Cameron kept working on his bike, however, greatly distracted, watching Leigh's bungalow. He gave her as much space as he could, especially after the funerals, but Alabastian was behaving a bit detached from the rest of the council and he worried it had something to do with Aidan being gone. Sighing, he stopped tweaking a gear and checked his phone for a message from Aidan, but scoffed when he looked to find nothing. He knew Aidan was in Maine, but it has been at least two days since he heard anything more. The Aristans of this clan were getting restless and the reconstruction has been emotional. Everyone was on high alert, cautious of another attack. Fronting a commune was easy when there was peace and there was lots of money to keep things silent. But with the attack, the smoke was seen way past the hills of their four thousand acre area deep in the forest. It has taken all of the elder wolves to help cover up the issue from the prying eyes of humans. It was easy to do in the old days, but now, technology has leaped forward and made it easier for people to record, post and dig into your life.

It was a long, necessary undertaking to cover up or mask their footprint and with Aristans against the rival  Thesians, getting sloppy in your clean up, made it easy for your enemy to find you.  And Cameron has seen what happens when the enemy knows where you sleep. He's burned enough of his brothers to know.

He looked up to see Leigh's door open and see her quickly step out and head for the bushes. Quietly, he went to follow her, staying in stealth as she moved through the thicket. Aidan owes me seriously for making me go from zero to creepy like this. And towards his sister, no less. Moving through to an opening, distracted, Cameron lost sight of her through her scent told him she was near.

Suddenly, Leigh caught his attention by clearing her throat behind him. "Came out here to take a piss or are you stalking me?"

Cameron frowned. "What are you doing out here?"

Leigh scoffed as she walked past him. "I'm not an idiot, Cam. I know you're here to spy on me for big brother. Doesn't make you any less of a creeper."

"He's worried about you, Leigh. Have you heard from him recently?" He grasped her hand.

"Well, I don't need a babysitter, regardless of what Aidan thinks." She jerked her hand back in defense, but Cameron still held on. "And he texted me yesterday that he was in a town called Augusta. He hasn't found Kieran, but has a hunch he's in the right place. Now can I have my hand back?" No sooner than she try to jerk her hand free again, Cameron pulled her forward, whipped her back into his arms and covered her mouth with his hands before she could get her bearings. She was strong, but Cameron had some years on her. And the Celt was just as stubborn as her. His piercing blue eyes were dark with warning as she listened to the scuffling and rustling of someone coming through the trees opposite them. They both froze as they saw Alabastian and Onyx walk through in human skin. Unable to amplify, Cameron and Leigh both morphed into wolf form. Crouching low to the ground with their bellies to the dirt, staying downwind they laid quietly scoping the two council members.

"Why did you bring me out here? You know that either all of us, or none of the council members are allowed to discuss business, Alabastian."

Alabastian looked around confirming no one was around. "Sorry, but I have a bad feeling about Aidan hunting down Kieran."

"And why's that? Afraid he'll succeed and show you out?"

Alabastian scoffed at the comment. "Pfft! Don't be ridiculous, Onyx. That wolf is a menace. He's short-sighted and savage and I won't see this clan lose any more people because of all this!"

Onyx "Are you referring to Aidan or Kieran? Why do you have it out for that boy? I've known Aidan for a long time and yes he had some rough times and a very dark past. But the boy has paid in full, Alabastian. He's earned his place in this clan and as Alpha. Let him be."

"All he does is undermine us. He has no respect for authority."

Onyx shook his head. Alabastian, just like the others sometimes couldn't see the forest for the trees, or the irony in the choices they make. "Do you realize that it is us undermining him? Leigh was right, Tiberius had no intention on having the council continue on after a new Alpha has been named.  We were supposed to be stewards until some children reached necessary age to fight for Alpha in the Selenium Circle. Aidan has met this requirement."

Alabastian glared at his friend.  Onyx was a fool if he believed that the council was not needed just because that balls-before-brains wolf made it out the Selenium Circle. "Yeah, and look at what his rivalry with Kieran was wrought over that challenge?  We are hanging by a thread. Our people are hanging by a thread. They need us more than ever, especially since he ran off like a one man army to track one of our own. No, Onyx, the council cannot dissolve."

Onyx sighed. "Well, we aren't planning on doing it now, of course, because our Alpha is gone and we are in the midst of rebuilding our people and resources. But be aware, we'll need to address this when Aidan returns. Right now, we're stuck status quo."

