Chapter 18
It's been almost an entire week since Greg's body was found in the forest and the rogues have gone absolutely quiet again.
It had me on edge as Penelope, Charlotte and I anticipated their next move. But what could be after killing a human that had no association with us?
Something was wrong, I could feel it festering in my soul as the days ticked by.
Callum seemed to be feeling the exact same since he's been tensed every day. I knew Greg's death affected him more than he let on.
His anger wasn't just because he wanted to keep me safe, it was because he was worried about the people who raised him as well and I couldn't hate him for that.
If anything, I felt prideful to know that he cares about his people. I did the same with my own so I could never be angry with him if he felt that way.
But I didn't know what to do to help him through his loss. My parents and a few pack members helped with a little memorial for Greg the day after he died.
The only thing I could have done was hold his hand as they lowered the man's casket into the ground.
And the only thing going through my mind was, 'he should be with his wife'.
Unfortunately, that wasn't something that could happen right away.
Aside from the mournful mood Cal's had, he tried to act as if he was unbothered. The makeout sessions got hotter, metaphorically and literally since he can't seem to quit lighting something on fire.
Luckily it wasn't me being set ablaze but I did lose a throw pillow in the living room, a few business reports in my office and there was a singe on Cal's bedroom door. Let's just say we've been trying not to burn the packhouse down.
Cal's hands also still healing since he refused to get it looked at the day he punched the wall. The day after, doctor Kitara deduced that it was in fact sprained and would take at least three weeks to heal and to Cal's annoyance, he had to keep it in a splint.
Didn't stop him from manhandling me when he got the chance though.
It did stop him from having to train on the field, but Max and Sam have taken it upon themselves to take him to the Crypt to train him to keep his magic hands to only light up on command.
Seeing as we were surrounded by trees in the pack territory, the Crypt was the most controlled environment and Max ensured the room was filled with fire extinguishers and there were already sprinklers set up.
When I was finished with training some wolves, I sprinted off towards the packhouse in wolf from. I always got excited at this time of the day.
It wasn't just the cool air of the evening that signaled that the sun was about to set or the way my paws sunk into the forest floor that connected me to nature, but the fact that I get to go home to Callum.
I couldn't help the stupid wolf grin on my face and I was sure if anyone saw me, they'd probably run the other way after seeing my canines in full view and a wolf smile resembled the look a wolf made before he ate you.
Speaking of eating, I really needed some ice cream in my body or else I may die. Not exaggerating, it's the most important food group in my diet.
By the time I made it back to the house, the sun was slowly setting behind the mountains off in the distance and I shifted and pulled on my training gear which I carried in my wolf mouth.
When I entered the packhouse, I immediately went to the kitchen large and spotted Daisy stirring something that had me salivating more than my wolf does.
"That smells like heaven." I went to stick my finger in the pot but she whacked my hand away.
"Uh-uh, you've been training, you need a bath before you come anywhere near my pot." She grinned but took a spoon and scooped up some marinara sauce for me anyways.
"You're an angel you know that?" I asked her as I tasted the savory goodness. "I'd marry you if Sam hadn't already."
What? When I'm hungry I compliment Daisy and suddenly there's a feast before me. The girl really was an angel and her food was the best.
"You better had not meant that or I will fill your room with grasshoppers," Sam said as he entered the kitchen and went straight for the pot. But this time Daisy smacked his arm away and didn't give him a separate spoon.
"Bring your bugs anywhere near me and there's a special place in the Crypt that has your name written all over it." I grinned before waving my spoon in front of his face and he pouted at Daisy.
"Sunshine, how'd you give her and not me?" Sam could be such a kid sometimes.
Daisy giggled but planted a kiss on Sam's lips before turning the stove off, "Maybe because Ev's my Alpha and you need to clean up before you get any dinner."
"But she threatened to put me in the Crypt." His frown deepened.
Daisy grinned, "I don't disagree with her, you killed my new plant with your caterpillar."
I watched the lovers argue as they exited the kitchen and I went to the sink to wash my hands before digging into the unattended pots and pans. Every dinner in the packhouse was equivalent to a Thanksgiving dinner.
But just as I was rubbing the liquid hand soap off my hands, juniper berried and fresh sage took over my senses.
I felt his warm arms wrap around my waist and I have gotten desensitized to his open affection. It was endearing how touchy we've both become.
Callum's body aligned with the back of my own as arms tightened on my waist and his lips went to the sensitive spot on my neck.
