Chapter 9

Cade arrived at her training session early as usual and started her stretching exercises to loosen up ready for what was to come. Daniel was running the session today and she was looking forward to seeing what he was like.

She looked up as she finished her stretches and spotted Taylor approaching her. He was usually with Leith and figured he wouldn’t be far behind him. She saw the grin on his face as wondered what was up but waited for him to tell her.

“Hey,” she said.

“Hey yourself,” he pulled something out of his pocket and waved it at her, “Eli gave me two mobiles last night, one for you and one for Angie.” Cade scowled, “okay, okay Angelique. Anyway he said I, I mean we,” he looked over his shoulder as Leith approached, “are supposed to teach you both how to use them.”

“I was wondering when he was going to get them? So after I finish up with Cord, if you’re not too busy?”

“Actually, I’ve got something on most of the day, so how about I come by late this afternoon?”

“No problem. Hi Leith, did you get all that?” she asked.

He nodded, “Yep, I’ll be busy with Taylor so late this afternoons good. I already asked Angelique and she’ll bring Cord, home from school then we can get started.”

The training session went well; Daniel was a good facilitator and pushed them to do more than they had in the past. Cade liked the way he worked them all and felt a sense of accomplishment when they’d finished. They guys on the other hand thought he’d been a bit hard on them.

She grinned and moved over to Daniel, “That was a good session Daniel, will you be working more with us?”

He nodded, “That I will, it’s important that you get the benefit of all, the Enforcers here.” He looked at Taylor and Leith and laughed, “Eli and Nate were just like them,” then he shook his head and moved towards the office, “You did well Cade.”

The guys soon left saying they’d see her later and Cade sat on one of the benches and relaxed. She had no idea what people were thinking about her and the whole rouge thing, but so far no one had spoken to her about it.

Cade sighed then got to her feet as she waited for Cord to arrive. She grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and sipped it as she let her mind go through the routine she’d do with her brother. She smiled when she thought about how much Cord, had improved since they’d arrived at the Compound then turned as she heard her brother’s approach.

Cade greeted her brother and looked around the room. On seeing there were no adults around to watch as she worked her brother, she ushered him out of the building and back home. They got halfway there when they met up with Nicolas, who ushered them back so she could do the session with Cord.

Cade was a little nervous with Nicolas watching, but it soon passed as he sat quietly and watched intently, as if taking in everything she was doing. He had a thoughtful expression on his face when they were done and Cade wasn’t at all sure she wanted to know what he was thinking.

They called out a thank you and a goodbye, before they left and hurried out, before he said anything. Cade and Cord looked at each other and laughed before racing to the house and breakfast.

Jaz had been called to a meeting at the main house, so Cade organised breakfast for them both. After they’d eaten Cade, cleaned up while Cord got ready for school, she made sure he was neat and clean and had his homework before walking him out the door.

“Angelique is coming home with you this afternoon squirt,” she held up the mobile phone, “Eli bought one for her too and the guys are going to teach us how to use them. I’ll get them to teach you as well so when you’re old enough we’ll see about getting you one. Okay?”

“Okay Candy,” he gave her a hug and ran down the porch steps and off towards the school.

Cade checked the house and since there wasn’t anything else that needed to be done so she walked to the practice area in back of the weapons building. She moved quickly and was there in no time. She’d been throwing for about fifteen minutes when she realised she wasn’t alone, she looked around and when she couldn’t see anyone she closed her eyes and concentrated.

She opened her eyes moments later and turned to her left, “I know your there Trace,” she grinned and shook her head. “I’m getting really good at finding you.”

He laughed and made himself visible. “Yes, you are becoming very good at sensing me.”

Trace moved towards her and held out a hand for one of the knives. He threw with a great deal of skill hitting the target dead centre. “They have a good feel to them, a little light for my liking but I’d say almost perfect for you.”

“It’s good to see you again Trace, but I figured you’d be visiting with Kasey, not hanging out with me?”

Trace smiled and indicated the bench, she nodded and they both took a seat. “You’ve been isolating yourself from the rest of the Pack,” when she opened her mouth to speak he hushed her. “I’ve been watching you child and it’s not healthy, you need to be with other people. I know you have your small group of friends, but what about your mate?”

Cade could feel her face redden and looked down at her feet not wanting him to see what she was feeling. Trace moved closer though and lifted her face so he was looking into her eyes. “Don’t ever be ashamed of what you feel Cade, it’s a blessing you can still feel at all.”

