by Delta James
“Have you seen our stores?”
“Yes. I fear they are inadequate and mostly unusable. Your kitchen staff, however, seem more than up to the task of feeding our pack. We can muster something better than this,” he said, waving his hand at the meager buffet table, “for this morning’s meal. I can have the first of it out within a half an hour and the rest within the hour. I fear I will need to go into the village and spend a great deal of money to stock our pantry with food and supplies.”
“Take Will... he’s proven very good at spending money.”
Will laughed. “No one better.”
James was relieved to see the pack take a collective sigh of relief and begin to relax. “I know this was the annual day for grievances. If you would indulge me, I would prefer that we do that tomorrow. Today I’d just like us to start getting to know one another and building a strong foundation for our future together. And tomorrow I would like to hear not only grievances but things that are needed and might make your lives easier.”
“And that, my alpha, will start as soon as MacMurray here sees to your wound. MacMurray?”
“Mistress?”
Shannon sighed and James chuckled. Shaking her head, she said, “We’re going to have to work on that. In any event, let’s get our kindhearted, but hardheaded alpha’s gashes seen to.”
“Yes, Mistress.”
MacMurray seemed confused by the source of his alpha’s amusement. “Sir,” he said, indicating one of the exits. Shannon and James followed him.
His superficial cuts seen to, James and Shannon spent the rest of the day eating, drinking, and visiting with their pack. As the day wore on, James was heartened to see people begin to shed the oppression under which they had lived. Many began to come forward with ideas as to how to better utilize the estate and the surrounding area to be far more self-sustaining. No one seemed to miss those who had chosen to leave. Several women had asked to be separated from pairings they’d been forced into and in which they were unhappy. After James quelled one man’s objections in no uncertain terms, sending him to the hospital, the rest quietly went away.
The afternoon meal was simple but there was far more comradery. James sat with Will, Tony, Gwen, Shannon, and MacMurray.
“You made some enemies today,” observed MacMurray. “Nothing we can’t handle, but just because your father and his ranking members are currently housed in our dungeon doesn’t mean they won’t try something.”
“I agree,” said Tony. “I’ve already set up patrols. They won’t catch us unaware if and when they try something. I’m working with one of the construction guys here about creating a safe room in case it gets bad. One where the women and children can be kept out of the fray with an escape route if it comes to that.”
“And you think we women are just going to quietly stand by and let others guard our home?” asked Shannon sweetly but with steel in her voice. “Have we met?”
“Perhaps he knows you, Mistress, but I fear he does not know the rest of us. Some will do as told and be kept behind a secure door. The rest of us will be with our mistress fighting alongside of you,” said Gwen.
“Alpha?” queried Tony.
James looked at Shannon. “I fear we’ll have to find a middle ground... at least until we figure out how to keep them safe whether they like it or not.”
Shannon leaned forward and nipped his earlobe again, causing him to laugh.
“I thought I told you I preferred my idea of you luring me back to our bed to soothe my ire.”
“You did and after last night, the whole tearing a chunk out of my neck notwithstanding, I think that’s an excellent way to deal with you when you’re angry. Right now you aren’t angry, just misguided. I’m merely trying to help you see the error of your ways.”
He grinned at her and turned to Tony. “Well, I suppose it’s better than having her break pottery over my head.”
“But according to Catherine, not nearly as satisfying,” responded Shannon. “Gwen says the gardens are not well tended, but beautiful nonetheless. What do you say we shift and go for a run?”
“I would like that very much.”
James stood, offering his hand to her. “My people? Your mistress and I are going out for a brief run. Should you need anything, feel free to speak to Tony and/or Will. Those who are inclined, meet us out on the back patio in a few minutes and join us. I don’t think there’s been a pack run at Ravenscar in my lifetime.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Shannon and James went back to their room. Shannon still marveled at how quickly healing was taking place both on her marking and on the wounds delivered to her mate by the man who had sired him. She traced her finger down the trail left by the stiletto.
“We told our people we were going for a run.”
“That was a bad call. I think your idea of luring you back to bed was a much better one.”
He smiled and nuzzled her neck. “Now you tell me. We’ll retire to our room as soon as possible after dinner.”
“And will you knot me again, my alpha?”
He chuckled lasciviously. “Yes, my mate, I will.”
After removing their clothing they shifted to their wolf-selves and James gave a great bark as he opened the door and they charged down the stairs and out onto the patio. James stopped short and Shannon almost collided with him from behind. What greeted them was something that neither had expected.
Before them was the vast majority of their pack in wolf form ready to take a pack run. James wagged his tail in sheer joyous abandon and then howled. His greeting was returned in kind and by most play-bowing to him and his lady. James bounded off the patio and turned to wait for Shannon to take her place at his side. When she did so, they raced off together with the pack falling in behind them.
