The Alpha Wants Everything Book 2 The Devil's Baker
Chapter 72: Not Pose To Tell!

Adonis walked into the kitchen to find Jackson with Kenzi by the stove, The Queen and two others on the other side of the breakfast bar.

“Tyler and the other two need a lil air, her killin ’em wit her cookin. An no I don’t know what it for, they ain’t tellin me shit, Lil Kenzi Cakes here jus say it a secret an her promise” Jackson said when he saw the questioning look on his Alpha’s face. Kenzi just giggled beside him and nodded her head. It was a secret, Kennedy made sure she understood that under no circumstances was she to tell Adonis what was going on. She prepared a whole menu for the night and one of the cooks would come and take it away in preparation and that included a cake. She knew the exact cake she planned on making, it was his favourite.

“What is Drea going to say when she sees you?” Adonis asked him.

“Nuttin, her jus make me the kitchen bitch. Lil Kenzi Cakes train her boys good. This nuttin, Ella gonna be buildin monuments in the yard, Tyler better at it.” Jackson replied, Kenzi’s giggling blushed wrinkled nose beside him had him releasing a deep laugh.

“No she won’t” Adonis replied,

“Don’t even try that wit me. Her will an you gonna let her, or you make her cry….again an her make all our ears bleed….again.” Jackson laughed harder when Adonis called him an asshole.

“I wasn’t the only one that made her cry” Adonis fired at him, Jackson’s reply was a deep laugh. Rule number one! Don’t make the sirens cry! Tyler’s mate was the reason they needed to make that the number one rule.

“Who are those two?” Adonis asked motioning to the two men on either side of The Queen.

“The short one Beta Johnny Masters, an the taller fella Gamma Damon Benson,” Jackson said making the introductions. Damon broke out laughing at the look on Johnny’s face about being called the short one.

“I’m not that short” Johnny huffed,

“Dax and little pixie over there leave and you’d be the shortest one in the room brother” Damon said

“Now you know how I feel,” Dax commented, trying not to laugh.

“Well you two are still here darling, making me not the shortest in the room” Johnny laughed at her expression triumphantly.

“They been askin questions” Jackson said,

“Questions?” Adonis turned to look at the two men more as he now stood opposite them at the breakfast bar. Damon couldn’t help but swallow hard.

“You might want to reign that in” Adonis cautioned, as Odin stirred at the fear he could smell.

“Yeah. He’ll make you pee,” Dax added. Jackson snorted behind him still helping Kenzi at the stove.

“What would you two be asking questions about?....The council” Adonis asked then answered for Johnny when he saw his mouth open, only to close it again and widen his eyes. Jackson was fighting back his laughter, he knew what was coming next.

“Why would you want to know when they rejected us?” Adonis asked “Because you wanted to know how long we’ve been on our own and how set we are in our ways. You’re also curious to know if we would go back to the council should your King choose to accept us. Because if The King accepts us, it would force the council to accept us as well.”

“That’s….”

“Really freaky” Adonis replied for Damon “And irritating” he added when he looked at Dax.

“You can ask the question, but I won’t answer it” Adonis looked at Johnny who snapped his mouth shut. “But allow me to answer your other questions. We’ve been on our own for almost ten years, we are very set in our ways and should the shitter council come crawling back on their hands and knees begging for forgiveness, they will be met with the bottom of our boot heels when we crush their heads. We’ll never rejoin your community, we like ours better.” He added, Jackson’s laughter was only getting louder behind him.

“Well that clears that up then” Kane said, as he entered the kitchen.

“And you knew that yet still sent them to ask” Adonis said, not even looking in Kane’s direction.

“No fighting in the kitchen,” Kenzi said from behind him. When Adonis turned the smile broke big on his face over her stern expression. Nope still doesn’t work for her! Odin snickered in his head.

“Of course sweetheart, I won’t fight in the kitchen,” Adonis said, pulling her into his arms.

“You either Kane” She said looking at him. Both Johnny and Damon fought to bite back their laughter at him just being scolded.

“I won’t fight in the kitchen” He could only look at the little pixie with wide eyes. Does she really not know who we are? I honestly don’t think she does Ky!

“Are you almost finished sweetheart?” Adonis asked her, Kane completely forgotten now.

“Soon, but I only has a little bit of tine before Clara and Brenda come help me find something to wear.” She replied,

“Why can’t you wear what you’re wearing?” He asked frowning, looking down at her, he liked his shirt on her.

“I’m not pose to tell. It’s a secret, but it’s a good one. And I can’t meet your dad wearing only a shirt with no pants” Kenzi replied.

