by C. E. Black
“Yes, please.”
Teij nodded. “I’ll bring the rest of the team up to speed later, then. Hawk, Leo…” He jerked his chin, a gesture we knew well as ‘Get the fuck out.’
Neither of us moved.
Noticing our insubordination, he stared us down, his shoulder muscles tensing. If I hadn’t been so keyed up to finding out who was after Beth, I might have laughed at the way my boss was trying his damnedest to stay calm in front of our guest.
A quiet huff next to me told me Leo felt the same. Only, he had a harder time holding in his mirth.
A tick beneath Teij’s jaw started up, and the room became decidedly cooler. We’d pay for this later. Whatever. Staying with Beth was all I cared about.
“I’d like them to stay. Please,” Beth said, her voice surprisingly strong. Teij’s frosty gaze swung her way, warming almost immediately.
“As I told you earlier, we dropped the ball. After Red’s… death, it took us a while to get our heads on straight. No excuse. In this job, we have to be prepared for the worst. But we weren’t. I’m sorry.”
At Beth’s nod, he continued, opening a file he had in front of him. “Red kept a recording of your interactions—” When Beth stiffened, Teij put her at ease with a small smile. “Only a small written record, not a voice recording, of what you were dealing with. It’s standard procedure in case the team is needed on the task. Or, as with what happened in your situation, the team member in charge of the case is no longer in contact.”
He slid the file across the table to Beth who watched its progress with an astonished expression. When it stopped in front of her, she opened it one-handed while squeezing the hell out of my hand under the table. I didn’t mind. Not one bit.
“It says you contacted Red because you were running from an abusive situation. And that you obtained Red’s number from a friend. Can you expand on that?” Teij pumped. “Who was this friend? It wasn’t in the file.”
Beth pinched her brows tightly together. “I’m not willing to give you her name right now. She only told me Red would help.”
“Where is she now?”
“She’s still back home, I assume. I haven’t contacted her since I left two years ago.”
“And where is home?”
Teij’s question had me glancing at the file. I skimmed the page, noting Red’s entry on their first conversation. As Teij had said, Beth had told Red she’d escaped an abusive situation but refused to go into detail or reveal the exact location of her previous pride. Red had speculated her lack of trust in him was the motivation behind her reticence.
“You weren’t ready to trust him,” I told her softly.
“No,” she answered regretfully. “I wasn’t.”
“You can trust us.”
“You keep saying that.”
“Because it’s true,” Leo supplied.
So many emotions crossed her face, I couldn’t keep track. Eventually, though, she settled on resignation. I didn’t like the look.
“Home is in Wyoming,” she finally said.
“There’s a Division out that way,” Teij pointed out. “Why didn’t you contact them? Why come all the way to Tennessee?”
I narrowed my eyes, and a low growl came from Leo next to me. “Is this an interrogation?” he asked.
“No. But we need as much information as we can get. Without the details, we’re useless. I’m sorry if this is difficult, Beth. We only want to help.”
“It’s fine,” she said with a shake of her head. “I just need to get this over with. I didn’t contact them for two reasons. One, I didn’t know how. And two, I couldn’t be sure they weren’t under my uncle’s thumb. My friend gave me Red’s number, said he was a friend of a friend, and I could trust him.”
“Your uncle? What’s his name?”
“James Olsen.”
“Is he who you were running from?”
Beth sighed. “Yes. Mostly.”
“Why don’t you start from the beginning,” Foxy suggested. “We’ll fill in any blanks afterward.”
Beth took a deep breath and lifted her chin, a blank mask slipping over her face, causing her eyes to become horrifyingly empty.
Then she weaved a story as heartbreaking as it was shocking, leaving me utterly destroyed.
14
Leo
While Beth shared the details of her horrific past with a strength I admired, I spent most of the time fighting the urge to run from the room screaming. It was a toss-up between that or dragging her into my arms and daring anyone to come after her now. They’d have to get through me first.
By the end, I was so on edge, so close to going full lion, my hands were no longer human. My claws were digging into my thighs as I used every ounce of control to keep them there and not shatter the fucking table.
From the way Hawk shook next to me, I had a sneaking suspicion his animal was as near to the surface as mine.
Listening to what Beth had been through… It was the hardest thing I’d ever experienced, not excluding the explosion that fucking ruined my life. And to think, she’d actually lived this shit.
“How did your parents die?” Teij asked Beth.
“I don’t know. I was very young, three or four. I only know they were in an accident. I learned over the years that asking was a waste of time. No one would talk to me. And when my uncle James found out I’d been looking into their deaths, he… Well, let’s just say I didn’t see sunlight for two weeks.”
“And you believe the abuse you received over the years was because of your half-breed status?”
“James flat out told me so. And even if that weren’t the case, why else? They may not have locked me in a dingy cell my entire life—though they certainly did so many times—but I was a prisoner all the same. They starved me, gave me countless treatments, injections, and beatings… All in the hopes of triggering my animal.”
“And when that didn’t work?”
“Then he threatened to sell me to the highest bidder.”
The only person who didn’t flinch was Beth.
