The Wolf's Prey

by Edugardo Gilbert X

  I look at him in disbelief, after getting in the truck myself. "Five? Are you sure?"

  "I'm sure." He chuckles.

  Lennox might be going a little overboard. Especially, considering the fact we discussed not having pups until I'm ready. He just wants to protect me because he loves me, I think smiling to myself. He might be an irritating brute with the subtleties of a jack hammer but at least he's honest. I don't ever have to fear him lying to me.

  "Didn't alpha tell you we were going to be guarding you?"

  "Yeah, but five is a little overboard if you ask me." I reply, making him laugh.

  "I've never known Lennox to half ass anything. He doesn't leave much to chance. He needs to protect you, so that's what he'll do."

  I smile in response, knowing what he's saying is true. We pull up to the school and as soon as the car stops the door is opened by one of the other guards and I smile my thanks. I pretend not to hear the whispers about yesterday's scene in the classroom and walk to my locker and then to my first class.

  I eat lunch with Liam and he gives me more snippets about Lennox. Liam knows so much about Lennox, things I seem to fail to notice. Like the fact that Lennox can't stand ranch dressing. I store that knowledge in the back of my mind and finish the rest of the boring school day. I have three days to finish all the assignments I've missed, which is a relief because I haven't started any of it.

  Liam drops me off in front of the house, I thank him and walk inside. For a house this size it's always so quiet. No echoes, nothing. It's not welcoming, it's lonely. I feel sorry for Lennox. How could I not? He has no idea what a family feels like. I want to give him that. I just want to give it to him when I'm ready.

  I walk to his office hearing the clicking of him typing quickly on his keyboard. I feel shivers when I hear his voice. I'll never get used to my response to him. I open the door seeing him hard at work. I shut the door not wanting to bother him and walk to the kitchen dropping my bag on the counter. I make a sandwich and take out a bottle of water. Sitting down at the kitchen counter bar stools I eat quickly and take out my homework. I get through a couple assignments when I hear someone come in. I look up to see Lennox's cook.

  "Hello." I say.

  "Hi, should I come back?" She asks timidly.

  "No. Please, don't mind me." I respond.

  She nods and starts taking things out of the refrigerator. I watch her for a few minutes. I notice I'm making her uncomfortable so I start on more of my work. I hear Lennox's fast footsteps minutes later. I watch him come into the kitchen looking tired.

  "Are you okay?" I ask, worriedly.

  "Just tired. I'm trying to catch up on work. How was school?"

  "Fine, Thanks."

  "I talked to Alpha Briggs." I look at him waiting to hear more. "He said the move went well and Marta is starting school tomorrow." I feel better knowing they're with a pack like Andrews. They're close to my real parents and I know Andrew has strong allies.

  "That's good. I hope she likes it there. When can I go visit?" I question.

  "This weekend if you want." He replies seriously.

  I pause. "Really? You’ll take me this weekend?" I ask, excitedly.

  He smiles. "Yes, really."

  I jump up and hug him. "Thank you."

  His arms come and me. "You don't have to thank me. I like doing things for you." He replies, breathing in my scent.

  Four days later

  Walking out of the school on Friday I feel lighter and carefree, even being followed by five men. I get to see Marta tomorrow! I wish we could go today and I'm sure I could talk Lennox into it. He has been working so hard all week, I don't want to ask him to take off early only to give me a few extra hours with Marta. I think we're coming to understand each other better. I need patience with him and he needs patience with me. Our verbal communication is getting better and I cherish the time we lay in bed talking before we fall asleep.

  I get into Liam's truck and we drive back to Lennox's. We pull up and Liam gets out with me. "You're coming in?" I ask, confused because he hasn't followed me in all week.

  "Yep, I have to get orders from Alpha." He replies as I open the door for us. Liam walks to Lennox's office as I drop my book bag by the door seeing two duffle bags at the base of the stairs. That's sweet, Lennox has us packed already.

  Walking into the kitchen I go to the refrigerator and take out a water. Hearing two set of footsteps I sit down on a stool waiting for them to join me. Lennox and Liam walk in the kitchen. Lennox looks a little agitated, I watch him come over to me.