“What about your shoes?” Adonis asked when he noticed her bare feet.

“I don’t know where they are,” Kenzi replied as she too looked down at her bare feet. She really needed to learn to stop losing her shoes.

“Does this have something to do with why Kennedy Kenzinapped you this morning?” Adonis asked,

“I’m not pose to tell. I promised,” she smiled up at him.

“Alright sweetheart. I won’t make you break your promise. But you’re done in the kitchen now” Adonis told her. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“Almost I jus has to….” She said, about to turn away from him when he caught her by the arm.

“Jackson!”

“I got it!” Jackson replied, moving more in front of the stove and started turning off burners and the oven.

“No….no….no you can’t….” Her pleas came too late as he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. She squirmed and wiggled to be put down only to be greeted with a not so gentle smack to her bottom. SMACK!

“OW!” Kenzi’s hand flew to her stinging cheek

“Stop wiggling,” Adonis told her. SMACK!

“OW! You can’t Kenzinap me!” Now trying to guard her bottom she proceeded to wiggle,

“Stop wiggling. You’re coming with me” Adonis was about to step out the back door when he paused.

“Asmodeus” Alpha!

“Did you find him?” Yes!

“Does Elijah know?” We talked!

“And?” Yes!

“Take the twins, they need excitement” But….!

“Family doesn’t let family go alone” Yes Alpha!

“Ko” Alpha!

“Call Bal, there is something Asmodeus needs to take care of and you both are to behave yourselves, he’ll tell you when it’s time to stop.” Good times?

“Great times!” Yes Alpha!

With that Adonis exited out the back door with a protesting Kenzi still squirming over his shoulder.

“Guess she’s done in the kitchen” Dax said. They watched the swirling gold eyes of Jackson and burning orange eyes of Elijah as they waited for Tyler, when he entered the kitchen they exited out the front.

“What was that all about?” Damon asked,

“I don’t know, but he just gave them permission to do something, and put his Gamma in charge,” Kane replied.

“He’s going for retribution” Kenneth answered, when he walked into the kitchen.

“What?” Damon asked.

“Elijah told me his previous pack tried to take land from a pack much larger than theirs. The Alpha of that pack retaliated and destroyed them all, they found him under his mothers dead body when he was two. Born of Gamma blood, but they made him a slave. When they could no longer control him they put him in the dungeon and he was awaiting execution. Alpha Adonis found him, and knew what he was and Elijah pledged to him, not that he was given much choice. Apparently Alpha Adonis likes the do this or die method, though highly effective, Elijah can get more. So Alpha Adonis put him through law school and Elijah does all the negotiating for him. They are looking for more demoni, so negotiations with other packs always include warriors of a set denomination. They don’t always find them in one shot, if they find them, but it will allow them to go back. That is what they were doing today, looking for more demoni. They can be found amongst the other warriors, but most of the time they are discovered in the dungeons, the Alpha’s can’t control them, only The Devil can. So it is true when they say you are not their King, you will have no control over the demoni. But Elijah says you can try with Tyler, he is curious to see what would happen” Kenneth explained.

“Why do I think the mini monster would bite me?” Kane replied.

“Because he probably would, we watched him bite his brother.” Damon said, trying not to laugh.

“So why is the Gamma in charge?” Johnny asked, that wasn’t usually how things went, if the Alpha wasn’t calling the shots that job went to the Beta.

“Aside from Alpha Adonis, the other three don’t pull rank on each other, unless they have no choice. Each has their own strengths and if it’s something one needs to do then they call the shots.” Kenneth explained.

“We found out when he became The Devil. He was sixteen when they were rejected from the werewolf community. But it wasn’t until he was eighteen when he got fed up with being rejected. They attended a high school funded by the surrounding packs for wolves only and weren’t allowed to walk the stage at graduation. They gave them their diplomas and said get the fuck out. Tyler and the rest of the demons included, they forced them all to test out. If Alpha Adonis wasn’t there to control them, they didn’t want them there. Tyler was sixteen.” Johnny said, “It was the council that started calling them demons, they just owned it after that. The council said no demons were allowed to be part of the community after they found out they couldn’t control them and wolfsbane and silver didn’t work on them.”

“No wonder they hate our kind,” Kane said, shaking his head. Not a pretty picture at all! I would be lying if I said I wasn’t ashamed!

“They formed a demon council after that, and set up their own rules and laws. The shifter council didn’t like that and tried to step in.” Damon added.

