Chapter 12

Cade was so used to waking up at the crack of dawn that she was surprised when she looked at the clock on her bedside table and saw it was eight o’clock. Her first instinct was to jump out of bed and get ready for the day, then she realised she didn’t have to rush.

Cade snuggled down a little further into the bed and closed her eyes. She’d been bone tired the past few days and it felt nice to just lie in bed and not do anything. Cade was just starting to drift off again when she felt someone climb into bed with her. She rolled over and pulled Cord close both ending up with their arms around each other.

Cord giggled, “Candy I’m supposed to tell you breakfast is nearly ready.”

“Okay squirt, just a couple more minutes, this is too nice to get up yet.”

He grinned and snuggled closer. In the end Jaz came in and jumped on the bed, “Breakfast is ready guys, everyone get up!”

They pulled her down with them and were soon rolling around on the bed laughing and grinning. No one complained that breakfast was a little cold, they were just happy to be together as a family. Family, life was good.

Cade looked at her brother and how happy he was, she also saw how healthy he had become. He’d filled out and didn’t look all skin and bones anymore. She was thankful for what they now had and a part of her opened up giving itself to the Pack, without her even realising it.

Angelique showed up about twenty minutes later with Taylor and Leith all three arguing about what they wanted to do today. The guys wanted to go to a movie then grab pizza but Angelique wanted to go shopping with Cade. Cord laughed at them and Cade just shook her head hoping they didn’t ask her to make a final decision.

She was save however when Eli came in, a picnic basket in his one hand and a blanket in the other. “I’m sure Cord would love to go to a movie with you,” he looked at Cord who nodded vigorously. “Check with the off duty men and see who can drive you there and back. As for Cade, we’re going to have a picnic on the beach.”

He looked at Cade, a huge grin on his face and saw that she looked somewhat horrified. His grin disappeared, what’s wrong Cade?

 “I don’t know if that’s a good idea Eli, and umm I’m not sure I have a swimming costume?”

“You do. I asked Jaz to make sure, before I organised the picnic. I know you are; perhaps somewhat nervous about going swimming, but we will have the beach to ourselves. No one will see your markings.

Cade gave a weak smile, “Okay, but what about Angelique?”

“She can come with us… can’t she?” asked Cord and both boys nodded.

“Fine!” answered Angelique somewhat peeved, “but we get to do some shopping to?” They smiled at her and she just knew she wasn’t going to be doing any shopping.

“Then it’s settled.” Eli took Cord aside to give him some money so he could pay for himself, before ushering him upstairs to tidy up.

“Give me a few minutes Eli.” Cade also rushed up stairs to get herself organised for her very first beach picnic.

By the time Cade came back down everyone else had left. Eli was waiting on the doorstep talking to Jaz. She adjusted the beach bag on her shoulder, she’d put a couple of towels in it as well as a brush in case she needed it then waited quietly until they noticed her.

She took a step towards them, “Cord heard you both talking about my blood oath.” They seemed a little surprised and she shrugged. “I explained it to him and he seems okay, but he isn’t happy that our father made me swear a blood oath. He was worried about what would happen if I broke the oath. I explained to him that an oath can be interoperated in different ways and that there’s no way I’d break it.”

Jaz looked worried, “He was all right with what you said?”

Cade nodded, “Yeah but I’m thinking we need to sit down and plan out a few things for him. I mean I’m training him, but he needs a male influence as well. Is that okay, or do I need to speak to Nicolas?”

“As your surrogate parent and,” Jaz looked to Eli, “your future mate it’s good you spoke to us first. I think we need to sit down as a family and talk. Cord needs to feel like he has some control in this, then you speak with Nicolas.”

Cade nodded, “It feels so strange letting someone else make decisions for us.” She smiled, “I’m glad it’s you Jaz.” She gave her a hug then walked into Eli’s outstretched arm.

“Have fun!” Jaz called as they walked off and Cade turned and waved.

“We really have the beach all to ourselves?”

