She wasn't the first one to wake and when she did enter the kitchen that morning, it had two people she hadn't been quite expecting.
“Morning, Ella.” Mia, Peter's mate was making breakfast and Peter, he was standing at the counters with a cup of coffee in his hands.
“Hey...” Ella breathed, walking to the coffee pot, “Where's...”
Colten walked in, glancing around the room, “Morning.” Ella noted his anxious step, she wondered if he'd been like that when she'd been given to him to care for, but she somehow doubted it.
“How's Abi?” Mia asked.
“She wants to come downstairs.” Colten took the mug of coffee Peter offered him. “But I'm not sure that's a good idea.”
“She's probably feeling a tad cooped up.” Mia said, “Bring her down for breakfast.”
Colten twitched as he took another sip of his coffee and looked to Ella before he left the kitchen, “Where's your mate?”
Ella shrugged a shoulder. “Maybe still asleep?”
Colten grumbled, “Tell him he can get up... and shovel horse manure.”
Peter laughed, “City boy wouldn't know what to do with himself.”
“He's not that bad.”
“Mhmm.” Peter smiled, “He better stay in bed, his ribs hurt him, remembered, Colt?”
“Oh right, yeah.” Colten smiled at him and then his amusement faded, “Guess I'll go get Abi.”
“I'll have breakfast ready soon.” Mia told him as he went to leave.
Ella followed her uncle, sliding her mug to the counters as she walked out of the kitchen behind him. “Do you need help, Colten?”
“Should be okay.” He grumbled but she continued to follow him.
“Did you name him yet?”
“No, not yet and I'm about to let Abi name him whatever she wants to get it done already.”
They climbed the stairs and when outside their bedroom, Colten didn't stop her from entering it with him.
“Hi, Abi.” Ella said softly, walking over to the bed.
“Morning, hun.”
Colten glanced at her, “Can you hold the baby without dropping him?”
“Yes.” Ella rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her budding excitement.
Abigail's smile was warm as she passed the baby to her. Ella held out her arms and took the sleeping bundle, who then nestled into her.
Colten watched, his hands on his wife almost leaving to help cradle the child. Abigail stopped him though.
“Help me stand, Colt.” She smiled at him and he brought her up and into his side.
“Okay?” He asked, kissing her forehead.
Abigail nodded, keeping her blue eyes focused on Ella as she studied the new born. With the ample morning light, Ella was able to see the baby's dark locks and bright blue eyes. He had seemed to take a mix of both his parents.
Ella held him closer. “I just--” She'd never held something so small, something living and breathing. “I love him.”
“I know, isn't he sweet?” Abigail was a warmth of emotion and anyone around her could easily feel it. “Now, only if we could agree on a name?” She gave Colten a look.
He sighed, not answering her.
Ella went to give him back but Abigail shook her head.
“I need help down the stairs, can you carry him for us?”
Ella nodded, “Of course.” They walked out of the room. Ella staying behind them, carefully, carrying the baby, afraid he might break.
She stepped into the hall and looked up at the sound of a door, her eyes found Braxton as he limped into view.
He stopped though, not coming any closer but she smiled at him, walking toward him to show him the baby.
Colten stopped her though, “Here.” He took his baby from her, “You go see him.”
“But--” Ella looked to the baby as her uncle turned away and helped Abigail down the stairs.
Braxton limped up to her, stopping a few feet once Colten and Abigail were gone.
“Morning,” she said in a soft voice.
“Morning.” He winced as he shifted his weight.
“Did you sleep well?”
“Nothing compares to hard dirt.” He smirked at his joke and then moved on, “Look, Daniella, I thought about what I said last night and that was just stupid... I don't expect you to have pups right away.”
“It's okay, Braxton. I'm starting to think, your pack is just different than mine.”
He smiled, “Well, that's true, I could have told you that. I mean, your uncle let me sleep over night in a bed down the hall from his pregnant luna.”
“It's because you're my mate. He trusts me enough to trust you, apparently.”
“And I'm not used to that. It's obvious though, that my mental programming on mates, is way different than yours, but... all I want to do,” He stepped into her space and with his breath now touching her face, said, “is figure this out with you.”
Ella's eyes stayed on him and for a moment, she almost reached out to kiss him and for a moment, he looked like he would too. Maybe if they hadn't been in the upstairs hall of her house, it would have happened.
He straightened and stepped back from her, “I'm starving but I'm afraid to ask your family for food.”
Ella smiled and grabbed his arm, “You need to calm down. Mia is downstairs making breakfast.” She led him down the stairs and he kept up remarkably well.
“Who's that? Mia?” He asked.
“Peter's mate.”
“Oh great, he's here again?”
“Everyone is going to be here soon.” Ella told him in a hushed voice, trying not to enjoy his uneasiness.
