Nine

Chase lead Tali through the halls, which were all empty and into the kitchen. Upon opening the two-way door, Tali's ears picked up the sound of music. She listened intently, realizing it was Secondhand Serenade but there was a beautiful tenor singing along. The voice added his own flare to the soft rock song.

"I was born to tell you I love you," he sang. She pushed through the door to find the melodic sound but no one was in sight. She frowned at Chase over her shoulder.

"Nash, you in here," he called out with a smile spreading across his face. The voice rose in response.

"And I'm torn to do what I have to," the voice got louder yet as he walked out of a pantry. Tali rushed over without thinking and did a giddy jump in front of him.

"Your call! I love that song," her excitement was clear. She listened to a lot of music that her old pack mates frowned on. They told her it was weird.

Unfortunately, her excitement startled the man and he dropped the bag of flour on the ground. White powder burst from the seams, covering every surface in the process. Tali slapped her mouth. The man placed a powdered hand to his chest and looked around at the mess.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to startle you," Tali knelt down and began wiping up the area around her.

"Luna, I apologize. I didn't expect anyone but the Alpha in here. Please, let me get that," he quickly crouched down and began wiping up the mess as well. When they smashed their heads together, Chase crumpled over in laughter clutching his sides.

Tali stood abruptly and glowered at him. "Chase," the fierceness in her tone snapped him out of it. "How could you laugh at that? Where are your manners? Ask him if he's okay, now!"

Taking a breath to compose himself, Chase addressed the other wolf. "You okay, man? I should have warned you she was coming with me," he ran his hand through his hair. When his pack mate began laughing hysterically, Tali was caught off guard.

"Great, I think he has a concussion," she touched the red mark on his head. Huffing in irritation, she shot a glare over her shoulder at Chase. "So much for making a friend. Thought I found someone I could finally share my love of music with."

The wolf grasped her hands and bowed in front of her. "Luna, I'm fine. I promise. I'm just surprised to meet you. And Chase listens to you. Holy shit. That's a miracle on its own," he began laughing again.

Tali pulled her hands away and placed them on his shoulders. "Please, stand. You don't need to be so formal with me. I'm Tali," she introduced herself.

The wolf smiled at her as he stood to his full height. "Nash, I'm the pack chef. Among other things. I'm so grateful to meet you. It's truly an honor. What can I do for you, Tali," his eyes were like black, bottomless pits, but the sincerity was there. She smiled and placed a hand on her stomach as it growled again.

"Ah," he laughed. "Food. That makes sense. How about pancakes? I'll have to grab another bag of flour from the pantry." Nash turned away before she could respond. While he was in the pantry, she walked to the counters and began looking for a mixing bowl and skillet.

"Tal, what are you doing," Chase eyed her cautiously. She was digging in cupboards like she owned the place. Which, technically, she did now. His heart soared as he thought of his mate living on his territory. Where she belonged.

"Getting everything ready so I can help Nash. Figured I could share my memaw's recipe with him. Is that okay," her eyes met his. The sparkle they held made her heart skip a beat.

With a light chuckle, Chase responded, "I'm okay with that. But I don't know how Nash will feel about it. He's very particular with who's in his kitchen." Just then, Nash walked back in with a 5 pound bag of flour in one hand and his blue tooth speaker in the other.

He was back to singing as he smiled at his luna. "So, Secondhand? You're a fan," the amusement in his voice was evident. "Looking at you, I thought you'd be a T. Swift fan or something."

Tali faked a gasp. "Excuse me, sir. I don't like that country gone pop shit, thank you. I like my rock. '80's hairbands, hardcore, alternative or soft. There's something for whatever mood you're in. Can't go wrong," she winked at Chase as she talked with Nash.

"Chase, she's a keeper man. Real women know how to rock out. Just sayin'." Nash's approval meant a lot to her. More than she knew it would. Just like Maggie, she felt like she was proving herself. But she wasn't really trying.

"Keeping her was the plan," Chase chuckled as he grabbed a rag and began wiping off the surfaces. Nash stopped in his tracks as he watched his alpha clean up the flour mess and his luna mix the pancake batter.

"Wait. What's going on here? Am I being fired," the sadness in his voice was clear as day. Tali couldn't help but smile at his innocence.

"Just sit down, Nash. I want to make breakfast for my pack. As a thank you for taking us in. It would mean a lot to me if you'd allow me to do this," she waited for his response. His butt hitting the stool was answer enough for her. She stepped closer and ruffled his black hair. The red tips caught her eye and she inspected them closer. "Why that color combo," she questioned.

"Just felt it fit me," he offered her a wide smile. Tali thought about it and nodded. "It does, right?" They both laughed. They shared the exotic colors they have dyed their hair as she cooked and Chase cleaned.

