Un.Requited (Claimed Series) (10 page)

“I know you said there were two other female werewolves in your pack,” Hayden said as she turned back to look at Cole. “Is it really true that females are so rare?” she ventured quietly, mindful of the human driving the taxi.

Cole inclined his head in contemplation. “Addie and Devan are older females and have been around for quite some time.
But
yes, newborn females have a very low probability of surviving the bite. A human’s body must go through a transformation that essentially kills them. Most females don’t awaken when it’s completed.”

Reverting in on herself, Hayden thought back to that night in Montana. Her shivering had been uncontrollable and the dirt underneath her had been moist and warm. She remembered her pulse racing dangerously fast until it stopped abruptly. It seemed like only seconds later before her pulse began to start again, only this time, giving life to a new superhuman, an immortal creature.

Staring listlessly in front of her, Hayden drowned in angry hopelessness. “So not only do I have to survive the bite, but also the first full moon?” She remembered Blake mentioning something about the full moon at the restaurant. “It doesn’t seem fair.”

Blake finally stirred and contributed to the conversation. “It
isn’t
fair,” he agreed. “Purebred werewolves get off easy, isn’t that right, Cole?” His sharp amber eyes swept across the silent Alpha. He then nudged Hayden. “Cole’s parents were both werewolves and he was born one himself. Purebreds don’t need to face the same trials we do. Many say that Purebreds are more superior over Sired werewolves, or Mutts as they like to call us.”

That certainly explained Cole’s dislike toward humans and newborns. Hayden also wondered over the concept that Purebred werewolves were more superior to Sired werewolves. She supposed it might hold some truth to it. After all, Purebreds were born as werewolves, whereas transformed werewolves had to adapt to a completely new lifestyle.

Hayden grimaced.

Blake chuckled at expression and reached over to ruffle her hair. “Not everything about being a werewolf is negative, Hayden. In fact, I can even show you a few things that will change your outlook.” He winked at her, radiating a rebellious air. It was highly possible that those ‘few things’ he wanted to show her weren’t exactly harmless.

Cole must have thought the same.
“Just as long as those
ideas
are passed through me.”

Hayden grinned at Blake’s offended look before the change of scenery distracted her. They were approaching a small town, the first sign of civilization she’d seen in over an hour. The town was quaint and quiet. Neat shops stood at the heart of the town, their sidewalks
swept
and their windows spotless.

It wasn’t a large town by any means, but it was a comfortable size. It only took a few minutes before they were exiting the township and entering the heavy forest. The paved road abruptly transformed into a curvy gravel path with long grass growing in the middle of the tire tracks. Generous shadows covered their path, cast by the massive trees on either side of the makeshift road.

From her position, she caught glimpses of the sparsely populated homes, all stately and enormous in size. Heavy foliage and trees blanketed each home, offering an abundant amount of privacy from the road. It was so green, so mystical, that Hayden found herself reluctantly falling in love with it.

“The last house on this road, to the right,” Cole informed the driver. His broad shoulders suddenly tensed, as if he expected a fight as soon as he stepped out of the taxi. 

Hayden easily noticed his unease and it amplified her own apprehension. Flattening her back against the seat, she tightened her fingers in her scarf for security. Cole’s pack wasn’t expecting her, especially a member who was
Sired
by an uncontrollable rogue and who had a connection to the rogue Alpha. 

Fiddling with her high collar, Hayden made certain the common observer wouldn’t notice Nicolas’ mark. She found herself wondering if they would accept her as easily as Blake had, or make her feel even more unwelcomed than she already was.

All too soon, they pulled to a stop on the side of the road. Just up ahead, there was cul-de-sac, a dead end that cut the road off abruptly. To her immediate right, on top a small hill, a number of thick trees shielded a house. From what little glimpses she was able to steal, she admired the beautiful house, decorated with dark brick and strong pillars. 

After paying a heavy sum to the cab driver, Cole stepped out of the taxi. Unexpectedly, he reached inside and encircled her wrist gently with sure fingers.

