“Wouldn’t be so sure of that,” I muttered under my breath, catching a glimpse of his taut muscles as they flexed. “She might consider this siding with the enemy.”
“She doesn’t see you as an enemy,” he answered to my surprise. He smiled and tapped his ear. “Excellent hearing.” He shifted so I could pass him. “Sam isn’t too fond of male wolves right now. Doesn’t mean she won’t talk to you though.”
“Yeah, but I’d rather avoid pissing her off,” I drawled, the steps familiar as I went to the room I’d occupied when I’d first arrived. It had been completely redone after one of the Hanley pack had marked it.
“Better you than me,” he answered knowingly, chewing on the now bare sucker stick. “Best I’ve been able to get is a fuck off.”
I fought a smile, having no problem imagining Sam giving him hell. She’d single handedly orchestrated the escape of most of the women and children held by the Hanley pack, and my escape as well. I had no doubt of what she was capable of, but she wasn’t convinced. She’d been holed up in her room with Nicky since their escape and I was worried.
“Do you know why she won’t talk to Dom?” I asked, stopping before I reached her door and forcing Trent to stumble.
“Ah, no?” He answered, avoiding my eyes.
“But you have an idea?” I pushed, narrowing my eyes as I went toe to toe with him.
“You do know better than to challenge a wolf right?” He gestured to my stance, my legs wide and arms on my hips. “Cause I’m chill by most standards but you’re ruffling my fur.”
The door to Sam’s room banged open as she charged out, wild eyed. “Back away from her,” she screamed, holding something in her hands as she faced Trent.
“Whoa,” he called, holding up his hands as the sucker stick fell out of his mouth. “Not doing anything.”
I eased back a step, lowering my arms from my hips. “It’s fine, Sam. My mistake.” She didn’t look away from Trent, edging closer, and I wasn’t sure she even knew who he was. “Sam,” I said sharply, stepping in front of Trent when she got to close. She jerked her arms up and I saw the Taser in her hand.
“Jess,” she answered, and the tightness in my chest eased. “I thought he was going to….” She trailed off and her arms dropped. “Never mind.”
“Hey, thanks.” I reached for her arm, wrapping my hand around her wrist and noticing how fragile it felt. “You didn’t know what was going on and you came charging to my rescue.”
“My duty is done,” Trent said gallantly, tipping an imaginary hat. “You are safely at your destination.” His gaze lingered on my face for a second and I nodded briefly. I had to get to the bottom of this, for all of our sakes.
“I’m sorry for that by the way,” I tossed out as he turned away.
He paused, “You didn’t know.”
“That excuse only works once,” I replied, not willing to forgive myself so easily, for what could have happened.
“That is true,” he acknowledged with a tilt of his head. “But today, it holds.”
He whistled as he walked down the hall and I saw a few curtains ruffle. My chest tightened once again as it occurred to me that most of the women hadn’t left their rooms since we’d gotten them settled. Sam stood in the doorway of her own room, her eyes restlessly scanning the corridor and parking lot.
I managed to catch her eye before she ducked her head and Nicky toddled up to her leg, patting it as he said, “Momma.”
“We’re safe, baby. Momma will keep you safe,” she whispered as he turned those golden yellow eyes to me. He slunk behind her leg, hiding from me, and I exhaled.
“We need to talk.”
Chapter Three
“You can’t keep hiding,” I told her, keeping my voice calm but firm. Nicky played with a stack of blocks my Dad had dug up from somewhere as I sat next to Sam on the bed.
“I’m not hiding,” she denied instantly. “I’m regrouping.”
“By hiding?” She shot me a glare and I held up my hands. “What else should I call it? I’ve stayed in this room. It’s not that nice. Anyone who voluntarily chooses to lock themselves in here is hiding or seriously into self-punishment.”
She snorted, rubbing her neck as she watched Nicky knock down the blocks he’d stacked. “And you’d be the expert on both?”
“I have been known to hide under the covers on occasion.”
“And self-punishment?”