The thirst for her uncle’s blood caused a red haze to cloud my vision. I would hunt down the bastard, and when I caught him, I would rip. Him. To. Shreds.
A hand closed over one of my fists, and I jerked in surprise. Hawk didn’t smile—there was nothing to smile about right now—but he was there. He always had been.
I let Hawk pry my fingers open and clasped his hand tightly back. His skin was hot and surprisingly soft. It took a couple of deep breaths for me to control myself enough not slide my thumb across the smooth surface. His quickening pulse gradually steadied, and the rhythm helped bring me back from the brink of transformation.
“My genes are good enough to reproduce,” Beth explained. “If I were to mate with a full-blooded mountain lion, my offspring would more than likely shift into their animal with no problems.”
“That’s fucked up.”
“Foxy—”
“She’s only saying what we’re all thinking, Teij,” Liz piped up. “Why do you presume they’re after you now? If they thought you were…” Her face scrunched up.
“Useless?” Beth gave her a small smile. “Because a deal is a deal. Papers were more than likely signed, promises made, money exchanged. And James Olsen doesn’t like to lose.”
She shrugged as though she were talking about any topic. “The sky is blue, washing dishes sucks, and my uncle wants to sell me into slavery.”
Hawk’s hand squeezed mine, and he echoed my low growl.
“So, you escaped,” Teij said, respect lacing his tone. “And you called Red, using the number your friend found for you. Having the name of your friend would help matters, but I understand your concern. We can work around it. Red had barely scratched the surface of your case when he died.”
“I didn’t realize he was investigating,” Beth said. “I thought he was only keeping an eye on me. I stressed over how I would pay him, but he refused money when I’d offered.”
“As he should have,” Hawk responded. Foxy, Liz, Teij, and I dipped our chins. The Alpha Division never accepted payment for helping people. Even before the government stepped in and decided to put us on the payroll, we never had.
“We almost finished here?” I implored, noticing the slump in Beth’s posture. Exhaustion had made her skin sallow. Teij spent a moment studying Beth before giving me a silent nod.
“It’s okay.” Beth sat up straighter, pretending she wasn’t about to fall over from fatigue. I shook my head but kept my fucking mouth shut. Soon, we’d take her home and force the stubborn woman to rest.
“I think we have everything we need,” Teij said. “I’m assigning a couple of people to keep watch at your place.”
“I’ll do it,” Liz offered. She’d been itching to get into the field, and I commended her patience. This was the perfect mission to get her feet wet, too.
“Okay. But I want two people on this. You and Bear take shifts watching the apartment and the coffee shop where Beth used to work. They may look for her there.”
“Hawk and I can take protective duty.” My gaze locked with Teij’s, daring him to object. “Hawk’s cabin is secluded and has the best damn security system around, other than Headquarters, and you know it. She’ll be safe there.”
“Are you okay with being alone with Leo and Hawk? Beth?”
“What? Oh… Um…” She regarded us, a million thoughts flickering behind her eyes. When she nodded her head, I breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes. I’m fine with that.”
“Okay. Hawk…”
“Yes, sir?”
“Your vacation is officially over.”
A scowl stole over Hawk’s face. “Thank fuck.”
I scrambled around Hawk’s chair to reach Beth. “Let’s get you home before you pass out.”
“I’m fine. I’m not about to pass out,” she argued, but she let me help her up.
“You’re exhausted.”
“I am,” she agreed and sighed. “I’m not sure why. I haven’t done anything today.”
“Two assholes attacked you the night before last. Yesterday, you woke up to two strangers taking care of you. Someone vandalized your apartment. And you just finished telling everyone a very long account of your torture,” I growled.
Beth patted my cheek, her smile making me yearn to kiss her. “You’re sweet,” she said, her eyelids drooping.
“Okay, let’s go,” Hawk said. He swung her up into his arms, and for a second, I couldn’t decide who caused the sudden jolt of jealousy.
I caught Liz giving me that look I despised. I locked my jaw and spun away from the room. I didn’t need anyone’s pity. I might not have the girl—or the guy—but I was damn sure going to keep them both safe.
The scar on my face began to itch, reminding me of my other mission. I still needed to go through Hawk’s files, but it would have to wait. Tonight, I had better things to take care of.
15
Beth
I went with Henri back to his house without a fight. The independent woman I’d become since living on my own was disappointed, but the fatigue and sheer terror of reliving my nightmare in front of strangers swept those feelings away. Fear made me want to be as far away from my apartment as I could get. And staying with the two strong shifters, whose job it was to protect me, sounded like the best move.
While I was telling myself truths, I also needed to recognize a few other details. Like how the thought of being taken care of made me feel good. Really good. Like, if I were to ever experience love, this would be how it felt, I decided.
Also, I enjoyed being with Henri and Leo. I liked them. What I knew of them, anyway. I needed to know more. So much more. And physically. Even after surviving the emotional pain of the day, my body went up in flames every time I thought about the two of them.
They’d both made it clear, separately. They were interested. I might have been inexperienced, but I wasn’t oblivious. All I had to do was choose. But I was attracted to both of them. So unfair. How could I choose? And between friends? I couldn’t hurt them. I couldn’t pit them against each other.
