by Unknown
"Just give us the country boy." The growling voice echoed through the trees. "We have no interest in your pack."
Torry glanced at Mark. "Country boy?"
Then they both looked back at Cole.
His eyes went wide and the blood drained from his face. "Wait. Why do they want me?"
"That's a good question." Torry stroked his chin. "Where did you say you came from?"
Cole let the shotgun slide from his hands as he backed away, and the heavy gun thumped to the ground. "Whoa. You know I don't know anything more than you."
Jax glanced at them with his fuzzy brow raised.
Torry watched Cole as he set his own gun down. Then he stood up and turned to the trees. "We're not giving you shit. Go back to your pack leader and give him a message."
"Which is?" the voice growled from the foliage.
"Get the fuck off our mountain."
A thud came from the roof, followed by another. Then the two wolves who had joined them earlier landed on either side of Jax, their muzzles curling with savage snarls.
"Your pack will pay for this," the big wolf roared. But the four of them dashed down the hill in retreat.
Jax glanced over his shoulder. "They'll come back with their armed friends."
Torry shook his head "They were human. I smelled it." Torry cupped his chin as he turned to Cole. "Why don't you tell us the whole story of how you got here."
Cole rubbed his hands together and glanced away. "I was drugged. I don't re—"
"He doesn't remember," Mark interrupted. "He was taken from his home and woke up on the side of the road. End of story."
Torry raised his hand. "That's not good enough. We need to be sure he's not going to endanger our pack."
Mark's anger flared as he crossed his arms. "We've put our trust in you, now you're going to have to trust us."
"Please," Torry said softly. "I saw the scar near his armpit. I need to know if he had anything done to him. Let him tell his story."
Mark glanced at Cole. He'd seen the scar too. But so what? Most guys had a few scars. That didn't mean they were anything worth talking about.
"I don't—It all happened so fast." Cole closed his eyes.
Mark raised his eyebrows. He liked Cole just fine, but damned if he wasn't getting tired of the man's drama. He'd heard the story before, and didn't need to hear it again. That was, unless Cole had something to add. "Are you holding something back?"
"Well..." Cole took a deep breath. "I remember the men in suits. They were the ones who took me—" His brows pinched as he glanced back up at Mark. "—to some kind of medical facility."
That figured. Mark had already guessed there was more to the story, but it hadn't seemed relevant weeks ago, and he hadn't pressed the issue. He'd been too busy learning to be a werewolf, and indulging his wife's secret fantasies.
He didn't regret it. Not the time the three of them had spent in the woods, nor the sex. In fact, Mark loved that he and Lacey had always been able to discuss their kinks openly—though they'd never acted on them until after their transformations had forced the issue.
But at that moment, he needed to find Lacey. Not stand there talking about Cole. That necessity was the only thing driving him. He almost missed the serious tone in the rangers' next words.
"It's the Hunt." Torry grimaced as he flicked his gaze to Mark. "He's bugged for sure. We can't risk bringing him. They're tracking him right now, for all we know."
"Come on, Torry," Jax growled. "It's probably just an ID tag like they put in domesticated animals. Stop being so paranoid."
"No." Torry folded his arms. "Jer wouldn't allow it. We don't know what technological advances they've made."
"Okay." Mark shut his eyes for a moment and wiped his brow. "We're not going anywhere until you explain what the hell you're talking about."
"There's no time," Jax hissed. "We bought ourselves a brief head start. If we don't get going now, we won't have time to cover our tracks before we reach the camp."
"And your woman will want to see you." Torry's gaze shifted to Cole. "But he can't come."
Mark's teeth clenched. So no one was going to tell him the whole fucking story. Not the rangers, nor Cole. It all made his head hurt. But the worst part was that they were holding the promise of Lacey over his head. He didn't like being manipulated, especially when there was only one option.
He would see her again.
"You motherfuckers," Mark breathed.
"It's okay," Cole said in a weak voice. "I can take care of myself. Go to Lacey and I'll... figure something out."
Mark forced himself to take a deep breath. Whatever else was going on, Cole was a decent guy. He wasn't about to let him sacrifice himself either. "That's not a plan, buddy," Mark said gently. "Those werewolves are faster and stronger than you."
