by Jana Leigh
Several guards appeared and checked around the building and street slowly.
Thankfully, they were too stupid to look up. Levi could see Cloe and Teagan on the roof of the building closest to the warehouse. They were crouched down low but there was no mistaking the pair. Levi looked up some more and saw that they had the building surrounded from the roof.
Good, at least they would get Ruby out. He would bring Reggie back to her. Movement at the front of the warehouse drew his attention. How arrogant were they? He thought as he saw three men lead Reggie to a waiting car.
Chapter 9
Reggie finished his conversation with Casey and shut down his link. He watched the men in the room start to look at Ruby with a little too much interest. He knew the Rogues were not looking at her just to be nice. They were trying to decide who got to go first when Reggie left the room. Damn it. It was the one flaw in his plan. He did not want to cause her a minute of suffering. She had been through enough. But leaving her with only a few guards was the best way to get her out of here. If they tried to rescue both of them, there was a real possibility, they would get hurt. There were too many guards in this place. He figured that Roarke was arrogant enough that he would take a lot of guards with him when he left the warehouse. That should leave only a reasonable amount here guarding Ruby.
But by the looks of things, she was going to be a sitting duck for a few minutes until the Calvary came. He did not like to do that, but he really did not have a choice if he wanted her out sooner rather than later. Reggie thought the longer she was in the apartment bedroom; the more the Rogues looked at her like she was open game. It pissed him off.
“I am going to get ready to leave with Roarke, can you give me a few minutes with my mate?” He said to Hugo, who smirked but nodded.
Thank the Gods he had planned this out. He had little doubt in his mind that she was going to have to be strong until the Calvary arrived. Now it was convincing her to leave him behind. He knew that so much had happened to his little mate in the last few years, and because of that, she was shy and unsure of herself. She was going to have to suck it up for a few hours. Then she would have Levi to lean on. He only hoped the man had come to his senses over the last few months.
“Baby girl.” Reggie said leaning down and pulling at his mate's hands so she would stand. He pulled her into a tight embrace so it looked like they were sharing an intimate moment should anyone be watching. “Listen very carefully.” He said into her ear.
“I have contacted Casey; they are coming to get you. The only way was for me to leave so the security was less. So I am going to go with Roarke and then Levi will come for you. Don"t worry about me. We have a plan to get me out too. It will just be a few days.” He said softly and tightened his grip when she began to shake her head in denial.
“No, I will stay with you. I won"t leave you. I have weapons. We can defend ourselves together. Don"t do this, don"t leave me.” She whispered and looked at him with a sad expression on her face.
He knew this was going to be hard, he did not want to leave her either, but he would have to make sure that she was safe. She was the most important thing in his life. He heard his friends talk about finding their mates and falling in love quickly, but he always laughed about it. Now he understood, Ruby was his world. He also knew when Levi finally accepted them that he would join her in his heart.
“Listen to me,” he whispered in her ear. I can"t do this without knowing that you are safe. I have to see if I can find out what the Rogues are really after.” Reggie whispered.
“Why you? Why can"t they send someone else?” She cried softly into his neck.
“Because I am here, and now is the time.” He replied softly. “When I leave, I want you to use your weapons on these assholes if they try anything. I don"t like the way they are looking at you. Casey said that they would come in as soon as Roarke was clear of the building. So, you will have about 15 minutes to wait. I think maybe you should go into the bathroom, and lock the door. Wait until you hear Levi and then come out. If anyone other than Levi comes through that door, use your weapons on them. I love you.” He said and leaned forward and kissed her gently.
Damn, he thought, I am not a gay wimp after all. He loved the new Reggie"s attitude, but not the new clothes. He wanted his tight jeans and bright shirts back. He felt too normal.
Ruby was still clinging to him when he heard the door to the apartment open. When he turned, he saw his mother step through the door.
“What do you want?” He growled.
