Alpha Shifter Protectors: Paranormal Romance Collection

by Keri Hudson

  “Ursines?”

  “Bear-like,” Paul answered, “our mortal enemies.”

  Lisa looked around with new fear. “Wait, there are… werebears here?”

  Paul couldn’t help his little chuckle, which he hoped was reassuring. “Not here, not on the island. We have enough to worry about.”

  “Yeah, like that damn octopus! You fight those things all the time? How did you all survive here for so long?”

  “We’re strong, as you’ve seen. But no, I’ve never seen an octopus like that, so big and so close to shore. It must have been attracted to the area.”

  “By me?”

  “By me,” Paul corrected her. “We… shifters, I mean, we… we’re a threat to other alphas, or they feel that we are. That’s why the orcas are such a threat to us. Normalo alphas are fearful of us, protective against us, and… well… I suppose that octopus was acting under the same natural dictum, to destroy us when they can. You might have gotten in the way.”

  Lisa was clearly trying to understand, her head tilting as she considered. “Why do they hate you?”

  “There’s a… there’s a growing tension, I don’t know how to explain it, something in the wind. My father told us all about the tension between the lupes and the ursines, that things were coming to a great war between the two factions. If that happens and the ursines win, they will overthrow the human race, kill those who threaten them and enslave the rest. They’re big, Lisa, and strong, that’s what my father says. They can’t be allowed to win the war, when it happens.”

  But Lisa was still confused, and Paul could hardly blame her. So Paul went on, “The alphas of the major species are fearful, that’s what my father said. They know the war is coming, they know what will happen. But they’re apparently not smart enough to know that some of us are on their side. We want to preserve the natural order of things. That’s… that’s why we’re here, tell you the truth. That’s what makes being here on this island so… so frustrating. The world needs us, I’m sure of it.”

  Lisa nodded, turning to consider. “And the orcas?”

  “Same thing. That’s why they didn’t hurt you, but… they’d take any of us down into the drink if they could. They know there’s a war coming… they know…”

  Lisa looked around. “So… this war, does that mean the world is gonna end, or—”

  “No, I… I don’t know, to be honest. My father’s been telling us about it, but it’s been twenty-five years… how are things out there?”

  Lisa shrugged, shaking her head. “I dunno. I thought things were okay, I mean… politics and all, things are weird, but there are no bears or wolves fighting in the streets, if that’s what you mean.”

  Paul could only answer, “I’m not sure what I mean.”

  Lisa was clearly unsure too, and both were drawn together by that uncertainty. “I guess nothing is certain these days.” Paul wrapped an arm around Lisa to pull her close. Her presence was a source of strength, of true and natural power that even Paul had never known. The only questions were how to protect her, how to please her, how to love her to the utmost. But he was more than anxious to find out.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Paul and Lisa scoured the hideaway for rocks for a new firepit. He’d never needed one there before, but with an uncertain future and a comely new guest, one was definitely necessary. There were several big specimens and lots of smaller ones, but it wasn’t long before Paul and Lisa had to venture out of the rocky walls to gather up the necessary rocks and then the wood to fuel the fire the rocks would contain.

  Sparking the fire wasn’t a problem for Paul, as he’d been doing it almost all his life. Dry, dead leaves would catch the spark generated between two rocks, and a few blows would help the embers carry over the dried leaves and catch a flame. Lisa seemed amazed by the fairly simple task, as she seemed to be overwhelmed by so much. Paul couldn’t blame her, of course; it was amazing that she was even alive, that she was unhurt, that she was there on that island at all. Paul was amazed himself, as much as he tried to hide it.

  He cleaned the few fish they’d caught and skewered them on branches over the fire, skin crisping and flakey meat cooking up tender and delicious. The clam cooked in its own shell, the crab’s red shell blackening as it cooked.

