Chapter 10

Chrissy woke just before the sun was ready to come up feeling well rested. She dressed and went down stairs in search of coffee but when she caught the smell of it her stomach turned. When she entered the kitchen she smiled at Gilbert, “Is it alright if I make a cup of tea? I’d like to sit outside and watch the sun come up.”

Gilbert got to his feet and left the room returning a moment later with a light blanket, “It can be chilly this time of morning. Go sit on the back porch and I’ll bring your tea out to you. How do you take it?”

“Umm, black no sugar,” then he ushered her out the back door and set about making a pot of tea.

Chrissy sat quietly breathing in the clean air, “Mmm,” she said to herself, “so far so good.”

Gilbert appeared with her tea and she thanked him but looked curiously at the dry crackers he’d put on the saucer. She shook her head and picked one up and nibbled on it. She still felt a little off in the stomach and the cracker seemed to help. By the time the sun had risen and she heard voices inside she was feeling more like herself.

She remained where she was wanting to enjoy the peacefulness of the moment a little longer. She’d finished her tea and Gilbert had poured her another, it too was now gone and she realised she needed to get up and at least make an appearance.

She placed her cup in the sink and headed for the dining room where she found Kasey, Braedon and Nicolas waiting for her, “Please don’t wait on me I’m not really…” she turned saw Jacob and forgot everyone else there, “Jake!”she cried and took a running jump landing in his arms, “I was wondering where you were?” she gave him a kiss on the cheek and he swung her around making a fuss of her before placing her back on her feet.

Nicolas growled and they both ignored it, “Chrissy it’s so good to see you, how long are you staying?”

“I’m not sure yet but I’ve got a job and a life to get back too so probably not too long. Actually I’ll be looking for a new job when I get back,”she grinned at him wickedly, “and that reminds me,” she turned to Kasey and she nodded, “Henry send a care package for you. I think he even put in some of his special blend.”

“Coffee, Henry sent me some of his coffee! What a wonderful man he is, where is it I’d like to see if it tastes the same when I make it?”

Gilbert put a mug of coffee on the table next to him and he suddenly stopped talking and breathed in the aroma. Both Chrissy and Kasey laughed and before she knew it she was sitting down next to Jacob and he was sipping his coffee as if it were a fine wine.

Nicolas was none too happy that Jacob was monopolising Chrissy, he hadn’t even had time to ask how she’d slept yet. And he was miffed that they were sitting across from him chatting away like a couple of old friends. Chrissy was relaxed with Jacob and he didn’t like that either.

Chrissy looked up to see a scowl on Nicolas’s face and figured she ought to say something, “So, umm Nicolas what are you up to today?”

He could see she was trying, “I’ll be in the training centre most of the morning, there is paperwork to do and I need to assess some of the young men.”

She looked disappointed, “Oh, okay.”

“I’m sure Kasey will want to show you around the Compound,” he paused,“if you’d like I could show you the beach and maybe we could have a picnic lunch, it won’t be until at least one o’clock though?” Nicolas waited not sure if she’d accept his offer.

“That’d be nice Nicolas its hot enough to swim too and I think I brought sunscreen?”

“If you didn’t I’m sure we can find some,” he smiled the first one since they’d left Sydney.

They made small talk through the rest of breakfast and both Chrissy and Kasey knew all three men would soon be closeted in Braedon’s office to discuss the workings of the Compound and also get Jacob up to speed in regards to what happened in Sydney.

When they finished breakfast Kasey suggested they go for a walk so Chrissy could get a sense of the place. Chrissy had to admit it was a beautiful spot, lots of open space and fresh air and everyone she saw on their walk was friendly. They were all Were’s she could tell now, it was like she got a sense of them.

Kasey pointed to a building not far from them, “Jaz will kill me if I don’t introduce you to her. I’ve told her so much about you Chrissy she would have come to the house last night but she was busy with a patient.”

“Patient… she’s the doctor here?” Chrissy shook her head and laughed, “I bet that pissed off the entire male Were population! Not only is she a doctor but they have to do what she tells them, good for her!”

Kasey looked at her friend a little surprised, “Chrissy you make it sound like the men don’t want women to be all they can be. Jaz comes from a long line of healers, she’s loved and respected by everyone who knows her.”