“Yes!” Eli pulled her a little closer needing the feel of her body close to his.

Cade had never been to the beach before and knowing they’d be the only ones there put a huge grin on her face. They took their time getting there, it was a warm day and they were in no hurry. When they arrived, Eli, put down the basket and spread out the blanket. Cade dropped her bag and pulled out the towels ready to use.

Eli started stripping off his clothing and Cade, could feel her face blush, with embarrassment. She turned away from him and started taking off her shoes then her jeans but hesitated with her top. It was a long sleeved tee-shirt and long enough that it still covered a fair bit of her body.

Cade stood quietly for a few moments before taking a long deep breath, releasing it slowly. She gave herself and inner shake and pulled her top up and over her head. Cade had never felt so expose before. She was standing in a swimming costume in front of her soon to be mate and she felt like she was standing naked in front of a bunch of strangers.

Eli reached out and took her hand. “We are alone my sweet Candy,” and then he smiled. “You are so beautiful Cade, both inside and out, I long for the day when I make you my own.”

Eli moved forward and gently kissed Cade on the lips. It was soft a caress, a kiss that calmed her and as she looked up at him he gave her hand a tug and they ran towards the water.

They splashed into the water and dove under an incoming wave. Cade had always loved the water, but this was her first time in the ocean and she loved every minute of it! They swam and played for a good half hour before coming in for a rest then they lay on the blanket soaking up the sun.

Eli couldn’t take his eyes of her, he had been worried the markings might take away from her beauty but he’d been wrong. She had an inner beauty that shone through and the markings that she would carry all her life gave off a sense of power, invoking a feeling of awe in all who saw them.

Eli was indeed a lucky man to have found her. He knew it wouldn’t always be easy, he’d have to step back at times and let her fight her own battles when it went against the grain, but he loved her enough to do so. He couldn’t truly fathom everything that Cade had gone through with her father, but he would show her a life as full of love and friendship and care as he was able.

They spend a good part of the day in and out of the water; they even built a sandcastle and collected sea shells. Had anyone come across them they would have seen them for what they were, a young couple spending time together.

It was a light-hearted fun day, one Cade would always treasure, because she’d never had a day like it before. The entire beach was theirs and she was able to relax and not worry about having to hide her markings. Eli watched over her both in and out of the water, he showed her how to have fun, to splash and tease in the water and he knew when she put her head down that night she’d have a multitude of good memories floating through her mind.

The picnic lunch Gilbert prepared was delicious and plentiful. After all they were both Were’s and Were’s, always had a good appetite. Toward the afternoon Cade got up to wash the sand off her hands and walk along the edge, she was feeling relaxed and more at ease than she could ever remember feeling before coming to the Compound.

Cade looked over her shoulder at Eli laying back on the blanket dosing, she took another step forward and froze! Eli was becoming so attuned to her that he was immediately on his feet and moving towards her.

“What is it?” he watched her carefully unsure of what the danger was.

Cade put out a hand for him to be still and she took another two steps and gasped! She shook her head not wanting to believe what she had scented. She took a deep breath then moved forward again taking every care in inspecting the area before her.

She came to a sudden stop and knelt down beside a piece of large driftwood. As she came to her feet she turned and Eli moved quickly not liking what she was holding in her fingers.

He growled! “Cade, tell me?”

“Rouges Eli; they were here. She brought the small piece of fur to her nose and sniffed, “It was a while ago, but they were here.” She smiled, “I didn’t imagine it.”

“I never believed you had.” He took hold of her wrist and brought the fur to his own nose. “I have their scent now and if they come this way again they will not find it as easy to pass as it had been.”

They quickly packed up and Cade carefully placed the fur in a paper napkin before placing it in a plastic lunch bag. They moved quickly making a b-line for the training centre and Nicolas. When they were about halfway there Eli sent out a message to Nicolas letting him know they needed to speak with him. He was waiting outside the building leading to his office when they arrived.

Nicolas gave them a nod and turned to go back inside to his office. They followed and Eli closed the door once they were in the office. Nicolas sat down indicating they should do the same.

