by Kym Grosso
After returning to the city and pulling into the carport, Logan insisted that he and Dimitri go to Courettes for drinks and celebration. He felt the wave of contentment that had washed through the pack. They had needed a leader, one determined to withstand multiple challenges, and he’d shown he was worthy. And in return, he needed to be with them and around them.
Courettes was an open-air, casual French Quarter establishment. What made the bar unique was that, thanks to a witch’s spell, only paranormals could see into the bar or enter. To humans, it simply looked like a quiet home with closed wooden shutters. Because tonight was an Acadian wolf celebration, few vampires and witches attended. As the zydeco band played, wolves danced sensually to the indigenous beats.
Sitting at the bar, Dimitri shot Logan a questioning look, realizing his mind was far from the party that was going on around him.
“Alpha, what’s up?”
“Nothin’. Just feels good to be back home in the city. Life is good,” Logan responded, gazing intently at the many she-wolves who’d begun to peel off some of their clothing as the atmosphere became more heated.
“You were amazing tonight.” Dimitri clapped his hand on Logan’s shoulder. “The pack, they’re calm. It’s finally over.”
“Yeah. And I meant it too. I’m done. Next challenge ends in death,” he stated coldly. Logan was so finished with this shit. Acadian Wolves were his and the next wolf who started a fight was as good as dead.
“Oh, I know. You made that perfectly clear. It was awesome, though, bro,” Dimitri laughed. “When’s Kat leaving?”
“Tomorrow.” Logan pinched the bridge of his nose and plowed his hand through his hair. “She’s still broken up about Marcel. Then again, it’s not every day you lose your brother. Tristan is the only one who can really help her heal. It’s not easy letting her go, but it’s time for us all to move on. And today, my friend, is that day.” He took a swig of his beer.
“Speaking of moving on…” Dimitri nodded nonchalantly over to a gorgeous redhead whose eyes flirtatiously flashed over to his and then back to the band. Her fiery curly hair fell to the middle of her back, accentuating her slim waist and full hips.
“Ah, yes, Fiona. She’s been after me for the past two months,” Logan confessed.
“No surprise there, I guess.” The women had been circling around his new Alpha ever since the first challenge. But after tonight’s edict, Dimitri expected them to become more aggressive, actively vying for Logan’s attention. “Honestly, between Luci and Kat, you’ve had your hands full. I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am that we moved back here and out of that mansion.”
“Yeah well, soon that mansion is going to be a clubhouse. It’s Marcel’s, not mine. And since he’s not here, it belongs to the pack. Thank Goddess we’re back in the city, though, ’cause I need my space. No offense, man.” Logan laughed.
“None taken,” Dimitri concurred and held up his glass. “I’ll be good to go in the cottage house. Close enough but not on top of you.”
Logan turned to him, smiling and nodding. They clinked glasses in cheers and drank.
“Alpha.” Logan turned his attention toward the submissive voice that sang his name.
“Fiona, how are you? You look beautiful tonight.” Logan acknowledged as he and Dimitri stood to greet the alluring wolf.
“Thank you, sir. Hello, Dimitri.” She smiled and nodded at him.
“I must agree with our Alpha, cher. You look lovely.”
She blushed in response, but didn’t move away. “It’s because of the challenge. Everyone can feel it. It’s been so long since we’ve felt any peace…with Marcel gone and all.”
“How about a dance to celebrate?” Dimitri suggested, glancing over to Logan.
“With you both?” She questioned seductively, batting her eyelashes.
Logan smiled in response, quickly weighing his answer. He supposed one dance with the attractive little she-wolf couldn’t hurt. Gently taking her hand in his, he led her out to the dance floor, Dimitri following.
Fiona laughed quietly as Logan swept her into his arms. The music slowed, and Dimitri came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. The threesome began to move as one on the dance floor and a palpable sexual energy snapped in the air. Sandwiched between the tall, sexy men, Fiona rejoiced at her successful seduction. She had wanted these men for such a long time, yet it had been the first time she’d touched them intimately. She immediately bared her throat, offering both the Alpha and his beta everything she was.
