Chapter 13

The next morning Cade was up early getting breakfast organised and was just about to serve up when Jaz and Cord entered the dining room. When they were done eating she cleared the table and begged off doing the dishes saying she had an errand to run.

Cord had already made plans to spend the day with friends, so Cade didn’t have to worry about him for the day. As she left the house she couldn’t help but grin at what she was about to do. She never thought she’s see the day that she’d be playing matchmaker, but Angelique was her friend and she wanted her happy.

She approached the training centre and veered off to Enforcers residence next door, sensing she’d find who she was looking for there. A few steps away from the doorway she called out, “Female entering!” then waited until she got the all clear.

As she stepped inside she nodded to a couple of the men and when she scented her targets she smiled softly and headed their way. They were playing pool and nodded when they saw her. “Hey guys. Umm, I was wondering if you were doing anything today?”

All three looked at each other curiously, before turning back to Cade. “What do you have in mind?” asked Mike.

“Well, I asked Eli to take me to the movies today and Angelique is coming along too.” She smiled ever so sweetly at them, “I was hoping either one or all of you would like to come? I mean, it would be a good way for us to get to know each other more and…”

“And a good way to get one or all of us killed!” stated Karl.

Cade blinked then blinked again trying to keep a blank face. “Why would going to the movies get you killed?”

“Because,” said Adam, “when Marcus finds out we are taking his ‘mate’ out he’ll want blood.”

She looked at them with as much surprise as she muster and would have said more to change their minds when Mike spoke again. “I’m guessing, you think Marcus needs a bit of a nudge?” he grinned. “I’m in but if I get killed, I’m so going to come back and haunt you.” He laughed and it wasn’t long before the other two guys were agreeing to help as well.

As she was leaving she called out over her shoulder. “I’ll meet you all in the car park at ten o’clock. Oh and one of you will have to go invite Angelique.” She saw the shocked expression on their faces and did her best not to laugh until she was out of earshot.

They had a great time at the movies but if asked what movie they’d seen, Cade would have had a difficult time answering. She smiled to herself because Eli got to snuggle up with her and Angelique had three young men making a fuss over her.

Angelique had seen Marcus out of the corner of her eye when Mike, Karl and Adam showed up outside her home to ask if she’d go to the movies with them. It hurt that he hadn’t told them to leave, hurt even more that he’d said nothing when she agreed to go with them. So she decided Marcus could ‘take a long run, of a short wharf’. She shook off any guilt she might have had about going out with three young men and was determined to have a good time. And she did!

After the movie they went out for pizza before going for a walk around town. They stopped off at a bakery and bought a chocolate cake to take back to Jaz for dessert. Cade always felt a little guilty when she when out without Cord, so she liked to bring something how to share with him and Jaz.

As Cade sat back on the couch that night and looked over everyone there she couldn’t help but smile. Jaz, Cord, Eli and Angelique were all friends… all family. She shook her head slightly and smiled because the only two missing were Taylor and Leith and knew they’d be peeved when they found out they missed out on both going to the cinema and cake.

Angelique stayed over that night and she chatted excitedly about their day. She truly did enjoy herself and the fuss that was made of her. Not once did she mention Marcus, she’d been good and mad at him before they left and now… well now she was just going to ignore him, the way he’d been ignoring her.

Next morning everyone was up early. It was Sunday so there was no need to get up early and rush off anywhere. It was a day to relax and enjoy being with family or just hanging out on your own or with friends.

Angelique headed for home after breakfast, saying she might see about going for a ride later in the day. Cade shook her head, knowing full well it wasn’t just the horse riding she’d be going to the stables for. She was feeling a little restless and needed to stretch, to swing, to train.

The training centre was out, Sunday was the only day it was pretty much empty. Trace, are you around? She waited a few moments before she felt him close by and grinned. How do you feel about doing some extra training?

A minute later Trace was there, holding his hand out to her. She took it then sent a message to Cord letting him know she was going with Trace and would be back in a few hours. Cade was improving no end with the sword and Trace told her several times that she was a natural.

