"I can explain," Elena said, placatingly.
"I should hope so," Jeremy replied, trying to keep a lid on his anger.
Elena licked her lips nervously, and Jeremy narrowed his eyes at her. She knew she had no reason to be afraid of him, and as such, she'd never been shy to voice her opinions. Despite always being respectful of his status as alpha, Elena had nonetheless challenged him hundreds of times over the years on all manner of issues. But never, in all that time, had she looked nervous when doing so. What was she up to?
"Look, there's a mutt after Kate. I thought that if we could get close to her, learn some more about her, that it could help us."
Jeremy stood with his hands on his hips, regarding her sceptically, unconvinced that that was all there was to it. "You expect me to believe that you invited a human into our home, placed her life and our secret in jeopardy, all because you wanted to socialise?" His voice boomed into the stillness, fraught with disbelief.
Elena tensed at his tone. "You're over simplifying things, Jeremy."
"I don't think so. I think you're forgetting the very nature of our rules. The same rules that have enabled us to survive this long and will hopefully keep our kind prospering for years to come. It exists for a reason and you always seem to need reminding of that fact."
She flinched, her face falling and Jeremy knew he'd struck a chord. It concerned him that she was so conflicted about the role that humans played in their lives, but the sooner she learnt to accept things as they were, the better it would be for everyone.
"I only wanted to help. I didn't think it would be such a big deal. In the end, everything was fine. We shared a meal, had some conversation, learnt a little about her background. Nothing bad happened."
Jeremy shook his head. "You're still missing the point. What if something bad had happened? What if for some inexplicable reason, she saw one of us transform, or she ventured into one of the restricted areas?"
"But that didn't-" she argued.
"It could have!" Jeremy exploded, breaking her train of words, angry and frustrated in equal measures. "I would have had to kill her, Elena. She would have had to die. It would have been pointless and completely avoidable, but necessary. I know you hate that it's a rule we are forced to exercise, and I want you to know that doing so brings me no pleasure, but that's the way it is." He ran a hand through his hair, not wanting to contemplate the idea of having to end Kate's life. "Think about that the next time you decide to invite another human into our domain."
Jeremy hated having to remind Elena of such unpleasantness, hated the way her eyes filled with horror, her shoulders drooping as guilt set in. The sight of her obvious distress cooled his anger. Sighing, he moved forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. "We carry a great burden around with us. We have a responsibility not only to our pack, but to the world at large. We cannot afford to forget that."
Elena nodded. "I guess I was being a little selfish. Sometimes I miss female company…my friends back in Toronto. Kate seems nice and possibly in need of a little friendship too. Perhaps I was projecting and overcompensating."
Jeremy's expression softened. He knew how hard it was for Elena, the only female to ever successfully transition into wolf. She craved the fellowship of others like her, but there were none and that was obviously isolating and at times, lonely. While Clay and the rest of the pack tried their best to be what she needed, Jeremy knew that sometimes they fell short. He dearly wished there was a way he could make the reality of who and what she was easier for her to accept.
"If circumstances were different, Kate would be lucky to have a friend like you."
Elena smiled. "She's really pretty though, isn't she? Smart, too."
Jeremy shuffled uncomfortably at her change of tack. "I hadn't noticed," he lied smoothly.
She looked at him pointedly. "Is that why you were so protective when she arrived? Because you hadn't noticed?"
"I don't know what you're trying to imply."
He didn't like the knowing look in her eyes. "You like her," Elena declared.
Jeremy scoffed, walking towards the house without replying. Elena raced after him. "Admit it. I saw the way you looked at her when I called you both to dinner. Also, you were laughing."
He glared at her, waiting for her to enter before closing the door. "I laugh all the time."
Elena shook her head, following him into the living room. "You smile at strangers, but you only laugh with us, your family. There is a difference."
He gave her a hard stare, hoping to quell the line of conversation. "You're being ridiculous."
Elena sighed. "There's nothing wrong with liking her, you know. You deserve some happiness, Jeremy. There is more to life than staying holed up at Stonehaven and watching over the pack."
Jeremy rifled through some papers on his desk, not sure what he was looking for, but wanting to keep busy. "Being alpha is an enormous responsibility that I take very seriously."
Elena placed her hands on his, stilling his movements. Jeremy was forced to look at her. "I know, and we love and respect you for it. But that doesn't mean that you need to be alone."
