That seemed to snap Ted into action. He pushed Rose farther aside and stepped in between them. “I said leave her the hell alone.” He pulled the long, two-tined fork she’d forgotten he was holding from behind his back and wielded it like a weapon.
Randall laughed loudly. “So, Grandpa grew a pair. But what are you gonna do, old man? To recap your situation, we ain’t exactly what you’d call human, you ain’t one of her no-good mates, and they ain’t here to fight for her.”
With a flash of motion that appeared like a blur, Randall whipped out and knocked the fork from Ted’s hand. It clattered to the deck as Ted recoiled, and Rose jerked. Fear broke out in a cold sweat.
She gripped the railing and tried to still the pounding heartbeat that threatened to make her pass out. This was all her fault. If she hadn’t rejected her mates, hadn’t chased off the men who loved her—and she them—then they’d still be there. The wolves wouldn’t have found an easy opportunity. Now, Ted was in danger. And what if Delores or one of the guests wandered outside?
“God help us,” she whispered.
That was when they all heard the dual, rumbling chorus from the sky overhead, as if her plea had somehow summoned an angry and ancient wolf god.
She glanced up with the rest, and her jaw dropped with relief when she saw the two wolves silhouetted by the moon at their backs. Caleb and Stephen stood on the portion of the roof that partially overhung the deck, their feral eyes glowering murderously down on her would-be attackers.
Ted pressed her tighter back against railing. “Holy God.”
“Well, well,” Randall said, “look who’s come to join the party. And am I mistaken, or do I smell a whelp from my past?”
With nothing short of supernatural grace, the wolves jumped down and landed softly, though no less threateningly, on the deck. Rose’s heart fluttered at the sight of her mates. Thank the heavens they hadn’t abandoned her.
“Caleb fuckin’ Green,” Randall said in an exaggerated drawl. “Don’t just all-fours there, growlin’ at my brother. Stand up and face me, if you can stomach it.”
Caleb’s fur, which was a lighter tone to Jess’s dirty brown, began to shudder. Ominous popping, cracking sounds punctuated his shift into human form. “Randall Forrester. It ain’t been near long enough.”
Randall turned to Rose. “You lied to me, little lady. You told me you ain’t never met a werewolf who was a coward. Now I find out you’re bangin’ pelvises with the Grade-A pussy who used to cower at the edge of my daddy’s pack.”
“Not like there was any room closer in, had any of us wanted the slightest piece of that murderin’ inner circle,” Caleb said. “What with his pathetic bastard pups sucklin’ at his teat.”
Stephen growled at Jess as his body began the shift. Jess glanced around, and then he shifted as well. Aside from the unruly brown hair, he couldn’t have been more different from his brother. He was smooth-skinned and lanky.
Ted murmured, “I’ll be goddamned,” as a very naked and pissed-off Stephen emerged from his wolf form. “That explains a few things.”
“I take it you’re the bad seed of the late and infamous Blaise Forrester,” Stephen said.
“I’m his oldest, born and bred,” Randall said with a grin. “Or should I say, born, not bit?”
Jess nodded to Stephen. “Ain’t that tattoo of yours all pretty, with that letterin’ all flowery and shit down by your meat. I’ll give you this much, I wouldn’t have judged you to be wolf enough to take a silver needle.”
“Silver needle?” Rose asked.
Jess nodded. “It’s the only way our kind can make a tattoo permanent. A were’s flesh sloughs off the ink and heals over otherwise.”
“More likely he got inked before he was bit,” Randall said.
“It reads ‘Full Moon’ in Latin, diptwat,” Jess said. “I doubt he got that penned on him before he turned.” He gave Stephen an all over, appreciative glance that twisted Rose’s stomach.
“Guess you got bigger balls than appearances tell,” Randall said, pointing to his tattooed neck. “Ain’t a pretty sight while it’s gettin’ done, is it? Fuckin’ agonizin’ pain.” His smartass grin turned on Caleb. “Speakin’ of which, I heard that bitch sister of Jayson’s done got you silver shot. Must have hurt like a mother.”
