8 Mine to Love

by Megs Pritchard

  “What does Hunter think?”

  “He’s going to have a look at it now.”

  Wyatt sat drumming his fingers on his thigh, watching Carter work his magic. A sound downstairs caught his attention, and he spun on the chair staring at the door, but then there was silence, so he dismissed it and turned back to Carter.

  Carter was mumbling under his breath and Wyatt pursed his lips. His nostrils flared when an unknown scent appeared, and he turned again towards the door, a frown on his face. Again, there was nothing else, but this time Wyatt stood and took a hesitant step towards the door.

  He paused, closed his eyes, and used his senses. He focused on his and Carter’s heartbeats, then turned his ear to the door and listened. There was nothing at first, but then he heard it. Faint, very faint, and steady. A heartbeat. No, two.

  He stepped back to Carter and touched his shoulder. Carter looked up at him and Wyatt held a finger over his lips and pointed to the door. Carter looked over at it, then quickly entered something on the computer and Wyatt saw the information disappearing.

  Carter stood and pointed to the window. They stepped quietly towards it when a man in black stepped through the doorway and pointed a gun at them. They both froze as a second man appeared, also armed.

  “Come with us or die,” the first one said.

  Wyatt swallowed as sweat broke out over his skin and his heart hammered in his chest. He glanced over at Carter, who had his hands up in the air, and Wyatt copied.

  The first man pointed to the door with his gun, then stepped back, giving them room to move past him.

  Dean.

  Hey. How’s it going with Carter?

  Really well. I especially like the two vampires who are pointing guns at our heads.

  What!

  Wyatt winced. If felt like Dean was stood next to him and screaming in his ear. I’m certain Carter is talking to Hunter. I’ll keep in touch and let you know what’s happening.

  I’m talking to Hunter and the guys now. Do as they say and don’t make any sudden moves. We’ll get you.

  Wyatt looked at Carter and caught his eye, seeing the subtle nod he gave. Keep calm and do what they say. Easier said than done when you were literally shitting yourself.

  Hurry, Dean.

  ❊❊❊

  “We all know what we’re doing?” Chester asked, looking at everyone gathered. “Two weeks from now and we’ll hit them.”

  “The guys are ready when you are,” Euan added. “Just give them a time and date and they’ll be there.”

  Dean.

  Dean grinned when he heard Wyatt in his head. Hey. How’s it going with Carter?

  Really well. I especially like to the two vampires who are pointing guns at our heads.

  What!

  “What!”

  Dean held his hand up when people started asking questions, then pointed to his head. I’m certain Carter is talking to Hunter. I’ll keep in touch and let you know what’s happening.

  “Hunter?” Hunter nodded. “Wyatt’s said two vampires are at Hunter’s and they have him and Carter at gunpoint. They’re being taken somewhere.”

  “Tell him to keep calm and do as they say. No sudden moves.” Chester stood and leaned over the table, watching Dean. “They must know we’re on to them.”

  I’m talking to Hunter and the guys now. Do as they say and don’t make any sudden moves. We’ll get you.

  “Hunter?”

  “Carter’s got a tracker in his watch. We considered this possibility.”

  Hurry, Dean.

  I know it’s hard but stay calm. Carter has a tracker. We know where you are going.

  Thank fuck. I’m scared.

  Me too, but we’ll get you. Dean rubbed his head at the pain he could feel. Conserve your strength. I’ll contact you when we’re ready.

  He felt Wyatt leave and stared at Hunter who was on his laptop. He stood behind him watching him open a program and he bit his thumbnail as it loaded. He became aware of others gathered around him, and once the program was open, a map of the area appeared and a blinking red light.

  The light was traveling down Old Washington Road, heading away from them.

  “What’s in that direction?” Ale asked. “Any buildings we know they own?”

  Jared, who was on his own laptop, nodded, pursing his lips. “Yeah, they do. Let me pull up the list and we can try to narrow it down.”

  Dean paced behind Hunter, watching the flickering dot move further away. It turned off Old Washington Road and Dean paused, frowning at the screen. “What’s in that direction?”