Chrissy stopped walking and looked at Kasey, “You’re one of them now Kase and I know you love Braedon but you have to admit they like to control their women.”

Kasey smiled at her friend; “It’s really not as bad as it seems Chrissy. I admit it took some time to get used to having a shadow but I know it’s for my safety. I not only saw but felt what it did to Braedon when he almost lost me and I’m not talking about when I was shot.”

They started walking again and were soon at the surgery. No sooner had they opened the front door than Jaz was rushing to greet them. Kasey didn’t have to introduce them; Jaz did so herself and Chrissy liked her right off.

They ended up spending a good part of the morning with Jaz and Chrissy even helped out when a couple of the young guys came in all bruised and battered, “I can help Jaz; I’ve got my First Aide Certificate.”

“Thanks Chrissy it’d be nice to have a bit of help, everything you need is over here,” she showed Chrissy where everything was and out of the corner of her eye she noticed the dubious looks on the boy’s faces.

Chrissy gathered what she needed then turned to Jaz, “You two probably have heaps to catch up on, I’m sure I’ll be fine looking after these guys,”then turned back to the boys before she got an answer.

“That’d be nice Chrissy we’ll be in the kitchen if you need us,”then they turned and left wondering if Chrissy was up to the task of dealing with the two juvenile Were’s.

Once they’d left the room the two boys… that is young men started checking out Chrissy. They gave her the once over once twice then a third time. She let them. Looking wasn’t going to hurt and it wouldn’t get the crap beat out of them either.

“So how did you two get all battered up?”

They looked at each other and smirked, the taller of the two reached up a hand as if to touch her face, she slapped it away, “Now that wasn’t nice pretty lady, I’m Leith and my friend here is Taylor. We’re good friends, very good friends if you know what I mean,” he smiled giving her what he assumed was a look of understanding.

She looked from one to the other all innocent eyed, “I appreciate you giving me the heads up Leith and I promise if you want me to keep it under my hat no problem. She started cleaning Leith’s cuts and scrapes and waited for the penny to drop.

Leith suddenly flinched, “No, no we aren’t, I mean we… we’re just friends.”

Taylor made a growling sound deep in his chest and sighed, “What the idiot was trying to say was we don’t mind spending time with the same lady… at the same time,” his face reddened, “I mean…”

“You mean you two like to share as in like… a threesome?” They nodded hoping she’d be up for it, “How old are you and don’t lie because I’ll ask Kasey?”

Taylor answered, “I’m sixteen and Leith is fifteen,” both boys looked a whole lot more innocent than they had a few minutes ago.

“Hmm,” Chrissy began, “I’ve never been with two men at the same time,” she smiled sweetly up at them, “I tell you what; when you’re both a little older come ask me again. But for now how about I get you both cleaned up?”

She knew she shouldn’t have strung them along, but they were sweet even if they thought they were hunky and irresistible. Ten minutes later she had them both cleaned and patched. They’d relaxed with her and were acting more their own age and she actually started to like them.

As they were leaving she called out to them, “Umm I know guys like to talk about checking out girls and hooking up and stuff,” she saw the look on their faces as if to say, ‘like we’d ever do that’, “You seem like nice guys so do yourself a favour and don’t mention what happened here to anyone and I promise I’ll do the same. I don’t want to have to patch you up again.”

She followed as they went towards the kitchen to say goodbye to Jaz and Kasey, and Chrissy started thinking about the beach and Nicolas then, Holy crap! I’ll be with him at the beach…alone… shit!

She followed the guys out the door and before they got too far away she ran after them. “Hey wait up!” she felt her stomach doing flip flops and wasn’t sure if what she was about to do was a good thing or not.

“I’ll be at the beach this afternoon about 1.30, if you’re not doing anything maybe we could have a swim, make sandcastles or something,” she smiled up at them and they thought they’d hit the jackpot so she added, “I won’t be alone, I’ll have a couple of Enforcers with me.” They nodded knowing it was only fitting she be protected and said they’d see her there.

She went back to the kitchen feeling a little better about the picnic with Nicolas only to be met by both Kasey and Jaz scowling at her.“What! At least now I won’t be alone with him for too long. They were both fine by the way,” then she started to giggle and left the room.