“Welcome home.”

His words, and the placating hold on her wrist, were enough to banish the majority of her uncertainties. Hayden felt confident enough to exit the cab and stand next to Cole, silently
marveling the scenery. Outside the car, the trees seemed so much taller. Their mighty presence easily dwarfed her, but offered a sense of security.

Once the cab sped off, Hayden clearly smelt the territory line around Cole’s property. It smelt just like the Alpha, a distinctive frost and earth. If she wasn’t a member of his pack, the territory line might have unnerved her enough to stay away and respect his terrain.

Cole must have picked up her observation. “When I’m not here, I expect you to stay within the territory.” Pausing, he looked down at her. “More importantly,” he began, his dark eyes flashing. “You will need my permission to
exit
the property.”

It was that domineering and dictatorial tone again and it rubbed her the wrong way. Hayden took back possession of her wrist and frowned. Something told her that Cole wouldn’t be lenient on her leaving the property. Chances were, until she gained better control over her wolf, he would confine her inside property.

Before she could press the matter further, four figures staggered from the house. Hayden stood her ground assertively, willing herself not to hide further behind Cole. She watched the forthcoming werewolves closely, scrutinizing them and taking mental notes. 

The two tallest men looked similar and Hayden knew they were the twins, Fergus and Nathan. Both males had buzzed, blond hair and unique turquoise eyes. However, only one of the twins looked approachable. The one in question offered a slight smile when he caught sight of her. In sharp contrast, the other twin narrowed his eyes, his lips curling in disproval. 

Directly behind the twins were two women, both around the same age as the other. From what Blake explained, Addie was Cole’s grandmother, but Hayden couldn’t identify her. Both females looked to be in their middle twenties and both of them surveyed Hayden with indecision. One of the women even went so far as to look appalled at Hayden’s presence.

Cole promptly wrapped a protective arm around Hayden’s waist, acting as a buffer. She flinched at the contact, subtly trying to move away, still uneasy around him. However, the Alpha easily disregarded her withdrawal attempts and kept her close to his chest.

Deciding not to make a scene, Hayden chose to stay motionless in his hold and keep steady eye contact with the four figures in front of her. It was best if they saw she wouldn’t be kicked into submission so easily, even if she
was
the newcomer.

“We were expecting you and Blake to return home, Cole, but not another…” one of the females trailed off tentatively.

“You know the reason we went to New York,” Cole started with a crisp and imposing tone. “I decided to invite Hayden into 0ur pack. I’d like you all to be
welcoming
.” His hand cupped her lower back and nudged her toward them. “Hayden, I’d like you to meet Nathanial.”

He motioned toward one of the twins. The blond-haired werewolf was sturdier than his brother was, yet both of them were easily the tallest figures in the group. Nathan gave Hayden a sharp nod, nothing more, nothing less. His eyes studied her coldly and untrustingly, making certain she was aware of his aversion to her sudden presence. 

“And this is Fergus.”

The lankier twin winked at Hayden. His upper lip lifted in a crooked grin, revealing yellow teeth. She offered a thin smile in return. 

“Addie.”

The woman with periwinkle blue eyes nodded her greeting. She had a classic look to her, a sort of old-fashioned beauty. Hayden could see a slight resemblance between her and Cole, but the main similarity ended with the black hair.

Briefly, Hayden wondered what it was like for Cole and Addie. Seeing his grandmother in the body of a young woman for eternity must be strange for him. Then again, he’d known Addie as a young woman since childhood. Things that were strange for Hayden were normal for someone like Cole. Eternal youth was something Hayden would have to come to accept.

“Hello, Hayden.” Addie was proper and kind as she extended a frail hand in greeting. 

Hayden shook the offered hand, pleased there was at least one member who
wasn’t completely guarded
around her. While Addie was noticeably puzzled at Hayden’s sudden arrival, she wasn’t hostile about her suspicions like the others. 