  “Where is it heading?” Jared asked.

  “Turned on to Baker’s Grove.”

  Jared tapped on his laptop, then nodded. “They have land there and an old barn. My guess is that’s where they’re heading. Nice, out of the way place.”

  “Right, people.” Chester clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention. “Get loaded up. We leave in five.”

  Wyatt. We’re on our way. Stay calm.

  When he got no response, he glanced at Hunter, seeing the same worried look on his face.

  “We need to go now.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Wyatt came to slowly, wincing at the pounding pain in his head. He hadn’t seen the blow coming; the vampire had attacked from behind. He opened his eyes and blinked rapidly, and it took a few seconds for his eyes to adjust.

  He could feel the movement of the car as it bumped along a road and he lifted his hand, then jerked to a stop when he realized they were tied together in front of him. He heard a groan and patted round until he felt Carter.

  “Carter.” He nudged him with his knee.

  “Ugh.”

  “Come on, Carter. Wake up.”

  “I am awake. Stop shouting, my head hurts. I think my brain is trying to leak out of my ears. Fuckers didn’t need to hit me that hard.”

  “What? How bad is it?”

  “My head really hurts, Wyatt.”

  “I’m going to contact Dean.”

  “Yeah,” Carter mumbled.

  Dean.

  Wyatt! Thank fuck. I’ve been trying to reach you.

  Hit on the head. Really hurts. Still in the car moving over bumpy ground.

  Carter has a tracker. We’re behind you. Keep calm.

  “They know where we are.”

  “Yeah. My bracelet has a tracker.”

  “Thank god for that.”

  “It was a trap, and I fell right in it. I knew it was too easy, but I carried on. Fucking stupid mistake. I’m sorry, Wyatt.”

  “Don’t apologize, Carter. It’s not your fault and we needed that information. You need to be more careful next time.”

  Carter snorted, then groaned. “Next time Hunter can do it.”

  “What do you think they’ll do to us?” Wyatt moved his wrists, trying to loosen the knots, but they weren’t budging.

  “Question us, torture us, and then kill us I suspect. You know what they did to Spencer.”

  “What, no drink first?” Shit, shit, shit. He was too young to die. He’d just accepted his mate. Wyatt closed his eyes, taking a shaky breath in.

  Dean.

  We’re close. Don’t worry and stay calm.

  I love you.

  Wyatt, I love you too, and I am going to save you.

  Before Wyatt could respond, the car stopped, and he inhaled sharply.

  “Let’s hope it’s a red light,” Carter muttered in a shaky voice.

  “Yeah,” Wyatt whispered in response.

  They both held their breaths when they heard the car doors open and slam shut. Footsteps approached, and Wyatt twisted his hands, trying desperately to get to the knots. He heard Carter whine, and he doubled his efforts.

  “Fuck. Come on,” he muttered.

  The trunk opened, and Wyatt stared up at one of the vampires who had taken them. He reached in and grabbed Carter, pulling him out and dumping him on the ground. He did the same to Wyatt, who grunted at the impact.<
br />
  We’ve stopped.

  Look around. What do you see? How’s Carter?

  Carter took a hit to the head. Says his head hurts.

  I’ll let Hunter know.

  Wait a sec.

  Wyatt lifted his head and blinked. The light stung his eyes, and he grunted when he was suddenly pulled up. He tried to get his feet under him but struggled as he was dragged along a dirt track. He looked around, seeing farmland and a barn in front of them which they were walking towards.

  Fields, a rundown barn.

  We’re ten minutes away. Keep calm and answer their questions. Don’t do anything to provoke an attack.

  Yeah, wasn’t thinking of annoying them.

  Wyatt. I’m coming for you. Stay strong for me.

  I’m scared.

  I know. Me too, but I’ll be there.

  The vampire who was dragging him pushed the barn door open and Wyatt coughed when he breathed in the stale, musty air. He was dragged a few more feet, then dropped to the ground. He looked up and saw he was in front of a table. When he saw what was on the table he bit his lip, his eyes widening in horror. He felt the blood drain from his face when he saw the scalpels and pliers.