“And he snapped the council members neck” Kane said,

“Oh, he didn’t snap the council members neck, apparently that was sugar coating. He took his head off with one hit, told the rest of the council to stay out of his business, because he would have no problems taking more heads.” Damon informed him. Dax’s eyes widened and Damon just nodded at her. “Apha Cameron was there, and basically said if you’re going to treat him like The Devil, don’t be surprised when he becomes one”

“Jackson just told you this information? I thought they didn’t like to be studied?” Kane asked,

“They don’t, but they’re not opposed to being asked questions. Jackson says demons are actually very social, their ideas of socialization are just slightly different than ours.” Damon replied.

“What did you two find out?” Kane asked, when Marco and Carter joined them in the kitchen.

“Why their so protective of Ms. Templeton” Carter answered,

“Because she’s his true mate, we already know that” Damon said,

“No, it’s because demons aren’t guaranteed to be accepted by their mates. At least not when they’re mated to normals” Carter corrected him.

“What?” Johnny said.

“They get a mate, just like we do. But because our kind fears them, and they feed off fear, the mate bond doesn’t work the same for them.” Carter said. “They would rather have humans as their mates, if it can’t be another demon. Humans not knowing about werewolves or demon wolves aren’t tainted by their opinions. We’re taught to fear them and more often than not if one of their mates turns out to be a normal, they get rejected and it ends badly, like really really badly.” He added

“How bad?” Kane asked. Marco and Carter shared a look.

“Li fanno a pezzi (They tear them apart)” Marco replied, Johnny’s eyes widened.

“That doesn’t sound good” Damon remarked,

“It’s not, they tear them apart,” Kenneth answered.

“A friend of Tyler’s was the first one it happened to. They go in pairs because we can’t smell them, one to tell, one to shift and show. He said Jackson went and was completely shocked when it happened. After it was done his friend seemed perfectly fine and was hungry. When it happened a few more times, Alpha Adonis said no one was allowed to find their mates until they could figure out what was going on.” Carter continued explaining. “Tyler said demons live a life of rejection and their wolf side can only handle so much. Their pack doctor figures that when they’re rejected by their mates they lash out and fly into a blind rage. After that Alpha Adonis put forth a law that rejections were only allowed to happen in front of him. He could force their wolves into accepting the rejection and no one would be harmed. They would be in pain, but both parties would walk away”

“That’s brutal!” Damon said, shaking his head.

“C’è più (There’s more)” Marco said, sharing another look with Carter.

“More?” Johnny asked,

“What are you not saying?” Kane asked.

“When Jackson found his mate, she was a normal and was hell bent on rejecting Jackson. Alpha Adonis said if she wanted to reject him, then she at least owed him a conversation. She said no and Alpha Adonis got fed up. He threatened her, either she has a conversation with Jackson or he would mail the bits and pieces she was ripped into back to her pack and it would serve as a warning for others against rejecting a demon mate. Alpha Adonis refused to force his pack to accept any more rejections after that and rescinded the law. They have 750 in their pack, 700 are demons and 50 are mates, they don’t count the kids or the normals that chose to leave their packs when their family was cast out by the Alpha. They don’t want to hurt their mates, but they don’t want to be rejected either so a chosen is the safest option for them. They have packs allied to them and Alpha Adonis sends a hundred of them out at a time, in teams of two to find their mates. Maybe one or two would come back with one. Tyler says most of the time they come back with more demons. They put their mates on a pedestal, and the whole pack is overly protective of them.” Carter answered.

“Allied? You mean aligned” Johnny said,

“No, I mean allied. They have packs that support them, they walk in both communities, like White Stone.” Carter replied.

“What about the little pixie?” Damon asked,

“She’s the only one that has accepted them completely, didn’t even show any fear when she found out what they were. Tyler said they startled her and she fell from a dock, but was completely ok with it. I guess she asked if they walked around wearing people suits and if unicorns existed.” Carter was trying not to laugh when he finished the last part but Marco next to him was not helping him keep a straight face.

“People suits?” Johnny asked, before he broke out laughing.

“That would make sense,” Kenneth agreed before he joined the laughter.

“Now she’s trying to navigate three worlds. Humans, normals, and demons” Kane said.

“I wonder if that’s why he tells her the things she says are fine? Like the comment this morning about not being big enough to be a snack.” Johnny asked. He’s heard Alpha Adonis tell her that a lot.

“No, I think that had something to do with how innocent she is. I don’t think she understood what was being said,” Kane remarked.

“They don’t answer questions about piccola. I try to ask Elijah and he won’t divulge any information about her, just says she’s special.” Kenneth replied.

“Tyler says the same thing she’s a special little girl and has no idea why she smells like cookies all the time,” Carter nodded.

