Gifted with Hydrangea (6 page)

“
They came after me, the wolves did, and I tried to get
to my car, but they cornered me.”

Rage started to seep into Enzo’s voice. “Did they hurt
you?”

Heath’s eyes grew really big as he looked up at Enzo.
“No!” He shook his head and looked back down at his hands. “No, but I thought
they were going to. They were growling and snarling at me. I got so scared …
uh, anyway, another wolf showed up, and a horse.”

Enzo waited for a second until he realized Heath was
done talking. “Sweetheart, tell me how you got hurt. I need to know everything
that happened.” Enzo tried placing a hand on one of Heath’s. Heath jerked his
hand back. Enzo didn’t move. He kept his hand frozen where it was, and after a
minute, Heath relaxed a little bit. He replaced his hand and allowed Enzo’s
hand to rest on top of it.

Heath continued. “The wolf guy put me on the horse,
but I never rode a horse before. I didn’t know it would be so hard, and I was
shaking so bad to begin with, that I fell off.” Heath paused, as if thinking
back at what happened next. “The horse guy went really
slow
after that, and I still fell off again, but this time the wolf guy broke my
fall.”

Enzo chuckled and looked up at
Kace
as he spoke to Heath. “Good, I hope you got a good jab or two in. I’m sure he
deserved it.”

Heath looked earnestly up at Enzo. “What’s going to
happen to me?”

Enzo sighed and looked back at
Alphy
,
who approached them.

“
Heath, I’m Ralph
Kaska
, but
everyone calls me
Alphy
. I’m the one in charge here.
What you saw was a secret we passionately guard. We aren’t going to hurt you,
but we are going to have to keep you here until we can get two things from
you.”

Heath’s brows crunched together. “What two things?”

“
We would first need your absolute promise that you’ll
never reveal our secret to anyone. And second, you would need to clear a background
check. The first thing is simple enough, but the second thing would take a
little bit more time.”
Alphy
pointed back at Ryker.
“Ryker is the one who is supposed to do the background checks, but right now
he’s got two other things he has to do that are urgent, so they are just a
little bit higher priority. It may take a few days before he can do to it.”

“
But my work, I can’t lose it. I have bills I need to
pay. And I have a pet at home that needs to be cared for.”

Rudo
watched Enzo squeeze
Heath’s hands. “Hey, calm down. I promise we’ll figure out a solution to any
problem that arises. I’ll help you out any way you need it. I have enough money
so I can pay your bills. Consider it compensation for being forced to stay
here. And I’m sure we can talk to your boss and get him to give you a few days
off. If not, I’m sure we can find you something better for you. And if you’d
like, we can bring your pet here. Does that work for you?”

Heath thought for a while. Enzo visibly relaxed when
Heath nodded solemnly. “Ok. I guess I really don’t have a choice.”

Enzo rubbed Heath’s hands. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so
sorry about this. This is not how I wanted to share our secret with you, but I
promise I’ll make this up to you. Now, tell me what kind of pet do you have?”

“
A cat. Her name is Tinkerbell.”

Rudo
bit back his snicker. He
knew Enzo was a wolf, and wolves didn’t like owning pet cats. But everyone
turned to look at
Kace
, who didn’t hold back his
snicker.

Rudo
felt the tension in the
room build as Enzo glared at
Kace
. “Shut it, mutt, or
I’ll have you cleaning toilet bowls without a brush.”

Kace
cleared his throat. “Yes,
sir.”

Heath gasped, and his eyes got big. “Oh! N-no, we
don’t need to bring her here. I’m sure we can … do something. Maybe take her to
my mom’s, or something.”

Enzo gave Heath a curious look. “What do you mean? We
can bring Tinkerbell here. It will be fine.”

“
But you’re werewolves, well, except for that horse
guy. I didn’t know there was more than one kind of were-creature—I didn’t know
there were any.” Heath mumbled the last part.
Rudo
didn’t think he would have heard it if it weren’t for his shifter hearing.

“
Sweetheart, there are lots of different kinds of
shifters. Yes, I’m a wolf, but
Alphy’s
a big
ol
’ grizzly bear.”

Alphy
gave an annoyed look and corrected him. “Kodiak.”

Enzo chuckled. “See?”

Rudo
thought he saw a ghost of
a smile play on Heath’s lips.

