Kade

by Dana Archer

  With a death glare locked on Jarah, I respond to Daegan. “And your father wants to correct Dr. Fairchild’s mistake. Is that what you’re telling me? Jarah wants to kill Zoe.”

  “I have no intention of killing your true mate, alpha of the Alexander pride.” Jarah leans closer, until our noses touch and breaths mix. “I want to cultivate what Jeremiah carelessly buried.”

  “What did Jeremiah do to Zoe?”

  “He contained the threat she poses, but the door’s been cracked.” Jarah lowers his voice. “And as I see it, there’re only two outcomes for her. She’ll succumb to it or rise above it.”

  “What is it?” I spit the word. Games have no place here when we’re talking about my true mate.

  “Don’t you know?” Jarah’s condescending chuckle baits me to lash out. “Or haven’t you figured out yet what your goddess chose for the mighty Alexander alpha’s other half?”

  “This posturing is a waste of time. Jarah means Zoe no harm. Nor is there anything sexual about his interest.” His muscles bulging and his voice strained, Daegan separates Jarah and me, pushing our bodies back, then holding us from getting in each other’s faces again. “Jarah’s intrigued by your female. What she’s been through. How she’s survived. The potential she has. Nothing more. He’ll mentor her. That’s it. Take his offer or leave it.”

  “No.” Power trickles into the word, bleeding from my tight grip on my primal side. I flick Daegan’s hand off me, then stand there, letting my anger warm the air around me. “Jarah will have no part in Zoe’s future. She’s my true mate. I will be the only one to save her.”

  “Zoe doesn’t need saving. You do, Kade Alexander. Zoe gets unlimited chances at a new life. This is the only one you have.” Jarah turns his back on me, then walks to the door. “My offer stands. You have my number. Call me when you’re ready to take me up on it.”

  With that, both assassins leave as soundlessly as they entered. I stand there a moment longer, then send Zach a text telling him to stop watching Zoe and to let his twin, Evan, know I will no longer need his services either. It’s time to take a different approach where Zoe’s concerned.

  If I’m wrong…

  I pull the pet tag Zoe gave me months ago from the top drawer of my desk and stare at the inscription: Property of Zoe Conway. She hadn’t been able to keep a straight face when she gave it to me, then, after I threw it across the room, complained about how I had to wear it because she wanted to make sure she didn’t lose her pretty kitty.

  The metal bites into my skin. I ease my fist, then slip the chain over my head and tuck the pet tag into my shirt. Nothing magical happens. The cheap trinket rests against my chest, hidden behind the white cotton. Nobody would even know I’m wearing it unless I strip.

  With my hands clasped behind me, I move to the window. The small hatchback Jarah drove the other night turns onto the private road weaving through the woods. If I wanted, I could turn on the monitors lining the other walls and confirm the car leaves my pride’s lands. The cameras positioned throughout my property take the place of the many guards larger shifter families usually station around their territory.

  The Alexander pride doesn’t have that luxury. Our numbers are limited. We rely on our friends and neighbors to be our buffer from the human world. Without them, we’d be an easy target.

  For Zoe, for my remaining pride mates, for all those relying on the Alexander pride, I can’t fail. There’s only one way to prevent that.

  I pull out my phone and dial. Before Asa Yuran can speak, I deliver the invite that’ll either secure my holdings or my downfall. “The next alpha council meeting will be held on Alexander pride grounds on the night of the next full moon.”

  “The night of the full moon?”

  There’s surprise in Asa’s voice. Good, let the male ponder my choice. Ankles crossed, I lean against the window edge and turn my attention to the shelves of pictures and books behind my desk. A copy of the first Alexander’s guiding laws faces outward as the prominent focal point, while my brothers’ images surround it. Each male is the epitome of power and a reflection of the firstborn son of a goddess who lives on within me.

  Smirking, I nod even though Asa can’t see me. “If you can’t attend…for whatever reason…I’ll understand.”

  A long moment passes with only Asa’s breathing filling the line. Finally, the sound of a jaw cracking breaks the tense moment. “No, I wouldn’t think of missing it. We haven’t had a face-to-face meeting in decades. Undoubtedly, this one will be…interesting. Don’t you agree?”