Alabastian's expression told Onyx the wolf was not satisfied with his response but moments later, Alabastian shook his head. "We have to leave here."

Onyx frowned, folding his arms."How do you suppose we do that? I've checked the savings and we are broke. We are depleted in funds for some reason--more than what any of us anticipated."

Alabastian whipped his head around in shock. "What?!"

"That is what I wanted to call you in yesterday about. I checked the logs and it seems all of the pack funds have disapated. I have no idea how to tell our people we are stuck here, regardless of when Aidan returns Kieran to justice."

"We had a lot of loss here, friend." Alabastian reassured. "Look at all we had to rebuild and handle. It was bound to eat some money. Perhaps this was the case."

Onyx shook off Alabastian's theory. "But all of it? Something isn't right, Alabastian. We need to go through all the ledgers and see what went where. We still need to eat and live.  The families are working and paying their tithes, but we can't turn around and say we have no money."

"You are going to worry your pack with money problems Onyx? Don't be ridiculous! We will worry with this when it proves as a problem! It's enough we are dealing with the aftermath of a brutal attack that left us less than whole."

As they left, Cameron stretched back into his human form as did Leigh, who looked in their direction with a low growl. "I should have known Alabastian was up to something. You saw how he flinched at telling the pack about the money? He's hiding something."

Cameron pulled his jeans back on and inadvertently let his eyes trail to the curve of Leigh's hip as she bent down to pull up her own jeans. He must have seen her naked a thousand times, but it seemed every time he did, it was the first time he ever saw the curve of her beautiful body. She was lithe and strong and full of fire. Leigh was far younger than him but wise beyond her years. Though she never showed her softer side around Cameron, he knew she had one. He knew she was soft underneath that tough shell she liked to show the world.

"Yeah, something is up. I told you that Alabastian was a douche. Aidan never liked him." Leigh pulled on her t-shirt. "I'm gonna tail him to see what the hell he's hiding."

Cameron ran in front of her, blocking. "Wait a damn minute, Leigh! We need to think about this and watch ourselves."

Leigh, frowning, gritting her teeth in growing frustration. "You can watch yourself, I have to make sure our clan doesn't get rolled over on by these arrogant authoritarians." Her eyes glowed amber, thinking about all the problems befallen her large, proud clan.  Her mother, brutally cut down like she didn't even matter, from that sick bastard of a brother, Kieran. Friends injured and dead from Thesians attacking in the dead of night.  It was too much.

The glossy bud of water pooling under them threatened to betray her resolve, and Cameron saw the pain her eyes.  It gripped him so hard to see her bordering on grief that he foolishly tried to grab her shoulders to pull her close. "Leigh, come here."

Leigh quickly stepped back avoiding him, looking at him perplexed. "What the hell are you doing, Cam? I don't want to be consoled! I'm not one of those prissy she-wolves that need to cry on your shoulder! I don't want hugs! I'm fucking pissed!" She pushed him out the way only for Cameron to growl and snatch her back, pulling her hard. His strength pushed her back against a tree as he forced her to look into his now glowing aqua eyes. Cameron's lean body pressed against her, sandwiched her between his rock hard mass and the tree. Her face so close to his, their angered pants mingled into one as they both struggled to calm down. Cameron found himself staring at her lips a couple of seconds too long before darting back to her eyes.

"You don't want to be coddled? Fine with me. But you are gonna to listen and hear me out, because I vowed to Aidan that I would protect you so whether you like it or not, I'm not gonna give a shit, because Aidan's my brother, my Alpha and I answer to him, not you! Alright!"

She looked at him sincere, still panting. "Fine. But don't tell me were aren't doing anything, Cam.  Because I can't sit around and let this all happen. I just can't." 

"I don't intend us to, Leigh. But we have to be organized if we're gonna gather information on this.  If the council, or anyone on the council is suspected in anything, we better come with the proof or we'll be guilty of treason.  Aidan will come back to a firestorm of problems and finding you in danger." He eased his grip on her allowing some space between them. "I'm well aware you don't need a babysitter, Leigh. But you're all Aidan's got for family and it would absolutely break him if something happened to you. Let's partner on this." 

Leigh sighed. She knew he was right. She absolutely hated it when the Celt was right. 

The day seemed to drag on and on despite the steady flow of appointments. A checkup here, a vaccine there, Maddie made a promise not to look at the clock if it promises to move quicker.  Every so often her eyes would move to the door and hope to see the tall frame of Aidan coming into her clinic to say hello or say something smart. She hadn't seen him since he came to Linda's rescue and wondered if he was still in town.  She couldn't even begin to think about how much she was kicking herself for not asking for his number before he made her drive off at Linda's.  She probably would've chickened out, but at least the thought should've crossed her mind.

