her, and no one ever thought to have a sketch made. She was the one who positively identified him," Damon explained.

"I'm surprised Moe didn't just take him down and remove the artifact," Janie declared.

"At the time, we didn't know he carried one. Also, Moe had been mistreated by those who captured her," Damon admitted.

"What happened to them?" Adam asked.

"Graves escaped, but the others were taken into custody and are now in the council prison," Damon explained.

"Is the council prison still as bad as they say it is?" Adam asked.

"There have been several programs suggested by the white wolves that have made it better, especially for those non-violent offenders who are willing to do as they are told. For the really bad ones, it has only improved slightly. It's still a living in hell," Damon admitted.

"Good, I hate to see females hurt," Adam offered.

He didn't realize he could have ended up in the council prison had Naqi, or anyone else turned him in. Thankfully, they dealt with it as a family often does by taking their own action. Adam had been very lucky indeed.

"Is there any way that we can catch that guy? I know you guys have been after him for a long time." Mel questioned.

"Since you caught all his guys, and he'll believe you've called someone else in, it's unlikely he will be back. If he keeps an eye on things and believes you have decided you aren't worried about him, that is when he'll return. I'm not sure what to tell you. He said he wouldn't be doing this anymore, yet here he is, so it's hard to tell what he'll do," Damon observed.

An unpredictable criminal? Not a big surprise, was it? All that meant was that he might do anything anytime, for any reason. It didn't mean they were safe, or he wouldn't return. They had no idea how badly he wanted an animated white wolf. Clearly, it was pretty bad because he was even willing to take a mated one. He might have wanted Janie for reasons beyond her blood. She was a tech genius, and that only added to her value.

"The first thing we'll do is have extra security. You two have those artifacts, and they seem to work really well. Maybe we can have Harry set up a perimeter and do more work on our security regarding the house. We'd be happy to pay you for that, Harry. You might even have to get extra help," Trev mentioned.

"I could do that. I have an assistant who can help. I can also take some energy from each of you if you are willing. Of course, I'll have to be well-fed because a lot of my energy comes from that," Harry concluded.

Mel loved Harry and enjoyed spending time with her. It would be fun to have Harry around for a while. The only thing bad about it was why she had to hang around. Ariel could not come because she was expecting her fourth child. She said she would take a break after this child.

Mel couldn't imagine having four children so closely together. She was beginning to imagine how having a mate, especially a fated one, might feel.

"Before you take some of these guys to the council prison, tell me about these rumors about the prisoners being let go?" Janie asked.

"I can't deny it. Many inmates were allowed to leave, and we were never informed. Had we not run into them doing what they have always done, we would not have known any better," Damon admitted. "I just don't know any place else to put them. Those that aren't so bad can stay here, and you can put them to work, but the two worst need to go somewhere they can't escape so they won't come back here," Damon explained.

"And where would that be since the council prison obviously isn't that kind of place?" Janie commented.

"Ariel has a small prison, but she can't keep them for long," Damon suggested.

"Still, it will work for those going first," Harry directed.

She pulled some things out of the air and snapped them on their ankles. "You may think you know what these are, but you would be wrong. While in many ways they act like a locator, these have an additional spell placed on them. If you do anything like an attempt to escape or cause harm to anyone else, these will send an electric shock through your system that will, at the very least, knock you to the ground and might possibly kill you in an excruciating way. Someone needs to give them their directions so they can be put to work and earn their food and a place to stay." Harry instructed.

"Cool," Janie observed. "Can I put an order in for some of those?"

"Sweetheart, what would you do with those?" Trev asked.

"You really believe these are the last assholes we're going to have around here?" Janie wondered.

"I hope so?" But it was obvious that Trev was unsure.

"Believe me, you'll be glad I got these for you," Janie grinned.

Harry looked at the alpha, who nodded, and suddenly, several of them appeared out of the air and fell into Janie's hands.

"Do I need to pay you for these?" Janie asked.

"No, consider it a gift from the council. You may never get another one again," Harry admitted.

"I have a feeling these will be put to good use," Janie offered.

"Let's take the bad guys to Ariel and see what she can do with them?" Harry suggested.

"I'm ready to go," Damon agreed.