  “Oh, yes. Interesting, indeed.” And it’ll either damn me or solve all my problems in one sweep.

  Fourteen

  Zoe

  A slow survey of the parking lot doesn’t reveal any powerfully built men trying to look nonchalant as they watch over my apartment. There’s no movement in the woods behind my place. The cars in the Black Widow’s parking lot are empty. And everyone who’s pulled up in the last thirty minutes have gone right into the bar without so much as glancing to see if the ’Cuda’s here.

  The only man who might’ve remotely been watching me can’t actually see me. The man with his seeing eye dog who stood near the kitchen door talking to the human cook while his German shepherd ate a plate of steak cut into bite-sized pieces was certainly built like a shifter. The obvious way the dog led him to the patch of grass in front of the wooded area alongside the parking lot made it clear he was truly blind. Or that he’s a good actor.

  Either way, he made his way inside after his dog did its business. Nobody else took his place.

  Arms crossed, I stare at where Zach had been positioned when I rolled in late last night. The receiving door is now shut. So is the employee entrance on the side of the building. Without any windows in the back of the bar, those are the only spots where my guard could be lurking and watching me. There’s only one conclusion to be had.

  I’m no longer being treated as a prisoner or a flight risk.

  Easing my firm grip, I rub at the white marks on my upper arms and make my way from my apartment across the parking lot to the kitchen. The door opens before I get there, and one of the human waiters steps out with a can of chew. He pinches a wad of tobacco, then glances my way with the damp glob between his fingers.

  Recognition dawns, and memories of passing bottles of booze I never took a sip from and endless nights of laughter and fun return in a rush.

  Jerry grins, showing off teeth defined by the black stains of the habit he took up back in seventh grade. “Hey, Zo. Heard you were back home, and I was going to look you up to see if you wanted to hang out. You know, put the past behind us and move on and all that, but I figured you’d be gone before I caught up to you.” He shrugs. “So I didn’t bother trying. Guess I should’ve.”

  Because that’s my MO. I skirt into town, then hightail it out of here once my nightmares catch up to me. Everyone knows that. Even Kade. That’s why he stuck his brother on me as a guard.

  I glance over my shoulder. Still no indication I have a tail. Maybe Kade found someone I can’t pick out of my surroundings. Or he’s decided not to bother. Wouldn’t surprise me after the way I treated him last night.

  Guys like Kade don’t get all mushy after sex. They avoid any hint of emotion, but Kade didn’t act like I expected. He got all delusional with his true mate nonsense talk. Then again, I did blow his brains out. Maybe he didn’t heal quite right.

  “Yeah.” I run my fingers through my hair, pushing the strands back, and study one of BJ’s—and Vince’s—good friends. Actually, Jerry was in my circle of friends too, but our casual friendship only lasted as long as the night I accused Vince of murder. “I do have that reputation, don’t I?”

  “And I got the reputation of being an asshole after treating you the way I did. Who was I to be calling you crazy for what you imagined happened that night? You were hurt, delusional. Vince told me some of the crazy stuff you said. How he was trying to help you. I know you don’t remember that, but I
believe him. He said it wasn’t cool to blame you for what happened to him either. He made mistakes. He paid for them. It’s time to move on. I want to do that. Move on, you know. Maybe even be friends again.” Jerry tips his head toward the bar. “Even Josh has called a truce with me. Gave me this job when I needed it too.”

  Everything within me demands I argue. Vince didn’t try to help me. I would’ve remembered. At least I hope I would’ve remembered. Honestly, I don’t know if I can trust my mind anymore. I didn’t even remember Vince was a shifter until I came back home this last time. Then there’s her. She’s not normal, and neither am I for carrying on conversations with her.

  I rub at the bridge of my nose and the pressure building between my eyes. “You’ve been talking with Vince.”

  “Yeah. He’s been out to hang with me and our old buddies and my new ones. He fits right in, just like he wasn’t in the slammer for all those years. He might even join us hunting and stuff.”

  “Hunting?”

