by Bethany Shaw
“Lark and Dev talked to me about it earlier today. They want me to look after Sarah,” Vincent grumbled taking a seat on the ground.
Daniel turned to look at his brother. They’re trusting him with Sarah’s life?
“It’s a big responsibility,” Vincent said quietly.
“She’s the alpha’s sister,” Daniel replied turning back to his post.
“I can’t screw it up. Dev is different from dad. He puts so much trust in me—keeps giving me these important jobs and I’m not sure I can do it.”
“You’ll be fine. It’s not like she leaves the ranch anyway,” Daniel shrugged. Of course, Devon gave Vincent important jobs. Devon trusted him. Daniel would never get a job like that—not that he wanted to watch over Sarah, but it would be nice to be more than just another body in the pack.
“Exactly. If I’m supposed to watch after her, how can I ever get off the ranch to have fun?”
“You’re a disgrace to this pack,” Daniel growled without thinking.
“And you sound like father,” Vincent shot back.
Daniel grimaced realizing his brother was right. He closed his eyes and tried to think of a better response. “You have an important role. You should be honored—not worrying about your social life. Sarah is Lark’s sister and Devon’s soon to be sister-in-law. Preston was your friend—a pack mate. The least you could do is protect the woman he loved.”
Vincent frowned and looked away.
“I think it’s that you’re scared. Scared to grow-up and have responsibility. Dad never took you seriously and Dev is. That terrifies you because the shenanigans have to stop. There are more important things than girls,” Daniel reminded him.
“Says the guy who stinks like Nora,” Vincent teased, jabbing Daniel with his elbow.
“She doesn’t stink.”
“No.” Vincent inhaled sharply, smiling. “Smells like strawberries. I always thought you were more of a blueberry guy.”
Daniel rolled his eyes.
“You going to tell me what happened?” Vincent asked.
“Not your business.”
“Wow! No kissing and telling you must really like her,” Vincent purred excitedly.
Daniel shoved his brother away causing the younger McKinley to laugh.
He’d screwed up with Nora tonight. Treated her as one of the meaningless girls he used to hook up with at home. She deserved better than to be taken against a tree. It should be special not some random romp in the woods.
“You're really not going to tell me?” Vincent asked, sighing.
“No.”
***
Lark crawled into bed and rested her head on Devon’s bare chest. His arm curled around her, pulling her tight, he placed a kiss to the top of her head.
“I think we should set a date for our ceremony before we leave,” Lark whispered, biting her lip.
“If it weren’t for all the craziness, we would have already done it. Any particular reason you want to do it before we leave?” Devon’s fingers stroked her hair.
“I love you and I figure if we have something to look forward to, then it gives us a reason to make it back here,” Lark explained.
Devon sighed beneath her. “Nothing's going to happen—to anyone.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Mind over matter,” Devon chuckled.
“When did you become so optimistic?” Lark questioned, craning her neck to look up at him.
Devon shrugged. “We have to believe.”
Lark laced her fingers with his. “Yeah, we do.” She inhaled a deep breath before pressing. “Speaking of believing, have you thought more about letting Daniel come?”
Devon tensed beneath her, his hand stopping midway through her curls. “I saw you out there with him tonight.”
“Me and Nora,” she reminded.
“Perhaps you should work with her more often. Every time we practice those moves we don’t make it very far,” Devon murmured, kissing her lightly.
“I learned some valuable information,” Lark acknowledged glad this was going over so well.
“I still don’t trust him,” Devon stated.
Lark closed her eyes. She’d been hoping the other shoe wouldn’t drop. “I do. Your mom does. Even Talia does and you remember how much she disliked him when she first came here.”
“What about Nora?” Devon asked.
Lark frowned. “What about her?”
“Her and Daniel are...together,” Devon said, crinkling his brows in a frown.
“Don’t sound so surprised,” Lark laughed.