Eli held out his hand to Cade and she handed over the plastic bag containing the fur. He handed it to Nicolas, “Rouges! The same ones Cade has already scented. The scent is old but it’s still there.”

Nicolas opened the bag and took out the paper napkin careful not to touch the piece of fur and contaminating it. He took a sniff and growled. “Your right it’s old but I think we should bring in all the men so they’ll know the scent.”

He turned to Cade. “You found this?” she nodded. “You’ve done well; I only hope the bastards don’t decide to come back the same way.”

She couldn’t help but smile and Nicolas knew why. “They won’t second guess you again Cade. As I said you’ve done well, I’ll hang on to this and see to it that everyone man knows the scent by the end of the day. Go spend the rest of the day together while you can.” He smiled but Cade noticed the concern in his eyes.

For the next few days all the men were on alert, they didn’t close down the Compound, but they stayed close by, in case they were needed. Cade made sure Cord, didn’t go wandering off and Taylor and Leith kept an eye on both Cord and Angelique. Marcus stayed at a distance, but he too watched over them both, mainly because Angelique, tended to spend time after school with Cord, helping him catch up on his lessons.

Angelique felt badly about the situation, but couldn’t help liking that Marcus, was ever near. He hadn’t spoken to her about what might be between them and it irked her. No, actually it pissed her off but she wasn’t the type to force the issue. Not when it came to how someone may or may not feel about her. She didn’t want to ruin thing by telling him how she felt, just in case he didn’t feel the same way about her.

For the next few days everyone was a little tense, but soon enough things got back to normal and everyone went about their business. Cade pushed herself even more both with Nicolas and Trace. She truly enjoyed when Trace shimmered them out and laughed at the strained expressions on the faces of any of Enforcers that were near enough to see.

Cade was improving in leaps and bounds with her sword work and it wasn’t long before they were able to truly spar. On one such occasion Trace’s father Taren appeared stating he wished to see her progress. It unnerved her somewhat knowing who and what he was, but once they began sparing she forgot he was even there.

Taren stood to the side and quietly watched; when they broke for a rest he approached them both. “You’re doing well young Guardian.” He had a soft smile on his face as if remembering something or perhaps someone from the past.

Trace introduced them and Cade looked upon him in awe. She had heard of the Fey and knew that Kasey’s father was Fey, she’d just never thought she’d ever meet him or Trace for that matter.

They finished early and shimmered just outside Gilbert’s kitchen. “Mmm I do believe there will be beef stroganoff for dinner!” Cade and Trace laughed and followed Taren inside.

Moments later Kasey was running into the kitchen her arms outstretched to greet her father. Taren scooped her up and held her close kissing first one cheek then the other. When he finally put his daughter down he smiled, “Chrissy?” asked Taren.

Kasey laughed, “She’s on her way and with news for you as well granddad!”

Taren raised a brow but didn’t ask what she meant; he knew he’d find out soon enough. They all sat around the kitchen table and Gilbert served up soup and sandwiches. They were almost done eating when the sound of tiny feet could be heard heading their way.

“Pa… Pa… Pa!” cried Kyle as he bounded into the room his arms held out expecting his Pa, as he called him, to pick him up, which of course he did.

Taren came to his feet lifted Kyle up and moved towards Chrissy giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. When they took their seats Taren placed Kyle on his lap and shared some of his sandwich with him. More ended up on the floor than in his mouth but Taren didn’t seem to notice, he was just happy to be able to spend time with the boy.

“So,” Taren began. “What’s this news Kasey says you have for me?”

Chrissy grinned and rested a hand on her stomach. “Number two is on the way! I’m pretty sure this one’s a girl, at least I’m hoping so.”

“Congratulations Chrissy! This is wonderful news a sibling for Kyle, another little one to love.” He touched her face gently, “I’m sure Nicolas is chuffed.”