  Jerry laughs. “Yeah. I got into the hobby right after…right after I lost half my friend group. I needed something to do, especially since a couple of my other buddies died of overdoses. I was bored and stuff. Hunting’s fun. Powerful, you know? I feel more like a god when I’m looking through the barrel than I ever did on any of the drugs I used to take.”

  “You never did get messed up in the stuff Vince used to give out, though.”

  “Neither did you.”

  “Vince never offered me any.”

  “Me either. Said he was doing me a favor. He likes me, you know.” Jerry holds up a hand. “As a friend. Not anything weird. Just friends.”

  But Vince had no problem getting BJ hooked. I still can’t help but wonder if revenge drove Vince. BJ didn’t start taking drugs until after I got pregnant. I let the thought fade. It doesn’t matter now. Vince is nothing to me, and BJ’s dead.

  “I guess he was doing me a favor too.”

  “Probably was. He really liked you. Was super protective of you too.”

  “Protective of me?”

  “Yep. Not like a sister or anything. Not like a girlfriend either. Just didn’t like anyone messing with you and warned us all you were off-limits. He always said you might be the one, but the timing wasn’t right. He was immature. At least by his standards. Not by ours. We all thought he had his life together. Then you went and got together with BJ, and Vince went ballistic.”

  I don’t know what to say. Vince was a friend…until he wasn’t. “Look, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you around.”

  “You’re not taking off again?”

  I scan the parking lot. Still no shifters lurking in the shadows. I can leave anytime I want. Kade’s not going to stop me. Josh isn’t going to make me feel guilty either. I’m free. Besides, after last night’s fiasco with Kade, it’s best I leave sooner rather than later. I can’t bring myself to say that, however. Or leave without seeing Kade again and making sure he’s good. That I didn’t hurt him too bad with my callous words. “Not yet.”

  “Staying until your brother’s wife has her kids, huh?”

  Something about Jerry’s tone stills my body, putting me on alert, but I can’t guess why. “Mira’s due soon.”

  “Yeah.” Fitting the wad of tobacco in his mouth, Jerry recaps the can and slips it into his pocket. “Can’t believe she hasn’t dropped them yet. To be honest, I find it hard to believe she’s even getting around the way she does. She’s huge. No offense and all. It’s just that…”

  “It’s just what?”

  Jerry shrugs. “Nothing, really.”

  “It’s got to be something. Tell me. I don’t know Mira well at all.”

  “I don’t want to say anything bad about your family.” Jerry flicks his gaze to me. “I mean I don’t have anything bad to say about Mira. She’s perfect. Sweet, beautiful, caring…all the things any guy would want.”

  “Then what’s bugging you about her?”

  “It’s not her. Like I said, Mira’s pretty awesome. She smiles at you, and you can’t help but smile back.”

  “Then…”

  “Josh’s changed a lot since they got together. I mean a lot, Zo. Have you noticed it since you’ve been back?”

  “Noticed what?”

  “He’s stronger. I mean crazy strong. Never breaks a sweat either. Then there’s his knack of sneaking up on people or listening in on them. I swear he moves like a cat now or something. I don’t hear him sometimes until he’s standing right behind me. He’s made me jump clear out of my skin a few times. I swear if he keeps it up, I’m going to piss myself.”

  Forcing a laugh, I grin. “That’d be funny.”

  “Yeah.” Jerry pushes back his hair. “Guess so. It’s just weird is all. How different he is since he got married. I’m not the only one who’s noticed either. Lots of people have. You start to pick up stuff once you start watching for it, you know? Odd things. Like that kid of his. Well, both of them. Not that their weirdness is their fault. Both seem autistic or on the spectrum or something. ’Specially the girly one. She’s always talking to herself, and her sister’s got major anger issues.”

  With a slow swipe, I wet my lips while my heart races and my crazy side pushes to the surface until I’d swear we were one, sharing the same skin. “You mean my adopted nieces? Megan and Molly?”

