Chapter 6

Coffee! A kick start to her system was needed and this thought got her moving. After breakfast she unpacked and went through the things she’d bought while she was away. Mistrea had gone shopping with Claire and bought a gift for Mae. She’d been so welcoming to her and she wanted to show her appreciation.

Kyle and his friends had access to her car while she was away so didn’t shop for them. She smiled as she pottered around the house unpacking and doing her washing. When she was done Mistrea grabbed her purse, keys and the cream coloured angora shawl she had gift wrapped for her friend.

When Mae opened her gift she gave Mistrea a hug, “This is so beautiful and the colour is neutral, so I’ll be able to wear it with anything. Thank you Mistrea, I’ll think of you whenever I wear it.”

Mistrea smiled, “I’m happy you like it. I saw it and it screamed your name.” She stayed at Mae’s for several hours catching up.

When she left, Mistrea headed into town to do some grocery shopping. She hadn’t done much shopping lately and was in need of a few things. She pulled into the parking lot one street over from the main street and locked the car before walking towards the laneway that led to the main street.

It had been a nice day so far and she was in a good mood. Mistrea almost made it to the main street when pain hit her. It wasn’t severe thankfully, but it was there. She reached a hand up against the wall of the building beside her for support. Her breathing was somewhat erratic and she focused on trying to gain control of it.

Nausea was taking hold and she was feeling light headed. Her hand slipped and she knew she was going to hit the ground. She was beyond caring focusing almost completely on the pain, but at the last second a hand took hold of her and before she knew what was happening she was scooped up and placed on a near-by bench.

Mistrea looked up and was surprised at who it was, “Ollie?”

“Misty? Holy shit! No wonder you looked so familiar. Are you okay? What the hell…”

Mistrea tried to smile, but wasn’t sure she’d pulled it off. “Not Misty anymore, now it’s Mistrea. Mistrea Larkin.” She looked towards the main street then back at him, a pained expression on her face.

Oliver saw the tears streaming down her face and not just from the pain. He glanced over his shoulder and suddenly realised what was happening. “Shit! Does he even know it’s you?” He shook his head. “I’m guessing he doesn’t or he wouldn’t have his arm around some other woman!”

He’d put the pieces together, but knew he had to get her off the street before he could speak to her about it. He looked up and swore again. Zac was heading their way. He pulled Mistrea to her feet and wrapped his arm around her waist to give her some support. He needn’t have bothered, as soon as she realised Zac was moving their way Mistrea forced herself to stand without his help.

Zac eyed Oliver then looked Mistrea over noting that she didn’t look well. He pushed the thought away, she wasn’t his responsibility. “Oliver, I didn’t know you were back in town. I thought you were still doing security at Westgate?”

“Zac,” he gave a nod to the Alpha. “I just got back. I quit my job at the University to take up a position here.” He placed a hand on Mistrea’s shoulder and smiled. “I’m working security for Miss Larkin.” Oliver felt Mistrea tense beside him, but ignored it keeping his focus on Zac.

“You’re doing security, for Miss Larkin?” Zac looked a little stunned.

Oliver grinned, “Yep! It seems she’s had some trouble with uninvited guests banging on her front door.”

Zac paled but remained calm, “Is that so. I was hoping you’d give up on the University and come back and work with me?”

“Now how could I work for you when there’s a beautiful lady in need of my services?”

Zac smiled as if to say he agreed and as he lifted his arm the woman he was holding when he was across the street moved to his side. He held her and they made their way to the parking lot and to his car, calling over his shoulder. “It was good to see you again Oliver.”

Mistrea gasped in pain then looked up at Oliver. “My security?”

He grinned, “Yeah, I heard he’s been giving you a hard time and now he’ll have to go through me if he wants to talk to you. Come on I’ll let you buy me breakfast.”

She couldn’t help but laugh at the situation and let him physically support her as they made their way to the café around the corner.

Oliver got Mistrea settled and waved the waitress over. “I’ll have the big breakfast and a coffee.” he turned to Mistrea, “What would you like?”

“I’ll just have coffee, thanks.”

The waitress gave them a nod. “It shouldn’t be too long.”

Oliver waited until the waitress was out of earshot before he took a good look at Mistrea. “I can’t believe it’s you? Why didn’t you tell who you were when I saw you at the University?”

Mistrea sighed, “It’s nice to see you too Ollie.”

