Chapter 7

For the next two days Eli kept his distance from his Cade. It hurt to stay away from her but he knew she needed this time to work through her emotions and hopefully come to terms with their being mates. He spent all of his time at the Library pouring over the books in the restricted section, those that dealt with Were history as well as myths and legends.

It took Jaz two full days to convince Cade to let her photograph her so Eli had a point of reference for his research. He called over to pick up the manila folder she’d put the photographs in and wasn’t surprised that Cade had made herself scarce. He’d hoped to see her if only for a few minutes but wouldn’t push for it.

He gave Jaz a kiss on the cheek and turned to go when he heard footsteps coming from the kitchen. “I made coffee if you have time?” asked Cade.

All at once the agro and tension melted away, he turned to her and smiled, “Yes Cade I have time, thank you.”

Jaz disappeared and Eli followed his mate into the kitchen where she’d set a plate of blueberry muffins on a plate next to the coffee pot. He sat down and Cade poured for both of them. He sensed her nervousness and tried to break the tension between them, “So who made the muffins?”

Cade laughed, “Not me, I’m a warrior not a cook. Jaz made them early this morning.”

“You know there’s nothing wrong with knowing your way around a kitchen, the Enforcers usually take turns preparing a meal so I’ve become quite the chef.”

She shrugged, “I can cook Eli mostly camp food though because it’s all we needed.”

“Cade,” he began but she shook her head and he waited.

“Eli I’m sixteen years old, I have a brother to take care of and a blood oath to see through. Cord is the only family I have left, he has to be my priority and that’s going to take some time. I don’t know when or if I’ll ever be ready to have a mate?”

Eli looked at her doing his best not to show his emotions, “Cade I know Cord is your main priority, but you don’t have to do it all alone. You have Jaz who will always be here for you. You’ve also got Taylor and Leith, two friends who’ve already shown their loyalty to you.”

He sighed and looked down at his coffee for a moment, “Most importantly you have me. You’re my mate Cade and I’m yours I’ll stand by you no matter what. Cord will need more than just you my sweet Candy and now he has an entire Pack to help him develop into the man you want him to be.”

“Eli I…”

“Shh one step at a time love, one day at a time. As you said your sixteen, although you did try pushing that to almost seventeen,” he grinned and she couldn’t help but blush. “You need time Cade, time to grow and learn about who you are and who you can be. I’m a patient man my sweet but I would like to walk beside you in your discoveries, if you will let me.”

Cade couldn’t believe what Eli had said, “You’re willing to wait?”

He smiled, gave her a nod and before she knew what was happening he’d pull her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. She tensed up, “You call this waiting?” she asked.

“Yes my sweet Candy this is me waiting; it is also me doing what I need to have some kind of physical connection with you.”

He gave her a kiss on the tip of her nose before nuzzling her neck and breathing in her scent. “Mmm you smell like a pine forest after a summer rain, fresh and clean.” He smiled and kissed her softly on the lips surprising her.

He rubbed a hand gently up and down her back hoping she’d relax and when she finally did she all but melted against him. She smiled and shook her head, “Eli…”

“Okay I’ll go but from time to time we are both going to need this kind of closeness.” Then he kissed her again soft and gentle holding her close and trying to convey his emotions without pushing too hard.

When he pulled back she was gasping for breath and he held her close waiting for her to catch her breath. When she lifted her head from his shoulder he came to his feet bring Cade with him, “I have wanted to do that for some time now my sweet Candy.” Then he smiled and left taking the manila folder with him.

Cade sat back down momentarily unable to feel her legs, she watched as he left and knew he was right. She sighed and unknowingly reached a hand up to touch her lips. Yes they would need to touch from time to time and mayhap be as intimate as they had just been. She blushed at the thought and when she felt able got to her feet and went in search of Jaz.

She found Jaz at the surgery tending to a couple of little ones who’d been playing too rough. She waited quietly until the children left with their mother’s then approached Jaz. She wasn’t exactly sure of what to say but knew in her heart that it wouldn’t be long before Eli came back with questions about her scars.