  Heat flushes Jerry’s cheeks and his eyes widen. “Look, I don’t mean anything bad by it. Lots of kids are messed up these days. Heck, I had my own issues as a kid, and I know what it feels like when you’re the odd one out. That’s all I’m saying. Hope he’s getting them counseling or medication or whatever too. They’re pretty girls. I hate to see them be so creepy and alienate the other kids once they get to school.”

  “Men like him make pretty girls bleed. Then die. He should die first. We can make it happen. We can make him bleed. Just let me out and we’ll bathe in his blood.”

  The violent notion slithers through my mind, leaving a temptation behind. My hand is at the base of my spine before I acknowledge reaching for the gun that’s usually stashed there. Not today. With all the shifters inside the Black Widow, I don’t need to rely on the weapon for protection. I also don’t need to be listening to the crazy voices in my head.

  I hook my thumbs into the front pockets of my jeans and plaster a pacifying smile on my face. “I’ll talk to Josh about them. Those poor kids have been through a lot. I know Josh wants to do right by them.”

  “Good, and I’m glad I didn’t anger you too much with all the stuff I said. I didn’t mean any of it in a bad way. I owe Josh a lot. I told you that. I mean it. He’s a good guy.”

  “He sure is.”

  “Anyway, got to go. I’m only out on break. Later, Zo.” Jerry heads to a beater car with duct tape holding up its bumper. I follow his retreat with my gaze until he pulls out a pack of cigarettes from the glove compartment, then open the kitchen door and slip inside.

  The heavenly scent of fried foods and pizza greets me and pushes back the sick urges hovering in my mind. Deep breaths ground me in reality. I press a hand against the wall and take stock of the new-and-improved Black Widow’s back rooms. No shifter guards lurk here either. Only the cooks who’ve worked at the bar for years move around the stoves and counters. I tip my head in greeting, garnering a huge smile and reassuring me the time I spent away didn’t kill the friendships I had before I left. I only need to give them a chance to flourish again. Too bad I won’t have time. The open road is calling my name. I’ll embrace it after I talk to Josh and…after I check on Kade.

  The door leading to the main bar area opens, blasting the kitchen with the sounds of laughter and music. The waitress drops off a tray of dirty dishes and snatches another one loaded with greasy bar food without so much as glancing my way. I follow her out, hesitating for a moment at the archway as the hair along the back of my neck rises.

  A quick survey of the bar quells the uneasiness. A few shifters I’ve seen around and know to be part of the Winchester pack mingl
e with the crowd of humans. The scary bouncer who always reminded me of a killer lurks in the shadows, keeping an eye on the crowd. Ilan doesn’t look my way, though. Nobody does except for the man at the bar who wouldn’t be in here if my brother was working.

  Vince zeroes in on me the same way a predator tunes in to its prey’s scent. He doesn’t smirk. Doesn’t leer at me. Doesn’t so much as alter his expression. He holds my gaze, challenging me. To run or go over? I’m not sure. Finally, he kicks out the stool next to him and jerks his head toward it, then turns to the man sitting next to him—the same man I bought the bottle of fox piss from days ago. A similar plaid shirt as he had on then stretches over his wide shoulders. He glances back at me, gives me a small nod, then slips off his stool and heads in the opposite direction, leaving Vince’s full attention focused on me.

  If I alerted Ilan, he’d haul Vince out of here on my request, no questions asked. I’m positive any of the shifters who’ve been introduced to me as friends of the Alexander pride would do the same. Heck, I could even call the hearing examiner and tell him Vince is stalking me or harassing me, but Vince hasn’t done anything to deserve those options. Yet.

  Without taking my attention off Vince, I step into the alcove between the kitchen and the main barroom, where booster seats and kid chairs await the occasional family stopping by for dinner.

  A hand slaps over my mouth with a smart sting that radiates through my head. My body is spun, and my back connects with a hard, living wall.

  “Pathetic.” Amusement adds a condescending quality to the demoralizing word. “Had I been someone else, you’d be dead now.”

  “Jarah?” I mumble.

  The man at my back makes a confirmatory sound anyway, despite my hampered voice. He moves his hand to my shoulder, holding me in place. “Why haven’t you called me?”

  “I didn’t know it was a requirement. If so, you can have your money back.”