“This is me – jumping for joy.”
She giggled and dropped his arm when they stepped into the a lot more full kitchen.
“Oh. My. God!”
Ella's eyes were already staring at her good friend Trixie as she flew at them from across the kitchen. “Trixie, when did you get here?”
Her friend stopped in front of them, staring, starry eyed at Braxton Hall, like he was some sort of shiny piece of something. Ella reached out and took her arm, pulling her away or trying to. “Trixie!”
Trixie blinked, stepping into her friend's side. “You said he was ugly.”
Braxton creased his brow and looked to Ella. “You said I was ugly?”
“No, I didn't!” Ella snapped in a low voice. “We'll be right back.” She gave him a tight smile and dragged Trixie out of the kitchen with her.
“Seriously, holy...”
Ella put her hand over Trixie's mouth. “Why are you here?”
“Umm.” Trixie yanked Ella's hand off, “Hello? Baby-alpha in the building?”
“Okay, okay.” Ella breathed in defeat.
“And, you've been home, how long?” Trixie's eyes scolded her. “There's these things called phones!”
“I know, I'm sorry. I just--”
Trixie waited for her explain, using her hand in the air as a coaxing. “Any day now... and why have you not sealed the deal on him? He's like a whoa.”
“Do not tell him that.” Ella shot in a whisper.
Trixie smirked, “Did he come home with you?”
“No, he stalked me!”
Her friend started to laugh. “Okay, now that explains why he looks like he walked through Colten's closet!”
“This isn't funny, Trix!”
“No,” She giggled, “I know. So,” She got her laughing back under control, “he's evil? Controlling?”
“No, he's nothing. He's fine. I'm just having issues committing.”
Trixie smiled at her again, “I can see why.”
Ella expression flatlined. “And you wonder why I don't tell you things.”
Her friend giggled out her next words, “shouldn't leave him in there with the wolves.”
Ella walked for the kitchen and Trixie bounced at her side as they re-entered the kitchen.
Braxton was now sitting at the kitchen table quietly, a cup of coffee in front of him.
She walked over with Trixie and took the empty seat next to him, “Are you okay?”
He glace her a puzzled glance. “Fine so far.”
Trixie sat down across from him, “So, I'm Trixie.”
“I got that.” Braxton half smiled and Ella watched his natural-charm pour over her friend like a thick syrup. “I'm Braxton.”
Trixie nodded, “I got that.”
Ella stared at her, not believing how much of a mush Trixie could let herself melt into.
Braxton shifted his weight while waiting out the new awkward silence around them.
“Did you sleep well, Braxton?” Abigail asked from across the table.
He looked her aunt. “I did, thanks. Much better than dirt.”
Abigail's warmth had wavered, even though she'd been through labour not even six hours before. She smiled at them as Mia brought her a plate of breakfast.
“Eat, eat.” Trixie's mother encouraged and turned toward Ella, Trixie and Braxton. “Who's hungry at this end?”
Ella shrugged a shoulder as Braxton spoke.
“I hate to be this honest, but – I'm starving.”
Mia smiled at him, “Of course, you are.” She eyed Ella and walked across the kitchen, leaving Trixie to giggle, again.
“What is so funny now?” Ella glared at her.
Trixie cleared her throat, stopping her giggles, “So?”
Braxton arched his eyebrow once her friend's eyes locked on him.
“You're gonna be an alpha?”
Ella stiffened, she didn't like to be reminded of his title, but she was starting to think she'd have to find a way to get over it.
Braxton let out a tight breath. “Yeah, something like that.”
“Oh,” Trixie's eyes glazed over, “-that's awesome.”
He shrugged a shoulder and picked up his coffee mug, not engaging Trixie further. Ella had never witnessed him being so diffident and it eased her internal conflicts.
Mia brought them breakfast and it helped any awkwardness that still came from Trixie.
They all sat and ate together, though quiet, the new baby didn't hesitate from making his demands, which took Abigail and Mia from kitchen. Leaving Ella, Trixie and Braxton with Colten.
Ella poked at the rest of her eggs, “Where did Peter go?” She had just noticed he wasn't present anymore and that was silly, because that meant she'd been that distracted by her mate.
Colten's eyes lifted to his niece, “Patrol.”
“Oh.” Ella wrinkled her nose, “Why?”
Colten tapped the table, which told Ella he was slightly more concerned than he was letting on. He stood, grabbing his empty. “Justin came by earlier and said they thought there was an intrusion on the north side of the border earlier this morning. Peter decided to go check it out after he ate.”
Ella's core shot with adrenaline, her mind reeling and not in a good way. “Oh, n-no said anything...”
“Doesn’t concern you, so don't worry.” Colten's taciturn communications skills did not help settle her mind, leaving Ella with only haunting thoughts of her faceless stalker.
