A Game of Cat & Mouse (17 page)

Sienna McBride was reportedly dating an unknown beau. Kelsi Peters had snuck out of the house to meet her human boyfriend at the mall after being forbidden. The list went on forever. Yet all she could focus on was the fact that she felt as if she were dying inside.

Caleb held his mate’s hand as he led her to the podium. Heartened by the warm response to his announcing Miranda as his mate, he dove in with the suggestions that Miranda proposed. “I am happy to see all of you here today for such an important announcement. I want to thank each of you for bearing with me this past year. I know that I have not lived up to my father’s image. But I’m not sure that I can, and I actually doubted my ability to perform my role as alpha until a little mouse gave me hope and direction.”

Caleb looked into the eyes of his blushing mate and reveled in the love shining in their brown depths.

“When I met Miranda, I failed to tell her of my alpha status. I’ve come to realize it was because I did not see myself as an alpha. From day one of learning her new role as an alpha, Miranda began asking questions and learning what was required of her. Her first questions were, ‘what other members of the pride are there?’ and ‘what exactly does the status of alpha female require of me?’ She was in shock when she learned that the only positions within the pride are alpha and pride member. She said that wasn’t good

enough because there would be no checks and balances.

“I believe her own words were ‘what keeps the alphas from crossing the line?’

And while we are a fortunate pride to have had such respectable leaders, there are probably many other prides that are not so lucky. I agree with my mate, so, effective immediately, the following positions will be available within the pride. Beta, or second-in-command, will fill in when the alpha cannot or is absent, and enforcers, who will manage security for the pride. I believe we’ve all heard of Gunner’s adventure in the mine. It’s our belief that this was a calculated event and Gunner is innocent of wandering where he was

forbidden to go. We’re still investigating that, but we believe that our own type of police force will aid in keeping this sort of thing from occurring again.

“Treasurer, as the name states, will handle the financial aspects of our pride.

We have several channels that bring money into the pride and several projects we use pride money for, including the scholarship fund. Miranda feels it’s irresponsible to have a couple of people with all the power and all the money. I agree wholeheartedly. Besides, with duties spread between members, I will have more time to ensure the efficient operation of the pride. Are there any questions or concerns about the proposed status changes within the pride?”

Caleb placed his notecards down and waited. He anticipated many questions.

They were cats, after all.

“How will these positions be chosen?”

Winston said.

Caleb looked at Miranda, and despite her wide-eyed look, she stepped up to the podium and answered. “That’s a good question. We haven’t actually determined what would be best, but I think those interested should see Caleb, and we can go from there.”

“Not that I’m knocking the come-tell-Caleb idea, but why don’t you just do applications?” Zackary said. Everyone turned to stare at him, and Caleb almost laughed when Zackary said, “What?”

“That’s actually an excellent idea.

Thank you, Zackary.” Miranda said.

When Zackary sat back down next to his sister, Essence whispered into his ear.

Zackary turned red and Caleb knew she’d scolded him for being sarcastic. Zackary looked at Miranda and mouthed, “I’m sorry,” but Miranda just smiled and shook her head.

“Any more questions?”

Though he’d expected more questions, it seemed Miranda’s speech was solid.

Although he did think she’d gone a little overboard with the whole “I agree wholeheartedly.” Caleb was sure that no one mistook this speech as his own work. The meeting dragged on with requests for a playground for the children and various other requests. Miranda dutifully listened and wrote down each request.

“Well, if there is no other business, I say we dismiss this meeting,” Caleb said.

A shrill whistle interrupted the sound of people standing and shuffling to exit.

Caleb and Miranda’s attention flew to the source. Her black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and her crystalline-blue eyes were shooting sparks. Caleb knew the female as Brenna James, had even spoken to her on a few occasions, but he truly knew nothing more about her. His father had admitted her and her mother about four years before, about a year before Essence became a member of the pride.

Sadly, Brenna’s mother had died about six months after their arrival.

However, just as his father had with Essence, he didn’t ask questions, preferring to allow pride members to come to him when ready. Caleb needed to stop that practice. Essence’s problem taught him that if he wanted to help the members of his pride he sometimes had to be proactive about it.