Enzo continued. “We are a mixed pack. We have many
different kinds of shifters, and other paranormals, and we even have some
humans. They are mates to some of the pack members. Your cat will be safe, I
promise.”

Ryker laughed. “Almost. Watch out for the tot twins.
They just might steal your cat, especially when Abby learns her name.”

Alphy
grunted in amusement and rubbed his chin. “Possibly. That only leaves the
question of where to put you during your stay. The only place we have is the
barn.”

“
No, he—” Enzo began to argue.
Rudo
heard the touch of anger in his voice.

Alphy
held up his hand to stop Enzo from finishing what he was going to say. “I know
what he means to you, but he’s been through enough as it is. Think about what
you’re forcing on him. You can’t expect him to sleep with you.”

Enzo growled. “He sleeps in my room. I’ll sleep on the
floor outside his door, if I have to, but you’re not putting him anywhere
else.”

Alphy
stood up, and a deep rumble echoed through his chest. Recognizing the look an
alpha gets when he is challenged,
Rudo
placed Ryker
behind him.

“
Are you challenging my authority?”
Alphy
growled out.

Enzo closed his eyes and tilted his head. “No, alpha.
I apologize.”

Alphy
calmed, but only slightly. He still held his authoritative presence. “Apology
accepted. You can offer him your room, but do not pressure him. You will give
him a choice. I’m making you responsible for him. Teach him what he needs to
know so he’ll be safe in our world, things like not challenging the alpha by
giving him orders.”

Alphy
didn’t wait for a response. He marched past and down the stairs. The tension
Rudo
felt passed, and he sighed. Ryker grabbed his laptop,
and
Rudo
led him down the stairs. It had been a long
day.
Time to put my mate to bed.
A
mischievous smile spread across his face. He knew just how to tuck his mate in.

Chapter Six

Enzo was filled with mixed emotions as he watched
everyone, except Seamus and
Maysa
, leave. He had been
so happy with himself when he was able to not only settle the dispute with the
two families
Alphy
had sent him to, but also help
them form a bond. It took a bit of work and a shitload of mediating, but he did
it. Of course Enzo had been disappointed that his mate had already left work
for the day by the time he was able to stop by, but he knew it was easy enough
to return in the morning. He hadn’t expected to arrive home and scent his mate,
or the fear and pain that he smelled coming from him. When he scented his
mate’s scent all over
Kace
, and Marley, he couldn’t
stop himself from attacking them. And then to accidentally challenge
Alphy
…

Fucking mate-pull. It’s
completely messing up my common sense. I can’t believe I did that to
Alphy
. Fuck!

It was a good thing
Alphy
was a good friend, because if it was any other alpha, Enzo would have had to
fight for his life after pulling a stunt like that.

Seamus finished examining Heath. “Well, Heath, you
sustained no serious injuries. I’m most concerned with your blood pressure and
heart-rate. Are you sure you do not wish to have anything to calm you further?
I would consider something for sleeping, at least. From the shock you’ve been
put through, you may very likely suffer nightmares.”

Heath paused a moment before answering. “I think
you’re right about the nightmares. I think I’d better take something for that.
But do I have to take it right now?”

“
No, I can bring you some pills that you can choose
when to take. Do you have any questions for me?”

Heath silently shook his head. Seamus smiled and
nodded. “Very well then. I’ll go fetch those pills right now.” Seamus paused a
moment. “I would also like to offer one of our hospital rooms to stay in, if
you don’t want the barn or Enzo’s room.”

As Seamus started gathering his things, Enzo thanked
him and informed him they would be in the house. Enzo watched as the two left
before retrieving a chair. Then he sat himself down right in front of Heath. He
took in a deep breath, then let it out slowly, and rubbed a hand over his mouth
and chin thinking over where to start.

Enzo tried to give a more casual and friendly
appearance. He relaxed in the chair and smiled at his mate.

“
So you’re my secret admirer?” he asked.

Heath nodded slowly but kept his eyes averted. Enzo
didn’t like that, but he kept his growl in check.

“
How about questions? Do you have any you would like to
ask me? Anything you want,” he offered.

Heath nodded. “Loads, but right now I don’t think I
will remember the answers.”

“
I understand. Learning about our existence is a big
shocker, add to that, the fright the others gave you, but I promise you, Heath,
you are safe now. How about we start with where you want to sleep? Do you want
to sleep in the cell that’s set up in the barn, the hospital room, or would you
like my room? And don’t worry about putting me out. I’ll be fine. I’ll be happy
knowing you’re safe and comfortable.”