Jaz could see Cade wanted to talk so she cleaned up and beckoned her into the kitchen, “Sit, I’ll make us some tea and we can talk.”

Cade sat quietly watching Jaz prepare the tea, she hadn’t realised it until then but she’d come to depend on her support. She also liked that she could talk things through with Jaz as well. When they had their tea Cade looked at Jaz nervously.

“Cade you can talk to me about anything you know that right?”

She nodded but remained silent blowing on her tea before sipping it. Jaz waiting figuring Cade would speak when she was ready. They sat for a few more minutes and finally Cade sighed, “Jaz Eli said he saw the markings on my body. You never asked me about them not even when you took photographs for him.” she lowered her head unsure if she should say any more.

Jaz reached out and took her hand giving it a squeeze and waited. Cade looked up and saw kindness and strength in her eyes and this gave her the strength to trust her with her secret.

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

Eli spent the next few days pouring through books and still came up with nothing. He kept away from Cade needing to focus on the task at hand. He knew she had secrets but also knew she was nowhere near ready to share them. The bond between them was growing and now that she’d pretty much acknowledged him as her mate his Wolf relaxed a little.

He’d actually feared that Cade would reject him; he had a gut feeling that her life had been a great deal more difficult than she’d let on and that she might push him away.

Eli smiled at the knowledge that his sweet Candy hadn’t fought him off when he pulled her onto his lap or when he kissed her. He sighed; she had no idea how beautiful she was but this was something he intended to change. She was his and he would have her see herself as others did… as he did.

Ben was helping one of the children with a book and glanced up at Eli, he was stacking the books on the table he’d been using and was about to put them back on the shelves. He moved quickly, “Eli leave them I’ll put them back, it’s no trouble really.”

Eli grinned at the Elder, “Yeah I’ll probably put them back in the wrong place anyway and you’ll have a hell of a time finding them when you need them.”

Ben smiled agreeing with what he’d said then noticed the book in his hand, “Eli on your way out would you please ask Jarrod if this is the book he was looking for?”

Eli took the book from Ben’s hand, “No problem,” he replied and moved out to the open area where a few people were checking the shelves for something to read. He spotted Jarrod and moved towards him, as he did he glanced down at the book he was holding and froze.

He stood there for a full minute unable to do anything but look at the book he was holding. Ben noticed and steered him back towards the restricted section and sat him down before going to find something else for Jarrod to read.

He moved back to Eli and closed the door behind him. “Eli are you alright you look somewhat pale?” he saw the intent look he had on his face and realising that he hadn’t taken his eyes off the book sat across from him and took it from him.

This seemed to bring Eli back to himself and he suddenly realised he was sitting across for Ben. He ran a hand through his hair and let out a breath, “I’ve been doing some research trying to find…” he looked on the table for the manila folder.

As he picked it up Ben placed the book on the table in front of him, “Talk.” He said in a stern but kindly manner.

Eli shook his head, “It’s a myth, a legend it can’t be true… can it?”

“Much of our history is steeped in myths and legends; the tale of the Guardian is one that has for the most part been forgotten. The title is now utilised on an everyday level that does its original purpose no justice at all.”

Eli was stunned; he looked at Ben still trying to take in the fact that the stories he heard of the Guardians as a child were real. He handed the folder to Ben hoping he’d be able to get some understanding of what he was feeling.

Ben took the folder and opened it and Eli saw the colour slowly drain from his face, “Where did you get these?”

“From Jaz I asked her to take them.” He waited still trying to get his head around it all, “these are photographs of my mate.”

“Who,” Ben asked a slight tremble in his voice.

Eli shook his head, “Tell me first, what does this mean, how can this be real?”

Ben got to his feet, “Speak to no one of this, I’ll organise a meeting with Braedon he’ll need to know of this.”

Eli stood and grabbed the Elders arm, “What does this mean for her… for us?”

“If these markings are real it will mean a great deal for the Pack. That this is a female is surprising, to be honest I’m having difficulty believing she survived long enough to get to this stage.”