"Cal..." I let out a sound between a moan and a sigh as his left open-mouthed kisses along the column of my neck and my collarbone.
I was quickly turning to goo in his arms and wondered where all my self-control walked off to.
"I've been thinking." He whispered into my ear.
"Oh-oh, that's not a good thing." I smiled.
"Haha." I could practically feel him rolling his eyes behind me before he nipped my earlobe. "Anyways, we're in this for the long haul right?"
I leaned my body completely against his to show him that we were, "I'd like to think so or else the Moon Goddes might be angry."
"Well, I think that if we're going to do this then we have to do this right." He announced and I finally spun around in his arms to face him.
Cal kept his arms secured around me as I looked at his curiously, "I'm not getting what you're selling."
"I'm not a prostitute Princess, we've been over this." He faked hurt but his eyes were laced with humor.
"Callum, focus." I flicked his forehead.
He grumbled under his breath about me always hurting him before he cleared his throat, "I mean, I want to take you out."
"Like a date?" I smirked as I liked where this was heading.
"Yes, a date. As in me taking you out. Just the two of us. Some food, maybe some kisses."
I smacked his chest, "I know what a date is you goof."
"Then, you'll let me take you out?" He asked hopeful and how could I say no to that face.
"Tell me the day and time and I'll be ready."
A grin spread across his face, "How about today and right now. I'll give you ten minutes to get ready."
My eyes went wide in surprise as I shifted back a little and looked up at him, "Now?"
"It's already planned, Princess."
"What? How? When?" I couldn't wrap my head around what was happening.
"Nine minutes." Was all he said as he released his hold on me and stepped back as he pointed to his watch.
I only then realized that he was already dressed in a leather jacket, jeans, a gray t-shirt under it and, of course, his matching converse to my own. Just like some cliche 'bad boy' in a novel.
I couldn't help but snort at that and he narrowed his eyes at me.
"What are you thinking?" He asked.
"Trust me you don't want to know." I couldn't help my eyes as it took in the material that stretched across his body.
"You can drool on me later, go get ready." He chuckled as he pushed me towards the staircase.
In a daze, I hurried up the steps and wondered what the hell I was going to wear.
'Charlotte? I have a fashion emergency!' I mind linked her.
Her response came in an instant, as expected, 'Already picked out and laying on your bed.'
Okay, now that I was not expecting.
'Wait, how'd you even know?' I was surprised and a bit intimidated by what I would find as I entered my room.
'Oh you know, it's fashion and me, when someone needs my advice, I'm there before they asked.' She said pridefully.
'Okay that told me nothing-' I stopped mid-sentence as I looked at the outfit on my bed. 'No way am I wearing this. Char you've got-'
'Uh-uh, wear it and be all cutesy. Got to go. Enjoy your date Ev.' And just like that, she blocked me from her mind link.
Did I have to lock everyone in the Crypt?
Looking at the clock, I knew Callum might not mind if I took longer but considering I don't know what he has planned, I should hurry up. Which meant no time to raid my closet.
I hopped into the shower and scrubbed all the sweat off my body. When I quickly dried off, I realized I had one minute left.
Going back to the room, I looked at the outfit.
There was a short burgundy corduroy skirt that buttoned up the middle paired with a black long-sleeved turtleneck. Okay, it was cute and I admit I wanted to see Callum's face when he saw me in something other than jeans or yoga pants.
I dressed quickly, brushed my hair out and slipped on some socks that had little prints of ice-cream cones on them before sliding on my converse.
'Don't forget lipstick, there's a deep red on your nightstand.' Char's voice floated through my head before I left as if she was timing me.
Oh, what the heck, Charlotte knew best in this fashion thing. I grabbed the tube and stood in front of my mirror before coloring my lips with the wine red lipstick.
Running five minutes late, I finally reached the foyer of the packhouse where Callum was patiently waiting.
His green eyes slowly raked over my body from my feet to my head, immensely slowly. His gaze felt like a warm touch and I was suddenly hot all over. When those emerald eyes met my own, the tiny flecks in his eyes were a blazing light green and I really hoped he didn't set anything on fire.
"Is that a little..." I walked over to him and placed my index to the corner of his mouth, "drool?"
It was dry but I couldn't help but poke fun of him to break the charged atmosphere.
But even my jokes couldn't diminish the sexual tension or the heat in his eyes.
