“There’s only two here. You said all three would be here,” some guy hissed, and Clover opened her mouth to yell but nothing left her lungs. A layer of sand covered her tongue making it hard to speak.
Her wolf surged forward and her clothes ripped, catching one of the guy’s attention.
“Fuck it, two is better than one.” He waved to the guy holding Patrick. No! A roar vibrated through her lungs and she lurched forward. The black dots in her vision grew stronger but she raged against passing out. She took another leap and slammed into the van. Her claws sunk behind the license plate and she yanked it off. Wait, two plates hit the ground!
All the hunters were inside with Patrick and Annmarie and she was determined to get them out. The van lurched forward sending Clover into the street. Patrick! No, they can’t have him. She tried to get up, but her legs didn’t work. Echoes of yelling sounded nearby but she didn’t know exactly what they said as she slipped into unconsciousness. Damn it, not again!
Chapter Sixteen
Ash
Ash growled low, it took every ounce of energy not to shift and run after the hunters who managed to get Patrick. He carried Clover into the house right after she shifted back into her human form. He had almost given up on tracking the hunters back to the home-base after he’d lost the car on different streets five times. When he heard Maple yell out for help, it sent him into a panic. Tracking the hunters had been sucked out the window like a vacuum.
“Ash, we have two plates,” Raymand growled and slammed them into his open palm. “If they had taken you two…” The alpha’s voice pulsed with frustration as he looked down at Cora.
“I can track both with the wolfbase but if they switch cars, we’re fucked.” Ash walked into the house and ran up the stairs. Clover whimpered in his arms but didn’t wake up. He hoped she would wake up soon, he needed her to be okay so he could focus on getting Patrick back and putting an end to this.
He set her on the bed and covered her naked body.
“I’m going to fucking kill all of them,” Zac growled behind Ash while he held Rayne’s limp form.
“We’ll get them back,” Maple’s voice came from behind Zac. “Me and Cora are going to stay in here with them till they wake up.”
Zac carefully placed Rayne down next to Clover. “Thanks.”
Ash didn’t want to leave her, but he had shit to do downstairs. He met Zac’s furious gaze and they nodded to each other. They both seemed to be struggling equally with leaving their mates to find their pups. Without a word, they shuffled out and down the stairs. Ash snatched the license plates from Raymand and typed the front plate number into the search engine on different screens. With the plates, he might be able to find the hunters without actually needing to do the painstaking tracking like before.
Finding Clover on the ground had almost broken his soul in half. No, she’s just sleeping in my bed. She’s okay. He repeated the words as he entered his office
“Zac, sit here and click here to follow this trail. If they vanish from the screen, this is how you zoom out.” He clicked on the search button letting it work. “You might need to adjust the time frame but I put it in for the last two hours.” He pointed toward the pull-down menu for the search parameters and Zac nodded.
“Shit, it’s already giving us your house.” Zac pointed to the screen and Ash felt better about this lead. He pushed the chair to the other computer. After rolling his shoulders, he tapped the back-plate number into the keys on a different screen and then expanded the search parameters to four hours. The first ping loaded and he zoomed in, showing a residential zone with a curved shopping place next door.
Zac bumped his arm. “Is this right?” Zac pointed at the screen. “It looks like a fucking shopping area.”
“Wait, I think I have the same spot.” Ash glanced between the screens. They found the base! Finally, he managed to get it, all because of his brave mate.
“Fuck, it’s the same place.” Zac shoved his hand through his hair.
“The place is owned by Don Douglas. He’s the same guy who owns the strip where Maple’s store is.” Raymand growled low. “After he threatened to terminate Maple’s contract for being a wolf, I did some research on his ass.”
“Do you think he’s the one behind all this shit?” Ash turned back and his wolf jumped up for joy as he zoned in on his mate.
“We’re going to find out.” Clover leaned against the door, a small yawn slipped from his lips. Jeans hugged her hips while she had one of Ash’s shirts covering her chest.