They snapped the location devices on the two in custody, and all four were gone in a flash.

"We'll divide these four guys so they're not making plans together. One will accompany the crew, leveling the building areas and cleaning up. One will go to the new cabin that is just being started. Another will go to the cabin, which is already under construction. And the last one will work in the furniture tent, assisting whoever is building furniture right now. All of them should be able to contribute to their living expenses," Trev directed.

"Good plan," Janie agreed.

It was a good plan, and as the guys worked, they might find they were talented in certain areas and move them there. She didn't get an evil vibe from any of these guys. It was more like they were forced to do what they were doing. The other two enjoyed it and wanted to benefit from it. Those two had to go somewhere they couldn't escape, but that place was not in Wilde. They didn't have a prison that could hold anyone long-term. They only had two cells, usually used for pack members who got into scuffles. They were put in there until they Saw that they were wrong.

While Mel was happy those two were gone, she was still concerned they might escape and return. After all the things that had gone wrong, only a fool would feel that they didn't have to worry. Harry was gone for a couple hours, and everyone was sure she had had a great meal wherever she had gone. She returned with an assistant and seemed to be in a good mood.

"Let me look at your perimeter first. That's where we need to start. You need an early warning system and also a protective spell," Harry explained. "And we'll try to put the strongest one on there, but it can still be overwhelming."

Pausing, she quickly added, "Maybe you should feed me first. It was a long flash and took some of my strength. By the way, this is Celia or Sissy for short. You can introduce yourselves one at a time."

It was apparent Sissy was shy since her cheeks were pink, and she kept looking down. They began to introduce themselves until everyone had told her their name. By then, Harry was almost done with her impromptu meal. When her plate was empty, a small group led her outside to what they considered the perimeter.

"Anyone who belongs here can get in and out without an issue. It will be those contemplating evil or, at the very least, intending to damage someone or kidnap them that will be thrown back by the perimeter. If they come at it hard enough, they will be thrown back equally hard and could damage themselves. If they try to send a spell inside, it will come back at them with double their intent. I'm sure you all realize that a spell takes energy. If anyone attacks it, the spell will pull the energy from them. When no one attacks, the spell will pull what energy it can from the sun and the earth, but the rest will come from the residents. It will only take a small amount from each of you, and you probably will not even notice," Harry offered.

Mel found that interesting, but she was more than willing to give a little energy daily to keep the protection spell in place. She could always eat extra to get more energy, and she loved to eat, so that didn't bother her at all. Protection was far more critical than anything else at this point. Harry finished the perimeter quickly, and we moved on to the inside.

"I'm not sure what you want me to put a protection spell on here. You'll have to prioritize because we can't do it all. I'm sure you want the main house, but is there anything else?" Harry wondered.

"Let's do the main house and then see how energetic you feel," Janie requested.

The main house was clearly not easy, but Harry went from one corner to the next. "Normally, I give a key to turn the protection on or off. I don't think that will work here. You need protection all the time, and it has to be specific. The spell will decide who is good and who is bad. That will take a little more energy than the protective spells I usually do on a house. Normally, they're either off or on. Yours will be much like the perimeter spell and will need to be fed with energy. It, too, will take the energy from the sun and the energy from the earth, but it will require something from the people inside. It should not be enough to make you feel tired. I've never heard of anyone that noticed it unless they were a witch," Harry explained.

"That's fine, we will just eat more. Nothing is more important right now than to feel protected and safe. What will happen if the four guys on the premises come in and out of the house? Will the spell around the house eject them?" Trev asked.

"If they do not have ill intent, it should not bother them," Harry advised.

"Looks like we'll find out their intentions," Janie observed.

"Now that the house is done, what else do you want to try to spell?" Harry asked.

"I believe the woodworking tent because Adam and his guys have no protection except canvas. I also think a few of the houses that are further away where families live," Trev suggested.

Mel thought that was a good idea because children needed to be safe. You wouldn't think the average lousy guy would go after children, but you would be wrong. Children were often the easiest victims for people like that. That's why it was essential to see they were kept safe. Harry began to set the spells, and her trainee followed her assisting. It was what the younger girl was there to learn. There was much to learn from a powerful witch like Harry. Setting up security and safety spells was probably one of the most important things she could learn. She could also make a living at it if she chose to.