Jax snarled. "What a couple of pussies. No wonder it takes both of you to satisfy one woman."
Mark turned on him, fist tightening. "What the fuck—"
"Look," Jax cut him off, displaying sharp canines. "I know a guy who can disable the device, whatever it is. But his cabin is a day and a half south. If we go now, maybe I can hide our trail." He slung the crossbow over his shoulder and turned his back, dismissively. "Then he'll be safe to enter the camp."
Torry nodded. "That's acceptable." Then he looked up at Mark.
Mark let his arm relax, fingers unclenching. He still didn't like the prospect of playing a game by someone else's rules—especially when they hadn't exactly disclosed all the rules. But this was for Cole to decide. He placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "It's up to you."
Cole smiled. "I'll be fine. Just make sure Lacey's okay and I'll join you shortly."
With that, he picked up the shotgun and jogged after Jax.
* * * *
Lacey looped the last strands of her hair at the end of the braid and tossed it back over her shoulder. It wasn't the tightest weave she'd ever done but it would serve its purpose for the time being. Then she slipped the rough shirt over her head and pulled it down over the top of the linen pants.
The clothes were loose-fitting, which wasn't her style. But they were comfortable and smelled like dried grass on a warm, windy day.
Her accommodations weren't so bad either, once she'd gotten past the initial strangeness. The cave system was larger than she'd expected, with a winding main corridor and several offshoots, as well as small hollows that seemed almost private. Although who knew what passed for privacy in a wolf den?
As she strolled to the cave entrance, she tried to rationalize what she'd just seen. It was impossible to dismiss as a dream or some result of traumatic memories. She'd played that game with herself before, and she wasn't going half-crazy trying to deny the truth. Not this time.
So magic was real. Or if not magic, then some kind of power that seemed an awful lot like it. She shook her head. It had touched her in ways that defied description. And not just her heart.
A small blush crept up to her cheeks as the image of Rebecca's naked hips riding on Jeremiah's lap flashed in her mind. The woman had a gorgeous body, both strong and sensual: smooth curves, tight waist, and petite yet perky breasts. Mark would go bonkers if he saw her. He'd always had a thing for redheads.
And Jeremiah was handsome and exotic. He had the body of an athlete. With his smooth, muscled chest, his bronzed tan, and his chiseled jaw, he could have been a Roman soldier or an Egyptian god.
Their stunning good looks weren't the only reason she was drawn to them, either. The couple was generous and charming too, which at the outset seemed strange for werewolves. But they'd made her feel more welcome after only a few hours spent in their company than she had for months in the damned town.
"Lacey!"
The distant cry tore into her heart. As she reached the entrance to the cave, she braced against the wall. That almost sounded like Mark.
Through the tangle of tents and makeshift shelters, she saw a man in camouflage cargo pants and a tan shirt running t
hrough the camp. In an instant, she recognized him: the lines of his body, the way he carried himself, his crystal-blue stare. Her hand grasped at her chest and a knot caught in her throat.
Then he was upon her, his thick arms wrapping around her as he pulled her into a tight embrace. Resting her cheek in the bend of his shoulder, she let herself melt against the heat of his body, drown in the smell of his sweat.
He ran his hand up her neck and gently caressed the healing scab over her cheek. "I thought I'd lost you."
She shook her head and buried her face against his chest.
Then his body tensed. She glanced up and followed his wide-eyed stare. Over her shoulder she saw Rebecca standing a few meters back in the cavern with a shift in her hand, still stark naked.
A subtle smile played on Lacey's lips. Oh, this was Mark all right. In case she'd had any doubt he was real. Of course he would find Rebecca attractive. But it was more an amusement than any concern. Her husband had scoured the woods to find her, and now he was back—quirks and all. She gave him a playful smack on the ass.
He coughed and looked down at her with redness spreading up his neck.
"Sorry," Rebecca called as she slipped the gown-like garment over her head. "I thought Torry would be the one heralding your arrival."
She tugged the tan-colored cloth over her hips and strode over to the couple. "Pleased to meet you. My name is Rebecca."