“Ben you are not making me feel any easier about any of this.”

Ben turned to him, “I’ll say no more. Go I’ll meet with you in Braedon’s office in an hour’s time.” he handed Eli the folder and left the room taking the book from the table with him.

An hour later Eli found himself in his Alpha’s office, Ben was there already as was Braedon, Jacob and Nicolas. He nodded his head to the Alpha and took a seat on one of the couches that they were sitting on.

He looked at Ben and noted he looked calm and there was an excitement lit in his eyes that he’d never seen before. He waited quietly and when no one spoke he looked to the Elder, “Ben?”

Ben moved forward in his seat and looked at each of the men there before he began. He passed the book in his lap to Braedon. Braedon looked at the book and raised a brow, “Bedtime stories Benjamin?”

“Bear with me Alpha and pass the book on when you’ve finished looking at it.” he looked at Eli and held out his hand. Eli got up and handed the folder to him feeling a little hesitant because they were photographs of his mate. Reluctantly he gave them to Ben and took his seat again.

When Braedon handed off the book Ben gave him the folder. Both he and Eli waited for Braedon to react, thankfully it didn’t take long but a look from Ben had him keeping his thoughts to himself. Ben did the same with Nicolas and Jacob before speaking.

“I have been assured that these photographs are real. We have a potential Guardian amongst us.”

Braedon turned to the Elder, “How can this be, stories of true Guardians are just that stories.”

Ben sighed, “Alpha you of all people should realise that many stories are based in truth, your mate is Fey is she not?” he didn’t wait for acknowledgement before continuing, “There has not been a true Guardian among us for centuries but they are real.”

He looked at each man there and saw disbelieve on their faces. “I have been a Historian for a great many years. Were and to an extent Fey history has always interested me and I have gathered a great amount of information regarding what many would now call myth or legend.

The stories we were told as children are the watered down versions of what a Guardian truly is. To be a Guardian is to have a life of obedience, pain and obligation to their Pack. In times gone by Pack Alphas would seek out the strongest family and take the first born to train. The child had to be male but this was not always so.

The Alpha would take the child from his family when he’s five or so. That’s when the training would begin. Firstly he is trained to control his emotions. Imagine if you will a child of five being taught to fight and being so young he would of course be hurt easily. Imagine that same child being told not to cry then beaten when he did.

This becomes a way of life for the child and the beatings and the training both progress as he grows. He learns quickly to control his emotions, to cut off all signs of what he really feels.”

Ben sighed, “As the child gets older the beatings get far worse and bones are broken… deliberately. This is apparently to help the child build up his strength and learn how to deal with pain, put it aside as it were until he had time to deal with it. Again the child is told to control his emotions and if he can’t there is more pain.

At the age of seven the level of training changes, it becomes more brutal, the beatings and other punishments continue but the Alpha gives him the first cut. He uses a silver edged knife so it takes longer to heal. Hot ash is rubbed into the wound to ensure the scaring… the first mark.

Each mark is given as a reward for surviving a certain stage of the training. One might be for finally learning to take control of his emotions, not just holding back tears but showing no emotion whatsoever when being hurt. Another may be given for passing some kind of test that had been set for him. What those tests might be would be up to the Alpha.

Ben lowered his face for a moment as if in thought, when he looked up again they saw that the colour had drained from his face, “The kind of training a Potential Guardian would have to endure is brutal, many of the strongest fell in the early stages of training. They were but children and were unable to withstand the attacks both verbal and physical.

According to the photographs there is still one mark left to be given. This mark signifies the rite of passage from Potential to Guardian. If the final mark  has not been given by the day of the Potentials seventeenth year he will never be whole. He will live his life knowing there will always be some part of him that’s missing, a part he will never be able to find. Why Nairn didn’t administer the final mark to Cade is beyond me?”

Ben heard audible gasps from three of the men there; he ignored them and looked directly at Eli. I know you don’t want to hear this Eli but this needs to be done. When does she turn seventeen?”