  "Ready to go?" He asks calmly.

  "We're going today?"

  "I know how badly you want to get there." He smirks knowingly.

  I look at Liam, who was obviously in on the surprise. I narrow my eyes at him. "You knew and didn't tell me!"

  "It was a surprise." He replies chuckling.

  "There's only one slight problem." Lennox states.

  "What?" I ask.

  "I have to stay here." He answers.

  "Why?"

  "I have land permits to file and I have to meet with a safety inspector on Saturday. Liam is taking you to your father's and Andrew has agreed to let you visit Marta on his land, since your father is more comfortable with that." He explains.

  I nod. "Okay, great."

  "I'll see you in two days." He says, looking happy for me yet reluctant to let me go.

  "I'll be fine." I respond reassuringly.

  Alpha Lennox Hall

  I watch as Liam and Jocelyn leave. I hate that I won't see her for two days, just as we've been getting closer. I take out my cell phone and call Alpha Travis. He answers, "Lennox."

  "She's on her way now. I'm going out right now to try and locate Rachel's trail." I know she's been close, I picked up on her scent up in the mountains. She's not alone, Wendy’s with her. I don't want Jocelyn anywhere near here until I find them.

  "What are you planning on doing with them?" he asks seriously.

  "I'll send Rachel to you, but I'm killing Wendy." I answer. I feel bad for Travis, but if he lets Rachel go and if Jocelyn gets hurt I'll hold him responsible. "If Rachel comes close to even touching Jocelyn-"

  "I understand. I'll take care of Rachel." He interrupts.

  "Good."

  *******

  The Hunt

  Alpha Lennox Hall

  I walk inside the house completely pissed off. The scent marked by the trees lead me nowhere. They were here though.

  They're either close by or left the area all together. Both bitches wanting revenge. My only fear is that Jocelyn is their only target. They won't stand a chance against me, but they could potentially get to Jocelyn. That's why it's essential that I get them off my land.

  I call Liam as I walk to the kitchen. "Alpha." He answers.

  "The scent lead nowhere. I know they don't have time to make it to Jocelyn, but guard her well. She's who they're after."

  "Do you want me to update Alpha Griffin?"

  "Yes, ask him to send extra patrols when she crosses into Alpha Briggs territory to visit her sister. I'm going to run the perimeter and try to pick up another trail. How is Jocelyn?"

  "She's being pestered by her younger sister." He replies distracted.

  "Pestered?"

  "Something about Halloween costumes." He replies bewildered. "I probably heard her wrong."

  I smirk, thinking about that first outfit. "Don't let Jess put Jocelyn in anything too revealing." I order.

  "You want me to tell the spitfire, no?" He asks in disbelief.

  I can't help but chuckle. "Yes."

  "I happen to like my man meat attached to my body." He mutters.

  I take pity on him. "Just don't let her leave the house in whatever Jess makes her wear."

  "That I can do. I'll tell just tell Alpha Griffin on her." He replies seriously.

  I shake my head at his plan to avoid Jessica's wrath. "Call me if she needs me. I'm headed back out after dinner."

  "Y
ou got it." He replies and I end the call.

  I want to talk to Jocelyn, but I know it will make me want to be with her. It's been hours and my protective instincts are at an all-time high. I know she's safe, yet without being near her my wolf is going crazy.

  I microwave the meal that is left for me and eat quickly. Walking outside, I call four of my best tracking enforcers. I tell them we're searching for two female wolves that don't belong to our pack. That's all I need to tell them. They know where to go and what to do. A cross grid pattern between five of us and will cover all of the territory. I shift and start running, sniffing for any leads on the two women.

  I don't know the details about how Rachael and Wendy met, but it had to have been at whatever pack Wendy chose to go to. The big question is; how is it possible for her to have heard about what Rachel was planning? Wendy heard and approached Rachel, the two must have thought up a plan. At least that's what I'm assuming.

  Yet, I can't shake the feeling that someone else is involved and that someone is, Alpha Rhys. Alpha Rhys’ decision to quit his pursuit of Jocelyn doesn't add up. He claims he got another wolf pregnant and is starting a family with her. I don't see him being foolish enough to get trapped like that. How can I get someone into Alpha Rhys’ pack? I just want to check out his story. His father backing him up isn't solid evidence. Maybe a personal visit?