“We might have painted but this room is still only 250 square feet. For you and a toddler. I would call that some type of punishment.” I squeezed her hand and she closed her eyes. “You refuse to see Dom or your dad. You tell Trent to fuck off, which I completely understand by the way.” She smiled faintly and I pushed on. “You barely come out of this room. It’s not healthy. They need you.”
She sent me a sideways glance, her mouth firm as she pushed back a lank lock of hair.
“You haven’t showered in a while,” I added, wrinkling my nose.
“I can’t take care of myself. What makes you think they need me?” She asked, choosing to ignore my last statement.
“They followed you here. They trusted you with their lives. Their children’s lives.” She closed her eyes, but not fast enough as a tear trickled down her cheek. “They need what you represent, Sam. A chance. An opportunity for a different life.”
“I’m scared,” she admitted finally, the words hollow. “They’re going to come and I can’t protect them.”
“You don’t have to,” I told her, shifting closer as I draped my arm over her shoulder. “You just have to show them how to live in spite of the fear.”
“What if I don’t know how?”
“But you do,” I argued, shaking her. “Why do you think you ran away from the Hanleys? Because you knew what it was like without that fear and hate and rage.”
She licked her lips, the dry skin cracked and chapped. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough to be that girl again.”
I laughed, startling her and Nicky, as the sound filled the space. “Strong enough? Is that a joke?” I released her, standing up to face her directly. “You might be the strongest woman I’ve ever met and I’m a little tired of the pity party you’ve got going on here.” She flinched as I held up two fingers, barely an inch apart, to indicate how tired of it I was. “You are better than this.”
“You don’t understand,” she growled, a little fight coming back to her.
“No. I don’t. I didn’t live your life.” She blinked at me as I waved my arm around crazily. “But you know who did? Them. They know. They understand. And they need you.”
She stared at me warily, probably waiting for me to start jumping around or doing something equally crazy, but I just crossed my arms. She needed to make the decision.
“You might be right,” she said haltingly. “I feel stuck. Too scared to move forward and too scared to go back.” She swallowed, hollow eyed as she stared at Nicky playing. “I didn’t think we’d make it. I thought they’d figure it out. That they’d drag us back and punish us.” I relaxed my arms as she spoke, remembering the terror I’d felt when they held me captive and realizing she’d felt that way for years. I couldn’t begin to comprehend it. “I don’t know what to do.” She shrugged, her eyes pleading as they met mine. “I don’t know what’s next.”
I smiled, knowing exactly what came next as I said, “Let’s start with a shower.”
Her breath came out in a rush and I grabbed her arm, tugging her to her feet.
“I know. Sounds crazy, but I promise you everything is better after a shower. And clothes. Clean ones,” I added with a nod. She stared at me and I shoved her toward the bathroom. “Go. Trust me.” She glanced at Nicky. “I will take care of him. In fact, I’ll take him downstairs. We’ll go for a walk.” Her fists clenched involuntarily, but after a moment, she nodded. “One step at a time, Sam.”
“Hey, Nicky, Nicky, my little mickey,” I sang catching his surprised glance. “Why don’t you and me go exploring?”
He glanced at Sam, who nodded encouragingly, a smile fixed on her face. He nodded warily, but allowed me to take his hand. “We’ll meet you downstairs,” I told Sam as I led him to the door. When she didn’t tackle me at the door, I let out a sigh of relief.
“Do you know who I am?” I asked him curiously and he shook his head. “I’m Jess and you’re staying in my old room.” I held his hand tightly as we slowly made our way down the stairs. “I’m friend’s with your uncle,” I paused, uncertain if he knew about Dom. “Dominic?”
He glanced up at me and then nodded and I smiled. “He’s a secret,” he confided, his voice barely a whisper. He put his finger to his lips and I forced a smile as I wondered how many secrets he kept.
“Well, he doesn’t have to be a secret anymore,” I told him firmly. “Your mom is really brave and she wanted you to know him.”
“That’s why we ran away from Daddy,” he replied solemnly and I flinched at the acceptance on his young face.
