Forbidden Secrets (Lee County Wolves Series) Book #5

by Teresa Gabelman

  Alcohol didn’t affect shifters the same as humans. They had to drink a lot for it to affect them, but the effects didn’t last long. He wanted Leda to go with Katrina and Jill as they took the last of the ones leaving, but he knew it wasn’t even worth saying. As if reading his thoughts, she turned toward him.

  “I have to do this my way.” Leda looked at him with determination and a hint of pleading in the depths of her beautiful eyes. “I have to. If I don’t, then none of this will have been worth it.”

  “Can you tell me what you have planned?” Taz asked hesitantly before agreeing to anything. He knew what their plan was, but he had a feeling Leda’s was totally different.

  “No.” She shook her head, then rushed toward the door and was out before he could move.

  Jamie jumped in his way, and he had to stop himself from barreling her over.

  “Dammit!” He picked Jamie up, gently moving her aside, and ran out of the house.

  Leda raced toward the house as she bent to scoop something. He bolted toward her. When she was right in front of the house, she reared back her arm and let loose a rock, shattering the glass in the front door.

  His blood went cold.

  As soon as the rock left her hand, she let out an inhuman roar. “Get out of my fucking house!”

  The music went silent as the front door slammed open. “Who in the fuck broke my window?”

  Minor stepped out onto the front porch, his eyes finally landing on her.

  “I did,” Leda yelled, the anger in her voice unmistakable. “It’s not your window. It’s my fucking window.”

  That seemed to shut him up, but only for a second. “Listen, girl.” Minor tossed his beer bottle in the weeds off the porch as he came to the top step, his eyes running her up and down. “Unless you want to come in and join the party, you best run along. And we’ll talk about how you’re going to pay for my window tomorrow.”

  He turned to walk back into the house, but Leda bent down, grabbed another rock and hit him in the back with it.

  “I said it’s not your window,” she growled. Anger like she had never felt before punched her square in the chest, making her body vibrate with rage. “It’s the alpha’s window, and that sure as hell isn’t you. You’re too stupid to be alpha.”

  Other men had come out of the house, as well as a half-naked woman, but Leda didn’t care.

  “Listen, you stupid bitch.” Minor took a step off the porch, but before he could go to the next step, every single Warrior and Lee County wolf came out of the shadows. Taz walked beside Leda, with Jamie and Malcolm on the other side. “Jamie, what in the fuck are you doing?”

  “Minor, she’s right. You are such a dumbass,” Jamie sneered at him. “And as to what I’m doing, I’m leaving your ass.”

  “Not with my kid, you’re not.” Minor rushed toward her, but Devon clotheslined him before he got anywhere near her. The rest of Allen’s thugs became restless, but the growls from the other side kept them at bay.

  “Go anywhere near her and I’ll kill you.” Devon stood over Minor in a deadly pose. “Got it?”

  Minor army-crawled backward until he was far enough away from Devon to get back on his feet. His eyes shot toward Leda, studying her hard before they widened. “I’ll be damned.”

  “Yes, you will be,” Leda replied, then looked around what used to be her home. “Did any of you have a part in killing my mother and father?”

  Gasps and whispers could be heard as everyone started to realize exactly who she was.

  “Did you?” she bellowed, taking a step forward with Taz right alongside her. Actually, everyone on her side did the same. She was well protected.

  After the shock wore off his face, Minor glared at her. “We’ve been looking for you, sweetheart.” He looked her up and down slowly. “The picture didn’t do you justice.”

  Leda felt Taz stiffen and start to make a move forward, but she reached out, blocking him. Not that he couldn’t break free whenever he wanted. “Where’s my uncle?” she hissed, ignoring his remarks.

  “Boys, you know who we got here?” Minor smiled, rubbing his hands together.

  “I see a bunch of pissed-off VC Warriors,” one guy in the back said.

  “And that dude”—he pointed toward Hunter—“was the shifter on television who outed us.”

