Shattered Pack

by Erin, Aileen;

  SHATTERED PACK

  AILEEN ERIN

  First Published by Ink Monster, LLC in 2017

  Ink Monster, LLC

  4470 W Sunset Blvd

  Suite 145

  Los Angeles, CA 90027

  www.inkmonster.net

  ISBN 9781943858330

  Copyright © 2017 by Ink Monster LLC

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Also by Aileen Erin

  The Alpha Girl Series

  Becoming Alpha

  Avoiding Alpha

  Alpha Divided

  Bruja

  Alpha Unleashed

  Shattered Pack

  Being Alpha – Coming February 13, 2018

  The Shadow Ravens Series

  Cipher

  The Off Planet Series

  Off Planet – Coming November 28, 2017!

  For my readers.

  If you hadn’t asked for a Meredith and Donovan book, I never would’ve written it. And that would’ve been sad. I loved getting to know Meredith more. Plus, Donovan! #swoon

  Thank you for reading! I appreciate each and every one of you!

  Aileen

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  The lights on the TV flickered as I channel surfed. If you’d told me two weeks ago that I’d be sent home from St. Ailbe’s and stuck hanging out in the media room of my parents’ Colorado house, I wouldn’t have bought it. Not for a second. But I would’ve been dead wrong.

  St. Ailbe’s was closed. Indefinitely.

  When I first heard those words, I’d been secretly glad. A break at home seemed kismet. The last few years had been a bit hellish. That evil witch, Luciana, had cursed me so I couldn’t connect with my inner wolf, and I’d slowly lost power until finally, I almost died.

  It was fine now. I was fine. The curse had been broken, Luciana’s demon-riddled, crazy ass was dead, and I had a fantastic mate. My life had turned around faster than I could process. Everything was awesome.

  Except my brothers were driving me bonkers.

  As I tried to sink deeper into the couch, I wished for the millionth time that St. Ailbe’s would open again. I checked my phone, just in case I’d missed something, but my inbox had exactly zero unread emails.

  I squished down the little zing of disappointment. I totally got why Mr. Dawson had to shut down the school. Ever since werewolves made global news by fighting Luciana and her demons in that chapel in Santa Fe, the flood of reporters and crazies at our gates had gotten unbearable. We couldn’t safely be ourselves when reporters were using helicopters and telephoto lenses to spy on us. People were literally crawling over our fences day and night. I wasn’t sure when—or if—school would be open again.

  My friends had scattered, with only Adrian staying on campus to help patrol the grounds. Chris was home in the Texas valley. Tessa and Dastien were off on their honeymoon. Claudia, Lucas, and what was left of their coven were leaving for Peru.

  And me? I was stuck at home while Donovan dealt with the fallout from our exposure. The Council of Seven werewolves was in Canada, meeting with a delegation of witches, fey, and other supernaturals. Donovan was going to be busy, so I’d thought that going home was my best—and only—option, but now…

  I’m sorry you’re not here. I do miss you. Loads. Donovan’s love poured through the bond that tied us together as mates. I’m dying to hear the latest from your mother. What was she ranting about today? Has she finally told you what a proper mate does? His suggestive tone had me chuckling.

  Shut up! I covered my face with a pillow to muffle my laughter. My mom had been on my case too, but unlike my brothers, she didn’t care about my ability to defend myself. Nope. Instead, she regaled me with the ins and outs of how to be a good mate to an Alpha. You’re going to get me caught.

  Caught? What are you up to now, Meredith Molloney? His voice was all low rumbles now.

  Nothing. I’m watching TV. But they think I’m in my room. I have maybe five more minutes before one of my brothers realizes I’m not where I’m supposed to be.

  They’re locking you up? His outrage was real this time.

  No. Even though my brothers were giant pains in my ass, I didn’t want to get them in trouble with Donovan. They’re still running drills. I snorted. It’s been endless, and it’s all your fault.

  Aye. Well, then. I better make sure I’m worth it. Donovan’s words held all kinds of promises that made my heart race. It never ceased to amaze me. A few months ago, I was still cursed. No Were in his right mind would’ve agreed to go on a date with me, let alone be my mate. Even if female Weres were rare. I was so thankful to Tessa for breaking the curse. I owed her my life. Now that I had control over my change, I could have a full life as a Were. And I couldn’t—

  Suddenly I was airborne.

  I tucked, rolling as I slammed into the wall with a crunch that would’ve hurt a lot more if I were anything but a werewolf.

  The screen flashed bright enough so that I could make out a blond form standing above me. I took a whiff. “What the hell, Max! Another fight? We’re too old for these games.” At least I was too old for them. I shook off the drywall dust and gave him my best glare. “It’s over. You lost to me. A lot. Get over it.” I’d gotten fed up the last couple days and started pulling power from Donovan to beat my brothers. I couldn’t beat them on my own, but I’d thought if I proved I could handle myself, then maybe they’d back off a little.

  I’d never been more wrong.