“He was like Vincent back home, always bouncing from woman to woman. I think at one point he was Vincent’s wingman.”
“I still don’t understand what she has to with this?” Lark inquired.
“Just that if we take April and Daniel she won’t have anyone here that she really knows. I know her and Talia talk some, but this is a strange place to her,” Devon explained. “I know how it feels to be the odd man out and it sucks. Not to mention, she is human.”
“And what’s wrong with that?” Lark teased.
“Absolutely nothing,” Devon murmured capturing Lark’s lips.
Lark giggled before pulling away. “You know, she could be useful if she came along.”
“She’s untrained, no,” Devon said adamantly.
“Hear me out.” Lark sat up. “No wolf is going to get onto the property without drawing attention to themselves. However, Nora and I could.”
“And how would you do that?” Devon asked covering his face with his hand.
Lark grinned. “We could pose as hunters, well wannabe hunters. We could say we lost our boyfriends and were trying to find them when we stumbled onto their property. That way we’d have guns. Then, while they’re distracted, because we accidentally set off their alarms, the rest of you sneak in with Daniel’s help. He’s been there he knows where things are. It could work.”
“It would be extremely dangerous, Lark. That’s a lot to ask of Nora,” Devon commented. “And Daniel and I would have to work together. I don’t trust him. He’s done too much.”
Lark bit her lip, looking down at her hands.
Devon’s fingers wrapped around her wrist as his other hand stroked her back. “I’m not saying it isn’t a good idea, just that’s a lot to ask of her. And if something goes wrong, you and her will both be prisoners there.”
“I know, Devon, but we’re at war. If we want to have a chance at winning, then we’re going to have to start asking people to make hard choices. Ourselves included,” Lark whispered, her eyes meeting his. “And I only know what you told me about your and Daniel’s past, and I get it I do, but have you ever stopped to think that maybe he’s as much a victim as you are? Emmett hurt your mom—his wife. We’ve all seen the scars on Daniel’s back. They’re claw marks, very similar to the ones you have. Have you ever considered how he got those?” Lark pointed out quietly. Devon’s face remained stony, but his eyes flickered with knowing. As much as she didn’t want to involve others, their situation was dire. They needed all the help they could get.
Chapter Twelve
Daniel walked across the loft kicking up straw as he walked to the edge. Letting out a sigh, he plopped down and hung his legs over the ledge. She wasn’t here. Of course, she isn’t, you treated her like an everyday hooker last night.
Daniel scrubbed a hand over his face and stared out into the afternoon sun. It was a bright, warm day. Though it technically was fall, the day was sweltering. He used the back of his arm to wipe at the fine sheen of sweat building on his brow.
Footsteps creaked across the floorboards below, and the rungs of the ladder squeaked as someone came up. Daniel could tell whoever was climbing was not Nora. Their footsteps were too heavy. Familiar sandalwood mixed with a little cinnamon scent entered his nostrils and he knew exactly whom it was. Devon!
Exhaling loudly, he stood up and waited. Devon reached the top step and stood with an unreadable expression
on his face. Daniel’s arm hairs bristled and his body tensed. Why is Devon seeking me out? Devon had only ever sought him out once before and that was when Lark had been kidnapped.
“Everything all right?” Daniel asked standing tall.
Devon glared a moment longer before stepping forward. “Yes. I’m here to give you an opportunity.”
Daniel’s brow rose in confusion.
“In two days a small group of us will be leaving to attack Charles Luna and his pack. Mom says you’re familiar with them,” Devon commented studying him.
“Charles and da...Emmett were close. I went with him on occasion to New Mexico,” Daniel answered.
“Because of your expertise, you are invited to join us on the strike team, if you choose to,” Devon offered. The two brother’s gazes locked and Devon laced his fingers behind his back waiting for an answer.
“I want to help,” Daniel answered, honestly.
Devon nodded once. “Fine. We are having a meeting tonight after training. You’re off guard duty until we return too. You’ll need to be well rested.”
