Derick's POV
As soon as I entered the cabin I felt out of place. I looked around as my grandmother came in helped by some of the pack. With a shiver I watched as she began to mingle. It suddenly felt like I was being examined and my movements scrutinized. I stood on the side lines for a bit, but Lisa kept coming between me and the pack members who tried to talk to me and she even growled a few times at the teen girls who were looking at Maggy.
"Will you calm down." I hissed and she pouted at me.
"I don't understand why you wanted to come here in the first place." I rolled my eyes now.
"Do you not have pack events to welcome new members?" She shrugged.
"Yeah, but they aren't lame like this…" She looked around as Jenny took the wailing Maggy away. "Finally," she wrapped her arms around my neck and I felt the little sparks slide through me. My mind was growing hazy when Mathew came over.
"Hi, why are you causing trouble already?" He was looking at Lisa and sighed. "I mean why are you growling at teenagers?" She snorted.
"They need to find their own men…" I held up my hands.
"Neither of them are interested in Derick. They were going to ask if he needed a babysitter and make some money for the summer holidays." He gave her a glair. "That would have freed him up for you." She rolled her eyes and seemed distracted by someone.
"Not really since you force us to come here." He grunted.
"He's the alpha he's meant to be here meeting the soon to be new pack member, Danica." She nodded.
"Is that her over there?" He looked around.
"The red head? Yes, that's Danica." She walked away and I sighed. Mathew gave me a long look and smirked. "You know... Grandma and I both saw your expression when you saw Danica." I felt my jaw clench.
"Don't know what you're talking about." He chuckled and dragged me into the room.
"Oh, sure you don't." I looked over to where Danica was talking with Lisa and my Grandmother sat in her wheelchair. They seemed to be getting on well. I shrugged.
"She's stunning I'll say that… but why does she wear a scent blocker?" He shrugged.
"Habit. She lives alone in the city and sometimes people follow you especially after you save the Alpha's kids." I felt a tang of guilt run through me. "Come on it's not your fault." I nodded.
"It was someone in my pack that leaked the information. I've dropped the ball." I looked up as Jenny came over bouncing Maggy. Out of reflex I took her back and looked to the little face and sighed. She really was too quiet and weak. Her future was still unsure and I hoped she would live to have one, as anxiety about her health plagued my mind. My wolf howled and began to grow protective. I didn't want anyone to take her away from me. I would fight death itself if I could.
I spoke to a few of the pack members and caught up on some of the news in town. The new cinema was growing in popularity and the swimming center had undergone a refurbishment and was looking good. In all the town seemed to be prospering. Talk then naturally turned to kids and the school the twins went to was going to be doing a camping trip during the winter to see the snow higher up in the mountains. I was eager to hear more as this would be a perfect way to introduce the boys to snowboarding or skiing.
Lisa turned up and blocked my view of the group as she pushed me down into a seat. She kissed me sending tiny shivers through my lips.
"Sorry babe I have to go. My grandfather has taken a turn for the worst." I nodded and shifted as I held Maggy out of the way as Lisa pressed onto me.
"Lisa, watch out for Maggy…" I began and she pouted at me looking annoyed and was about to retort my words.
Suddenly Danica was standing over us and held out her hands. With beautiful hands that looked like they could move the world she pointed to Maggy.
"Don't mind me. I'll take Maggy upstairs so she can sleep." I felt my concern spike. "Relax, Lilly has fallen asleep already and I thought you two would like a little more time before…" Lisa immediately smiled as I looked around and saw Lilly asleep in Deans arms.
"Thanks Doll," Lisa said as she brightened up and moved to allow Danica space to take Maggy. I leant forward not knowing why I was still trusting this stranger.
'What could she do? She's surrounded by my pack members.' I thought and relaxed slightly.
Suddenly our hands touched, and I shuddered as I froze. It was like lightning running through me and landing a direct hit to my heart. My breath caught in my throat and sparks showered down my spine. If Maggy and Lisa were not in the way I have no idea what I would have done.
Danica pulled away lifting Maggy up and turned away like nothing had happened, leaving me confused as to what had or did happen.
'Did I imagine that?' Lisa slid into my lap and wrapped her arms around me her lips locking to mine.
"Who's a good baby? Stinky baby…" I heard Danica's creamy voice as she left and my wolf whined. But it was not because Maggy was taken away. Something else was upsetting him.
"Why aren't you paying attention to me?" Lisa asked giving me a slap that brought me out of my thoughts. She ran her fingers over my chest and slowly I began to feel the little sparks returning and bringing me out of my stupor.
"Oh sorry, I was worried about the girls…" She locked her lips to mine and I could feel all eyes shifting away from us. "Lisa…" I tried and she growled into my mouth.
"What?"
"Now's not the time…" She rolled her eyes and got up storming out the front door. I blinked and ran after her.
"Leave me alone, since that seems to be what you're good at." I frowned.
"I just…"
"No!" she snapped. "I don't want to hear your excuses." She turned away again. "You and I are meant to be mates. You should be putting me first." I nodded.
"And you should be putting me and my pack first, not running off whenever your grandfather calls… Where are you going?" She waved a hand.
"To get my car." I laughed.
"It's at the pack house. How are you going to get there?" She placed her hands on her hips.
"Walking." I laughed.
"In those heels? You'll not get far. Come on I'll give you a lift there." She turned and stormed to the jeep as I opened the door for her. She slipped into the seat. I sighed and ran my hands through my hair. Things really were getting worse every day.
We drove to the pack house in silence. I got out and opened the door for her and she nodded then stepped past me. I grabbed her hand and the little sparks tingled in my hand.
"Don't go…" She sighed.
"We've been over this. My grandfather is ill, and my father isn't here to take over. It's just for a little longer I promise." I nodded and let go.