"You look..." He trailed off as his eyes kept assessing me like he couldn't get enough.
I placed my hand over my ear and leaned in a bit, "Didn't hear you?"
His right hand, covered in his splint, came up and brushed back some off my hair that fell across my face.
"You look fucking fantastic." He leaned in brushed his lips across my forehead before taking a step back, "And as much as I want to drag you back upstair and create a fire, we have to go before our waiters complain that I'm not paying them."
A heat settled on my cheek at his comment but my eyebrows drew together in confusion. "What waiters? Where are we going?"
He grinned cockily at me as he took my hand in his left one and entwined our fingers, "It's a surprise, Princess."
"When did you even get time to plan this?" I asked as he led us to the left side of the packhouse and towards the path that led to my parents' house. Where the heck was he taking me?
"Well since I've been training with fire, I had a lot of extra time on my hands so I recruited a few of the pack members and did my thing like a chicken wing." He chuckled nervously.
My lips tipped up as one of my brow quirked up in amusement, "Did you actually just say that?"
His empty hand went to the back of his neck, which was a telltale sign that he was nervous, "It's been a long day."
I tugged on his arm so he walked closer to me, "I'm glad we're doing this Cal."
His body visibly relaxed as the tension left him and gave me a warm smile, "You don't know how nervous I've been."
"The only reason you'll have to be worried is if you don't take me somewhere where I could have a food baby by the end of the date," I said as I patted my empty tummy that needed food.
"Should have known you're only going out with me for the food." He chuckled.
"You betcha," I responded until the house came into view. "Why are we at my parents' house?"
"You're mom graciously helped with planning tonight." He informed and when my eyes opened in panic, he leaned closer and whispered in my ear, "Don't worry, I didn't let her cook anything."
I appreciated him more than he probably realized. Callum has grown on everyone here and he even weaseled his way into my family. Thor and Taelyn adored him, especially Thor since he viewed him as an older brother. My mother has been treating him like a son and even my dad couldn't help but forget about their little fight and pat him on the back for challenging an Alpha. Cal really was a charmer.
Heck, even the pack has been loving his witty jokes and smart mind.
"Come on, Princess." He tugged me in the direction of the house. But instead of going inside, we rounded the house and went to the backyard.
I was at a complete loss for words.
A cute little table was set up with a vase that held a peony. Fairylights were strung up above. The fireplace roared to life as Callum flicked his wrist.
"Show off." I bumped his shoulder with my own.
His hand went to my back as he walked me towards the table and pulled out my chair like the gentleman I knew he was not.
Pulling off his jacket, he draped it on the back of his chair before sitting down.
"Do you like?" His eyes twinkled with hope.
"It's beautiful, I honestly can't believe you planned all of this."
He pouted, "The lack of faith hurts. But," and his grin was back, "you're going to love what I have planned for us later."
"Later?" I croaked as I felt a fire ignite within me. Metaphorically of course. Though Callum did light that fire.
He leaned in closer as his voice dropped to a whisper as if we were in public, "Get your mind out of the gutter Princess, it's not what you're thinking... oh maybe it is."
Mood killer.
I opened my mouth to argue with him but Taelyn and Thor appeared out of the backdoor dressed like waiters and I couldn't help but laugh, especially at Thor's annoyed expression.
Callum shot me a wink from across the table.
"Everette, Callum." Taelyn greeted us professionally, "What would you both to have today?"
Thor rolled his eyes from beside her.
"Well, what's on the menu?" I asked curiously.
"The house special," Thor grumbled.
"And what's the house special?"
"The special of the house today." He shrugged with a smile. "We have water, coke, and juice. Mom said no alcohol, so choose."
"Hey, you're meant our waiter tonight, not an angsty teen." Callum gave have a pointed look.
"You're not paying us." He reminded Cal.
"I'll tell your mom about..."
I saw the fright in Thor's eyes and he immediately pulled out a note pad from his pocket and looked at us, "Drinks?"
I couldn't help the grin on my face, "Juice, orange if you have."
"Water," Callum said as he smirked at Thor.
They both walked back inside and I looked at Callum, "How'd you get them to dress like that and help you?"
"Really wasn't that hard. Taelyn was on board instantly and after I threatened Thor with telling him that I was going to tell his mom that he tried to embarrass you, well he did what I asked."
I laughed, "I think they like you a lot more than me. They wouldn't even get me water if I asked on a regular day."
