Kasey lifted her head and looked at Braedon, she loved him that was a given and she wanted to be with him in every way possible.  She wanted to be his mate… completely.  She kissed him ever so softly on the lips and when he smiled she kissed him again a little firmer.  She brought both hands up to his face and held him as she kissed him with more passion. 

It took but a moment for Braedon to join her, their tongues dancing their pulses racing and Kasey could feel the flush in her cheeks and the need grow within.  They broke the kiss and she moved around on his lap so she straddled him sitting on his lap with one leg either side of his.  She smiled softly and he could see the mischief in her eyes, but remained still letting her play her game.

Kasey kissed him again, this time on his forehead, then his eyes and nose, then she moved to his cheeks and his chin leaving his lips for last.  She kissed first one side of his lips then the other, she moved as if to kiss his lips but pulled back at the last second, but Braedon pulled her back and kissed her just as passionately as she’d kissed him.

Kasey wiggled on his lap trying to get comfortable and stopped for a moment when she felt… well when she realised that Braedon was fully aroused.  She could feel herself blush but ignored it, she wanted this… she wanted him, but as she tried to deepen the kiss even more he broke it.  She found herself gasping for breath but wanting more, so much more.

She looked at him hurt in her eyes, but he held her back, “You’re not ready kitten, I feel you’re apprehension.  You wish to please me, to keep me calm allowing me to leave you tomorrow.  I understand this, but when I mark you, when I claim you it will be because we both want this and when I know in my heart that you are ready.”

Tears sprang into her eyes, she wanted him had thought she was ready for this next step and now she felt foolish, like she was leading him on, like she was being a tease and that was something she’d always hated.

She lowered her head, turned it away from him and leaned forward to rest her head on his shoulder, not for comfort but because she wasn’t sure she could face him.  Braedon sensed her emotions and held her to him as he stood bringing them both to their feet.

“Come kitten, it is late  and you need your rest,” then he led her to her bedroom door and kissed her on the top of her head, “rest well Kasey, I need to go for a run.  Jacob is here and I won’t be far if you need me.” Then he turned and walked away from her.

Kasey felt the loss of him as soon as he left her side, she felt empty and so alone.  She wanted to run after him, but knew he would not be running as a man, he’d shift as soon as he could.  He needed to run, to expend the need that had built within him, if he’d stayed he might have hurt his little mate and although she had Fey blood she was still human and could be easily injured.

As Braedon stepped off the porch he threw himself into the air as if diving into a pool of water.  As he moved his body shifted in and out of focus making it almost impossible to see exactly how the change took place.  When he landed he landed on four paws and ran towards the bush disappearing amongst trees and bushes, leaving the shredded remains of his clothing scattered behind him.

Braedon ran the boundary of the Compound surprising the men on patrol; they nodded in acknowledgement as he ran by and went on with what they were doing.  Mid way Braedon got a message from the Elders asking him to visit them the next day just as Kasey has said they would.

By the time he got back to the house Braedon was exhausted.  He stopped by Kasey’s room and heard her breathing softly, she was asleep and he sighed in relief as he headed for his own room and a shower before he too sought sleep.

                                                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kasey woke early next morning and was showered and dressed for the day before either Braedon or Jacob came out for breakfast.  She sat on the back porch with a cup of coffee and waited for Braedon to get up.  She sat quietly enjoying the calm of the morning, she wasn’t exactly sure how things would pan out today but she would face it just as she’d always faced whatever life brought her way.

She turned as she heard voices coming from inside, she closed her eyes for one last minute of alone time then got up and went in to begin the day.  Gilbert was serving up breakfast for Braedon and Jacob, so she sat at the table with them as they ate.  She’d eat when Nate, Eli and Danny arrived.

“How was your run last night?” she asked Braedon.

