True mates Book Two of Ozark Wolves

Before the mall Rick decided that a meal would do her good. He pulled into the parking lot of his favorite Mexican restaurant he frequented when he came to town by himself. “I thought lunch would be best first. Since you lost all your breakfast.”

“Thank you.” Alexandria replied. The nausea had subsided and she was feeling less sore. The brothers bounced back quick then.

They entered the restaurant. As a short and round man smiled excitedly when he saw Rick. Greeting him in Spanish. Rick responded in kind and the man grabbed menus and showed them to a table. “Fluent in Spanish?” Alexandria asked after they ordered waters to drink and browsed the menu.

“Yes.” Rick grinned. “Impressed?”

“Very,” she responded with a smile of her own.

“This is my favorite place in Springfield. The family is first generation emigrants so they do not speak much English. I started learning so ordering would be easier.” He paused as the man brought their waters and fresh chips and authentic salsa. The man rattled something and Rick translated, “Do you want an appetizer?”

“No,” she said, “I do know what entree though.” She tried her tongue on the shrimp chimichanga and almost made it through the word. The man took the order and disappeared.

“I do not blame you for only wanting that. The plates here are huge.” Rick commented as he dipped a chip in the salsa. She picked up the crispy tortilla and followed his lead. The salsa was spicy. Setting her tongue and the sides of her mouth on fire. She reached for her glass of water immediately. Rick was already ordering her some milk. He had not taken into consideration her background. Damn it. The owner brought some milk for her. “I’m sorry, love. I did not even think. Just eat the chips.” He pulled the salsa in front of himself. She took a long draft of the milk.

“It’s good. I was just not expecting spice.” She replied with a smile.

“They love the spice.” Rick responded with a smile. “I like it too. No one else does. Not even the brothers. So I come here by myself when I can.” He supposed he would have to continue that. Damn he had been hoping.

She had reopened the menu. “The peppers indicate heat?” She asked with a smile.

“Yes.” Rick answered. And popped another chip in his mouth.

“Then the entree I ordered should be fine.” Alexandria replied. She picked up another chip and looked up at him. His eyes were curious. Cautious and curious.

“Just ask, Rick. I will answer if I can.” Alexandria said with a small smile. Not about my back. Please not about my back. It is almost healed. She had looked at it in the mirror this morning as she dressed in her yellow blouse with daisies and black capris. The bruises in the middle of her back were almost healed. The ones at the kidneys were already gone. Their fingerprints on her hips were almost gone too. Another day perhaps two and the evidence would be gone.

“No.” He said and leaned back in his chair with the water in his hand. “I am not going to interrogate you any more than my brothers did.”

“They did not interrogate me.” Alexandria replied. He smiled in response and then glanced up as the owner brought their food. Rick had not been kidding. The stuffed flour tortilla was as big around as Rick’s forearm and as long as the platter plate it was served on. She picked up her fork. She thanked the owner and Rick translated. Then she dug in. The first bite was delicious. The sauces and cheesy queso were perfect.

“I know.” Rick said when she hummed with pleasure. He cut his beef burrito and took a bite. It was covered in spicy guacamole and the hottest salsa they made in house.

“I did not even hear you order,” She realized.

“I did not. He knows what I get every time. This is the hottest burrito they serve.” He took another bite. The kick of the spice was an awakening to his senses.

She nodded and took another bite of hers in turn. The owner came back a few minutes later with a margarita. Rick had forgotten he usually had a couple with his meal. He would walk the shops near the restaurant before he would drive though. Allowing the alcohol to wear off. “Gracias, senor. Estoy con mi novia hoy, eso no hará falta.” He said graciously. “Lo pagaré por supuesto." The owner looked from Rick to Alexandria perplexed. Rick was with his girlfriend and did not want the margarita?

"Excelente, Senor Rick." The man replied his tongue rolling the 'R' and took the drink away.

"You did not have to do that." Alexandria said low.

"Yeah, I did." Rick replied. "I usually have two actually. Then walk around the stores near here for an hour before going home." He smiled. "I want to take you to the park." She met his eyes surprise in hers. Then she dropped her eyes. Did he think her a child then?

