Collins winced. Warren had seen him but lost him last night. Macmillan hadn’t been happy.
He rubbed his hand over the stock of his rifle that lay on the seat beside him. “Don’t worry. I won’t.”
Chapter Ten
It was late by the time Isaiah reached Haven. Too late. The club was already closed. Isaiah swore under his breath. Taking care of business had taken much longer than he’d anticipated. The bakery truck had gotten a flat on route to the parking lot where he’d stashed his truck. By the time they’d fixed that, driven to the lot, shifted everything from one truck to the other and moved his truck to a parking garage, Leon and his father were ready for a meal and a drink. And they’d wanted to talk with Isaiah.
He’d been unable to refuse them.
They’d done so much for James and the pack they deserved his respect. They were also genuinely nice men. They’d put themselves in harm’s way just to help a friend.
Otto had driven them to a pizza place where they’d devoured two large pizzas. Well, Otto and his son had shared one. He’d managed one on his own. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he’d started eating.
Two hours later, Isaiah had managed to extricate himself and say his final goodbyes to the two men. Divine had been waiting for him downstairs at the garage with a letter for Alex, which was currently stuffed in his back pocket. He’d said goodbye to her as well, not flinching when she’d reached out and hugged him.
He liked these people, but he didn’t plan on coming back anytime soon. At least not to the garage. Meredith’s club was another matter altogether.
Right now, the building was locked up and the security lights were on. Damn, he’d rushed as fast as he could, even opting to take a cab to the edge of Meredith’s neighborhood before hot-footing it the rest of the way. The back of his neck was tingling and his shoulders were tense. Something was very wrong.
Isaiah heard a sound and ducked back into the shadows. Hank’s voice drifted over the night air, followed by a low mumble. Possibly Teague, but he couldn’t be certain. He didn’t make his presence known, uncertain of his welcome after this morning’s incident.
Then he heard a sound that went straight to his groin. Meredith. Her low, sultry voice washed over him. He closed his eyes and was savoring the sound when it occurred to him they were getting distant. They were leaving the building. He wasn’t just hearing them through an open window. Their voices were moving away from him.
Where were they going this time of night?
Keeping his back flat against the wall, he took a quick look around the corner. Sure enough, the entire family was walking down the road. Thankfully, he was downwind. That and the usual stench of the city should block his scent from detection.
Did this have anything to do with the secret Meredith was keeping from him?
He had no idea. All he knew was he had to follow them. If nothing else, he needed to talk to Meredith before he left the city in the morning. He’d told his brother he’d probably wait a day or two, but if everything stayed the same there was no reason for him to remain any longer.
Meredith had made it clear this morning that last night wouldn’t happen again. His muscles bunched and rippled in his shoulders and his fists clenched at his sides. He wanted the opportunity to change her mind.
He shoved that distraction aside and concentrated on where they were going. He noted that Meredith’s sons seemed to be talking intently as they brought up the rear. Meredith led the way with Hank keeping pace beside her. The other three strode in the middle of the pack. He sensed the tension in the air and quickened his pace.
They eventually reached Wicker Park. The green space was the namesake of the neighborhood. It was a nice little bit of nature in the heart of the city, even though it was cultivated and not wild as he preferred.
Keeping them in his sight while maintaining enough of a distance so they wouldn’t detect him wasn’t easy, but he managed. For one thing, they weren’t vigilant enough. Isaiah wanted to kick Michael and his brother for not keeping better watch on the back trail.
What if he was a hunter?
Meredith should be more cautious. Sure, they were werewolves and therefore stronger than humans, but those hunters were wily bastards. He’d seen them kill strong werewolves before. And most of her pack was young. Not a single seasoned fighter among them.
They walked past the iron fence and into the park, skirting alongside the fountain and moving deeper. He followed, staying hidden in the shadows.