Caleb fisted his hips. “Jayel would be all kinds of interested to hear her family’s true murderers are back, stirrin’ up shit.” He stepped closer. “So would Kade Winchester.”
Rose’s eyes widened. These were the wolves responsible for getting Caleb shot? The ones whose father had held good men like him and Seth hostage?
The brothers both stiffened at the name. “I don’t recognize that mongrel son of a bitch’s authority,” Randall said, spitting on the deck.
“His command must have done some kind of number on you,” Caleb said. “When he became alpha and ordered us to scatter, you ladies fled out of town with your tails between your legs.”
Jess spit on the deck. “We don’t wear that bastard’s mark. He ain’t nothin’ more than our daddy’s killer. Didn’t even have the balls to take over the pack proper after the challenge.”
Caleb’s smile took on a dangerous edge. “Why not run on over to the Winchester-Saratoga ranch and tell him so face-to-face? Better yet, why not challenge him for pack rights, avenge Blaise’s death?”
“Caleb,” Stephen said in warning.
“Might be we’re here to do just that,” Jess said.
“Shut your hole,” Randall snapped at him. “No need to share pack secrets. Caleb went and got himself a pretty new alpha.”
“You’re right,” Stephen said. “Caleb’s not one of you anymore.”
“Never was,” Jess said. “None of ’em were good enough to lick our daddy’s shit.”
“Then say good-bye,” Stephen told them. “Take your business elsewhere while you still can.”
Randall whooped an incredulous laugh. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were threatenin’ a pureblood.”
“Let me make it clearer,” Stephen said, louder this time. “Leave my woman and the gentleman in peace right now, and I’ll let you live.”
His eyes shifted to Rose’s for the first time since the confrontation began, and she saw the determination there. He hadn’t given up on her, as she’d thought. He never had.
In that moment, as Rose stared at his long, powerful body gleaming in the light of the deck, she felt a swell of respect for Stephen she’d never felt before. She’d seen him as a doctor, yes. And as a lover, man, and wolf. He was a fine example of each. Now she saw him in another role, that of defender. He would protect his pack mates to the death.
Pride flared inside her, though it wasn’t enough to overtake her terror. What if he didn’t win?
Randall didn’t seem cowed. In fact, his cock grew stiffer with every word of threat Stephen laid down. “I see you like to talk as big and pretty as your ink,” he said. “I think I’d greatly enjoy bendin’ you over and makin’ you scream my name as your new alpha. Or maybe I’ll just rip you apart on the deck and fuck your woman in the middle of the pieces.”
Her heart somersaulted at the vile image. Caleb, whose face had gone rigid with fury, made a move toward the man, but Stephen stopped him with the wave of a hand.
“You know you can’t win. Purebloods are better. Stronger.”
Stephen met his gaze. “Stronger, perhaps. Better is doubtful.”
“So, is it a pack challenge, then?” Randall asked.
Stephen stared him down with deadly calm. “No. Let’s just fight.” He wandered closer to him. “And just so there’s no mistake,” he said, and he flashed out with a fist and connected solidly with Randall’s jaw, “get the fuck away from my mate.”
The blow threw Randall off balance to land a ways away from where Rose stood frozen. To the man’s credit, he righted himself quickly while he held onto his jaw. “That cheap shot’s gonna cost ya,” he said, and without another word, he dropped onto the
ground as a wolf.
Stephen followed suit, and they circled one another, snarling and showing moonlit fangs. Ted grabbed Rose and held onto her, at least until Caleb raced over and took hold of her arms. “Rose,” he said, his eyes searching hers wildly. “I’m so sorry. I should never have walked away.”
“It was my fault,” she said, peering with fright at Stephen. “I thought you said other wolves couldn’t touch me?”
He frowned. “No, darlin’. The mark lets other wolves know you’re taken. It won’t stop bastards like Randall.”
She blanched at the thought of how bold she’d been, antagonizing the other wolves. How stupid.
Caleb glanced at Ted. “Most of the others had already left. The rest heard the commotion and think a man with a wolf are tryin’ to rob you. Your wife dialed the sheriff and is hidin’ with the rest on our orders. I’m gonna slip you two inside with ’em.” His gaze shifted to Rose. “Get the car and drive like hell out of here.”