She supposed that one of them had to think of her that way. Or perhaps they all did. A useless, defenseless child. "You okay?" Rick asked. She had stopped eating and was just staring at her food. What had he said? A walk in the park would be peaceful. "Is walking in the park a problem?" He had been looking forward to holding her hand and perhaps even feeling her lay her head against his shoulder. Relaxed and smiling. The tickle of her soft hair against his skin.

"Not at all." She replied. "A walk in the park would be nice. Especially after the crowded halls of the mall." She smiled. She had stopped at a couple of parks on her way to Missouri. Had been envious of the couples walking happily by themselves or pushing strollers. Thinking she would never know that.

"What are you thinking about?" Rick asked. The silence driving him mad. Quincy had said she had been quite talkative. Asking questions and wanting to get to know them more personally. Now she seemed far away. She shook her head and picked up her fork again to start eating. "I am not going to psychoanalyze you, I promise." He chuckled.

"I am sorry." Alexandria replied. "The park does sound lovely." He reached across the table and touched her hand. She turned it over.

"What is bothering you?" He asked. "Something is on the fringes of your mind and I do not like things unsaid." He ran the tip of his index finger in small circles around her palm. "Talk to me, love."

"I am still recovering from earlier, Rick. I will be fine by the time we get to the mall." Alexandria replied. Meeting his eyes. He could see she was just not ready to talk. Whatever was going on she was not comfortable yet. He nodded but did not withdraw his hand. They finished the meal slowly.

She battled the memories. The feelings. The pain. Would they know? Would they be able to tell? Would one of them want...she stopped that train of thought on the tracks and backed it to the station. She tried to push the memories away but she was weaker today. The ordeal from earlier had left her weaker. Vulnerable. And she was with the one of them who could pick up on it.

Rick sensed her distraction. There was something she just did not want to talk about. He and his brothers had caught glimpses of it over the last few days. Today she was not able to push it away. Was battling it alone. "Quincy said you did not want to go to the shoe store in the mall again."

"No. There was a guy there who was being creepy." Alexandria replied happy to have something to turn her mind to. "Had not even been deterred by Quincy."

"Balls of solid metal then." Rick replied with a smile. "Just out of curiosity did you see any heels in there you would have liked?" He was already formulating a plan. The three of them had nothing to do until later. A show of force would put things in perspective and William could use a pick me up after having been used as a punching bag.

"Yes there were several pairs of those I liked." Alexandria replied cautiously. "But I am sure anywhere else has similar if not the exact same." She added. What was he thinking? She did not want to go back in there.

"Relax, love." Rick soothed. "I would not dream of taking you in there by myself." He grinned. "Would you mind if the brother's joined us for a little bit? I want to get you a swimsuit for tomorrow and I am sure they would like to have a hand in the choosing." And William and Quincy could use the eye candy.

Her eyes went wide like saucers. A swimsuit? But she was not healed yet. They were not stupid. They would be able to see the story played out by the bruises. Rick felt her panic rise. "Don't panic. It was just a suggestion." He replied softly. "They don't have to come."

"I can't wear things like that yet," She admitted softly looking at her plate again. Hoping that would not open a can of worms. Hoping he would just leave it at that. His hand tightened on hers.

"I figured that out pretty quick." Rick said with a tight smile that did not reach his eyes. "The shop that I want to take you to has an excellent selection of coverups. I do not want us on the lake tomorrow spear fishing for stupid." She gave him a perplexed look. "Men get stupid when a pretty girl is involved. Plus I do not know if that pretty complexion of yours burns. Better safe than sorry."

"You figured it out?" She squeaked. How could he have? She had done nothing to give it away. Other than yesterday when Quincy had tried to touch her back. A fist sized one had not completely healed and had still been bothering her.

"Yeah, yesterday. Not difficult if one can follow the dots." Rick assured her. "Don't panic." He rolled his eyes. "I am not sure they have yet. Not that it makes a difference." He shrugged. "It will just take longer. I think taking our time is better anyway. Gives you a chance to get to know us. Gives you the opportunity to trust us."

They had finished eating and the owner walked up with their check. He was pleased to see she had eaten all her food. Rick handed him his credit card and took another swallow of his water. "This is not starting off well." He sighed. "The council is talking to potential couples about your adoption into the pack." He said to change the subject.

