Dawn beckoned on the horizon, the gray haze of daybreak coating the forest around them as they crept around the outer edge of the Indiana pack’s land. At halfway, John halted, looking back at Tyler and John with a raised brow, both returned the expression, agreeing with what he’d sensed so far—no soldiers stood guard around the edges of the land.
Resuming their pace, the three of them soon met Cage and the others at the opposite end, and a quick signal from Cage confirmed they’d too sensed no pack presence.
With a tilt of his head, Cage pointed deeper into their territory and raised a questioning eyebrow. John nodded in return, the three-manned groups becoming parallel in formation as they crept deeper into the territory. John’s ears strained for sound, his nose scenting the air for fresh scents, but as they walked, nothing was found. Pausing once again, after a moment, the groups split again, curving around the land, only to find nothing.
Once they’d traveled out of earshot of anyone they may have missed, the six of them convened.
“I think we should go deeper, get a glimpse of their housing before leaving,” Cage murmured.
“Only way we’re going to know for sure,” John agreed. “Move together until we reach the center?”
“Yes, then split and meet up at the opposite end.”
John had become used to working with River Run, their interaction normally seamless. As long as everyone made an effort to not overstep boundaries and take control of the other side, tensions where next to none. The extra training together had helped many, and the frequent joint pack meetings further helped them all navigate the new territory. It also helped that John liked and respected Cage.
“What if we run into trouble?” Mia asked.
“Take them down as quickly and quietly as possible,” Cage suggested. “If the worst happens, at least one group needs to return home and relay what’s been found.”
“Let’s not get caught then,” Tyler suggested.
Smiles and nods answered in return.
“Have you thought about what we’ll do if we find a shell of a pack left behind after Castor’s stripped it bare?” Noah asked.
Several of them sighed because they knew it was highly likely Castor had done just that. He’d already proven he didn’t care if innocents were hurt; this was about power and greed only.
“I guess all we can do is observe what we can and then regroup and discuss it further,” John answered. “Right, let’s do this before the sun’s fully on the horizon.” Already the grayness of daybreak was lifting to make way to the pink of a new dawn.
With John and Cage leading together, the group of six moved with care, their feet silent as they tread over the undergrowth, wolf gazes taking in every facet of detail they passed. Reaching the small clearing, which housed a few tattered tents and worn cabins, John studied his surroundings, and at first glance, it appeared as if the area was empty, but as the group split and curved around opposite sides of the housing, they spotted the life within.
“Two guards. Did you count the same?” John asked once they’d regrouped.
“Yeah, but was it me, or did they seem like they were keeping people in, not out?” Cage answered.
“Seemed that way to me,” Tyler agreed, his voice thick with the anger of his wolf.
“I heard a baby crying. There’s more than likely other kids inside,” Mia added. Her claws slipped free. “I say we go in and show them what happens to bullies.” Her smile gleamed as bright as her deadly claws. “About time I got my claws into some Indiana blood.”
“Two will be like a walk in the park for the six of us.” Noah grinned. “I say we make it harder and go in blindfolded.”
The group laughed gently before turning serious once again.
“What happens to whoever we find inside though?” William asked. “For all we know, there’s just women and children in there.”
“Women can be lethal, William,” Mia noted, wiggling her claws.
Lifting up his hands, he smiled. “Never said they couldn’t be.”
“We need to ring Bass and Jackson.” There was no point freeing these people if their only protection was the guards holding them hostage, and they had nowhere else to go. It was a decision that could only be made by their alphas, and hopefully, the two alphas made the same choice; otherwise, they’d have a problem on their hands.
Cage nodded as he brought his phone out of his pocket. “Call together, decide together, yeah?”
John held up his phone. “Agreed. Ty, Noah, keep your eyes peeled while I talk.”
Cage gave a similar order, and then John was concentrating on the ring of the phone. Bass answered after two. “John?”
