Connors Pursuit (Amber Woods Shifters)

by Rose, Arabella

  “We are ready, as agreed not to shift until we get in there. Baby I can protect you and I know you have your wolf back so how would you feel if you did not let her out just yet”

  Lizzy noticed the small twitch in his jaw and the glancing to the side of the other men.

  “What? You have to be kidding. I get her back and you want her to stay put?”

  “Not entirely Lizzy, I just want you to be safe and in control that’s all”

  “In control? Oh wait a minute is this some mate issue with me shifting in front of other males?”

  “Is there a problem baby girl?” he said low enough for only her to hear

  Luke cleared his throat.

  “Connor she will have to be in wolf form to make this go smoothly, with respect we will look the other way when the time comes for her to shift back”

  “Damn right you will” he growled.

  Lizzy threw her hands up in the air.

  “Good now that it is sorted can we please get on with the more important issue of my Brother?”

  Connor pulled her into his arms, pushing loose tendrils of hair back of her face.

  “You listen to me Lizzy. Stick with the plan, no heroics, you stay by my side at all times”

  Lizzy rolled her eyes at his words.

  “Hey I mean it Baby, if I think for one minute you have other ideas I will spank you so hard you won’t sit down for a week. Do I make myself clear?”

  Licking her lips at what was a tempting thought, she looked up at him.

  “Perfectly”

  “Good, now let’s move”

  Tristan communicated with the rest of the pack that they were moving in. The enforcers spread out to surround the hall, some had set up a perimeter patrol. They had reported no pack members but Connor wanted a small group to keep guard. Standing to the side she watched as they scoped out the building through windows. She knew it was only seconds before Lawson’s wolves scented them so this had to happen fast. Keeping low she held her breath as five enforcers stormed through the heavy wooden doors. Immediately the air was alive with snarls and growls, the sight of amber woods wolves shifting and attacking had her eyes widened. No time to act the bound wolf now Lizzy. Connor pushed her behind him in the entrance as two large wolves launched through the air tearing into each other’s necks. Ducking low her head snapped up as she heard more wolves, bones snapped, and the smell of blood hung heavy in the air. More amber woods enforcers barrelled in taking their place in battle. She could see that Lawson had obviously enlisted some new wolves into his pack as there was definitely more than twelve fighting back.

  Lizzy we have to move now whilst they are distracted, which way

  To the back of the hall and left.

  You got that Tristan, Luke?

  Yes we move now

  Connor placed Lizzy in front of him but behind Luke and Tristan as they dodged claws and teeth. Seeing a large grey wolf barrelling toward them, Connor took the blow as teeth tore into his skin. Roaring, he shifted quick launching himself at it, tearing his claws across its flank. It yelp of pain did nothing to stop it as it spun and charged at him, teeth bared ready to grip his neck. Connor used the momentum of the wolf’s weight to send it hurtling over his head.

  Keep moving I’ll catch up

  Connor! Lizzy yelled at him

  As she watched the flash of his dark hind legs she reached to help him.

  “No Lizzy keep moving, he can look after himself”

  Luke had physically picked her up half dragging her to their original destination. As they reached the far door she twisted her neck to see if he was ok. Relief engulfed her as had got the upper hand pinning the wolf to the ground, head reared back ready to make the killing blow. The feel of air rushing past her and a new scent had her head looking at the entrance to the underground chambers. Tristan held his hand up, sniffing the air.

  Three shifters at the bottom and Brandon’s scent is strong also.

  Let’s get some wolf skin brother

  Lizzy we shift now, we need the advantage.

  Ok.

  This time when she called upon her wolf the change was instant and she felt less pain, it happened so fast she blinked and her acute sense kicked in. Her wolf was getting agitated when she scented her brother, angry that he was here but relief and a need to get him out of his confinement. In between the two massive wolves she scanned the area they were heading into, the steps down felt awkward to her, meant for two legs not four.

  Nobody in the Corridor, only one door on the right Tristan informed.

  I can smell them which means that they will definitely know we are here.

  Luke was in complete warrior mode, his whole presence primed and ready.

  So we storm in?

  Lizzy was so ready for this, in her wolf form she felt that she had the strength to tackle any challenges.

  You ready little she wolf. You know the drill, once at the cage use your powers to unlock the cage.

  Got it Tristan and less of the little please.

  Chuckling echoed in her head from them.

  Both wolfs nudged her behind them as one powerful force they rammed the door, sending splinters of wood across the floor. Running behind them she felt her body launch through the air as a large brown wolf had used his claws to dig into her before she impacted with the wall. Shaking her head she gasped at the pain in her side, knowing she could smell her own blood tickling her nostrils.

  LIZZY!! Are you ok baby?