The owner returned with his card and papers for him to sign then he stood, grabbed her hand, and walked out of the restaurant with her. "That fast?" She asked.

"Yeah, Dad spoke to the council while my brothers and I were changing or climbing into bed to try and catch a nap. The council was pleased and have already started asking around. We should have a potential for you by the time we get back." Rick said as he led her out to his car. "Also your official papers will be delivered tomorrow before we go to the lake." He opened the passenger side door for her. "Tomorrow night we can get you signed up for the GED program."

"Wow so fast." Alexandria replied. "I expected that all to take weeks."

"The government does not like anyone who does not have a social security number. They cannot collect taxes." Rick laughed. His phone vibrated as he stepped into the car. "Looks like William is restless now that he has completed his blueprints. You cool with him and Quincy joining us at the mall?" She grinned. "I take that as a yes." He typed the response and put his phone back.

"When do I get one of those?" She asked curiously.

"Not sure. We have not discussed it yet." Rick replied. He cleared his throat and started his car. "Not really much call for it right now. We are being overprotective."

"Whatever for?" She asked even more curious. "No one is going to come looking for me. At least for a year or two." She said softly.

"I doubt that and so do my brothers, mother, father, and grandparents." Rick replied. "He tried to get our mother and when that failed he waited to send a would be assassin to take out the alphas. He knows more than we thought he did. But we know more. So much more." He had gone to grandfather and asked to see the tapes when he was in town yesterday. There she was. Just five days ago. Stumbling and half dressed. He knew the truth of had happened to her. He had not said a word to his brothers. He sighed as he pulled into the crowded parking lot of the mall. Don't these people work?

He parked and turned the car off. The question was killing him. "I know what happened to you." He said softly. "Or at least saw the aftermath. "My question is simple and I will let it go. William and Quincy have no idea and it is better if they do not. William would go a warpath and Quincy would follow him. Are you still a virgin?"

The whole thing came crashing in on her. She stared at him and then out the windshield. His only question. Not any details just that simple question. "Yes. Specific instructions were given." She replied. He nodded. "Why am I still here if you know? Why not tell your brothers that I am damaged and send me away?"

"Damaged?" Rick asked. "What would make you think that?"

"I cannot fight, for one," She started.

He cut her off. "There are a lot of the females who have chosen not to."

"And for two. I do not know if I can..." she trailed off. She fought for the right words. "Be touched."

He laughed at that. "Yes you can. You did fine last night. It will take time but as I said. I do not mind waiting. Neither do William or Quincy. Trust me when I say we are in no hurry to be fathers."

"So that's it then?" She asked relaxing for the first time all day. He had parked far enough away with an open spot on either side of his car.

"Yes. I mean of course we would not have just kicked you aside if the answer had been different." Rick replied uncomfortable again.

"Then why ask?" She asked cautiously.

"Because I am still trying to understand the twisted mind of that man. A pregnant mate would not be conducive to a happy living situation." Rick replied his jaw tightening. "Not that what I suspect happened was much better. But still. What better way for a pack to implode than that." William and Quincy pulled up next to his car and he got out to let her out. Rick relaxed as soon as he had her hand in his.

"Feeling better after your nap, William?" Rick asked in a baby talk voice. "You were getting a little grumbly there towards the end."

"Shut up. If you hadn't snored all night I would not have been catching launched pillows." William rolled his eyes. "Seriously. The set up we have was nice when we were kids. But I really dislike sharing sleeping space with you two."

"Mutual brother," Quincy seconded. "But where would we put a new place?"

"On top of the old one. Just tear it down and rebuild." Rick suggested. "We would have to stay with Mom and Dad until it was built or Mom and Dad could stay in town at Mom's favorite house."

"Your mother has a favorite house?" Alexandria asked. She was learning to keep up with them when they were speaking amongst themselves.

"She bought it herself. Sold her car she used to get here to buy it. Dad actually spent the first weekend he was wooing her refurbishing her upstairs bathroom in the hundred fifty year old Victorian mansion that she has held onto. Refurbishing it on the weekends with Dad."

She felt small now. She wasn't even educated enough. Couldn't fight. Was not even sure she would last a week on her own without help. Yet their mother had done it. She got really quiet.