Hidden Park: Freeing Londyn (Hidden Park Series Book 1) Read online

  He joked and teased his siblings but was just as protective of Sophia as he was of me and Aria. He was a true Alpha, a credit to the shifter race. He was what others should emulate themselves after. He really cared about everyone in his pack. Every person he talked to that was in their pack, he knew by name and asked them about things going on with them. He truly wanted everyone taken care of, if there were any problems, he would make sure to either tell them who they needed to talk to or made a note in his phone, so he could get back to them.

  Everyone loved him, including many of the women. I could tell he was a catch. They would flirt, and he would be polite but wouldn’t reciprocate. The only person he did seem to flirt with was me. This didn’t make any sense. He was the Alpha of this pack; he had to have a shifter mate. Aria explained pack life to me, at one of our many late night talks when she would visit me after taking care of me. The alpha had to have a strong female shifter to be the Luna.

  A shifter that would breed a strong heir whom will take over the pack someday. Why would he flirt with me? Thinking of that woman that was all over him when we first met, that was someone he should be with, as much as I hated that thought. I could tell she was a strong and confident. However, he didn’t want her; he made that ubundantly clear this morning to his brothers. I was going to enjoy his attention while it lasted. I knew nothing would happen between us, but we could be friends. I genuinely liked him. I couldn’t talk much to him without becoming tongue tied but could respond to his questions as we shopped.

  We finally got back to the house after we had lunch at a small deli in town. We were sorting out bags to take to our rooms when one of the twins comes up to me and Aria and hands us each of us a cell phone. “Here, we programmed these for you. You each have all our numbers in it as well as each other’s. Londyn, you have Tristan set as number 1 on your speed dial for emergencies and Aria your speed dial 1 will call both of us.” She smiled like she won the lotto and responded breathlessly, “Thanks."

  I shook my head and smiled as well and told them my thanks to. “I’m going to get these to my room." She finally announces. Both the twins scramble to grab her bags once we separated them, “We can carry them for you.” One of them declares, I still couldn’t tell them apart, and she follows dutifully behind them.

  I started gathering mine as well. When Tristan comes over, “Can I help you carry yours?" he asks me. “Thanks, I appreciate the help.” He grabs most of the bags, and I was left with one small one. “Sophia wanted me to let you know she was going back to her house.” I looked up surprised; I thought she lived here.

  He must have noticed my confusion because he answered my unspoken question, “She has a small house closer to her clinic, so she can get there faster in case of emergencies.” I just nod my head, that makes sense. We arrived at my room, and I walk through leaving the door open behind me, so he could come in to drop my bags. I turn around to thank him for helping me and realize he was right behind me, and I almost ram into him, luckily, he already put down the bags and grabs a hold of my arms, so I don’t fall back. His touch does funny things to me. I freeze, instinctively tensing. He touches me so easily, but it scares me, and I flinch. I’m waiting for pain to follow from the touch of a man. He drops his hands quickly but doesn’t step away.

  “Thanks for the help.” I say shakily, I don't know if I'm scared of what I am feeling or scared of him hurting me. “Anytime.” He whispers, his breath hitting my face; I sense he wants to touch me again, but is respecting my boundaries. I feel my face flush.

  I back away embarrassed. His nearness scares me, I want to welcome it but I still have so many issues with touch. I believe that he won’t hit me, but he is so powerful he could break me easily. It also scares me how I feel when I’m around him. I have never even been kissed. Damien, in the early stages before I found out he’s a crazy asshole never kissed me. Growing up I never fit in and no boys wanted to date me, have sex yes, date no. Which for me meant no kissing. I’ve only ever attracted assholes usually. Why would someone so good and handsome like Tristan be interested in someone like me? I don’t need to embarrass myself even more with a man like him. He deserves better than someone like me.

  I smile up at him as I grab the bags and put them on my bed. “Is this room okay for you?” He startles me. I thought he left. “Oh, yes, it’s beautiful. It’s the nicest room I’ve ever stayed in.” I tell him honestly. He frowns at that statement; I hope I didn’t offend him.