He smiled and tried to hide the strain he felt, but she sensed it anyway.  “While I was on my run I got a message from the Elders asking me to visit them today, just as you said I would.”  He sighed and took her hand giving it a squeeze, “it seems what you saw will come to pass kitten.  I’ll be leaving as soon as I’m ready and probably won’t be back till late this afternoon.”

Kasey squeezed his hand in return and nodded then she looked towards Jacob.  His phone went off and as he answered it looked somewhat shocked.  “Yes he said to the caller, I’ll be there.  No problem, have a good flight.”

Jacob shook his head, sweet cheeks your gift is most certainly going to come in handy.  That was Shallana; she wants me to pick her up from the airport later today.  I’ve already promised Tally I’d spend the day with her, so once again you are correct.”

Once they’d eaten, Braedon readied himself for the trip up the mountain to visit the Elders.  He’d be going with Ethan, one of the men that helped work security.  Gilbert had packed some treats for them to take with them for the Elders, so they’d be travelling in human form. 

Just as he was ready to leave Nate, Eli and Daniel showed up.  Braedon called them into this office to have a private word but Kasey followed them in.  Braedon raised his brow at her as if to say this is men’s business but she stood her ground hands on hips and dared him to tell her to leave.  This was about her and she’d be damned if she was going to be kept in the dark in regards to what he said to them.

He chose to ignore her gesture and spoke to his men telling them what Kasey had foreseen and that they needed to be with her all day.  When he got to the part about Kasey’s brother showing up Nate didn’t seem surprised,

“Okay give!” Kasey looked at Nate with an accusatory look on her face, “everyone was shocked when they found out about my brother showing up.  Everyone except you Nate, so what aren’t you tell me?”

Nate looked at Braedon and she growled, “Don’t look at Braedon answer me!”

“When I helped pack your things I took one of your shirts, it was old with wooden buttons.  I stripped the buttons off the shirt and had been carrying them around with me.  Your scent, your essence are embedded within them. 

There were eight buttons, so when Trace said he was leaving to find your brothers I gave six to him and kept two myself.  I wanted Trace and your brothers to be able hone in on me so they could find their way here.”

She looked thoughtful for a minute, “That’s why I needed you with me today, together he’ll be able to find us and Eli and Danny are back-up just in case.”

Braedon came up to Kasey and put his arm around her as he looked at his men, “Watch over her, she is my heart.  We don’t know if Kasey’s brother is here to help us, so you will need to be cautious.  I must go; the Elders will be waiting for me.”  He kissed Kasey on the top of her head, “I’ll be back as soon as I can, I will keep my mind open to you, so touch it whenever you need to.”  Kasey nodded and held him tightly.

Jacob spoke then, “Braedon are you done, Ethan’s arrived and ready to leave.”

“I’ll be right out.” He looked at his men and they nodded, telling him they would watch over Kasey with their lives.  Then he gave her a hug and they all left his office.  Braedon left with a smile on his face, a smile that was for Kasey’s benefit.  Both knew it, but needed to show that they were confident that the day would end well.

Kasey ushered her three protectors into the dining room and Jacob called out that he was on his way to pick up Talea.  As they sat down to breakfast Kasey could see that they were all a little unsettled at sitting down to eat with her.

“You know I used to serve you guys when I worked at the café, if anyone should feel uncomfortable with all this, it should be me,” and she waved her hands indicating the entire house.

Gilbert came to the rescue then by asking for help in bringing the food to the table and asking if it would be appropriate for him to join them for breakfast.  This seemed to calm everyone and it wasn’t long before the food was on the table and everyone had begun to serve themselves.  The food was good and there was plenty of it which sat well with the men.  Kasey knew she wouldn’t have these men in such a receptive mood again, so decided to take advantage of it.

“So, what do you guys do for fun here?”  The men looked a little surprised at her question, but she waited patiently for someone to answer.

It was Eli who spoke, “We train,” was his two worded response.

Not to be denied Kasey continued, “What about after work, what do you do for fun then?”

“We spar with each other,” Eli again and Kasey got the sense that training and sparring was pretty much it for them, but she was not going to let this go.

