by Oliver, Lisa
The wolf was tense beneath him. In most cases the shifter would have submitted. Teeth in the neck had a tendency to incite that sort of reaction. But whatever it was that changed the men he knew into savage killers was still working and the two men stayed lock in a torrid embrace. Kellen knew if he let go, his life would be over. Even now, his leg was drenched in blood, and the hold he had was getting weaker.
“Kellen.” One word and it gave Kellen a burst of hope. His mate was near. He couldn’t smell him, but just hearing Phillip’s voice was enough to send the last of his adrenaline through his system. His teeth clenched down harder still, and he thought he heard the wolf beneath him whimper, but he couldn’t be sure.
“Hold on, love.” Phillip had a knife in his hand, his face smeared with blood, but Kellen didn’t think he’d seen anything more glorious. He wanted to tell Phillip, to ask him, to plead with him not to kill the wolf he had by the throat, but his brain was mush, his blood loss making him woozy and he couldn’t put together a coherent thought.
“Let go.” Was his mate mad? He couldn’t let go. If he did they’d both be dead. Phillip’s knife was a wicked looking weapon, but the wolf had teeth and claws.
“Trust me mate, let him go. He won’t hurt you.”
Trust. Ha. Such a loaded word. The thing was Kellen did trust Phillip, they were mates. But that trust warred with the fear he had for Phillip’s safety. But in the end, it wasn’t his decision to make. Kellen was losing consciousness and with a ragged growl he unhinged his jaws, letting the wolf fall to the ground. To his surprise the man shifted. It was his friend Brody. Good. He was glad he hadn’t killed Brody. That was his last thought as darkness swept him away.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Phillip kept the pressure he had on Kellen’s leg, the wound covered with his shirt, his knife in his other hand. He needed to get his mate somewhere safe. From what he could see as he hastily tore off his shirt, and used it to bind Kellen’s leg, the muscle was decimated and Kellen needed to shift if he had any hope of healing. As he kept a wary watch around him, he could see the fight was coming to an end as more and more of their attackers shifted back into their human forms. Thank the Fates his pack mates had found the connection between the collars and the wolves’ behavior.
“Phillip, are you okay?”
Phillip half-turned, his knife at the ready, only to find a naked Dante staring at him.
“What’s wrong with Kellen?”
Phillip gulped and glanced at his stricken mate. “His leg. It’s bad. He’s lost a lot of blood and he’s been out for a good ten minutes. I can’t get him to shift and if he doesn’t he could lose the use of his leg. That’d kill him.”
“The fight’s done. Malcom’s dead. No other major injuries,” Pearson said coming over to stand by his mate. “Steel told me it was you who worked out how to get these poor schmucks to shift. Fucking excellent work on spotting those collars. You saved a lot of lives today Phillip. A lot of lives. Anything you want, you just ask, okay?”
Phillip didn’t know what to think. His Alpha’s praise was like heaven for his ears, but with his mate on the floor, still in his wolf form, and surrounded by blood, he didn’t have a lot to celebrate. “I need help with Kellen,” he said, hating that he felt so helpless. He was shocked when Pearson didn’t say another word. Just lifted Kellen’s body like it was nothing and strode through the wrecked club room, heading for their private suites, Dante following behind.
At any other time, it would be a sexy sight. A naked Pearson wasn’t seen very often anymore, even on pack runs. Dante was too possessive to allow that to happen and Pearson was much the same about his mate. But neither man seemed concerned with their nudity, stopping only now and then to answer a query from Steel, order some clothes for the attacking shifters from Levi, and asking Brutus to send food up to Phillip’s suite. All with Kellen still held snugly in the Alpha’s arms. Phillip didn’t know whether to be happy or jealous especially when his inner voice was merrily cursing his smaller frame. He mentally slapped himself around the head to shut it up.
“Have you got medical supplies?” Pearson asked as he finally laid Kellen on their shared bed and tugging at the shirt remnants binding the injury. “I need to look at the damage.”
Phillip hurried to his bathroom. He always kept a medical kit handy – a throwback from his service days. He found the big metal box marked with a red cross easily and went back into the bedroom. Pearson looked worried as he examined the leg.