Braxton's hand found hers under the table, against her thigh and he very nonchalantly sunk his fingers between hers.
Her heart did a solid thump in her chest and that's when Peter stormed into the kitchen out of no where. He came toward them so fast, Ella pushed her back against the chair to try and avoid the angry outburst that was about to happen in three, two...
“What sort of game are you playing at!” He slammed his hands into the kitchen table, his teeth barred like he was still shifted as his eyes stayed locked on Braxton. Peter's emotions ofter got the best of him though, Ella was starting to see it a lot in Betas – they just got too caught up in protecting their packs.
Braxton stared at him.
“Well!” Peter demanded.
“I don't know what you're talking about—”
“You do!” Peter cut Braxton off by slamming his hands to the table again and making the empty plates on it ricochet from the jolt.
Colten stepped in this time, “What are you doing?”
Peter sneered, his eyes leaving Braxton and going to his alpha, “He's testing our borders!”
“I'm not doing that!” Braxton stood suddenly. “How dare you accuse me of that!”
Colten looked to him, “Sit down.”
Braxton hesitated, his nostrils flared by his accompanied ragged breathing.
“Sit down!” Colten shouted at him.
“Brax...” Ella tugged at Braxton's hand and he sat, but as straight and challenging as he could.
Peter's anger and concern made him harder to deal with and Ella would excuse her uncle for shouting at her mate for it.
“What's going on?” Colten asked.
Peter snorted, “Another male was caught, he smells exactly like him!” He pointed at Braxton, “Which means that kid obviously has no respect for Forenone! He's sending his pack in our territory unannounced!”
“Oh whatever.” Braxton snapped into the new silence.
Peter turned to him, “Shut up!”
“You shut up!” Braxton shot back out of his chair, “I didn't send anyone on your territory!”
Colten was staring at him. “If you value your wanted relationship with my niece, you'll sit back down.”
Braxton took a few breaths and sat, more in the chair this time.
She leaned into him and whispered. “Jeez, Brax.”
His eyes glanced to her and then back to Colten and Peter.
“Who's this male?”
Peter had seemed to calm down a bit. “We've got him, it wasn't easy but we did it. He's out in the drive way, demanding to see him.” He pointed across the table again to Braxton.
Braxton grumbled, “Who is it?”
Peter smiled, “He says he's your wanna-be Beta.”
“Your funny.” Braxton sneered at him, “Does it take all your brain power cause' it's apparent you lack actual intelligence.”
“I can break that other rib for you!” Peter threatened but Colten grabbed his shoulder before he lunged across the table at Braxton.
Colten pushed him back, “Show me the Beta.”
“Not a beta yet!” Peter snarled at Braxton.
“Don't move, any of you.” Colten said before leaving the room with Peter.
“Aaron is here?” Ella asked almost as soon as her uncle rounded the corner.
Braxton sniffed, “That's what your uncle's knuckled-headed Beta says, yeah.”
“Hey, that's my dad.” Trixie scowled at him.
Braxton looked to her, “Sorry, I'm used to more intellect than what your father seems to possess.”
“Wow, you really are arrogant, Ella was right.” Trixie stood from the table and walked out of the room.
Ella sighed, “Good job, Braxton.”
“I didn't even try that time.”
She wanted to elbow him but didn't, in the best interest of his ribs. “You gotta say sorry.”
“For telling the truth? Her dad is a numb-skull, Daniella.”
“Pete's not that bad. You guys just got off on the wrong foot.”
“By throwing me into a ravine and a creek and making me walk in here naked, yeah, I guess you're right. Maybe we should try again?”
“Braxton, give up the sarcasm. Seriously, Colten hates sarcasm. It's like-” Ella took a moment to think of how to explain it to him. “It's like his biggest pet peeve. It makes him want to make your life a living hell. I would know.”
Braxton raised an eyebrow at her.
“Anyway, just stop.”
He sighed with a nod and continued to keep quiet.
“So, Aaron followed you? Why?”
Braxton shrugged, “I'm sure we'll find out.”
“Y-you think your pack is okay?”
“It probably just has to do with the fact that I've vanished the past six days, Daniella.”
“Oh, right, that detail. You should have called them.”
“Maybe.” His agreement sounded bored though.
Colten walked back into the kitchen and looked right at him. “Come outside.”
“Mmhmm.” Braxton stood, trying his best not to upset Colten more but Ella could see her mate struggling, he wasn't used to so many demands, so many insults. She got up with him but Colten shook his head at her.
“It's just Aaron, Colten.” Ella said, “I know him.”
Colten shook his head again and Ella stepped back from her mate.
Braxton looked over his shoulder at her before he left her in the deserted kitchen. She huffed and than decided to go find Trixie to keep herself from following the men.
She found Mia and Abigail in the front room and best friend, sitting on the couch with her phone.