  They’re going to torture us! He shouted through the connection to Dean.

  Stay calm, Wyatt. I’m coming for you.

  He looked over his shoulder at Carter, seeing the fear etched on his face too, and knew he had the same look on his.

  He was grabbed by the hair and dragged over to a chair and Wyatt grabbed the hand, digging his nails in. The vampire grunted, and Wyatt cried out when he was punched in the face. Pain exploded over his jaw and he moaned, swallowing rapidly.

  He was shoved into the chair and he didn’t fight them when they untied the rope around his wrists. His arms were stretched out along the arms of the chair and he was buckled in. He jerked his arms trying to get free, but all that did was earn him another punch to the face.

  He squeezed his eyes shut when he saw one of the vampires pick up a pair of pliers and walk over to him.

  “Now, we need to ask you some questions and I’m going to enjoy getting the answers.”

  Dean!

  ❊❊❊

  “Hurry the fuck up!” Dean screamed in the car. “They’re going to torture my mate!”

  Chester grabbed Dean’s arm and pulled him to a stop. “Listen,” he growled. “You will do more harm than good if you go charging in there. I know how you feel but you won’t help Wyatt if we don’t follow the plan.”

  “They haven’t done anything yet. They’re threatening him. We have time.”

  Dean spun around and glared at Hunter. “How the fuck can you be so calm?”

  “I’m anything but calm, but the last thing I want is for my mate to feel it. Calm that shit down. Wyatt doesn’t need to feel you panicking.”

  Dean glared, gritting his teeth, then nodded. Shit, Hunter was right. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes. He clenched his hands, then released them and tried to let the tension flow away.

  He opened his eyes and nodded at Chester and Hunter. “Sorry, guys.”

  “Don’t apologize,” Chester said. “Let’s get your mates. Follow the plan.”

  They split up into teams, one going around the back of the barn and the other two in the front. Jared stayed out of sight with his rifle ready. If anyone got out, he’d deal with them.

  Dean was at the rear of the building, and before entering, contacted Wyatt.

  Outside now. Where is everyone inside?

  I’m in a chair with dickhead walking around in front of me. He has pliers in his hands. Carter’s kneeling on the floor. The other dickhead is stood next to him.

  Weapons?

  The guy with Carter has a gun, but it’s pointing to the floor. The one by me has a gun, but he has the pliers.

  Dean passed the information to Chester who nodded in response.

  “They don’t think we know where they are. We take care of the one with Carter and try to keep the other one alive. If he fights, we put him down. Don’t take any chances. Silas is telling the other team now.” Chester paused then said, “Tell him five seconds.”

  Five seconds, Wyatt.

  Dean waited and when Chester moved, they all did. Dean charged at the door. Jensen kicked it open and stepped aside, so they could all rush in. At the same time, Hunter, Silas and the others entered from the front.

  The two vampires didn’t stand a chance. The one by Carter went down immediately, a bullet to the head killing him. The one by Wyatt reacted, going for his gun, but Donnie was there, ready to disarm him. He grabbed the vampire’s arm, and without hesitating, snapped it. The vampire screamed and dropped the gun as Donnie kicked him in his knee.

  Dean went straight to Wyatt, knowing the team had his back. He quickly unbuckled him and hauled him up and into his arms. Wyatt’s body trembled, and Dean held him tight.

  “I’ve got you,” he whispered into Wyatt’s hair. “You’re safe.”

  “Don’t let me go.”

  “I won’t. I’m never letting you go. You’re mine to love.”

  Wyatt sobbed. “I love you too.”

  ❊❊❊

  Wyatt’s body trembled. He’d been so scared even though he knew Dean was coming. He’d seen the vampire pacing in front of him, telling him what he was going to do to him, how he was going to make him suffer, then keep him alive so he could watch Carter go through the same thing.

  I’ve got you. Let it all out.

  Dean.

  Dean’s arms tightened around him and Wyatt buried his head in Dean’s shoulder. His eyes burned, and he let the tears fall. He didn’t care if everyone knew he was crying. As long as his mate was with him, he knew he’d be alright.