Both Kasey and Chrissy burst out laughing. “Nicolas is so excited I thought he was going to burst! After I told him I was pregnant, I think he went out and announced it to every member of the Pack individually!”

“Congratulations Chrissy,” Cade said with a huge smile on her face then turned to Taren. “It was nice to meet you Sir,” she gave Trace a nod and said her goodbyes before leaving.

She went in search of female company and called out as she saw Angelique in the distance. They spent the afternoon sitting in the back garden soaking up the sun and chatting. That is to say Angelique did most of the chatting and Cade did a good deal of listening. Cade didn’t mind though, they seemed to complement each other.

When there was a lull in the conversation Cade turned to her friend, “So how goes it with Marcus?”

Angelique blushed and got all flustered, “Umm what do you mean? There’s nothing going on between me and Marcus.”

Cade grinned and nodded knowingly, “Sure if you say so.”

“He… he… well he.”  She sighed, “He barely speaks to me Cade and if I get too close he backs off.” She pouted and gave Cade a sad look.

Hey let’s have a girls night in, you Jaz and me! We can watch movies and pig out.  What do you say?”

“What about Cord?”

Cade grinned, “I’m sure he’d love to spend the night with Eli.”

Eli and Cord decided to camp out not far from the training centre and when Taylor and Leith found out they invited themselves to join them. Jaz, Cade and Angelique didn’t so much as have dinner that night as make sure they had a variety of foods to munch on throughout the evening. They had cheeses and dips crackers, corn chips and flat breads and also an antipasto plate as well as chocolate and ice-cream and a fresh fruit salad.

Cade had never had friends before coming to the Compound and she’d never expected to have gotten so close to Angelique. This was another first for Cade too, she had never had a girl’s night either out or in and she found that she was enjoying herself immensely.

They ended up sleeping in the living room utilizing the couch, the bean bags and huge cushions Jaz had for when the guys were over and they hung out watching movies all day. They watched movies, listened to music and chatted off and on way into the night. They’d all be tired next day but they were enjoying each other’s company and Cade wouldn’t have given up this time for the world.

They woke to a cloudy day but that didn’t spoil the feelings of happy friendship Cade and Angelique shared as they fixed breakfast.

Jaz was pleasantly surprised when she came down and sat and relaxed as she ate. The girls did the dishes and Jaz went to get organised for her day. Then Cade came up with a brilliant idea.

“Let’s go horse riding!”

“What? No I umm…” Angelique had not expected Cade to say this.

“Don’t you think it’s about time you showed him what he’s missing. I’ll be right there with you Angelique, besides I really would like to learn how to ride a horse.” She smiled ever so sweetly and Angelique caved.

They raced out of the house and towards the stable coming across Taylor and Leith along the way. Cade looked around for Cord and Leith spoke up, “Cords gone fishing with Eli and Nate.” He shook his head, “I like eating fish I just don’t like having to sit for hours waiting for one of them to get caught on my line; I’m not that patient.”

They all laughed and Taylor noting how excited they both were had to ask what they were up too, “Where are you headed?”

Angelique blushed and Cade ignored her, “I was going to ask Marcus to teach me how to ride a horse. Angelique already knows but, hey if you both want to join us the more the merrier right?”

Taylor knew she was up to something. “I’m in!”

“Me too.” said Leith and all four were soon jogging into the stables looking for Marcus.

Marcus was not happy when he spotted the group approaching the stalls to check out the horses. He gave a deep sigh and moved towards them.

“What exactly are you four doing here?”

 Angelique blushed and the guys just grinned at him, Cade on the other hand stepped forward. “I was hoping you had time to teach me how to ride? Angelique and the guys already know and I’d like to be able to go riding with them at some stage.” She smiled and waited for him to speak.

The colour actually drained from his face and he rubbed a hand over his chin as if in deep thought. “Does your mate know you’re here?”

Cade immediately tensed and looked him square in the eye, “My mate, does not dictate what I can and can’t do. Besides he’s gone fishing with Nate and Cord.”