  “Sucks to be famous.” Hunter shook his head, but the grin on his face was sinister. “Hey, dumbasses, you’re both right. Pissed-off VC Warriors and Lee County wolves about ready to rip through you. So how about coming on down here to save us the trip of coming after your sorry asses?”

  Minor held his hand up as if his men were making the first move. None of them were. “I’m not talking about them, you stupid fuckers. I’m talking about her.” Minor pointed at Leda. “Ms. Fifty Thousand Bounty just landed on our doorstep. Leda Kingsman is in our house.”

  “My house, asshole,” Leda growled, noticing the change in all the men on the porch. No longer did they look around at the others with fear. No, now they were looking at her as if she were one big dollar sign.

  “Get her the fuck out of here!” Taz hissed toward Steve, who stood behind her.

  “No.” Leda frowned as the men on the porch started to separate slowly. “This is my fight.”

  She screamed as Steve picked her up and took off running. He was going too fast for her to see anything except Taz looking away from her as the men on the porch tried to give chase.

  Chapter 13

  Taz had known this was a fucking bad idea. Now Leda had an even bigger target on her head. “Fuck!” he growled and went for the first motherfucker who tried to pass him to get to her. He knew Steve would protect her with his life; it was why he’d called for the vamp to take Leda. She was going to be pissed, but he’d deal with that later.

  Jumping, Taz tackled the asshole trying to pass him, then rolled up to his feet, as did his opponent. The guy glanced to where Leda disappeared and back to him, then attacked.

  Taz was more than ready. Once he started getting the better of the guy, the asshole began to shake. Before the bastard could shift, Taz jumped in the air, spun and kicked the guy in the throat. He went down like a brick.

  Taking in the scene, he noticed the Warriors were holding their own, even with the ones who’d shifted. He glanced toward where Leda had gone and saw figures disappearing into the darkness. Knowing things were being handled, Taz took off.

  Not one of those bastards would lay a hand on her.

  Turning, he ran between houses, hoping to cut them off. As soon as he rounded the corner, something struck him in the head, sending him to the ground, dazed.

  “Going somewhere?” a rough voice hissed.

  Shaking his head to try to get his bearings, Taz moved only his eyes, his gaze landing on the man’s feet. With everything he had, he lifted his body with his arms, twisting himself, and swept the man’s feet out from under him with his legs. As soon as the guy landed on his back, he rolled. Taz was ready. He pounced on top of the guy, raining blow after blow to the man’s face with his fist and elbows. All he could think about was getting to Leda, and this bastard was in his way. For a split second, Taz lost focus as he glanced to where he knew Steve took Leda.

  His arm was grabbed, and Taz was rolled to where he was on the bottom, and the man let loose with his own blows. Protecting himself the best he could, Taz took the hits, waiting for his opening. It wasn’t long before the asshole grew tired, allowing Taz to swiftly trap both his arms and rise up as he pulled the bastard down and headbutted him. Then he used his body weight to flip the piece of crap over his head.

  In one rapid movement, Taz jumped to his feet, turned, and stomped on the guy’s face. A sickening thud echoed in the darkness. Without even checking the guy, he took off.

  Four men were heading toward the old building where all the cars were parked and everyone waited. Dammit, he wasn’t going to make it.

  Fear like he’d never felt before coursed through his body. If anything happen
ed to Leda, it would be his fault. He couldn’t even imagine her being hurt. He’d seen the pack’s greed when they’d learned who she was. They weren’t after anyone who stood behind that building other than her, and he’d sent her away from him, where he couldn’t protect her.

  His legs and arms pumped hard and fast. They were almost there. Suddenly, a lone figure stepped out from behind the building. He squinted, trying to see through the darkness with the bright light shining behind the person who was definitely female. God, please don’t let it be her. Don’t let it be Leda.

  Just before the men reached her, a strong wind blew against him from his back; a strange chirping sound rang out around him as a black swarm went straight over his head toward the men and lone woman.

  Knowing he was going to have to shift to make it in time, Taz stopped himself as the swarm of black dropped in front of the woman, blocking her and the light. “What the…?” Taz slowed and looked on in awe as thousands of bats swarmed the four men. They backpedaled toward him.