“Thank you for including me.”
“You should thank mom and Lark. I’m still not entirely convinced this is a good idea.” Devon stepped forward closing the small gap between them. “Lark and mom are coming with us. If you do anything to jeopardize them—or anyone else, you might as well stay at the Luna’s,” Devon threatened.
Daniel gritted his teeth in frustration. “I won’t let you down.” He met Devon’s cool hazel eyes. “I want to start fresh. Start over. I know things are screwed up and I should have done something back home, but I can’t change that now. I’m sorry for everything.”
Devon scowled and grabbed his shirt. “You want a fresh start with me,” he hissed. “Then you need to earn it. Until then, you’re still that coward in the corner watching his older brother get beaten by men twice his age with his daddy cheering them on.”
Devon shoved him away and Daniel stumbled back. Daniel hung his head low, his hands balled at his sides. Heat crept across his face as shame and anger blurred his vision. Devon grunted before stepping back and leaving the barn.
Daniel returned to the ledge and slumped down, staring off into the sun. Not only was he sure Nora wasn’t coming, but he was also sure he would never be able to prove himself in Devon’s eyes either.
***
Nora sat down nervously on the bed, curling her legs into her chest. Lark shut the door behind her as April took a seat on the mattress, and Natalia leaned against the dresser. Her eyes wandered to the green numbers on the alarm clock. It was well after three and Daniel would be wondering where she was. She hoped after their awkward, post kiss behavior he didn’t think she was standing him up.
The sooner she got this chat over with the faster she could see him. “So, what’s going on?” Nora asked eyeing the three women.
“We wanted to run something by you,” April started. “You know how I told you I was going away for a few days?”
“Yeah,” Nora answered slowly. Her heart kicked up a notch as her mind raced trying to figure out what was going on.
“I’ve come up with a plan that could use another human. If you are interested,” Lark offered, resting against the door.
“I’m not really sure what I can do,” Nora answered turning to the blonde. “What did you have in mind?”
Natalia cleared her throat and began to speak. “Werewolves have a distinct scent. There is no way that any werewolf, male or female, could get onto the property without starting a confrontation. We were hoping that we could send you and Lark in. If you were cleaned up and had fresh clothes, then you and Lark could pose as two hunters who got lost.”
“Are they really going to believe that?” Nora asked, skeptically.
“Yes,” April nodded. “My family and the Harris’ embrace freedom for all members of their pack. However, Juarez’s men see women as objects only. They will see two stupid girls who got lost trying to follow their boyfriends on a hunting trip. It will give you and Lark the opportunity to secure the house and help get the women out when the rest of us set off the alarms.”
“You don’t have to do this,” Lark spoke up. “I can do this on my own, we just thought that we would extend the offer to you.”
“If we get caught,” Nora stopped her heart missing a beat as she thought it through. “We’ll be prisoners. They’ll use us too...” she trailed off unable to finish the sentence aloud.
Lark nodded. “It’s a risk. That’s why the choice is yours one hundred percent.”
“I...” Nora’s mind went blank as she pulled her legs closer to her chest. She laced her fingers together, hugging them tight around her knees. Her eyes found the small freckle on her thumb and she stared vacantly at the spot.
“Take some time to think about it,” Natalia offered pushing off the dresser. “If you do decide you would like to help, there is a meeting tonight in Gene’s office after training.”
“I need to think about it,” Nora acknowledged, looking up at Natalia then Lark.
“I understand. It’s your choice. Regardless, you’ll always have a place on the ranch. You are under our protection until you choose to leave or the war ends,” Lark explained. She opened the bedroom door and Natalia walked to the door. “We’ll see you at training tonight.”
“See you later,” April said.
“Bye,” Nora mumbled.
April waited for the door to click shut before wrapping an arm around Nora.
“They asked me if I thought they should ask you,” April murmured. “I told them they could. What are you thinking, Nora?”