They waited, Cade never taking her eyes off Marcus. He sighed and shook his head, “Okay but if he…”

“He won’t! I told him things are sorted between us so unless he wants an argument he’ll leave things be.”

Marcus realised he had no reason to turn them away and moved towards the stalls. “Come on then. Leith help Angel saddle up Patches, you and Taylor can ride Jericho and Sidney.”

“What about me?” asked Cade.

“I’ve got a gentle one for you Cade, just until you know what you’re doing.” He moved towards a stall a few doors down and started talking sweet talk to the occupant. “Hey Sweet-pea how’d you like to show Cade here how to ride?”

He turned to Cade and saw that she was trying hard not to grin at him, “Cade I’d like you to meet a special lady. Cade meet Sweet-pea, Sweet-pea meet Cade.”

Cade moved closer to the horse and gave the old girl a pat on the head. Marcus stepped back and she stroked her back loving the feel of strength she got from the muscles beneath the fur.

“Hey girl, you sure feel soft and strong. I hope we can become good friends and I promise if it’s okay with Marcus I’ll even bring you a treat now and then.”

Sweet-pea whinnied as if understanding every word and Cade found herself warming to her even more. Marcus brought the horse out and saddled her ready for Cade to ride. It wasn’t long before he was leading her around the corral.

Cade had a huge grin on her face and waved to her friends as they rode outside the area she was in. They were good riders and she was hoping with practice that she’d eventually become just as good.

“You’re a natural Cade, it won’t be long and you’ll be riding out with the best of them.” Marcus was serious in his praise but Cade couldn’t help but notice a great deal of his attention was on Angelique and the way Leith and Taylor watched over her.

She couldn’t help herself; she got a wicked twinkle in her eye and smiled at Marcus. “They look good together don’t they, Angelique and the guys and they get along so well too.” she sighed, “I wonder which one she’ll choose?”

Marcus growled low and deep in his chest but didn’t say a word. She turned away from him trying to hide the grin on her face. “So when are you going back to your real job?”

“What do you mean?”

“I know you probably got told to work down here until Eli cooled off. So…”

“I like it down here, there’s no stress and it’s nice and quiet most of the time.” he shook his head and sighed. “I’ll need to talk to Nicolas first and see what he has to say.”

“Okay, but like I said I told Eli we talked and everything’s dealt with.”

He laughed, “No offence Cade, but that’s us. Eli hasn’t spoken to me since you collapsed that day and Nicolas, well let’s just say if you’d of been his mate I’d have been a dead man. That’s still likely to happen, if Eli wants another piece of me.”

“He won’t Marcus; he’d never do that to Angelique.” Marcus looked up at her in surprise and she moved off riding towards the others, leaving a somewhat stunned Were behind her.

That night Eli and Nate cooked fish for dinner. Jaz made chunky chips and Cade put together a salad while Cord excitedly told her all about his day. He’d had a great time with Eli and Nate and had caught three fish himself.

“Sounds like you had fun, squirt?”

“Yeah, Candy, I did and Eli and Nate said we can go again, if you say it’s okay. Can I Candy?” he looked up at her, with such big, innocent eyes.

“Sure you can, so long as you listen to what they tell you and you don’t go wandering off alone.” He nodded vigorously and she ruffled his hair because she needed the physical contact with him.

“What did you do today Candy?” Cord asked.

“I learnt how to ride a horse.” She could actually feel Eli tense up, but ignored it and continued speaking. “Angelique, Taylor and Leith were with me. Marcus is a good teacher but towards the end he lost focus a little.” She laughed when she saw confusion on her brothers’ face.

“I had a good time Cord. It’ll take a while, before I can ride as well as the others but I’ll get there. Maybe you can learn to ride too?”

“Are you friends with Marcus now?”

“Yeah, I guess so. You have to remember he’s still learning to be an Enforcer and well, everyone makes mistakes right?” he nodded. “Marcus feels bad about what happened and he apologised. I’m okay with that. It would be a shame if he never got to be a trainer again because he made one mistake, huh?”