"Can you set the table for me," Tali asked the guys. Without argument, they rushed to the pack dining room and began setting all 4 tables.

Looking at the food she prepared, Tali guessed she made about 200 pancakes and 20 pounds of bacon. That was a lot of food. But luckily, they had multiple skillets so she could cook a lot at once before everything got too cold.

When they guys returned, they began moving the food out to the tables. Tali grabbed 2 gallons of milk and carried them out as well. She stood against the wall and watched as Chase and Nash summoned the pack members.

Within 10 minutes, the entire large dining area was crowded with wolves. Many eyes landed on her. Some where curious while others were furious.

"Outsider," one female growled as she passed Tali. Another hissed something that sounded like "skank". That was enough for her. While Chase was busy greeting pack members, Tali slipped out the kitchen door and took a deep inhale of the fresh air. She knew she wasn't welcome by all of the pack. But the coldness that was shone kind of stung. Especially after she went out of her way to make them such a large breakfast.

Tali spotted a nicely shaded area under a tree, not to far from the kitchen entrance. She strolled over and sat beneath it. It was a chilly day, but not too chilly that she needed a sweater. The breeze blew her red, lazy curls around, sending them cascading down her face.

Inhaling deeply, she picked up many scents, all of which must have belonged to the pack mates who weren't all that friendly. But the one she picked up the most of was Chase's. His dark fragrance, of leather, dirt and old spice, drew her in and instantly calmed her wolf.

A few minutes in the breeze and silence passed and she was jerked back to reality by a sharp stabbing pain in her chest. A pain that came out of nowhere, unable to see any wounds, but it was there. She was unsure of what could cause such an ache until everything flooded over her. Not just her own anxiety, but an anger, so fierce she felt as if she could spit up molten lava.

It was Chase's. She was feeling his emotions through their bond. Had their bond grown that strong in the little time they'd known each other? How had she not noticed before?

Tali looked up, towards the kitchen door and instantly felt the need to be by his side. Whatever was upsetting Chase was enough to make him murderous. She stood and ran to the door.

Upon entering, chills shot through her core as an aggressive growl reverberated through the kitchen. She knew it was Chase without even looking. His anger grew hotter with every second she remained away from him. Tali needed to get to him.

She pulled the door open and rushed to him. "Chase," she cooed as she approached him. His back was to her, his shoulders shook visibly. When he turned to meet her gaze, his eyes weren't his own. They were his wolf's. His fangs were out as well. He was barely holding on.

She placed a hand on his shoulder, encouraging him to turn and face her. "Chase, love, it's me. Are you with me? Come here," he stumbled towards her, breathing her scent in deeply. After a few breaths, he fell to his knees in front of her.

Behind his limp body, stood one of the females that had made her feel unwelcomed. She was shaking in terror, curled in on herself, tears in her eyes and her face pale as snow. Tali eyed her curiously.

"What happened," she demanded the female to answer her, putting as much dominance in her tone as possible. Tears began falling, leaving mascara streaks down her cheeks.

"I… He…," the girl stumbled over her words. Tali's patience was slipping away with every word the female couldn't get out.

She exhaled sharply and knelt by Chase, who's face was buried in her shirt. "Chase, I need you to look at me," she lifted his chin so his eyes were locked on hers. He was slowly gaining his composure. "Tell me what happened, love."

Chase took a calming breath and exhaled slowly. "Shaeleigh. She insulted you. I heard her. I was already pissed off about that. Then she…," he swallowed hard, trying to find his courage to continue on. "Touched me inappropriately and tried to kiss me when I pushed her away. I lost it. My wolf wanted to kill her. I can't… Tali, I can't…"

Tali's eyes locked on the female. "Shaeleigh I presume?" She looked down at the tiled floor. "Assumed so. Okay, here's what's going to happen. Chase, stand." He got to his feet. "Face her." He did as told. Tali held his hand tightly, giving his strength not to kill the girl.

"Shaeleigh, you see this man? This wolf?" She nodded. "He's mine. You look, touch or breath in his direction and I promise you, I'll personally rip your fuckin' throat out. Do you understand," Tali growled, and she knew her eyes weren't hers anymore. She felt her wolf scratching to the surface. The female began sobbing and begging forgiveness.

Tali's wolf felt satisfied as the blonde haired stick blubbered all over herself.

"Good. Now, I suggest you warn the other bitches to back off as well. I will not hesitate to defend what's mine. That goes for my position too. Get the fuck out of my face." Shaeleigh fell all over herself as she rushed away with her tail between her legs.

"I'm so sorry," Chase whispered as he pulled her into his chest. She could barely feel his anger anymore. Tali smiled at her fool.

"You did nothing wrong. Everything's fine, love," she stood on her tiptoes and placed a kiss to his cheek. "I'm tired though," she admitted, resting her head on his chest.

"Let's get you to bed, my luna."