Jeremy had never cared about being alone. It had never bothered him. But now, having seen Kate in his home, having spent time with her, Elena's words were poking holes in his resolve.
"Enough, Elena."
"Jeremy," she protested.
"Enough," he reiterated. "I care about Kate's welfare the same as I would about any human. It is my job to ensure that they don't come to any harm as a result of negligent behaviour by anyone in our community. As soon as we catch this mutt, we're likely not to see much of her at all."
For a moment Jeremy thought Elena would argue, but the determined look on his face must have put her off.
"I'm sorry about inviting Kate to stay," she said. "I wasn't thinking."
He could never stay angry at Elena for long. Leaning forward, he placed a kiss on her forehead. "Let's rejoin the others and finish our meal."
As Jeremy followed Elena back into the kitchen, he realised that the truth was that he wasn't as angry at Elena for inviting Kate as he was at himself for having enjoyed her company so much. Their brief time together in the living room had been pleasant. More than merely pleasant, he conceded. For the first time he'd felt himself truly relishing the company of a woman other than Elena. Because he never strayed too far from Stonehaven, his interaction with the rest of the world was out of necessity, not want. For a brief moment he'd almost forgotten what Kate was, and why any kind of relationship between them would be impossible. Unfortunately, Elena's actions had just made his desire for a woman he couldn't possibly have, that much worse.
Sitting down once more at the head of the table, Jeremy couldn't stop his eyes from drifting to the seat Kate had vacated a while earlier. For some reason, the kitchen now seemed larger, emptier without her there. Shaking his head at the foolish notion, he picked up his fork and resumed eating.
A few days later Kate walked over to the Post Office to collect a package that Sara had sent her. She wasn't sure what the surprise was all about, but knowing her friend it would probably be something sentimental and likely to make her a little homesick. Having just finished her last patient for the day, she resolved to pick up the parcel and then grab something quick to eat at the local diner before heading home. The weekend loomed and she wasn't all that excited about it. With nothing planned, chances were she'd spend it surfing Netflix or cosying up to her Kindle. The thought was a little depressing.
Pulling her fluffy red scarf tighter around her neck and burrowing deeper into the folds of her dark coat, Kate was grateful that she'd left her hair loose that day. The heavy, dark curtain hung down her back and around her shoulders, a welcome, if flimsy, barrier against the chill. It wasn't the most effective way to keep warm, but with the weather growing colder by the day, every little bit helped. Glancing up at the darkening sky, she realised that the rain was coming. Shivering slightly as a gust of wind passed by, she hurried her footsteps, not wanting to get to the Post Office only to find that it was already closed.
Crossing the street, Kate's pulse skid to a halt when she spied a familiar silver Land Rover parked in the lot outside the Post Office. She tried to convince herself that it could be anyone, but she knew it wasn't. She was more than a little ashamed to admit that she recognised the licence plate.
Kate had successfully managed to avoid all thoughts of Jeremy Danvers since her last visit to Stonehaven. It had been hard, but every time her mind had shifted to thoughts of him and how badly she'd wanted him to kiss her in those few moments before her departure, she'd shut it down. In the end, she'd convinced herself that the very notion of him wanting to kiss her, must have been all in her head. The man was a mystery. One minute he was treating her with polite indifference and the next he gave her a look that scorched her skin right down to the tips of her toes. It made no sense. She didn't know what to expect from him from one moment to the next and the uncertainty was so frustrating. Kate had never known anyone like him. He gave nothing of himself away, guarded his privacy with an almost unnatural ferocity that only made her want to know more. Damn him. Perhaps that was why she found herself so drawn to him; he was a mystery and unfortunately mysteries had always appealed to her.
Reaching the glass door, she could see Jeremy at the counter. His broad shoulders were encased in a navy blue jacket, his long legs sheathed in dark blue jeans. Kate would bet a month's salary that he was wearing a waistcoat beneath that jacket and smiled in amusement at the thought. His brown hair fell against the back of his neck, tousled and slightly windswept. He was talking to one of the uniformed workers while completing some paperwork.
Adjusting her spectacles nervously, Kate opened the door and stepped inside. Almost immediately, those beautiful blue eyes turned in her direction.
"Hello again," she said with a smile. "I've just realised how small this town really is."
"How so?"
"The first time I met you you told me that I wouldn't see you often. Other than my colleagues, you're the one person I've seen the most of."