She froze unsure exactly what he meant. He smiled softly and took a step back from her. “I wouldn’t think too much about how the men were reacting. They were tired and frustrated because they haven’t found any indication of rouges in the area.”

He saw the scowl on her face and touched her shoulder. “They are men child, fighters without an enemy, to focus on. It’s not that they don’t believe you, it’s more a case of them not liking the feeling of being useless.”

“Thanks Trace, but I’m pretty sure they’d openly say I lied about there even being rouges in the area, if they didn’t think Eli would beat the crap out of them.”

“I would like to attend the meeting with you tomorrow?” he saw the surprise on her face. “You didn’t know?” she shook her head no; “please hear me out, before you say anything?”

Cade looked him in the eye, “All right, I’ll listen.”

“As I said to Eli a few days ago, I sense greatness within you and wanted to speak to you regarding your future, your fate.” He smiled softly hoping he wasn’t scaring her, “I have been around for a great many years Cade. In fact I am older than any Pack member, Elders, included. What I’m trying to say, is that I have seen a thing or two in my time as has my Sire.”

“You know don’t you? I mean, you know about the scars and what my father, wanted for me?”

He nodded. “Yes, but more importantly I have met and known others, like you. You are but a fledgling and still coming into your destiny. You will need training, specific training,” he laughed and shook his head.

“What’s so funny?”

“Your mate, will not like you spending so much time with me, but I would train you in an area not many today are capable of. I’ve watched you throw, you’re good very good and I’m thinking you will make an excellent student.”

“Ben…” she began.

“Benjamin, has some knowledge of what you are, who you will become, but I will fill you in on other aspects and perhaps give you more understanding of your abilities, like how you were the only Were, capable of scenting the rouges.”

“You believe me?”

He nodded, “Of course.”

Cade considered what he’d said, she had so many questions and this might be the only opportunity she’d have to get the answers she wanted. She opened her mouth to speak but he shook his head from side to side.

“I know you have questions Cade, but it would be best to wait until tomorrow. It will also give you a chance to think on what I have offered. So the meeting?”

Cade gave him a nod, indicating it was fine if he wanted to attend the meeting. He handed her the knives then left her to her thoughts. She sat quietly, wondering exactly what kind of training he had in mind and hoped he really did have answers, regarding what she was.

On the way back to Jaz’s, she spotted Benjamin moving towards her, she really didn’t want to speak with him but he seemed determined to do so. When he caught up to her, he smiled softly almost in awe of her and it was a little creepy.

“It’s nice to see you again Guardian, I trust you have had a pleasant day so far?”

“My day has been fine Elder, but I’m no Guardian, and I never will be. I’m broken!” then she turned and ran for home and her room.

Benjamin stood frozen to the spot, surprised and somewhat confused at Cades words. “Broken? What on earth did she mean, she was broken?”

Cade sat in her room shaking; her worst nightmare was coming true! She had no idea how many people now knew about her scars, she’d hoped that they wouldn’t know what they were… what they were supposed to represent.

Cade felt Eli touching her mind and calmed herself, the last thing she needed was for him to come running to her and asking questions she didn’t want to answer. She felt him move away and pulled up her defences, effectively shutting him out. She did the same with Cord, hoping he wouldn’t notice then she curled up on her bed and cried into her pillow.

She wasn’t sure how long she cried for, only that she’d fallen asleep and woke when she heard someone knocking on her door. “Cade, it’s Jaz, are you all right?”

“Yeah,” she answered a little groggily. “I’m fine Jaz, just a little tired. I’ll be out in a few minutes okay.”

Cade got to her feet and made her way to the bathroom, washing her face several times. She undid her hair and brushed it out figuring if her eyes were all puffy, she could hide her face behind it.

As she walked down stairs, she could feel worry and concern coming off Jaz. She remained calm and moved to the kitchen, to put the kettle on and make tea. Jaz looked like she needed something to calm her nerves. She made the tea and when it had steeped she poured and brought a cup for them both to the kitchen table before taking a seat.

“You know, you’re going to get wrinkles, if you keep frowning like that Jaz?” she smiled hoping Jaz would too.

She didn’t, so Cade picked up her tea and blew on it a few times, before taking a sip and putting it down again. She wanted to give Jaz a minute to compose herself but she was still frowning.