  As Alpha's we're naturally wanted. It's our scent and our power, its aphrodisiac to she wolves. Well to most she wolves, not Jocelyn though. When I first met her she was the exact opposite of what I was used to. She seemed to get to alpha Briggs as well and if course I know of this attachment. Knowing Andrew wants her infuriates me. It takes all my control not to demand a fight with him, but I know better than to burn bridges. I need his alliance along with Travis'. Having them as friends gives me more power and that's what I'll use on Rhys when I visit him tomorrow. He can't touch me, he'd start a war with two strong packs and my own.

  I wonder if Jocelyn is on her way to the border. Will her whole family be there? Kicking the Robinson's out of my pack, I knew they'd be forced into Andrews pack. It's the only pack that's still north that I'm associated with. If they moved anywhere else it would cut all ties from Jocelyn. I'm sure Mrs. Robinson wouldn't give up on her "daughter". The way she was crying when Robinson told Jocelyn the truth wasn't faked. Mrs. Robinson loves Jocelyn, daughter or not. Not that the Robinson's deserve Jocelyn's forgiveness or love, that won't stop a mother from sticking close.

  Keeping Jocelyn happy is my second priority, her safety is number one. I could have told her about Wendy and Rachel, but I didn't want to ruin her weekend. She doesn't need to worry about them. All week has been perfect, she's been happy and relaxed. I want our routine to stay the same, it'll allow her to settle in. Even without kids I can see us coming closer, becoming a family.

  I get to the point in the forest I left off at before going home to eat. I set to work going further and deeper into the woods, sniffing for clues.

  Jocelyn's POV

  "Jessica, I'm not trying anything else on."

  "But it's a party. You don't want to go in what you're wearing, do you?"

  "It's a get together and it’s to see my sister. Not a party."

  "Can I still come with you?" She asks, looking over at Liam. I smile.

  "Someone has a crush." I sing.

  "Do not." She counters. I tilt my head and my eyebrows shoot up. "Fine, he's hot."

  "He's also too old for you." I point out.

  She sticks her tongue out at me and I laugh. "I'm only a year younger then you."

  I shrug. "You're still too young."

  "Whatever. So, how are things with "big and sexy"?"

  I smile at her attempt to change the subject, but let her anyway. "Great. I'm still upset he kicked my other family off his land, but I'm working through it."

  "They lied. What else was he supposed to do?" She asks, confused.

  "They had to. They were ordered by their alpha and threatened." I reply defensively.

  "So, it took them seventeen years to move off the land and tell you about it? Sounds pretty bad."

  "Alpha Rhys wanted me. He wouldn't let us leave."

  "Then why lie to Lennox?"

  Puzzled, I shrug. "I think they were afraid to tell me. They were putting it off."

  "Well it bit them in the ass."

  I huff. "Thanks Jess. You're all heart." I say, sarcastically.

  "Sorry, I don't mean to be insensitive, but it sounds like they're hiding more than that."

  *********

  Sisterly Love

  "He should have. That way you can be aware of what's happening." Andrew says, slightly irritated.

  I look at Liam, angrily. "It was orders." He responds, holding up his hands. "He didn't want to ruin your weekend."

  Still angry that Lennox didn't share with me the dangers lurking in our own backyard, I put my arm around Marta's. "Well, we have some catching up to do. No boys allowed." I say, tugging Marta along with me and Jessica follows. I stop in the middle of the meadow and sit. "How's it been in Andrews pack?"

  "Andrew?" She asks, raising her eyebrow.

  "Alpha Briggs, whatever."

  "What's between you guys?" Marta asks, entertained.

  Jessica replies before I can. "He wants her."

  "First Alpha Rhys, then Alpha Hall and now Alpha Briggs? You lucky bitch." Marta says, shoving me playfully.

  "You say it like it's a good thing." I grumble.

  "Dad thinks it's your scent. Mom had it too, until she started having pups." Jessica shares.

  "My scent?"