Isaiah breathed a sigh of relief when they stopped among a stand of trees. Meredith disappeared behind one of them and Isaiah sprinted forward, his sneakers making no sound on the grass. What the hell was she doing leaving the safety of the pack?
Suddenly he knew. Relief blasted through him as she came into view. He gave thanks for his preternatural vision as she kicked off her shoes and shimmied out of her jeans, revealing her firm, slender thighs. She folded the pants neatly and set them aside.
Her sweater came next and then the shirt she wore beneath it. More of her pale skin was revealed with each layer she stripped off. She was wearing only her underwear now, a pair of pale green panties and a matching bra that cupped the mounds of her breasts. He could almost see the goose bumps on her skin brought on by exposure to the sudden chill.
He wanted to warm her skin against his.
She didn’t linger, but efficiently removed her bra and panties, dropping them atop of the mound of clothing. Her breasts swayed as she took a deep breath. Then the change began.
Bones cracked and shifted, some lengthening while others shortened. Her jawbone reformed, becoming long and straight. Fur sprouted from beneath her skin, covering her entire body. She fell onto her hands as they changed.
He’d seen female werewolves change before but none had ever affected him like this. It wasn’t an erotic act, so much as a functional one. But his dick obviously didn’t know that. It was as hard as a rock.
Meredith was a gorgeous woman and she was just as beautiful in her wolf form. She was strong and sleek, muscles rippling beneath her skin as she prowled back out to the small clearing. Her fur was as black and glossy as her hair. She carried herself like a queen, her eyes watchful, her gaze filled with innate intelligence.
He tracked her movements, prowling closer. His fingers dug into the trunk of a tree, almost shifting into claws as his wolf clamored to get out. Sweat broke out on his brow. He wanted to run. With Meredith.
The others were waiting. Only one of them had shifted. Michael. He looked a lot like her, but bigger. The rest ranged around on the grass. He sensed their nervousness, tinged with anger. Isaiah could understand their nervousness, but why were they angry?
Teague kept looking over his shoulder, the trio of earrings in his left ear glinting in the artificial lighting that managed to find its way into the clearing, while Kevin kept his eyes moving over the park beyond. It was dangerous to shift here. This wasn’t exactly a huge park. A human could come by at any time. He couldn’t sense one at the moment, but that could easily change.
Isaiah’s skin itched but he resisted the urge to scratch. His wolf wanted out, especially since it sensed others of its kind. Who was he kidding? He wanted to shift because he wanted Meredith to see his wolf. Wanted to run with her. Protect her.
He was debating what he should do when Michael and Meredith faced each other and the rest formed a loose circle around them.
Hank stepped between the two wolves. “Challenge has been issued and, although I’d like to personally beat Michael to a pulp, it must be met.”
Meredith shot Hank a glare and gave a low growl.
“Sorry.” He raked his hand through his short, blond hair. “Michael has questioned Meredith’s right as alpha of the pack.”
“Shit,” Isaiah swore under his breath even as he was kicking off his sneakers. This was about him. He’d known Michael was upset with his mother, but enough to challenge her? Actually fight her?
No fucking w
ay.
He tore his shirt over his head and practically yanked his jeans from his body, throwing himself into the change just as Hank finished speaking.
“Let the challenge begin.”
Isaiah felt his bones shifting and reforming, felt the cool grass on the pads of his feet. Muscles coiled and his ears shot up as he strained to hear any signs of fighting.
He loped forward, catching sight of the group. Michael and Meredith were circling one another. She growled, baring her fangs at her son. He growled back, but made no move to attack.
Meredith struck first, nipping at Michael’s flank. He responded instinctually, striking back. She barely moved out of the way in time to keep from getting struck by his lethal front claws.
Isaiah didn’t slow, didn’t hesitate. He jumped, flying from between the trees, a silent, deadly shadow, and went on the attack. Teeth barred, he spun to face Michael. The younger wolf backed up a step in surprise, but quickly recovered and launched himself at Isaiah. Savage pleasure filled Isaiah as he met his opponent, more than ready for a fight.