Oliver shook his head, “Misty you need to tell him. I can see the pain you’re in and it’s only likely to get worse if…”

“Please don’t call me Misty, its Mistrea now and I’d like to keep it that way.”

“And the pain? What do you intend doing about that?” It wasn’t so much a question as a statement. He knew why she was in pain and the fact that she could put an end to it and hadn’t angered him.

Mistrea glared at him, “I’m dealing with it Ollie, just let it go.”

Oliver realised this probably wasn’t the best place to be discussing this, so gave her a nod. “We will be talking about this when we get home my friend.”

Mistrea saw the determination on Oliver’s face and knew he wasn’t going to let it go. The waitress returned with their coffees and it wasn’t long before she placed Oliver’s breakfast in front of him.

Oliver tucked in to his meal and seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Mistrea remained silent, concentrating on her breathing as the pain was still with her. It wasn’t severe, but it was there and she needed to stay on top of it.

When they were finished Mistrea fished out her purse and Oliver shook his head. “Do you really think I’d let you pay?” he grinned and got to his feet. Wait here while I pay then I’ll help you back to your car.”

Mistrea opened her mouth to speak, but he shook his head and she knew he was serious about not only helping her back to her car, but also being her security. She sighed audibly and he smiled knowing she’d stay put.

By the time they got back to Mistrea’s home she was exhausted. Luckily Oliver had insisted on driving and she was thankful when they pulled up in the driveway of her house. Oliver got out of the car and not only opened the door for her; he helped her out and put a protective arm around her until he had her sitting on the couch inside.

Mistrea laid back and held her chest, her breathing picking up and her heart beating a great deal faster than it should. Oliver crouched in front of her not sure what he could do to help. Finally he took her face in his hands and spoke softly.

“Look at me Misty, keep your eyes on mine and breathe. In, out, in out, breathe with me, nice and steady okay.” He kept it up until she was able to follow what he’d said and when she was finally in control of her breathing he helped her lay down so she could rest.

Oliver watched over Mistrea for the rest of the day, bringing her drinks and making her eat even though she couldn’t seem to stomach much. She’d woken up late in the afternoon and he propped her up with cushions before bringing her a cup of sweet tea. She’d just finished it when the front door swung open and Kyle walked in as if they owned the place.

“Mistrea! Are you home?”

Oliver growled and placed himself between Mistrea and the boy. “What is it you want pup?”

Kyle looked at him in horror because he didn’t want this guy calling him pup in front of Mistrea. He growled and was about to ask the man what the hell he was doing in his friend’s house when he heard Mistrea.

Mistrea rolled her eyes at the both of them. Men! She sighed, “Kyle its okay this is Oliver, he works for me now. Oliver this is Kyle, he’s a good friend of mine. Come on in Kyle I could use a hug.”

Kyle moved towards Mistrea, never taking his eyes of the man until he reached her. He sat beside her on the couch and pulled her into his arms. “Geez Mistrea you look like crap again!”

“Thanks Kyle, that’s what every girl likes to hear.” She leaned into him and was amazed at just how comforting it felt. “Oliver has appointed himself as head of security for me, so he’ll be around a fair bit.”

“I won’t just be around Mist… Mistrea, I’ll be moving in.” Kyle was on his feet and ready to attack, but Oliver growled and he backed down somewhat. “Hear me out son. I ran into Mistrea this morning just off the parking lot in town. She all but collapsed and had I not been there, she would more than likely have hit the concrete and done herself damage. As you can see, she’s not well and I intend to make sure she is taken care of.”

Kyle took a good look at the man and his anger started to disipate. “You’re a friend of Zac’s aren’t you? I used to see the two of you together when I was a kid.”

“Yeah, Zac and I grew up together, but I’ve been away for a while. I met Mistrea when she first came to Westgate University. I don’t think she was well then either.” He looked at Mistrea questioningly and she ignored him.

“You’re really going to stay and make sure she’s okay?” asked Kyle.

“Yes. Whether she likes it or not.” He smirked at Mistrea as she rolled her eyes at him, but was grateful she didn’t argue against it.

“Good. I’ve been really worried about her and I can’t always be here.” He held out a hand to Oliver. “Thank you.”

Oliver wasn’t surprised at Kyle’s reaction; he’d sensed the boys concern for Mistrea and knew that he would more than likely do whatever he had to, to protect her. He took Kyle’s hand and they shook.

Mistrea closed her eyes and sighed. She knew then and there her life was never going to be the same. That is to say, she would now have two; perhaps four Were’s hovering and giving her no peace or sense of space or being alone.