“Mi fa venire fame! (Makes me hungry!)” Marco said,

“That’s what Jackson says,” Johnny laughed.

Adonis had carted Kenzi out to a small clearing by the edge of the lake. She squirmed and wiggled the whole way, and he might have smacked her bottom a few more times.

“I haven’t got to spend any time with you today,” he complained when he finally put her down.

“What about kissy tine this morning?” Kenzi countered,

“Is that all the time I get?” Adonis questioned,

“I’m sorry. I didint know Kennedy was going to Kenzinap me this morning” Kenzi said,

“I’m not mad, sweetheart. I like kissy time, but I also like cuddling with you, talking to you, and spending time with you. And without the bakery to worry about I was hoping that is what we would be able to do more of during our time here.” Adonis wrapped his arms around her. “But it seems you are in high demand and if I want to spend any more time with you then what I get in the morning I have to Kenzinap you to do it” Kenzi cuddled more into his arms, that’s what she wanted as well. He perched them on a rock with her straddling his lap and they watched the lake.

“What is Kennedy planning?” He asked after a little bit,

“I’m not pose to tell” Kenzi replied,

“Can I have a hint?” He asked,

“No!” She shook her head ….grrrrrRrrRRRrrRrrrrrr…. She giggled when she heard the growl he released.

“What colour are you wearing?” He asked instead, she shook her head again.

“Are you inviting me to find out for myself?” His hand slid slowly up her thigh, and he watched the heated flush spread across her cheeks. Her silver eyes sparkling with the light of the afternoon sun as she gazed into his emerald orbs. When his fingers flirted with the hem of his shirt she was wearing she couldn’t fight the ripple of excitement that ran through her. One arm around her waist holding her closer to him as his head dipped and his lips brushed ever so gently across hers. His tempting tiny dancer and those seductive crimson lips of hers. He watched as her little pink tongue darted out to moisten them and that was all the invitation he needed to claim what he wanted, what was his, what he thought about during those meetings with the other packs. They should really be thanking her, she saved several lives today. Even though they did find twelve more demons at one of the packs. If it wasn’t for the thoughts running through his head, two of the meetings would have ended in a completely different way.

The nip to his bottom lip brought him back to the present and the tempting little baker sitting in his lap. Upon her insistence he deepened the kiss, cradling the back of her head, his hand slipped under the shirt to give her honeydew a squeeze. Kenzi squeaked against his lips and she pushed more into him. Body saying yes, mind saying yes, how does she feel….scared….really scared?....Not this time, only a little scared. Ember said it was normal to feel a little scared. This was a big step, and a little scared was allowed. Mixed emotion poured from her as he took the kiss even deeper. Adonis felt her excitement, her anticipation, but he also felt her fear. It was different this time, not as intense as it was before, she was scared but only a little bit. Her body pressed more into his as she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him more to her. Was his little mate ready? Was that why there was only a little fear? He didn’t want to push her, but this thought excited him, would he get to tell her she was his? Mark her, proving to her that she will never be alone? Will he get to be her first, last and only? Anticipation made the kiss more urgent, but oxygen was a need and they needed it. And with that need becoming paramount the kiss broke. Breathing heavily, he looked into her eyes, there was fear, but there was no doubt. Fighting to breathe, Kenzi had to tell him, she had to let him know that she was ready and she wanted him to be her first. But as she opened her mouth to say something, they heard someone calling her name.

“We’ll talk later,” Adonis whispered. She nodded her head and snuggled more into his chest, she wasn’t ready to leave him just yet, but knew there was more preparations that needed to be done.

“There you are little darling, the kitchen smells devine, but now it’s time to find you something to wear that doesn’t look like it swallowed you up.” Kennedy said. “Clara and Brenda are waiting for you inside.” Again Kenzi nodded, giving Adonis one last kiss he released her from his arms and she walked towards the house, with one last look over her shoulder.

“When are you planning on telling that girl?” Kennedy asked as he took a spot next to his brother on the rock.

“Soon!” Adonis replied,

“Not soon enough. She needs to know….now” Kennedy pushed,

“There were complications” Adonis told him,

“I know you’re not a fan of questions brother, but….” Kennedy insisted. Adonis released a heavy sigh, he knew they would have questions. Steve would never ask out right and just wait for Adonis to say something to him, but Kennedy was the more persistent brother, if he wanted an answer he would be relentless in getting it.

“The crater I now call home, held another pack. I had made an alliance with them to garner half of it. They were foolish enough to test me and paid for it. They had other alliances and I needed to know where they fell. I also needed to secure borders with the packs to the east and west of us” Adonis spoke.