Hell, he could have asked for mine number, but he didn't. Maybe, he wasn't interested after all. She shook the thought away as the sound of Greta's voice invaded her thoughts. 

She looked up to see her assistant standing in the doorway with her purse and lunch bag. "What?"

Greta rolled her eyes. "I said have a good evening and don't forget that you're closed tomorrow. I moved all your appointments."

Maddie smiled. "Oh! yeah thanks.  I'll see you Thursday, bye!" She waved, watching Greta walk out, closing the door behind her.

Finally alone, Maddie sighed and looked at the clock.  It was six o' clock and her last appointment was over an hour ago.  Most would've called it a day and packed up early, but it felt useless to Maddie.  Where the hell was she gonna pack up early to go?  Greta sometimes went to happy hour with a couple of her friends, but they ran in different circles and she only really liked Greta.  She had no pets to play with and no boyfriend to entertain.

She laid her head on the desk at her own frustration. "Ugh, I'm the most boring person in Augusta. Guess I'm going to my landlord's dinner group...again." She stayed there for a few moments and heard the door entry bell ring.  Not lifting her head, she spoke against the wood, muffling her voice. "Sorry, the clinic is closed unless this is an emergency."

"Well that sounds like a real shame." A familiar deep toned voice replied. " I'm all outta fresh cuts today."

Maddie immediately raised her head to see Aidan standing in the entrance in a black leather jacket and jeans. His gray heather shirt was fitted against his abs, almost able to see the smooth ripples. He still wore his shades and Maddie was a bit thankful for that because all that man standing there threatened to overstimulate her to the point of hollering like a "woo" girl at a club. "Wh-what are you doing here?" She sat up, unsure on how she should react. 

Aidan took off his shades and smiled. She looked surprised to see him. In fact, he was surprised to find himself here.  He should be out looking for Kieran.  But when his search came up empty and no leads came from the Sheriff, he figured he could look again tonight. Though he hadn't talk to her, he did check her clinic when she was there after hours, he often found himself sleeping less and worrying about Maddie more. Seeing her in the flesh was part of an attempt to quell those ridiculous bouts of protectiveness he was getting. The other part was that, Arista help him, he just really wanted to see her. 

He strode over to her desk, his boots clomping against her hardwood floor. The air around him intimidating as he closed in on her like prey. "I came to check on you."

Maddie smiled. "You assume that I'm in some sort of trouble, is it?"

He looked around. "Well, given the several incidents we shared, that seems to be the theme.  I came by to make sure you didn't disappoint."

Maddie rolled her eyes. "Well, hate to break it to you but I'm not in any distress...unless your definition of distress is absolute boredom." She pushed herself away from the desk so she could stand up. "I was just about to head out."

Aidan shook his head. "Boredom, huh? Well, I'm sure you have a whole mess of books to catch up on." 

Maddie gasped. "Did you just insinuate that I was a nerd?" Maddie grabbed her bag and shut off the back lab's lighting.  "You did, did you?" She playfully pushed him, but he was a wall. Nothing budged.

"Aidan threw his hands up. "I was just saying that you look like a reader.  A well-read individual who would enjoy the company of books. That's all."

"Yeah, well I'm not a nerd okay?"

He nodded, his expression amused. "Okay."

"Just so you know. I'm hella cool, alright.  All the old people and kids in my neighborhood think so," she mused, almost immediately laughing at herself.

Aidan shared in her smile, looking into her bright brown eyes. Staring at them almost made him forget what he came there to do. Almost. "

"I have an idea that would chase away that boredom of yours." 

Maddie smiled as her thoughts begin to turn naughty. Oh?  I bet yours is not half as good as my idea. 

"I'm listening."

"It's gorgeous out. Let's ride through the countryside. Seriously, when was the last time you got out? Not counting that catastrophe at Riko's Bar?" Aidan stood quiet as she nodded.

"It's been a while." She looked up at him and smiled. "Alright. Let me get my things." She grabbed her red hoodie and hoisted her bag to her shoulder. Locking her clinic's door, as Aidan walked out ahead of her past the sidewalk.

Maddie stood still has he gracefully straddled the bike and slipped his shades on, still looking at her. Have mercy, he had moves that reminded her of liquid. He was slow and fluid. Dangerously sensual. She could watch the man all day. However her thoughts hit the brake when it donned on her what they would be traveling on.