“Is Rayne awake?” Zac lurched forward but Clover shook her head.
“Not yet. I’d give her another half hour to hour. I didn’t get the full dose they wanted to give me.” Clover rolled her shoulders and winced. “So, when are we leaving?” She met Ash’s gaze.
“I want you to stay here. This shit could be very dangerous.” He stood and dropped the plates on the desk.
“You mean more than being attacked at Tara’s or on your front lawn?” She arched her brow and Zac covered a chuckle with a cough. If Rayne tried to come, he’d be in the same shit and Ash barely resisted the urge to remind him.
“If you come, it’s at your own risk. The kids are my priority.” Raymand faced Ash’s mate, who nodded once.
“I don’t want you to worry about me. Patrick is my top priority too.” She folded her arms under her chest while Raymand walked past her, his footsteps echoed up the stairs.
“I’m going to check on Rayne. Drake, you might want to call Anne and have her come here,” Zac suggested, and Drake nodded.
“Also, get a few more wolves here to watch out for Cora. He said he wanted all three,” Clover pitched in.
“Did he say anything else?” Drake pulled out his phone quickly.
“He bitched about all how three kids weren’t here but when I started shifting they stopped talking and said two would just have to do.” She rubbed her hands together. “It’s lucky my claws got stuck behind the plate or we might not have a lead.”
Ash glanced down at the plates and was glad she didn’t get cut up again.
“Yes, that’s good luck right there.” Drake tapped on his phone and walked out with Zac trailing behind him.
“Ash, if you try to leave me here I’ll just come chase after your ass.” Clover pushed back some of her black hair and met his gaze. The fire in her eyes spoke louder than her words. He crossed the room needing to be closer to her. Before she opened her mouth, he pulled her into a kiss. He didn’t want to argue with her, he was just happy they didn’t try to use those fucking silver blades. She could be dead instead of arguing about going to find Patrick.
“I want you to stay here and be safe.” Ash rubbed his thumb against her cheek.
“And I want to be there when we get Patrick back. I…” She rubbed her lips together and her brown eyes held pain.
“I don’t blame you one bit for not keeping him here. You rocked with killing one of them.” She had already helped kill two other hunters, there was no denying his mate was a total bad-ass.
“What about the one I knocked out?” Her brows bunched together.
“They must have taken him with.” More pride filled his soul at her fighting like hell for Patrick.
“Oh, well I’m still going. You can either take me with you or I’ll chase after you like I mentioned a moment ago.” Her brow lifted as her eyes challenged him.
“You’re stubborn.” He kissed her again and deep down he knew he wouldn’t be able to tie her down to keep her home.
“It’s what makes her a kick-ass wolf,” Tara called out from the door and Clover turned but stayed close to him.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I’m on protection detail till you guys come back. Rayne’s too weak and Jennine threatened to kick her ass if she moved from the bed.” Tara chuckled.
“You’re damn right!” Jennine yelled through the house and Clover giggled. The front door opened, and the alpha spoke to a few m
ales about helping with protection of Cora. If they had only known they’d attack again, Ash would’ve called the other wolves over sooner.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Ash didn’t want to get Clover hurt but he also couldn’t risk her getting into trouble because she got lost trying to follow. Or worse, get hurt because a hunter cornered her.
“Let’s go get our son.”
Chapter Seventeen
Ash
Ash’s house buzzed with everyone weaving around getting ready to go. Clover had vanished into a bathroom a few moments ago. He wanted to give her some space, but he also wouldn’t leave her alone for too long. Tara nodded toward him and strolled over to the bathroom, knocking before slipping in.
“They’re just loading up, honey,” Tara said as the door closed. Ash focused on their conversation instead of listening to Raymand bark orders at Kirk and the twins outside. “Are you ready for this?”
“If I stay home, I’ll go freaking crazy.”