  “I should have probably asked you where Aria and I would eventually live? I know we can’t move into your home forever. You will eventually have a mate and a family. We would be in the way.” Aria explained that to me as well, wolves’ mate and usually have large families to grow their pack.

  “The twins live here and sometimes like last night; Sophia will stay. Even visiting packs will stay here. You would never be in the way. I would like it if you stay to here. This house is so large. It's nice to have company that isn’t a sibling.” I smile. I can imagine that. I can tell he’s really close with Sophia and the twins; he is lucky.

  “I know Xav and Cole are going to show Aria around the area; I 'll be happy to show you around as well?” He looks at me hopeful. “Well, um, can I put this stuff away, and maybe freshen up?” I’m excited to see the entire town and surrounding area, plus I can’t complain about hanging out with Tristan. I am determined to be just a friend to him despite how he makes the butterflies in my tummy go wild.

  “Of course! I’m sorry, did you need help putting all this away? I guess Sophia, and I got carried away.” He says with a laugh. “It’s fine, is it okay if I use the dresser as well as the closet?” I ask. He steps up to me and grabs my hand, at least I don’t flinch this time, but the stupid butterflies need to knock that shit off.

  “I meant it when I said this is your home. This is your room, you can even move or add anything anywhere in this house. Seriously.” He pins with his honest gaze. “Okay, I’ll try, sorry this is all new to me.” He gives me a friendly smile, “Meet me in the kitchen, whenever you’re ready.” He turns and leaves, closing the door silently. Boy oh boy, that man is going to break me more than I already am. I can be his friend, I can be his friend; I chant in my head. Time to get to work, it’s going to take me a while to put all this way, then I want a nice long bath.

  Chapter 16

  Tristan

  I really enjoyed the day, not only spending it with my siblings but with the girls, Aria included. But mostly, Londyn. She was quiet throughout the day, but she was always smiling. I couldn’t stop watching her. A few times I saw her sneak glances at me, which made me especially happy since she never really looked at anyone else the same way. I would buy her anything and everything she wanted, just to keep that beautiful smile on her face.

  In her room, I was so tempted to kiss her, and I probably would have if she didn’t flinch and back away. I know I needed to go slow with her. She has been here for barely two days. She needs time to heal and figure out what she wants in her life. The bruising and marks on her neck and wrists were already better, and I still got angry looking at them. She should have never been through what she had.

  I just can’t stay away from her. I have responsibilities that I have been putting off, to be with her. I haven’t been to our restaurant, Violet’s, named after our mother, except the other night before the girls got here to eat, not work. I was able to do some pack work while we were out shopping. Tomorrow I would get back to making sure things were running well at the restaurant and follow up on who I spoke to today. I also needed to reach out to other allied Alphas that would back us if and when Phoenix Pack declares war. Lots to do, and all I wanted to do was be with Londyn. I decide to use the time Londyn will need to put her stuff away and relax to do a little work, catch up on calls, emails and texts. I set to go through my phone and emails in my office, which is set off my bedroom, that would normally be set as a sitting room.

  I first go through my phone and see numerous texts that are ea
sy to respond to. Pack members just checking in letting me know if they need something or following up with me on meetings we may have had. It’s the same with emails. Those are mostly from other packs that may need help with rogue wolves or pack members who may be traveling through our area; I let other members of my pack know about that, so no one attacks another wolf unnecessarily. I have some vendor emails for the restaurant and flag those to work with tomorrow when I’m at Violets.

  I'm almost caught up, I go back to my phone to text Londyn just because I want to see how things are going, on the other side of the house, because it’s already been an hour, and I’m whipped. Unfortunately, there is a new text on my phone that is not from her, it’s from Paulina.

  “Hey baby, when can we get together. I miss you!” What the hell is wrong with her? I’ve told her I’m not interested. How much blunter can I get? I’m not even going to respond; I delete the message and send a text to Londyn, “I’m doing a little work, just wanted to check in to make sure you weren’t waiting on me yet.” I made a couple of calls, not wanting to stare at my phone waiting.