  Never better don’t worry

  Stay close to Tristan and Luke, I will be there as soon as I get this other fucker off my back

  Pushing back onto all fours she glanced to see Tristan and Luke in their own private battles. The wolf rushed at her again but she managed to swiftly dodge his attack as his body bounced off the wall. Snarling, his mouth dripped saliva, intent clear and deadly. You are so dead shit head. As he twisted his mouth to try and get purchase on her neck she pushed hard with everything she had and ripped her claws across his abdomen. Howling the wolf rolled off her, falling limp beside her. Taking the opportunity her jaws met his neck, pressing her teeth into flesh and bone. The life went out of his eyes as she let go, stepping back staring at what she had done. Lizzy had a slight panic moment.

  Oh god I’ve never killed anyone before.

  Damn girl you are good Luke laughed in her head.

  He had just finished his own kill. A voice she remembered so well from the past filled the room.

  “LIZZY!”

  Running around the corner she saw the cage and inside was her little brother. Only now he was no longer young, he was a hulking man with muscles to match any enforcer. His blue eyes fixed on her as she ran up to the metal bars. Whining she felt tears build inside of her, but now was not the time, judging by the raging battle going on above them.

  “I know, time for sentimental catch up later sister, get me out of here”

  His eyes shot to three wolves coming up behind her.

  “WATCH OUT BEHIND YOU” he yelled.

  Her head snapped around and she calmed when she recognised Tristan, Luke and Connor. As he shifted she growled as she caught site of his wounds crossing his body.

  “We are here to help, our enforcers have just about managed to lock down upstairs. Lizzy will get you out, won’t you baby”

  With those words, Brandon jumped at the bars looking between his sister and this man that had dared to call her by such an intimate term. Lizzy actually jumped in front of Connor growling at her brother.

  Baby what the hell do you think you are doing?

  Shit. Sorry, I’m still getting used to my wolf instincts again in this form

  Connor looked at his brave she wolf and silently admired her spirit, but they were so going to have a talk about her putting herself in harm’s way for him.

  “Brandon I am Connor, your sister’s mate”

  Blue eyes watched him carefully before he let go of the bars, nodding his head in respect.

  “
I apologise, it has been a while since I have seen her, I only want to protect her”

  “As do I” Connor replied.

  Lizzy was totally bemused by their conversation that she had to give herself a mental slap to focus on what she was doing. Standing in front of the small key pad she allowed her energy to build until she could feel the power racing to the surface. As her eyes fixed on the panel a surge of strength arced out of every nerve ending. The panel vibrated for a few seconds followed by smoke curling tendrils. The click of the lock had Brandon rushing out of his prison. His arms automatically wrapped around his sister burying his nose in the ruff of her neck. Connor had to fight the urge to rip his throat out for even daring to touch his mate, but then the logical side of his brain kicked into gear. Lizzy needed this as much as her brother.

  “Lizzy I never thought I would see you again, and what the hell are you doing back here?”

  Lizzy glanced at Connor.

  I am going to shift back, he’s not integrated into amber woods pack link and will not be able to hear me. Even as my brother I thought we would be able to communicate, I don’t know what’s different

  Time to figure that later. Don’t you shift until they turn their backs and I find you some clothes, I mean it Lizzy, brother or pack wolf I will not hesitate to spill blood if they see you naked.

  Oh for goodness sake Connor

  No I’m not budging on this

  Fine

  Connor looked at her surprised as she released a slow growl to him

  Oh you so did not do that, I am going to teach you who is in charge later baby girl.

  Smirking as she huffed and turned her head he addressed the men.

  “Lizzy is going to shift back and I don’t want any of your eyes on her”

  As Connor stripped the clothes of one of the guards and dressed he went to the other guard to get a shirt but hesitated. There is no way he wanted the stench of these bastards on her. Neither did he want Luke or Tristan. Which left her brother the better of all the options.

  “Brandon, can I have your shirt for Lizzy”

  “Sure”

  He was much taller and bigger build than Lizzy, as he tossed it to Connor he turned his back again.

  Ok shift back

  Connor could not take his eyes off her as her wolf retreated and her beautiful body appeared. Only he saw red when he caught the gash to her side. In two strides he was beside her, examining the wounds. When she winced he cursed the bastard that did this.

  “It’s fine, it will heal Connor”

  “Point him out Lizzy, that’s all I ask”

  “Beat you too it Beta, I took him out first”

  “You did?”

  As he watched her dress he smiled admiring her courage. The shirt hung below her knees but at least it covered her curves. All the men turned back and Lizzy jumped into Brandon’s arms, he had to bend down to hold her.

  “Bloody hell Brandon you have grown up”

  “So have you big sister”

  Tristan, Luke and Connor tilted their heads, listening to the environment and the other enforcers.

  “Lizzy we need to move, Adrianna has the women and the enforcers have upstairs under control, no sign of Lawson or Oliver yet”

  “Those fuckers are dead meat when I get my hands on them” Brandon snarled.

  Taking Lizzy’s hand they quickly headed back upstairs. The room had the metallic smell of blood seeping out of the walls. Amber woods enforcers were guarding those that were left alive and piling the dead into one corner.

  “Baby I am just going to check on our wolves, go with Brandon outside, I will be there soon”

  Kissing her forehead she nodded and walked with her brother into the cold night air.