“We need to stitch this up as best we can. Kellen won’t take kindly to having his leg shaved, but we don’t have any choice. If hair or dirt gets into the wound and it becomes infected, he could be in big trouble. In the meantime, his breathing is strong, which is a good thing and his pulse is regular, but with him unconscious I can’t force a shift.”
“I’m not sure you could anyway, love,” Dante said. “Kellen hasn’t accepted you as his Alpha yet and I noticed he wasn’t affected by your power.”
Pearson grimaced. “Well that’ll make things more difficult. Phillip, I won’t lie. Kellen’s going to be in a lot of pain when he wakes up, and his wolf isn’t going to want to relinquish his form. Steel or Roger might know of painkillers that can be used in animal form, but in order to see if there’s any permanent damage we need him awake and back in his human skin.”
“Understood.” Phillip did understand. He didn’t like it but Pearson was being honest. When a wolf was in pain it was hard to control the animal spirit long enough to change back to human form. Every second that Kellen was unconscious his body was trying to heal. But with the mess his leg was in, he was going to have permanent damage, unless he shifted in the next twenty-four hours. “Let’s get him sewn up and hopefully that will help.” As for shaving, Phillip would shave his mate’s entire furry body if it meant the man would wake up and give him one of those warm looks that melted his soul. Kellen would have to deal, or wake up and tell him no.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Steak. Kellen could smell steak. Lightly cooked, faintly seasoned, and still warm. His stomach growled appreciatively. He couldn’t remember the last time he ate. Actually…Kellen opened his eyes, and looked around, noting everything was monochrome. He was in Phillip’s suite at the club, and he was still wearing fur. What the fuck?
He went to sit up and that’s when he felt it, searing pain running down his back leg. He whimpered. Damn that hurt. He settled down, panting madly, trying to get his heart rate under control, while his brain struggled to make sense of what’d happened. Slowly, images flashed through his brain: the attack on the pack, his failure to kill, Brody. Thank the Fates he hadn’t killed Brody. Kellen didn’t think he could live with himself if he had. The man had been a friend for years. And Phillip. His mate. The man he’d said those three magic words to just before chaos reigned. Where was Phillip?
“I’m here, love.” Phillip came around the bed, a towel wrapped around his hips, while he dried his hair with another. “You’ve had a rough few hours. Do you think you can shift?”
Kellen thought about moving, but then remembered the pain in his leg and shook his head. His sexy mate had a frown on his face and Kellen didn’t like the churning he got in his stomach at the sight. Maybe he should focus on the steak instead. He lifted his snout and sniffed. There was a plate of food on the bedside table.
I’m hungry, he sent out carefully. His wolf wasn’t very good with words. But Phillip seemed to get the message, although he still didn’t look happy.
“You can have the steak, and then you have to shift. Kellen, if you don’t your leg could end up permanently damaged. Are you listening to me?”
Kellen nodded. He was getting steak. He lifted his head as Phillip put the plate in front of him, seeing there were not one, but two large slabs of barely cooked meat on the plate. He was Alpha, it was expected that he ate first, but something inside of Kellen wouldn’t let him touch the food until he’d checked with Phillip. He tilted his head to one side and waggl
ed his ears, hoping Phillip would get the message.
“You know, our mind link would work fine if you pushed your wolf back and let your human side come through a little more. Then we wouldn’t be stuck playing charades. In answer to the question I think you asked, yes I’ve eaten and showered, and the steak on the plate is yours. Now eat and then shift.”
One thing at a time, Kellen told himself. If he didn’t move his head too much, and didn’t move his back end at all, then his leg didn’t hurt, and it was with that kind of logic Kellen scoffed down hunks of meat, even licking the plate. That was yummy. Hmm. But Kellen still felt sleepy. Maybe he’d have a nap first, and then he’d think about shifting. He laid his head on his front paws, thinking that he’d never lain on anything as soft as a bed before in his wolf form. He quite liked it, especially when the covers smelled like Phillip.