“Hey.” She slumped into the couch next to her.
Trixie glanced at her, “Hope my dad is gonna kick his ass.”
“He doesn’t mean that, Trix, he's just acting stupid.”
“Sure.” Is all she said.
“He is.” Ella grabbed her phone, “I think this whole, walking-on-egg-shells thing is getting to him.”
“He still can't be a douche.”
“Pete beat him up, really good and he was already hurt. They just have a thing going on. Anyway, don't take it too much to heart, Braxton is stupidly smart, that's his problem.”
Trixie's nose wrinkled. “He doesn’t seem that smart if my dad kicked his ass.”
“Braxton isn't doing to well against his wolf right now.” Ella tried to explain but it made her uncomfortable.
“Mating instinct getting him down?” Trixie made herself smile.
“Something like that.” Ella breathed as Colten appeared.
“Mia, take Abi upstairs.”
“Oh.” Abigail looked up from where she was a feeding the baby on the couch. “Really, Colten?”
“Mm.” His face meant business, “Now. We're bring the outside male into the house for a few minutes.”
“Okay...” Abigail sighed, adjusting the baby with Mia's help and walking out of the room.
Colten looked to them. “Ella, kitchen.”
“Sure.” Ella scooted up as he walked from the room, “See you in a minute, Trix.” Her friend never replied as she walked away, and Ella found herself at the same kitchen chair as before, waiting to hear about what ever was going on now.
The men filed into the kitchen, including Aaron Williams with a towel around his waist.
She held her smile, “Hey, Aaron.”
“Daniella.” He gave her a polite nod as he stopped next to Braxton by the table.
Colten and Peter stayed on the opposite side of the table, making Ella be the dividing line.
Braxton's jaw was tight and Ella all of a sudden suspected something wasn't right.
“My father is missing.”
Ella's eyes widened at her mate's words. “What?”
“For the past four days.” Aaron informed her, “I was given instruction to come find Braxton.”
“They thought I'd gone missing as well.” Braxton said to her in a soft voice.
“Crest has no leadership.” Aaron looked afraid of the words he spoke and it hit Ella with the same force.
“Y-you don't know where he is?” Ella asked.
“No.” Aaron shook his head, “There was an unidentified border invasion the night of the attack, Alpha Hall and his beta investigated--”
“My father's beta was found slaughtered.” Braxton sounded like he was holding back bile and Ella didn't doubt it.
“That's insane... who would do that?” Ella tried to make sense of it all.
Colten looked genuinely concerned but more so about her and less Braxton Hall and Aaron Williams. “They are going back to help their pack, you are staying here with us.”
“What!” Ella shot up, but that couldn't have been her – no, it had her wolf written all over it.
Braxton's eyes met hers and they stared at one another.
“N-no. I'm coming with you!”
Her mate winced but spoke what he needed to, “You're staying here, where you're safe, Daniella. We can't risk your safety.”
“You're risking yours!” She raged, now over run with the need to protect her mate, her...
“Crest is my responsibility till my father is recovered.” Braxton said to her.
“Time is of the essence.” Aaron also tried to reason with her, “We can't guarantee anyone's safety and we don't want to risk yours.”
“It's not...” Ella tried to hold back her new tears.
Braxton tensed, watching her as Colten spoke again. “I suggest you leave as soon as possible.”
“Y-you could help them, Colten!” Ella burst.
Her uncle paused, “What?”
“It's not his responsibility.” Braxton shot, grabbing her arm, “Come with me.” He pulled her from the kitchen and down a near hall where he found the back door and brought her outside with him.
Ella crushed herself into him as soon as she could and he put his arms around her. “Colten could...”
“I can't him ask him to do that. It has nothing to do with him or his pack. I don't expect help.”
She sniffed, balling the fabric of the cotton shirt he wore in her fists. “Don't leave me.”
“Believe me, leaving you, is the last thing I want to do right now.” He dropped his mouth to her cheek and pressed a kiss there. “I love you, Daniella.”
She clung to him, her tears now flowing her cheeks. She thought about if she never saw him again, thought about if this was it – this was his fate, to not even have time to mate him or give him the chance he deserved with her. She bit her lip and lifted her face from his solid chest.
“I want to come with you.”
He searched her, “Your uncle already made himself clear about it. You have to stay here, till we have the situation dissolved.”
She tensed against him. “How can you do this without me?”
His exhale was strained with his speech, “I'll figure it out.”
She stared at him and his new strength, wether or not he felt it, she did.
He took her cheeks, his penetrating stare making her tears and breathing cease. Balancing herself onto the balls of her feet, she kissed him. For a moment, their mouths stayed perfectly still and then his arms enveloped her perturbed body, comforting her more than he perhaps knew. It was then she accepted her fate and her motive?
For the sake of his life.