17. Contract

I was changing out of my t-shirt when my cellphone rang. I took it out of my jean's pocket, cutting off Linkin Park's Castle of Glass with a tap.
"Hello?"
"Ember."
"Ian!"
"Not so loud, Em, my head is killing me. The only reason why I'm even allowed to call is because I seduced my nurse."
I laughed, tears rolling down my cheeks. "You just can't stop your playboy tendencies, even on your death bed can you?"
He chuckled- only to have it cut off with a groan. "These stitches are killing me."
There was a voice in the background, a female's. I couldn't make out the words but they sounded worried.
"Just a few more minutes, Vanessa." A pause. "Alone, please?"
There was another rush of words, then silence.
"Okay, we're good," Ian said.
I wiped at my eyes. "Vanessa, huh?"
There was a smile in his voice. "Don't worry, you'll always be my one and only."
I smiled, sat on the floor with my legs crossed. "How are you holding up?"
"Could've been worse. I could be dead."
"Then your mom would've killed me for sure." I winced once the words were out.
"About that," Ian sighed. "I'm sorry. I told her off afterwards, she's actually banned from coming into my room."
I raised my eyebrows, tracing the green tiles on the floor. "She told you?"
"I guessed. I figured Kane had gone ballistic last night and let the secret out. I asked her about you and she flinched. The face of a guilty woman for sure, I kicked her out- well it was a lot more like Dad dragged her away fuming."
I figured Kane had gone ballistic last night and let the secrets out.
I frowned.
His words on the bridge came back to me. "I know I may not seem reliable to you but you can lean on me. That's what friends do."
"You knew?" I blurted out.
Ian laughed, but sounded low and humorless. "We went to the same high school, Em. I may not be a werewolf but I did hear the rumors. I knew they were absurd of course, you're too sweet to do anything conniving."
I felt my cheeks warm.
"See? I bet you're blushing right now."
I ran a hand through my braids. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because you didn't want me to know, and you didn't seem aware of Wilder's acting," Ian replied.
"Acting?" I repeated.
"I had my suspicions. Everyone in school knew the big shot but my mom works for the Wilders, remember? I've met him up close and although he was cold as stone, he was logical. Controlled. Never did anything unnecessary. I wouldn't label him as a bully, and definitely not someone conceited enough to reject a girl like you just because of her position in the pack. Then there was the way he was always glaring at you. Know what it reminded me of?"
I raised my eyebrows. "What?"
"A kid glaring at the plate of cookies his mother said he can't eat because it's for the guests."
I scoffed. "He did not look at me like that. His glares were- are murderous."
I could almost picture Ian shrugging. "Whatever helps you sleep at night. So the last thing that confirmed my suspicions was that time in the gym." His voice took on a harder edge. "When I found those guys cornering you."
I nodded- realized he couldn't see me and made a small noise of acknowledgement.
"I didn't tell you this but Darius was the one who called me on my phone. He said you were in real danger and that he didn't care about you, but someone else was going to send heads rolling off bodies if something happened."
I tilted my head, remembering that day. Darius had stepped out that time to call Ian?
"That can't be true," I mumbled.
"It is. Just like Kane's feelings," Ian said.
I scowled. "Are you telling me to forgive him?"
Ian snorted. "Heck no. I want you to stay far away from that lunatic. Listen, since he's declared to the whole city he owns you, body and soul-"
"He didn't do that," I protested hotly.
Ian went on, "has anyone attacked you?"
I paused. "No. But he's got people around. Helen apparently got kidnapped several times and targeted though- according to him. That's supposedly the reason why he snubbed me- to keep me safe."
He was silent for a moment before he spoke again. "I think he let them. Think about it. The bad guys attack his girlfriend, he swoops in and saves her. Each and every single time. Throwing the spotlight on Helen and drawing it away from you."
I shook my head. "Doesn't make any sense, Ian."