  “Holy shit!” one man yelled as he stumbled backward. Bats swooped down toward them. Suddenly they parted as the woman, who Taz realized was Katrina, Blaze’s mate, walked through.

  “I suggest you turn around and go back.” The woman’s voice was strong and sure. “You don’t want any of this.”

  Something caught Taz’s attention out of the corner of his eye. He glanced that way to see six huge coyotes stalking toward the men from the sides. They hadn’t seen them yet.

  “Just give us the girl,” one man ordered. He swatted at one of the bats that dove toward his head. “Then we’ll leave.”

  One of the coyotes raised its head and howled loudly, causing the men to look that way and shift their position, only to find out they were flanked on both sides by the creatures.

  One of the men looked toward Katrina. “What the hell are you?”

  “One badass bitch with an attitude,” Katrina replied, then snapped her head up to the sky as bats began to dive-bomb the men, sending them running his way.

  Taz was more than ready to intercept.

  They didn’t even see Taz until they were upon him, too focused on running away and swatting the bats as well as keeping a distance from the coyotes on their ass. Taz reared back and punched the closest one, sending him to the ground knocked out cold.

  He looked at the other three.

  “It’s either them or me.” Taz gave them a sinister grin as he cracked his neck back and forth, stepping into a ready stance. “And I hope to fuck it’s me.”

  The three rushed him, but the coyotes cut off two of them, growling and nipping, keeping them at bay. Damn, that was one hell of a power Katrina had.

  “Come on.” The man waved Taz on. “You ain’t shit.”

  Taz punched out, hitting the man square in the nose, which burst like a balloon full of blood. The man’s head bobbed before he punched out, but Taz easily dodged it. That time, Taz doubled up, hitting the man in the nose again and sending an uppercut right under the chin. The guy stumbled back a few steps.

  “You need help, man?” Taz heard Steve shout.

  Laughing loudly, Taz shook his head. “Nah, man.” Taz kicked after dodging a few more pitiful punches his way, sending the guy on his ass. One of the coyotes nipped at the man, sending him to his feet.

  “But you ain’t shit,” Steve taunted. “Come on, dude. I’m missing all the fun. At least you can let me have one of them.”

  Taz spin-kicked the guy in the jaw, knocking him out on his feet until he crumbled to the ground. He glanced over at the other guys, and two of the coyotes backed off, leaving the man free for Taz.

  The guy looked down at his friend on the ground, then back at Taz and took off. He didn’t get far before the coyotes took him down.

  “Get up, you pussy.” Steve reached down, grabbing the guy up, and began to pound on him.

  “And that leaves one.” Taz’s head snapped toward the last one who just stood, staring at him in fear. “What? Not a badass since I’m not an innocent woman with a bounty on her head?”

  “I, ah….” The guy stammered all over the place.

  In two steps, Taz punched the guy with everything he had, dropping him where he stood. He didn’t have time for these assholes. He needed to make sure Leda was away from here and safe.

  He continued to walk toward the woman who once again looked to the sky. A moment later, the bats disappeared as fast as they came. The coyotes also turned and trotted off toward the woods.

  “Pretty amazing power.” Taz gave her a nod of respect as he passed her. “Thank you.”

  “You’re very welcome.” She smiled and turned to follow him as Steve ran their way.

  “Hey, at least I got my hands on one of those assholes.” Steve cracked his knuckles and snorted. “Even though he was a big pussy.”

  As soon as they turned the corner, Taz’s heart froze for a beat. “Where’s Leda?”

  Leda’s body shook with anger as she stood with everyone. She cursed Steve up and down, but he didn’t care. He just glared at her as she continued to curse him. Katrina and Jill were with the frightened shifters waiting to escape this place, and now so was she. She needed to be down there. She was done running. This was her pack. This was her—

  “What’s that sound?” she asked Jill, who stared at where Katrina had just disappeared.

  “Stay here,” Steve said as he followed Katrina.

  “What is that?” she asked Jill again.