Kasey and Jaz followed her wanting to know what she was giggling about and when she finally stopped they stood quietly waiting for her to tell. Her bottom lip curved and she shook her head, “You’re not gonna believe this but those two sweet guys just asked me if I’d be interested in a threesome.” She burst out laughing when she saw the looks on their faces.

“And you asked them to go to the beach with you and Nicolas, are you crazy?”

“Kase they’re kids and once they see who I’m there will they’ll realise they have no chance and as they’re just kids I can hang out with them,”she looked at them as if everything was sorted.

It was Jaz who answered, “Chrissy they may be young but they are in many ways considered adults. They’re old enough to help protect the Pack and I know for a fact they both did so when Kasey’s brother…” she couldn’t finish the sentence, they all knew what she meant, Kasey had told her all about what had happened.

Chrissy shook her head, “Maybe I should have just stayed in Sydney. At least there I had a semblance of control over my life.” then she stormed out of the surgery mumbling something about Neanderthals and having no life.

“She’s going to be a handful,” Jaz laughed, “and I think she’s exactly what Nicolas needs.”

“She’s scared Jaz, she’s been aware of ‘us’ for some time now thanks to my blood. What she’s sensed has been our arrogance and unfortunately she was able to tap in to the deep seated violence that’s part of being a Were,” she sighed, “Jaz she saw Nicolas come close to killing and I wasn’t sure she’d even speak to me again after that.”

“Should you go after her?”

“Christian is shadowing her and she’ll probably head back to the house so she’ll be fine. I was hoping you two would hit it off though, she’s going to need you soon and it would be better if she trusted you.”

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

As Chrissy walked back to the house she called out to her shadow,“Christian, are you there?”

Christian could see she was upset so walked out of the shadows of a tree and moved to stand beside her, “I’m here little one.” She sighed and moved closer but he pulled away. When he saw the tears in her eyes he stopped walking and touched her arm.

“Why did you do that Christian can’t I even have friends now, or is it because we’re here?” and she used a hand to gesture to the Compound in general.

Then Christian did something he ordinarily wouldn’t have done; he put his arm around her and pulled her close, “I am a man Chrissy but I am not just any man. I am an Enforcer and therefore someone you should not want to be associated with socially.”

She turned to him and mock thumped him on the arm, “Do I have to break your nose again? I thought we’d sorted out all this crap. We were friends before… well… before and there’s no reason I can see that we can’t be friends now. Okay?”

Chrissy could see a light in his eyes and knew she’d gotten to him,“It is as you say little one ‘okay’. It will be interesting being your friend when you’re mate is who he is.”

She gave him a filthy look but he laughed and started moving again towards the main house. When they got there Christian moved as if to leave her but she tugged him through the front door, “I’ll see if Gilbert has any coffee made and if he can fix you something to eat. That is unless you want to eat with Nicolas and I at the beach?”

“I’m sure Gilbert will be more than happy to fix me a sandwich and I can smell the coffee from here.”

Chrissy rolled her eyes, “The joys of being a Were huh?”

While Chrissy got organised for the beach Christian sat in the kitchen with Gilbert and drank coffee and ate a huge sandwich. She was getting more and more nervous about spending time with Nicolas and it seemed both Christian and Gilbert were picking up on it.

Gilbert handed her a cup of herbal tea as she came back to the kitchen and she took it gratefully, “Drink Chrissy it will calm you so you can better enjoy the afternoon,” he patted her shoulder in a fatherly way and went about his duties.

As she sat drinking her tea Chrissy pondered what to do and finally realised there wasn’t anything she could do short of cancelling and she’d feel too much like a coward if she did that. She asked Gilbert for a couple of beach towels to take with her and also if there was any sunscreen in the house. Once she was organised Chrissy sat on the back porch steps and waited. Nicolas had said 1.00pm so she figured he’d be there any minute.

Christian came out a few minutes later followed by Gilbert carrying a picnic basket. He handed it off to Christian then disappeared back into the kitchen. Christian placed the basket on the floor behind Chrissy and sat next to her.

“It’s a nice day for a picnic and I’m told the beach is isolated so you will have it all to yourselves,” then he dropped a sun hat on her head and she laughed, which was what he wanted.