They spent the better part of three hours sparring, talking and sparring some more. When they shimmered back close to the house Cade was more than ready for lunch. She gave Trace a slight bow. “Thank you Trace, I really think I’m getting the hang of the whole sword thing.”

Cade smiled as he shimmered away leaving her standing with a slight breeze flowing over her face. She closed her eyes and lifted her face into the breeze, taking in several calming breathes. It a little different this time though, as if she could sense or feel so much more than she had been able to before. She put it down to getting closer to finalising the markings and stepping into her destiny.

Cade went with the feeling, pushing her senses out to see what she could pick up. She found Cord at Chrissy’s with Talea, playing with Kyle. She pushed her senses out further and touched on Eli. He was with Nate and a few of the other Enforcers. She felt him touch her mind in return then go back to what he was doing.

She sighed and kept going, turning her senses away from the main areas of the Compound. She felt Angelique finishing up in the stables, Marcus close by but out of sight, most liking trying to avoid her. Cade grinned figuring he was probably upset about Angelique going out with not one, but three men!

Cade turned slightly, intending to pull her senses in closer and froze! Her heart beat picked up and her body tensed. She pushed every part of her mind forward, needing to be sure of what she’d felt. Eli she sensed was moving her way wondering what was wrong, but she ignored him her entire focus on what she was doing. When she found what she’d sensed she did something she hadn’t expected. For the first time since they’d arrived at the Compound, Cade opened her mind completely to the Pack.

Rouges! Three of them down by the stables… Oh God! Angelique is there, hurry!Then she ran as fast as she could towards her friend.

When Cade got close to the stables, she crouched behind a bush and checked out the area. She heard a muffled scream and touched on Angelique’s mind. I’m here Angelique and others are on the way. Remember when we were trying to teach you to fight? Do you remember what Leith said to you? He told you you’d never make a fighter, but you could probably talk your enemy to death. I know you’re scared, but you need to focus. Distract him, keep talking to him until someone gets to you.

She waited, hoping for an answer. Cade? He’s so big, but I’ll try I’ll…. And the connection was gone.

Cade had to hope that Angelique could keep the rouge busy until someone got to her. She couldn’t help, there were two more rouges close by. She heard movement to her right and spotted Marcus. She’s in the stable; she’s scared Marcus and there’s a rouge in there with her. Go, she needs you! He nodded and was gone.

Cade turned and saw a man moving towards the stable. He was tall and broadly built like a heavy weight boxer. He was handsome but there was an edge to him that didn’t feel right, then she caught his scent and her stomach turned. Rouge!

She came to her feet, knowing if she didn’t make a move he’d be in the stable in no time and Marcus would be no help to Angelique. She heard screams and the sound of fists hitting flesh. She ignored it, focusing on the man now moving towards her. A flick of her wrist and a knife was in her hand, three seconds later it was planted deep in the man’s chest, right where his heart was.

He took a few steps forward and stopped. He frowned at her as if trying to figure out what was going on. Cade nodded then looked directly at the knife planted deep in his heart. It was then that he lowered his eyes and saw the knife.

He didn’t scream, he didn’t even groan, he was utterly silent as he lifted his head to look into the eyes of his killer. He smiled and gave her a nod as if to say ‘well played’, then his legs gave out and he fell. Cade heard his heart stop before his body hit the ground.

She lifted her head when she heard the rustle of bushes and saw Eli running towards her, a look of concern on his face. Cade watched as if in a trance, working on instinct and moving as swiftly as the wind.

Eli spotted the rouge lying between them. He saw the faraway look in her eyes and stopped dead in his tracks. He knew his mate well, knew that if he moved he was a dead man. He saw as if in slow motion, but it took mere seconds. Cade pulled a second knife and threw it with blinding speed.

The third rouge must have heard all the noise and came running out after Eli. He didn’t stand a chance, was already a dead man, he just didn’t know it. Cade’s aim was straight and true, the knife landed in the man’s neck severing the carotid artery.