"Mark," he said as he shook her hand. "Were you the one who saved Lacey?"
"Well..." She smirked and glanced back at the passage as Jeremiah jogged up. "My mate helped."
As the other man reached them, he took a moment to catch his breath. His bare chest heaved and he braced his hands over the loose pants covering his legs. "Jeremiah." He pointed over his shoulder. "I apologize for being out of breath. I was—doing some work in the cave."
Lacey rolled her eyes as the two men shook. It took all her willpower not to giggle at the little white lie.
"I'm just thankful that you saved my wife," Mark said with his lips tight. "It's not easy—well—" He cleared his throat again. "You're like us?"
"Yes." Jeremiah gave him a toothy grin. "I trust Torry and Jax took good care of you?"
Lacey gasped. "Where's Cole?"
Mark placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "He's all right." His gaze flicked up to Jeremiah. "We ran into a little trouble but one of your men is taking care of it." Then he smiled back at Lacey. "He'll join us in a few days."
Torry jogged up to the cave entrance, a scowl on his face. "Sorry, Jer. Becca. I tried to tell him to wait but that man can run just as fast on two legs as four."
"That's okay, Torry." Jeremiah's brows pinched. "You ran into trouble?"
"New pack of wolf-shifters with an eye on our territory. Probably the same ones from the other night." Torry made a gesture at the tall trees beyond the campsite. "And the cowboy had a tracking device on him, but Jax knows how to get it deactivated. There were some men on the road but I didn't get a good look at them before they started shooting."
"They were together." Mark's eyebrow quirked. "The men on the road and the werewolves were working together."
Jeremiah's face went rigid as he glanced at Mark. "That doesn't make any—" His lip twitched but he tilted his head up and looked out at the forest, as if pondering what to say next.
Mark crossed his arms and gave him an even stare. "They were the suits you mentioned in your little note. They're werewolves."
A scoff burst from Jeremiah's throat. "That's impossible. You must have been mistaken."
"He was right in front of me. Man in a suit, asked about wolf activity." Mark stiffened. "Then he and his buddies shot up my house and changed into wolves. I watched the clothes slide off their backs. How the hell does one mistake that?"
"They must have been imposters." Jeremiah shook his head. "The Hunt is an organization that exists to persecute shifters. They will never embrace us. Did you see this, Torry?"
Torry shook his head. "We caught up to them when the shifters were already wolves."
Lacey felt Mark's muscles tense, and blood throbbed in the vein along his neck; she quickly rubbed a hand over his shoulder. "Honey, please. Calm down." She pressed herself against his arm. "They're here to help us."
"I don't even know—" Mark gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. "I don't even know what's real anymore. But I know what I saw."
Jeremiah spoke up, "You've had a long hike and I'm sure you have lots of questions. Why don't we go rest a moment in my chamber."
Rebecca nodded. "I'll grab some tea." She winked and stepped down the hillside. Torry walked with her as the two spoke in hushed tones.
Lacey glanced up at Mark's stress-lined face. He took a deep breath before he nodded. "All right."
As Jeremiah ushered the couple through the stone passageway, Lacey looked over her shoulder. It might have been naive to think that this would all begin to make sense. If anything, she was even more confused by the exchange that had passed between Mark and Jeremiah. And the thought that her husband had been attacked at their home left her cold.
Cole too. But she couldn't worry about him now, with so much chaos churning around her. Still, she hoped he was safe.
Stepping into the large cavern, Lacey blinked back surprise at all the candles lining the walls. They must have been there before, but somehow she hadn't noticed them against the focused light of the magic. Hundreds spread out like fireflies: over little shelves and rocky outcroppings. And high above her head hung two large lanterns, each as wide as the trunk of a maple tree.
She stumbled and Mark's firm grip caught her before she could fall. With a blush, she looked down. Dozens of soft pillows decorated the floor. They were of all shapes and sizes: deep red, velvety purple, and swirling paisley. Their colorful array absurdly contrasted the dull, stone walls and ceiling.
"Please," Jeremiah insisted with a wave of a hand. "Have a seat. Rest your tired feet for a moment."