“Kellen, don’t you dare go to sleep. I need you to shift right now!” His mate was getting bossy and Kellen decided to ignore him. He could have a nap, and then maybe his leg wouldn’t hurt and then he could think about putting his human form back on. But right now…no. It wasn’t that he was a wimp, it’s just he’d never had a thing for pain. He was fed, cozy and warm and maybe if he was lucky his mate would take pity on him and give him a cuddle. That would make life perfect.
Except. Phillip wasn’t on the bed and from the slamming drawers, it seemed he wasn’t planning on sleeping anytime soon. Kellen’s tongue fell out of his mouth when Phillip dropped his towel, his muscled ass flexing as his mate pulled on a pair of pants. Tight pants. Sexy. Oh, and a doubly tight top – sleeveless showing Phillip’s sculpted arms. His mate sure looked delicious, and even in wolf form, Kellen felt the first signs of a woody – not something that usually happened when he was wearing fur. He didn’t dare wiggle to make himself more comfortable, but it was a close call.
Phillip ran his hand through the long parts of his hair, tousling the ends and letting them fall in a contrived mess. Damn, his mate looked good enough to eat, and Kellen tried to wag his tail to show his appreciation. But that hurt too, so he stopped. At least he didn’t whimper this time although he really wanted to, for a totally different reason, when Phillip bent over and pulled on his boots. Was his mate going out? Without him? Didn’t his mate know he was in agony? He deserved some TLC damn it, he’d been fighting. Now he was wounded. Where was the love?
With his boots on, Phillip stomped closer to the bed, and Kellen took an appreciative sniff. He could pick out a hint of jasmine, a dusting of pine, and apricots – his mate smelled like ripe apricots and it was a delicious scent. Kellen let his mouth fall open and panted, pleased his mate was near.
“Kellen, this is serious.” Okay, he could listen. He was a wolf. He had excellent hearing. Kellen tilted his head and waggled his ears again to let Phillip know he was paying attention.
“You need to shift. There’s been a lot of damage done to your leg. If you don’t shift soon, it might never heal properly. It won’t be easy. It will hurt. But the sooner you get back into your human form, the less scarring you’ll have.”
Kellen let his lips slide up over his teeth. He didn’t want to hurt his mate; he’d never do that. But he wasn’t keen on hurting himself either. His leg would heal. It might be a bit wonky, but he could live with that.
“Kellen Waite, you stubborn fucking wolf. This is serious! Don’t you want to be hot and naked with me?”
Of course he did. Kellen could feel a decided heat in his nether regions just thinking about it. But no animal embraced pain, they avoided it and Kellen couldn’t see any reason why he shouldn’t do the same. Phillip could cuddle up with him despite the fur. He had no need to get shitty about anything.
“You are the most infuriating….” There was a knock at the door, and Kellen tensed. He could barely move, and he didn’t know who was trying to gain entrance to their space. He felt a growl bubble up in his throat, and let it out. Phillip, of course, ignored him, striding over to the door, his face furious.
“Hey Sebastian, what’s doing?”
Sebastian, the walking sex-god of an enforcer was walking his way into their space! Kellen let out another growl. He was not happy.
“I came to see how the invalid was getting along, but I can see he’s awake. Why hasn’t he shifted yet?”
Why was that man standing so close to his mate? Kellen growled louder and bared his teeth.
“He’s being stubborn,” Phillip said and Kellen didn’t like the flash of anger in those pretty eyes. “His leg’s sore and he knows it will hurt to change forms. He’d rather take a nap.”
Sebastian laughed and then Kellen was shocked to see the man put his arm across Phillip’s shoulder…and Phillip did nothing to shake it off. Kellen wanted to jump off the bed and tear that arm off Sebastian’s sexy torso.
“Come on sweetie, if wolfy wants a nap, then let him take one. He doesn’t need you around to do that. Come have a drink with me. The club area’s closed, but Brutus opened the restaurant. Some of those men that came with Malcom are pretty hot.”
“I’m mated,” Phillip said, and that mollified Kellen a little bit. But the men were still touching.
“Doesn’t stop you from looking,” Sebastian said, still laughing. It wasn’t a joke. Phillip was letting that mate-stealer lead him right out the room.