"Like I said, Wilder isn't stupid and he definitely isn't weak. I think he could've handled anyone who threatened you just fine, there's someone bigger he was hiding you from. He purposefully put the target on Helen."
I stood up, started pacing. I didn't want to believe it, but there was reasoning in his words. "That's... That's crazy. Who could Kane be afraid of?"
Ian sighed. "I'd rather you didn't find out. I took you to the bridge because I knew Kane would show up but that wasn't the only reason. I was tired of watching you beat yourself up for reasons that weren't there. You are worthy of an alpha Ember, you are more than worthy. And if Wilder wasn't so caught up in being the big bad alpha who can protect his mate without her help, he'd see that you can handle anything thrown at you. You've always have."
I rubbed at my neck, cleared my throat awkwardly. "This can't be coming from the same narcissist I know. Ian, are you high?"
"I take it back, you're worthless."
I laughed. "Idiot."
"As I've just proved, I'm a genius."
"I still don't think..." Kane cares.
"It doesn't matter what you think. When the troll attacked you, he came to rescue you, didn't he?"
"Yes," I agreed reluctantly.
"I bet he was angry?"
"Sort of."
"There you have it. I just wanted you to know the truth before something came at you while you were unaware-"
There was a voice in the background.
"My time's up. Don't let your guard down, Ember."
I clutched the phone with both hands, feeling lonely already. "Get well soon. I love you."
"Of course you do, I'm amazing," he replied seriously.
The line went dead. I smiled, flopping onto my bed.
Beside me, the small black device blinked its red light at me. I closed my eyes, and I was back in the forest again.
***
I sniffed at the bruised hand.
The thumb twitched. "I heard you had a fae friend, I figured you'd be compassionate to an injured one. Looks like my bait worked."
I looked up- right on time to see the image of the wounded faerie melt away with swirling black smoke. In his place, another man, dark straight hair that fell to his shoulders, cloths more modern, ears smooth, the skin healthy. He lifted his lids, revealing two sapphire orbs.
That's why he'd smelled so familiar.
Alpha Caldwell, Kane's younger cousin. I've seen him at the Wilder house back when I still went to meetings. A lanky but pleasant looking guy, his smiles were frequent and warm, demeanor extremely gentle for a werewolf. That gentleness made him the subject of ridicule- the son of an alpha (Kane's uncle was in control of the Pennsylvania territory) who liked to read and spent most of his time helping Kane's mother in the garden.
"Talk about not living up to his name," I'd heard a pack member scoff more than once.
What made things worse was his dad, who was apparently a very scary person. The kind of alpha that killed lone wolves for crossing his territory without permission. I guess the nephew was more like the uncle than the son.
I actually liked Alpha. As stupid as it sounds, he gave me a single daisy once (not poisonous like Aster's flower) and I've pretty much had a soft spot for him since. Alpha didn't resemble his cousin one bit either- aside from the eyes. The edges of his face were softer and his smile was the epitome of sweetness. He was like one of those dreamy Disney princes.
Which was why I couldn't comprehend what he was doing here, disguising himself as a faerie to get my attention.
"You're Ember," he said. He was brushing dirt off his shirt. "I'm sorry for luring you out like this but Kane is keeping you on a tight leash. He refused to let me meet you when I asked. Fortunately for me, the hybrid isn't around. But it'd be naive to think he'll stay away for long. I'm sorry for this."
He leaned forward, expression apologetic. "Shift back."
The wolf yelped. My mind was stunned frozen but my body responded right away. Bones began bending, reshaping, obeying the alpha's command.
A few minutes later I was sitting on the grass, stark naked.
Cheeks colored, Alpha kept his gaze averted as he handed me a blanket. "I know that was rude but we're running out of time. You might've forgotten me, I'm Alpha Caldwell."
He waited until I had the blanket tightly bound around me before he turned his head. He smiled. "Ironic, I know. My name is Alpha and now I'm an alpha."
