Wolf Mountain Peak Complete Series, page 82
part #1 of Wolf Mountain Peak Series
“No,” Kate snorted as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “So, if I focus on what I have to do, I won’t fail?”
“Motive: Focus; Action;” Helena emphasized every single word coming out of her mouth. “Your motive must be much stronger than just an infantile will to teleport or move things around the house. Focusing on higher values, such as the life of a loved one, prevents you from getting distracted, just like it did in Julia’s case. I hope that helps.”
“It does. A lot,” Kate affirmed as her face tightened. “Where should I look for any spells to help you out? Please, be specific. Your library is huge.”
“My library is full of common books, mostly,” Helena muttered as her own face relaxed into an expression of satisfaction. “They’re not bad, but, like I’ve told you a hundred times already, your mother’s book is an absolute treasure. The lines of the spell you need could be scattered throughout the book. You could find one line in page 5, the next in page 26, and so on. Don’t expect to find it in a chapter titled: ‘How to cure blindness.’ You know it doesn’t work that way.”
“I sure do,” Kate nodded as the sight of her battered friend continued to grip her heart like a vice. “Hang in there, Helena,” she added in a voice that was a mere whisper as she leaned over her. “You’re not staying like this for long. Not on my watch. Thanks a lot. You take care.”
A fierce determination spread within Kate like wildfire as she spoke her last words. Was it Helena’s tragedy that sparked this feeling? Was it the danger that threatened to consume her as well as her loved ones? Perhaps it was all of the above. In any case, she was willing to assist her mentor, in any way possible. For the first time in her life, Kate was prepared to accept her heritage, for the sake of whoever she held dear.
Chapter Fifteen
Later in the afternoon, Kate was amazed as she went over the song lyrics Alstead had given her. Almost every page was filled with heartwarming words, causing her to shed a few tears. Unpredictably, however, the wonderful ballads had another effect on her because she was an artist: a musician. She could understand that Ryan meant to discuss more details about her contract, but she would much rather meet with the talented writers that had come up with the lyrics. They had much more in common with her, and she would love to know what had inspired these beautiful words. Even though the rich CEO lived in North Haven, a luxurious paradise, a dinner with him would eventually bore her out of her mind. It didn’t even matter to her that Alstead would be sending his limo out to pick her up. For her, a drive in an extravagant car was worth nothing compared to a few hours of learning song trivia.
Before she started getting ready, Julia visited her, and much to her frustration, she insisted on following the limo in her Toyota. Kate tried to explain to her that she didn’t need a babysitter; that she could take care of herself; but, Julia was adamant. Of course, she knew very well why her friend didn’t want to leave her out of her sight. Still, although she believed that Julia was being absurd, she chose to allow her to do what she had in mind. The redhead could be very stubborn, and arguing with one more person so close to her in less than twenty-four hours was going to break her up inside. Therefore, just before five, the two of them were at the bus stop outside Shandaken, waiting for Alstead’s limousine. Kate had suggested this location because she knew that a fancy car in Paxton would draw too much attention. Dean would be the subject of quite a few nasty comments from his brothers, and that would lead to yet another fight between them.
“I’m actually relieved that jerk didn’t send a helicopter,” Julia confessed, leaning her back against the side of her white Toyota.
“Why? I’ve never flown in a chopper, not to mention it would take a lot less time to get there,” Kate countered, gazing out at the narrow, empty road.
“Exactly!” exclaimed Julia as her friend turned to her. “Look at it!” she stated loudly while pointing at her car. “It’s a Toyota, not a Ferrari! How the hell would I keep up with a freaking helicopter? Anyway…” she paused, and then pulled a small, white object out of the pocket of her jeans. “This is an earpiece. It will allow me to hear everything you guys say. You’ll be able to hear me, too. Put it on,” she continued, handing it over to Kate.
“Okay, now this is absurd,” groaned Kate, narrowing her eyes at Julia. “First, you want to tag along, and now, you want me to wear a bug? Forget it.”
“Kate, please!” Julia begged, intensifying her stare. “I don’t like that guy. I’m just trying to protect you. Will you let me?”