Heath remained silent for a little bit before
answering. “Where would you sleep if I took your room?”

“
That partly depends on you. As you can tell, I’m very
protective of you, so I would want to sleep close by. I can shift and sleep on
the floor, or on the floor just outside your door, or I can sleep on the couch.
There’s also the office here. Be aware that if you choose the hospital room, I
would probably sleep in the guest chair beside your bed. Seamus spared no
expense making sure that the chairs turned into little beds.”

Heath looked like he was having a difficult time
deciding, so Enzo tried to help him out. “You have three options. How about you
eliminate one option only, for now, and then we will go get something to eat.
You can take the time to think over the last two options over a hot meal.”

Heath looked up at him and nodded. His heart flipped
when he saw the, albeit small, smile he was rewarded with.
Damn, if such a small smile can curl my toes, what would a large smile
do to me? I am so fucked.

“
Is it all right if we mark off the barn?” he said
softly.

“
Absolutely,” Enzo said with relief. “Now let’s go get
something to eat. I know a shock to the system, like the one you had, can have
a negative effect on one’s appetite, but Betty made tacos, with these special
apple and cinnamon tacos for dessert. Trust me when I say you’ll want to have
seconds, or fifths even, like me.”

He gave Heath a mischievous smile and wiggled his
eyebrows. He got the desired effect, and was rewarded with a small laugh from
his mate. Though it was only a small laugh, it was a huge step in the right
direction. That fact that he was the one who caused it, made Enzo feel like he
could fly. Enzo held Heath’s hand as he led him down the stairs and up to the
house.

****

Heath looked around at the house they just entered. It
was a very large house, and felt larger with the open floor plan that it had,
but it was also crowded with people, many who were nearly as big as Enzo. He
felt uneasy when everyone turned to stare.

Over by the fireplace, he spotted the girl he had
watched shift. He didn’t know which one it was since she was a twin, and he
hadn’t seen her well enough to tell the difference, but he remembered how
vicious they both were towards him, and he couldn’t stop the fear that started
to come over him.

Enzo gave his hand a light squeeze, getting his
attention. “
Shh
, relax, sweetheart. They won’t hurt
you. I promise that you are safe.”

Heath didn’t know how much of that he truly believed,
but with Enzo beside him, he did feel safe, for now, so he let Enzo lead him
into the kitchen. He recognized Havana, standing by a counter laden with the
fixings for tacos. She looked up as they approached and gave him a friendly
smile.

“
Hi, Heath. I am so sorry for how things went down. I
wouldn’t have sent you out there if I would have known what would happened. But
now that you’re here, welcome to the family. And if you need anything, or just
want to talk, you can count me as a friend.”

Heath blinked. He didn’t know what to say to that.
“Uh, thank you.”

He stayed silent, mulling over everything he’d seen
and heard since the attack, as he ate. Everything just added more questions,
which he was not comfortable asking in a house full of people.
Now that I think about that, I would
probably get more privacy in the hospital room, away from the main house, than
I would here. And,
he thought,
Enzo
could stay with me without being left sleeping on the floor.
If Heath had
to admit at least to himself, he really didn’t want to be separated from Enzo,
but he didn’t want to sleep with him either.
And who would want to sleep on the floor?
He made up his mind.

Heath leaned over and whispered, “Uh, Enzo?”

Enzo wiped his mouth on a napkin before he answered.
“What is it, sweetheart?”

Heath’s stomach fluttered at hearing the endearment.
It took a ton of effort to keep his concentration enough to remember what he was
going to ask. “I think I’d like to stay in the clinic, as long as you stay
there with me. Is that okay?”

Enzo looked like he was relieved.
Why would he be relieved?

“
Yeah, baby, that will be fine. And perfect timing,
there’s Sea now.”

The doctor smiled as he approached, followed by the
beautiful petite woman who had been with him earlier. Seamus handed to him a
small packet with some pills in it.

“
Here you go, Heath. These should help you have a
restful sleep. I’m pleased to see you eating. Is there anything else I can do
for you?”

Enzo answered for him. “Actually, Sea, Heath would
like to stay in the clinic, and I would like to stay with him, if that’s okay
with you.”

“
You are most welcome to. We have two rooms you can
choose from, and they are both prepared, so you can head over whenever you’re
ready. I’ll show you around after
Maysa
and I are
finished eating.”