Jeremy's lips curled up at the sides. "A rarity, I assure you."
"Or perhaps fate is intervening," she joked.
When he didn't reply, Kate felt her face flame and desperately looked around for something to distract her. She eyed the large, rectangular wooden crate that one of the staff was pasting fragile stickers on. "That's quite a hefty Christmas present you're sending."
Jeremy glanced at the box. "It's my completed collection for a gallery in New York."
"The same collection you refused to show me?"
He smiled wryly. "I didn't mean any offence by what I said."
Kate waved a hand dismissively. "None taken. You arty types are all the same: complex and mysterious."
"I guess you've figured me out," Jeremy said, clearly amused.
Kate observed him thoughtfully. "I think that what I've discovered is merely the tip of the iceberg."
They stared at each other for a moment, the intensity of Jeremy's gaze making it hard to breathe. Abruptly he looked away and asked, "So, what brings you by?"
Kate flashed the collection slip she'd removed from her coat pocket. "My friend sent me a care package."
Jeremy's lips twitched again and Kate's belly erupted in butterflies. "I had no idea you were in need of care."
Kate shrugged. "Sara can't help herself. I'm hoping she remembered to pack some of my favourite gourmet dark chocolate."
Across the counter, a middle aged woman with a blonde bob glanced at Kate expectantly. She excused herself and handed over the slip. After producing her identification, the woman returned with a box wrapped in brown paper and string. Testing its weight, Kate was pleased to note that it wasn't too heavy. She'd be able to manage the four block walk home comfortably. Further down the counter, she noted that Jeremy was signing one last page before placing his wallet in his back pocket and grabbing his keys.
When Kate turned to leave, he gestured for her to exit ahead of him.
Jeremy had not been expecting to see Kate again so soon. If he hadn't needed to ship his artwork to the gallery, he wouldn't have been in town. But once the Post Office doors opened and Kate's sweet scent wafted towards him, his heart skipped a beat. As always, the sight of her pierced his gut, her natural beauty and effortless charm undeniable. Dressed warmly in a dark coat and tights, the only pop of colour he could see was the bright red scarf twirled around her neck.
Kate had joked that fate was throwing them together. Jeremy wasn't a superstitious man, so of course he knew that couldn't possibly be true. But he couldn't deny that there was something between them, an energy of sorts, that try as he might, he was having a tough time ignoring. But ignore it he must. He knew better than to complicate his life. He did not have the time or the inclination to get involved with someone like Kate. She wasn't the kind of woman men had flings with. She'd want commitment and children and a white picket fence – everything he couldn't offer her. Not that he wanted to, he reminded himself sternly. It didn't matter that he felt this inconvenient attraction towards her. They would not suit. And besides, he was far too old for her.
"Well," Kate said, hugging her package to her chest, "it was nice seeing you again. Please send my regards to Elena."
"And not Nick?" he asked, a hard edge to his voice.
Kate smiled at the thought of the younger man and Jeremy's stomach clenched. "Him too, if you'd like," she said.
He didn't like. Not at all.
Taking a deep breath, Jeremy froze. The scent of mutt was fresh in the air. Instinctively, he reached for Kate's arm as his gaze swung around slowly. Salazar was nearby.
"Jeremy, are you alright?" she asked, concern in her voice.
"I'm fine." Jeremy continued to scan the lot, searching. Within seconds he saw the wolf on the opposite side of the square, hidden from general sight by the shadows cast by the narrow alleyway behind him. Jeremy had to get to him. This might be his best chance.
"I need you to listen carefully." He fished his car keys and mobile phone out of his pocket and shoved them into Kate's hands, taking her package from her. "Get into my car and stay there. Don't open the door for anyone you don't recognise. If I'm not back in fifteen minutes, call Clay and tell him where you are."
Kate was staring at him as though he'd gone crazy. "What are you talking about? Where are you going?"
Jeremy was already moving her steadily towards his vehicle. There wasn't much time and he couldn't follow Salazar if he wasn't sure that Kate would be safe. "Don't worry. I just have something to take care of." He opened the passenger door of the Land Rover.
Kate pulled her arm out of his grasp, her brow furrowed in confusion. "You're not making any sense. Why do I have to wait here? I don't understand."
"I don't have time to explain," he said, glancing towards the alley again. The wolf was gone. Jeremy leaned in to place her package on the back seat.