“I know, but you’ll probably have to kill a few more hunters.” Tara’s hesitation came through, Ash was glad Clover had a good friend who cared about her well-being.
“I had a feeling it would happen, but I’ve already done it once to protect Patrick. I doubt I’ll freeze up.” Clover’s retort had Ash’s wolf laughing.
“Oh, I have faith in your ass-kicking abilities, but I’m worried about the aftermath.”
Ash inched closer as they continued to talk. He didn’t want to split his focus on someone else right now.
“Well, I’ll have you and Ash to help me get through it, right?” Clover asked.
“You’re damn right I’ll be here for you. And I’ll be here when you get pregnant too.” Tara giggled and opened the door.
“But it won’t happen for a while,” Ash added from the hallway.
“And in a few hours, your curvy mate will go into heat, big boy.” Tara winked and Clover smirked at her friend. Yes, he sensed the subtle changes in her scent but he already had to be responsible for one pup. He didn’t think he could handle another in the house now.
“Condoms do a great job at protection,” Ash countered.
“Until they break because you’re such a strong werewolf.” Tara lifted her brow.
“All right, you two. Let’s get going.” Clover strolled to the living room. Ash followed to find Maple standing next to Raymand and the alpha didn’t look too happy.
“Good, we need another lady to break up this testosterone fest.” Maple winked at Clover.
“And you should be here with Cora,” the alpha hissed.
“Cora has her own job to do with Rayne. I’m not going to hover.” Maple clicked her tongue. Ash pulled his mate close and kissed her shoulder.
“You sure about this?” His fingers rubbed the lower part of her back.
“Yep.” She seemed irritated at the question but he wanted to give her every chance to stay home, where she wasn’t in danger.
“Load up before I chain my mate to a fucking chair.” Raymand clenched his fists as he motioned toward the door.
“Such dirty, talk alpha.” Maple smirked and Clover laughed. The alpha only accepted being challenged by Maple since she had such a strong will.
“I’ll chain your hands to the bed tonight. Keep it up and I’ll lock up your feet,” Raymand whispered into her ear and most of the guys rushed out the door. Clover followed Ash out and climbed into his truck.
“We’re taking two trucks?” Clover asked when a few others climbed into a black pick-up next to his.
“Yeah. We need more than a truck full of wolves.” He rubbed his hands together. The faster they loaded up, the quicker they found the pups. Every damn second mattered and he wanted to get Patrick back.
“Do you really think attacking this place will be the end of the hunters in town?” She adjusted her shirt before meeting his gaze.
“They’ll definitely think twice before attacking us to get our pups.” Ash winked and climbed into the driver seat. Clover slid into the middle and Zac sat on the other side. Once the alpha and his mate were in his truck they left, Ash following Raymand. I will bring Patrick home and end this hunter problem.
Tension built in his shoulders the longer they were all packed into his truck. Having a truck full of males was never a problem until a scent change filled his nose. He stiffened in his seat as his wolf threw images of pulling over and fucking Clover on the side of the road into his mind. His cock hardened to freaking steel creating a tent in his jeans. He barely managed to keep down the groan and hit the gas harder.
Clover let out a shaky breath. Heat rolled down his flesh like a waterfall.
“This could be bad.” Zac tapped his fingers against his legs and Clover glanced at him. They were still on the highway and he wanted to find the exit quickly.
“What do you mean?” Clover turned to Ash, his grip tightened on the steering wheel.
“You, my dear, are in heat,” Jaiden in the back piped in and she glanced back at Ash. His knuckles turned white but he had to keep going. They needed to save Patrick.
“This is really bad timing.” Clover nibbled on her lower lip. His wolf pushed ideas of kissing every inch of her body into his mind.
“You better fucking hope the adrenaline helps or you two will have to leave.” Zac scratched his head.
“How much longer till we get there?” She bounced in her seat for a few seconds.