Callum looked at me oddly, "What? Are you insane? They love you, pretty sure when it matters, they'll do anything for you. Even Thor, I think he really just likes annoying you to get your attention."
"I'm unconvinced." I folded my arms.
"Someday you'll realize it. But Taelyn looks up to you, you should have seen her that day you addressed the pack. She adores you." He shrugged like it was obvious.
"You really think that?" I asked as I made a mental note to hang out with Tae more often.
"I know that. I'm not just good looking Princess, I use my brain sometimes too." He winked.
I rolled my eyes at him as Tae and Thor brought out two plates and our drinks.
"Dinner is served." Tae smiled when my eyes widened at our plates.
"Is this-"
"Kraft's Mac and Cheese? You bet." Callum answered for me as my siblings retreated inside and closed the door.
"How'd you know?" I asked excitedly as I looked at the large pile of mac and cheese beside two burgers on my plate. It was more like a large serving tray than a plate.
Girl's got to eat.
"I noticed the dozen of mac and cheese boxes in your pantry and when I asked June, she confirmed that it's your favorite thing next to burgers and ice-cream."
"I could kiss you right now," I said as I reached to grab his face but he pulled back with a smirk.
"I wouldn't do that if I was you. Your dad's keeping an eye on us from the window."
My eyes immediately flashed to the house as the curtains upstairs dropped close. I pulled my hand back defeatedly.
"Did he tell you not you try anything?" I asked amused.
"Said something about not being able to walk again." Callum winced at the memory.
"Then why'd you choose this location?"
"Didn't know anywhere else that served Kraft's mac and cheese around here."
"And my mom didn't make this right?"
His eyes twinkled with humor, "No Princess, June helped me out."
"Good because I really don't want good food to have to go to waste," I mumbled before digging into my meal.
The next hour passed by with laughs, flirting, silent exchanges of desire filled eyes and just a great time because I was with Cal.
I didn't know how it could get any better.
But it did as he pulled me and food baby up from my chair and dragged us back to the packhouse with the cool night's air surrounding us and the twinkling stars shining down.
To my dismay, he walked us to the backyard of the packhouse, and if I was impressed with dinner, I was blown away at the set up here.
"What is all this?" I asked as my eyes took in the white bedsheet that was strung up between two trees with a projected image of the opening credits of a movie, colorful lightbulbs decorated the trees, blankets and throw pillows were neatly sprawled on the ground, lanterns were lit around the area and most importantly there was a basket of what I assumed was more food.
"I asked Max if there was a cinema in the pack since I felt like dinner and a movie is the perfect dose of normalcy that we needed. But since there isn't one and I'm not lame enough to slip a DVD on and watch a movie in the living room, I thought of this. Plus, let's just say Max is scared that I'll punch him again so he helped set this up." Cal winked at me as he pulled me towards the blankets.
"Ahh, so that's how Charlotte knew to pick an outfit for me," I muttered.
"She picked out your outfit?" Cal chuckled.
I shrugged, "Have you ever seen me in a skirt?"
Cal's eyes traveled to my legs, "Not till today and I really have to thank her for that."
I pulled off my shoes and yacked him on both arms with them, "Don't be such a dude."
He just grinned as he was probably quite accustomed to my playful abuse by now before following suit and taking his shoes off as well.
Settling down on the blankets, I glanced at the projected image with a raised brow, "What are we watching?"
"Avatar." He saw my expression and quickly said, "No, not the blue people. Avatar the Last Airbender."
I shrugged, "Well once it's funny... and once you have ice-cream packed in there."
He dragged the basket closer and it was like Mary Poppins the way he pulled out snacks after snacks.
"Are you hiding a grocery in there?" I gaped at him but got distracted the moment he pulled out a container that still had ice frost on the outside of it.
Jackpot.
"Chocolate or cookie dough?" He held out both containers to me with a smirk.
"Both." I grabbed them and popped open the lids. Max must have just brought the basket out because they were still frozen.
"Should have just taken you out for ice-cream." He shook his head as he saddled up closer to me with popcorn and Dr. Pepper.
Holy hell, was this heaven?
"Should have just given me the basket," I mumbled around a mouthful of ice-cream before reaching for his drink.
His eyes followed my lips as I sipped from the can, "I swear if you weren't a werewolf I would be worried about giving you diabetes. Now share."
He stole the chocolate ice-cream out of my hands as he dug in and pressed play. As the movie began he started narrating the history of the Benders and Aang is the long-lost Avatar.