“There’s protective brother and then there’s crazy” Kennedy said, Adonis wasn’t telling him something.

“I’m not crazy, slightly insane, maybe deranged, but not crazy. I needed to keep her safe. My journey to find her….” Adonis didn’t really know how to word the rest of what he was going to say.

“I know you have looked for your mate for years, you tore apart Ontario to find her. Then you did and then you lost her for three years and tore apart Canada. You have her now, but even after everything you have taken care of to ensure her safety you are still holding back. And I don’t think it has anything to do with her being a doe-eyed bambi.” Kennedy smirked when he saw the questioning eyebrow from Adonis. “I pay attention. No one is going to take her from you, you know that right?”

“They have tried, and they will continue to try” Kennedy nodded, Adonis has made many enemies.

“No one is going to bring the unbridled wrath of The Devil upon themselves, self preservation is a big thing for our kind, but if they do they will meet with a horrible end I am sure.” Adonis gave a slight nod, the bitch of a sister and the stupid ex popped into his mind.

“Is she still on a mission to help you….find her?” Kennedy asked, then started laughing when he saw Adonis smile.

“She holds her breath whenever we go somewhere and silently hopes that I don’t find her.” Adonis replied,

“What is she going to do when she knows?” Kennedy asked,

“Explode! She is highly excitable.” Adonis replied.

“Then I beg you please tell her when no one is sleeping.” Kennedy joked.

“Steve usually waits for me to talk to him,” Adonis said after a bit of silence.

“Steve has more patience than I do, that is why he’s Alpha of this pack and I am not.” Kennedy replied,

“Do you want to be Alpha of a pack?” Adonis asked,

“I do not have the constitution of a true Alpha. I think dad knew that. Between you and I, I am much better as the sidekick. Steve has always been better at strategy and diplomacy, where I like the follow through. Besides, I get to have more fun and don’t always have to sit through all the boring meetings Steve does, unless he’s punishing me for something.” Kennedy explained,

“Does he punish you a lot?” Adonis asked, trying not to laugh.

“Sometimes!” Kennedy nodded.

“Have you tried not being an asshole?” Adonis asked,

“Words hurt brother” Kennedy fired back at him, but started laughing.

“Where was dad off to this time?” Adonis asked,

“The council requested his presence” Kennedy replied,

“Why?” Adonis asked, catching the note of contempt in his brother’s voice. This time Kennedy released a deep sigh, he was hoping their dad would be home and he could tell Adonis what the council wanted.

“They have been talking to a few of the packs,” Kennedy said, trying to sidestep the question, hoping it would work.

“Which packs?” Adonis asked, looking at Kennedy. “The ones that have chosen to be our allies” Kennedy looked away from his brother’s penetrating stare.

“Why are they talking to those packs? Kennedy, what are you not telling me?” Adonis pushed.

“Fine, but get the fuck out of my head. I hate when you do that to me. The council is concerned with how many packs are loyal to you. They are worried that they will….” Kennedy started,

“Only be loyal to me” Adonis finished for him.

“Adonis!” Kennedy huffed.

“Not sorry!” Adonis hid his grin.

“That is their concern, they are talking about….kicking them out of the community if they don’t….drop their loyalty to you.” Kennedy finished.

“Then they can join us fully. The demon council won’t reject them, nor will the community.” Adonis stated firmly.

“That is the argument dad is going to use. If the council rejects your allies, then they will fully join the demons, knowing full well the demons won’t reject them. They will pledge their full allegiance to you and the demon community which will in turn make your community stronger, when what the council is trying to do is make you weaker. There is also word they are talking to the packs you have aligned yourself with. If I am not mistaken they have started with your most recent alliances, Alpha Malone and Alpha Brady….Bradley….Brody….Alpha Byron’s kid. These packs would have to know that breaking their alliances with you will not end well for them. The council is putting them in the line of fire. You need to talk to The King, that is the other reason we poached him from Eric. That and Eric is a dick.” Kennedy said matter of factly.

Before Adonis could say anything his phone rang.

“Elijah!” He spoke when he answered it,

“I was just informed”

“They did?”

“Have the council contact them and arrangements will be made” A smile crossed Adonis’s face.

“Good news?” Kennedy asked,

“Seems the shitter council’s plan backfired. Alpha Malone and Alpha Bradley have pledged their allegiance to the demons and wish to join the community.” Adonis answered. “Elijah has been fielding phone calls, since he finished with his excursion. Seems to be a lot of pissed off werewolves.”

“Don’t look so happy about it brother. Smug does not suit you” Kennedy replied.