  They ate with relish, Lisa rolling her eyes back as she sampled the fruits of the sea. “My god,” she said, shaking her head and rolling her eyes. “So good, so… so real tasting, y’know?” Paul really didn’t know what she meant, and she seemed to read it in his face. “Back home, a lot of food is, how do I explain it? It’s… it’s fake, a lot of chemicals.” That didn’t resonate much with Paul, but he was happy enough just to go on talking to her, hearing her speak, looking at her.

  “I guess there are upsides to being here,” Paul said.

  “You can say that again,” Lisa said. “If you hadn’t been here, I… I don’t know what I would have done.”

  “You’d have been all right, you’re quite resourceful, strong; maybe more than you realize.”

  Lisa smiled as if she wanted to believe him but didn’t, but he knew she was grateful for his support. She would always have it, and Paul wanted her to know that without saying it, which he could not bring himself to do.

  “What about… your family? I mean, if it takes a week or more for my father to find me, do we just… hide out here?”

  Paul nodded, knowing she had a good point. “It’s a small island.”

  “And they are your family, like you said.”

  Paul gave it some thought, reviewing the facts and the possibilities. “Your arrival here was… it was shocking, for all of us. But now, it’s been a few days, maybe they’re ready to come around.”

  Lisa let a moment pass before she said, “I… I hate the idea that I’ve ruined your family, Paul. I mean, everything’s fine and then I show up and mess things up? That doesn’t feel right.”

  “Yeah, you’re right.” Running through the options, Paul said, “Maybe I should go over to the compound, feel them out.”

  Lisa nodded. “Should I go with you?”

  It was a good question, one that had flashed in the back of his mind just seconds before. “I… I dunno, it might… excite things, y’know? Maybe I should go alone. But I won’t be long. The pigs don’t come here, I’ve marked it and they’re still afraid of me.”

  “Pigs? Paul, I’m… I’m afraid.”

  Paul touched her cheek. “It’s us they hate, just like the orcas; they kept you alive, I’m guessing. I won’t be more than a half hour or so. Sit tight, don’t worry.” Paul gave her a light kiss on the forehead and headed back to the Landry compound.

  He walked through the forested part of the island, nervous about facing his family. They could have changed their minds over the few days Lisa had been on the island, or they could have become more antagonized. James Landry was a practical man, and he was a man given to committing to his conclusions and decisions. Once he decided something, the rest of the family would abide and he would not change his mind. It was a quirk of his character that Paul had long come to accept, but it would never be more crucial to him then at that point.

  Paul stepped into the clearing at the center of the Landry compound. Ruth was the first person he saw, and she broke into a wide, healthy smile to see him. She ran up and threw her arms around him, pulling him to her tightly.

  “Paul, so glad you’re back, but…” She looked around. “Where’s your friend, where’s Lisa?”

  “She’s… she’s safe for now.”

  “In that place where you like to go?”

  “You know about that?”

  “It’s a small island, Paul. We all know every inch of it as well as you do.”

  Paul shrugged as Peter and James approached. James said, “There he is, the prodigal son returned!”

  Paul extended his hand and his father took it, a good sign of reconciliation. He shook Peter’s hand too.

  His father asked, “Where’s the girl?”
>
  “She’s nearby,” Paul said. “Where’s Matthew?”

  “Fishing,” James said. “You’ve reconsidered?”

  “Actually, I was hoping you had, Father. I know your will, but… we’re in love, Lisa and I. She’d be miserable with either of the other two… no offense, Peter.”

  “None taken.”

  Paul turned to his sister. “Ruth, surely you understand.”

  “I do, Paul, I do. And whatever you want, that’s what I want for you.”

  “Ruth doesn’t make the decisions around here!” James bellowed. “I do.”

  “No, Father,” Paul said, “not anymore, not about this. You don’t have that right.”

  James looked Paul up and down, his eyes flaring with anger. “I knew this was going to happen.”

  “And it did,” Paul said, “but that’s just the way it is. I love you, Father, and I respect you. But I will fight you to the death over her if I have to.”

  “You… you don’t know what you’re saying, boy.”