Eli felt the knife as it flew past him and waited a full five seconds before turning. By then the rouge was on his knees his life’s blood pumping out of him. It didn’t take long and he too lay lifeless in a pool of his own blood.

Eli turned back to Cade moving towards her. He stopped when he saw that she wasn’t fully with him and waited. It was the longest two minutes of his life and when he saw she was back he stepped closer and opened his arms for her.

Eli? She stepped into his arms and held him close.

He wrapped his arms around her and was finally able to breathe. He kissed the top of her head and kept holding her, ignoring what was happening around them. All too soon Cade pulled back and looked at him. “Angelique?”

He smiled down at his mate, “Angelique is fine. I’m not exactly sure what happened but she’s fine.” Then he grinned, “Marcus has her in his arms and it doesn’t look like he’s about to let her go any time soon.”

Cade turned her head and saw Marcus holding Angelique. They both seemed to be holding on to each other for dear life and that was just fine with Cade. “About time huh?”

Eli burst out laughing, “Indeed.”

As Cade looked around she saw at least a dozen Enforcers. The bodies of the rouges were being unceremoniously dumped in the back of an old utility truck and driven away, most likely to be disposed of.

Nicolas approached them as did Braedon and Jacob. “Hey,” said Cade.

“I have to tell you Cade,” began Nicolas, “I am so very glad I gave you those knives. Well done!”

Braedon reached out a hand and gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Are you all right Cade?”

She nodded, unable to find her voice and leaned further into Eli needing the comfort of touch. Cade looked up at Eli for a moment before turning back to the Alpha.

“Cade do you realise you sent out a warning to the entire Pack? I believe, whether you intended to or not, you have now become an intricate part of our Pack.” He smiled and pulled her into his arms needing to show his gratitude for what she had done.

For half a second she panicked, thinking Eli might react to him holding her but he didn’t. She found herself holding him back and it felt comfortable. It wasn’t the same as when Eli held her but it felt right, almost like how it felt when she held Cord. Then it hit her, she really was Pack and these people were now hers. Hers to protect and care for, to become friends with and train with and… she couldn’t help thinking as she saw Angelique in her mates’ arms, and go shopping with. Hers to protect!

“I found a home Alpha. I think Cord realised it before me, but the Compound is home to us both now and if it’s okay with you, we’d like to stay?”

Jacob piped up then, “My dear girl, this has been your home since the day you arrived. Your father ensured you both got to us, that in itself was enough to tell us you were to reside here.” He laughed at the stunned look on her face and moved back to speak with someone else.

Eli moved them towards Angelique, knowing Cade would want to see firsthand that she was safe. When they got close enough both women threw their arms around each other and cried. The men stepped back leaving them alone for a while and they were grateful. They didn’t speak; there was no need for words, not yet.

About twenty minutes later Nicolas had everyone gathered close, there was no sense if waiting until they got back to the main area. They were all there and they needed to move forward. “Silence!” he called and gave his brother a nod.

The Alpha looked around at his men; he stopped when he came to both women and his eyes softened. “Cade and Angelique are two very brave young women. As you all know, Cade warned us about rouges several weeks ago. Unfortunately, we were unable to track them down and now our youngest, Enforcer, has prevented two rouges from doing any more harm.”

He turned to Marcus, “You too have done well Marcus and dare I say you have also claimed your prize?”

Marcus grinned and nodded while Angelique blushed and everyone either applauded or cheered. When everyone had quietened down again Cade stepped forward and walked over to the Alpha.

 “There was one more; he didn’t veer off with these three, he kept going south.” She sighed, “I felt him, he’s worse that all three of these put together. He’s pure evil… he enjoys hurting people and he isn’t going to stop. Alpha, you need to warn the other Packs,” she turned to Angelique wanting to give her an opportunity to speak as well.

Angelique came to her feet as well. “I started talking to the rouge that attacked me. Cade told me I should try and distract him until help arrived, so I kept talking and I umm…” she blushed and lowered her head.

Marcus came up behind her. “Angel whatever you did or said you did it to survive, so don’t be afraid or upset about what you need to say. Please Angel just tell us?”

