N. Walters - Finding Chrissten

This was what a true mating should be like. Chrissten watched the silent communication between the pair and felt even more bereft. She doubted she’d ever have what they did. She didn’t expect to survive her battle with Brian. She was under no illusions that she was stronger than he was. Brian was a pureblooded werewolf and she was a half-breed. She’d need the element of surprise and a lot of luck on her side in order to defeat him.

She knew the Haven pack was prepared to fight him on her behalf, but she couldn’t allow that. They’d already done so much for her. No way was she letting them risk their lives for her. This was her problem and she’d deal with it.

“Everything okay here?” Isaiah’s deep voice pierced her thoughts.

Chrissten waited to see what Meredith was going to say.

“Everything is fine.”

“Then you told her.”

Chrissten straightened in her chair. “Told me what? Have you found Brian?” In spite of her resolve, she broke out into a cold sweat. The thought of being anywhere near him again made her ill.

“No, no, nothing like that,” Meredith hurried to reassure her before scowling at her mate. “It’s just that—”

“Your father is arriving tonight,” Isaiah broke in. “He’ll be here around closing time.”

Chrissten went numb inside. She wasn’t sure how she felt about this. It was one thing for Quinn to tell her she’d meet the guy someday, another thing totally to expect him within a few hours.

A large presence loomed behind her. Chrissten knew without looking that Hank was standing there. She didn’t question why he was here. She was just glad he was. As always, he made her feel safe.

“What’s going on?” Hank’s tone was almost accusing as he addressed his alpha.

Isaiah frowned, letting the younger male see his displeasure. “Chrissten’s father is coming to see her tonight.”

“Is that a good idea?” She was glad Hank asked that question. If anyone had asked her opinion on the matter she would have elected to put off this family reunion until this mess with Brian was taken care of.

Isaiah stared at Hank for the longest time. It was obvious he didn’t like the fact his judgment was being questioned, but Hank didn’t back down. He stood behind her, not touching her, like a sentinel ready to guard her.

“Better to get it over with. And he may be helpful if he’s still here when we find Brian. We’re looking for a group of six purebloods that we know of, maybe more. We need all the help we can get.

This was the first she’d heard of this. She felt totally out of the loop. “What do you mean, a group of six?”

Meredith reached across the table and took one of Chrissten’s hands. She hadn’t realized how cold she was until she felt Meredith’s heat seep into her chilled skin. “Brian is part of a pack of purebloods.”

Chrissten nodded. “I knew there were more of them than Brian. I just didn’t know how many.”

“Damek found out there are six of them in total.” Isaiah crossed his arms over his chest, the frown on his face making him even more intimidating.

“How? How did Damek find out?” Chrissten needed to know everything they did.

A smile curved Isaiah’s lips upward making him appear cruel in the dim light. “He questioned Doctor Morton before he died.”

What was left unsaid was that Damek had killed him. Chrissten wasn’t sorry. Phillip Morton deserved to die for what he’d done to her and other females in his sick experiments. “What else did Damek find out?”

Isaiah shrugged. “That there are six purebloods. Craig is searching for possible locations where they might be staying. We know they’re still in the city.” He stared pointedly at her.

She clenched her jaw to keep her teeth from chattering. Her body was coated in a sweat. She was so cold. She took a deep breath. “Because I’m still here.”

Meredith nodded. “He’s a mated male. He won’t leave without you.”

She’d known that to be true, but to hear another werewolf confirm that fact made it even more real, more deadly. Only one of them would live through the coming confrontation. Or maybe both of them would die.

And on top of this she had to meet her biological father.

What was next? The apocalypse?

She closed her eyes and struggled for control. Meredith squeezed her hand before releasing it. “You’re safe here with us.”

Chrissten took a deep breath and looked at the couple who had opened their home to her, the alphas of the Haven pack. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.” She needed to thank them just in case something happened and she had to leave suddenly. Events felt like they were beginning to spiral out of control.

Meredith looked concerned. She couldn’t decipher Isaiah’s expression. Chrissten kept her own face blank as they turned and left her and Hank alone.

“You are safe here.” He leaned down and braced one hand on the back of her chair and the other on the table in front of her. His forearm was thick with muscle and covered with a light smattering of dark blond hair. A watch with a wide leather strap was wrapped around his wrist. His fingers were long and wide. Strong.

Chrissten was afraid she’d never truly feel safe again. It was an illusion. Shit happened and you dealt with it. That was life.

“You don’t have to talk to him if you don’t want to. Your father.”

She turned her head so she could see him. Hank’s expression was fierce, his eyes blazing with an inner fire. “I don’t think I have much choice.”

“Bullshit. This isn’t about Donovan Brody. It’s about you, what you want.”

The ice around Chrissten began to thaw as Hank’s words sank in. He truly meant them. Other than her brothers, no one else had ever put her first.

“I know you mean that, but it’s probably better for me to get this over with.” Once she met him she could put it behind her, like Quinn had done.

Hank leaned in close until their mouths were practically touching. His breath was warm against her skin. “I’ll be with you.”

His promise warmed her because she knew he meant it.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He brushed his lips against hers and stood back before she could object. She glanced around hoping no one had noticed the kiss. The rest of the pack was busy with the crowds. Chrissten gave a sigh of relief. Her life was so damn complicated.

Hank stood and brushed his hand over her hair. “Don’t worry, Chrissten. Everything will work out.”

She watched as he made his way back to his post by the door. He might believe what he’d said but she didn’t. She knew better. Her entire family did. Everything didn’t always work out. Sometimes bad shit happened.

Chrissten pulled her soupy milkshake back in front of her and took a sip. It was warm but it still tasted good. She kept her eyes on the door, watching Hank while she waited for the man who was her father.

Hank channeled his anger, putting the energy into being vigilant and prepared. He hated seeing Chrissten so worried and afraid. She’d covered it quickly, but he’d seen the flash of fear in her eyes when Isaiah told her she would be meeting her father tonight.

Damn selfish bastard. He should stay in Wolf Creek and wait until Chrissten wanted to see him. She’d been through enough already and wasn’t nearly back to full strength.

On the other hand, Hank had to be fair to the guy. He hadn’t known he’d had kids and he knew his daughter had been hurt. If it had been Hank he’d have been here as soon as possible after Chrissten was rescued.

Hank didn’t know how he felt about Donovan Brody. Personally, he didn’t care what the guy did. He only cared how it affected Chrissten.

He used his peripheral vision to watch her. She looked so alone sitting in the corner by herself. He could spend all night looking at her. She was wearing the blue sweater he’d seen earlier, the one that matched her eyes. It set off her blonde hair, making it appear even lighter. She’d braided the thick mass and the tip of the braid almost hit her waist. His fingers itched to unwind it and let it flow through his fingers, over his body.