“I challenge Miranda Sullivan for her position as alpha female!” Brenna stood her hands on her hips her mouth curled in a moue of distaste as she looked over Miranda.

Miranda’s brown eyes widened, and she looked at Caleb. He could feel her panic as if it were his own. Hell, maybe it was his own. Caleb loved his mate and did not want to change one thing about her.

However, the facts remained that Miranda was a little mouse and Brenna was a cougar. He obviously hadn’t thought of this possibility.

***

Brenna barely kept the look of glee from her face as she challenged the little mouse for her position as alpha female. The mouse’s eyes widened as the implications of her challenge flowed through the stupid bitch’s head.

Yeah, bitch, I’m a cougar, and I will take you out in one little bite.

Brenna could almost feel the power of being alpha female. But first things first.

She had to dispose of one annoying

rodent. Miranda’s whispered questions floated to her ears, and Brenna decided not to withhold a smile. It was rather amusing.

“Can she do that?”

Not about to lose her audience, Brenna answered the filthy rodent.

“Why, yes, of course I can. According to the pride bylaws, and I quote, ‘Should the alpha or alpha female of any pride be considered weak or unfit for their duty as alpha, then it is the privilege of the pride members to challenge for that position.”

“On what grounds do you claim Miranda to be unfit?” Caleb growled.

Oh, but he was a prickly male. Even more reason to rid herself of him as soon as possible after Miranda’s tragic death, besides she much preferred Daryl him anyways.

“Miranda is a mouse. Historically, alphas for any shifter group, be that wolf, lion, or cougar, has been the strongest of the group. Miranda, by size and species alone, is inferior in strength, speed, and prowess. Would any here disagree that Caleb is the strongest male among us?”

Brenna was satisfied with the response, knowing that the entire pride adored Caleb, and it made her want to vomit.

Daryl was twice the man that he was.

“What does that have to do with your challenge?” Caleb growled yet again. It seemed she would have to speed things up so that Caleb didn’t blow a gasket.

“I’m simply making a point. How many of you can say the same for Miranda? How many of you can say that Miranda is the strongest among you?” Everyone looked to Caleb for guidance. She could tell many of them wanted to say she was the strongest, but in the end, very few did so. “There we have it. The stipulation for challenge has been met, and therefore, I challenge Miranda Sullivan for her place as alpha female.”

“What do I do? I’m not actually too familiar with every bylaw,” Miranda said, her face pale.

“I offer to fight as a substitute!”

Brenna turned to the black-haired

female who walked toward the front. Who is this bitch? When she stood mere inches away, Brenna bristled at the look of contempt that flashed in her gray eyes.

“What are you trying to prove?” The gray-eyed female had balls. Brenna would give her that. Now it seemed as if another had to die.

“I simply want what is best for the pride.”

Miranda stepped beside the female and placed a hand on her shoulder to gain her attention.

“I can’t let you do that, Aspen. It isn’t good for you in this condition.” The girl named Aspen looked at Miranda in open-mouthed shock.

“It really doesn’t matter whether you find her acceptable as a substitute or not because the bylaws clearly state that the current alpha female must face the

challenger in a fight in shifter form.”

Brenna was furious when Miranda’s

attention focused on the gray-eyed Aspen.

She hated to repeat herself.

“What do you mean my condition?”

Aspen asked, her confusion plain to see.

Miranda stared at Aspen then turned her gaze to Caleb before turning back to take a big sniff of Aspen. Aspen seemed even more confused. Miranda tilted her head and regarded Aspen with curiosity.

“I just assumed you knew,” she said.

“Knew what?”

“That you’re pregnant.”

Brenna almost found this interruption worth it when Aspen placed her hand on her lower belly and her face scrunched as tears tracked down her face.

“Are you sure?”

“Well, my nose doesn’t usually lie, so I’m almost certain.”

Zackary caught the girl before she hit the floor and laid her on a vacated bench.

How touching.

Tired of being ignored, Brenna raised her voice above the small roar of the masses.

“Do you accept my challenge or forfeit your role as alpha female.”