“Whatever it is Jaz, it’ll be okay. Besides, I’m fairly sure I’ve been through worse, so please just tell me.” Cade reached out and took hold of one of Jaz’s hands, giving it a squeeze.

Jaz let out a breath and gave Cade a weak smile before she spoke, “I just came from a meeting with Braedon. He wants to meet with you tomorrow to discuss your markings.”

“Scars, Jaz, they’re scars.”

Jaz looked at her, unsure of what to say. “In any case, he wants to meet with you and he won’t be the only one there.”

“It’s okay Jaz, I kind of figured this was coming. Will you come with me? I um, I’m not afraid or anything, I just figured you should be there, so you’ll know firsthand what’s going on. And Jaz, please, don’t say anything to Cord, or he’ll want to come too. He’s just a kid and I’d like him to stay that way for a while.”

“No need to ask Cade, you’re like a daughter to me. I’d be there whether you asked me or not.” She tried hard not to cry but didn’t succeed. “I promise, I won’t say anything to your brother, like you said he needs to be a kid. I love you Cade, I know I’m not your mother, but I doubt I could love you any more I were.” They hugged each other and both shed more than a few tears.

When they’d both finally stopped crying Jaz sighed, “I don’t have anything on today, how about we spend the rest of the day together?”

“I’d like that, but we are going to be invaded this afternoon.” Cade pulled the mobile out of her pocket and showed her. “Eli got one for Angelique too. Taylor and Leith are going to teach us how to use them this afternoon. She’s coming home with Cord, after school.”

“Well in that case we should bake!”

“What?”

Jaz got to her feet pulling Cade with her. “Come on, it’ll be fun we can make cookies and cupcakes.”

“Umm… okay.” Cade replied and they spent a good part of the day, in the kitchen baking and decorating the cookies and cupcakes. Cade wasn’t sure how she’d go baking on her own, but working with Jaz made it easy and she was hyped about what they produced.

They stopped for lunch and sat out in the garden soaking up some sun before they finished up with their baking. By the time Cord, got home, with Angelique, got there they had plated up their wares.

Cord, wanted to dive right in but Jaz stopped him, “Wait until Taylor and Leith arrive,” then she relented, “okay one cookie but that’s all!” she grinned and Cord grabbed a cookie before she changed her mind.

Angelique, helped Cade, organise drinks and the guys were soon there. They ate, first and guys, being guys, enjoyed more than their fair share but thankfully, there was plenty to go round. When they were done Jaz, helped Cord, with his homework while Taylor, sat with Cade and Leith, with Angelique and began showing the girls how to use their new phones.

They worked this way for an hour, or so and for the most part they did fine. The guys were good teachers and didn’t tease them as much as Cade thought they would. “Okay,” began Taylor, “now for some fun,” he grinned and started taking photographs of both Cade and Angelique.

 Taylor had already taken one of Eli and set that up on both the girls’ phones just in case. When Cord had finished his homework, he got to play around with the phones too and had a great time with the games that were on them. Cade took a photograph of him and got Taylor to show her how to use it as wallpaper. That way she could see it whenever she wanted to and it made Cord feel special that she’d done so.

Jaz smiled and felt a great deal calmer than she had since she’d left Braedon’s office. It felt good to hear so much laughter in her home; there hadn’t been a great deal of it over the years and right now, she knew it was something Cade needed.

She was surrounded by good friends and as Jaz watched, she saw that Cade had relaxed a great deal as well. Jaz knew that she could never replace her mother, but it felt like both Cade and Cord were hers and she wanted to keep them both safe and protected.

As they were leaving, Taylor turned to Cade, “I sent Eli photographs of both of you so he can set them against your numbers.” Then he laughed, “I’ll probably have to do it for him though!”

It was with laughter running through her mind, that Cade climbed into bed that night; she looked at the mobile phone on her bedside table and sighed. Eli thank you for the phone, Taylor taught me the basics and Leith did the same with Angelique. Goodnight.

She waited half expecting him to respond and he did just not in words. Eli smiled when he heard her words and engulfed her with warmth and love. He felt her surprise but when she relaxed into it he felt relief and went to his own bed his wolf relaxed, at the connection with his, mate. As he put his head on his pillow, he couldn’t help the sense of reluctance in regards to how things would be, between him and his mate, after the meeting.

