“I thought you said he was coming.” Ted’s bitching drifted toward Korbin as he neared the gatehouse. Being downwind allowed him to hear the conversation without alerting the cougar of his presence.
“He’ll get here; he was in the middle of something. If you didn’t want to wait you should have called to see if the Alpha was available,” Zaz countered. “You’re not clan. He’s taking time out of his schedule to see you because of the employment arrangement you have with us. So, before you go cocking an attitude, you need to take a step back and realize he wouldn’t do this for anyone.”
“Then I’d have had to take matters into my own hands,” Ted growled.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Korbin came around the building.
“You’re holding my sister-in-law hostage,” Ted snarled. “Because of what this place is I’m giving you a chance to hand her over before I have to bring in the police.”
“You don’t intend to call the police. You mean your adoptive brother—Donald.” Korbin paused, giving that a moment to sink in. “Go ahead, give him a call. There are a few things I’d like to say to that bastard.”
“You’re new around here. How’d you hear we’re related? One of your members?”
“I have my ways.” He eyed the other man. “Just like I know your asshole brother has been beating her.”
“Bullshit.” Ted’s hands balled into fists as if he was going to do something stupid before he took a deep breath. “Who told you that? Layla? Maybe Donald’s right.”
“Right about what?” Korbin inquired.
“The death of her father has made her unstable. She barely leaves the house.”
“Because he’s kept me chained to the bed frame.”
Korbin spun around to see Layla standing there, bare feet and only wearing one of his T-shirts. “What the fuck?”
“Sorry, Sir.” Sparks skid to a stop next to her, sending loose gravel flying. Neil was only a few paces behind. “She slipped out the bedroom window before we knew what happened.”
Korbin shot Sparks a quick glare, letting him know he’d deal with that later, then wrapped his hand around Layla’s bicep. In one quick move, he brought her into the gatehouse, positioning her behind him so his body provided a shield against Ted.
“It’s not his fault. I heard them talking,” Layla explained, her hand coming to his forearm. “It’s not fair for you to have to deal with this. I jumped out the window before they even knew I was awake.”
“Later.” He shook his head. His mate was strong-willed and no doubt, she was going to be a handful.
“What the fuck is going on here?” Ted shook his head. “Forget it, I don’t want to know. Layla, you need to come with me.”
“She’s not going anywhere.” Korbin turned back to Ted as he stepped forward. “Consider your move carefully.”
“Step back,” Zaz ordered, coming between Ted and Korbin. “You don’t want to do this.”
“She’s engaged.” Ted’s eyes widened as he realized what had been left unsaid. “Layla, you don’t understand what he is.”
“I know.” She slid her hand down Korbin’s arm until she could entwine her fingers in his. “It’s unexpected but no matter what is happening here, it doesn’t change what Donald is. What he’s done. He’s unstable, but you already know that, don’t you, Ted?”
“Ted?” Korbin pressed when he said nothing. “You’ve known and done nothing?”
“He’s not like us,” Ted said defensively. “I thought things had gotten better since Layla came into his life. He seemed…”
“Because he was taking his anger out on me.” Her voice was soft and she pressed herself against Korbin.
She might not have realized what she had done, but he did. By pressing herself against him, she was seeking comfort she could only find in her mate’s arms. He slipped his hand from hers and wrapped his arms around her.
“Every night. That’s why you haven’t seen me in months. He couldn’t risk me leaving the house. People would have seen what he did to me. So, he kept me chained to the bed.” A single tear rolled down her cheek. “Didn’t you think it was weird anytime you came over, he claimed I was lying down with a headache? If I had such migraines like he said, why wasn’t he doing something? Taking me to a specialist, someone to help me? If you love someone like he claimed, you would want to see them well. It was all a cover.”
Taking her attention from Ted, she tipped her head up to Korbin. “He knows where I am, doesn’t he? He’s going to find me. He’ll tear this place apart until he has me.”
“Shh baby, it’s going to be okay.” He pulled her to the front of his body, so she was looking directly at him. He didn’t have to worry about Ted, not with Zaz, Sparks, and Neil there. “I told you, I’m going to handle it.”
“He doesn’t know.” Ted’s voice had Korbin looking over the top of her head toward him. “He’s passed out drunk back at the house. I caught her scent when I was leaving and followed it. You got lucky he’s not a shifter.”
“She’d have never made it to me if he were.” The words had Korbin’s arms tightening around her instinctively, as if she’d disappear if he let go. “He shot her—that’s what forced her to realize she had to get out of there. She traveled through the woods, bleeding, terrified he’d find her, until she showed up here.”
“If he were a shifter, he’d be rogue,” Neil spoke for the first time in Korbin’s presence.
“Rogue.” Fear had Layla’s eyes widen as he looked down at her.
“He can’t go rogue. He’s not a shifter,” he assured, rubbing small circles along her back. “It’s going to be okay.”
“Layla.” Ted took a step closer, only to have Zaz cut him off. “I…fuck!”
“What?” She spun in Korbin’s embrace to face him. “If you’re going to defend him, I don’t want to hear it.”