Collins was all but quivering with excitement as he pulled his truck into an empty space by the park. He grabbed his phone. “We got ’em,” he said as soon as it was answered. “Wicker Park. He followed another group in there. Could be more than one wolf.”
“We’re right behind you. Two minutes.”
Collins closed his cell phone, grabbed his rifle and slid out of his car. The others could have the rest of them. He wanted that big bastard for himself. He tucked the rifle beneath his long trench coat and headed into the park.
Meredith didn’t know what was happening at first. One moment she’d been squared off against her son, the leadership of their small pack hanging on the outcome of this night. The next, another wolf had come from out of nowhere, attacking her son.
Isaiah.
There was no doubt as to the identity of the huge male wolf. He was enormous. Larger than her son. Fur, mostly brown with patches of black, covered a massive, muscular body. Menace poured off him in waves as he growled at her son and attacked.
Michael hesitated and then jumped into the fight. A yelp filled the air and she knew it was from her son and not Isaiah. He fought with a savagery that could only come from years of practice. None of the males in her pack were any match for him.
Benjamin stripped of his clothes, shifted and jumped into the fray. Isaiah twisted his body at the last second, getting out of the way of Benjamin’s powerful jaw. Saliva dripped from his teeth as he whirled around to face his two attackers.
She had to stop this before anyone was hurt. She charged between the males and emitted a low growl. He sons ignored her, inching forward, their muscles coiled for attack.
Meredith faced Isaiah and one look in his eyes told her there was no appealing to him to back down. He was not the sort of man, or wolf, to back away from any fight.
She did the only thing she could think of that might stop them. She shifted. The fur on her body receded. Her bones snapped and reformed. Muscles lengthened and hands reformed. She pushed herself to her feet, her long hair fluttering around her, the cool air caressing her skin.
Standing between three ferocious wolves, she put out her hands. “Stop. Please stop.” She made sure she included the rest of her pack in that order. Hank and Teague were already inching forward, ready to shift and wade into the fight. Kevin stood beside Neema, his arm around her slender shoulders.
Michael lunged forward, huge jaw snapping. Isaiah used his massive body to knock her down, standing in front of her, protecting her from her own sons.
She reached up and grabbed him around his thick shoulders. “Please don’t hurt them,” she begged. She had no doubt that he was capable of killing both of them without hesitation. There was a wildness in Isaiah, a darkness. It drew her to him even as it sometimes frightened her. She hadn’t been around a male werewolf this aggressive since she’d fled her pack years ago. She’d forgotten just how dangerous they could be.
God, how had this happened? Her pack was in turmoil. She dug her fingers into Isaiah’s fur and dragged herself up beside him. “Please.”
Her son shot her a glare. She could see and sense the wounded male pride. She wanted to smack him. She’d had enough male posturing to last her a lifetime, and she still had about four hundred years left to live, give or take a few decades.
“Stop it,” she told both her sons. “You’re no match for him. Not yet. Maybe in a few years.”
Isaiah snorted, and she dug her fingers into his fur in warning and was surprised when he subsided. His teeth were still bared, but at least he was no longer straining against her hold.
“Everyone back off and get dressed so we can sort this out.” This was such a mess. She glanced around when she sensed them all hesitating. “It’s too dangerous to be exposed for this long,” she reminded them.
That did the trick. Both her sons whirled around and disappeared. She sighed with relief, slowly releasing the chokehold she had on Isaiah. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Her life had turned upside down.
Isaiah took her hand in his mouth and tugged.
“No way am I going with you. I have to get dressed.” She shivered. It was cold this late in October.
She yanked her hand from his mouth and stalked off. His feet padded silently behind her, but she knew he was there. He didn’t stop, but disappeared into the bushes beyond where she’d left her clothing.