“You’re a brave boy. Just like your mom and your Uncle Dom,” I said, not knowing what else to say. We walked down the breezeway, stopping when the office door opened suddenly. Hank Navarre walked out, pausing when he saw me.
“Jess,” he rumbled, his enormous size rivaling that of his son, but his voice was deeper, almost gravelly. “It’s good to see you.”
“You too, sir,” I answered automatically, inexplicably nervous around the man. I could blame his size but it was more the air of command he maintained. I could see why the Pack would want him as alpha. I couldn’t imagine any wolf having the nerve to challenge him.
“And who is this little guy?” He asked, keeping his voice low as Nicky ducked behind my leg. I knew the moment Hank realized his identity because he sucked in a sharp breath.
“This is Nicky,” I replied, my hand running over the dark brown locks falling in his face. “He’s a guest at the motel.” I nudged him lightly and he stepped out from behind my leg. “Nicky, this is Hank Navarre.”
Nicky looked up, and I watched as his head tilted back so he could take in the impressive height of his grandfather. “Are you a giant?” He asked, his voice polite, but his fingers clung nervously to my pant leg.
Laughter boomed from Hank as he kneeled down. “Some might say so, but if I am, then you will be too, little Nicky.” He reached out one hand to Nicky. “It’s nice to meet you, finally.” Nicky stretched his hand toward Hank’s, glancing at me and I nodded. Hank shook it gently as I watched, catching sight of my Dad standing in the door of the office. “You’re a mighty fine boy, Nicky Navarre.”
“My last name is Hanley,” he replied quickly, glancing over his shoulder carefully.
“No, it’s Navarre,” Hank corrected, easing back to his full height. “And you’ll never need to be afraid again. You have a pack now. One that will protect you,” he promised, his eyes gleaming. He glanced at me and gave a quick nod. “I have to go. Keep him safe for me.”
“Always,” I answered, my hand still on Nicky as we watched Hank cross to the forest. It was rare anyone arrived by vehicle, most preferring to take the shortcut though the woods to the Pack houses.
“Who is he?” Nicky tugged at my shirt and I glanced down at him.
“Your grandfather,” I replied, crossing my fingers Sam didn’t beat me for telling him.
“Will I be as big as him one day?”
“Bigger,” I replied, making my eyes wide as his mouth dropped open. “Hey, Dad.”
“Hey, Bunny. I see you found a new friend.”
“Yep, Sam needed a shower. Figured we’d take a walk.” I gestured to my Dad. “Nicky, this is my Dad.”
Nicky giggled, glancing at me. “Why does he call you Bunny? You’re not a bunny.”
“That’s a good question,” I replied, pursing my lips at my Dad. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you. For now, let’s go see what we can find in the field.”
I led him to the small grassy area separating the motel from the forest, knowing there was a wolf or two patrolling the area. They’d be impossible to spot unless they wanted to be seen but I took comfort knowing they were there. The dense tree line didn’t seem as threatening as it once had when I didn’t know what the nightly howling represented. The Pack had been protecting me from the first moment Dominic had set eyes on me and I knew they were determined to continue protecting us.
“I’m going to be a wolf one day,” Nicky mentioned idly, his fingers sinking into the earth as he got down on his hands and knees. “I’ll be big and strong and no one will be able to hurt us.”
“You will. You’ll be the defender of your Pack one day,” I replied, propping my chin on my knees as I watched him pretend to be a wolf. I turned my head slightly, feeling eyes on us, and watched as Trent melted back into the woods, as silent in human form as he was as a wolf.
“I’ll be as big as the giant!” He bounced up, arms stretched to the sky, more open and little boy than I’d ever seen. “I’ll howl and all the bad wolves will run away.” He raced around the green space, making howling noises as I watched in amusement.
“Thank you,” she whispered, easing down next to me.
“It really is amazing how silent you are,” I mused, shaking my head. “Either that or I’m really unobservant.”
She chuckled under her breath. “You learn. It’s really hard to sneak up on a wolf. I’ve had years of practice.” We watched Nicky tumble in the grass for a minute. “Thank you for watching him. For reminding me why I did it.”