As if I knew what any of that meant when I was gorging on ice-cream and taking in Callum's presence beside me.
My treat was finished in minutes and I felt goosebumps rise on arms from the coldness of the ice-cream and Callum noticed as well.
But instead of pulling one of the blankets towards us, he shrugged off his jacket and placed it around me.
The chill really wasn't a bother though since my wolf temperature would quickly rise.
"Thank you, but I don't need it. It will just make me get all sweaty." I pulled the jacket off and laid it beside me before I turned back to see him sporting a cocky grin.
His voice lowered into a rasp, "I can think of another way to get you sweaty."
Without thinking, my hand flew out and I flicked him on the forehead. He erupted in laughter as he fell back, sprawled onto the ground.
I couldn't help the wide smile that took over my face as I laid beside him, "I don't know if you're more of a dork or a pervert."
"Only for you princess." He whispered into my ear.
"Cliche, dorky and cheesy." I scrunched up my nose as I turned towards him and he propped his head on his elbow.
"Triple treat, I hope you're impressed." He winked before lowering his head and capturing my lips.
His lips were cold from the ice-cream and I nipped at his bottom lip to which he enthusiastically opened up. He tasted like chocolate and buttery popcorn.
I took control first as I explored his mouth with my tongue as I felt his left hand slowly rest on my stomach. The heat from his touch felt like a heat pack on a sore muscle.
Letting his take control, I felt every stroke of his tongue as if he was trying to steal the taste of cookie dough off my lips. My left hand went into his wavy black hair and the soft strands between my fingers felt amazing. My right hand had another idea as it slipped up his t-shirt.
The spark where I touched him sent shots of adrenaline through me and I couldn't help but feel him up. Can't blame me, his six-pack was all muscular perfection.
The kiss took a heated turn as Callum increased the tempo as my heart was running wild. The finger on his right hand, which that only exposed part of his hand because of the splint, brushed along my cheeks.
Cal's left hand slowly made it's way down my hip in a painfully slow pace and I knew he was waiting for my reaction.
As if I would stop him.
When his palm reached my exposed thigh, below the hem of my skirt, he finally moved his palm to the back of my knee before pulling me forward so that laid on him.
All while not breaking the kiss.
Being pressed up against his body filled me euphoria and didn't know what was better.
Ice-cream or Callum's kisses?
But with his kisses came the fire. He must've smelt the melting plastic the same time I did because he pulled away as our eyes went to a bowl that held some fruits which were in flames and quickly melting.
Like magic, he put it out.
Trying to catch our breaths, I turned to him, "It's a good thing you can put out the fires or else I would have to attach an extinguisher to you."
"I blame you for distracting me and turning me out of control." He smiled as his green eyes were bright. "Did you enjoy our date?"
I pecked both his cheeks, "Best day ever."
"Not surprised." He grinned.
Rolling my eyes, I moved my lips back to his, "Oh, shut up."
Avatar was long forgotten as we continued to create fire.
My heart fell full. And my stomach too.
A/N
Chapter Update: A few hours away! (Chapter 19 is a bit short so it will be up in the next few hours since it's kinda silly to make you all wait extra long so double update!).
Wasn't expecting a date did yah? 😉🥰 Book one Em and Thane took forever to be happy and I just want Calev to be happy. Picture of their movie date in the above media section 🎬
OFFICIAL SHIP NAME: Calev ❤
(majority commented this so thanks for all the suggestions because they were all much better than my own 🤭💛)
In case you're worried this is going to follow the same pattern as the ritual to the beast, I get your concern but from the next chapter everything will be far from that of how the first book went and it will be a good change. Promise. Also, we may be getting another Callum POV soon, YAY!
And I'm actually so excited about the chapters that are going to be between 20 to 30! I don't have any solid plans but I know the outline and bits and pieces and you guys are going to be Shooketh! To! The! Core! (sorry I made that cringey😅 )
And I know it's been like fluff galore but they were really just fillers until the good parts. Plus I hate writing fighting scenes, they're kinda challenging since I'm a lover, not a fighter ╰(*°▽°*)╯
Also, I noticed that Taelyn's nickname is Tae aka just like Tae-hyung (and I love V with my whole heart).
Song: Sure Sure - Warm Animal (this just fit the vibe of this chapter perfectly)
Instagram: @1fandombookgirl
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Read on wolfies, 🐺
-Shania. 🐾