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

Dawn broke through on a cloudless day. The sun streamed in through Cade’s bedroom window, warming her face and letting her know it was time to start another day. As she got out of bed and headed for the bathroom she stopped short. This wasn’t just another day, today, she’d have to face her fear… her shame and she had no idea how Eli, or anyone else would feel about her afterwards.

Cade sighed and moved quickly, showering and getting herself ready, there’s be no training for her or Cord today. She made a start on breakfast and by the time Jaz and Cord came down she was ready to serve it up. Jaz looked at Cade, a serious expression on her face. Cade gave her a nod and a smile relaxing her.

“Cord,” began Cade, “I have a meeting this morning and I thought it would be a nice change if you did your training session with Taylor and Leith.” Cord looked at his sister a little confused. “They both know the moves; they’ve gone through them with us a heap of times. So what do you think?”

“I think you’re not telling me something Candy, but okay, just so long as you do tell me later.”

“Your one smart kid squirt!” she gave him a hug and kissed the top of his head, “I promise, Jaz and I’ll explain everything when we can.” He nodded and both women sighed in relief.

Cord walked her brother over to the training centre and pulled her two friends aside, “I have something to do this morning, so I won’t be able to train. I was hoping you could both go through the moves I’ve shown you, with Cord and make sure he gets to school on time? I’m not sure who’ll be watching…”

“I’ll be here Cade.” Marcus said, as he moved towards them. “I’m not doing and training sessions yet but if you and Cord don’t mind, I’ll keep watch for you?”

Cade could sense anger coming from her brother. “Thanks Marcus, that’d be a big help. Taylor and Leith know what to do so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

Marcus turned to Cord. “You got a minute?” Cord nodded and they moved a few feet away from the others.

Marcus crouched down to Cords level. “Okay Cord, here’s the thing. I screwed up big time with your sister and everyone knows it. Eli already beat the crap out of me and your sister and I have talked and sorted out our differences.”

He waited for Cord to say something and when he didn’t he continued. “Man to man Cord. I’ll never hurt your sister again. If she trusts me enough to let me watch you do your session, do you think you could too? I’m not asking you to forgive me for what I did, but I’m hoping in time you will.”

Cord thought about it for a few moments then nodded. “If Cade trusts you then I will, but if you hurt her again, Eli, won’t be the only one you’ll have to watch out for.” Marcus nodded in acknowledgement of his words then they rejoined the others.

Cade gave her brother a nod then left a little reluctantly. This was the first time anyone else had trained her brother and it irked, because he was her responsibility. She’d only gone a few feet when she felt her brothers arms wrap around her, she turned and hugged him. “It’s okay Candy I’ll show them what to do if they get it wrong.” He grinned and she laughed.

“You do that squirt!” then she did leave, her heart a little less heavy.

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

Jaz was still dressing when she got home so Cade went to her room and took another look at what she had on. She sighed realising she’d need to change and started rummaging through her things. She settled on a sports bra with a tank top over it and a pair of shorts, she put a hoodie and a pair of track pants over them so she was well covered and instead of her usual boots she put on a pair of runners.

Cade undid her hair and brushed it out, she wanted to wear it up but wanted it down so she could hide under it. She shook her head and sat heavily on the bed. Jaz came in and seeing she was a little nervous, sat beside her and took the brush from her hands. She ended up braiding her hair and when she was finished pulled Cade to her, needing to hold her.

“Cade, I want you to know that no matter what happens today this is your home and always will be. She felt a tear escape and Cade turned to her a serious expression on her face.

“Jaz, thank you, you’ve always been what I wanted for Cord. I know, no matter what happens to me in the future he’ll be safe with you and that’s all that really matters.” She kissed Jaz on the cheek and got to her feet.

“Come on, my surrogate mother…” she grinned at the surprised expression on Jaz’s face, “I’ve been told that it’s best, never to keep and Alpha, waiting, brother or not.”

They walked arm in arm to the main house and found Eli, waiting on the front porch for them. Cade looked at him and when he opened his arms to her she moved without realising she’d done so. She soon found herself in his arms and felt safe and loved… she felt even more at home than she did at Jaz’s. He kissed her cheek and all three of them turned and walked into the house.

As they got closer to the office door Cade’s nerves started to show, Jaz gave her arm a squeeze and moved in front of her, Eli remained at her side. Cade was on alert the moment she set foot in the room. She saw Braedon and Jacob sitting on the couches along with Nicolas Kasey and Chrissy. She spotted Benjamin as well and sensed Trace nearby.