“You’ll stay with us won’t you, close by I mean?” he nodded in answer.

“Okay don’t think I’m an idiot but I’ve read lots of books about werewolf’s and shifter and…” she saw amusement in his eyes and could feel her face blush, “Can you guys umm… can you’s swim or will you sink like a lump of lead in the water?”

Christian burst out laughing and although she was embarrassed and felt a little stupid she laughed with him, “I would very much like to read the books you spoke of. That way I could dispel any other myths, legends and fabrications for you.”

“You are so gonna be sorry you said that Christian, I have heaps of books and you my friend,” she smiled her most angelic smile, “are now going to get to read each and every one of them.”

The expression on his face was priceless! She leaned against him then, “I’m glad you’re here Christian you and Trae have been good friends and,”she paused for emphasis, “if I have to trust a Were with my life,” she said over dramatically and batting her eyes for effect, “I’d have to say I’m glad it’s one who let me break his nose.”

“You did not break it, you… you…”

“Bloodied it?” she laughed.

“Yes but I have to admit if you had been a Were, you would have done considerable damage.”

“Yeah well there’s not a chance in hell of that ever happening! I’m human Christian and I’m staying that way.” She’d realised that Nicolas was approaching but said what she needed to say anyway. She’d already told him as much and this would emphasise it.

Nicolas looked from Chrissy to Christian then back again, “How has your day been so far are you enjoying the Compound?”

“So far so good, I helped your sister out with a couple of young guys that showed up all beaten and bloody they were so sweet. I asked them to join us at the beach later,” he nodded, but she felt his dislike of what she’d done. Too bad! She thought to herself and hoped he didn’t pick up on it.

She stood up grabbing the beach bag with the towels and placing the sun hat on her head properly, “Ready?”

They started walking, Christian following with the picnic basket,“It is a fair walk so if you get tired we can stop for a bit or I could…” he stopped when he saw the look on her face realising she wasn’t about to let him carry her then wondered if she’d allow Christian to do so.

This time it was Chrissy who growled, she stood with hands on her hips and glared at him, “Son-of-a-bitch!” then she stormed off hoping she was headed the right way.

Nicolas caught up to her and sent a message to Christian letting him know he wanted a quiet word with his mate. Christian backed off and waited till they called for him, “Chrissy, let me explain, please.”

She pulled away from him and waited, “I know you don’t want to hear this, but you’re my mate. We have a strong connection and it is difficult at times not to hear your thoughts just as it is for you.

We are mates but remain unmated which causes certain difficulties for me, just as it would any other Were in the same situation. My need to be with you, to protect you is overpowering at times. To see… know that you are comfortable being close to another man, any other man while at times you struggle to be in the same room with me…”

He sighed and ran a hand threw his hair, “It causes me great pain and if sometimes my thoughts are not what you like…”

Chrissy felt really bad for him and that she caused him pain shamed her. She’d never wanted to hurt him; she just didn’t want him to feel like he owned her. She didn’t want to give up who she was or could be and the fact that he was an all powerful Were scared the crap out of her.

“Nicky I don’t want to hurt you I never have but Christian is my friend so is Eli and Nate and maybe even the two young guys I met this morning. I don’t know if we can work things out enough so we can be together but I need to know that you trust me. That you’ll know I would never…” a sob escaped her and she turned away from him.

He pulled her close, “Chrissy I do trust you but its instinct. You said you’ve sensed how violent we can be. You’re mine Chrissy and its instinct that makes me hate that you are so comfortable with others when I’m becoming more and more afraid of how you will react if I try to get close to you.”

“This whole thing with us, it scares the hell out of me. I don’t know if I… if… I don’t know if I can be with you Nicolas. I know you can be kind and gentle and you have been so patient with me but I sense your anger too and I know you’re capable of terrible violence.

I don’t want to be afraid of you or your people Nicolas because my best friend is one of you now and I don’t want to lose her.” She dropped to the grass and sat there a look of defeat on her face.

Nicolas sat next to her turning her face to his. “You won’t ever lose Kasey as a friend she won’t let that happen,” then he laughed, “she’d do damage to anyone who tried to come between your friendship.” He stroked her hair softly, “I’m trying Chrissy but I am who I am.”