“You guys really need to get out more, what about dances or do you ever go to clubs or bars?  And what about girlfriends, you can’t tell me none of you have someone special?”  She looked at each of them and not only did no one speak, they all looked somewhat uncomfortable.

Kasey wasn’t sure what she’d said wrong, but she instinctively knew she had.  She looked down at her plate trying to figure out what to say to fix this.  She didn’t like the way this felt and she sensed the same of everyone else.

Daniel cleared his throat as if letting everyone know he was going to speak, then Nate shook his head, “I can’t speak for Daniel, but I can speak for Eli and the other Enforcers.  This isn’t a life most would choose Kasey.  You know what I do, what I am, would you want your daughter mated to a killer.”

The look on his face was not that of anger, it was one of resignation.  He was what he was and he knew he had no choice but to accept what that meant.  “I could not go to my woman with blood on my hands and in the past there has been a great deal of it.”

The realisation of what life truly was for these men, the Pack’s Enforcers did nothing to ease her emotions, it fact it fired her temper.  Anger came to the fore and she wanted no needed to do something to change the attitude of the Pack members that believed these men to be tainted and therefore not good enough to associate with.

She wondered how many in the past had found their mate only to be told they were not fit to be with her.  How many had sat back and tried to deny they’d found their mate to save themselves and her from the shame of what family members would do or say.  To be mated to a man such as Nate or Eli would not be welcomed.

She looked at each man in turn and when her eyes set on Nate she saw tremendous pain in his eyes.  Niggly thoughts tried to come together to tell her what she should already know, but these thoughts evaded her.  Stubbornness stepped in and she could feel these men waiting for her to speak.

“Things are going to change around here!  If doing what you do, keeping the Pack safe from harm means you are ostracised then people need to learn that without you they could well be screwed!  They will learn to appreciate you all for what you give for them and I swear they will soon realise what complete arses they have been in how they have treated you.”  Then she burst into tears.

Her shadow was beside her in an instant, offering his napkin for her to dry her tears.  When she looked up they were all there, kneeling around her making sure she was alright.  She thought they’d be angry with her, for bringing up how things were so they had to look at it in front of her, but what she saw on their faces was a look of awe.

“I’m sorry,” she began, “There is so much I need to learn about the Pack and how things work here.  I didn’t mean to…”

“There is nothing for you to be sorry about Lady,” Kasey looked up to see that Gilbert had spoken for them all.  “You bring new hope for us all.  Hope that if our female Alpha can invite an Enforcer to her table and take the time to get to know him as a man… as Pack, then perhaps others will begin to see us in a new light.”

He smiled and took her hand giving it a slight squeeze, “We are in you debt little one, change is coming and you will help these changes take place.  The fact that you see us as men and not killers says a great deal about you and I for one will serve you as long as I live.”

They all nodded in agreement and Kasey got the feeling that something monumental had just happened.  She figured she should say something important, something profound but when she tried to speak, words failed her.

“Come finish breakfast and perhaps your new guardians will show you how they train.” Then Gilbert signalled for them all to re-take their seats and finish the meal.

They finished the meal and for once Gilbert accepted help in clearing the table, he ushered everyone out when he began the dishes saying he had his own way of doing things and they should go enjoy the morning sun.

As they strolled down to the training area where it had been decided they would give a demonstration of their abilities Kasey thought about what Gilbert had said.  Eli walked in front of her, Nate a few feet behind and Daniel next to her, “Danny was Gilbert an Enforcer when he was younger?”

“He seldom speaks of it but yes, he was an Enforcer, one of the best.  He didn’t so much retire as moved his skills across to the main house.  He has watched over Braedon since he was born.  It was he who began his training and,” Daniel laughed, “became his shadow.”

Kasey grinned, “You’re a very nice shadow Danny and I’m happy that you’re mine,” then she hooked her arm with his and they hurried to the training area.