Cord nodded, “When you put it like that, I guess you’re right, but if he ever hurts you again…” he shook his head.

“Squirt if Marcus, ever tried to hurt me again, I’d put him on his arse!”

They looked at each other for a moment then burst out laughing. Cade was very much aware of the quiet conversation going on out by the barbeque and hoped that her words had some influence on her mate.

“That’s some mate you’ve got Eli, and she talks a great deal of sense too.”

Eli growled, because he had to agree with what Nate had said and because if he were honest with himself, he still wanted to beat the crap out of Marcus. “That doesn’t stop me from wanting to hurt him.” He sighed, “The fish is about ready, can you go get a serving tray for me to put it all on?”

Nate left to get the tray and Cade passed him carrying the salad. “Jaz thought it’d be nice to eat out here tonight.” She placed the salad bowl on the table, walked over to Eli and leaned into him. “He’s a good man Eli, he screwed up is all. Don’t tell me you never made a mistake?”

“All right, I won’t kill him but I’m not about to be his best buddy, any time soon.”

Cade reached up and kissed the side of his face. “Thank you Eli.” She knew this was the best she was going to get and left the subject alone.

Dinner was most enjoyable, Jaz made a lemon myrtle cream dressing for the fish and it tasted pretty good on the chips too. After the dishes were done Nate, challenged Jaz and Cord to a game of monopoly and Eli, took Cades, hand announcing that they were going for a walk.

They walked hand in hand for a time then Eli put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. “It’s been a while my sweet Candy, we are both busy and your training is taking up a great deal more time than I expected.”

He felt her tense. “I’m not complaining… well yes I am, I miss you being here, but I understand. So when we can steal away for a few moments...”

He smiled, “There are times my little mate, when I would like to be alone with you and perhaps coax a kiss or two, from your lips. Tonight however, I am happy to just enjoy your company and be able to hold you.”

Cade blushed and wrapped an arm around his waist, loving what he’d said but unsure, how, or if she should answer. So she changed the subject completely. “Eli do you have any choice about your mate? I mean could one deny the other?”

“Why are you asking this?”

She laughed realising he was worried she was talking about them. “Angelique knows who her mate is, but he’s reluctant to make a move. She’s feeling dejected and afraid he doesn’t want her and he… well he doesn’t think he’s good enough for her.”

“Marcus is an idiot!” he stated and sat on a bench pulling her onto his lap as he did so.

“You know?”

He shook his head and laughed, “Everyone knows! A few of us were of half a mind to court her, just to see the reaction we’d get from him.

Cade looked appalled! “You wouldn’t really, would you?”

“No, but we did give it considerable thought.”

“So what can we do to help her?”

“No! He stated firmly as he shook his head. “We are not going to interfere; she has a mate. It’s up to him, to man up and do something about it.”

Cade looked at him all seriousness, “I was thinking we could go see a movie or something, maybe invite Angelique. She could bring a date; it doesn’t have to be Marcus?”

“Do you know what he’s likely to do if he sees anyone…”

The corner of his mouth quirked up and Cade knew she had him. She smiled sweetly and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “So, how about tomorrow? We can see a movie have some lunch, maybe get ice-cream after, like we did last time? You can even pick the movie if you like. I’ll be happy to just be there.”

Eli shook his head and tried not to laugh. “Okay, but who are you going to get to take Angelique?” he looked at her smugly, knowing full well anyone would have to be crazy to ask Angelique out considering the circumstances.

Cade thought for a few minutes before looking at him, a huge grin on her face. “Let me worry about that, just be ready to chaperone a group of us tomorrow. Oh and since you were no help, I’m thinking I’ll let someone else pick the movie.” Then she got to her feet gave him a kiss on the cheek and started walking towards home.

Eli sat quietly for a moment wondering what she was up too. He tried to read her mind but she blocked him. He laughed and followed her, catching up quickly and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. He wanted to ask who she had in mind, but held back letting her enjoy the fact that she had gotten one up on him.