“Bass, we’ve searched the area and found only two guards who appear to be holding people captive inside one of the cabins. It’s barred to prevent those inside from getting out. We’ve heard a baby crying, so there is bound to be more kids inside, but we’re also wondering if those left behind can protect themselves if we free them.”
“Is Cage talking with Jackson?” Bass asked.
“Yeah, he’s on the phone now,” John answered.
“Your thoughts?” Bass asked.
“Free them and see what we find inside. Doesn’t feel right walking away.”
“I have to agree with you. What’s Jackson say?” Bass replied.
John’s gaze met Cage’s. “So?”
“Jackson’s wondering what we do if we find only kids and the elderly inside?” Cage said.
John heard a rustle down the line, then Bass’s muffled voice before Katalina said, “Bring them home.”
“Kat says bring them home,” John relayed.
Cage grinned. “Heard that, huh?” Laughter burst from him. “Jackson says we’re not a rescue center.”
John put his phone back to his ear as Bass passed on Cage’s words. Katalina’s growl vibrated down the line. “Tell him to say that to my face.”
John tried and failed not to smile. “She doesn’t agree,” John answered for her politely.
“I’ll take them,” Bass sighed. Then his voice became quieter. “Happy now, Katalina?”
“Ecstatic,” he heard Katalina grumble.
“Bass is willing to take whoever we find,” John informed Cage.
Cage told Jackson, only to hide a grin of his own. “Jackson says he feels bad now. They’ll split them.”
“We’re getting first dibs,” John heard Katalina shout, loud enough for the six of them to overhear. Cage wisely chose to keep her comment to himself.
“So it’s agreed,” Bass said. “Take out the guards, then message through with what you’ve found. Okay?”
John and Cage met each other’s stares and nodded. “All good. Check-in soon.” John ended the call as Cage did his.
“How are we doing this?” William asked.
“One guy each?” Cage replied.
“Only fair,” John agreed.
“It’s so easy I’m bored,” Noah muttered.
“Cheer up, Noah.” Tyler patted him on the back. “The full battle will be here before you know it, and then you’ll be wishing for boredom.”
Laughter filled the air for only a second before the six wolves set to work. Silent, deadly hunters slinking through the trees, their death blow delivered swiftly and without mercy.
Inside the old wooden building, they found ten people. Five of which were children, two seemingly over sixty, and the remaining three, teenagers of between thirteen and seventeen.
The two eldest teenagers stood their ground as they opened the doors, wolves shining in their eyes, hiding the fear that wafted off them in waves. The elderly ushered the children into the corner, them too willing to die to try and protect the innocent lives of the young.
“We’re not here to hurt you,” John said gently, his body softening as he took a step toward them palms up. “I’m John, second to Bass Evernight of Dark Shadow.”
A hushed gasp broke out over the tired, beaten group.
Cage stepped f
orward. “River Run and Dark Shadow offer you sanctuary.”
Whispering broke out, along with fearful and yet hopeful glances. The middle teenager stepped forward, his voice firm, gaze determined. “How do we know if we can trust you? Castor was from Dark Shadow and look what he did to our home.”
“Castor was cast out because he did not agree with Bass’s desire for peace,” John answered.
“Why would we free you if we intended to kill you?” Mia added, stepping up beside Cage. “We are here to help. Let us.”
“What’s your name?” John asked the middle teenager.
“Theo.”
“I take it you’re in charge?” John asked. He was young, but he was also the only one with a sense of dominance.
He laughed bitterly. “Yeah, that’s me. The fifteen-year-old leader.”
An older lady, her hair silver-gray and face wrinkled with age, stepped up, her hand landing on Theo’s shoulder. “I’m Josie, and this is my grandson. We’ll accept your offer of refuge. Thank you.” Bringing her lips to her grandson’s ear, she whispered something John couldn’t hear.
Theo’s shoulders slumped, his breath rushing out of him, as she did,, as if the weight he’d been carrying was suddenly lifted and he could finally rest.