  “I do, Father, I do. Think about it—her father’s rescue forces will be here soon, we’ll all be delivered from this cursed place—”

  “That’s never going to happen and you know it.”

  “I don’t know it, Peter. Nobody came looking for us, but the man’s got money, resources—”

  “Don’t be a fool, Paul.”

  “Don’t be an ass, Peter.”

  “Please stop this fighting,” Ruth said. “We’re family, for heaven’s sake! Father, Peter, if the girl likes Paul then we should all respect that, respect them.”

  “That’s easy enough for you to say,” James said, and Ruth clearly knew what he meant just as Paul certainly did. James seemed to think it through, sighing and shaking his head. “I… I don’t object, and I don’t insist on having the woman for myself.”

  “No?”

  “No, Paul, I… I’m your father! And I’m a shifter! Don’t you think I want to see our line go on? Of course I do.”

  “And it will, Father, we’ll give you plenty of shifter grandchildren, I promise you!”

  James looked at Peter, who shrugged before both turned their mutual attention back to Paul. James said, “As I said, I don’t object.”

  “Peter?”

  Peter shrugged. “I already told you I’m supportive, Paul. She’s a… she’s lovely, really, you’re a lucky man. Congratulations.” He offered a smile Paul felt was sincere. And it only made sense. There was no winning a war between the family members and barely enough room on that island for them to live apart and in seclusion. They were a family and they had to remain a family if they were to survive.

  Peter turned to James. “What about Matthew?”

  Paul asked, “What about him?”

  James explained, “He’s pretty riled up about it. She… the issue has brought up all kinds of things in Matthew, resentments and grudges and the like.”

  “He resents me?”

  “He feels like an outsider,” Peter explained, “always has. And being here, on this island, it’s… it’s gotten to him, I think.”

  “Then let’s sit him down and explain to him that she could lead to our rescue. If he’d just relax about it, she might wind up getting us all back to society.”

  “He… he’s not being very reasonable,” Ruth said. “I’m a little worried about him, tell you the truth.”

  Paul gave it some thought, a hot nausea curling in his gut. He knew his cousin was quick-tempered and impulsive, strong, and a lupine shifter, which made him inherently dangerous. If he’d been harboring resentment against Paul before Lisa arrived, that would only be made more complicated.

  Paul said, “Maybe I should just stay away, then, keep Lisa away from him, not make things more complicated.” His family shared a worried glance, and Paul went on, “We should be lighting signal fires on the south beach, every night now.”

  James and Peter nodded. Ruth asked Paul, “You’re okay, eating?”

  “We’re fine,” Paul said. “Tell you the truth, we’re enjoying a little privacy.”

  James and Peter exchanged a knowing look before James said, “We’d like to have you back, but if you want to stay where you are for now, that’s fine too, son. We’ll see to the signal fires, you look after your little friend.”

  Paul shook their hands again and made his way back to the hideaway. He felt good, hopeful that everything would work out. The only lingering problem was Matthew, who’d always been a source of contention within the family. But he’d come around, Paul felt certain. With James backing him, Paul had reason to be confident. Matthew may have been a hothead, but he still knew enough to abide by James’ rule. Paul’s challenge had been the first of his life, and he wouldn’t have done it for anything short of true love. Matthew couldn’t possibly be harboring the same true feelings, and James would know that. Matthew would have to get over it, but staying out of his way was probably the best choice, Paul felt more and more as he approached his hideaway.

  And he was increasingly optimistic that her father’s rescue forces might actually arrive. Why not, he thought, if we’re burning the signal fires, if he’s spending more money and resources in the search?

  Paul couldn’t help but imagine what life would be like. He’d be with Lisa, marry her and raise a family; that much he knew. But apparently he’d also wind up quite wealthy, able to enjoy the most sumptuous luxuries his father had described. Shiny buildings, airplanes, all the finest things in life would be at his feet. His life had been primitive, challenging, simple; but it seemed as if that was all going to change. He’d be welcomed into society and not be one of the many downcast poor souls his father had told them about to raise their castaway spirits.