  He could hear movement around him, the others talking. He heard a shout of pain and lifted his face. He stared at the injured vampire and watched as Donnie grabbed him by the arm and dragged him out of the barn.

  I hope it hurts.

  Donnie broke his arm and I’m pretty sure his knee is fucked too.

  Good.

  Donnie was pissed. Brings back bad memories for him.

  Jeremy.

  Yeah.

  Wyatt stood in Dean’s arms, ignoring everything and everyone around him. He needed to feel his mate. Dean didn’t let go. He knew what Wyatt needed, he could feel it through their bond, and Wyatt was forever grateful he’d taken that chance and bonded with his mate.

  He could feel Dean’s emotions, feel his love, and he squeezed Dean, needing a closer physical connection. Dean held on to him and Wyatt knew this was what he needed.

  Sometime later, Chester came over. “We’re heading back to mine for a debriefing. Niles is going to treat our prisoner before we’ll question him.”

  Want to go? Dean asked.

  Yeah, I do.

  Dean leaned back, a puzzled expression on his face. You do?

  “Yeah. I want to know who ordered it.”

  Dean slowly nodded, then turned to Chester. Chester slapped him on the back, then nodded to the door. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Dean held Wyatt’s hand as Niles examined him. “Mild concussion. General contusions, but no fractures or breaks.”

  Wyatt nodded, and Dean squeezed his hand. “So, we good to go?”

  “Follow the normal procedure in regard to concussions, Dean. I know you’re eager to get in there.”

  “How is he?” Wyatt asked.

  Niles arched a brow. “He has a broken arm and a shattered patella, or kneecap. I’ve stabilized them, but he’ll need surgery.”

  “Not until we’ve questioned him first,” Dean practically growled.

  “You won’t have long before I’ll need to operate. In fact, you should all wait until after surgery, but I know why you want to speak to him and Tank has told me what was in the barn. He can wait a few minutes.”

  “What about your oath?” Wyatt asked.

  Niles grunted. “I’ll
treat him, don’t worry about that. Ask your questions because I’ll be in soon and all questions stop then.”

  Dean pulled Wyatt along as they walked through Silas and Chester’s house, or HQ as they were now calling in. Outside, they walked over to the barn and Wyatt slowed down. Dean stopped and glanced at him over his shoulder, then turned to face him.

  “It’s safe,” Dean assured him.

  Wyatt nodded jerkily. “I know. It’s just...”

  “Want to go back inside the house?”

  “Yes, but I should be in there.” Wyatt jerked a thumb over his shoulder at the barn.

  “I know,” Dean murmured. “I can feel it.” Wyatt straightened his shoulders and Dean felt his resolve through the bond. Grabbing Wyatt’s shoulders, he said, “You don’t have to go in there. I can tell you what’s happening.”

  Wyatt sagged and nodded. “You’re sure?”

  Nodding, Dean muttered, “Go. Wait inside.”

  Dean watched Wyatt walk back towards the house and once he was inside he went into the barn. Their prisoner sat on a chair but wasn’t restrained due to his injuries.

  Hunter was leaning against the barn wall with a grumpy look on his face as Chester asked questions. Dean walked over to him and asked, “He not talking?”

  “Yes, the lovely Mario is. I sat down with my needles and a lighter and he hasn’t stopped talking since. I really wanted to hurt him.”

  “Anything useful?”

  “No, not really. Garrick ordered the hit. Apparently, there’s one on a few of us now. Chester, Silas, Ale and Troy for certain.”

  Dean rubbed his face with his hand. “We’re getting too close.”

  Hunter snorted. “Not like we’re gonna stop, is it?”

  “No. We’re not.”

  Jared stood next to them and muttered, “Sacha and Alessio are bumping up security.”

  “Shit. Them too?” Dean asked.

  “Alessio knows the council members, so we were expecting it. I want Sacha kept safe. No one is going near my mate again.”

  “What is it with them and our mates?” Hunter mused. “I’ll give them a real fight if they want one.”

  “Yeah, they’re not stupid enough to come after one of us direct. We need to get moving on our plans. The sooner the better.”