“Oh my dear, Roarke suggested that I stay with your mate and get to know her while you go to a meeting. Now just remember the Master is the one you have to impress. He will proclaim you the new Alpha if you do what they want. That was the deal.” She said, and Reggie knew that she had lost her mind.
“Woman, you are just bat shit crazy if you think I want to be Alpha to these assholes.
But whatever. My mate is going to shower and then rest. It has been a very trying day, and she needs her sleep. I don"t want her disturbed.” He said pushing Ruby toward the bathroom.
“No, Roarke"s orders were crystal clear. She stays with me until you return.” He mother said firmly.
Crap. Just what he needed, a wild card in this shit. He wished he could believe that his mother would protect his mate, but he figured the moment he was out of sight, she would give her to the Rogues. Not the way he wanted this to go.
“It"s fine.” Ruby said putting her hand on his arm.
Reggie was not sure that Ruby understood what was going to happen when he left. But he did not have the time to tell her, so he did the only thing he could think of. As he leaned down to kiss her good-bye, Reggie whispered in her ear. “Kill the bitch, as soon as I leave. You will not make it out if you don"t.” Ruby sucked in a deep breath and looked at him in the eyes. He was trying to show her that he understood that she was killing his mother. But the crazy bitch left him no choice. Besides, he wished he could do it himself, since he was sure she had his father killed just because he disagreed with whatever plan she had come up with. His father had been weak; he knew that, Reggie was not going to be like that. He was not going to be the weak man in their relationship. He would not have his mates dishonored by being the weak link.
“Baby, while I am gone, why don"t you show mother how well you can cook. Remember how you told me that your parents owned the Italian restaurant? I bet you could make up a great dinner. When I get back, we will celebrate.” Reggie said and winked. He hoped she understood that she would be close to several weapons in the kitchen. Ruby smiled hesitantly and nodded. She understood, she just did not like it.
“Now Reggie, when you are in the car with Roarke it would be the perfect time to make sure that you lay the law down for when you are Alpha. Roarke needs to learn his place as Beta. The Master has given him far too much leeway as far as I am concerned. The Master knows he cannot be the leader of the Council; he does not have the right blood.
But you do, so together you will lead the Council. I already assured him you would not mind, he is handsome after all.” She prattled on.
Reggie paused before opening the door when her words made it through his thoughts.
“What the fuck did you just say?”
His mother giggled nervously and looked at Ruby smirking. “Well, I know you dear, and I know that you think this girl is your mate. But your father and I realized a long time ago that you were different. We know that you like the same sex. I don"t hold that against you, mind you, and when the opportunity arose with the Master, I knew that it was meant to be. He is like you, you know, gay.” His mom said innocently.
“Yeah mom, I had an idea that I like men. However, what you have failed to listen to is that I like women too. I AM BISEXUAL!” He said slowly.
“Well, I know. That is why this is perfect. You can have her and the Master. I have already talked to him, and he is very aware of the situation.” His mother gushed.
“Why on earth would
a wolf not care about being true mates? I already have another mate. His name is Levi, and he will be claimed as soon as we are together. I have no other mates, mother, and I will not claim or be claimed by anyone other than my mates.” He said forcefully, hoping to get through the psychotic haze his mother had going on.
His mother laughed and waved her hand as if to dismiss him. “Oh, the Master does not care about that. He is not a wolf. I thought I told you, he is something else. That is not really the issue; the issue is that he is willing to let you keep your little female. So, everyone is happy. You can"t possibly know if that other person is your mate, from what I hear it is best if you stay away from his kind. You know his father and mother were drunks; they were an embarrassment to the Pack. You don"t need something like that hanging around your neck. You need a mate who is worthy of you. The Master is that mate. You can keep your little plaything; maybe the Master would even allow you to have children with her. Of course, we could not trust her to raise them. Your children are too important. You know that they receive a gift when they are born. Your child will be as special as you. The Master knows what he needs to do.” His mother rambled on.