  I finally get a text back, “You have plenty of time. I'm just taking bath, listening to music on this fancy new phone the twins got me : )”

  She sent me a smiley face, and she’s in the bath, naked. She is going to kill me, or at least my balls, which have been blue since she arrived. I text back quickly, “Actually, I bought your phone. They set it up though, so your welcome ; )”

  I wasn’t going to mention the bath, I didn’t want her thinking I was a perv. Even though I was having perverted thoughts of her soft skin all wet, urgghhh. I was killing myself. “I actually want to talk to you tonight for a way to pay you back for everything you have done for me and Aria.” I liked how she didn’t abbreviate anything, like we were having an actual adult conversation. She wasn’t pay me back for shit, but I will talk to her all night long just to hear her sweet voice.

  “We will talk soon. Will an hour be enough time?” I will sit here and text her and not get anything done. Plus, I’m sure she wants to relax in her bath. “Sounds good, see you then.” She responds back. I need to get my head on straight, the sooner I get this work done the earlier I will be with her. Time to get to work.

  Chapter 17

  Londyn

  Texting with Tristan could easily become addicting. I was surprisingly looking forward to his tour and spending time with him. I hadn’t seen or heard from Aria since we got home, it was possible she was already out on her “date” with the twins by now. I was already getting used to having a phone, it made everything so much easier. “Are you on your date already?” I texted her; I didn’t expect a response, but she almost instantly she said, “Not a date! Just got out of shower meeting them in 30, what r u doing?”

  I laugh. I'm happy for her, but I have to tease her. She is the sister I never had. It’s amazing how easy both of us are adapting and relaxing here. “Relaxing in a bath.” I send her back. I'm not sure I should tell her I’m hanging out with Tristan tonight. Talk about teasing.

  “Wanna come w/ us?” Oh, hell no, even if I wasn’t getting a tour from Tristan, I wouldn’t intrude on their alone time. She needs it. “No thank you. You have fun!” I don’t want her constantly worrying about me. She's had a hard time at the Phoenix Pack too, she deserves fun time.

  I shaved, scrubbed, and oiled my skin to the smoothness of a baby. I may have had to use a couple of razons, I don't even remember the last time I got to properly shave. I was looking more wolf than all these shifters. I brushed and blew dried my hair until it was laying in glossy auburn waves down my back. I picked some cute black skinny jeans, a loose cream sweater over a black tank top that fell off one shoulder and slip on some comfy soft boots Tristan picked out for me. Sophia got me a few makeup items, but since I have never even been a big makeup girl, I just put on some mascara and tinted lip balm and called it good. The bruises on my face and neck were lighter, and the marks on my wrists are scabbed over. Hopefully, those will heal quickly.

  “Hey, your early too!” I somehow get out without drooling, stuttering or falling on my face, go me! “Wow you look beautiful. I mean you did before, but your just wow. Beautiful.” He says almost in awe, that is not helping my stupid crush. I instantly blush, “Thanks you too. I mean you look handsome.” I respond shyly.

  No one has ever called me beautiful, and he keeps doing it; he is a gentleman I noticed; it must be ingrained into him to do so. “Let’s start with the house, and then we will go outside and take a tour in the Raptor.” What the heck was a Raptor? He has a dinosaur? I guess we would see. He takes me through the house pointing to each room, a few rooms I haven’t seen before and don’t look like they get used much, but still immaculate and beautiful. The entire house has a rustic charm, and stunning craftsmanship.

  “How do you keep this big house clean?” I ask; I wanted to bring it up because I thought if I offered to do the housekeeping and cooking that could be my job until I figured out what I would do for money. “We have a cleaning service come in once a week. It's just me and the twins, we pick up after ourselves, usually.” Maybe he will go for it since there were more people.

  “So, I was thinking. Since there are more people here, do you think maybe I could be your housekeeper and cook. I don’t have many skills, so I’m not sure how I can get a job in town, but I could do that to help around here. Aria could probably help me, although I haven’t asked her yet. I don’t want to just free load off you.”