She dressed quickly, knowing she wouldn’t have much time. The rest of her family was waiting in the clearing when she arrived. Michael was angry. He was pacing, the muscles in his jaw working furiously. And Benjamin, her calm son, didn’t look much better.
Teague was on full alert with Neema tucked beneath his arm. Kevin was quiet. Watchful. Hank came immediately to her side. “Are you okay?”
She was anything but okay, but she nodded. “Thanks.”
Michael stopped pacing and everyone froze as Isaiah strode into the clearing, taking up a stand beside her. It irritated her even as it warmed her that he’d stand beside her during a challenge. Still, he shouldn’t have interfered and she told him so.
“This isn’t your business,” she began.
“He attacked you. That made it my business.” That calm, skewed male logic made her want to scream.
She ground her back teeth together to keep from doing just that. When she’d regained some semblance of calm, she went on the offensive. “You’re not a part of this pack. Just because we had sex, it doesn’t give you any right to interfere in my life. Challenge was issued and was being met when you jumped in.”
A blast of cold hit her and it wasn’t from the cool autumn air. Isaiah’s dark brown eyes went almost black and his glare was icy. There was no sign of the playful lover from last night. This was a very dangerous wolf who was used to taking orders from no one. She wondered how he fit into his own pack, as it was obvious he was not a follower.
She wanted to back away from his frigid glare, but stood her ground. His gaze swept over her small, ragtag pack. Most of them were barely adults in their culture. The oldest was forty, which was around late-twenties in humans. She had no idea how old Isaiah was, but she sensed he’d never been young. Whatever had shaped his life had turned him into a fighter, hardening him against the world at a young age.
She hated hurting him, but it couldn’t be helped. He was going back to his pack and she was staying here with hers. Or what was left of it. After tonight, she had no idea what would happen.
“Forgive me for overstepping my boundaries.” His formal tones dripped with disdain. “I should have realized I was nothing but a quick fuck. Glad I could be of service.”
His brutal words sliced her to the bone. But that’s what she’d done to him. She’d taken something beautiful between them and reduced it to a few hours of meaningless sex.
She reached her hand out to him, blinking back tears that threatened. He stepped out of reach as if he didn’t want her to touch him, as tho
ugh it was somehow distasteful.
She bit her bottom lip and watched as he turned and walked away. No fanfare. No anger. That was worse than if he’d stomped off. It was as though he’d dismissed her, indeed all of them, from his thoughts and his life.
He looked so alone as the night swallowed him up. She wanted to cry for him, for her and for what they might have had together.
The pain almost brought her to her knees. His name was on her lips but she fought to keep it inside her. Even if she wanted to be with him, she couldn’t risk the lives of her four half-breed, adopted children. Isaiah was so powerful, so deadly, that if he objected to half-breed werewolves, as most did, he could easily kill them.
Her body began to shake. The trembling began in her knees and worked its way up her body until her teeth were chattering. She was so cold.
“Mom.” It was Michael. His arm went around her and she glanced up at him. He sucked in a breath, making her wonder just how devastated she looked.
“Come on. Let’s go home.” All his anger seemed to be gone.
Suddenly, she was tired. No, she was beyond tired. Bone-deep weariness dragged at her. For decades, she’d kept her small pack safe from hunters and those werewolves who would want some of her children dead. The only moments of true peace she’d experienced in all that time was in Isaiah’s arms and she’d just sent him away.
“Mom?” Michael sounded concerned now. All of them were. She could see it in their faces as they looked to her for direction. For the first time ever, she couldn’t care enough to reassure them.
Benjamin took over. “Come on. Let’s get moving.” His eyes tracked around the woods. “I’m feeling exposed all of a sudden.”
The tinge of fear in his voice snapped her out of her depression enough for her to notice how quiet it suddenly was. Too quiet. She caught a scent on the air and it made her blood run cold.
“Run,” she yelled, just as a shot cracked the air. Benjamin gave a cry, clutched his shoulder and fell to the ground. Hank ran to his side.
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