  My brother sighed. “You’re going to be mating one of the most powerful werewolves in the history of our race. If not the most powerful one. That makes you a target. And his pack is one of the most ruthless, elitist, unwelcoming—”

  “I know,” I yelled it before taking a breath. “I know what I’m getting into, but—”

  “You don’t. You’re too young. Too naive. You can’t possibly—”

  “Max,” I said, cutting him off. I was never going to win this argument, but I had to try. “With access to Donovan’s power, I can beat pretty much anyone. I can only get a little of it now, but that alone is enough to beat you. You’ve been training me since I was a girl, and you’ve done your job. It doesn’t matter if I’m joining the Irish pack. I’m Wayfarer pack at heart and in skill. Always.”

  Our small pack had only twenty-three wolves besides my family. Most packs were extremely territorial, sticking to a home base, but ours went where we were needed. Whenever there was an outbreak—vampires or whatever—Wayfarer pack came in as backup.

  Where Donovan’s pack was known for being elitist, ours drew the best of the best fighters. We were tough and loved a good fight. It made sense that the guys trained twenty-f
our seven. I was usually happy to join them, but not all day, every day starting at the butt crack of dawn.

  Can of worms opened. Now my brothers were trying to catch me off guard. They wanted to see if they could surprise me enough that I’d forget to pull alpha power from Donovan. They were calling our bond a handicap.

  “Please,” I nearly begged my brother. “Trust me. I’m going to be okay.”

  “It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s the Irish pack that has me worried.” He motioned for me to get up, and I couldn’t help the growl of frustration that slipped out. “I want you to fight me without pulling from Donovan. What if you’re separated? Or your bond gets broken? You know better than me that anything’s possible, and if you’re not prepared… You can’t use him as a crutch.”

  That stung, and the fact that it was possibly accurate made it that much worse. Am I using you as a crutch?

  Nah. You use what you have available in any and every fight. I’ll always be here.

  But what if you’re not? Maybe Max had a point.

  My brother started at me again, and I rolled, grabbing his feet as I went. He fell to the ground and then it was on. We wrestled until sweat poured down my face, blurring my vision. My muscles ached, and I wondered when one of us would finally cry uncle and end this.

  But I couldn’t give in. I wouldn’t give in. If I wanted any chance at stopping my brothers’ incessant hounding, I had to win. Without Donovan’s help.

  You’re just playing with him, Donovan said through the bond.

  Playing? My brother’s foot dug into the small of my back as I tried to wiggle out of the current hold. The oldest of my siblings had way more than a handful of inches on me and a ton of muscle. He’d passed his Cazadores test a few decades or more ago and had only gotten better—stronger, leaner, faster—over the years. Without Donovan’s help, there was exactly zero competition. Max knew it. I knew it. But somehow my mate was oblivious?

  You’re not using your full potential. You think you’re weaker than your brother, so you are. Doesn’t have to be that way. Donovan sounded bored.

  Perfect. Now I was getting critiqued by my mate. Only he couldn’t see how badly my ass was getting handed to me. Max is the best fighter in the pack. I’m giving it everything I’ve got, but I can’t win. I growled as Max wrenched an arm behind my back to the point where I was sure he was going to tear something. Not that it wouldn’t heal as soon as he let me go, but the pain…

  I bucked, trying to get him to loosen his hold, but it wasn’t working. At all.

  You spent years with your wolf suppressed. It’s no wonder you think you’re weak, but you’re not.

  “I didn’t suppress shit,” I said aloud.

  My brother’s grip loosened. “What was that? You giving up?”

  “I wasn’t talking to you.” I gritted out the words.

  “No cheating!” My brother rolled me, pinning me in an even more impossible position. I was eating carpet with both my arms twisted behind my back. My brother’s full weight was on me, and I could barely get in enough air.

  There was no getting out of this. I should submit.

  Don’t submit. Not ever. When Luciana cursed you, you were too young to really be one with your wolf. It takes a few years to know what your power level is. Given a chance, you would’ve come into your own, but you didn’t have the time. Your wolf was beyond your grasp before you got to know her.

  I gasped, twisting my neck as I tried to breathe in a little more air, but all I got was a mouth full of fuzz as my brother pressed down on me. Your point?

  You don’t need me to beat him. Let your wolf go.

  The idea was ludicrous. I’d sparred with Max my whole life and I never won. I’d never even come close. Not until I started pulling power from Donovan.

  Trust me, Donovan pleaded softly. I’d not lead you astray.

  My vision was going dim. Screw it. I let go. I didn’t shift, but I let my wolf rise, gathering her strength. Embracing it. Feeling her… It was like coming home.

  Strength seeped into my limbs. If I let go any more, my muscles would stretch. Re-form. White fur would cover my body.

  I took one deep breath and then bucked. Hard. I twisted as I jerked my body, breaking Max’s hold around my neck for just long enough to get loose. I moved quickly. My wolf might not be as powerful as my brother’s, but she was fast. Much faster than Max’s. I flipped him over, threw my forearm over his throat, and growled. “Submit.”

  He struggled for a second, blue eyes flashing brightly. Max was more alpha than me. Or I’d thought he was more alpha than me—we both had—but maybe Donovan was right?