Mark touched his brow and then nodded before sitting. He heaved a sigh as he stretched his legs out but his brows remained furrowed.
As Lacey settled herself and leaned back against his chest, she gave his leg a little squeeze. He seemed more relaxed now, but she couldn't imagine what he'd just gone through. Fleeing their home. Strange werewolves. He'd probably thought she'd been kidnapped.
But at that moment, he was with her again. And that was all that mattered.
Jeremiah waited patiently as they made themselves comfortable. He might have even raised an eyebrow as she stroked her index finger along the inside of Mark's clothed thigh. Then he sat opposite them, with his legs crossed.
"Well," Mark said as he braced his arms behind him. "I may not understand what's going on. But I do appreciate what you've done for us."
Jeremiah nodded quietly and stared back with an enigmatic look on his face.
Mark cleared his throat. "So... who were these people who attacked Lacey?"
"They were wolves," Lacey interjected. If she could help it, she would prefer to spare Mark the details. It stressed him out enough knowing that she'd been hurt; she didn't want to make that any worse. "But Rebecca and Jeremiah showed up before they could kill me."
"They were werewolves," Jeremiah corrected. "And I don't think they were trying to kill you."
She glared at him for a moment. "Well, it doesn't matter. The fact is we're safe now."
Mark stroked his chin. Then he looked down into her eyes. "Was there a big gray one with scruffy fur and yellow eyes?"
Lacey gasped. "Yes. How did you know?" Her stomach rolled. Someone must have told him. How much had they told him?
Jeremiah shook his head. "We've been in these mountains for quite some time and I've never seen them." His eyes flicked to Mark. "I hope you'll forgive my doubts. But your story goes against everything I know of the Hunt. Though it would be foolish of me not to try to understand."
Mark wrapped one arm around Lacey. "I can accept that."
Lacey nestle
d against Mark's firm chest. It was like a weight lifting or a tangible sigh of relief. The earlier tension had fled and the two men were talking. Maybe, just maybe, she could finally relax.
"My concern is with the Hunt's interest in you," Jeremiah continued. "Can you tell me anything else?"
Mark's eyes widened. "When we were pinned down, the werewolves asked for Cole."
Jeremiah's voice softened. "It is still hard for me to believe that the Hunt would use werewolves. It would be like a fox asking a hound to hunt for him."
"I'm a man first, then wolf. I am no hound." Mark smiled and tightened his hold on Lacey, subtly tracing along the curve of her breast. He looked up with a gleam in his eyes. "They were the same guys who came to our door. The yellow-eyed one is a man named Slate—at least that's what he told me. And more showed up with guns as we were making our escape."
"That is a disturbing thought," Rebecca said as she entered the room. "We've been too long in these woods. Our isolation has left us blind to the evolving world around us."
She held a tray of rough-sculpted cups and a beehive-shaped tea kettle. Stepping over the pillows, she served them before taking one herself and settling next to Jeremiah.
In the candlelight, the woman's pink nipples were visible through the translucent shift. And as she sat in Jeremiah's lap, Lacey saw they were hard against the cloth.
Mark's fingers tightened on Lacey's breast, his thumb grazing her nipple. She blinked and gazed down. The idea of finding some isolation of their own sounded good right at that moment.
Then her eyes flicked up to find Rebecca staring at her with a sly smile on her lips. Lacey quickly glanced away but her face burned. Looking to change the subject, she swept her gaze around at the candles and wax-streaked walls.
"How is it living out here?"
"It's not so bad," Rebecca said as she leaned her head back against Jeremiah's shoulder. "You've met Torry. And besides Jax and the twins, there's about a dozen more in our pack. We split duties between caring for the camp and hunting out in the woods."
"I've been all through these woods, and I've never seen you," Mark stated.
Rebecca and Jeremiah exchanged a long glance, but before either of them could answer, Lacey leaned close to her husband. "It's some kind of power," she murmured. "I saw—I think it hides them." Heat flushed her face as she swallowed her words. Talking about magic was strange enough, she didn't want to try to explain what else she'd seen.
