Walker's Run (18 page)

“How old is she?”

She frowned a moment. “Close to eighty, I think.”

“How old is Braedyn?”

Unable to hold back her laugh, Amber looked over at Casey. “Well if his mother is human it means Braedyn isn’t ancient. I’m guessing he’s anywhere from his mid-thirties to fifty at the most. He’s younger than your father if that makes you feel any better. The good thing about being a Were is immortality. The downside...is watching the mortals you love, grow old and die.”

Casey flinched at her new friend’s last statement and cleared her throat. “I’d always assumed he was a little older than me, but not by much.” She shrugged and realized that an age difference didn’t bother her. Though it would possibly infurriate her father if he ever learned Braedyn’s true age. She knew beyond any doubt her feelings for him, even if it meant she was in love with a geriatric.

“When you’re dealing with Weres, hon, it’s hard to determine their age by looking at them. You can get a sense of it, but usually only those who are much older have that gift.” She winked and smiled at her. “Unless you’re a little more gifted than most newbies.” Making a right turn onto Main Street, Casey watched Amber brake slightly, being cautious on the icy road. “You’re going to meet a few of the locals. Don’t let them scare you. Hold your head high and look them in the eyes. You’ve nothing to hide and nothing to fear. You are Braedyn’s mate.”

Casey squirmed in her seat. “This is probably going to sound stupid, but...no one is going to sniff me or anything are they?”

The petite woman laughed so hard she nearly lost control of the Hummer. “We
scent
. We don’t sniff each other’s asses like wild animals.” Amber grinned again. “At least not in human form.”

Casey couldn’t help but join her laughter. She felt relieved with Amber’s flippant response. Maybe living with a bunch of Weres wouldn’t be so bad after all, once she figured out how to accept herself. “Thanks, that makes me feel better.” The bundle of nerves in her stomach tightened when Amber pulled to a stop in front of a store. The sidewalk looked freshly swept of snow.

“This is the best place in Walker’s Run to find decent clothes. For anything more you’ll have to go outside of the Run. And short of a helicopter ride this time of year, it won’t be happening for quite a while.”

Reaching for the door handle, Casey paused, trying to will herself to open it. She was with the alpha, right? There was nothing to worry about.

“Are you okay? I promise nothing will happen. I swore an oath to Braedyn to protect you with my life, and I don’t make promises unless I mean them.”

Casey nodded and slipped out of the SUV. She followed Amber up the sidewalk and paused at the door. A bell rang when they entered. Soft, classical music played in the background.

Her eyes travelled over the wide assortments of dresses, gowns, and casual wear. In one corner were streams of material. It was then, Casey realized, the person who worked here made the clothing.

She took a steadying breath when a man walked out of one of the back rooms. He had a tailor’s measuring tape drapped over his shoulders and appeared for all intents and purposes to be an average middle aged man. He was impeccably dressed, yet tried hard to make it look casual.

The wolf within her picked up that the man was far older than he appeared.

His black eyes took her in from head to toe, and then shifted over to Amber. His dark gaze nearly made her shiver, but the wolf told her there was nothing of concern here.

“This is Casey. Braedyn has asked that she be fitted with whatever she desires.” Amber’s voice was firm with authority. Casey watched her friend’s body turn slightly in the protective gesture she’d seen the alpha use before. “Casey, this is Snare, our local tailor.”

“Snare?” She raised her brows.

The man leaned forward, bowing his shoulders forward and extended his hand to her. The look on his face was droll and bored. “A rather unfavorable nickname forced on me by the young ones,” he explained with a sigh. “When they’d wreak havoc, I’d snare them in a trap and make their parents come for them.”

Casey watched his expression transform into a real smile when she took his outstretched hand. The forced politeness was gone. The gentle lines around his eyes and mouth showed with genuine expression. She felt her wolf go from guarded to charmed in a moment.

“My real name is Zander. Shall I fit you for something formal as well? Perhaps there may be an event soon that may require it?”

His Spanish accent wasn't thick, but it was unlike the Spanish normally spoken in the Americas. It sounded exotic, even to her travelled ears.

Casey smiled when he released her hand. “I'm not sure how formal things may get around here, so maybe one won't be too bad.”