Logan, surprised by Fiona’s gesture, tried to ignore her invitation. But as she rubbed her pelvis against his, it became difficult not to respond. He wasn’t interested in bringing her home with him, but neither did he want to insult her. His beta, on the other hand, clearly felt differently. Logan watched as Dimitri bent his knees, brushing his hard arousal against her bottom.
“Hmm,” she cooed, simply swaying back and forth, letting the men dictate the pace and direction of their hot encounter.
“Fi, look what you are doing to my beta,” Logan whispered in her ear.
“Alpha,” she moaned, digging her nails into his shoulders.
“I do think she’s enjoying our dance,” Dimitri commented, sliding his hands up her waist, his fingertips nearly touching the swell of her breasts. “Perhaps we could take this somewhere more private?”
“Yes,” she gasped.
Logan’s eyes met Dimitri’s in an effort to silently communicate that he was about to bow out, when he realized something was happening outside the bar. He wasn’t sure if it was the smell of her blood or the flash of her long blonde hair that first caught his attention. A bloodied woman tore down the street, vampires following her in pursuit. The woman from his vision. What the fuck?
“What is it?” Dimitri tensed, snapping his head around to the street.
“Sorry, Fi. Gonna have to do this another time.” Logan kissed her forehead and took off toward the exit. “D. Outside. Now. Something’s going down.”
Wynter’s lungs burned. She bent over trying to catch her breath as she hid behind the rotted wooden door. Her heart beat like a hummingbird as she considered her next move. It had been exactly two months and thirteen days, since she’d been taken hostage. Escaping had been no small feat. With nothing but time, she’d planned for days and had finally done it. Wearing only a dirty white lab coat over her bra and panties, she sprinted down the street. Disoriented, she was uncertain where they’d moved the operation. A quick glance up to the wrought iron balconies lined with cascading ferns told her she was in New Orleans. She shook her head in disbelief. Fucking assholes. Wynter had lost track of how many times they relocated her. When she’d first started working for them, she’d been in New York City. But after they’d discovered her intentions, she’d been treated like cargo; blindfolded, handcuffed and gagged as they traveled from state to state.
Endless days in the lab led into nightly bleedings by the vampires. They soon learned, however, that their virologist couldn’t think straight if her brain lacked blood. But even after they stopped draining her, their threat remained clear and present. Screw up or argue too much, and they’d drag her to the floor, sinking their fangs into her flesh as punishment. As much as she’d kept her nose buried in the work, managing to mentally catalog their protocols, she’d lost chunks of time. She’d nearly given up hope of living, fearing no one would come for her.
Desperate, her plan had been flimsy at best but she’d rather die trying to escape than be imprisoned. Staking the vampire had been the easy part. Finding her way through the locked corridors had been quite another story. But she’d done it. She was nothing if not resourceful. As the fresh air hit her face, her heart raced, knowing they’d be hot on her heels. She stole a glance over her shoulder; the dark figure was quickly approaching. Her breath quickened in fright as she thought through what she’d do next. If she could disappear through one of the myriad courtyard entranceways along the street, she might have a chanc
e. She could open a gate and lock it behind her, she thought. Or perhaps if she ran further, she could find safety within a shop or bar that catered to humans.
Heaving for breath, she wrapped her bloody fingers around the iron bars that led down a dark alley and shook them. Locked? No, she just needed to open the rusted latch. She fumbled with it as she heard the footsteps growing closer. Her eyes darted down the street and she caught a glimpse of an approaching vampire. Swiftly, she turned her attention back to the door. She grunted, pushing at the bar with her thumb. Open, dammit, open. Finally, the latch slid aside. It was at that very second she realized she’d run out of time. A bloodcurdling scream tore from her lips as familiar claws dug into her neck, spinning her around.
“Where do you think you’re going?” The vampire sneered, holding her by the throat against the wall.
She choked for air, but didn’t waste time answering him. In one hand, she held onto the stake and with the other, she continued to flick open the latch.
“I’ve got her,” he called over to the second thug whose fangs openly wept with saliva.