  "Yeah, you're a rare white wolf. Just like mom, he thinks it's nature's way of making sure you reproduce." She replies, seriously.

  "That's so romantic. My scent is to assure I reproduce white wolves. I wonder if Lennox knows." I question, distracted by the idea.

  "No, dad didn't tell him. He thinks Lennox would make you have pups right away, like he did to mom." Jessica assures me. Maybe it's a good thing Lennox doesn't know, I think dad is right. Lennox might force me to have pups if he knew his mark doesn't matter to other wolves. That my scent still calls out to unmated males. I won't lie, I've noticed my scent hasn't changed like other mated she-wolves do. I know I'm always covered in Lennox accent, but our scents haven't intertwined like normal couples.

  "So, you're saying she still smells single? Because I smell Lennox all over her?" Marta waves her hand in front of her nose like I stink.

  I can't help but laugh. "Yeah, that's what I'm saying." Jessica says laughing with me.

  "Do you think Lennox would make you start having pups if he knew?" Marta questions.

  I hesitate. "It's hard to say, but-"

  "He totally would, Joce. You know it's true." Jessica interrupts.

  "How did I get so blessed to have two outspoken and bossy sisters?"

  "It's the luck of the draw." Marta and Jessica say at the same time, making us laugh.

  "I can't believe Lennox didn't tell me about Rachel." I state, ripping up the grass.

  "Who's Rachel?" Marta asks.

  "My half-sister."

  "She's gone mental. She wants to hurt Jocelyn and our mom and dad." Jessica explains, fiddling with her hair. "She's always been such a bitch. It's not surprising that she's crazy."

  "Why does she want to hurt you and your parent's?"

  "Her mother died when she was young. Our dad met our mom and mated with her a year after she died. Rachel hasn't gotten over it. She thinks our dad rushed in to the relationship. Then after I was taken," I clear my throat. "They were so preoccupied and sad they didn't pay much attention to her. She holds that against them and me."

  "Like it was your fault Alpha Rhys took you. The bitch must be crazy." Marta huffs.

  "This is too weird." Jessica complains, looking round us. I realize what she means, we have five guys surrounding us. It is weird. “Why don't you come back with us and spend the night? We'll have a girl's night in?"

&
nbsp; "Jessica, you should ask dad first." I say, trying to remind her of the tension bringing home Marta might bring.

  "Okay, I'll call him." She states, unconcerned.

  She gets up and walks towards one of the guards. I assume to ask for a phone. "Are you happy?" Marta asks.

  I look back at her. "I think so. It was hard to forgive him when he kicked you guys out, but we're working through it. Are you happy here?"

  "I'm making friends. It's just not the same without you."

  I cover her hand with mine. "I know exactly what you mean."

  ***********

  Jessica !

  Jessica come's skipping back to us. "Dads fine with it." For some reason I don't think he's totally fine with it. More like Jessica told him he was fine with it and he agreed to let her have her way.

  "Are you headed back?" Andrew asks, as a rather large man with the darkest eyes I've ever seen steps closer to us. He's focused on Marta for some reason and he doesn't look too happy. I wouldn't want to deal with him. He's as big as Lennox and looks just as hard.

  Mesmerized by his eyes for a split second, I snap out of it and answer Andrew, "Yeah, Marta is sleeping over with us."

  "I'll follow you back. I have a few things to discuss with your father." I nod and look around for the Robinsons, but they’re not here.

  The three of us head to the woods to shift and I whisper to Marta, "Who was that guy?"

  "Beta Dante Hightower. A delicious caramel treat isn't he?"

  I giggle at her description. "He's definitely memorable." I reply, looking back at the handsome man.

  She tucks her hair behind her ear. "He asked me out."

  "Really?" I ask, shocked she didn't tell me already.

  "Yeah, we're going for dinner tomorrow."

  "So, that's why he was staring at you. By the looks of it he doesn't want you to leave."

  "Well, he can get over it. I want to spend time with my sister." She responds, as we go a little further into the trees.

  "Do you like him, like him?" I question.

  "He's a tad bossy and sometimes a little too controlling, but those eyes and those abs." She says, pretending to swoon making Jessica and I erupt in laughter.