I would've smiled back if I wasn't still shaking from the abrupt change. "I remember you. You're an alpha?" I asked.
He nodded, the glimmer in his eyes dimming. "My father died recently. Our pack is quite traditional, they gave me the position without much fuss. I don't think I could've really obtained it otherwise- Father was always disappointed in me." He shook his head as if to shake off the thoughts. "That's not why I came looking for you."
I hugged the blanket to myself, the shaking finally subsiding. The dead leaves and damp grass beneath me were extremely uncomfortable. I wanted to go home but I was curious.
After a short hesitation I decided to go with it. "What are you here for then?"
His expression turned determined. "To save you."
"To save me," I echoed.
He nodded, his long hair drifting with the movement. "As much as it pains me to say so, my cousin is very similar to my father, heartless and unspeakably selfish at times-"
I raised a brow. "At times?"
He chuckled softly. "Most times. Kane doesn't appear to have of any morals at all- I heard about what he did to you. I want to help."
I clenched the large blanket to my chest. "I don't need your help." Or your pity.
He blinked, startled. Then he rubbed at his forehead. "I guess you wouldn't want my help, you don't even know me after all. But think about it, I'll even let your mother join my pack-"
"Join your pack?!" I exclaimed.
"Yes," he grinned. "I have a thing for those hurt by people who were supposed to protect them." He shrugged. "If you agree to make a contract with me I'll take you in as one of my wolves."
Was I dreaming? Getting out of from under Kane's thumb and starting a new life away from this pack with my mom was a dream I'd given up on long ago. And here it was, presented to me on a silver platter. Yet...
I hesitated. "Contract?"
Alpha leaned on the dead tree, tucked a strand of dark hair behind an ear. "Faeries and humans make contracts all the time- not very honest ones- but other supernaturals can too. I give you something and you give me something in return. A fair trade. The contract ensures secrecy and makes sure there isn't any outside interference."
I raised my brows. "What outer interference?'
He shrugged. "Kane using his authority to prevent you from leaving, for example. Or someone brainwashing you into not wanting to go anymore."
"Wow." I bit my lip, staring at the group of dandelions nearby.
He's giving me a way out. It may be out of pity, but it was still a way out. A chance at a better life.
"What do you want in return?" I asked, the quiver of excitement in my voice audible to even my own ears.
"I need you to put this in Kane's office, the one that used to belong to his dad." He gave me a black device the size of a pin.
It was smooth, a tiny red light blinking occasionally.
I turned it in my palm. "What is it?"
"A listening device," he said bluntly, standing. "You have to stick it under his desk and press the red light. That will activate it."
I looked up at him suspiciously. "Why do you need to spy on Kane?"
Alpha stared at the river, his eyes growing distant, brow furrowing. "My cousin has an enemy he won't tell me about. We're neighbors, I'd like to know if there's a threat to my pack nearby. The stubborn wolf won't accept my offer for help."
The relief I felt was immense. "That's all?"
"That's all." He paused, looking suddenly uncertain. "Unless you've accepted him? They told me you stormed away after he told everyone who you were."
I lifted my chin. "When can I join?"
His smile could bloom flowers. "Activate the device and I'll meet you here tomorrow morning."
After the ceremony then. Tonight would be the last time I saw Kane Wilder again.
I cleared my throat. "How do we make this contract?"
He took out a small knife, cut it across his palm. Blood dripped from his skin onto the grass, dark liquid against green. He gave me the knife. I copied his actions, wincing at the sting.
"My word will be your wish. Yours mine. You will carry it out with honor, and I will take care of you as my own," he said, holding out his hand. "Do you accept the contract?"
"Yes." I took his hand. He gripped it once, nodded.
"Thank you, Ember Yale."
***
I set the device on my table. Whether Kane was really interested in me or was hiding me from some unknown enemy didn't concern me anymore. After tonight, he'd never have a hold on me ever again.