“That’s our exit.” Ash pointed at the next road half a mile away and he thanked the stars they were almost there.
“I get why it’s called heat. My fucking skin feels like it’s on fire.” Clover rubbed her hands up and down her legs making it harder to focus.
“Another mile and we’ll be there.” Ash’s shoulders were tight, and he adjusted in his seat trying to relieve some tension. Oh, she smells freaking amazing! She closed her eyes and he tried to think of anything not sexy but nothing lasted past a few heartbeats. Every image he pulled up, his wolf turned into him taking her from behind or pounding her on the hood of the truck.
“Let’s hurry and get Patrick,” Ash growled, and her heavy breathing slowed to normal. He needed her to calm down so he didn’t do anything stupid. Her eyes snapped open as the truck lurched forward.
“Shit, they know we’re here!” Zac yelled and bounded out of the truck. Most of the wolves were out of the first truck already fighting with a few hunters. The shopping strip had been curved like a horse-shoe with most of the hunters coming from the left side. The trucks were parked at the only opening available.
“Do I need to take you home?” Ash rolled his shoulders and he met her heated gaze. His wolf wanted to take her back and fuck her senseless but Ash needed to help find the pups.
“I don’t know…” Clover started but a small cry sounded outside. She stilled in her seat and Ash wondered if she heard it too. “Patrick.” She turned toward the door and scrambled out of the truck. When he reached out to stop her, his fingers only grabbed air. Damn it, he needed to keep her safe just as much as the pups. He jumped out and rounded the front to find Clover with her eyes closed.
More hunters poured out of the stores on the left, attacking the pack with knives, while the whimper came from the right, only a few feet from where they parked the trucks. Yet the attacker made it seem like they were protecting the pups in the back curve of the stores.
She shifted without warning leaving her clothes on the ground. Clover bolted for the lone store to their right and he ran after her.
“Clover!” Ash called out from the parking lot, but she wouldn’t stop when she glanced back. A hunter with a long blade attacked blocking his path. Damn it.
Ash stayed in his human form even as his beast scratched to get out and fight. The blonde lurched forward with the silver knife in his hand but Ash avoided the sharp edge. He needed to hurry with this guy so he could help his mate find the pups.
A chinking sound rang out from the store where Clover had burst through a moment ago. He lost sigh
t of her which didn’t sit well with him. Ash dodged another attack to his neck but this time he countered with a punch right into the gut. The knife clattered to the ground and Ash took advantage by punching the hunter in the face this time.
“You’re going to pay for that.” He spat blood on the ground.
“I doubt it.” Ash opened up his palm and thrust it up this time, hitting him right in the nose, making all the cartilage move right into the brain. Blood poured from his mouth and nose as he stumbled and collapsed to the ground. Seconds later, the hunter’s heart stopped. Ash smirked and walked over the dead hunter.
Clover’s growl vibrated out of the store and Ash raced toward his mate.
“A little more,” Annmarie hissed low, but he didn’t know what she meant as he inched closer to the doors. He shoved the wood away to find Clover baring her teeth over a man. A silver mesh blanket rested in front of the pups and some of them were blowing on their hands.
“You shouldn’t have messed with her child,” Ash’s voice boomed through the room.
Chapter Eighteen
Clover
Clover inched back, giving Ash room. He grabbed the man by the scruff of the neck and yanked him to his feet. A few straggler hunters still fought but Raymand shifted back to his human body.
“Clover, get the kids and take them home in my truck.” Ash rolled his shoulders like he was having issues. Her wolf gave up control, letting her shift back.
“I need to get these stupid things off everyone. Oh, and shirt.” Clover gritted her teeth together as she pulled apart Patrick’s collar. Ash hit the hunter in the stomach and dropped him to his knees. He yanked off his shirt leaving him in a pair of dark jeans. Heat rolled down her body resting between her tights. Oh goodness, this is so the worst time to be in heat.
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