The morning went fairly quickly, Kasey got to see all three men spar and they were good… damn good!  She wondered how it felt to be so physical, to be able to defend yourself and protect others with their skills.  She was in awe of them and it didn’t go unnoticed.

Throughout the day she touched Braedon’s mind, she missed him, missed his closeness.  Each time he sent her warmth and love and she did the same.  Then she’d pull back and leave him to his task.

“Come little one, I’ll walk you through some of the moves,” Kasey was surprised that Eli had offered, she had the feeling that this kind of thing was reserved for the men of the Pack.  She jumped up and moved quickly to stand in front of Eli and he did as he said, walking her through several moves then moving a little faster so she could get a better feel for how they should be done.

“Will you teach me how to do this, I mean to defend myself?”  She looked up hopefully knowing that they’d need to get the go ahead from Braedon first, “it’s okay Eli I know you’ll want to speak with Braedon about it first, but if he gives the okay, will you?”

For the first time that day Eli’s face broke into a big grin, “I would be honoured to teach you, but I think perhaps you would benefit from the knowledge all three of us have.”  She jumped up and threw her arms around him and he laughed at her enthusiasm.

They spend the next hour or so demonstrating moves and discussing weapons that might suit her.  It was decided that for now she should carry a knife and Daniel said he’d organise a knife for her as well as a belt and sheath so she could wear it at all times.

Kasey saw the knife on Daniel’s waist and wanted to check it out, but just as she lifted her hand to touch the hilt she felt something pulling her, she turned and out of the corner of her eye saw Nate turn with her.

Nate moved to stand on one side of her, Daniel on the other and Eli close behind her.  They would keep her safe no matter the cost to their own lives.  They waited quietly eyes drawn to a spot several yards away from them.

Kasey reached out and took Nate’s hand, while he pulled the button from his jeans pocket and held it out for her to see.  That’s when they noticed a shimmering light that grew until it was the shape of a man.  Kasey could feel her heart thumping away in her chest and wondered what the hell was going to happen.  She kept her eyes on the light though and if she’d have been a Were, she’d have bruised Nate’s hand she was holding it so tight.

The figure became more defined and as she watched she could make out features he looked a little like her, he had the same nose, but his lips were different which made sense because she had her mother’s mouth and eyes.  She wondered again which brother this was and hoped so much that he was here for the right reason.

He lifted his hand and held it out palm up.  In the middle of his palm sat a wooden button just like the one in Nate’s hand.  Kasey let go of his hand and took a step forward, the men wanted to stop her, to pull her back, but she sent a message to them all that it was fine and that they needed to show good faith.

It worked too because the man in front of her smiled and bowed with all the grace of a dancer.  “I am your brother Ewan sixth born of Aemundun Tarendarran Gerrunderry of Taelforn, our father.  And you my sweet are my sister Kasarina Ellinora Drew or Kasey as most call you.  Trace found me first and although I wasn’t convinced at first, he helped me see the truth of his words.

Kasey took another step forward and noticed that he shimmered, “You’re not really here are you, I mean this is not your physical form it’s an illusion.”

“Very perceptive sister, yes this is an illusion.  I did not wish to suddenly show up unannounced.  It might not be the best way to introduce myself to you and your Guardians would have done their best to prevent me getting anywhere near you.”

“Where are you, are you close?”

"I can be with you in an instant, sister you only need give me permission to appear.”

Kasey looked back at her protectors; none of them wanted her to allow him to appear.  She shrugged her shoulders and turned back to Ewan, “Why are you here Ewan, is it to help or are you just curious about me?”

“I must admit that I have been curious as I’m sure the rest of our brothers have been, but when Trace spoke of why you would be sort after…” he shook his head, “you are my sister, my blood.  Aemundun may be our father, but I swear he will never have you, will never touch you in any way.”

Then he looked to Nate as he held the button that had drawn him to his sister, “I will die to protect her.  I will stand by your side to keep her safe if you will allow me.”