She looked at his bike as it was some alien spaceship.

Confused at her hesitation, Aidan frowned. "What's the matter?"

Her expression deflated. "You ride a motorcycle?"

Aidan looked down where he was seated as if he was confirming her observation. "That would appear so."

She scowled at his sarcasm and took a step back. "For some reason I thought you had a car." Most likely a muscle car, but a car nonetheless.  "I'm not getting on that thing."

"What's the matter? Bad experience?"

More like no experience. She had friends in college who rode them and though they fascinated her, she couldn't bring herself to ride with them. And mostly her friends were young and stupid, eager to be the next daredevil. Wanting to keep her head intact, she had declined every single time. Part of her had regretted it because she hated to be afraid of anything.

"I've never ridden on one before." She confessed. Half embarrassed of her honesty. She had expected Aidan to laugh at her. His face stoic, he didn't.

"Then it's an experience you should have. It's just a short drive, and I'm very careful. I won't let anything happen to you."

His concerned, reassuring tone didn't surprise her. She's watched him too many times doing simple tasks. Every move he's ever made was calculated. Precise. He seemed to be a cautious man by habit. When he walked her to the office that night, she noticed how tense he was watching the darkness. As if he was ready for something to pounce and attack them.

He leaned back on his bike and smirked. "C'mon. You don't strike me as woman who'd give in to her fears and ignorance. A well-read woman like you?"

She frowned at his comment, "Are you trying to provoke me?"

"A little bit," his smile broadened, "How else will I get you to trust me on this?"

Keep looking at me that way...Maddie shook the thought away. The man had a nasty habit of bringing out the horniness in her. Being around Greta did not help either. She was glad her thoughts were private. She didn't know who would me more embarrassed she or him?

Giving an exasperated sigh, she looked at him."Just a short drive?"

Aidan slipped on his gloves and crossed his heart. "I promise."

Maddie looked at the seat and her heart sank. It was too narrow for the both of them. She had healthy hips and there was no way there was room for her on the seat.  Damn my mother's genes.

Aidan sensed more hesitance in her. "What's the matter now?"

She didn't want to tell him. "I'm too...round to sit on your bike." Her face flooded with heat from embarrassment. That was another reason she had declined her friends' many offers to ride. Who would want a big-hipped woman riding on the back of them?

Aidan couldn't have been more shocked if she said she owned a unicorn. Despite it, he managed to keep his expression impassive. Was she insane? He rather enjoyed looking at her body. It was curvy, soft and lush. Even now, he wanted to mold that tempting body into his until she came in his arms. A man would have to be blind not to want her. In fact, he thought best to remind her.

Maddie couldn't breathe as Aidan raked her with his heated gaze from top to bottom. His shades still on, but no less powerful. A shiver ran through her.

"I don't see a problem from where I'm sitting."

When her cheeks once again mottled red, he smiled in spite of himself.

Funny, he never struck her as the blushing type. It made his body burn for her. She looked so ethereal and inviting even more so this way. It was all he could do not to grab her and pin her against the fuel tank, kissing her senseless.

He scooted up. "There's plenty of room for you, Maddie. Ride with me."

She never heard his accent before until now. His voice was deep and tender and she was totally unprepared for it. How could she turn him down? Zipping up her hoodie, she walked up to him. He extended his hand out to her to give her leverage to straddle the bike, and her touch seared him. She was so warm, her hand soft and delicate. Her closeness made it hard for him to focus. What was it about this woman that forced some alien part of him to be so tamed? It scared the shit out of him what he was feeling for her.

Maddie settled herself behind him and smiled. She was comfortable to her amazement. But tensed as he revved the engine, her hands wrapping around his abdomen. Her fingers wanted to play across the hardness of his stomach, but she pulled back as nerves deterred her. This felt so intimate to her, her body so close to his. The heat of him was enticing, the feel of his body just as much so. 

Aidan felt her begin to pull back and he grabbed her hands gently to pull her closer. "No Xerhmon, hold on to me tight. I don't have a sissy bar so you'll have to hold on to me."

She nodded in agreement. What did he call me?

He leaned back towards her so he could speak to her above the engine. "Whenever I take a corner, just sit straight leaning into me. I'll balance for the both of us."

"Okay!" She shouted above the engine. That she could definitely do, she thought.