Kenzi had her head down listening to music. Tyler had given her his phone after she had a run in with him and Jackson on the way in from wherever they wandered off to. She tried to tell them she was fine, but they weren’t buying it for a minute. She used to be so good at hiding her feelings, at stomping it all down, she didn’t understand how they always knew when she was upset. Maybe she would ask Adonis how they always seem to know all the time. If she knew then she could stop whatever it was she was doing and she wouldn’t be a bother to them anymore. THUMP! THUD!

“Oof!” She was so lost in her own head she didn’t see the wall she just walked into, but she sure felt the ground when it rose up to meet her bottom.

“Ow!” She huffed, not knowing which hurt more her face or her butt, she rubbed her forehead and looked up and went wide eyed. That’s not a wall! Why can’t it ever be a wall?

“I’m sorry,” she whispered out as she pulled her headphones from her ears. Just one tine can it be a wall! Maybe it wouldint hurt so much!

“Are you alright?” The man asked as he looked down at her on the ground. Kenzi didn’t say anything, she just nodded her head.

“Are you sure? You don’t look alright” The man said,

“I’m ok!” Kenzi replied, nodding her head. She felt the tears stinging her eyes, and she was fighting them back. She didn’t want to cry in front of this man. She didn’t want to cry in front of anybody, it would just cause more problems, and today was supposed to be a happy day. Adonis was getting a surprise party, and she was supposed to be meeting his dad.

“You don’t sound alright either!” The man pushed.

“It’s ok, it’s not important!” Kenzi whispered again, she bowed her head to hide her watery blurry eyes.

“Are you going to get up off the ground?” The man asked,

“It’s safer down here, I’ll stop running into people.” When he held his hand out to her and she accepted he pulled her to her feet.

“Matthew, did you knock a pup on their bottom?” Another man asked as he approached.

“No, I did not. And she is not a pup, she is a tiny little woman. A tiny little human woman.” The man named Matthew replied. They both looked down at her as she looked up at them. They stood somewhere between 6’6 and 6’8. Both with broad shoulders. The smaller one had chestnut brown hair and hazel eyes and the taller one had piercing blue eyes like Steve and Kennedy’s and ebony hair. Both men were in their early 40’s but looked more to be in their 30’s.

“Looks like a pack member found their mate and then promptly lost her on the territory.” Matthew joked.

“What is your name?” The other man softened his voice, his heart was breaking for this girl. She must be overwhelmed and terrified with everything that was going on. She was a tiny little one, in a sea of werewolves.

“Kenzi Templeton,” she said, fighting back her sniffles,

“Tell us who your mate is and we’ll help return you to them.” Matthew shared a look with the man beside him. That name rang a bell but neither could fully remember where they heard it.

“Adonis Bradshaw” Kenzi choked out trying to rub the tears from her eyes.

“Oh….” Matthew stood taller and looked around for any sight of The Devil in question, but more for the sight of his nephews.

“They’re probably causing trouble in the house, why don’t you go find them, I will stay with this little one” The taller man suggested.

“Knowing those two, they probably are. It was nice meeting you Kenzi Templeton” Matthew said,

“You too!” Kenzi offered a small smile, Matthew bowed slightly and moved towards the house.

“You’re Adonis’s mate?” He asked her. He prayed she wasn’t crying because of that.

“Yes, he choos-ed me,” Kenzi nodded, still wiping at her eyes.

“Why are you crying my dear?” He asked, from what he understood, his youngest son’s mate accepted their world and everything in it, so he didn’t understand why she would be out in the field crying, nor did he understand why this was upsetting to him.

“I’m being a burden. They can’t finded nothing for me to wear, I’m too….too dis….dis….disp….awk….uneven and small. And I’m pose to meet his dad. And it wouldint make a very good imperson to meet him in Adonis’s t-shirt and no pants on.” Kenzi hid her face behind her hands, the tears were not going to stop, they were coming and she was being a bigger burden than she was before.

Cameron stood there for a minute, trying to figure out what to do. There was definite humour to be had in this situation. His son’s tiny little mate did in fact meet his father, wearing only a t-shirt and no pants, but he didn’t think she would find that funny at this moment. She seemed to be having a tough time right now, and what she really needed was reassurance.

“Did somebody tell you, you were being a burden?” The man asked,

“Not today, Clara and Brenda were really nice, but they were getting upset, they couldint finded nothing for me. Yesterday, I was called that, when they had to finded a dress to fit me” Kenzi replied.

“Ok, I think you need someplace quiet to go, come with me” The man held his hand out to her, and he was quite surprised with how easily she accepted it. He would link Steve or Kennedy to tell them he had Adonis’s mate and she was ok. But first he had to get this little one to calm down, the emotion coming off of her was very upsetting.