"No!" Kate said, slamming the door closed and confronting him, bright spots of colour on her cheeks. "You're shoving me into your car with your cell phone telling me to call your son if you don't come back and I'm just supposed to what? Not ask what the hell is going on?"
Jeremy was losing patience. There wasn't a lot of time. If he didn't go now, he might lose the mutt. He grabbed both of Kate's arms firmly and looked down into her eyes. "Kate," he said steadily. "I need you to do this. I know it may seem strange, but please, trust me." She stood stock still, staring into his eyes for the longest time. He was about to launch into another attempt at convincing her when she swallowed and nodded. Jeremy relaxed. She'd be safe.
"Okay, I'll do as you ask. But don't think I won't demand a proper explanation when you get back," she warned.
Jeremy opened the door again and she hopped in. He was about to leave when Kate grabbed his hand. Startled, he looked down to where their fingers were linked, her hand so small against his own. The sight stirred something inside of him that he thought he'd buried a long time ago.
"Is everything alright?" she asked softly, worriedly.
He squeezed her fingers. "Everything's fine," he assured her. Reluctantly, he let go of her hand. "Remember what I said," he called as he turned around, jogging in the direction he'd seen the mutt disappear into.
Jeremy could smell him, the stench overwhelming. He was so close. He doubted the mutt knew who he was - alpha of the North American pack - and that as such, he wouldn't stand much of a chance in combat. It wasn't an arrogant thought on Jeremy's part, merely a factual one.
Following the scent, he realised that the wolf was drawing him away from the more populated area and for that at least, Jeremy was grateful. He couldn't afford to have any bystanders' witness what was likely to happen shortly. Running down the lane, he saw a long, lead pipe lying discarded beside a drain. Reaching down, he grabbed it before setting off again. The light was fading and the street lamps hadn't switched on yet. As Jeremy ventured deeper into the shadows, it started to rain. The combination of dark and damp might have intimidated some, but not Jeremy. He was determined to see an end to the attacks and the return of Kate's safety.
Jeremy rounded a corner and saw him. Large and menacing, he growled threateningly, but Jeremy wasn't moved. He'd fought many mutts like him over the years and there would surely be many more before he named his successor and stepped down as alpha.
Removing his jacket, he threw it carelessly on the floor. He didn't have time to change, so he'd have to fight the wolf in human form. Though he acknowledged being slightly disadvantaged as a result, he wasn't overly concerned.
"I know who you are, Salazar. But do you know who I am?"
Kate sat in the car and waited, Jeremy's phone clutched in her hand. Three minutes…five minutes…nine minutes. She kept glancing at the time on the touch screen display, keeping track of how long Jeremy had been gone. She'd been determined to ignore his edict up until the moment when he'd asked her to trust him. The look in his eyes had been her undoing: earnest, sincere and a little fearful? As though he was worried about her. The entire situation was strange and made no sense. Kate was so confused. Where is he? She glanced at the time again. He'd been gone for ten minutes.
Restless, she turned, looking in the direction he'd disappeared in. Was he in some kind of trouble? She bit her lip, warring with herself. Should she go and find him, knowing it was against his instructions? Should she just stay and wait? The not knowing was driving her crazy.
Mind made up, Kate opened the door and hopped out. The street was fairly empty, only a few people hurrying along, probably hoping to miss the rain. Already, fat drops were starting to fall. Shoving Jeremy's phone into her coat pocket, she pulled the coat's collar up around her ears and hurried towards the alleyway. By the time she reached it, her heart was racing. Standing at the entrance, she looked down the narrow corridor, red brick walls on either side. There were metal bins standing about, some lying on their sides, the contents spilled across the floor. As Kate took a step forward, she wrinkled her nose at the stench. Undeterred, she walked a little faster, rushing to the end of the alleyway. Left was a dead-end, so she turned right and walked on. It was quiet, steam coming out of the grates at the back of the buildings, adding to the eerie ambiance. The rain was coming down faster now, heavy droplets falling onto the back of her coat and wetting her hair. This passage was a little wider, but not by much. There were wooden crates and boxes piled haphazardly along the one side and graffiti all the way along the other.