Wrapping her arms around his waist she cuddled up to him as he took off. She looked around the street as they pulled out, squeezing him has he switched gears. When she finally found it in herself to stop squinting and look around, she realized it was absolutely beautiful along the streets. The market was open, with people everywhere walking along the sidewalk. Children were playing around the antique candy shop on the corner and of course some on the sidelines staring at their phones. Hearing the engine roar, they stopped playing and waved at them.

"Hi Miss Ardelle!," they said in unison. Their giggles threaten to mortify her. It didn't occur to her that this small town will be buzzing about their one and only vet cruising around with a yummy guy. Screw it. I deserve a little fun in my humdrum life.

As they stopped at a red light, she saw the driver next to them roll down their window.

"Doctor. Ardelle?"

Maddie leaned in to see her landlord gawking at her. The woman should had been a reporter—her entire life revolved around the goings on of others. What a treat for her.

"Hi, Miss Carraway, how are you?" Maddie couldn't help but grin as Miss Carraway shifted her eyes from Maddie to Aidan, who took his shades off to greet the lady.

"Uh, I'm fine. Thank you," she shouted back, eyeing Aidan. "And how are you, sir?"

Aidan gave the woman a devious smile. "Perfect."

She never seen her landlord so flabbergasted. She feared they may have to resuscitate her in a minute.

"Um, will you joining our dinner group tonight?!"

Yeah, right.

"Sorry, Miss Carraway, but I seriously doubt it. My friend and I are taking a little outing."

Where I plan to ravish him under a tree somewhere until we both pass out from sheer exhaustion.

Miss Carraway gave them both a sheepish grin. "Okay, well...um have fun."

"Don't worry. We will!" Aidan growled, putting his shades back on just in time for the light to change to green. Maddie was able to see Miss Carraway's jaw drop just before he sped off towards the highway. Her body racked with laughter. If only Greta was there to see that. She would die!

"That was absolutely awesome!" she yelled to Aidan, hoping he could hear her.

He slightly turned his head. She felt his abdomen jerk with laughter as well. "My pleasure. Did you see her face?"

Maddie guffawed at the thought of it. "I thought we would have to call the paramedics."

Aidan always was a sucker for shock value. Small towns thrived off of it, and frankly it was far too easy to do it. His breath caught in his throat as he felt Maddie lean her body against him, her cheek resting on his back. She snuggled him so tightly, intimately. No one had ever ridden with him. As an Azanesti General, his job was lone and militant. In the very beginning, they were the protectors who guarded the pack at all costs. They maintained a flank when they traveled. Funny how times changed. The Azanesti went from guarding on foot, to horses, now cars and motorbikes. Though the Azanesti fighters were allowed to have mates, they were never allowed to travel together. Aidan treasured his bike, which he had before he was chosen, more than anything. It was tied to a certain freedom he adored. It was as close to flying as he could get. Nothing was better than burning up the pavement with his Ducati.

Nothing except the little minx riding with him.

His body roared as loud as his engine at the feel of her with him. He didn't feel so alone with her here and was quite enjoying her giggles and squeals of delight as he jet down the highway. Loved hearing her laughter in his ear. Loved her small hands gripping his body.

Arista's hands, why didn't I leave her where she was? He shouldn't be out with her. If any wolf saw them, if Kieran saw them, he would try to hurt her. He ground his teeth as he took a corner.

I don't know what's going on, but I'd bet my ass Kieran is up to something big here.

The wind was chilly, but Maddie didn't mind. She was amazingly warm inside and out. And she knew exactly why. She couldn't distance herself from this man, the graceful one with her. Who stood up for her at the most fantastic moments and didn't ask anything in return from her. She wasn't quite sure what to make of her unorthodox hero indeed. One moment he infuriates her, the next he's making her melt. It was enough to make a woman nuts.

Calm down, Maddie. He's just a friend. Men like this don't date women like you.

It sucked, but it was true. She wasn't the type of woman that hot, self-assured men like Aidan sought out. 

Yet, he was with her. And he helped when he did not have to. Saved her and even protected her and Linda. To say he was supposedly cold and unyielding, there was an awful bit of him with quite a hero complex. He wanted to be a bad guy, but it just wasn't working.

That warmed her even more, wanting to squeeze the life outta him for being so sweet. She never felt so safe and looked after. Even as they sped down the highway, there was no other place she wanted to be right now. None.

###

Looks like this is turning into a 1st date!! What do you think?  Do you think Aidan is a sweetheart? Perhaps the idea to be out and about could be dangerous for them?