“That this is insane,” Nora blurted. She closed her eyes and laughed and April joined along with her. After a long moment, her muscles relaxed and she stretched her legs out before crossing them in front of her. “Seriously though, it’s a lot to think about.”
“Yeah, it is. You could get hurt—or worse,” April said, grasping Nora’s hands in hers.
“You’ll be there though?” Nora asked. If April were going then she could keep an eye out for her best friend.
“You and Lark will be together in the woods, but I’ll be part of the strike team,” April explained. “They’ll pick up on my scent if I went with you. Even if I masked my scent, they’d still know I was a wolf once they got close enough.”
Nora nodded contemplating her options. “You’ve done so much for me, April. You went to all of my doctor’s appointments, helped me make dinner so I didn’t burn down the kitchen, managed my nasty exes, and helped with my grandma.”
April shook her head and squeezed Nora’s hand. “This is not the same thing. It’s nowhere even close to the same thing.”
“But we are best friends and we do everything together. I would worry over you the entire time you were gone,” Nora explained. It was the truth. Apprehension already pooled in her belly and April hadn’t even left yet.
“Look, you don’t have to make a decision right now, Nora. Why don’t you take some time to think about it.”
“Do you want me to go?” Nora asked wondering what her friend’s thoughts were.
April smiled. “Yes and no.” She laughed. “Werewolf or not, you’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. But you’re also my sister and I don’t want anything to happen to you. Going or staying, I’ll be worried about you. This isn’t about me. It’s your choice.”
Nora nodded considering her friend's words. It was a huge decision. One she couldn’t take lightly. Although, she was pretty sure she already knew what she wanted to do.
***
Nora glanced around the kitchen, searching through the masses of people for Daniel. She’d gone to the loft after finishing her talk with April. By then, it had been two hours after their agreed upon time. He hadn’t been there. She hoped Daniel was here, she didn’t want him to think she’d stood him up.
A familiar head of brown hair caught her gaze and she maneuvered through the crowd towards it. She tucked a loose
lock behind her ear as she reached out and touched his shoulder.
Daniel turned around quickly. “Hi,” he greeted picking up a plate.
“Hey,” she smiled, her belly flip-flopping as she met his eyes. “Sorry about earlier. I got caught up.”
“It’s fine. So did I,” he said motioning for her to hop ahead of him in line.
“Thanks!”
One of the guys behind them grunted, and Daniel shot him a menacing look before turning back to her. “I was going to go up to the loft to eat, if you’d like to come?”
“Sure.” She picked up a paper plate from the stack and grabbed a few utensils and napkins.
They both collected heaping plates of spaghetti and meatballs, then grabbed a can of coke from the counter. Daniel led the way out to the barn, holding the screen door for her as they walked out onto the porch. Nora’s eyes widened as the heat engulfed her.
“It’s hot out here,” Nora said.
“Texas heat,” Daniel commented. They covered the distance to the barn and Daniel held her plate as she climbed up the ladder. He then passed her their plates before climbing up with her.
“So how’d you manage all this before you had someone to help?” Nora asked, motioning around the barn and their food.
“I came up after dinner.”
“You spend a lot of time by yourself,” Nora realized. Sure, he’d told her, but she was finally grasping onto the reality of it.
Daniel shrugged and sat down. He twirled a large piece of pasta around the white plastic fork before taking a bite. “I’m going away in a few days,” he said quietly.
Nora’s eyes widened. “The trip to New Mexico?” she set her plate down and turned to him.
“Yeah.” He frowned setting his stuff down too. “How do you know about that? I thought it was supposed to be a secret.”
“I spoke with Lark, Talia, and April this afternoon about it. That’s why I didn’t make it out here.”
“Why were they talking to you? Are you going?” Daniel questioned, confusion written on his face.
“I’m thinking about it. The idea would be for Lark and me too trip the alarms and be a distraction,” Nora explained.