She took a deep breath and gave him a nod. “I stopped fighting him. I told him if he wanted me we could… umm… we could take our time because no one would disturb us there. Umm in the stable that is. He wasn’t so rough with me then so I kept talking to him. I think I was either amusing him or he kind of liked me, because he smiled and started talking to me too.

They wanted to start their own Pack. There were four of them, like Cade said. Their leader was going on ahead to find somewhere for them to settle.” Angelique lifted her eyes and looked her Alpha in the eyes, something she would never have done in the past. “Alpha, to have a Pack you need females and they were determined to either take female Were’s or make their own.”

There were several growls from the men but Braedon ignored them. “Angelique, you were extremely brave to do what you did. Not only did you buy yourself time until Marcus arrived, you also discovered what they were up too. We are all grateful to you little one.”

Tears welled up in Angelique’s eyes, never before had she ever thought someone would say something like that to her. She was a little overwhelmed but Marcus pulled her into his arms and held her close. “I’m going to take Angel up to see Jaz. I want to make sure she’s all right.”

“I’d like to do the same with Cade,” Eli said. “I know she’s fine, but Jaz and Cord will be worried until they set eyes on her.”

“Good idea,” said Braedon, “but first thing tomorrow all Enforcers are to meet in the training centre. Cade you are to be there as well as Taylor and Leith.” He looked at Cade. You will more than likely wish to tell Angelique your secret in private.

Yes, I think that would be best. I’ll speak with her tonight.

When Cade arrived home she was rushed by Cord and Jaz, arms holding her, words of concern spoken and even a few tears shed. It didn’t surprise her at all that Angelique was pulled into the middle of it either.

As they finally let go of each other it was to be pulled into the arms of another… first Taylor then Leith. They did the same to Angelique and were led into the house that way, arm in arm with a friend. Eli and Marcus stood back and watched for a moment before following. They knew Taylor and Leith were no threat to them and their mates. If anything they knew they’d put themselves in danger to protect them both.

They’d no sooner been given the all clear by Jaz when the men had to leave. Marcus pulled Angelique into his arms, “Angel I need to go. Nicolas wants me to give my report on what happened in the stable.”

He looked at Jaz and Cade before turning back to his newly acknowledged mate, “Stay here with your friends Angel. I’ll be back as soon as I can and we can talk, okay?”

 “Okay,” replied Angelique then she reached up nervously and kissed him on the cheek.

No one needed to say anything to Taylor and Leith, they weren’t going anywhere. They’d heard Cade send out the warning and headed directly for Jaz and Cord to make sure they were safe. They knew Cade was headed towards the stables and that Angelique was in harm’s way. They had to trust that Enforcers would be there to do what they do best — protect the innocent. And Angelique was about as innocent as they came.

It all but killed them not to run to the stables and help, but they realised they’d have only been in the way. They hadn’t wanted to do anything that might jeopardise rescuing their friend, so they stayed with Jaz and did their best to keep her and Cord calm.

The men left and Jaz soon had everyone sitting around the kitchen table waiting on hot chocolate. Cade pulled a packet of tiny marshmallows out of the cupboard to sprinkle on top, knowing they’d appreciate the extra gooey goodness.

Cade looked at each person seated around the table and sighed. It was time to share her secret. It was time to trust them fully with who they were and what she would soon become. She caught Cord’s eye and he nodded realising what she meant to do.

Jaz was moving around the room looking for treats for them to eat. “Jaz, I think we’re good for now, can you please come sit down there are a few things I need to say?”

Jaz saw the serious expression in Cade’s eyes and sat beside her. She wasn’t sure what Cade wanted to say, but she had a feeling she might need a little supported. She saw the strain on Cord’s face and suddenly knew what was about to happen. Jaz gave Cade a slight nod and sat back in her chair waiting for her surrogate daughter to tell her secret.

All eyes were on Cade and she could feel her face flush with heat. “Okay,” she began, “you guys are my best friends and you’re like family to both Cord and me. There are a few things about us, about me that you don’t know and after what happened today — it’s time you did.”