They ran through the gardens and out along the lane that led from the main road to the manor house. Looking back and seeing no one showing signs of fatigue, James ran down the well-worn path down to the beach. The estate at Ravenscar had a long stretch of beach that even at high tide could be traversed for miles. Shannon galloped alongside him as they splashed in and out of the ocean. Most of the younger members of the pack, their contemporaries, joined in the antics while the more senior members of the group chose to catch their breath and stretch out in the warm sun, lazily wagging their tails in contentment.
Shannon took advantage of James’ inattention and managed to bowl him over as a wave caught him, tossing him helplessly into the air. He stood up, shook himself off, and growled playfully at her. Her response was to nestle close to him in seeming supplication before nipping his ear and running at top speed toward the other end of the beach where she knew there was a path leading back to the estate. She ran as fast as she could but could hear him gaining on her.
She had made the headland before he tackled her from behind, pinning her to the ground before nuzzling her, rubbing his head on hers, and then backing off. She jumped to her feet and the two sprinted away with their pack in hot pursuit.
They charged up onto the patio and then bounded through the large, heavy French doors and into the great dining hall, collapsing on the floor as the rest of their pack joined them, happily barking and yapping. James stood and they immediately quieted. He wagged his tail happily and howled and was unanimously serenaded in return. He nudged Shannon and then took off up the stairs and into their room.
Shannon followed him, leaping over his body onto the bed and shifting in mid-leap. She started as a wolf and landed in the middle of their bed laughing gleefully as a human.
“That was amazing!” she said, trying to catch her breath.
James shifted and plopped down on the bed beside her. “It was indeed. I have never experienced running with a pack like that. And in my whole life, I don’t recall ever seeing or even hearing of the pack doing it.”
She sat up close to him and leaned into him, her breasts resting on either side of his muscular arm. “Then we must make it a regular occurrence. We’ll call it the Ravenscar Run an
d always celebrate afterwards.”
“I think that’s an excellent idea. Much as I would prefer to stay up here with you, I need to shower and head back downstairs. I need to figure out what to do with my father and those who support him.”
“I know. We can spend today just being with our people and letting them get to know me and to realize the boy they thought they knew was long ago replaced by the man they now see before them.”
James shook his head. “Until my father is dealt with and I can be assured of your safety...”
“Oh, no. You do not get to start that shit with me again...”
“Shea, please. I need to know you are safe.”
“I was running with the lot of you. How much safer can I be than to be surrounded by our pack?”
“I want my father and his cronies off the estate before I will be comfortable having you where I am not absolutely sure of your safety. I want you to stay up here and will leave one of our men, those we know are absolutely loyal to safeguard you while I deal with my father. Once that’s done I’ll come get you...”
Shannon reached up and bit his ear hard. “That is bullshit, James.”
James spun toward her and pinned her on her back to their bed.
“Perhaps,” he growled. “But it is my bullshit and you will mind me.”
“I won’t...” she growled back.
“You will or you will learn firsthand what it is to be knotted and tied by your mate on a very red and painful backside.”
“Bastard,” she hissed.
“Mate,” he corrected before leaning into her and kissing her passionately.
His tongue darted past her lips and swept around her mouth before caressing hers, causing her anger to begin to subside. He lifted his head.
“Please, Shea. I need to keep you safe. Indulge me. If I am to be the strength and honor of our pack, you will be its heart and soul. They need you. I need you.”
“You are the most annoying man,” she said, relenting.
“I am your most annoying, but adoring, mate. You will stay in our room?”
“Fine, but don’t be too long and you might want to think about making it up to me when you return to our room,” she growled at him—although this time the growl had taken on a far more seductive tone.
He smiled. “I take it you’d rather I didn’t use my mouth for talking?”
“And my sister just thinks you’re nothing but good looks and charm.”
James laughed. “She doesn’t really, does she?”
“No. She thinks you are an alpha wolf with intelligence and courage to spare. So does Marco. Catherine even thinks you just might be worthy of me.”
“High praise from the Madonna of the DeMedici.”
“Indeed. Now go deal with your father and come back to me. It’s too glorious a day to be confined to my room.”
He smiled, kissed her, and left their room. Tony had apparently already sent one of their men to stand watch.
“He figured you’d want her upstairs until your father was gone.”
James looked back at the door. “See that she doesn’t leave. She’s not happy with my making her stay in our room.”
“Yes, Alpha.”
James trotted down the stairs and was immediately flanked by Tony and Will.
“Will, I need you to go mingle with our people and make sure everything and everyone is calm and handling the change well. Do get with Franco and get him whatever he wants. If the kitchen itself isn’t up to snuff, tell him to get you a list of what we need. And MacMurray’s medical clinic is pretty rudimentary. See if you can’t get with him to get that remedied.”
Will nodded and headed for the great hall.
“I take it you sent Stefano upstairs?”
“Yes. I hope that wasn’t presumptuous on my part, but I rather imagined you’d want your father gone from here before you risked letting her have free run.”
“No, I was glad to see him waiting. There’s no time like the present. Let’s go deal with my father.”