  He stares at me for a minute, then responds, “That actually sounds like a good idea, but I would insist on paying both of you, if Aria wants to do it with you. I usually cook, or we make sandwiches. But, your right with more people we should have a full time cook and housekeeper. We could eat more like a family. Plus, I like that idea of you being here, so I know your safe.” I smile at him, excited that I will have a job. I didn’t expect him to pay me, but that is a bonus. I think Aria would like it too. She likes to keep busy.

  “Thank you! I was hoping you would be okay with it.” I’m so excited; I don’t think before I throw my arms around him to give him a hug. He quickly catches me and holds me. Oh god, I’m just as bad as that woman who threw herself at him. I quickly begin to let go, but he pulls me in tighter to give me a proper hug. I may be a foot smaller than him, but my body molds itself to him as if I were made for him. I tremble slightly, only a little scared, mostly it’s he just feels so good.

  His head bends down almost nuzzling my ear, as he says, “I would give you anything you want for a hug like this.” With one last squeeze he lets me go, and I reluctantly release him as well. “I’m sorry for doing that, I don’t know what came over me.” I can feel my face burning red, embarrassed that I just hurled my body into his. “I’m not sorry, one bit. So please don’t be. Come on, let me show you the rest our pack lands and town before dark.” He grabs my hand and laces his fingers through mine like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Whoa, I feel a shock tingling up my arm. I hold his hand back wondering why he’s so affectionate with me.

  As we head outside, I realize I’ve never had my hand held before him, how sad is that. Damien was my first sexual experience, even if it wasn’t by choice and there was definitely no hand holding or kissing going on with what he did. I have no idea how to react.

  He must notice that I keep glancing at our hands because he asks, “Is this ok? I’m sorry I shouldn’t touch you without asking.” He doesn’t let go as his thumb rubs over the back of my hand. “No, it’s ok. I was just thinking; no one has ever held my hand before, I mean like a man. Aria did a lot when she was comforting me. I know most people do it naturally. It’s just different; it's nice.” I finish in almost in a whisper.

  He stops and turns to me. “You’ve never had your hand held? What about before…” He trails off, he doesn’t want to say his name or bring up what happened to me. “Umm, boys were never interested in me. I mean I went from foster home to foster home, and they were more into tryi
ng to get me to sleep with them. Damien, well obviously, he wasn’t about being nice; he just took what he wanted. That didn’t involve hand holding or kissing.”

  I am thoroughly humiliated, by everything I just admitted. How pathetic am I? “Londyn,” he puts a finger under my chin and lifts my face up to meet my eyes, “No one has yet earned the honor of your affection. Damien,” He growls, “sure as hell was not worthy to touch you. I should have asked before I just took your hand. Everything should be your choice. Even a simple hand hold. I’m sorry.” He looked so sad; it hurts my gut. How could I have made him sad?

  “Tristan, you have been nothing but kind to me. Don’t even compare yourself to that asshole.” I say adamantly. “I want to…I want to be your friend Tristan.” I want so much more with him, but I know being a human, I couldn’t ask him for anything more. He looks at me like he wants to say something but stops himself.

  “I would love to be your friend, Londyn. So, is it ok if I hold your hand on occasion, friend?” He gives me his sexy smirk. I laugh, “Of course. Now are you going to show me the rest of this awesome pack and town of yours?” I’m glad he’s no longer sad, and both our moods have lifted. “You bet, let’s go!”

  He grabs my hand pulls me over to a very black large truck. Truck isn’t even the word it’s a monster. Lifted with big knobby tires, some huge grill cover, and lights all over. “So, this is your Raptor; I was wondering if we were riding a dinosaur around.” I joke with him.

  He laughs out loud and it’s the best sound, “I’m sorry, that is funny.” I laugh with him, “This is my baby. I added every accessory that you can to her, so I can go anywhere and help anyone if they need it. It’s a 4x4 Ford Raptor Limited Edition. Ready to see the pack lands?” I nod my head up and down like a little kid. I'm thrilled. Talk about showing a girl a good time. Yes, I will be the best friend he has ever had.