Seamus weaved around several people, pulling the
little woman behind him. Heath saw Havana coming towards them. She set two
small plates down in front of them. Each had two dessert tacos on them.
Cinnamon and sugar coated the small fried tortilla shells, and inside was an
apple-pie-like filling, topped with whipped cream. The sweet and spicy smells
filled his nose, and his mouth watered.

“
Saved
ya
some dessert,”
Havana said triumphantly. “And if you want more, just ask. I’ll make sure you
can have as many as you like.” Havana moved away, but Heath was stuck staring
at the divine dessert his mouth was already singing hallelujah to.

“
Aren’t you glad you ate?” Enzo chuckled before opening
his mouth, biting the dessert taco in half. Enzo’s pleasured hum got the
attention of Heath’s dick, and it started to fill. Heath suddenly looked away
and grabbed his own dessert. He didn’t want to think about his attraction to a
possible werewolf, because it would bring up all the confusing thoughts about
the fact that there were really werewolves. He shoved the treat into his mouth
and froze for a brief moment as pleasure coated his tongue. He closed his eyes
and hummed around the dessert taco, temporarily forgetting where he was.

The two sat together silently, slowly enjoying the
dessert until, all too soon, it was gone.

“
Want more?” Enzo asked.

“
My tongue screams yes, my stomach says no. I’m
stuffed.” He gave Enzo a rueful look.

Enzo laughed. “How about I get us some more, and we’ll
taken them to eat later?”

Heath smiled up at him as he watched Enzo stand. “That
sounds perfect.”

“
Come on, sweetheart, let’s go get them. Then we’ll
stop by my room to get a change of clothes, before heading out to the clinic.”

Heath followed close to Enzo, nearly pressing flat
against his muscular back as they made their way through the crowded house.
After they retrieved their treats, Enzo led Heath to a large master bedroom
just down the hall. As soon as they walked into the room, another man came up
from behind.

“
Knock, knock.”

The two turned and looked. Heath recognized him as one
of the men from the office, the first one who introduced himself, but for the
life of him he couldn’t remember his name.

The man held out a pair of sweats and a tee. “Thought
you would like to wear pants that actually had a chance staying on your waist
and a shirt that didn’t make you look like you’re wearing a muumuu.”

Heath gave a small laugh and reached out, taking the
offered clothing. “Thanks.”

“
No probs.”

“
Thank you, Rye,” Enzo said. “So you guys heading out
in the morning?”

“
Yeah.
Bronya
and Nix already
headed out. She wants to prep everything before we get there, and Nix still
needs rest, so she thought heading down there tonight, and letting him sleep
later in the morning, would be easier than sleeping now, and waking early for a
long drive.”

“
I trust her judgment on that. Nix is lucky to have
survived.
Alphy
may have sent him down as added help,
but watch out for him trying to do more than he should. More likely he’ll feel
a need to prove himself. Sea said there’s a chance he’ll be able to fly again,
but if he reinjures his shoulder while it’s still healing, it may permanently
damage it.”

“
Will do,” Rye answered.

“
Good luck down there,” Enzo said.

“
You too,” Ryker answered, and waved as he turned,
walking into the room directly across the hall.

“
Who’s Nix?” Heath asked, as he watched Enzo open a
dresser drawer.

Enzo didn’t look up as he answered. “A pack mate. He’s
a falcon shifter who got hurt recently by a psychotic hunter who was out to
kill
Maysa
, Seamus’s mate.”

“
Falcon shifter? Is that like a werewolf?”

Enzo finished grabbing what he wanted, so he ushered
Heath out of the room, shutting the door behind him. He answered as they made
their way out of the house.

“
We are called shifters. There are many kinds of
shifters. One of the first things you need to remember is that Hollywood’s
version of paranormals is purely fiction. For instance, you can’t be turned
into a shifter. You have to be born one.”

They walked through the chill of the night air, hand
in hand, as Enzo continued.

“
We are fighting a corporation that has been abducting
shifters and experimenting on them.
Maysa
escaped,
but they sent a hunter after her. He caught up with her here and set traps. He
was out to kill her, not take her back alive like he was hired for. Several of
us got injured in some of the traps, including
Maysa
,
when she saved a little girl. Nix was in his falcon form when he flew into a
trap. It nearly severed him in half.”