“No.” Ted took a step back and leaned against the small desk. “I knew he was lying. I could smell it on him every time he opened his mouth. I just never connected those lies to you. He never could tell the truth about the little things. The stink of a lie coats him like a second skin. You might not understand that, not being a shifter and all, but after a while it’s hard to determine what’s true and what’s a lie when the stench is always there.”
“I’ll show you what he means later.” Korbin ran his fingers along her arm.
“Are you going to tell him where I am?”
Fear trickled off her, making Korbin’s tiger growl within him. He wanted to protect her, to keep her safe from all the shit that could upset her, but sending her back to his quarters now would only make things worse.
“No.” Ted looked past her to Korbin. “I’m not clan, but I’m devoted. Whatever you plan, I’m there to do what I can. It’s the least I can do. Nothing will change the fact I failed you already, Layla, but I won’t stand by and allow him to continue to harm you.”
“Is your vehicle still at Donald’s?” Korbin asked.
“Yeah. I came through the woods, following her scent.”
“Give me your keys.” When he did, Korbin turned to Neil. “Follow Ted’s scent through the woods and get his truck. Don’t let Donald or anyone else spot you. Fuck, never mind—you won’t know how to get back.”
“I have my phone and I know how to use a GPS.” He took the keys from Korbin’s outstretched hand. “Consider it handled.”
“Good.” He gave the new guard a grateful smile. “When you return, get some rest. I suspect tomorrow will be an equally eventful day and you’re still adjusting to the time difference.”
“Yes, sir.” Neil tipped his head as he headed out of the gatehouse.
“Okay, let’s continue this back in my quarters.” Korbin glanced down at her. “You should rest. You were shot and while Galen healed you, it still takes a lot out of you.”
“I should be there.” She looked from him to Zaz, Sparks, and then Ted before turning back to him. “You’re all in this because of me. I’m the one D
onald is looking for. Yet, each of you are willing to risk your life to protect me. To protect Mella.”
My Alpha Female. His lips curled into a smile before he could stop it. This proved once again fate had mated him with the perfect person. She might be human but she was strong enough to handle his world and the dangers that came with it. She would rule this clan by his side. Together, they’d make the clan stronger than it was before. The future would be brighter with her there. Now, I just have to get her to choose me.
Chapter Ten
It had taken more than two hours to come up with a plan to confront Layla’s problem head on—one that Korbin, Zaz, and even Ted were all dead set on letting her assist with. They wanted her to stay there at the compound, where she was safe. She didn’t like it but after everything Donald had already done to her, she was terrified of what would happen if he laid his hands on her again. Being shot was too close to death and facing him again meant he could complete what he had started.
She wanted the whole thing over. More than that, she wanted everyone safe. It wasn’t only Korbin putting himself on the line for her, but he was putting his whole clan at risk, too. You’re my mate, my Alpha Female. The clan and I will protect you. No matter how much she argued against him, this was the one thing he wouldn’t budge on.
Not knowing how to change their minds, she left them gathered in the living room and retreated to the bedroom. She thought about curling up on the bed and trying to forget for at least a few minutes what they were planning. Instead, strolled to the window. While it was still dark out, the lights surrounding the compound cast a soft glow for her to see the guards during their rounds. Were there always guards on patrol or was this another thing because of her?
For months, her fear had grown. Every time Donald had opened the door to the bedroom in his house, she’d suck in a breath and wait. She’d wonder, what had happened during day to set him off? How bad would he beat her? Even after all that, the terror inside of her now felt like a nightmare. Every time she thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. She came here, bringing her problems to Korbin’s doorstep, and now as she watched them try so hard to help her, she wanted to take it all back. She knew what it would mean for her—Donald would get his hands on her and the beatings she’d suffered through before would be nothing compared to what he’d do to her now. Yet, the thought of them going up against Donald to protect her terrified her.
“Can I speak to you for a moment?”
She turned away from the window and found Ted standing in the doorframe. She wasn’t sure what he wanted to talk to her about but she had a few things weighing on her mind that she wanted to discuss with him, too. “Sure, come in.”
“I know you’re not happy.”
“Really?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I thought I was doing pretty well hiding my annoyance at this macho man bull crap.”
“It’s hard to hide emotions around shifters. We can smell them. Even leaving the room isn’t going to keep it hidden.” The corner of his lips curled into a smile as he came farther inside. “We all have our reasons for wanting to protect you.”
“What’s your reason?”
“I failed you before.” He let out a sigh and shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “Before you came into Donald’s life, he was full of anger. It seemed as if you’d changed him. I guess I saw what I wanted to see. For the first time in years, I watched him smile. He seemed easygoing and full of life. I wanted to believe it was because of you but now…”
“Now what?” she pressed when she didn’t think he was going to continue.
“I see I overlooked the signs. I failed you, Layla. While this can’t make up for what I did, what we’re doing will ensure it won’t continue. You deserve a better life, one where you’re not looking over your shoulder wondering if Donald is coming for you. I’ve only known Korbin a short time but he’s different. He’ll never raise a hand to you in anger.”