“Okay,” she finally spoke. “If you’re moving in you’ll have to go do some grocery shopping. That’s what I was trying to do when you found me.” She waited until Oliver acknowledged what she’d said before continuing. “Kyle you may as well go with him, you’ve seen what I usually buy and I’m thinking you should also go to the butchers. I could probably use a nice juicy steak.”

“No problem Mistrea and I’ll take a look in the fridge to see what you need as well. You want me to tell them you’ll pay for it all later or what?”

Mistrea heard Oliver growl and looked him in the eye. “This is my house, my home and as such I’m responsible for making sure there is food in the house. You stick to security!” she turned to Kyle, “Please pass me my purse?”

He did so and waited to see what she was up too. When Mistrea pulled out one of her credit cards and handed it to him he shook his head. “I can’t use this, I’d need you to give me your pin number and that’s a lot of trust… a lot of responsibility.”

Mistrea wrote her pin number on a piece of scrap paper and handed it to him as well. “Kyle I trust you. You’re like family and besides, if I find out you’ve been using it for your own gain I’ll sic Oliver on you.” She did her best to look serious but it wasn’t working.

Kyle gave her a hug, “Thanks Mistrea, you’re probably the only person who’d trust me this much, well except for my mom.”

“Okay now that we have that settled, I think we should get you to bed.” Oliver moved to pick her up but Kyle moved quicker. “You heard her, I’m family. I’ll take her up to her room.”

Mistrea didn’t argue, she let Kyle take control. She had a feeling this was his way of showing Oliver that even though he wouldn’t be watching over her, he was closer and would step in if necessary.

Kyle placed her on the bed as gently as he could and she shooed them both out of the room. “I need to get changed so I can get into bed. Kyle you have the keys, you might as well get another set made for Oliver while you’re both out.”

“Kyle has keys to the house?” asked Oliver.

“Yes, he’s been checking in on me the past few days and it was a lot easier for him to have a set of keys.” Mistrea glared as him, daring him to question her judgement. Thankfully he didn’t.

Mistrea changed and settled into bed not realising just how tired she still was. The attacks were taking their toll on her and she was starting to realise she had to either do something to stop them, or leave Ransom for good. It was with these thoughts that Mistrea drifted off to sleep and remained that way until Oliver knocked on her door to tell her dinner was ready.

Mistrea was still weak on her feet but determined to make her own way to the dinner table. Oliver stayed a couple of steps ahead of her, but kept an eye on her ready to scoop her into his arms if needs be. He’d cooked steak and potatoes for dinner and at least attempted to make a salad to go with it.

“This looks wonderful Ollie, thank you.”

They ate in silence, but Mistrea could feel Oliver glancing at her every so often. She tried to ignore it but in the end she put down her knife and fork and reached out for one of his hands. “I’ve missed you Ollie. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you who I was when I met you at the University, but I had my reasons. I know we need to talk and I know you want answers, but let’s eat first then I promise I’ll answer as many of your questions as I can.”

“Okay Misty. Now eat, your body needs nourishment and for the next couple of days you will be resting and eating anything I put in front of you. Clear?”

She smiled softly remembering how protective he was of her even as a child. “Clear.”

The steak was good and by the time they’d finished Mistrea was stuffed. Oliver cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher before making a pot of tea. He poured and brought in a mug for each of them to where Mistrea was settled in the living room.

They sat quietly both a little both unsure how to begin the conversation. Finally Oliver put his mug on the coffee table and turned to her. “It’s been a while Misty.” He saw the expression on her face and corrected himself. “It’ll take a bit of time to remember but from now on I’ll do my best to call you Mistrea.”

She leaned into him, “I’ve really missed you Ollie and I’m thinking I stop calling you that too. After tonight okay, for tonight we call each other what we used too when we were kids.” She sighed. “It’s good to have someone I can be open and honest with.” She shook her head. “I had to come back Ollie, I had to find out why…” tears pricked at her eyes and she did her best to stop them from falling.

Oliver pulled Mistrea close, wrapping an arm around her. “I made a promise to stand by you and protect you no matter what. When you disappeared I wasn’t able to, but now you’re back I won’t be leaving your side. I know you aren’t going to like it, but you need to listen to what I say Misty or I won’t be able to do my job.”

“You remember that promise? That was so long ago.”