Zander cocked a brow. “One never knows. Follow me.”

Casey looked at Amber and watched her new friend slightly narrow her eyes at Zander, and then smile. She motioned Casey ahead of her to follow the tailor. The brunette stayed close by, on constant alert but quick with a smile whenever Casey glanced her direction.

So many questions floated through her mind about the beautiful, tiny woman in Braedyn’s inner circle.

* * * *

“What about the formal attire you were hinting at?” Casey asked accepting the bags Zander held out to her.

He gave her a slow smile. “I’ve something special in mind. That is one of the reasons I took your measurements. When it’s completed it, I’ll show it to you.”

She was touched by his remark. All of her years dealing with the big wigs in Hollywood, she’d never have accepted an outift tailor made for her. To have someone offer, was the kindest thing she’d ever experienced from a stranger. “If you’re a designer, why do you stay holed away here?”

He laughed, fiddling with his cuff links. She was surprised to see his cheeks redden. “I’ve been out in the fashion world. Age becomes a factor. Everyone wants to meet and see you. I was fortunate enough to meet a few of the modern designers and made an impact. I see nuances of my work still in some of their designs,” he admitted. His attention turned to the tigress. “I’m happy to be where I am now. Is there anything else you might be interested in, Amber?”

She grinned and shrugged, but her eyes twinkled. “I’m still thinking about a brown leather trench coat, but haven’t made up my mind.”

Zander gave her a wide smile. “Let me know whenever you are ready, and I will get right on it.”

“Will do. Thank you Zander. Braedyn said he would call you later to settle up things.”

“He knows I won’t accept it. I do not know why he continues to try.” He gave a dismissive wave of his hand.

Casey watched her new friend hold open the door for her. “There now. It wasn’t so bad, was it?” Amber asked raising her brows.

“No,” she admitted with a shake of her head.

“Told you.” Amber swung the rear door of the SUV wide, motioning for Casey to set her bags inside. “We’ve got another store to visit for some shoes.”

This was a definite change for her. Casey had never been much of a shopper. The excitement was starting to build in knowing she could have whatever she wanted, even though she had never been the type to get more than was needed.

Amber led her down the sidewalk and opened another entrance for her. This one chimed a deep and resonating sound.

A woman lifted her head from the newspaper and smiled at Amber. “Mornin’ Sugar.” She had a thick southern accent. Country music droned softly in the background.

“Morning Rhea. This is Casey, Braedyn asked that she be fitted with her desire.”

“Ah...” She set the paper down and walked around the counter.

Casey noticed the woman eyed her in the same wary way Zander had. Though she seemed around their age, once more the wolf sensed an age much older. The lilt of her accent pin-pointed her around the central Georgia region. Her hair was cut fashionably short and was a rich auburn that Casey envied.

Extending her hand to the woman, she returned her warm smile.

Rhea shook it firmly and raised a perfect articulated brow. “So...you’ve managed to capture the most elusive Alpha ever. Congratulations.”

Her cheeks burned under the woman’s scrutiny. Shyness had never been a problem before, but now with all of the judging looks, she couldn’t help it.

Rumbling with a deep, sexy laugh, Rhea shook her head. “It’s okay, Sugar. Just about every female has tried to den down with him, and very few have ever suceeded.” Her deep throaty laugh came again. “And never twice.”

Casey watched Amber tense, and then fixed Rhea with a warning look. Tension tinged the air.

“I don’t think Braedyn would react too kindly to find you’ve been discussing his past indiscretions in front of his mate.” Her friend’s voice was even, but a small hint of threat was left hanging in the air.

Swallowing, Rhea looked down from her eyes. “Please, forgive an old woman for talkin’ out her head, Sugar. I meant no harm.”

Casey looked at Amber and felt the strain abate quickly. “No problem,” she said glancing back at Rhea.

“So, looking for some shoes now are we?” She led them into the show room.

Grinning ear to ear, Casey saw the variety of hiking boots, tennis shoes, loafers, sandals, and flip-flops.

Oh...what fun there was to be had.