Where is Jeremy? she wondered, suddenly a little afraid. It was growing darker and the rain was falling faster and harder, making it difficult to see. She saw the end of the alley up ahead, and decided to go that far and then turn back if she didn't find him. Kate was a few feet from the corner, when she heard a growl and her heart stopped completely. It was so familiar to her, having heard it twice before, that it was unmistakable who it belonged to. Panting, she reached the end of the corridor and paused. Taking a deep breath, she peered around it and gasped.
Jeremy was fighting with the wolf.
For a moment, Kate's brain shut down as she stared at the scene before her, frozen with terror. The rain was coming down in torrents and she was soaked through, but she didn't feel a thing. Her eyes were glued to the spectacle before her. Jeremy, a long metal pipe in hand, was circling the animal. His shirt and waistcoat was plastered to his chest and arms, his jacket lying in a wet heap to the side. His hair was matted to his head, rivulets of water dripping down the side of his face, but he didn't seem to notice. He was completely and utterly absorbed as he stared at the wolf. His lips were moving but because of the rain, she couldn't hear what he was saying. Was he trying to reason with the animal?
Kate couldn't comprehend what she was seeing, it all seemed so surreal. What was the wolf doing here? And why was Jeremy fighting it? If she hadn't been so afraid, so caught up in her own concern for his safety, she might have noticed how agile Jeremy was, how strong and powerful, how confident and self-assured. Of course, in her panic, she didn't see any of that. All she saw was a man she knew and had feelings for trapped by a wild animal.
The wolf took a step, bringing his rear into view and Kate noticed that it was limping, moving around on only three legs. When she saw the awkward angle of the wolf's hind leg and the corresponding stain of red on the end of Jeremy's weapon, she realised that he must have broken the animal's leg.
With a loud, ominous grow, the wolf leaped forward, and Kate felt her heart lodge in her throat. It was instinct that caused her to scream Jeremy's name, her fear for his safety so overwhelming that she didn't care that she was revealing her own position. Her voice, piercing through the rain, caused Jeremy to pause mid swing, distracting him. That momentarily lapse in concentrating was enough to make the wolf pounce on him, pinning him to the floor, his jaws widening as he bit down into the soft flesh of Jeremy's flank.
Kate screamed, running forward, adrenalin shooting through her veins. She didn't know what she was doing, didn't know how she could possibly stop the beast, but she couldn't stand there and do nothing. Grabbing a brick, she threw it at the wolf, hoping desperately that he would let go of Jeremy. It hit its mark against his already injured limb and the wolf howled, scrambling backward. Kate grabbed another brick and hurled that one too, sickened when she heard the horrific snap of breaking bone. The animal turned, his limp even more pronounced. Arm aloft, ready to hurl another brick if necessary, Kate was spared the need when the wolf scrambled off awkwardly in the opposite direction.
"Jeremy," Kate breathed in relief as she sank to the ground beside him. The site of his wound was bleeding profusely, but he was conscious, moaning in agony. Kate lifted the torn shirt and gasped at the extent of the damage. There were jagged teeth marks on his flesh, the skin ripped and raw. She turned and crawled towards his jacket, ringing out the moisture as best she could before pressing it firmly to his side.
She dug into her pocket and removed Jeremy's mobile. "Hold on. I'm calling an ambulance."
Jeremy grabbed her hand. "No!" he yelled above the sound of the pounding rain. "No hospitals. Call Clay."
Kate stared at him, mouth agape. "That's insane! You need proper medical attention!"
Jeremy's eyes were fluttering, and she knew he was fighting to stay conscious. The jacket was already turning crimson. She pressed harder against the wound, watching as he flinched in pain. He lifted a hand and grasped hers with surprising strength, his eyes locked on hers.
"Please, call Clay."
Kate shook her head.
"Please. Promise me!" he breathed raggedly, his chest heaving.
For a second Kate stared at the screen, before her fingers dialled nine-one-one. When the time came to place the call, she hesitated. She didn't understand any of this. First Jeremy made her sit in his car while he came out here to do Lord knows what. Then she finds him going nose to nose with a wild animal. The same animal who'd almost attacked her twice! Then he's injured and he doesn't want her to call the hospital? What was going on? What was he trying to hide?
"Kate," he whispered, sensing her indecision. "Call Clay."
She closed her eyes briefly, praying that she was doing the right thing. She did as he asked and Clay answered on the second ring.
"Jeremy?"
"No, it's Kate," she said, her voice trembling uncontrollably. "Jeremy's been hurt."