“W-wh-where are we going?” Kenzi asked,

“To my house. You can find some quiet there to collect yourself, and when you’re ready I would like to talk to you some more” he replied, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“O-o-ok” Kenzi nodded her head. Not understanding why she found reassurance with him she held tighter to his hand as he guided her across the territory towards one of the lodges on the property.

“This is my son’s room,” he said to her as he opened the door. Kenzi looked around wide eyed.

“It’s big!” Kenzi said staring into the room,

“Well he’s a big man, and needed the space. There is a bathroom on the far side for you to get cleaned up in and there should be fresh t-shirts in the second drawer. Seems when you bumped into Matthew he knocked you into the mud. When you are ready, come down stairs, I’ll be in the kitchen starting dinner.” he told her.

“Ok, I’m sorry I never assked your name.” Kenzi turned to look at the man who just brought her to his home.

“Cameron” He smiled warmly at her.

“Thank you Cameron,” Kenzi nodded her head and offered him a polite smile as she watched him close the door.

“Kennedy!”

“Hey dad!”

“Did Adonis misplace someone?”

“No, I don’t think so”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Pretty sure….hold on dad Brenda’s talking to me too”

“You didn’t happen to find a little pixie running around did you?”

“Beautiful little human, under five feet, plum coloured hair, silver eyes, pointy pixie ears, wearing an oversized t-shirt and no pants?”

“That would be her. Brenda lost her”

“I found the little pixie after she ran into Matthew, tell Adonis she is safe and just needed someplace quiet”

“Sure send me on the suicide mission”

“Adonis will probably understand, let him know”

“Probably does not sound promising dad, but fine. If I don’t show up for dinner it’s your fault”

“That’s a chance I am willing to take”

“Love you too dad”

“See you at five”

“So how big of a doe-eyed bambi is she?” Kennedy asked. When Adonis didn’t say anything Kennedy’s grin got bigger.

“So the comment from this morning, she really had no idea what was being said.” Kennedy laughed when Adonis shook his head.

“She does know what sex is” Adonis stopped him right there.

“What did I say about that? I have enough people in my head I don’t need you up there too.” Kennedy huffed then went silent as he stared off into the distance.

“Hold on dad Brenda’s talking to me too”

“What is it, my love?”

“We lost her!”

“Lost her? Lost who?”

“Kenzi, we lost her”

“How did you lose her?”

“We’re having a hard time finding something she won’t drown in. And she started getting upset, apologizing for being a burden. She is not a burden and whoever called her that needs to be beaten with a broom. But we took a break and now we can’t find her and she’s so little she could be anywhere”

“Relax, my love we’ll find her she can’t have gone….hold on”

“Ok dad has her, she apparently ran into Matthew and is in need of a quiet place.”

“Oh thank Goddess”

“Well now you can pray to the Goddess for my safety, I get to tell Adonis”

“You’ll be fine, he’ll probably understand”

“Probably does not sound promising my love”

“See you at five”

“Is there a problem?” Adonis asked, when Kennedy focused on him again.

“Only a small one, it’s tiny really,” Kennedy replied, slipping off the rock.

“What is it?” Adonis questioned arching his eyebrow.

“Nothing really, it’s nothing, just small, minor, tiny” Kennedy said, as he started backing away from him.

“I am faster than you, Kennedy. So you can run, I’ll give chase, catch you and beat it out of you, or you can just tell me” Adonis replied,

“No wonder Elijah does all the negotiating for you, you’re still not very good at it” Kennedy said

“Kennedy!” Adonis raised his voice.

“Alright, Brenda and Clara were having a small issue finding something to fit Kenzi. She was apparently swimming in everything they tried.” Kennedy began to explain,

“Where’s Kenzi?” Adonis asked,

“Whatever are….” Kennedy was backing up even more,

“You’re using a lot of past tense, Kennedy. Where. Is. Kenzi?” Adonis began to move towards his brother. Can I scare him?

“They momentarily misplaced her. But it’s ok she has been located and she’s safe and still wearing your shirt and no pants” Kennedy rushed.

“….grrRrRrrrRrRrrr…. Where is she?” Adonis/Odin asked, flames burning in his eyes.

“She’s with dad. Now put him away” Kennedy huffed,

“How did she get to be with dad?” Adonis asked, a smirk crossing his face.

“Brenda and Clara decided it was time to take a break. Kenzi was getting upset and I guess while she was walking the property, she walked right into Matthew. Have you thought about putting a bell on her? Dad discovered who she was and brought her home. She was in need of somewhere quiet to go.” Kennedy said.