Chrissy nodded and when she gave him a hug he felt for the first time in a while that there may well be hope for them. They got to their feet and commenced walking again.

“So if I get tired will you give me a piggyback?” She smiled so sweetly and he laughed.

“That innocent look might get you just about anything you want,” he shook his head, “yes I’ll give you a piggyback and if I’m not around and you need one, I won’t be too angry if Christian helps out,” then Chrissy thanked him by taking his hand as they walked.

Thankfully Chrissy didn’t need a piggyback and when they got to the beach she looked in awe at the scene before her, “This is awesome and we have it all to ourselves?” she dumped the bag on the sand and took the towels out spreading them on the sand before she kicked off her shoes and began to strip off her shorts and top.

Nicolas just looked at her, “Chrissy what are you doing?”

“I’m going for a swim,” she grinned mischievously, then she ran for the water calling out to him over her shoulder, “you coming with me?” In seconds she was diving under a wave.

He stood at the edge of the sand and yelled after her, “Don’t go out too far this beach is known for its rips and I don’t want to have to come out there and rescue you!”

He watched her for a minute or so then groaned shaking his head in defeat before shucking off his clothes and thanking his foresight in putting on a pair of Speedos.

Nicolas went in after her and they splashed and swam almost forgetting their picnic lunch. When they got out they thoroughly enjoyed what Gilbert had prepared for them. No sooner had they finished than Leith and Taylor showed up. When they saw Nicolas with his arm around Chrissy they stopped in their tracks.

Nicolas saw their reaction and looked at Chrissy raising a brow. Umm don’t get mad okay, because they thought I was single and umm… she heard him growl. Nicky they’re kids trying to make me believe they’re big tough Were guys don’t be angry. Right now I bet they’re both wondering if you know and whether or not your gonna punch their lights out.

She waited and he leaned in and kissed her nose. Alright I won’t kill them but I’m going to have a little fun with them. This time she nodded.

“Leith, Taylor, Chrissy said she’d invited you to join us.” He indicated the sand and waited for them to sit.

“How are you feeling now, I know you guys all heal fast but…”Chrissy looked at their arms and saw that all the scrapes and bruises were all but gone. “Holy crap!”

Both boys grinned at her and Leith leaned forward, “The older we get the quicker we heal at least until we get really old,” then he laughed, “But that’s a long way off for us.”

“So,” began Nicolas, “my little mate took good care of you both?”Nicolas saw the colour drain from their faces and felt a great deal of satisfaction.

Chrissy elbowed him, “Nicky be nice they were both perfect gentlemen and even offered to spent time with me so I wouldn’t feel lonely,” she gave Nicolas’s hand a squeeze and both boys looked like they wanted to leave.

“Okay!” she announced, “I’m going for a swim, last one in is a crossed eyed wombat!” then she got up and ran for the water calling over her shoulder.

The guys didn’t wait for Nicolas to give them the go ahead; they ran for the water throwing their tee-shirts onto the sand as they ran. Nicolas not to be out done overtook the boys and swam out to meet his little mate. They had a wonderful afternoon and when they headed back to the Compound Chrissy asked Nicolas for a piggyback and almost feel asleep as he carried her.

Dinner that night was more relaxed and Chrissy was finally able to meet Talea. She was pleasantly surprised at how well Jacob responded to her and not only found herself warming to her but wondering what it must have been like to find her mate so young.

After dinner Talea tugged both Chrissy and Kasey into the living room, “Let’s watch a movie?” and before they could answer she’d put a movie in the DVD player. It wasn’t long before all three of them were laid up on the couch watching some Disney flick.

Chrissy fell asleep about twenty minutes into it and only opened her eyes when Nicolas picked her up to carry her to her room. She wanted to protest and tell him she could walk but she was too tired and found herself snuggling in closer to him.

He stopped outside her room, “Chrissy I can put you down here or on your bed, which would you prefer?”

“I can manage from her Nicky thank you.”

He put her on her feet and held her until she was steady, “Good night Nicolas,” she said giving him a hug and when he bent to kiss the top of her head she didn’t pull back and that put a smile on his face.

He waited until she closed the door behind her and smiled to himself.One step at a time Nicolas, one step at a time! He kept repeating this to himself then headed for the Training Centre to expend some pent up energy before heading to his own bed.