Eli growled low and deep he was unable to speak all he could do was try to breathe and push away the images his mind created of his mate being tortured by a mad man. Everyone watched as he struggled to keep control, they were so focused on him they missed the sound of the door opening and the quiet sound of footsteps as both Kasey and Chrissy entered the room.

Kasey moved immediately to her mate’s side but Chrissy knelt in front of Eli taking both his hands into her own. She didn’t say a word there was no need, she touched his mind ever so gently and surrounded him with as much calm as she could.

It took a minute or so but he was soon breathing easier and when his eyes finally focused on the fact that the Packs Omega was kneeling before him he moved forward and pulled her into his arms. Chrissy held him too and spoke soft words that only he could hear; she stroked his face and smiled when he looked up at her.

“You do realise my mate is standing close by  watching us getting all close and huggy?” she grinned and laughed when Eli suddenly stood and stepped back from her.

Nicolas stood when he saw how close his little mate was getting to Eli, he wanted to drag her away from him but he trusted her knowing that this was what was needed. That she’d made a joke out of it put a smile on his lips, he knew she was trying to make light of the situation and get Eli to come back to himself.

Eli looked at Nicolas not knowing what to say, “She’s good isn’t she?” Nicolas smiled at the Enforcer, “how do you feel now?”

Realisation hit and he looked to Chrissy, “Thank you little one I almost lost it for a moment.” He shook his head, “That bastard tortured her… his own child!”  He looked at Chrissy again and raised a brow, “Did you know?”

“No Eli I didn’t know,” then she moved to her mate pushing him back onto his seat so she could position herself on his lap thus calming his Wolf. She sighed and turned back to Eli.

“I knew they were coming and I knew she would become important to the Pack.” She touched her mates face rubbing her palm over his chin before looking back at Eli, “I also knew she would be your mate. I’m sure Ben would have explained to you something of her life. Obligation, obedience, responsibility and pain are all she’s ever known. All she’s ever expected until now.”

Chrissy sighed, “She carries a world of hurt Eli and experienced a world of pain. The only affection she’s had since she was very young is what Cord was able to give her and I’m thinking that was only when her father wasn’t around.”

Chrissy looked at Kasey and she responded. “I’ve sensed her pain as well. All her life she’s had to prove herself, not just that she could do what her father taught her, she had to prove she was good enough to survive. I have no doubt that her father would have killed her had she not been able to push past what he did to her.”

Each man there including Ben let out a growl protesting what had been done to Cade. Eli moved closer to Ben, “What now? You said there is one more mark to be given. Does that have to happen because I don’t want her in anymore pain.”

Ben looked to Braedon but didn’t speak. Braedon held his mate closer for a moment trying hard not to think about how he’d feel had it have been Kasey that had to endure what Cade had been put through. He kissed her forehead then turned to Eli.

“We will need to speak with her; I dare say she knows all that we’ve spoken of. She is your mate Eli but as Alpha it is my responsibility to ask her if she wishes to have the final mark administered to her body.

Her actions since she arrived here make more sense now, she is the first born and as such the only choice Nairn had. I would like to discover why she didn’t tell us especially now that she seems so settled here.”

He sighed and shook his head, “We all need some time to digest what we’ve learned. Eli I’d suggest you keep your distance from Cade until you are a great deal calmer, then you’ll need to speak with her and bring her here to meet with us all.”

Eli nodded, he knew he was in no fit state to be with Cade so he took his leave and moved across the Compound quickly. He’d go for a run, a very long run perhaps even spend the night out under the stars. He called to Nate telling him he was going hunting and felt the grin on his friends face. He met up with Nate a few minutes later and they were soon running through the bush on four paws.

Eli moved swiftly the feel of the wind in his fur and the scents of the bush easing the tension he’d felt since he’d discovered Cade’s secret.  As a Wolf he felt a great deal closer to nature and he needed this time, he needed to hunt… to kill because even as calm slowly began to engulf him all he wanted was to have Nairn alive. He wanted to hunt him down and kill him for what he’d done to his mate.

Eli and Nate stayed out over night; they brought down a good sized kangaroo after chasing him down and they took their time eating. It had been quite a while since either of them had spent a night under the stars and it felt good.