Pit them against each other? As though I were a prize? As if.
I laughed to myself, causing Henri to give me a curious look as he carried me to Leo’s room. I’d let him carry me for one reason and one reason only. I ached to be in his arms. Even if it would have been the best thing for all of us if I had pushed him away instead.
My fears and anxieties swirled in my head, but none distracted me from the decision that lay before me. In only a few days, Henri and Leo had really done a number on me. How was I supposed to turn off my feelings?
Maybe I wasn’t.
Henri tucked me into bed, his hands gentle as he slid off my shoes and covered me with a down comforter.
“Stay for a while,” I asked him.
He hesitated. “You know you’re safe here, right? Leo wasn’t lying to Teij when he told him I have the best security system around, including video surveillance. No one is getting in here without me knowing about it first.”
“Shh.” I pressed a finger to his lips. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t trust you. I feel safe.”
He pulled my hand away from his lips, but held onto it, rubbing his thumb across the knuckles. “Good. Now get some sleep. You’ve had a long day.”
“I don’t want to sleep yet. Maybe we can talk?”
He toed off his shoes and climbed into the bed next to me. I moved over to make room, but he caught me by the hand and gently tugged until I lay across his chest. I smiled and relaxed against him, resting for some time before Leo’s scent entered the room.
Leo stood in the doorway. His hands were pushed deep into the pockets of his jeans, his posture casual and his expression bland. But his eyes said he felt anything but.
His searing stare skated over me, taking in my position on Henri’s chest. He locked eyes with his best friend, and I held my breath. My pulse pounded as I warred with myself. Should I get up? Leave? No, I couldn’t leave. But I could sleep on the couch. I shouldn’t have asked Henri to stay.
Or maybe I should ask Leo to join us?
No, that was wrong. I didn’t want to confuse anyone. Least of all myself.
Deciding it was best if I moved, I was seconds away from doing just that when Henri surprised me.
“Care to join us?” he asked Leo. “We could all use some cuddling after the day we’ve had.”
My wide eyes moved to Leo to catch his reaction. His lips parting was the only thing giving away his astonishment. The small expression didn’t last long. He pressed his lips together, his brow scrunching together as he waited for my verdict. The fact he sought my permission first made me hunger for him even more.
The moment I lifted the blankets, inviting him to join us, his expression softened. He chucked off his shoes then started to unbutton his jeans.
“Wait, what are you doing?” I asked.
“We’re just cuddling, Leo,” Hawk growled.
“I’m not getting into bed with my jeans on,” he complained, but his tone was playful as he winked at me. “Don’t worry, I’m not going commando. Today.”
My exasperated sigh was a hundred percent fake, and hundred and ten percent worth the grin he gifted me.
He played with the button, teasing me. “Or maybe you’d like me to put on a show?”
“I do remember her having a thing for strippers.”
I rounded on Henri with a gasp. His eyes were lit with mirth, and with Leo’s lighthearted chuckle coming from behind, it occurred to me they were trying to lighten the mood. It worked.
A playful slap to Henri’s chest had him pretending to wince. “I’ll get you back for that.”
“Any time,” he said seriously, his gaze dropping to my lips. “Any time.”
My breath caught in my throat, but I played it off and rolled my eyes. “You’re incorrigible.”
The bed moved as Leo climbed in beside me. “Okay, I’m ready for cuddles,” he said, an
d I couldn’t contain my laugh. The word cuddle coming out his mouth was insanely cute.
“What’s so funny, gorgeous? Get over here.” Leo pulled me across his chest, much like Henri had. I went willingly, surprised to land on his cotton t-shirt. More like disappointed. He still wore his jeans as well, even after all the teasing.
Henri snuggled in behind me, keeping his lower half a respectable distance away, I noticed.
Pleased with my current situation, I breathed in their combined scent with a contented smile and relaxed further.
Someone’s fingers played with my hair, while another set rubbed my arm lightly. I didn’t know who was petting where, and I didn’t care. I drew circles over Leo’s shirt, right below his clavicle, wondering if it were possible to feel so aroused and cozy at the same time.
“You’re not sleepy?” Henri asked.
“Mmm, no,” I murmured, sounding sleepy even though I was far from it. “Want to talk.”
“About what?”
“Anything. Tell me about Red. He was your friend, right? Both of yours?”
“Yes,” Leo responded.
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you. Speaking of… When did you last see Red?”
“He stopped by the flower shop for a regular check last October.” I frowned as a weird feeling of grief overcame me. I didn’t know Red well. But he had tried to help me, and I was sorry he was gone. “I worried about him, but Red told me he wouldn’t be in contact for long periods of time. I assumed this was what he was talking about.”
“Jesus!” Leo cursed. “You’ve been without protection all this time. What if something had happened? What if we hadn’t met?”
“Red was watching over you when we were together,” Henri breathed.
“Yes.”
“I wished I’d known.”
We laid in silence, and I thought about everything that had happened. I was lucky to have met Leo when I had. And even luckier he’d brought me to Henri’s cabin.
“I’m sorry, Henri,” I whispered. “I’m sorry I ended things with a stupid text.”
