Page 52 of Lightning Strikes

Mac rubs my thigh with his hand and he kisses my head. “I’ll stop by their house and suck up to her tomorrow… Bring her flowers or something.”

I shrug. “What can we really do? She seemed so nice at first and is now acting so… off. I’m also worried that she knows about what’s been going on at the schools. What mothers wouldn’t turn to the alpha or their mate?” The timer beeps from the kitchen and Ella jumps up and claps her hands.

“Oh well, let’s head inside and eat!”

We all follow her through the doors and Mac lightly shoves me out of the kitchen into the dining room, scooping up Scout from my arms. “I’ll go put her in bed. You relax.” He saunters down the hall and I bite my lip as I watch his muscles contracting along his back and legs as he walks away. Damn, he’s so damn perfect.

We eat our meal and talk about the pack and what changes would benefit everyone… the schools are a big one. We still have no leads on what the hell is going on there… The businesses are seemingly doing well.

I feel out of sorts. I assumed I would have been a lot busier… I guess with shifters and our healing, I truly won’t be needed much… I don’t really have any other hobbies, and we’re too secluded from the humans where we are to even breach the concept of opening a vet clinic in a small town.

The main reason why we moved here was to get away from humans and raise the pup in a decent pack. Where they will be protected and accepted.

My guards all head down to their basement apartments after we clean up after dinner, and Ella and Tom leave shortly after. By the time we’re alone, I’m falling asleep sitting up on the couch, and Mac scoops me up into his arms and calls for Max to come to bed.

That pup is obsessed with attention and fell asleep on the couch beside Ella so that she would pet him and pay him more attention. I hear his nails clacking against the floors on our way down the hall to the master bedroom, hearing his excited panting, hopefully the pup is ready for bed and doesn’t need another run to wear him out. I sigh as Mac sets me down carefully on our bed. I’m glad I’m already in comfortable clothing, because there’s no way I can stand and change right now.

“Good night, Ang.” He kisses my forehead and I smile as I drift off to sleep.

___________

I lock up the clinic for the weekend and make sure my sign is posted for my phone number. I know that I check it every dang night, but I also know how teenagers work, too. They’ll have their little fun, writing on signs and having their fun.

Luckily it’s a quick five to ten minute drive from the house, depending on who’s driving… And the pack also knows where I live in case it’s something urgent.

I still need to clear out a room to have as a first aid station in case that does happen and we can’t make it back to the clinic in time. I also can’t use my magic in front of the pack, so it’s a catch twenty-two.

Why is it that I feel better with Mac, the guards, and Deacon knowing than I have in all of my life? I don’t have to hide or lie… And now I know that my ‘best friend’, Melissa, also knows I’m different? I was afraid at first… But as a mage and has been in hiding for her entire life. Maybe it’s time to be out in the open… Or it may backfire.

I’m with Paul and Russell for the day and we walk up to the SUV before heading home. I chew on my lip as I think about what I’ve been craving all day… I want some authentic Italian food. That restaurant down the road is fantastic and I’ve been craving it again ever since Carter took me there. “Can we stop at the Italian restaurant? Mac is probably still at the alpha house anyway.”

Paul spins around in his seat to smile send me a smile. “Of course. What sounds good?” Russell pulls out and drives down the road to the restaurants instead of turning towards our home. Yes!

I moan. “I want a meaty lasagna and breadsticks with alfredo sauce to dip them in.”

They both chuckle and nod at me. “Sounds great.” Russell murmurs and he parks seconds later. We step inside and are seated out on the back patio within minutes, and both of them order a glass of red wine.

Wine. I miss wine.

They both frown at me when they see the pout on my face and Paul slowly lowers his glass to the table. “Should we not drink around you?”

I chuckle and shake my head. “You’re both fine. Just missing having a drink.”

The waiter steps up to our table and I do a double take when I see him. Wow, he looks like Carter’s twin. White hair, black eyes, and a tall, lean body. He’s dressed in a nice suit and I can’t stop blinking at him. Jesus those genes are strong, or this is some sort of trick. “Good evening, are you ready to order?” I continue to gawk at him. Damn, even their voices are the same. Are they twins?

I stutter through my order and blush when I look back over to Russell and Paul on the other side of the table. “Was that Carter’s brother?”

Paul grimaces and nods tightly. “Yeah. His twin. They’re… not close.” I frown as I glance over at where he walked through the doors to the kitchens and sigh. “They were in love with the same woman… She chose Carter. Then left him for someone else in one of the human towns and moved out of the community.”

I gape at them and shake my head. “Jesus.” I murmur and focus on sipping my water. I can’t imagine that. No wonder Carter is so messed up about never wanting to settle down.

We’re pretty silent throughout our meal and I stand after I finish. “I’m heading to the ladies room.” I pull out my wallet from my bag and hand over one of my cards. “My treat.” I wink and set my purse on my chair as I step inside and look for the restrooms. I’m so full, and the scents from the dining area in the building is making my stomach roll…

I follow the signs to the restroom and lean against the counter. I grab some paper towels and cover them in cold water before pressing them to my face. I glance up at the mirror, work on fixing my hair before I take care of my business.

I hear someone enter, and I hurry up as I flush the toilet, fixing my scrubs to cover up my bloated stomach. I mostly just look like I ate twelve too many burgers lately.

I step out of the stall, glancing around for the person who entered and don’t see anyone… odd. I wash my hands and look down as I scrub, taking care to clean under my nails and rinsing all of the suds off. I look up into the mirror, opening my mouth to scream when someone steps up behind me and shoves a bag over my head and after a sharp sting in my neck, everything goes black.

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