  Of course I’m right. Donovan sounded mildly insulted.

  I almost laughed.

  Better to learn this now. I could almost feel is wink through the bond.

  I did laugh, then. Max thought that meant that I was giving up, and struggled against me, nearly getting away. I pushed harder, and a gurgle slipped from his throat. I was choking him, cutting off his airway. “Come on. Don’t be an idiot. Submit.” It was just my own power—my wolf—backing those words, but maybe it would be enough.

  He started to say something, but I couldn’t make it out. I let my arm up just enough.

  “Fine,” Max’s voice rasped. “But I want the remote.”

  And there it was. The sweet feel of victory.

  Holy shit. You were right. I am more alpha than my brother. This was epic. It was like the dawn had just come, and I felt amazing. He couldn’t order me to do shit anymore. No more training at ungodly hours. I could sleep in every day if I wanted.

  This was beyond epic.

  I rolled off Max and lay panting on my back. It wasn’t the easiest win of my life, but it was a win. In the end, that was all that mattered. “No. Remote goes to the winner. Loser makes the popcorn.” I gave him a good kick in the ribs. “In case you were wondering, that’s you.”

  The lights flicked on. “Okay. You can leave the house.” Dad’s voice startled me. I’d been so caught up in the fight that I’d lost track of my surroundings. Rookie mistake.

  I rubbed my eyes as they adjusted. “What? You were in on this, too?”

  Don’t be too hard on your da. Proper battle training is a big part of becoming a leader among Weres… And it’ll come in handy with my pack.

  Right. Because your pack is filled with assholes. I figured my family was proud of me because of who I was mated to, but also scared for me because I was going to have to join his notoriously unfriendly pack. I appreciated both but could do without the constant lectures and training.

  Donovan let out a pained sigh. I wouldn’t say they’re all assholes, but my pack is selective about who they allow in. I’ll help you as much as I can, but it’s best if you show your strength to them early.

  Oh boy. That sounded like fun.

  And I still couldn’t believe that Dad was in on this whole test Meredith twenty-four seven until she goes crazy plan. “Really, Dad? Was all of this necessary?”

  He shrugged, but he didn’t seem the least bit sorry. “It was your brothers’ idea to get you ready for the Irish pack and whatever else might come up, but I supported it. If you’re not careful, you’re going to be in over your head. That’s a fact.”

  Great.

  “That said, I think you’ve more than earned a break. A day away from this house is all yours. Wherever you want to go, your brothers will take you.”

  My father had kept me confined to the property because of how much I’d been on the news lately. I’d traded my hot pink streaks for electric blue, but I knew the color change wasn’t going to fool anyone. The rest of my hair was still jet-black. I could go back to my trademark Pettersen hair—the white blonde from my mother’s side that all of my siblings shared—but that would make my mother happy. I couldn’t have that, even if it got Dad to lighten up on his fears about me getting recognized. Under no circumstances did he want someone following me back to the house.

  Reporters climbi
ng our gates? Yeah. No. He wouldn’t handle that very well.

  All the workouts, sparring sessions, and training with my brothers had kept my days packed full, but getting out sounded wonderful.

  Dad walked to the wall and ran a hand along the Meredith-sized dent in the drywall. “Damn it. I told you not to break anything.” I nearly squealed with delight. Payback was a bitch. “One of you boys is fixing the drywall in here, and we’re going to have a serious talk about following orders.”

  There was a chorus of groans from my four brothers.

  I tuned them out as I thought about where I wanted to go and who I wanted to go with me. The only non-Wayfarer I knew in Denver was Cosette, but she wasn’t answering her phone. No one had heard from her since Santa Fe. I was sure I didn’t need to worry about her—she could more than handle herself—but I was worrying anyway. I was pretty sure she’d gotten in a lot of trouble for helping us take down Luciana. We couldn’t have done it without her, and I felt like if there were some way to help her, I owed it to her to try.

  I brushed my sweaty hair away from my face. “I’m going to take a shower, but I’m making plans for tomorrow. Wherever I want.”

  “Within reason. I’m not going on any spa days.” Micah threw me a towel. His white-blond hair was cut short against his scalp, and the tattoos he sported along with his battered combat boots and torn black jeans gave him a serious don’t-mess-with-me vibe. Which was completely planned. As the youngest brother, he had the most to prove and was the hardest to get along with. Not that I didn’t love him, but sometimes he made it more work than I wanted.

  He still wasn’t over the time I made him get a mud bath. For a tough guy, he didn’t like to get dirty. “You need to relax. A massage could do you good. Or a hot soak in some—”

  “No way. I smelled horrible for days. Pick something else.”

  Dad put his hands on his hips as he stared down at me. He wore a pair of pants that looked like slacks but had enough give that they could be qualified as workout pants. His button-down had panels on the sides so that it wouldn’t rip whether he was throwing punches or shifting. As our pack Alpha, he was tougher than all my brothers put together. “I just don’t want to hear about any shenanigans. No showing up on TV again. Are we clear?”