Wynter’s eyes teared. This couldn’t be the end. Even though she started to feel the tunnel of unconsciousness closing in, she kicked and gasped in defiance. Never give up. They could take her but not without a fight.
“No,” she croaked softly. He slammed her wrist against the plastered wall. The stake she’d been carrying slipped from her fingers.
Logan sprinted out of the club after the two vampires just in time to see the larger one holding the human against the wall by her neck. Why the hell are vampires attacking a human? In the wide open where anyone could see? Where the hell is Kade? Kade Issacson, the head of the vampires in New Orleans, would kill these idiots for merely chasing after a human, let alone harming one. With no time to call him, Logan came up behind the vampire, reached around his neck and snapped his spine. He took in the sight of the wide-eyed girl, dressed in a lab coat, who coughed for air. Protectively, he pulled her into his arms, while glancing over to Dimitri, who’d slit open the throat of the other vamp.
“It’s okay, you’re safe,” Logan assured her.
Wynter began to struggle, kicking and beating the stranger with her fists. Lost in panic, she didn’t hear his words. Fear surged as she immediately sensed he was wolf. Trust no one.
“No, let me go! Please don’t hurt me…I can’t…” she began. She didn’t feel good, her mind and body were beginning to shut down. If she lost consciousness, they’d take her again.
“Easy, sweetheart. Now listen,” Logan said softly, refusing to release her. “I’m not goin’ to hurt you.” What the hell was it with humans? Didn’t she get he was helping her?
Now that Logan had the woman from his vision in his arms, he wasn’t going to let her simply walk away. He couldn’t believe that she was actually here in New Orleans. Curiosity got the best of him as he let his eyes wander over her. She wore a dirty white coat that was missing buttons. Shoeless, her bare feet were blackened and bloodied. What had happened to her? Logan could feel the heat rising from her skin. She felt warm, too warm for a human. Notwithstanding her panicked state, she appeared physically ill.
“Please, just let me go. I swear I won’t tell anyone. Please,” she cried, fighting back the sobs that threatened to overwhelm her.
Wynter looked up at the attractive wolf who offered her help. Over six-four, with shoulder length dark brown hair, he towered over her small stature. Dressed in worn jeans and a black t-shirt, his well-defined biceps gave her an idea of the incredible body that was under his clothes. A distinctive power rolled off of him as he gently ran a finger down her cheek. Alpha.
She thought she’d hyperventilate at the thought. Oh my God, she needed to get away from him. She couldn’t be certain if he was an enemy of hers or not. And if he was, she knew he’d kill her. Wynter knew that packs had rules. And some packs killed intruders and asked questions later. Seeing no other way to escape, perhaps she could convince him she was simply a wayward tourist being chased by vampires.
“I’m a tourist,” she stammered. “I just got lost. If you let me go, I’ll just get back to the hotel.”
A tourist? Is she crazy? Logan could smell her lie and her fear. Perhaps she’s not crazy but frightened out of her right mind, he thought.
“Okay, well, let’s try this again, because I don’t see many tourists on the run from vamps, dressed like you are. Seriously, you’re safe with me. You need to calm down, though,” he suggested, with a low, reassuring voice. “Things will be fine. We’ll get you cleaned up and then we’re going to have a little chat.”
He didn’t want to stress her further but if she thought she was going to up and leave without telling him what was going on, she had another think coming. He glanced over to the ashes of the two vampires they’d killed. He was going to have to have a serious conversation with Kade.
“Please, sir,” she continued to beg.
Logan grew irritated. Why was he trying to talk sense into the human in the middle of a dirty alley? It would be much easier if he could just command her like he could do with the wolves. He let a small bit of his power flow out toward her until she stilled in acknowledgement. He cocked an eyebrow at her in surprise that it appeared to work. Not all humans could sense the supernatural force he wielded. Intriguing.
“Listen to me, Miss. I’m going to say it one last time; you are safe. I’m sorry but you do realize that I can’t just let you go? I’ve got some questions about what the hell just happened here, and you’re in shock. We’re going to go home now. Let’s get out of this alley.”