They built four larger houses on the far end of the property. Harry simply couldn't go on then. She needed to be well fed. They headed into the main house, and someone began to put food out for Harry. Harry's assistant needed some food, too, so a few extra plates were set on the table.

"You did great, Harry," Janie said.

"After I'm finished eating, is there anything else you need me to do?" Harry questioned.

"Is there anything else you suggest?" Janie asked.

"What you have will probably do. You realize this is just a delaying tactic. If the Mexican pack overwhelms you, you must fight or run," Harry advised.

"I realize that some will stop, but if we are fighting an army, they will eventually overwhelm us. It's a shame I can't find a witch like you to hang around. I have a feeling we will have trouble in the future," Janie admitted.

"How have your artifacts been holding up?" Harry asked.

Janie giggled. "They send them flying. It was beautiful, and you would have loved watching it."

"Mine worked perfectly, too. We appreciate you making them for us, Harry," Mel offered.

"No problem," Harry responded. "I'll have to go soon. Since I'm a businesswoman, I need to know who to send the bill to?"

"Would you prefer cash?" Trev asked.

"I love cash," Harry admitted.

"Follow me," Trev invited.

He led the way, and Harry followed while everyone else waited for them to return. When Harry came back, she looked very pleased. It was sad she had to leave them. Mel really enjoyed having Harry around. Most people were just not fun like Harry.

Harry waved at everyone, and she and her assistant flashed away

"Damn, I hate to see her go. At least we got some protection now." Janie observed.

"I feel safer with Harry's spelling everything," Mel added.

"Now, what do we do?" Adam asked.

"We return to work and pretend nothing happened unless it happens again," Janie directed.

That was a tough order to follow. All Mel could do was think about what had happened and how she had almost been caught. Had Adam not stayed to protect her against her own orders, she would have been taken by that horrible wolf. She'd immediately disliked the guy and couldn't explain why, but obviously, she'd been right. Maybe sensing the bad in someone was one of her white wolf powers? If it was, did it mean she might have other ones starting to emerge?

She had not been up long. She felt exhausted after all that had happened, but there was work she needed to do, and Joey was counting on her.

Mel went to her room to get her computer out and set it up. She was doing a cartoon to advertise a child's game. The hero looked a lot like Adam and the villain looked like the bad wolf. Maybe she should change it? No, nothing else she did would come out as well. She sent it off to Joey for approval. Now, she looked through several of the ads others created and either suggested how they could be better or gave them a thumbs up. Once she gave them a thumbs up, Joey decided if they were good enough or needed more work.

It was not wise to rely on the opinion of just one person. Joey generally decided if Mel's work was approved. It was a good thing. In this case, Joey had children and a better understanding.

Mel wondered what it would be like to have children. She could imagine a little boy like Adam. Oh no, what was wrong with her? She was beginning to sink into the mating plans after deciding not to. It might be wise if she got out of there, but with other wolves after her, she feared being caught. How could she avoid falling for Adam when her wolf knew he was her fated mate? Was there any way she would escape this?

Mel tried to put it out of her mind and finish her work for the day. It was funny because she could finish a day's work in a couple of hours when she was moving along, and everything was going well. When things were stacked against her, she couldn't finish a day's work in a week. That was the problem when you did creative work that depended on your brain. It had to be on your side and willing to help you do what needed to be done. The cartoon had worked well because everything was on her side. But now that she was distracted, nothing wanted to work out. Yes, she'd given her opinion on a few ads that were done well and didn't need anything. The ad in front of her needed something, but she couldn't say exactly what.

She hated to pass things along without a suggestion. Joey often gave her a hard time when she did that. Mel skipped it and went to the next one. It needed something, too, and for the life of her, she couldn't say what. It lacked the pizzazz to make it a fantastic ad that would catch attention and attract people. An ad had to have that, or it was no good. It was funny she could remember ads for specific restaurants and things she had not heard in many years. Those ads had what they needed to catch the attention and hold it. The problem was she was distracted by Adam, and while she could recognize a good or bad ad, she didn't have the concentration to figure out what the ad needed. It was time to do something else and get away from her computer. Maybe when she returned, everything would be better.