“I might have only been a kid at the time, but I gave you my word. I’m yours Mistrea, your friend, your protector and I’ll do whatever I have to, to keep you safe.”

“And Zac? What about your loyalty to him?”

“My loyalty has always been to you Mistrea.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’ve done my best to be a friend to Zac and that won’t change, but you come first and if I have to beat the shit out of him at some stage, so be it.”

“I’m not sure I want to come between the two of you. I mean you’ve been friends like forever.”

“If that happens, it’s because he’s screwed up, not you.” Oliver sighed and pulled back to look as his friend. “You need to tell him. I know what’s happening to you and I can’t believe he’s hurting you like this. He has to sense you; he has to be drawn to you in some way. Hell he has to feel something?”

Mistrea laughed, “All he feels is aggravation where I’m concerned. I have to tell you, it’s been interesting getting to know him from a distance. He’s not what I expected Ollie. He’s hard, it’s like there’s no kindness left in him. At least there’s none towards me or mine.”

“Alwyn? Yeah I couldn’t figure out why he sent him away. Maybe he didn’t want him and Mae to be happy when he couldn’t be.”

“Aunt Mae misses Uncle Wyn and so does Kyle. They need him, but I think Aunt Mae’s too damned proud to ask Zac to bring him home. I wish there was something I could do to help, Kyle’s at that age where he really needs a man he can look up too, someone he can talk to about stuff. You know?”

“Yeah I know,” he laughed, “Do you know you’re still the only person that can get away with calling him Wyn.” He smiled softly then got all serous again. “We’re getting off track. What are you going to do about Zac? You can’t let this go on much longer. You’re too close and no matter how much of an idiot he is, I’ll kill him if you end up seriously ill because of his stupidity.”

“Why didn’t he try to find me Ollie? He promised search for me and now he acts like I never existed.”

“You’ll have to ask him why he didn’t go looking for you. As for acting like you don’t’ exist, I honestly think he believes you were gone for good, that you were dead. He’s never sensed you and you never tried to contact him, except...”

Mistrea lowered her eyes. “He gave up on me a long time ago Ollie. I saw it in his eyes the last time I came home and so did you. He couldn’t see me and I was right in front of him. That’s why I didn’t try to contact him.”

“I’m not going to defend him Misty; you’re my priority, not him. Have you been to the garden yet?”

Mistrea shrugged. “I own the garden now. The training centre is on my land and Zac wanted to pay me off. I told him I wanted a piece of his land in return for letting him have the area the building is on. He was all for it until he found out what piece of land I wanted. He wasn’t happy and I’m fairly sure he would have fought tooth and nail to keep the garden, but he finally caved.”

“That land was his Misty, he made sure of it. About the only condition he had before taking up the position as Alpha was that he be given ownership of that garden. He’s the only person that’s set foot in it since the night you disappeared.”

Mistrea sighed, “I’m not ready to go there yet Ollie. It holds too many memories; memories I’ve had to pack away and forget or I’d have gone crazy.”

“And now?”

“Now I’m slowly letting myself remember, but it’s painful Ollie, because it was my Grandfather that caused all this. I still can’t understand how he could do that to me, to my parents.”

“I know you don’t want to hear this and I know I keep harping on about it, but you need to talk to Zac. You need to tell him who you are and soon. I don’t know how much more abuse your body can take.”

“And what then… he suddenly decides he likes me, that he wants me? He’s already proved he doesn’t care about me Ollie. Maybe I’d be better off just packing up and leaving?”

“You’re no coward Misty, this is where you belong. It’s time you came clean and showed people who you really are. I noticed the builders are working on the house close to the garden. Your father promised he’d build it for you and your mate.”

“I have no mate. He rejected me a long time ago. But yes I’m having the house built; I thought maybe Aunt Mae and Kyle could move into it. You’re right Ollie; it’s time I told people the truth. Founders Day isn’t far off, I’m thinking it would be a good day to talk to Zac. He can announce it to the Pack if he wants. If not I’m sure you’ll let word get around as to who I am. Besides he’s got to be curious as to why you decided to work for me?”

“Founders Day huh? Okay, but you stick close to me from now on and if I tell you do something you do it and ask questions later. Okay?”

“Okay Ollie.”

“You know you can do something about your Uncle. Whether or not you take up your rightful position here you still have a certain amount of pull. Alwyn’s not only your Uncle, he’s your blood. Because of who you are, who you’re supposed to become, you can call him home and there’s not a damned thing Zac can do to prevent it.” He couldn’t help the smirk on his face and waited for his words to sink in.