“Alpha, the decision is yours.” Nate put a hand on her shoulder to let her know he was with her and that he would support whatever decision she made.

She looked to the others and they both nodded, so she turned to Ewan, “Brother, your name means Young Warrior, I have a feeling we will be in need of your assistance.  Until recently I thought I was an only child, I would like to get to know you Ewan, so come join us.  My mate is in the mountains with the Elders, but will be back by evening, he will be glad to meet you as well.”

Ewan looked surprised when Kasey mentioned her mate, but held his tongue.  He had just found her, didn’t really know her yet so had no right to be asking questions about relationships and mates.  Then he remembered that the Guardian had called her Alpha, “Your mate is the Pack Alpha?”

Kasey grinned, “You caught that huh, yeah Braedon is the Alpha but not just of this Pack, he’s the head of all the Packs in New South Wales.  He’s a good man Ewan and he will be more than happy to welcome you into our family if that is what you would like at the end of all this.”

As they watched Ewan became whole, his body stopped shimmering and he stepped up to Kasey with open arms.  Kasey went to him and as they touched the connection of family of blood between them connected and Kasey knew that they would always have the ability to reach each other no matter the distance.

She sent a message to him mind to mind to see if it worked, “I have always wanted a brother and now I will have six of them.”

She saw a twinkle in his eyes and he answered, “As I have always wished for a sister.”

Ewan looked to the men and Kasey stepped aside and introduced them.  Once that was done, she invited him to the main house and spoke to Gilbert about lunch for them all.  Then she stepped out onto the back porch to see if she could make contact with Braedon. 

She sent him a shortened version of what had taken place and let him know that they would be waiting dinner for him.  She had a brother, well she had six, but for now she had one with her and she wanted to spend time with him, even if that time was shared with her Guardians.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Braedon had had an interesting visit with the Pack Elders, they too had heard that he had found his mate and wanted to speak with him regarding this.  He had assumed they knew she wasn’t a Were and had been prepared to deal with that, but they neither knew nor cared that she was human.  

When he told them of her Fey blood they smiled somewhat knowingly, which made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. He wasn’t sure what was going on regarding Kasey and her Fey blood, but the Elders he spoke with seemed happy that he would be mated to her.

Throughout the day he touched his mind to Kasey’s to let her know he was there and also to make sure she was safe.  But when he reached the camp of the Elders he had to cut off communication and focus on why he was there. 

He sensed Kasey at a distance and longed to be back with her, as long as she remained unmarked and unclaimed Braedon would remain somewhat on edge.  If he left things too long it could become dangerous and he needed to keep his wits about him.  He wanted to give Kasey as much time as she needed, but he also needed to be mindful that things were not left so long that he might hurt her in his need to finally have her.

As they left the camp and headed back he breathed a sigh of relief, but the closer he got to home the more he felt the need to hurry.  Ethan noticed and picked up the pace making it something of a race.  By the time they arrived in the open area leading up to the main house they were both at a full run.

Ethan veered off heading for dinner and bed and Braedon suddenly slowed becoming more wary of his surroundings.  He was calm as he entered the front door and when he saw Kasey his heart missed a beat.

She jumped up and ran to him throwing her arms around him.  She knew it was silly but it felt like she hadn’t seen him in weeks.  They held each other and as he lifted her off the floor he kissed her on the cheeky and moved back out of the door so he would have privacy enough to kiss her more intimately.

It was as he finally broke the kiss that he heard a hissing sound.  He looked up to see what could only be Kasey’s brother scowling at him.  This was his home, his Pack and his mate so rather that question his reaction to him he bent down and kissed his little mate again. 

When he was done he pulled back and tucked her under his arm as close as possible to his side.  He grinned at Kasey, “I see we have a visitor kitten?”

If looks could kill, Kasey was fairly certain that Braedon would be dead considering the look of disapproval on Ewan’s face.  “Come back in side, you must be tired and hungry.” She moved toward the doorway and he walked with her holding just as close.