It eased Eli’s heart and his soul to be in the bush giving over to his Wolf, he needed this time to just be who and what he was not just a man but a Wolf.

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

Eli distanced himself from Cade for several days needing to make sure he had his head around all he had discovered… all he had been told. He’d reached out several times with his mind to touch Cade but when he sensed her trying to connect with him he retreated quickly.

Cade was none too happy with the situation, she knew the moment Eli touched her mind and wanted or perhaps now needed to touch his as well. It was frustrating that he wouldn’t let her so in the end she blocked him altogether believing it would be better to have no contact at all.

It had been two weeks since Cade had collapsed; she was back to full strength and feeling restless. She wanted to get back to training but needed Jaz to give the go ahead. Cord had begun school and was out playing with a few of his new friends. She was bored and needed to be doing something. She was tired of hanging around the house and needed to stretch her legs.

“Jaz!” she called out, “I’m going for a walk I’ll be back soon.”

Jaz laughed and answered her quietly, “Okay Cade have fun but don’t overdo it.”

Cade started walking not really sure where she was heading, she needed to move she’d been still for too long. A few minutes later she looked up unsure which way to go when she saw a young woman sitting under a tree and headed her way.

“Hey,” she said with a smile but the woman jumped as if startled.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to frighten you,” Cade sat crouched down a few feet away from her. “Are you alright?”

Cade looked at her closely she was more girl than woman, almost too fine boned and petite for a Were. She was pretty too, soft brown hair and big chocolate brown eyes that shone with health, but she only caught a quick look at her eyes as she averted her them after a quick glance at Cade. She seemed so shy and this only made her want to befriend her even more.

Cade relaxed knowing that the woman would sense any kind of aggression and sat cross legged on the ground. “My name’s Cade I don’t think I’ve met you before?”

“I… I, umm,” the woman blushed and lowered her head even more than it already was.

“I’m still fairly new to the Compound and to be honest I don’t really have any female friends except for Jaz.”

The woman looked at her somewhat surprised, “But Jaz had a party for you with some of the popular girls?”

Cade laughed and shook her head, “I don’t like having my friends chosen for me and besides I had absolutely nothing in common with any of them.”

“My names Angelique but most people call me Angie.”

“Why, I mean Angelique is such a beautiful name it would be a shame not use it?”

She smiled at Cade, “Thank you I like my name too.”

“Then it’s settled you’re Angelique! I was just going for a walk; would you like to join me?” Cade smiled and got to her feet waiting for Angelique to consider her offer.

“I’d like that,” she replied and got to her feet ready to follow Cade’s lead.

“How about you show me around, I’ve seen all the areas I’ve needed to see so how about you show you your favourite places?”

Angelique grinned and grabbed Cades hand before walking towards an area Cade hadn’t explored as yet. She was curious but kept her questions to herself wanting her new friend to take charge. They’d been walking for about fifteen minutes when Cade sniffed the air and turned to her friend questioningly.

“The stable,” Angelique explained, “I visit with the horses when I’m feeling lonesome,” she sighed. “Sometimes it’s easier to talk to horses than it is people.” She turned away from Cade not wanting her to see the sadness she was feeling.

Cade didn’t like that Angelique felt alone at times, she’d had her fair share of alone and it wasn’t something she’d wish on anyone least of all her new friend. “I’ve never seen a horse up close before, what are they like?”

Angelique turned to Cade a grin on her face, “They’re big but they aren’t scary if you know what you’re doing. I mean you should always be careful around a horse because they could step on you or something, but for the most part they’re friendly.”

“Okay then, I’ll let you show me what to do shall I?” Angelique nodded and they continued walking.

When they reached the stables they moved over to the corral to watch a young horse being put through its paces. It took her a minute to recognise the man handling him and she sighed.

Marcus, oh well I had to run into him some time.

Cade turned to Angelique and saw that she’d noticed Marcus too. She was shaking nervously and her face was flushed. She also kept her head down but kept glancing up at him and Cade couldn’t help but see longing there.