  That time, Jill glanced her way and smiled. “Come here.”

  Leda followed her and stopped when she saw four men running toward Katrina. A breeze had kicked up, blowing her hair back as the sound of a weird clicking grew louder. “Are those bats?”

  “They sure are.” Jill nodded toward Katrina. “She can communicate with animals. Isn’t that freaking cool?”

  Leda watched as the bats swarmed above Katrina’s head and just as the men reached her, they dropped, forming a wall, separating them. Within a few seconds, there was a split where Katrina walked through, with Steve following.

  The crowd behind them became restless, so Jill turned to calm them down, leaving Leda watching in awe. Then it dawned on her. She wasn’t being watched. Glancing back at Jill to see her talking to the group, Leda backed away and disappeared into the darkness of the building. If she crossed the road, she could bypass all of this and head back toward the house where she belonged.

  It wasn’t long before she was running past the now empty houses. The fighting was still going on, but it was obvious her side was winning. She stepped over bodies, not even knowing if they were alive or dead. She knew it wasn’t any of their people, and that was all that mattered.

  Glancing quickly around, she didn’t see Taz, but she did see Dell and Garrett head into the house. Crossing the yard, she jumped up onto the porch and stopped just outside the door, staring in.

  Memories slammed into her even though the inside looked nothing like she remembered. There were pieces of her past left, but not much, and it broke her heart. What had she expected? She felt stupid for even hoping, but that was all she had left. Hope. Now looking around, her hope was crushed.

  Slowly, she stepped inside and took a deep breath, but the smell was far from her home. She passed the stairs, only glancing that way before heading toward the kitchen. Hearing Dell and Garrett, she backtracked, then went up the steps.

  Her eyes searched each mark on the wall, every piece of dirt on the floor as she made her way upstairs. Once at the top, she stopped and turned. At the end of the hallway was her parents’ room. She headed that way but stopped in front of her door, which was cracked down the middle. Quickly, she reached for the knob and opened the door, letting it bounce against the wall. Nothing of hers remained. Nothing. She went to the next door and opened it. Sam’s room was the same, empty of his belongings. Once again, she turned, passed the bathroom door and finally stopped in front of her mom and dad’s room.

  Rage, fear, sorrow as well as emptin
ess consumed her as she opened the door. Her gasp of shock echoed in her ears. The room was unchanged. She stepped inside, her hand over her mouth as she stared in awe and horror. Everything looked the same. The bedspread, curtains and even the top of their dresser contained the same things that were there on the day their lives were taken. Glancing toward the walk-in closet, she frowned. Slowly, she stepped that way and opened the door. Their clothes still hung inside.

  Moving inside, she touched one of her mother’s dresses, then lifted it to her nose to smell. Her scent still hung to the fabric. Her heart hurt as she reached for one of her dad’s shirts and did the same. She buried her face against it, breathing in deeply as sobs escaped her throat.

  Suddenly, a sense of awareness stunned her, as if she were afraid to be caught in her mom and dad’s closet, almost as if none of the past had happened. The feeling was strange.

  Backing out, she screamed as a hand shot out of the clothes, grabbing her arm in a bruising grip.

  Chapter 14

  Taz scanned for any sign of Leda, but so far nothing. He swore right then and there he would never take his eyes off her again, even though he knew that was impossible. The fighting at the house was over. He jumped over bodies, then skidded to a stop.

  “Have you seen Leda?” Taz asked the closest person to him.

  “No.” Jared frowned as he nudged a body with his boot. “I thought she was with Steve.”

  “Fuck!” Taz was going to lose his fucking mind if he didn’t find her. Trying to calm himself, he closed his eyes and began calling to his wolf.

  “Jesus, Damon.” Sid’s voice brought him out of his trance as he opened his eyes to see Sid staring down at a head. “You really need help.”

  “Sorry,” Damon said, but didn’t sound sorry at all. “Sometimes I just can’t help myself, and the motherfucker grabbed my nuts.”

  “Ah,” Sid hissed as if just the words pained him. “Then yeah, definitely off with his head.”