“Fine,” Kate spoke through clenched teeth, snatching the earpiece away from her friend’s grasp. “If, and that’s a big ‘if,’ anything goes wrong, wait for my signal. Don’t just barge in, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Julia winked at her as her lips curved into a sweet smile. “I hear an engine. See you later, hun.”
Fitting the earpiece to her ear, Kate turned around as her friend entered her car. Julia’s persistence might have upset her; yet, Kate couldn’t deny that it had moved her as well. It was more evidence of the love Julia had for her.
In a matter of seconds, a massive, black Mercedes slowly rolled towards her. It was so clean that it sparkled under the bright sunlight. Its expensive look affirmed her belief that she had made the right decision to keep that car away from Paxton. The middle-aged driver moved around the limousine, and opened the right, rear door. Her heart fluttered as she thought that this could be the first of many rides in fancy cars like this. It was part of her dream; a dream of fame, money, and luxury.
Throwing a quick glance around the interior, she smiled to herself as the driver took off. It was lined in brown and gray leather. A large TV, a stereo, and a small fridge filled her line of sight, and her heart with pride.
“Look at all of this,” She thought to herself. “This car must cost more than most people make in a decade. I did it, baby. Magazine covers, interviews, concerts... I can’t wait for all of that.”
“Say something if you can hear me,” said Julia, in her ear, interrupting her thoughts.
“I’d love to take this baby for a spin,” Kate said, giving her friend a reason for a short chuckle.
“Alright, I hear you loud and clear,” Julia went on. “Don’t worry if you can’t see me. I’ll be keeping a safe distance away: Red out.”
Kate breathed a sigh of relief, upon her friend’s statement. Julia’s love for chatting was one of the qualities she liked about her. However, it seemed that she was unwilling to preoccupy her any further. So, she lay back and relaxed, imagining how her life would be from now on.
“Okay, Kate, don’t let it all go to your head. This is just the first step. Enjoy it, but keep in mind that it will take a lot of work on your behalf. Plus, a big workload will mean a lot of understanding from your significant other. Oh, Dean… Please, show me again why I gave up my first chance for you. Show me you can be the rock I can lean on. Otherwise, you and I will soon be history. It will break my heart, but if you keep pushing me like that, you’ll leave me no choice.”
Hours afterwards, the fancy Mercedes left the highway to cross into North Haven. Kate could still recall the insane amount of extravagance in that suburb from her last visit there with Melissa. Supercars, huge gardens, and massive mansions didn’t surprise her, but now, she was in a small piece of all that luxury, and was heading towards an ever bigger one. Still, the drive around the populated portions didn’t last long. In minutes, she was being driven away from the expensive neighborhoods, and towards darker territory. Tension tightened the back of her neck. Kate was still within the limits of North Haven; yet, her surroundings resembled more of the uninhabited parts of Paxton: Empty plots, filled with bushes, with tall trees around them.
A glance out her window though, somewhat set her fear at ease. Her destination was close, and it wasn’t dark at all. On the contrary, it was well-lit, both on the outside and on the inside. Kate could see large lights at the gate of a mansion as well as more lights, coming through its glass façade on the side. In truth, it wasn’t that different from the estates she had passed by. It was just extremely far from them, secluded, and surrounded by lush vegetation.
The black Mercedes rolled to a halt along the driveway as two men in black suits emerged from the front yard. Once more, the driver opened Kate’s door for her. Beyond the gray, iron, gate a massive lawn, with a few, small trees in it, spread out before her. A narrow, stone pathway led to a big, arch-shaped door. The house itself was located on the highest spot of the plot, featuring wide, aluminum cased windows.
“Follow us, ma’am,” One of the men urged as she closed in on the gate.
“Kate…” Julia’s voice rang in her ear, but, this time, it had lost all her usual playfulness. For some reason she couldn’t fathom, it sounded bass-deep. “Please, don’t panic sweetheart, but those two aren’t human. They’re vampires. Stay cool. Help is underway.”