“I’m not leaving you,” Rose said. “Not ever.”
He stopped cold, staring at her.
“No one ain’t goin’ nowhere,” said Jess from behind him.
Caleb spun around, and Rose saw the man standing with his arms folded, blocking the way to the door.
“Then again, there ain’t no reason why Stephen and Randall should have all the fun,” Caleb snapped, and Jess’s narrow mouth curved up into an ugly smile.
Their human bodies fell away as both morphed, and Caleb lunged for Jess with a violent growl.
Rose gasped. “Caleb!”
He turned for a brief moment, his wolf eyes meeting hers, and he jerked his head toward the door. Then Jess’s jaws locked onto Caleb’s hindquarters, and with a howl of pain, he turned back to the fight.
“Come on,” Ted said, pulling on her hand. “He wants us to get away while the others are distracted.”
“I can’t,” she said in distress. Tears rose as she shivered in the cold. “I can’t just leave them here.”
“We’re not talking six months in Hawaii anymore,” he said, pulling harder. “Just getting to safety before you get hurt.”
The two pairs of wolves flashed fangs as they snapped and bit one another. Stephen’s pale fur spotted bright red when Randall pulled away from the top of his head.
“They’re fighting because of me,” she said. “I have no right to just walk away.”
“Then what about me?” Ted snapped, and that brought her attention to him. “You wanted to protect me before.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re right.” She glanced at the fight once again, then at the door. “Come on. Let’s get you out of here.”
With that, she shifted back into nurse mode. It was she, not Ted, dragging the other by the hand to get to the door. Once inside, no one was in sight.
“Delores?” Ted called out, but there was no answer.
“Maybe she left with the others,” Rose said, running for the purse she’d left in the great room. She shoved a hand inside and came up with her keys. “Here. Take my car and get out of here. It’s the new blue four-door.”
“You’re not staying,” he said.
“I have to.” She raced for the kitchen, where she rummaged wildly through drawers. Ted followed.
“What on earth are you doing?” he asked.
“Where’s your good silver?” She pawed faster through utensils.
“You’re going to rob me in the middle of this?”
She looked at him. “Werewolves get hurt with silver. Bad.”
Understanding sparked in his eyes, and he strode quickly over to yank open one of the drawers. The knife he pulled out was long, gleaming, and curved to a very businesslike point on one end. “Will this do?”
She ran over, snatched the knife from his hand, and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Wait!” he called, but she was already at the French doors.
Outside, the fights weren’t going well. Stephen was bleeding from several wounds now, though Randall was little better. Closer by, Jess had Caleb down on the wood deck. He held Caleb’s neck with his jaws while he mounted him. Caleb struggled against the larger wolf, but wasn’t gaining ground.
With a cry of rage, Rose flung herself at the brown wolf. “Get the hell off of my mate,” she shouted, and with all her strength, she plunged the knife deep into the animal’s ribs.
Jess let go of Caleb’s neck instantly, rearing back with a high-pitched, animal cry that pierced through the night. He staggered for a brief moment, and that was when Caleb struck. He was on his feet before she could count to two, and she jumped backward when he went after Jess with renewed vehemence. He butted the wolf viciously with his head, and the animal went to the ground. Caleb stood over him, opened his mouth wide, and clamped down on the wolf’s throat.
A sickening crunch later, it was over. For Jess, anyway.
Caleb, with bright red dripping from his fangs, turned to where Stephen and Randall had frozen in the middle of their own bloody battle. Randall had gone rigid, staring over at the body of his fallen brother—which was melting away into human form.
The howl he let out at the moon was filled with eerie despair, and the sound joined with the wail of sirens pulling up out front. At the sight of Caleb and Stephen closing in, Randall fell silent. With one final look at his dead brother, he turned and made a dramatic leap over the railing. She heard his footfalls crunching away through the night, and neither of her mates gave chase. They shifted back and ran to her instead.