As she moved further into the room, everyone came to their feet. Braedon came forward and nodded his head, as if in respect and it almost creeped her out. She moved closer to Eli which helped calm her.

Cade took a moment then moved a step away from her mate; she straightened up and gave the Alpha, a nod of respect in return. She waited not knowing what to expect, her eyes never leaving the Alpha’s.

“Come, take a seat Cade we have much to speak of.” Braedon indicated a couch but she moved to one of the single lounge chairs and Eli and Jaz sat on the arms either side of it. When Cade saw what they did she got to her feet offering her seat to Jaz but she wouldn’t hear of it.

“Sit, Cade please, this meeting is about you and we wish to sit by you.” She sat feeling a little confused then realised that both Jaz and Eli were sitting in a position of protection. Both her surrogate mother and her mate were showing everyone in the room that they would fight to protect her.

Cade was overwhelmed with gratitude and engulfed them both with unspoken thanks. She turned once more to the Alpha and waited. Everyone else had returned to their seats and sat quietly watching her.

“Cade as you are probably aware, Eli, came to us with photographs of the markings that have been carved onto your body. You must have realised you couldn’t hide them from us for too long.” He took a breath and spoke again.

“Cade, from what I’ve been told, you are a Potential Guardian. There has not been one, such as you, in centuries. Why didn’t you speak to one of us about this, you must have had questions?”

Cade could feel herself shaking inside and hoped that no one could sense it. She took several deep breaths before answering, “There wasn’t any point.” She saw confusion on the Alpha’s face and sighed. “I’m broken Alpha! I can’t be what my father forced me to be.”

Braedon looked at a loss and turned to Benjamin, giving him a nod. “Child, tell us what you know of your situation, so we have a better understanding of why, you believe you are broken?”

Eli looked down at his mate and saw her bottom lip quiver; he put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze, letting her know she wasn’t alone. Cade looked up at him and when she saw the trust he had in her, she settled and turned back to the Elder.

“I am my father’s first born. He had hoped for a son and was none too happy when he discovered he had a daughter, instead. He loved my mother and tried not to let her see how he felt, but I have always sensed his disappointment in me.”

She stopped to take a breath and gather the right words before she spoke again, “He had always dreamed of his son becoming a Guardian, a great and powerful Warrior. He wanted to have him by his side, when he returned to his Pack, fully intending to take the position as Alpha, again.

There was no way he could do that with me. As I said, he loved my mother, but he was ashamed of the fact that she was human. He believed if he had a Warrior son by his side, he could return with her and she would be accepted.”

Cade laughed and it was not a laugh any there wanted to hear again, “He said he’d researched for years and even though I was no man, he would not be cheated. So he began my training. I’m sure Benjamin, would have explained what kind of training I underwent. Endurance was everything, first I had to learn not to feel, not to show any emotion. It took me two years to learn how to push pain aside and follow his every command.

Cade got to her feet she needed to move and began to slowly pace the length of the room. “There were times, when I wasn’t sure I’d survive and so many days, when I didn’t want too.” she looked to Eli and Jaz. “I couldn’t leave them, my mother was so weak by then and Cord was so little. They needed me to take care of them. My father… sometimes he’d get so caught up in what he wanted from me that he’d forget to hunt, forget to make sure his mate, had enough to eat.

I would hunt when I could, small things so he wouldn’t notice, to make sure she they had something.” She came to a stop looking off into space, “One day I asked him what he expected of me, what it was that I was supposed to become.”

She sighed and looked directly in the Alpha’s eyes, “A killer! That’s what he wanted me to become, a Warrior that would do his bidding!”

Eli came to his feet and moved towards her but she stopped him, shaking her head at him. “I did everything, he told me to do. I passed every single one of his tests and in the end, each mark he gave me, at least told me that I was wanted, needed. I was never sure if I could actually kill on demand,” she laughed. “In the end, that’s what he wanted. I was to take down anyone, who opposed his return, to what he still believed was his Pack.”

Cade looked at everyone and saw shock written across their faces, both Kasey and Chrissy had tears streaming down their faces, but Jaz sat quietly showing a strength not even her brothers had seen in her before. This helped Cade and she smiled at her surrogate mother in thanks.