A wave of utter shock washed over her, at the new information. All of a sudden, this location, as well as her friends’ reservations made absolute sense. No one had paid her for her talent. This was part of a scheme; a scheme not yet fully clear to her. Kate’s initial thought was flight. However, she quickly came to reject that notion. These men would catch her, in the blink of an eye.
She felt her stomach churn as she spotted Ryan Alstead in his living room, standing beside a small table, pouring champagne into a tall glass. He was involved in this, but she still couldn’t figure out his role. He was human. If he wasn’t, Julia would have smelled him, back in his office.
“Ms. Brooks, how nice to see you again,” he greeted her in his deep voice, flashing a smile down at her as she walked into his mansion. “How was your little road trip? I would have sent out my helicopter, but my pilot is down with the flu.”
“It was fine, thanks,” she claimed, barely able to return the smile.
“Please, have a seat,” Ryan politely requested, pointing down at the chair across from him as she swept the hall. Silverware sparkled under the ample light, on another, larger table, in the upper right corner of the living room. “Dinner will be served shortly. Let’s have a drink first,” he suggested, setting the glass into her open hand. “Here’s to your success,” Ryan proposed a toast, tapping his own glass against hers. Kate raised it to her lips, but, after what Julia had just disclosed to her, there was no chance that she would drink. She merely wet her lips, locking her gaze on him as the two vampires halted just a few feet behind her.
“So…” he drew in a sharp breath as he lowered his glass. “I’m guessing you haven’t cashed that check.”
“No, I haven’t been to the bank,” she responded in a calm tone. “How did you know?”
“If you had, you’d have called me to complain about it,” He explained as the smirk that formed on his face sent waves of anger, coursing through her. “You see, its serial number has been blocked. And that block can only be lifted, if you decide to cooperate.”
“Why has it been blocked?” Kate put some force in her voice as she cast a nasty glare up at him. “What do you mean by ‘cooperate’? I’ve already signed the contract, haven’t I? What else should I do?”
“Well…” Ryan snorted in amusement as he shook his head sideways, once. “Here’s the thing, Kate. My boss knows who you are. He also knows who your mother was, and how she died. Your choice of husband appalls him, but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed.”
“Your boss?” she squinted up at him. “What does my husband have to do with this? What are you talking about? Aren’t you the boss?”
“Not quite,” He rebutted as his smile vanished. “He and his fellow freaks have everything to do with this. My boss’s name is Leonard Bethels. You might have heard of him. He’s a very powerful wizard, just like your mother was, before you had her killed. Now, he’s willing to unblock that check, and add a couple of zeros to that amount, if you decide to play ball.”
“I’m listening,” Kate murmured, her chest starting to heave as she put her glass down on the table.
“Leonard believes a lot in you. According to him, you could prove very valuable in disposing of those animals. He wants you to join him. In return, you’ll get what you’ve always wanted: money, fame, and millions of fans around the world,” Ryan explained, intensifying the churning in her stomach. By the time he had finished his last sentence, she thought she was going to throw up.
“And if I refuse?” she wondered, unable to keep the tension out of her voice anymore.
“Are you sure?” he answered her question with a question of his own. “Ten million dollars is a lot of money. And that’s only the beginning. I told you I’d make you swim in money, Kate. Here’s your chance.”
“No, Alstead,” Kate grumbled, pressing her lips together. “You can tell your boss to kiss my ass. I’ll be damned if I help that prick take my family out.”
Ryan’s quick nod served as a signal to his vampires. Immediately, one of them took a large step towards Kate. Bending his knees, he circled his arm around her neck, and pulled her up. Her brows popped up as she felt her head getting trapped in the crook of his arm and his elbow. The top of his hand brushed her cheek, making her feel the coldness of his skin. But, before he could take her away, the sound of multiple, heavy footsteps on the lawn grabbed their attention. Kate whipped her head to the right, only to discover that Dean, Raul, and Ray’s wolves were loping across the yard, running parallel to one another as they charged towards the mansion. The grip around her neck loosened, just before the vampire pushed her away from him. The three wolves jumped towards the glass façade, almost simultaneously as Ryan spun around. Their sheer weight shattered the glass, sending thousands of shards of glass across the room as the young CEO sprinted to his left, toward a staircase down from his living room. Snarls and growls echoed back at the walls of the mansion as Raul’s and Ray’s wolves leapt onto the vampires. Dean’s gray beast galloped towards Ryan, leaving Kate and his brothers behind. Moving around the table, she ran after him, feeling her heart pounding against her chest. But, it wasn’t long before she realized the hopelessness of her move. She couldn’t do anything else, other than just watch the man who had lied to her, over and over again, suffer a horrific death, in the jaws of her mate. Slowing her strides, Kate chose to head for the far wall as the painful reality cut her like a blazing-hot knife.