Daniel, Eli and Nate were all standing in the living room waiting for him to enter and sat once he indicated they should do so.  When they were all seated Kasey took Braedon’s hand, “Braedon this is my brother Ewan.  Trace sent him ahead while he catches up with the others.”

Braedon stood and extended his hand to Ewan and Ewan reluctantly did the same.  Kasey wasn’t sure why they were behaving the way they were.  She wanted them both to like each other.  “Ewan is the youngest of my six brothers, he has special gifts too.”

Ewan opened his mouth to say something to Kasey but was cut off by the sound of laughter and a little girl running into the living room and throwing herself at the Alpha.  “He’s gonna tickle me Alpha, save me… save me!” she cried out dramatically.

Ewan sat stunned and when a man came stomping in and growling like he was ready to kill someone he wasn’t sure what kind of mad house his sister had ended up in.

Talea screamed in mock horror when Jacob came after her but Braedon put her between him and Kasey for protection.  Shallana came in behind them a huge smile on her face and when she spotted Ewan she fairly beamed with excitement.  “You are Kasey’s brother, yes?”

She didn’t wait for him to answer, the answer was obvious to her, “We will spend time together with your sister and you will assist me in helping her gain control of her gifts.”

Ewan was surprised to say the least, but found himself nodded in agreement and holding out his hand in greeting.  Jacob put his arm around Shallana and took Ewan’s hand instead introducing them both.  Talea not wanting to be left out came up beside Jacob and put out her hand too.

Jacob grinned but looked at her somewhat sternly, “Tally a lady does not offer her hand to a man she does not yet know.  Come we shall get Shallana settled before I return you to your mother or she will come looking for us.”

Talea rested her head against Jacob and let him lead them back outside.  Jacob called back over his shoulder to Braedon, “I’ll be back for dinner, I’m sure Shallana wouldn’t want to miss it.”

Gilbert entered the room then asking for a word with Kasey, “How many for dinner Lady?  There is more than enough for everyone here including Jacob and the Shaman.”

“She is a Shaman?” asked Ewan.

“Yes,” returned Kasey, “she’s also a friend of mine.”  Then she focused on Gilbert, “If there is enough for everyone then everyone shall stay.”  She turned to the men and smiled letting them know that they would be staying for dinner. “You took such good care of me today; I want to return the favour, so please stay.”

They had no choice, they couldn’t refuse their female Alpha and to be honest they didn’t want to hurt Kasey’s feelings by saying no, so all three nodded in acknowledgment.  Braedon had to turn slightly away from them, he could see she had won these three over and that she could more than likely have them eating out of the palm of her hand if she wanted.

They made general chit chat until dinner and this time the guys didn’t seem quite so uncomfortable about being there.  Eli told Braedon how Ewan had appeared to them and once given permission had become whole.  This was something that may well come in handy for the Pack, so long as Ewan allied himself with them.

It was decided that Ewan would bed down with the men for the time being, a more permanent place would be organised in a few days.  Shallana had a small cottage not far from the main house and Jacob walked her home after dinner as she was tired and wanted to unpack before she went to bed.

“Nate!” Kasey called as he rose to leave, “I forgot to check with Nicolas and Jaz, would you mind seeing if the kids are all okay?”

She saw him tense, but he agreed to do so and left after saying his good nights.  Eli and Daniel did the same and escorted Ewan to where he’d be staying for the night.  He was reluctant to leave until Braedon smiled and remarked, “Kasey has her own room Ewan and will continue to keep it until such time as she is ready to become my mate.”  That seemed to put Ewan at ease and he nodded his thanks to Braedon before he followed the others out the door.

Kasey had to smile as she watched everyone go about their business, this was her family… well part of it and hopefully the rest of it would arrive soon and all would be well.

 “Dear God I hope everything is going to be alright, I want my family whole.  Trace, wherever you are, please come back to me soon.”