“No wolf forms downstairs, Kellen. If you want to join us, you’re going to have to change. But don’t worry, I’ll look after your mate for you,” Sebastian said, winking at Kellen. “I’ll take real good care of him.” And then the sexy shit closed the door and both men were gone.
They were gone. And there was no denying exactly what Sebastian meant. Kellen barked and lurched forward, and then whimpered as the pain felt like his leg was being split in two. But it didn’t matter. He had to shift. He couldn’t let Sebastian’s hands stay on his mate’s body for one second longer. His mind became a battleground as the wolf wanted to avoid pain and his human half needed to get to Phillip.
Phillip, Phillip, Phillip. He had to get to Phillip. Kellen pushed and shoved in his mind, the pain making it more difficult than his very first time. But Kellen was determined. Phillip was his life. His. Not Sebastian’s. HIS! His barks morphed into a howl and then into a scream as bones and muscles reshaped, his tattered muscles feeling as though they’d been pierced by a blazing hot poker.
“Fucking, Motherfucking, Asshole, Shit. Phillip!” Kellen was in agony, and he fell back on the bed. At least he could see color again and talk. He’d done it. Now all he had to do was get up, dress, maybe a shower first…no, fuck the shower. He needed Phillip. If only he could get off of the bed. Using every ounce of human mind-power he had left, for the first time in his life, Kellen begged. Phillip. Love. Please.
/~/~/~/~/
Phillip rested against the door of his suite, his nails drawing blood in his palms, his teeth clenched as he fought to stay silent. Sebastian leaned on the wall across from him, his handsome face full of concern. Phillip felt Kellen’s confusion, the anger and possessiveness, and dare he believe, love, as his mate fought to regain his human form. Kellen’s howl had his claws lengthening, and the scream that followed – Phillip shoved a fist in his mouth.
Then there was silence. Phillip strained, but he couldn’t hear any sign of movement from inside the room.
“I think it’s safe to go in now,” Sebastian said softly. “Your mate’s going to need you.”
“I don’t know how to thank you,” Phillip said, keeping his voice just as low. “His wolf just didn’t understand….”
“But it understood jealousy. The best mates are the most possessive,” Sebastian said easily, pushing himself off the wall. “Now you have a human form to work with and it’s time for me to go. My work as the terminal flirt is done.” The man smiled, but Phillip could see shadows in Sebastian’s eyes.
“Sebastian.” Phillip didn’t know what to say. You’ll find your mate one day…you’re more than a good-looking guy? He swallowed it all, and simply
said, “Thanks.”
“Later.” Sebastian strode down the hall, his long legs and proud ass a sure indication he’d get laid before the night was out. Phillip only wished the guy could be happy. The sort of happiness Phillip had within his grasp, if only he believed he was worth it.
Kellen’s plea flooded his mind, and this time Phillip didn’t hesitate. He flung open the door, to see Kellen lying on the bed, his face twisted in agony.
“Oh babe, are you okay? Let me look at your leg.” Phillip shut the door behind him and hurried across to the bed, intent on checking Kellen’s injuries. But he didn’t get the chance to look. As soon as he reached the side of the bed, Kellen’s hand was on his arm, and seconds later, Phillip found himself flat on his back, the mattress beneath him and Kellen’s scowling face above him. He could barely breathe – Kellen’s whole weight was holding him down, and after a mere moment’s hesitation, Phillip relaxed and smiled.
“I guess you’re feeling better then.” He could feel Kellen’s cock growing harder and he wiggled to encourage the sensation.
“Don’t ever let me see that guy touching you again,” Kellen growled.
“Who, Sebastian? He was simply helping me out. He got your stubborn ass to shift, didn’t he?”
There was a second when Phillip thought that maybe he and Sebastian had gone too far. He’d text the man while Kellen was still unconscious, guessing Kellen’s wolf form was a stubborn creature and knowing that nothing short of the possessive nature all wolves were known for would pull his mate through a shift. It’d worked beautifully, but now Phillip worried that he’d pushed his new mate away.
Kellen’s lips twitched, and then he grinned, shaking his head. “You are a clever man, mate of mine, a really clever man. Remind me to thank that asshole next time I see him.”