Upon reaching her destination, she turned around, and peered ceiling-ward as the wolf’s growls reverberated through her skull. Sliding her back down the cold wall, she lifted both hands up to her face, feeling her heart sink in a sea of frustration and despair. Her dream had gone up in flames. The people she had put her trust in had betrayed her. They weren’t at all interested in her vocal skills; they simply meant to use her as a weapon against her own family. Submerged in her sorrow, she bit her lower lip as tears sparkled in the corners of her eyes. Kate sat down on the floor, and brought her knees up to her chest as Ryan’s cries of terror filled the air. Tipping her head down, she slid both of her hands up her face as her tears streamed down her cheeks. A peer through splayed fingers gave her a good idea about what transpired. Two vampires’ arms had been scattered across the floor. Their heads lay a few inches away from their bodies. The wolves had triumphed over their natural enemies, and were standing across from her, next to one another, staring at her. All the same, the – rather predictable – outcome of this fight was the last thing on her mind. All this betrayal had scorched her heart, turning it into a smoldering ruin.
“Kate!” Not even Julia’s panicky voice was enough to draw her attention. She dropped her head into her hands, crying in sobs over the loss of yet another opportunity. Falling to her knees in front of her, her friend wrapped her arms around her shoulders, and held her close as she breathed in pants. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine,” Kate sniffled, slightly moving her legs apart.
“The boys were right behind me the whole way,” Julia explained, planting a short kiss on the top of her head.
“God, I’ve been such a fool,” Kate whispered, opening her eyes to slits. “I thought they gave me all that money, because I was so special. I’m sorry, Jules. I’m so sorry for everything.”
“Shhh…” Julia hissed as she tightened her embrace. “It’s over. It’s all over now.”
Too overwhelmed by emotion, and also drowning in guilt, Kate would not utter another word. Not only had she lost her dream for the second time, but she had also been something she despised in other people: arrogant; self-centered. In her excitement about the contract she had been offered, she had stopped thinking altogether. Now, Dean’s mate had to pick up her pieces, in the hope that her loved ones would someday forgive this mistake, a mistake that could have cost her and everyone else dearly.
Chapter Sixteen
Right after their attack, the shifters of Paxton had to cover their tracks. Shifting back into human form, Dean broke the gas line, and tossed a lighter into the mansion. Within moments, the luxurious home was engulfed in flames.
His mate’s emotional state became clear to him as soon as he laid his eyes on her. Kate was shivering, crying hard in her friend’s arms. He would love to offer his support right there in the driveway; but, even though the mansion was more than a mile west of the rest of North Haven, he had no doubt that the fire department would get there soon. None of them could be seen on the premises. So, he led Kate to his truck, and drove off with his brothers.
Still, even an hour into the trip back home, Kate would not open her mouth. She either gazed at her surroundings outside of her window and sighed, or stared into the void. Every few minutes, her pondering sessions were interrupted by a sob or a sniffle. At first, Dean would not address her, understanding that her shock was much too fresh. However, as minutes went by, her terrible sight became too much for him to bear. He had to do what he had promised to her, since the first night they spent together: bring the happy girl back. Of course, it would be no easy task. Once again, Kate was mourning her career as a singer, a career that had stopped before it even began. More than that, as hard as he would try, he knew that she could not come back overnight. It would take weeks of effort, and mainly, tons of patience. Nevertheless, he had to take the first step in that direction, and fast.