“I can call him home? Ollie I don’t have his phone number, I suppose I can ask Kyle…”

“No Misty, you call him home. Like I said, he’s your blood. You’re linked to him and Kyle. Because Mae’s family, you can probably contact her in the same way. All you have to do is concentrate on him then call him home.”

Mistrea looked at Oliver somewhat shocked. “I can do that?” he nodded and she sat dumbfounded at the knowledge that she could bring her family back together. “How, I mean what do I do?”

“First of all you need to calm yourself then close off everything in my mind and focus on Alwyn. He’s older now, but that doesn’t matter, think about the man you knew and call to him mind to mind.”

“Ollie won’t he be too far away to hear me?”

“Try it okay?” Oliver got to his feet and moved to one of the other lounge chairs giving Mistrea some space.

She looked at him curiously. “I’ll only distract you if I’m too close to you. The more you use this ability the easier it will be and you won’t need to concentrate so hard. Go ahead and give it a try.”

Mistrea took several deep cleansing breaths, closing her eyes and pushing her thoughts away. It didn’t seem to work so she imagined a room full of people and thoughts then opened a door and ushered them all out. Once she’d done that she closed the door and thought of her Uncle Wyn. It took a few minutes and she wasn’t actually sure she had him, but she spoke to him anyway. Uncle Wyn? It… its Misty. Are you okay?

Mistrea was surprised to hear her Uncle’s voice within her mind. Misty, is it really you? Where are you child? Tell me and I’ll come get you.

I’m at home Uncle Wyn in my father’s house in Ransom. Aunt Mae and Kyle miss you. They need you and so do I. I want you to come home Uncle Wyn. Please don’t ask any questions I’m not sure how long I can hold this connection. I know Zac stationed you somewhere away from the Pack, but you’re my blood and Ollie said I can all you home. So umm, that’s what I’m doing. Come home Uncle Wyn I’ll expect you at the Founders Day Celebration and after I speak to Zac, we’ll talk about what we need to do next.

Home! I’ve missed my home and my family. I’ll be there Misty I swear I’ll be there and you’ll be part of our family as you should have been all these years.

Mistrea couldn’t help the smile that crept across her face. Uncle Wyn, do you remember my real name, the name I was given at birth?

Yes child, your full name is Mistrea Isabella Larkin Kendrick. Don’t tell me you changed your name?

No Sir, when I was little everyone knew me as Misty Kendrick. Now I go by Mistrea Larkin. I’m thinking you might need to explain where my name came from.

She felt her Uncle’s smile and a cloak of warmth engulfed her just like he was there holding her protectively. I’m losing you, Uncle… and the connection ended.

Mistrea opened her eyes and saw the grin on Oliver’s face. “That was so strange Ollie, but it was so good to hear his voice and I could feel him as if he was actually here.”

“You are a great deal stronger than I thought Misty; I can only guess, that from here on in your other Were abilities will start to kick in.”

“Does that mean I’ll be able to shift?”

Sadness showed in his eyes at Mistrea’s question. “No. As an Alpha, our Alpha, you won’t be able to shift until you mate. Your bloodline is strong Misty and you’d need to strength of a mate to help you gain control of your wolf. Even so, you’ll need to build yourself up, make sure you are healthy so your body will be ready to step into your role as female Alpha. But as I said you can’t shift unless you are mated.”

He watched closely as she considered what he’d said. Mistrea was a true Alpha female, strong and determined but also caring. From what he’d discovered she’d already begun helping the local youth both in the Pack and the general community as well.

She sighed and clasped her hands in her lap. “I’ve lived this long without being able to shift,” she shrugged. “If I have to live the rest of my life that way then I’ll deal with it.”

Oliver didn’t like the idea of her never knowing her wolf, “Mistrea I said you had to mate. I didn’t say you had to mate with any specific person. As I said, I’m yours, for whatever means you want me.”

Mistrea looked and him and felt her face burn as she blushed. “Ollie I…”

Oliver smiled, “Don’t think about it now Misty, it may not even come to that, but it is an option. Now come I can feel your exhaustion, you need sleep. Tomorrow we’ll become Mistrea and Oliver and we’ll take each day as it comes until Founders Day.” He rolled his eyes, “That should be one hell of a day, but you won’t be alone. You’ll have me with you and I’ve got a feeling I won’t be the only one standing with you.”