“Does he know?” she asked her.

Angelique jumped, “What… no… umm…” she shook her head.

“I need to go speak with him, you want to come or…” Angelique shook her head and Cade climbed over the corral and dropped to the other side.

“Marcus!” she called softly not wanting to spook the horse and knowing he’d hear her.

Marcus turned and was surprised to see Cade. He nodded acknowledgement and turned back to the horse moving her through to another area before letting her loose. He turned to Cade waiting for her to come over to him and noticed Angelique hiding on the other side of the corral.

 Cade smiled softly not really sure how to deal with the situation but knowing she needed too. “The guys said you’d been working down here, the horse responds well to you.”

He sighed, “Look Cade I’m sorry for what I did to you, I had no right and not just because Eli’s your mate.” he saw Cade tense up but continued, “I wouldn’t have treated any of the males that way and I’m ashamed of what I did to you.”

He shook his head and indicated the horse with a nod of his head. “I used to work here all the time before I got pulled in as an Enforcer.” He sighed and she could see sadness in his eyes, “To be honest I’m not sure I’m cut out for it, being an Enforcer that is. I like working here,” he spread his arms to indicate the immediate area. “It’s peaceful here and I’m thinking I might ask Nicolas if I can stay put.”

“You made a mistake Marcus; we all make mistakes that shouldn’t push you away from what you were doing. I mean you seemed to like being an Enforcer?”

He laughed and shook his head, “Yeah a little too much. I liked the way the kids looked up to me and I liked the respect I got even if it was from a distance.”

Cade looked over to Angelique and saw her duck back behind the fencing. She turned back to Marcus and looked at him questioningly. When he didn’t say anything she moved closer so her voice wouldn’t travel.

“Angelique is really sweet and she seems to like you?”

“Angel deserves better than me. I’ve told her as much but she still hangs around watching when she thinks I’m not looking. Maybe you can put her straight.” He shook his head and made to move away from her.

Cade growled at him, “I didn’t think you were a coward Marcus!” she said and turned to walk away from him.

That kind of stopped him in his tracks and he went after her grabbing her arm and turning her around to face him. “I’m no coward girly!”

“You could have fooled me,” she said as calmly as if she was asking him if he wanted coffee or tea. “I’m sixteen Marcus, I have a younger brother to both care for and train because I was forced to make a blood oath to my father to do so.”

She saw the shocked look on his face but kept going, “On top of that I had to travel from our home which was weeks away on foot and make sure we both had enough food to keep us going until we got here.

I’ve never had the opportunity to be a kid and now that I’m here you’d think I could get a bit of peace, a bit of time to relax and get past what my life has been. And what happens? The night I meet you guys I come face to face with my mate!

I’m still a kid Marcus but he’s my mate and I won’t deny it. We’ve barely spoken about it because he knows I’m too young. He wants me to have time to get my head around it and maybe even have some kind of life, but neither of us will hide from what is. That’s the coward’s way out!”

Cade turned on her heel and left him standing in the middle of the corral with his mouth gaping open. She made her way to Angelique grabbed her hand and tugged her along with her as she moved back towards the main area of the Compound.

Once there she heading towards the training centre, Angelique balked when she realised where Cade was taking her but wasn’t strong enough to pull away from her.

“How old are you?” Cade looked at Angelique as they came to a stop at the entrance to the training centre.

"I’m twenty two.”

“Close enough!” she moved inside and spotted Christian and Nate as well as Taylor and Leith. “Nate are you busy?”

Nate called out to her, “Hey Cade what’s up and,” he looked at a blushing Angelique, “What do you need?”

She looked at the guys and grinned before looking back at Nate, “I was wondering if you’d mind taking us into town? I’ve only been there the once with Jaz and Eli and I’d like Angelique to show me her version of town. You know the more fun side of things,” she smiled ever so sweetly and Nate knew he was in trouble.

“Does Eli…” She growled audibly and he stopped speaking.

“If you don’t want to take us I’m sure I can find someone else, it’s just you being such a good friend of Eli’s I didn’t think he’d mind me asking you.”