“Did she call herself a burden?” Adonis asked, though he really didn’t need the answer.

“Brenda said she kept apologizing for it. That girl is not a burden, and whoever called her that needs to be hit with a broom. She is adorable and sweet and….” Kennedy was about to launch into a tirade. He was upset that Kenzi would refer to herself as that.

“You can’t keep her!” Adonis said firmly.

“Fine! But why would she call herself that?” Kennedy said,

“The first tailor from yesterday called her an inconvenient burden because he was unable to find something to fit her that didn’t require a lot of tailoring. I am trying to undo twenty years of damage. She was called that her whole life and with each person that continues to call her that, it just cements more into her head that is what she is. The more frustrated someone gets while trying to help her the more upset she’ll become, the more she’ll believe it’s true.” Adonis told him.

“I have noticed she doesn’t really ask for help, like she’s afraid to bother people, who would say that to her?” Kennedy asked,

“She had a bitch of a sister” Adonis said,

“Had? What happen….nevermind” Kennedy was about to ask, but the look on Adonis’s face said it was best not too. “What about the first tailor?” He asked instead.

“Tyler got a new toy” Adonis replied,

“A new toy and di….Tyler broke his new toy” Kennedy said trying not to laugh

“Within five minutes of playing with it” Adonis informed him.

“Someone should really teach that boy to play more gently with his toys,” Kennedy replied, shaking his head.

“Where are you going?” Kennedy asked when Adonis walked by him.

“To see my mate, she needs me” Adonis replied, not looking over his shoulder.

“Maybe….maybe just let dad try and talk to her” Kennedy suggested, causing Adonis to stop in his tracks. “I mean, he helped you, maybe he can help her as well”

“Can try that I guess” Adonis said,

“Besides, you’ll see her at five for dinner….still wearing your shirt and no pants. You really need to take that girl shopping” Kennedy added. ….grrRrRrrrRrRrrr….

“I’m gonna beat you….grrRrRrrrRrRrrr….” Adonis growled,

“Maybe, but you’ll have to catch me first.” With that said Kennedy took off running.

As soon as the door to the bedroom closed, the tears she was fighting back slipped down her cheeks. Why couldn’t she be just like everyone else? Why couldn’t she just get something right for a change? Because you has to be di-dif-iffi-cult, a burden. It’s all you’ll ever be! Teagan lied about a lot of things, but that was the one thing she never lied about. I will never not make life hard for people, it’s all I’ll ever do! She thought glumly as she dragged herself to the dresser to find a shirt and then she headed into the bathroom. Staring at her reflection in the mirror her eyes went straight to the scar above her lip. Smart-ed up little girl! Stop being stupid! Stop being a burden! Jus stomp it all down! No one wants to deal with you! It’s selfish, you’re being really selfish right now! Adonis’s party is tonight and you need to be better! Don’t feel it! Don’t show it! Don’t be a burden! It’s not important! Jus stomp it all down! Don’t feel it! Don’t show it! Don’t be a burden! It’s not important! Reciting those words in her head over and over again. Chanting them, ingraining them more into her brain, Kenzi turned from the mirror and started the shower. She had to get cleaned up, and figure out what she was going to do when she met Adonis’s father not wearing any pants.

Twenty minutes later, with the mud all cleaned off of her, Kenzi stepped foot onto the main floor into what looked like a large living room. There was a large couch, a couple of chairs and a large flat screen mounted to the wall.

“Hello?” She called.

“In the kitchen dear,” Cameron called. “Just listen to the sound of my voice”

“Ok” She slowly moved forward, but stopped every little bit to look at pictures that she passed. Two small boys, maybe one and three. A beautiful woman holding a brand new baby. But one picture really caught her eye, she’s seen that picture before. Three boys, one maybe ten, one maybe fourteen and the other was maybe sixteen. There were no pictures of the third boy when he was younger.

“Good looking boys huh?” Cameron said when he found her in the living room.

“I’m sorry!” Kenzi’s head snapped in his direction when he spoke.

“It’s alright” Cameron replied as he saw the photo she was looking at.

“Why do you has a photo of Adonis?” Kenzi asked, when she looked back at the photo. “He had the same one on his desk in his room, before he break-ed his house”

“Why do you think I have the same photo?” Cameron asked her. She bit her lip, when she looked at him, then looked back at the photo. The pieces falling into place. He has the same photo, he called Adonis Adonis and not App.... Al-pha. His name is Cameron and Adonis’s dad’s name is.... Her eyes widened. Uh oh!

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