“I was planning to take Cord and run. I knew we wouldn’t be able to survive the way we were living for too long. Then he got sick and I couldn’t leave. He might have been a monster, but he was my father and…”

She wrapped her arms around herself as if trying to keep herself steady. “He was all right for the first few months, but he pushed harder, wanted to make sure I became a Warrior. He seemed to know he didn’t have long and his focus shifted. I was to be Cords protector. Cord would return to my father’s old Pack and become Alpha. I would stand at his side and protect him.

The last few weeks were probably the worst, he gave me several marks close together and the training… I think I’ve probably had every single bone in my body broken at one stage or another. So the run I did when I collapsed, the loss of blood was nothing compared to what I survived on a daily basis.

When he told me there was one last test I was relieved, but also terrified, I had an inkling of what he wanted me to do, but I kept hoping I was wrong. My last test was a hunt; he set it up for me. I was to hunt and kill prey, of his choosing. He gave me a piece of cloth with a scent on it and I went in search of it.”

She grinned and shook her head. “It didn’t take me long, I’m a good tracker. I found my prey in about twenty minutes and felt so proud of myself. When I spotted my prey I froze, it wasn’t an animal it was human. A man who liked bush walking and often strayed onto our territory, he didn’t mean any harm he just loved the bush. I’d warned him of a few times, but there were no fences and he had no idea when, or if he strayed onto our land.”

Cade moved to the wall and leaned against it. “I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t kill him it would have been murder. My father didn’t see it that way though. All he saw was that I’d failed him, that I would now never gain the final mark.”

Cade became silent as if looking in on herself and seeing her past. Eli could feel her pain but remained where he was; he instinctively knew that she needed to do this alone. When she looked up it was to see Eli. She need his touch, but was afraid to reach out to him just yet.

“He beat me until I couldn’t stand up, then he beat me some more. The last thing I saw was a glimpse of Cord, hiding behind a tree. I remember hoping our father wouldn’t catch him.

I don’t know where my father went when he was done beating me, but when I finally came too Cord was with me doing his best to help. I kept telling him to go back to camp, I didn’t want our father to hurt him too but he wouldn’t go.

Cord told me what our father said after I’d passed out. He said that I was broken and of no further use to him. He also said that I could never be what he wanted and because of my failure… I would never be whole.”

Cade turned to the Elder. “Like I said Elder, I don’t deserve you or anyone else, feeling honoured at meeting me.”

She turned away and Eli was there, his arms came around her and she felt warmth and love and wanted to stay there and not have to face the others in the room, but she was no coward. She turned away from him and still in his arms faced everyone.

No one spoke; it was as if no one knew what to say. She turned when she felt Trace’s presence more clearly. He shimmered in ignoring everyone else and moved towards her a smile on his face. He looked at Eli and when he nodded he lowered his eyes to Cade and took one of her hands lifting it to his lips.

“Your Sire lied to you my friend, a lie of omission yes, but still a lie. As I have told you already, I have known others such as you and what your father omitted to tell you is that there are two kinds of Guardians. He wanted you to be a Warrior Guardian a soldier that he could manipulate and use to his own will.”

He tugged her hand and brought her to the seat she’d been sitting in earlier and when she was seated he knelt in front of her. “What you said about failing your father, you were right, you did.”

Trace saw Cade’s lower lip quiver and wiped a stray tear away as it escaped her tear filled eye. “Cade, in your failure to your father, you succeeded in doing what your father tried to prevent. The ability to kill, is not a skill one would or should want.

You are capable of killing Cade, but not indiscriminately. You would kill to save a life, I have no doubt about that, but you won’t kill for the sake of killing, nor will you kill because you’ve been ordered to do so. You my dear, have without even knowing it, proven your worth, you have passed the final test.”

Cade looked up at him, confusion evident on her face, “I don’t understand what you mean?”

Trace smiled and it lit up his entire face. As I said there are two kinds of Guardians, the Warrior Guardian and the Sacred Guardian. You my dear chose your path when you refused to do your fathers bidding.”

He kissed her hand once more and bowed his head. “Guardian, I wish to officially offer you my services as Mentor. I will teach you all I can of who you are and what you will become.”

Cade looked up and saw that everyone had knelt before her. She jumped up all but freaking out. “Please get up, you shouldn’t be doing this. Trace you… I… shit!” then realising what she’d said covered her face with her hands and stood shaking like a leaf.

Jaz gathered her in her arms. “It’s alright Cade it’s a great deal for all of us to take in, but well deal with it together.” She kissed her cheek and moved back giving her into Eli’s arms.