“Are you all right?” Stephen asked through heavy, panting breaths.
“You’re the one who’s hurt,” she said, eyeing the bite marks oozing all over his flesh. She risked a glance down at the man whose throat no longer existed and tried not to picture Stephen or Caleb lying that way.
“I thought only silver could kill a werewolf,” she said, still clutching the knife that was dripping red.
Rose heard commotion inside while Caleb wiped his bloody mouth on the dish towel Ted had abandoned. “A few things can harm us. Gettin’ our airway removed by another werewolf is one of ’em.” He put an arm around her as they stared at the body. “He died the exact same way as his father. And with not even a single lick more honor.”
The sheriff’s department burst out onto the deck, and she suddenly realized how things must look. A naked man lay dead of obvious violence, and two more naked men were covered in injuries. And she held a weapon that dripped with the dead man’s blood. How could she possibly explain?
Officers were yelling, and Caleb pulled away from her as he and Stephen were instructed to turn around and put their hands on their heads. A tall, thin deputy strode up to her, but not too close. He had his gun drawn, but not aimed at her. “I said drop the weapon slowly.”
The knife clattered loudly on the deck when she did as instructed, all the while lost in thoughts over what she could possibly say. He was still speaking to her, but she wasn’t following the words. There was no way he would believe that Jess getting his throat ripped out had been an act of self-defense. That werewolves had been to blame.
When she looked up at him, however, she startled. The deputy’s eyes glittered with small yet distinct flecks of gold beneath the brim of his hat. Perhaps he’d believe the story, after all.
Ted burst out on the deck, arguing with one of the officers as he rushed over to Rose’s side. “Are you all right, my dear?”
Rose looked up to see that Delores and Jo had, in fact, stayed behind, looking wide-eyed and frightened in the doorway.
She nodded.
“These three are all heroes,” Ted shouted at the lawmen. “They saved my life from the man and wolf who tried to attack me.”
That changed the tone of the encounter completely, though it was some time before the officers had finished taking statements. It was much later when Rose sat in the great room, a blanket around her shoulders to ward off the chill that refused to leave her bones while Stephen and Caleb stood out front
, finishing up with the werewolf deputy.
“I still can’t believe what you did,” Ted was saying. “Protecting me that way.”
Rose looked up to see him and Jo staring at her. Delores walked over and handed her a cup of hot tea.
“Yes, such a brave thing, standing in front of my Ted that way,” Delores said, and Rose accepted the tea gratefully. The woman shuddered. “To think, that man had a pet wolf that he used to help him commit home invasion robberies. What a terrifying prospect. I can’t thank you enough.”
Rose and Ted exchanged glances.
“It was nothing, really,” Rose said, taking the tea gratefully. “I just reacted.”
“It was far more than nothing,” Ted said. “Thanks may not be enough, but I can show you my gratitude.” He leaned back in his chair, resting his hands on his rounded belly. “How would you like a staff position at Shay Falls Community?”
Jo’s head snapped around as Rose’s eyes flew open. “What?” they both asked.
“You heard me. Full-time position, not a temporary traveler contract.”
“But, Ted,” Jo blurted out, “you realize she’s been terminated for unethical conduct.”
“What I realize is that she was willing to save the life of a man she barely knew at the risk of her own,” he snapped back. “Rose gave more thought to my needs than hers, and she cared deeply enough about others to jump in and fight for their safety. I can’t think of better qualities to ask for in a nurse at my hospital. Can you?”
Jo gaped at him for a moment, and then shook her head. “It’s your decision, of course.”
“Actually, it’s Rose’s decision.” He turned to her. “What do you say, my dear? I realize Shay Falls might seem second-rate compared to Hawaii, but perhaps you wouldn’t mind sticking around a while.”
A smile all but burst out of her. “I think I’d like that,” she said. “I wouldn’t mind calling Shay Falls my home.”
“Good,” he said, beaming. “Stop by human resources next week.” He rose from his chair. “Meanwhile, I’m guessing there’s a certain doctor you’ll want to share the news with.”
Disobedient Cowboys [Lone Wolves of Shay Falls 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 18