Cade sat quietly for a minute sipping her hot chocolate and trying to find the right words. “I guess I should start with who we really are. My full name is Cadence Rendee Maeve Aidenholm and Cord’s is Cordelle Ransom Aidenholm.”

Cade could see her friends were thinking on their names but it was Taylor who turned to her with recognition in his eyes. She nodded confirming what she knew he was thinking. “Our Sire was Nairn Rendell Aidenholm. From what I’ve been told our father had a reputation and was a well known and respected Alpha.”

“Jesus Cade, why didn’t you say something earlier, you’d have had no problems getting Nicolas to let you train.”

Cade gave Leith a laugh, “I needed to be accepted for who I am, not who my father was and so did Cord. When I was brought before the Alpha that first day I told everyone who we were.” She grinned, “I didn’t exactly give them my full name at that meeting, but I asked them to keep our linage quiet for the time being and they agreed.”

“You both carry some powerful names.” Stated Taylor. “Cadence means rhythmic, which fits considering the way you move when you’re training and Rendee is a variation of Randell which means Wolf-like Shield. Now that is a powerful name, especially for a Were.”

He turned to Cord, “Your name is similar. Cordelle means rope maker and that fits too, you’re good with your hands and Ransom means a Warriors Son. I’d say you were both named well.”

He saw the incredulous looks on everyone’s faces. “What? Words especially names are interesting and some can be powerful.” He looked Cade directly in the eye, “I’m guessing there’s more you need to tell us though, huh?”

Cade let out a breath, “Yeah, there’s more. Hold on a sec.” she got to her feet and left the room, returning a minute later holding a book. Cade placed it on the table, “you all know the legend of the Guardians. Most people believe it’s just that, a legend, a fairy tale but it’s not. I’m living proof of that.”

Cade saw the confusion on each of their faces and came to her feet again. Jaz touched her arm and looked at her as if to say ‘are you sure’. Cade smiled at her, “It’s time they knew Jaz. I’ve only got a few of days left.”

Cade pulled off her long sleeved top and dropped it on the table beside the book. She wasn’t surprised to hear gasps from her friends at seeing the markings on her arms. “There are more markings, on my legs, my back and my stomach.”

She lifted the tank top she had on to show the markings on her stomach and heard Angelique sob. “It’s okay Angelique, there’s just one more marking and it’s complete. I’ll be the first Sacred Guardian in centuries.”

“What do you mean Sacred Guardian?” asked Leith.

“There are two kinds of Guardians, the Warrior Guardian which is what my father wanted me to become and the Sacred Guardian which is what I will become. The Warrior is just that, a warrior, a fighter. The Sacred Guardian is different though. From what Trace and Benjamin have told me a Sacred Guardian is more of a protector.

In the past he or she would watch over all Were’s and Fey. I’m not exactly sure how that works but I usually know when Trace or his brothers are around. Earlier I could feel the rouges close by and was able to find their leader and get a sense of where he was headed.”

“Cade, you said you still have one mark left to get. When… how… I mean…”

“It’s okay Angelique, so long as it’s done before my seventeenth birthday it’s all good.” She smiled trying to make light of the situation but knew it probably wasn’t going to work.

“Candy, your birthday is in like four days.”

Cade sat back down not worrying about putting her long sleeved top back on. She knew her birthday was coming up, she just hadn’t realised it was so soon. “I’ll need to talk to Trace and Benjamin about when it’s supposed to happen, they should know.” She shrugged her shoulders. “There’s no point stressing over something I can’t change.” She saw the distress on Angelique’s face. “I have no choice, if I don’t finalise this I will never feel whole.”

Cade waited a few minutes letting everyone mull over what she’d said before she spoke again. “Let’s just not think about it for now okay?”

“How about we think about your birthday celebration? I’m sure everyone will want to help?” Jaz looked at everyone and they all nodded vigorously.

That settled the topic of discussion changed and in no time at all they were arguing about whether to have a family dinner or a huge Pack celebration. Cade sat quietly watching as everyone talked trying to get their ideas across. She couldn’t help but smile, she was truly home.