“Castor took all our best fighters. Killed those who refused to stand with him and left us here as bargaining chips,” Josie explained.
“Their parents?” Mia murmured as the children began to venture out of the cabin, their faces drawn and dirty, their clothes near tatters.
Josie’s gaze filled with sorrow. “Some dead, others with Castor.”
John took them all in, his heart heavy in his chest. The predator snarled within, his need for justice akin to his need for breath. Castor had destroyed so many lives, and if they didn’t stop him, he’d carry on his reign of terror, collecting power as he went, not caring about the damage he left in his wake.
“Collect all you can. We need to leave as soon as possible,” Cage instructed.
The others split off to help, and as John took a step to do the same, a small bundle in ratty clothes shot toward him and attached himself to his leg. Laughing, John looked down at the little barnacle.
“Hey, little man, what’s your name?” John asked, ruffling his greasy hair.
“He doesn’t speak,” answered a timid little girl of around ten. She hung back, her thumb in her mouth as she watched John with the barnacle. “They killed his mom in front of him, his dad too.” Her eyes were empty, detached, as if they weren’t talking about murder at all.
Bending down, John pulled the little boy into his arms, who attached himself around John’s neck. “I’m sorry that happened,” he told the little girl. “What’s your name?”
“Tilly. He’s Mathew.” She leaned back on her heel, bit her thumb slightly. “Castor said Bass was bad. Is he?”
Lowering himself to her level, John held out his other arm for her. She paused, her detached gaze watering with tears. “He’s the best man I know, Tilly.” She took one tentative step, then leaped the rest, flying into his open arm and holding on as tightly as Mathew. “It’s going to be all right now, Tilly. You’ll see.”
“Will my mommy know where to find me?” she whispered.
“Is she with Castor?” Tilly nodded. “We’ll do our best to find her, Tilly.” And though Bass or Jackson hadn’t agreed to help those Castor had forced to fight, John knew in his heart that Bass would have promised the same. And maybe in helping the remnants of the Indiana pack, Castor would find some of his soldiers less willing to fight. But either way, war or not, John refused to allow it to blacken his heart.
Chapter 27
Eva
Rolling over with a sleepy yawn, Eva reached out for John, only to find the bed empty. Sitting up, she searched the room with her gaze and found a folded piece of paper on the bedside table.
Evaline,
I could stay in bed forever with you, but duty calls. I’ll be home midmorning, John X
Eva grinned at the X. He didn’t seem like the type who would leave notes and kisses, but she was beginning to see the softness beneath the tough, sexy exterior.
“Eva?”
“Sis?”
“In here,” Evaline answered to her brother and father as the door banged shut. It wasn’t until her brother’s grinning face poked through the door that she realized she was in John’s bed, not her own. Heat washed over her face.
“Busted,” Zackary teased. “You’re going to be in so much trouble.”
After throwing a pillow at him, Eva jumped from the bed as her father pushed the door open fully, his face rigid. “This isn’t your room, Evaline.”
“Twenty-one,” Eva singsonged as she pulled on her jeans beneath John’s shirt. It reached her knees, but Eva thought it was best to look fully clothed around her currently fuming father.
“Where is he?” her father demanded.
“Working,” Eva answered, walking past him and entering the kitchen. “Coffee?”
“Me, please.” Zackary grinned, jumping onto a barstool at the kitchen counter. “He’s leading that mission to the Indiana pack, isn’t he?”
“What mission?” Eva gasped. She had no idea he’d be in danger, and she wasn’t sure she liked this sudden feeling of anxiety rushing through her veins.
“Oh, you’ve got it bad, sis.” Zackary chuckled. “But chill, Ev. John’s a total badass. He’s the only one I’ve seen come remotely close to beating Bass’s ass.”
She remembered watching him fight. It was good to know he was strong, but again, Eva wasn’t sure how to deal with the new reason to worry. It was another aspect she hadn’t considered, and something being with John would cause daily. He’d always throw himself into danger. It was just who he was. Which meant she’d always be at risk of losing him, and she’d already lost enough in her life.