Eli pulled Cade to one of the couches and sat down pulling onto his lap, “Shh,” he soothed her, “we will be fine, my sweet Candy, we’ll work through this together.” and he rocked her gently until she started to calm down.

“What say we take a break? I’ll ask Gilbert to see to some refreshments.” Kasey indicated the door to everyone and Cade and Eli were soon left alone.

Eli smoothed Cades hair off her face and gently rubbed her back. Cade suddenly sat up and thumped him on the shoulder. “Don’t call me that!”

Eli laughed, “Oww that smarts. I’m sorry Cade but you have to admit, it suits you.” She thumped him again and this time it really did hurt.

Cade rested her head on his shoulder again and relaxed, “Together?”

“Yes my little mate, you have a family here now and we will see you through this together.”

“What about Trace, I spoke with him the yesterday and he said something about wanting to train me.” He growled and Cade tried not to laugh. She could feel the rumble of it in his chest and it was somehow comforting.

“Eli, he said he could train me in a way that no one here could. I figure it has something to do with me being… what I am, you know?”

Eli growled again then lifted her face and kissed her. It was a soft gentle kiss one that spoke of things to come. Cade went with it letting him control the kiss and when he pulled back he looked her in the eyes.

“You are a Guardian. I have no idea how you survived the training but you did and I found you.” He held the sides of her face with both his hands and smiled at her, “I am most honoured to have you as my mate.”

At that moment Benjamin returning to the room. “Potential Guardian dear boy, she is still a Potential.”

They both turned and watched everyone else come back in. Jaz placed drinks on the coffee table for them and Cade slipped off Eli’s lap to sit beside him with Jaz on her other side and she was grateful for their support.

She turned to Trace, “I’m still a little confused. I know what my father wanted from me but I’ve no idea what you meant about my being a Sacred Guardian. I mean it sounds almost religious or something.”

Trace smiled at her, “I suppose back in the day it had a somewhat religious association to it. That is to say, a Sacred Guardian is much more than the Warrior. You my dear will watch over all Were’s not just this Pack. You will soon be able to see a great distance, sense and scent things that no other Were can. You will also be a great deal stronger than the average Enforcer.”

“Huh?” said Cade

And Eli nodded, “I’m with Cade you seem only to have confused us.”

Trace took a seat opposite them and thought on his words. “Firstly the rouges, there are two possibilities there. One is that they passed through days or even weeks before you caught their scent. Two is that you caught a scent of what will come, that they are on their way here. You won’t know for certain until you have become whole.”

He waited for that bit of information to sink in, “All of your senses will be heightened to the extreme, not all the time but when its needed.” he turned to Braedon and Nicolas, “You both have powerful mates that add to the strength of the Pack but what Cade will become, is far greater. She will know if there is danger Braedon and she’ll know it well ahead of time.”

He turned back to Cade. “You are also like the Omega little one, you are considered outside the Pack or above it as some might say. As you grow and learn your way into your destiny you will detect the gifts that have been bestowed upon you. Gifts given by the Fey I’m told.”

There was a multiple gasp at that bit of information and Kasey spoke up, “What do you mean Trace? Why would the Fey give a Were gifts like that?”

“Because my sweet sister, in days gone by Were’s once lived side by side with the Fey. Guardians were watched over and protected all peoples and since our little Guardian can find me no matter how hard I try to hide from her, I have a feeling she will do the same.”

“That day in the training centre,” began Nicolas, “I saw you just before the brothers arrived, you turned to where they materialised. Cade you turned to them before they were even there.”

“I did?”

Nicolas nodded, “I didn’t think anything of it at the time, because so much was happening.” He turned to Trace, “No one told you to come, you sensed Cade’s need for help didn’t you?”

“Yes, we all did and if we are ever needed in the future we will return. Cade need only call.” He turned to face Cade and smiled softly. “My Sire Aemundun Tarendarran Gerrunderry of Taelforn, sends his apologies for not being able to attend this meeting. He will however be here for your final marking; he will have a gift for you.”

“Taren knows of this?” Braedon looked a little flustered.

“Blood calls to blood Alpha, just as power calls to power. He has been aware of Cade for some time now, but it was not his place to intervene. Cade will be the first Guardian in a great many years. That she will be a Scared Guardian, makes this even more important for our two races. You see where a Sacred Guardian is able to sense the Fey a Warrior Guardian is unable to do so. This was a deliberate act to ensure the Warrior could not be used against us.”