“He’s a smart boy. I think he talks better than I do.” I grinned at her and she bumped my shoulder.
“Flatter my child and I’ll give you anything.”
I opened my mouth and then hesitated.
“What is it?” She prompted in a no bullshit voice.
“We might have sorta ran into your dad,” I replied in a rush, bracing myself for whatever backlash was coming my way. When she didn’t say anything, I peeked at her through my lashes. “Well, that went better than I anticipated.”
“He was okay?” She pointed at Nicky and I nodded. She nodded too and we just sat there nodding for a second. “Dad…..Dad saw him?”
“Yeah, they spoke.” I rubbed my mouth, debating the next part. “Your dad told him he was a Navarre not a Hanley.”
Sam snorted. “Of course he did.”
“Nicky wanted to know if he would be as big as Hank,” I added and Sam smiled.
“We do tend to be bigger than average,” she admitted in pride, her own height towering over mine at six feet. “He’ll be a giant like Dom.”
“He told me he was going to be a wolf.”
“He will,” she answered with a nod. “He’s got the right genes.”
“How can you tell?”
“Smell for one, but the eyes were a dead giveaway. All Navarre men born with those eyes are shifters.” She glanced over at me. “And the Hanleys did blood tests. Certain markers are present in shifters.”
“How modern,” I quipped, striving for light and falling flat when she gave me a pained glance.
“They took care of the ones that didn’t have the ability,” she murmured, her fingers curving when she said, ‘took care.’ “Wren,” she shook her head, unable to finish. “I was lucky.”
“And now you’re free,” I reminded her.
She turned a burning gaze toward me. “I won’t be free until every one of those bastards is buried.”
“Okay, then,” I said with a gulp. “Noted. Death to the Hanleys.”
“To the bastards that hurt us,” she corrected, some of her intensity easing as she turned back to Nicky. “Not all of them were bad.” She paused. “Most of them, but not all.”
“We can make a list,” I suggested, wondering if I’d just offered to write a hit list for Dom’s sister.
“And mark them off one by one?”
“If it makes you feel better,” I said honestly.
“Frank Hanley,” she said, nodding. I patted my pockets searching fruitlessly for something to wr
ite on or with and finally settling on my phone. I opened a blank message and typed Frank Hanley in.
“Who is he?” I asked idly, trying to decide if I needed to maintain some type of database.
“Nicky’s father.”
I paused, lifting my head, but her demeanor didn’t change. “Okay,” I replied and decided to skip descriptions. It was probably better that way. “Next?”
“Kyle Hanley.”
“I’m guessing they’re all going to have the last name Hanley.” I typed quickly, not asking who he was for fear of the answer. “Which is kind of gross. Are they all related?”
“Pretty much,” Sam said shortly. “Dennis Hanley. Joe Hanley. Nicholas.”
Her voice faltered on the last name and I glanced up. “Was he one of the good ones?”
Her mouth worked for a second. “No, he was the worst of them all. He’s their alpha.”
“Oh.” I hurried to type his name when I heard Sam snarl.
“What’s he doing here?”
“What?” I looked up and saw a man at the edge of the forest. He stared at us and fear jolted through me. “I don’t know him.” I reached for Sam, my gaze searching for Nicky, relieved to find him close. “We should go. I don’t know how he got through the patrol.”
“Because he’s the Alpha’s brother,” Sam replied, her eyes locked on him and abruptly I realized she knew him.
“Who is he?” I asked her and her eyes clouded.
“Payne.”
Chapter Four
“Like literal pain or metaphorical?” I questioned, my forehead wrinkling as my gaze darted between them.
Sam blinked and glanced at me. “No, his name is Payne. He’s Caleb’s older brother.”
“Ohhhhh, well now I feel dumb.” I squinted at him, trying to get a better look. “Huh, I just realized I’ve never met Caleb’s brother.”
“You’re not missing much,” Sam muttered.
“He’s cute,” I mused. “Is that like a wolf thing? You’re all really attractive.”
“He’s not a wolf. Doesn’t have the gene.”
The Challenge (The Pack Book 2) Page 2