“I need you to explain to me what is going on between John and yourself, Eva,” her dad asked as he took the offered mug of coffee from her.
“I’m not sure what you want me to tell you, Dad. I like him. Is that so wrong?”
“No. No, I’m not saying that, but what about your degree, vet school? I won’t let you give up on those things.”
“I’m not giving up on them, Dad, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready for them,” she explained, taking a sip of her drink.
“Eva, we’ve not been here long, but in that time, I’ve seen the way relationships are here, and I can’t see how you can be with John and go back to college.”
“We’ll figure it out. But you’re getting way ahead of yourself.” Eva didn’t want to look too far ahead. It frightened her. She was happy enjoying the here and the now and breathing for the first time in months.
“I’m not sure I am, Evaline. This pack likes to gossip, and I’ve heard more than once you being referred to as his potential mate.”
Mate. It should terrify her that the word didn’t terrify her, yet the idea of John being all hers, and no one ever being able to take him away, pleased a secret hidden part of herself.
“That’s serious, Eva. Mates are serious. Like ‘death do us part’ serious,” Zackary added, the grin falling from his face.
“Would that be so bad?” she asked quietly.
Her brother shrugged. “I like John.”
“You’re going to vet school,” her father instructed. “I don’t care what that man wants or how scary he is, you’re becoming a vet, Evaline. End of discussion.”
Smiling warmly, Eva reached across the kitchen counter and took her father’s hand. “I’m going to do all of those things, Dad. I told John I was finishing school. We’ll figure it out, but we are not there yet, so please stop worrying.”
“It’s my job to worry,” he countered, running a hand over his head. “And I promised your mom I’d worry for her too.”
Eva laughed sadly. “I’m not ready to look forward yet, Dad, but when I do, I’ll let you know what I see. Okay?”
He nodded.
<
br /> “Cool! So, now that’s sorted, can we please go eat? I’m starving,” Zackary announced.
“All you do is eat,” their father muttered.
“I’m a growing wolf,” Zackary defended.
“Just let me throw some clean clothes on, and I’m there,” Eva replied, rushing off to her room. She put John’s shirt in her drawer—it was now hers or at least until it lost his smell, and then she’d let him wear it again. She pulled out a clean T-shirt and a sweater, leaving on her jeans. Thick socks were next, followed by a brush through her hair and a visit to the bathroom, and Eva was set.
“Jeez, it’s colder than yesterday,” she moaned as they left the cabin. “Dad, we need to get our winter stuff here.”
“I know. I was thinking of going back and packing our things next week.”
“Maybe we should all go,” Eva suggested. “I think it’s time.”
“I’ll have to ask, Bass,” Zackary said. “I can’t just leave when things are so dangerous. The pack might need me.”
Their father patted his back. “You’re too young to be running off into war, Zac.”
“I’ll be staying to protect those left behind. Tyler’s been teaching us what’s expected. I’m not skipping out on my friends, Dad. It’s hard enough being accepted around here as it is.”
Eva frowned; she didn’t like the sudden, sullen tone. “Are you having trouble, Zac?”
“It’s fine. Okay. I guess some kids don’t think it’s right I’m getting extra training with Ty and Bass.”
“Do I need to speak to someone?” their father asked.
“No. No. Do not do anything, either of you.”
“Zac,” Eva warned.
His serious gaze met hers. “I mean it, Eva. Don’t you say a thing to John. I’ve gotta earn their trust, that’s all. Packs are built on loyalty, and I’m new. Just give it time.”
“If you’re sure,” she answered. “But tell me if it gets worse, okay?”
“I will,” he muttered. “Now, can we go eat?”
“Yes, yes, come on,” their father answered, slapping his back. “I’m so pleased I don’t have to cook for you anymore.”
Wolf Queen (A New Dawn Novel Book 6) Page 15