“Korbin?” He’d witnessed the sly caresses between them, but she didn’t want him to think she was running from one man to another. Korbin wasn’t a rebound relationship. She didn’t really know what he was or what she felt for him yet but it was more than some fling. She felt things for him she’d never felt for anyone else.
“Another thing you can’t hide from shifters.” The unease disappeared as the smirk stretched back across his face. “You’re his mate. I can smell his scent on you as if it were your own. The claim isn’t complete but he’s marked you enough for anyone near to know you’re his.”
“I’m not property.” Anger blossomed within her and tears welled in her eyes. If she’d learned one thing from Donald it was she couldn’t allow a man to treat her as he had again. She’d rather join her father in the ground than live like that.
“That’s not what I mean.” Ted tried to backpedal but she wasn’t hearing it.
“We know that but a human doesn’t.” Korbin strolled into the bedroom, coming toward her. “After everything she’s been through with Donald, it’s the obvious conclusion she’d jump to.”
“Isn’t that what you’re already doing? Ordering me to stay behind when you confront Donald? I don’t get a say.”
“Baby.” He reached out to touch her but stopped midmotion. “Ted, give us a few moments.”
“Our conversation isn’t over.” She turned from Korbin to glance at Ted.
“Give your mate a chance to explain my fuckup. Just holler afterward, I’m not going anywhere.” Ted took a step toward the door before glancing over his shoulder to her. “There was a time when you trusted me. Maybe you don’t any longer and I understand that but we’re going to make this right. Don’t throw away the future you could have with Korbin because you don’t understand what’s happening. Anything he does is to protect you.”
Not sure what to say to his comment, she remained silent as Ted pulled the door shut behind him. Every time she thought things were beginning to make sense, something else was said to confuse her. The pull between her and Korbin was like a magnet—so strong—and every ounce of her body craved his touch. Even now when she was upset, maybe not so much at him as with Ted’s statement, she still wanted to be in his embrace. He was like a drug and every caress made her want more.
“Layla, you’ve been through a lot today. I’m not asking for a big commitment. Not yet.” Korbin shot her a cocky grin and she was unable to stop herself from reaching out to caress the side of his face.
“What is it about you?”
“Some of it is the mating bond. Another part is you feel safe with me, which you should.” With her hand on him, he took it as permission and wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing her closer to him. “Baby, you’re not property to me. You’re my mate, my equal. We’re two halves of the same coin.”
“Everything is so jumbled right now. I don’t know what to think. I don’t want anyone to believe I accepted this mating in exchange for your protection.”
“No one will think that. Anyone who knows about shifters understands how the mating works,” he assured her. “Let me get rid of the others. They need to get some sleep. There’s nothing we can do for a few hours. Then, I can try to explain this to you better.”
“Here I thought we might have other interesting ways to spend the rest of the night.” The words left her mouth before she could stop herself. Taking a breath, she forced herself to take a step back, out of his embrace. She needed to think clearly for a moment. The boldness was unlike her but when he was around, that was exactly what she wanted to do. Be bold and daring. She felt safe, as well as an incredible attraction, with him and this allowed her to give in to her friskiness.
“Baby, I’ll spend it however you want.” He shot her a grin before walking toward the door. Standing in the doorway, he kept his gaze on her as he hollered down the hall. “Zaz, get everyone out of here. Show Ted to a guest room. We’ll meet back here at seven. Get some rest.”
Glancing at the clock, she noticed it was after three in the m
orning. Five hours and the team would be gearing up to confront Donald. All Hell will break loose when he finds out I’m here.
“Don’t, baby.” Korbin crossed the room before she even realized he’d moved. “I promise you things will be okay.”
“When it comes to Donald, nothing is ever okay.” She glanced out the window, her heart pounding in her chest. “He’s not going to let me go. He’ll consider it a loss and he doesn’t like to lose.”
“He doesn’t have a choice.” Reaching out, he took her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “You don’t have to stay with me, but you’re not going back to him. I’m going to keep you safe and if you don’t want to be here then there are others I know who will protect you. You and Mella are going to be safe.”
“Mella.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe after the things she said you’re still willing to help her.”
“She’s upset and worried for you. Her words of anger were said out of jealousy. How would you react if it were her instead of you? You’d be terrified for her, but she’s still young, trying to come to grips with her emotions. Let her rest and tomorrow she’ll see things a little clearer, I promise.”
“It’s all so much to take in. So much to understand.” She let out a deep sigh and stared into his eyes. “When you’re touching me, I feel as though everything will work out. There’s no other option but for everything to fall into place. When you step away, the fear and doubt come creeping back. Why?”
“A mate’s touch can help to ease pain and fear.”
“Then hold me.” She stepped closer to him, forcing him to move his hand away from her chin. “I want to forget about all the crap that’s going to happen soon. I don’t want the next few hours to be spent in fear, waiting for the moment you leave.”
“Come here, baby.” He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her tight along the front of his body. “Everything will be fine.”
“I’m so scared. I feel like I’m drowning in fear. Every breath feels like shards of glass slicing into my lungs. This must be what it’s like to drown.”
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