They headed down to the dungeons.
“So you’d follow Gwen anywhere?” James teased.
“Indeed I would. But I fear my Gwen will need to be brought around to that way of thinking.”
James laughed as he eyed the strong Italian beta at his side. “Weird feeling, isn’t it?”
“From what you’ve said, less so than for me. I’ve always believed in fated mates. But a bit disconcerting in the middle of a coup.”
James clapped him on the back. “Don’t worry. You’ll get over it.”
“If I am half as successful as quickly as you have been, I will be happy.”
“That’s part of the weirdness. Even when she hated me, even when everything was uncertain, I was happy knowing I’d found her.”
Tony nodded. “Marco was the same way about Catherine. Once he’d spotted her in Florence his whole being shifted from looking to persuading. I just hope I have no need to convince my Gwen by applying my hand to her voluptuous bottom.”
“That’s not the worst thing that can happen...”
“So Marco has said repeatedly. And he always says the best mates take a bit of convincing.”
“I would agree with your brother wholeheartedly.”
They entered the dungeon. Tony had wisely put two of their men at its entrance. They walked past them and James confronted his father.
“Well, old man, I find myself in a bit of a quagmire.”
“That’s what happens when you try to oust the rightful alpha of a pack. Call this nonsense off and I’ll let you and your purchased bride leave here with your lives.”
“I didn’t just try to take over as alpha... I have done so. As for my mate? She wants you dead. In fact, I’m fairly sure she’d be willing to do the deed. But I would prefer not to have to kill you although I am prepared to do so.”
“You think that would be easy, my son?”
“Very. And I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it. I meant what I said, you and your followers can leave here. I will pay you a lump sum of money so that you can find a place to settle. But it will not be here at Ravenscar nor will it be within my territory. After you have found a place I will give you an annual stipend to ensure your continued benign behavior. But the instant I find that you have tried to move against me or mine, I will end your life.”
His father rose and came to the front of his cell. “You ungrateful cur.”
Tony moved to step between them. James waved him back.
“I’m sure from your point of view, I would appear so. I will not waste my breath trying to convince you otherwise. You have until this evening to decide your fate. If you will not agree to go peacefully, I will have you removed with nothing but the clothes on your back. Should you return, I will have you put down. You will not be allowed to threaten my pack.”
“And what about you, boy? What if I threaten you or your mate?”
“You are no threat to me. And if you ever cast your eye toward my mate, I will kill you without a moment’s hesitation.”
They turned away as his father cursed his name and all of those who supported him.
“You do know that there is little likelihood that you won’t have to kill him,” said Tony.
James nodded. “I do. But I would rather our pack know from the get-go that I mean to lead rather than rule. That there will be mercy shown unless I am not given a choice to do so.”
They went back into the main hall. Tony left to go speak with their men and to begin to consolidate the pack and to ascertain those who were willing and could be trained to guard the pack.
Will joined James. “There are a lot of good people here, James. Most are happy to see you in a different light. All of them are happy to see your father gone. I think they would benefit from seeing your lady at your side.”
“I’m sure they could. And once my father has left the estate I would rather she was nowhere else than with me. But until then, I want her where I know she is safe.”
&n
bsp; “I’ll bet that didn’t go over too well.”
“Not bad considering she informed me that I could make it up to her when I returned to our room.” James saw Will smiling at him. “What?”
“You. More specifically you with her. I never thought I’d live to see you settle down and so besotted with one woman.”
“You think you find it surprising? Try experiencing it from my point of view. At first, I was shocked and now it feels as natural as breathing in and out. Loving her permeates and guides everything I do.”
“For what it’s worth? I think your fated mate may well be the best thing that ever happened to any of us. She really is quite extraordinary.”
“Have you spoken with your father?”
“Yes, and he’s taken my leaving our pack to be your omega quite well. That is after he got over you ousting your father. He didn’t think you had it in you until I revealed that my alpha had been living a double life for some time. He rather liked that. He did wonder, given your Shannon was also at the auction, if you plan to move against those who were present and participated.”
“Most of those men are dead. They were all pack leaders. Their packs have paid a heavy toll for their participation. Those that survived, unless they were an active part of helping deMoncada kidnap and hold women against their will, have nothing to fear from me. Those that have yet to release women they were holding will answer to the Coalition. As for your father, I have his son as my omega. Should he choose to lead his pack down a better path, he too can do so without fear of reprisal from me.”
“You’re being awfully generous.”
“Not really. I think there are those who will answer to the Coalition for their part in all of this. I made a vow to Shannon that we will be a part of that and a part in ensuring all those women forced into pair bondings not of their choice or still being held will be found and brought to places where they can recover and heal.”
“And we will be a part of that Coalition?”
“We already are.”
Tony joined them. “Alpha?”
James looked at him. “That is not a good face.”
“No, I’m afraid it isn’t. I went to speak with Stefano and thought I’d update Shannon...”
