CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
TINY'S POV
"I'll take your word for it," I say. "Go ahead and enter the front."
Luca looks up at me while shutting the door. Confusion crosses his face at my words, "I thought we'd go in together."
"Gahiji informed me to go through the back."
"Well then," Luca chimes as he runs to my side, "I'll escort you. It'll look good for the ladies."
He flexes mockingly. However, I know the real reason he's insisting. Because Gahiji has invited Redwood and the Walker pack to our lands.
Someone with my stature and missing transition could easily be overpowered. But the likelihood of being attacked is dim. Even so, Luca would never let a female walk alone. He may be a jester at times, but he's aware of how dark life can turn in a moment.
I motion him to follow as I hoist my bow to my side. The packhouse has changed throughout the years. Renovations to add more accommodating rooms, repair the trims, and replace the rotting shingles are just a few to mention. Truthfully, the list could go on forever. We replaced its rough brown exterior with shimmering fiery brick. And from a glance, I'd say that we'd even have humans fooled if they discovered our remote town.
From a distances glance, at least.
Luca follows behind me quietly. His steps are slow and calculated. I can assume he's slowing his pace so he can fall behind me as I stagger with a conscious limp. I know I should be at home resting before my shift at the café, but I refuse to appear weak. Even if my body writhes in agony under the pressure.
I watch the cobblestone path wane into the foyer of the backyard. The packhouse is surrounded by luscious greenery and a cultivated garden known for its fresh delicates. Thick tomatoes droop from their vines while rolls of farmed soil are spread evenly. I can pick apart the culinary herbs used for medicinal oils from the average spices at a distance. It's a passion for me.
As we approach the patio to the backdoor, I feel Luca's hand fall on my shoulder gently. His fingers press into my skin warningly. Three cloaked men sit leisurely at the silver-framed door. Their backs are turned as two sat across from one another playing a round of cards. While the other is to himself sulking.
Ignoring Luca's silent pleas, I continue to approach the patio as his grip slips from me. My hair falls over my shoulder as Luca removes his hand. Something tells me he's afraid but I don't understand why. I have nothing to fear. Gahiji ordered me to enter from the back to avoid Redwood. I won't defy his orders.
The steps bow under my weight due to their fragile state. The man closest to us notices the patter of my feet. He removes himself from the table as his partner collected the remaining cards. I can hear Luca's breath hitch as the man turned his head to us. His staggering height towers over us.
I'd never seen this man before. His outer appearance is rigid with sunken black eyes and a calm demeanor. An extensive scar rested on the bridge of his nose to his neck. But the sight of this stranger left me feeling unhinged. I can't begin to describe the animosity budding in my chest. The sight of Redwood's finest warriors lounging about on our territory has my veins boiling.
"Hey kids," the strange man bellows from his gut, "place is off limits. Get lost."
I step forward closing the gap between us with my teeth clenched, "make me."
There's no going back now. Luca's fear elucidates my senses as the man lowers his head to meet my gaze. I'm face-to-face with a man I've never seen before.
The man's words fell heavy and dark from his curled lips, "what did you say?"
How would Gahiji respond to this situation? I ask myself as the man releases a low growl. How would he respond to idiocy?
"The only command I'll submit to is from my alpha," I say slowly, afraid he can't grasp the meaning, "your words hold no weight to me."
"You don't know who you're talking to," the man seethes.
I glance at his companions who remain in their seats unbothered. A part of me contemplates sedating the chaps, but I know that would mean unnecessary conduct. I can hear the unbearable chat Cyrus would have if I tried something remotely close to Redwood wolves.
"And I don't care." I sigh, tapping the bow's body against my leg, "move aside. Gahiji won't appreciate your hostility to his family."
The man glances at his counterparts before turning back with a satisfied grin. I'm sure they mind-linked something derogative based on the toothy smirk he gave freely. Luca steps forward to me as the man reaches to touch my face.
His words drag slowly and I can sense the disgust in his tone as his fingers trace my scar, "why don't you get your daddy so the men can talk?"
Anger boils under my skin as his fingertips leave my face. All I want to do is scrub any trace of him from my skin. Luca grips my shoulder, and I can sense his anger too. I can't help but smile at the man. He truly is a fool.
Before I can reply, the cloaked man resting in the sunlight grumbles a command to his party. His voice is thick like honey and mesmerizing.
"Let them through, Adam."
The man, Adam, steps aside instantly. A scowl is etched across his face as I hold the door open for Luca to enter. Glancing back at the man, I see the glistening of his ancestors prowling at his sides. The pure aura pulsates within him, and he suddenly appears smaller compared to the beasts that lurk proudly at his side. His soul is gentle despite his exterior. It's clear that he is a noble man who serves for his family name.
As I step inside, I peek over my shoulder and lock eyes with Adam.
"If you touch me again, I'll shoot your manhood clean off." I smile unapologetically as the man's eyes grow wide in anger, "and if you want to speak to my father, just visit a graveyard. You can bury your ego beside him."
Satisfaction runs down my spine at the look on the man's face. His color paled as he turned to his friends. His anger is replaced with an expression of pain and sorrow. I watch as his aura dims as if I displayed his thoughts for me to read freely. His misplaced judgment will be his downfall.