When he didn’t answer her she turned to Angelique mischief showing in her eyes, “Do you know how to drive?” that loosened Nate’s jaw.

“It’s okay Cade I’ll take you but you best let Jaz know first.”

“No problem we’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Nate looked at Christian, “You’re coming with me and so are you two!” he said turning to Taylor and Leith who were grinning at the prospect of a trip to town with Cade and Angie.

Shaking his head Nate headed to the parking area to warm up one of the four wheel drives and mumbling inaudibly to himself.

True to her word Cade returned a few minutes later still tugging a reluctant Angelique with her. She saw the grins on her friends’ faces and her entire face lit up as well. She looked around for Nate and Christian indicated that they should follow him.

On the way to the car Cade moved closer to Taylor, “So what do kids our age do for fun?” she saw the looks on their faces and raised a brow, “What? I’ve never had time to be a kid, I’ve got a lot of time to make up for and you two are going to ensure that both Angelique and I have a good time.”

She grinned when she saw that she’d wiped the smiles off their faces and Angelique couldn’t help but giggle, “You’re so bad your good Cade.” And this time she tugged on Cades hand to get to the parking lot quicker.

They spent the entire day in town; Jaz had given Cade more than enough cash to treat Angelique and herself. The thing was though Nate and Christian wouldn’t let her use any of the money, they paid for all four of them.

Cade had never been to the cinema before and sat wide eyed as she watched some fast paced car movie. The guys picked it but she didn’t mind, she just wanted to experience the whole cinema thing. Angelique sat next to her with Taylor and Leith either side of them and both Nate and Christian behind them.

Cade was surprised at how much she was enjoying the movie and glanced towards Angelique to see what she thought and was happy to see her face lit up with excitement. When they were done with the movie they guys dragged them into an arcade to check out the pool tables and electronic games.

Both girls watched as Taylor and Leith showed them how to play then Nate and Christian got into it by showing them how to play pool. The girls did pretty good and almost beat the guys a couple of times. In the end Nate teamed up with Angelique and Christian with Cade. The game got more serious and in the end it was really close.

They were down to the eight ball and Cade was up. She gave Christian a meaningful look and took the shot. She missed and grumbled about it but smiled when she turned to her partner. Angelique took the next shot and pocketed the ball. She squealed and jumped up and down in her excitement and without realising it she was hugging Nate.

“We won! We Won!” she cried and Cade came forward and shook her hand to congratulate her.

They went to a fast food outlet for lunch and Cade laughed when she realised that Jaz wouldn’t be happy with what they were eating. She thought about Cord and felt a little sad that he wasn’t there with them.

Taylor must have realised what she was thinking because he handed her a bag of goodies he could have only gotten from the cinema. It was chock full of chocolate, chips and other sugary treats. She grinned and did something she’d never done before except with her brother, she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

These were her friends and Taylor would one day be family, she saw the surprise on his face, “You’re going to be my brother one of these days so I figure I can give you a kiss on the cheek if I want too.”

That being said Taylor threw his arms around her and hugged her tight, “I like the sound of that sis!” then he pulled away and laughed.

They spend some time looking in shop windows and followed Angelique after she spotted something in a shop window and went in to get a closer look. Cade watched as she picked up several small woven articles.

“What are they?” Cade asked curiously.

“Friendship bands, I’ve never had a real friend before I’d like to buy one for you… if that’s okay?”

Cade’s face lit up and she nodded, “How about we all get one, well all four of us. Somehow I don’t think Nate or Christian will be interested.”

“You’re probably right and besides I don’t think these are big enough to fit around their wrists.” They chose four different bands, paid for them then tied one on each other before they left the shop and did the same to the guys. Cade saw the shocked look on Nate’s face and smiled softly.

“This is the first time I’ve ever had a chance to just be a kid and I’d like to remember it.”

“Oh umm,” Angelique said, “I know he isn’t with us but I thought Cord might like to wear one too?”