“One little fact you seem to be

overlooking, Brenna,” Zackary said as he left Aspen in the care of Winston and Evelyn Dawson.

“And that would be?”

“Any challenge gets a three-day grace period for preparation or whatever. I thought you read the bylaws.” And this smart ass will be third to go.

“Fine, I’ll give you the three-day grace period, but after that, it’s you and me,”

Brenna said, emphasizing her point with jabs to Miranda’s chest. She nearly screamed as a bruising grip grabbed her hand. She looked into the eyes of one pissed-off alpha and mate. His eyes glowed and claws dug into her skin.

Brenna didn’t flinch. She could show no weakness.

“Keep your hands off my mate,” he

growled.

Despite his warnings, she would do a lot more than touch his mate in three days. In three days, she would destroy her, then what was left of a broken alpha.

***

Miranda placed another cool compress to Aspen’s forehead. After the revelation of her pregnancy, she’d fainted. Caleb, already livid about Brenna’s challenge, ordered his childhood friend carried to his home. Dr. Weber accompanied them, and her mate, Saul Weber, a nurse was placing the IV line.

“How is she?” Miranda wrung her hands as she looked over Dr. Weber’s shoulder.

Dr. Weber patted Miranda on the

shoulder. “I know that look. Get it a lot in the ER when a parent feels responsible for a wreck that hurts their child or any other number of things. I’ll tell you this; you didn’t cause Aspen to faint. The girl is pregnant and, according to Evelyn, vomited most of the night and morning. She’s dehydrated. Your news just pushed her over the limit. Probably was the best thing since, she would have just continued vomiting and denying what her body told her. Now we’ll give her fluids, and when she’s rested, she’ll come back around.

She’s not in a coma or anything. She still responds to stimuli. Give her some time, and she’ll be just fine,”

Caleb stopped his incessant pacing and stared at Miranda.

“What?” Miranda finally asked,

uncomfortable with his staring. It was not the I’ll-rip-your-clothes-off-and-take-you stare, but the what-are-you-thinking stare.

“How can you think you’re responsible for this?”

“I don’t know, Caleb; she fainted right after I spilled the beans about her being pregnant.”

Caleb leaned down and planted a chaste kiss on her lips. She wished she could climb into his lap and hide. There was still the challenge to worry about. She knew she was forgoing dealing with that issue by fussing over Aspen. She couldn’t deny that she was scared. How could she possibly win against a cougar?

Miranda took pride in her status as a mouse shifter. However, even she realized how impossible it would be for a mouse to beat a cougar in a fight. What could she do though? Forfeit? She immediately dismissed such an idea because she was Caleb’s mate. She didn’t want to know that another female held a position beside him other than herself. Call her jealous because she’d say that was true.

“How am I going to win?”

Miranda hated the desperate ring to her voice, but she knew the odds were

staggering. Caleb picked Aspen’s head out of Miranda’s lap and pulled Miranda up. He placed a pillow under Aspen’s head and then picked Miranda up. Miranda sighed at the feeling of safety and home that surrounded her when Caleb settled her in his lap. She burrowed deeper within his arms, inching her hands under his shirt hem to feel his skin against her own.

Everything melted away. The challenge that she was sure to lose, the stress from being single to mated all in the course of a few days, and the added anxiety of school starting on Monday. Within Caleb’s arms, there was nothing. There was Caleb, and there was Miranda. Nothing else mattered in that instant.

“I love you,” she murmured into his chest, the beat of his heart soothing her frazzled nerves.

“Whoa! Is Miranda passing out too?”

The familiar voice brought a smile to her face. Zackary crouched at Caleb’s side and looked into Miranda’s eyes. It warmed Miranda’s heart to see the concern in his hazel depths. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay, Zackary. I’m just a little overwhelmed with being alpha female and then being challenged.”

“Ah, don’t worry about that. I’m sure you’ve got her beat,” “You do know I’m a mouse shifter, right?” Miranda said.

“Yeah, Gunner thought it was the

coolest thing to be rescued by a little mouse. Now he wants to be a mouse too.”