Settling back in the passenger seat of Amber’s vehicle, Casey noted the time. After two p.m. They’d been shopping for more than five hours, and she was tired. The backseat of the SUV was filled with bags and more clothing than she’d ever bought in a year’s time, much less in one trip.

“Satisfied? Or do we need to hit another place or two?” Amber asked, switching on the ignition.

“Oh no, I’m done.” Casey laughed. “Thanks, but I just bought more than I ever have at once.”

Amber grinned and safely manuevered the big SUV from the parking space, turning toward the cabin. “When I first came here, I had nothing but the clothes on my back. Braedyn brought me around to these very same stores.”

“I can see him doing that.”

“He’s a very kind and generous man. Not many outside his favor know that.” Amber sighed, glancing at her watch. “I need to get over to Aquene’s. I check on her a lot since I’ve taken over the shop for her. It’s right there at her house, so it’s not far.”

“What’s she like?”

Amber’s smile was warm. “She’s a wonderful woman. I only wish I had grown up with someone so kind and loving. I know my life is better by simply knowing her.”

Casey could hear the love in her voice. She cared about Braedyn and his mother. “I can’t wait to meet her, but at the same time, I’m scared to death.”

Drumming her hands on the wheel, Amber laughed. “She may be human, but I honestly think I’m more afraid of Aquene than Braedyn sometimes. Kind and gentle, but don’t get on her bad side. Her experiences with the spirits and the Native American culture have made her quite a powerful woman. She’s no witch, but definitely someone to contend with, I can say that much.”

“As I mentioned, I’m
scared
to
death.”

Reaching over, Amber patted her arm. “She will adore you, I guarantee it. There’s nothing to be worried about.”

Staving off a cold chill, whether from dark thoughts of what could be or the weather outside, Casey crossed her arms. “I have my own worries, Amber. Tala held a grudge against me all these years. It only makes me wonder if anyone else here has, too.”

“To my knowledge no one holds a grudge against you or your family any longer. Normally, the family or pack of a murdered wolf will go after the one who caused it. But I know Braedyn has done nothing but stand up for your family since it happened. He won’t let another get close to you. Tala was able to because he didn’t have the heart to kill his own sister.”

The fight from that night replayed itself in her mind. The way Braedyn, in his wolf form, had stepped between them and fought his sister so she could try to escape stood out strong in her memory. He had even been willing to take on his brother if it had come to that.

“Elan said you killed her while you were wounded.” Amber looked over at her with an incredulous look. “Tala was a fierce warrior. In the five years I’ve known her I have never known of anyone to get the upper hand with her. For you to do so while human and wounded, it’s just...mindboggling.”

Casey frowned. “My father and brother were Marines, and they taught me a lot, but I’ve never fought an animal. I was lucky. I don’t know how I survived. She and Braedyn fought prior, maybe he’d injured her. It’s the only thing I can think of.”

“Tala was...insane, Casey. She’d pick fights with other’s here in the Run just for pure spite. Braedyn could fuss and attempt to punish her, but she still did what she pleased. The one’s she terrorized will worship you.”

“I don’t want to be worshipped.”

“It’s not your choice, I’m afraid.” Amber fixed her with a complacent expression and slowed at an intersection. “You’ve no idea the hell she put some of these people through.”

Unable to help it, Casey’s mind went over the conversation she’d had with Braedyn earlier. Once more a cold feeling settled in the pit of her stomach, worry over not being his life mate. She worked up the courage to ask what her new friend knew about the subject.

“What do you know about life mates?”

Frowning, Amber pursed her lips. “When a female Were goes into heat—”

“Wait...heat...like an animal?” Casey’s eyes widened.

Amber laughed. “Yes, when your wolf goes into heat the pheromones will reach all single males. They will all be ready to take you as their mate.”

“Good God!”

Another husky exult came from Amber. She shook her head. “Don't worry. They will only let you know they wish you to take them as a mate. It’s basically just guys coming out of the wood work asking for a date. Nothing is ever forced. You are allowed your choice, it truly is up to the woman to make the decision. If the first you take doesn't please you, you can take another...on and on. And no one would think badly of you to take more than one in the duration.”

Casey cringed at what was being described. How awful would that be? But then again, she was thinking of it from a human standpoint, and not the animal’s.