Cade didn’t thank her she hugged her instead and when someone yelled ice-cream, they turned and saw Eli standing in front of an ice-cream stand. He was smiling and held out his hand to her. She felt her face flush and lowered it for a moment before moving towards him. He was after all her mate and she’d only this morning said she would never deny it.

Eli wrapped an arm around Cades shoulder. He nodded towards everyone, “Hi Angie, guys have you had a good day?”

They all nodded and Cade felt a little strange as if she’d abandoned Angelique but the guys stepped up and made sure she didn’t feel alone. They might have been a couple of years younger than her but they were attentive and made sure she got the ice-cream she wanted, even getting her a double scoop.

They left soon after Cade and Angelique with Eli and the guys with Nate and Christian. Cade made sure that Angelique sat between her and Eli not wanting her to feel like a fifth wheel. When she became all quiet and shy again she looked at Eli unsure of what to do.

“Angie I hear you’ll be helping out with the little one at the school next semester?”

“Please call me Angelique,” she glanced up at Eli before looking out the windscreen, “Yes I’ll be working with the six and seven year olds, they’re easier to deal with and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll only be a teacher’s aide but that’s okay, I’m not one to want much more than that.”

“Why not I mean if you want to study more why shouldn’t you?”

Angelique looked at Cade a little flustered, “I umm, I get kind of nervous when I’m around a lot of people, especially people I don’t know.” Her face reddened and Cade could see she’d embarrassed her.

“Don’t worry Angelique I kind of had a similar conversation with Jaz and Eli about me doing more study.” She mock whispered and she could feel Eli try not to grin openly at her.

“How would you two like to go to the beach before we go back to the Compound? You can collect shells and scope out the wading pools to see what the tide left. We can wait until the others veer off and listen to their whining when they realise we ditched them.”

Eli waited for them to respond and watched as both girls looked at each other before bursting out laughing and crying out, “Yes!” at the same time.

He laughed kept driving and when the other car veered off and realised they’d been ditched there were calls of stop, turn around and follow them. Needless to say Eli had spoken silently to Nate and Christian telling them it was his turn to spend time with his mate and her new friend.

They laughed all the way to the beach and Eli was in heaven because this was the first time he’d truly heard Cade laugh. Her whole face was lit up and her eyes sparkled tugging at his heart because she was his or would be when she was a little older.

Eli smiled at Angie too enjoying her laughter because it was seldom heard. As a child she’d always been shy and it had surprised everyone that her shyness had increased as she got older. For a time everyone believed she was a submissive but although she had some of the traits of a submissive she was feisty when she had to be and spoke up for herself if there was a need. In short she lacked confidence and maybe, just maybe Cade could help her with it.

Eli as with most of the Pack had watched Angie grow up and all wanted to see her happily settled. She was sweet and gentle and deserved more than her shyness had allowed her. Eli hoped that she would be lucky enough to find her mate as he had because he wanted her to know the sense of being whole that he had when he was with Cade.

They pulled up into the parking area by the beach and tossed their shoes into the back seat before moving towards the sand. Angelique grabbed Cade’s hand and ran for the water’s edge laughing as she did so.

Cade looked over her shoulder and grinned at Eli and he shook his head and smiled. He watched the girls as they ran along the water’s edge splashing in the water and collecting shells. When they looked around for something to put them in he pulled out the hand he’d been holding behind his back and produced a bucket and spade set.

“I thought you might like to build a sandcastle as well?”

Cade ran to him and reaching up gave him a kiss on the cheek, “You’re going to help too right, because I’ve never made a sandcastle before?” she smiled sweetly and took his hand leading him over to where Angelique was waiting.

They did indeed make a sandcastle and decorated it with shells and other debris that was washed up in the last tide. It was fun and all three ended up covered in sand. When their sandcastle was finished Cade took the bucket and spade to wash off the sand, Angelique was doing the same with the left over shells that they were taking back to the Compound with them.

It had been a wonderful day and as Cade stood up and emptied the water out of the bucket she lifted her head and breathed in the clean salt air. She smiled and took another breathe then tensed her head abruptly turning towards the sand dunes to her left.