  18

  Brandon draped his arm around his sister, cherishing the moment of being with her again. As the snow began to fall around her he was amazed at how grown up she looked.

  “I heard about your wolf and what that old crone Duncan did, but I guess you got her back?”

  “Yes, back and here to stay, I would not have been able to do this without Connors help”

  “So you are mated then?”

  “Yes and don’t go giving me a lecture, I am the older sibling”

  “Ah but I am bigger than you now, so that responsibility defaults to me”

  Lizzy laughed punching him playfully in the chest.

  “Don’t let Connor hear you say that”

  “As long he treats you right and makes you happy then there will not be an issue”

  “Glad to hear it” she smiled.

  They both looked at the place they used to call home.

  “Do you miss it?”

  “Not a day goes by where I wish I had burned the place to the ground years ago” he growled.

  “Yeah I had that same thought”

  Movement in one of the outer buildings caught her eye. An old barn stood, abandoned and worn. Taking a breath she allowed the wind to carry the scent on the breeze to her. Immediately her wolf was on alert, her opportunity had come. Taking off at full run she heard Brandon shouting after her, the sound of his feet stamping behind her. The barn door creaked open, the little voice in her head kept reminding her of the creepy abandoned house that you know you were not welcome in but curiosity wins. Hand on the door she inhaled and knew she had found her prize, or rather, prizes. That Neanderthal son of his was knocking about somewhere. Placing her hand on the door he jumped when Brandon covered her smaller slender fingers. Looking at him over his shoulder he placed a finger to his lips, shaking his head.

  Lizzy shrugged and nodded her head in the directions she was going, his eyes shot inside and back to her. Gently he went to step around her but she blocked him. His low growl indicated he was less than happy with her decision.

  Lizzy don’t you take another fuckin step inside there

  Now she had Connor yelling in her head, why could they not understand this was her fight, her demons?

  I’m sorry I have to do this

  Don’t your dare

  Taking one last look at her brother she spun so fast he barely had time to reach her as she barrelled into the building at full speed, with a quick look at the door from where she came she focused all her energy watching as it slammed shut. Inside were heavy old farming vehicles. As her powers rose, she watched in amazement of her own gift that lifted them as if they were feathers in the breeze, before sending them crashing to the ground to block all access.

  Please forgive me Connor, but these bastards are mine

  You are mine to protect, I will not let you do this!

  She winced as she heard a deafening roar outside the building escalated by a loud thud against the door. Wasting no time she followed her nose to the back of the building. Memories came back to her of a childhood playing inside when the hay had just been harvested. She and Brandon would play for hours hiding amongst them. Now light snow gently descended through the holes in the roof, the dark skies adding an eerie ambience to the place. At the back of the building a stack of wood planks blocked her view, and seeing that there was nowhere else they could have gone she shouted out to them

  “Are you afraid to face me alpha?”

  The last words were almost spit out of her mouth with such venom. Rustling sounded ahead before her worst nightmare stepped out, casually walking toward her.

  “Big words for a bound she wolf, I should have had Duncan burn your pathetic form to the ground”

  Lizzy had a brief spark of advantage. He obviously still believed she was bound.

  “And yet here I am. You knew all along that Duncan bound me so that my powers would get stronger. What were you going to do? Create a mini army of telekinetic wolves?”

  He laughed, actually laughed hard at her comments.

  “You are a disgrace to Oakfield pack, I would not even take you as my whore you stupid bitch, but maybe Oliver might still take his chances”

  Lizzy braced herself as Oliver appeared to the far side
of the building, a large sneer on his face.

  “Well good luck with that, his chances just disappeared”

  Oliver rushed at her with such speed she felt the rush of air as he grabbed her by the neck, continuing to soar through the air, impacting with a stack of wood. Stars swam before her eyes as she fought to catch her breath.

  “Miss me mate?”

  “Fuck you shithead”

  His hands found the hem of the shirt, running his hands to her inner thigh.

  “I can smell how fertile you are right now Lizzy, after I am done with you the scent of the fuckin so called mate of yours will be long gone”

  Lizzy felts sick as he caressed her thighs with rough hands, he was not going to win, of that, she would make sure. Lawson had actually taken a seat on the wood planks watching the show, the sick fucker. Her eyes frantically looked around for something she could use. A glint of metal caught her eye, an axe that had been chopping wood lay embedded in it last actions. Come on Lizzy focus.

  She could hear Connor roaring in her head, just as a thunderous crash sounded behind her. The distraction was enough, as Oliver’s head spun to the commotion. Putting her full energy into her mind the axed lifted above it’s resting position, seconds later spinning toward Oliver. Realisation dawned on him as his eyes found hers then to the approaching weapon. The sickening crunch impacted across his neck, slicing through bone muscle and sinew until reaching the other side. Stumbling he took one last swipe at her with half shifted claws across her face as he fell back into the dusty ground, limbs twitching for a few seconds as the life left his eyes of his headless corpse.