Reggie stood listening in horror as the poison spewed out of her mouth. Ruby watched with a horrified expression on her face until it came to the point where his mother said she would not be allowed to raise her own child. Reggie had a feeling Ruby would have no problems defending herself against his mother or anyone else. She was pissed. He could see the rage building in her eyes.
“Shut up now old woman, before I kill you where you stand.” Ruby growled and looked at Reggie. “Go, now.” She said and nodded.
“You can"t talk to me like that!” His mother yelled as he opened the door. “I will have you know the Master himself chose me to approach. He knew I would understand the vision he had. You see, when the children of the Chosen are all born, something big is going to happen. You will see.”
Ruby ignored her and looked at the clock. Reggie said only fifteen minutes. It was going to be the longest fifteen minutes of her life. This woman was crazy. She just would not shut up; Ruby decided that she should listen in case something important was told.
“Reggie"s child will of course be the most important. Not just anyone can have his child.
I know he thinks you are his mate, but the Master has someone in mind already to give my son a child. Of course, if you have one, it will be recognized, but you can"t produce such a special child. Your genes are not good enough. I told Reggie over and over when he was a child that he had to be choosy. Not just anyone can carry the child of a Chosen.
I tried to tell Oliver and the rest of the Old Council. There is no way that human the Alphas have taken for a mate will produce an acceptable child for the Gods. I mean really. Then poor Josephine, did you know that she was supposed to be the mate of the Master? If her idiot uncle would not have made the mistake he did, she would have been. Lucky for us, huh?” Barbara said.
Ruby just sat watching the woman pace and talk. She had really lost it. Ruby was surprised that Reggie had not seen years ago that she was crazy. She knew that his father was probably dead, though neither of them had talked about it. When Reggie asked, where his father was earlier and his mother avoided the subject, she knew. She would be his family now, her and Levi. She knew that Levi was ready to come around.
Although hearing about his past explained a lot of things.
Ruby had been going to counseling since the attack. She learned a lot about herself and about other people who are victims of violence. Levi"s father and mother had abused him, it was clear now. How he avoided any personal contact or discussions. How he told her she needed to make sure, she was ready for mating. All of it, her mate had a lot of explaining to do. If she had known all of this a long time ago, she would have insisted he attended counseling with her.
Lost in thought, Ruby actually lost track of time. When she did notice, she realized that her fifteen minutes had almost past, and nothing. She gripped the makeshift weapon that she had in her pocket as if it was her most precious object. Looking around, she wondered where they were going to come from. The window or the door, half-listening to the woman still ranting about how unsuitable she was for her son, she saw the first shadow pass the window. Was there a fire escape out there, she wondered when the first-person burst through the door.
Barbara screamed and dove behind the couch. If she were not scared herself, she would have laughed at the sight that she made. Reggie told her to kill anyone but Levi who came through the door, and she had no clue who this guy was who came toward her.
Ruby pulled out the sharpened spring, plunged it into the man"s neck, and ran for the bedroom that she and Reggie shared.
Bolting the door with a chair that sat in the corner, she looked around for more weapons. The one she had, she used and the other springs were in the other room.
Pulling the mattress onto the floor she pulled at another spring while she listened to the man continue to howl in the other room.
“Ow, Gods damn it!” She heard him yell.
“You big baby, it"s a little scratch. Hell if you give me a chance, I can make it a cool scar.” She heard a female say.
“Woman, you are just blood thirsty. I am your mate, and you should be taking care of me.” The man said.
“Right, pull this leg and it plays Jingle Bells too.” The woman said and then yelled.
“You old bitch, stay still! I will kill you where you stand if you move another inch toward that door. Ruby? Ruby honey, my name is Cloe, and the big baby you stuck is Teagan.
We are friends of Casey, Cami, and Jo. Do you think you can come out here?” The woman called.