Trace saw the surprise on everyone’s faces, “Cade’s existence is important to both our worlds. She will be able to help both Were and Fey in need.” He looked to Braedon and waited.

The Alpha, sighed Cade had a great deal to digest already but it was his responsibility as Alpha to ask, “The final marking, it needs to be administered before you turn seventeen. Do you still intend to finalise…”

“No! She’s been through enough already,” stated Eli. “I will not have her hurt again!”

Cade was surprised at Eli’s outburst and it angered her that he believed he had a right to tell others what she should and shouldn’t do. She knew he wasn’t going to like it, but he had to realise that this was her choice not his.

“Eli this is my decision to make not yours. This is my life, you heard what was said, it’s the only way I will ever be whole.” she sighed and the anger left her. “Eli, I didn’t go through everything just to be told I can’t finish it. I know you don’t want to see me hurt but I’d like your support, I’d like you there when it happens.”

She held out her hand hoping he’d know what she wanted, she could see anger and concern in his eyes but this was, as she said her life. Eli reached into his the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out the knife he’d taken from her that first day of training.

Cade took the knife and came to her feet. She looked at each of the men there, all high, ranking, Pack, members. Her gaze rested on the Alpha, and he gave her a nod, seeming to understand what she was doing. Cade took a deep cleansing breath then turned to Nicolas, knowing she was making the right choice.

She moved closer and held out the knife to him, when he didn’t take it she straightened up and tried to look as Guardian, like as she could. This was an important moment for Cade. She’d made her decision to take the final mark and although she wanted Eli, to administer it she knew in her heart it would be far too painful a thing to ask of him.

“Nicolas, my father trusted you enough to put his son under your protection. Since Cord and I arrived here, I’ve gotten to know you some and understand why he trusted you. I have no right to ask, but as the Head Enforcer and the person now ultimately responsible for my training…” she sighed “Nicolas, I need someone of authority to administer my final mark. I very much want that person to be you.”

Shock immediately showed on his face and he opened his mouth to speak, but no words would come. He saw the resolve in Cade’s eyes then looked to Eli who was now standing a couple of steps behind her. Nicolas could see he wasn’t happy about the situation but he gave him a nod.

Nicolas took a step forward and reached out to take the knife. “I am honoured that you have asked me.” He bowed his head then stepped back and Eli engulfed her with his arms.

Cade welcomed it, his warmth and his strength steadied her. After a few moments she turned to Trace, “I accept your offer as Mentor,” then she smiled, “you said something about training?”

Trace’s eyes lit up, “I will need to speak with Nicolas, so we can organise a schedule for you. You won’t have much free time and you will probably fall into bed exhausted most days but I believe you are used to that. I’ve seen you throw Cade, you have a good eye and I’m certain you will have little difficulty in learning to wield a sword.”

“Cord? I still need time with him and I want him to apart of what’s going to happen. He deserves that.”

“Agreed,” Braedon said, “but for the rest of today I think you should rest. You have a great deal to consider, I’d suggest you spend some time with Jaz and Eli and Cord. As of tomorrow you will have little time to do so.” Braedon turned to Nicolas, “I trust you and Trace will be discussing Cade’s training schedule after this meeting?”

Nicolas eyed Trace and they both nodded in acknowledgement. The meeting broke up after that and Cade found herself sitting on the couch alone, she looked up and Eli was speaking to Nicolas and Trace.

Cade felt a hand on her arm and calm swept over her. She shook her head and looked up at Chrissy. “Thank you, I could use a bit of calm about now. Please stay with me a while, I’ve had enough testosterone for the time being?”

Chrissy pulled her into a hug and whispered in her ear. “I know exactly what you mean, how about us girls get together at my house. We can talk or not, you can play with Kyle and forget about all this,” she waved her arms around indicating everything, “and he’ll be the only male allowed I promise.”

Cade nodded suddenly feeling tired and in need of space from everything male. She let Chrissy lead her away and Jaz and Kasey followed. None of the men attempted to stop them and even Eli held back, when she could sense he wanted nothing more than to hold her.

Eli?

I’m here my sweet, sweet Candy.

I am so going thump Cord for telling you his pet name for me. She heard his laughter in her mind and it all but melted her.

Go my little mate; spend some time with Chrissy and the others, too soon you will be surrounded again by testosterone. This time she laughed and felt lighter for it.