“No, no, no. Please just let me go. I’ll go home. I’ll…” She was about to tell him she’d go to the police, when she saw the vampires coming for her. Her heart caught in her throat. It wasn’t just any vampire stalking toward them. It was him. The one who had repeatedly fed on her; he’d enjoyed it. Endorphins flooded her weakened system.
Logan shook his head. Much to his chagrin, she obviously didn’t understand that she had no choice in the matter.
“More…more vampires,” she whispered, unable to look away. Pointing down the street, she grabbed the wall in an effort to remain upright.
“Stay here,” Logan commanded.
Wynter silently nodded, fully intending to run.
“Hey D, looks like a few more partygoers want to dance.” Logan spun on his heels, taking off down the street to head off their attackers.
“What can I say, Alpha? You’re a good-lookin’ guy. Real popular tonight,” Dimitri joked as he followed.
Logan grabbed the vampire, smashing him up against the wooden shutters of a townhome. Splinters flew as the wood cracked into several pieces. Tearing a shard off the structure, Logan staked him in his back. “Sorry, pal. Dance card’s full.”
As the second vampire attempted to bite Dimitri, he flipped him onto his back, driving the wood straight through the bloodsucker until he hit the pavement. He shoved up onto his feet and brushed the debris from his jeans.
“Fuck me. What the hell is happening tonight?” Dimitri huffed. “This is some kind of crazy shit.”
“Goddamn vampires.” Logan stood, scanning the street and was met with silence. “They’re out of control.”
“Kade must be going soft if he’s letting his skeeters buzz the humans. Not good for tourism, ya know.” Dimitri laughed.
“Yeah, I get the feeling that our girl’s not a random human either. Shit. Where is she?” Logan asked, realizing she must’ve taken off down into one of the courtyards. Logan sniffed into the air. Humans were so naïve. It was just a matter of time before he found her. “Did you see which direction she ran?”
“No. But I’m guessing from her little tantrum that she doesn’t want our help,” Dimitri surmised.
“Well, she doesn’t have a choice. I want to know exactly what went down before we saved her pretty little ass. Something’s not right, and I’m going to find out what it is.” Logan continued, deep in thought. “And s
he’s not getting away from me either. Listen, I’m goin’ wolf.”
“You need me to go with?”
“No, go back to the party. Fi’s waiting.” Now that Logan had held the woman from his visions in his arms, he needed to know who she was more than ever. What was she doing in New Orleans? Why did the vampires want her?
“You sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. But do me a favor, will ya? Put a call into Kade’s office and report our little scuffle. They can call me tomorrow. I’ve got a bad feeling this isn’t over.”
“You got it.”
“Uh…one more thing…my clothes?” Logan grinned.
“Yeah, okay. You sure you want to do this, man?”
Logan laughed without answering. He ducked into an alleyway, away from prying eyes and threw his clothes and boots over to Dimitri. Not that he had a problem with nudity. Quite the contrary; he enjoyed being naked whenever he got the chance. But it was unusual for Logan to go wolf in the city, preferring to run wild in the country. Tonight, however, the woman gave him little choice.
Remembering her lack of clothing and shoes, he reasoned she couldn’t have gone far. Where would a human run to in the middle of the night in the French Quarter? Bourbon Street would be the logical place for her to go. Since they were on the other side of the French Quarter, nearly at the river, she’d have quite a ways to walk in order to get there. At two in the morning, most shops would be closed. Even though she didn’t seem to be of a criminal nature, she could try to break into a business or home. But that didn’t seem likely given her frightened state, not to mention that she’d soon crash from exhaustion. Against the gate, she’d struggled to remain on her own feet. She’d shown signs of illness, trauma and malnutrition. She wouldn’t get far.
Letting go of his human thoughts, Logan let the beast take over and do what it did best: hunt. The sweet smell of her remained strong in his memory. Running hard, he zipped down streets and walkways. As her scent grew stronger, the wolf grew excited. Having the capacity to run for miles if necessary, he was unyielding in his search. Soon, the prey would be his.