“Where is Levi? Reggie said Levi was coming.” Ruby said loudly then grimaced because she gave too much information if they were Rogues. Now they would know that a rescue was coming.
“I get it that you are scared. Levi is with Devon, and they went to get Reggie. I promise, we are here to take you home.” Cloe said through the door.
Ruby stood back thinking about what she was supposed to do. She wanted to go home, and Reggie told her they were coming for her. She just did not know who to trust.
Finally, she heard a voice she knew, and she almost cried out in relief. Darien said through the door. “Ruby sweetie, you can open the door. These are my mates. You can trust them. We need to get out of here though. The Rogues ran, and we don"t know how long we have before they come back with reinforcements.” Ruby flew to the door, opened it, and jumped into Darien"s arms. She clung to him crying. Darien felt a little uncomfortable with the display of emotion, and his mate took pity on him, went to the small woman, pried her arms from around her mate, and took his place. Ruby did not seem to notice that she had switched comforters and continued to cry on Cloe's shoulder. Cloe, not really comfortable with crying females either, sucked it up so she could assess the younger woman"s physical wellness.
Cloe pulled back a little, saw all the bruises on Ruby"s face, growled, and looked around at her mates. “They dead?” She asked, and Teagan nodded when he saw the marks on the small female.
“Let's get out of here. Who knows when they will be back? Ruby, honey can you listen for a minute?” Cloe said softly and petted the girl"s head trying to get her to calm down enough to focus.
Ruby looked up at her with big frightened eyes that were brimming with tears and nodded. Satisfied the girl was going to listen, Cloe began to speak gently. “We need to get you home. Darien will lead the way. You follow as close to him as you can, I will be right behind you, and Teagan will bring up the rear. If you see a Rogue, let Darien know. If Darien starts fighting run to the front door, there is a black SUV parked in front of the door. Keys are in the visor, lock the doors. You get in and wait for only a few minutes. If we do not come, you beat feet back to the Denver compound. Only go into the Alphas" building. Nowhere else. They will take care of you until we get there.” Cloe said looking at her in the eyes and never letting her break eye cont
act. “Do you understand?”
Ruby nodded and turned to look at Darien, who was standing by the door. “Just one minute.” Darien nodded, and they all watched curiously while the small young woman went around the back of the couch where Reggie"s mother was still cowering and spewing profanity.
They were all a little surprised when she lifted the woman with one hand up to her face, using her Werewolf strength, causing the woman to be quiet. “Bitch, I want you to know that before Reggie left, he told me that if you did anything to harm me, I should kill you.
That should tell you that you are no longer a welcome member of the family. Personally, I would just as soon kill you as look at you, but that is just not who I am. With that said, if you ever come near one of my mates again, the Gods will not recognize you when I'm done gutting you.”
Cloe laughed as she saw Ruby toss the old woman in the corner and turn and walk back to Darien and nod. The look of determination on Ruby"s face was a surprise. When Cami and Jo described Ruby, they had said she was timid and shy. That may have been true before she was kidnapped, but Cloe thought her new friends were in for a big surprise when they saw the new Ruby.
Chapter 10
Levi and Devon watched as Roarke, surrounded by guards, and led Reggie out to a waiting car. The others were in place to get Ruby out when they pulled away. He had a hard time concentrating since he was seeing his mate for the first time. Wow, the man was hot. Dressed in tight jeans and a shirt that showed off his chest, Levi could see from there that he had a six-pack worthy of the wet dreams he had been having. Shit, how was he going to pull off a rescue with a raging hard on?
“Focus.” Devon growled at him, and Levi swallowed and nodded. That was a little embarrassing that his Beta could tell he was aroused, and they were in such a small space.
They watched as four cars were loaded with Rogues and Reggie. It was just a matter of getting the right car. Levi had to trust that his Beta was going to lead him right to his mate. The caravan pulled away from the building. Levi looked one more time at the place that his other mate was being held then offered up a silent prayer to the Gods for her safe return.