  So many of the people in society suffered for their place there; no money, no work, nowhere to live. Crime seemed rampant, though as a shifter, Paul had little fear of that. But he’d have to look out for Lisa and their children, and all at once the seclusion and relative safety of the island seemed fortunate, almost pleasant. Instead of being his prison, the island suggested itself as a paradise.

  But the island had dangers too, the pigs and the orcas and now the octopi, which were likely to come in increasing numbers and perhaps even greater sizes. He’d forgotten to mention that to his family and made a note to caution them the next time he saw them.

  Matthew, he thought, if he’s fishing on the south beach, he could be attacked by another of those monsters! True, he’s a complete pain in the ass and he could be dangerous, but he’s still my cousin, my family.

  So Paul diverted his route to pass the hideaway and headed toward the south beach. It was the best spot for fishing on the island, and therefore the most dangerous. It clung to the back of Paul’s conscience that he went fishing alone. Members of the Landry family generally left the compound in pairs.

  But with Paul out of their company, they were one man down. So a lone fishing expedition wasn’t out of the question. Paul wasn’t looking forward to seeing Matthew. He was going to Matthew with a caution, a warning, but he knew he’d be met with anger and accusation, perhaps even a fight. Members of the Landry family had never come to blows, and as Paul gave it some thought, he couldn’t be sure how such a clash would end. Matthew was older, bigger, and strengthened by his pent-up anger and resentment. Paul had his love for Lisa and a need to protect her, which would give him a fighting strength he’d never had before, but he didn’t want to use it. And his mind reeled to think about what might happen if he did.

  A fight could end three ways: Matthew’s death, Paul’s, or a kind of injured stalemate. To think of having to battle his own family sent a shiver up Paul’s spine. He loved his family, he even loved his cousin. And a fight among lupine shifters could be a bloodbath. There was also the question of who, if anyone, would survive. Lisa was the catalytic ingredient, and she would not be part of any lupine battle. Instead, she would go to the winner, and that could just as easily be Matthew.

  That was something Paul could not
allow. But were he to die in a contest against his cousin, James would almost certainly grant Matthew his victory and his prize, unless he made off with her and began a terrible war with the rest of the family. There was no reasonable or positive conclusion coming to Paul’s imagination. But he would not let his cousin be killed by one of those boneless monsters if he could help it.

  Might even help things, he thought, bring us a little closer, give us a chance to talk about things, come to terms. Who knows?

  Paul stepped out of the forest to the south beach. The orcas were patrolling, but there wasn’t any sign of another octopus or any pigs. The beach was quiet, but that brought Paul little solace.

  Am I too late? Did the orcas get him, or another big octopus? Paul looked around; no blood on the sand, but that told Paul little. Neither an orca nor an octopus would leave a trace, which left Paul with no answers at all.

  His only option was to go back to Lisa at the hideaway. It was possible that he’d missed his cousin on his way back to the compound, so Paul urged himself not to worry. Lisa would calm him, she would soothe him, comfort him. Just knowing she was there waiting gave Paul a feeling of security and satisfaction that he’d never known before and knew he never wanted to live without.

  It was love, Paul had no doubt. He and Lisa had to be destined to be together. She’d been delivered by the orcas for reasons of their own, Paul still felt certain, but it also seemed that greater forces were at play.

  Could it be… the island itself? It seems to have a living pulse, some strange sentience. Is it ensuring our future so we can go on being here? Did the island call us here in the same way? But… why? What does it want of us?

  Paul tried not to think about it. His father had always dissuaded Paul’s ideas about the island, and he had to agree it was likely just a flight of his imagination. It really was just a rock out in the water, but it was their rock, their home. Paul knew then that if they had to remain there, at least he would be happy by Lisa’s side.

  But Matthew could still be a problem. Paul was worried on the one hand that he could have been taken, by an orca or octopus. But there were other possibilities too, ones Paul didn’t even want to consider.