“And lastly, we have Devan, the female Alpha.” Cole’s tone hardened noticeably.

The woman was shorter than Hayden was, yet she acted as if she were taller. Devan’s hazel stare was hostile and her defensive stance exuded an air of unfriendliness. Seeing the raw inhospitality spurred Hayden to act on the defensive.

The creature inside of Hayden reared up and she found herself challenging the woman’s poor attitude. Only, Cole’s hand tightened on the small of her back, snapping her back to reality. It probably wasn’t the best idea to challenge the pack ranks the first five minutes of her arrival.

“Why didn’t you consult the rest of us with your decision to take in another pack member?” Devan asked coldly. She tore her gaze away from Hayden and looked expectantly at Blake. Interestingly enough, she wouldn’t meet Cole’s gaze.

Perhaps she wasn’t as dominant as she liked to think.

“Cole doesn’t need to consult you or anyone else about his decisions for the pack. In the end, his word is final.” Blake stepped closer to Hayden, his mouth hard. “Hayden will be a part of this pack, Devan. I know it must be difficult conceiving the thought of competing with her. Don’t be so jealous.”

Devan’s eyes flashed dangerously and she gave a low growl. Hayden frowned, already knowing they weren’t going to hit it off. Still, she wondered why Devan’s word wasn’t worth anything in this situation. As the female Alpha, wasn’t she on equal footing as Cole?

“Well,
I
think it’s a wonderful idea to take in a new pack member,” Addie admitted warmly. She smiled affectionately at her grandson and Hayden. “Cole hasn’t invited a new member into the pack since becoming Alpha. It’s good for him to start growing his pack.”

“That’s not really the point, though,” the serious twin, Nathan, spoke up. “The reason we are against
her
initiation into the pack is because of her Sire,” he informed crisply. “We know
Tracer is dangerous and we don’t want him near our territory causing trouble. More importantly, we don’t want him controlling her. Who knows what she could do to use when we’re sleeping.”

Hayden lifted her chin when they continued to talk about her as if she wasn’t there. She hadn’t known they were aware that Tracer was her Sire, but figured Cole must have told them about it before he left for New York. If they were this passionate against her because of Tracer, she could only imagine what their reaction would be when they found out about Nicolas’ claim.

The hand on Hayden’s back curled and tightened as Cole shifted. His expression was hard as he planted his feet challengingly in front of Nathan. 

“There should be
no
reason why you are against Hayden’s presence, Nathanial, simply because you don’t have any say in the matter,” the Alpha informed lowly. He pulled Hayden closer. “She is your new pack member, treat her as such.”

The pack backed off after the order, looking down or far away from Cole. Shaken, Hayden didn’t blame them for succumbing. The Alpha’s tone clearly stated the subject closed, and if they had any problems with it, they were to deal with it themselves.

Addie was the first one who lifted her gaze. She took special interest in Cole’s arm around Hayden. The woman’s mouth twitched and Hayden shifted uncomfortably. Cole was only protecting her and making her feel welcome, and yet, Addie seemed generally surprised at his contact.

She cleared her throat. “I have some delicious lamb chops cooking in the oven.” Addie’s voice was earnest and the corners of her eyes crinkled. “I’m sure you three are ravished.” In her eyes, there was deep wisdom, something only years of experience could achieve.

Although she looked no older than her mid-twenties, Hayden could tell she was older from both her voice and her astuteness. Briefly, she wondered why Addie wasn’t the female Alpha. However, the more Hayden studied her, the more she could see how gentle Addie’s nature was. There was no hardness and aggression in her like there was in her grandson. Although, when one got past Cole’s callousness toward strangers, he did possess a sliver of gentleness.

Cole turned suddenly, just seconds before a twig snapped cleanly behind them. Hayden whirled around, surprised to see two men seemingly appearing out of nowhere. They stood utterly motionless, their strength of their eyes the only evidence that they were living creatures. Both men seemed to respect Cole’s territory and stood a good distance away from the yard.