by Grosso, Kym
Easily identifying the man as one of the wolves from the sketches, Tristan turned to Kalli. “Do you know this man, Dr. Williams?” he asked formally.
“Yes, Alpha,” she croaked, shrinking into Logan. It was as if she was a young girl again, cowering. She felt Sato’s eyes bore into her and looked away. “I…ugh..I think his name is Sato. I’m not one hundred percent on the last name. But without a doubt, this man was at the fire, and he’s part of the South Carolina Wallace Pack.”
“You fucking bitch!” he screeched at her. Even chained, he was formidable. Baiting Kalli, he continued to yell. “You’re nothing but a traitorous hybrid whore! Gerald’s still waitin’ for you, missy. Oh yeah, you owe him. He’ll have ya on your back in no time spreading those filthy legs and…”
Before he had a chance to finish, Tristan slammed him into silence against a wall, crushing his larynx with the brunt of his forearm.
Kalli fought for air, attempting to quell both her burgeoning anger and fear. She glanced across the table and caught a glimpse of Jax smiling as if he was enjoying watching Tristan’s attack. As if sensing that Kalli was about to lose it, Logan pulled her close to his side, putting a protective arm around her, and placed his finger to his lips, signaling her to remain silent.
“You killed my wolf; my son,” Tristan roared, unrelentingly maintaining his hold.
An evil smirk broke across the man’s face. “Not so tough now, Alpha, are ya? That kid was your weakness. We gutted him good.”
A loud crack resounded throughout the room as Tristan smashed the wolf’s head against the wall, leaving a dent in the sheet rock.
“Where’s the other wolf?” Tristan spat at him.
“Like I’d tell ya. But don’t worry, he’s still out there. In fact, he’ll probably find you first….he torched your club good after we got thrown out. And your bitch, Gerald is looking for her. You can kill me but this won’t be the end for any of you,” he sneered, spitting saliva into the air with each spoken word.
Tristan’s steely eyes settled on the killer. In a cold, low voice, he deliberately and slowly delivered the death sentence, each word laced with intent. “Tonight you’re goin’ to die just like Toby. And like him, you will run for your life. As confusion and despair threaten to overtake your senses, dread will engulf your entire being. You will beg the Goddess for your despicable worthless life as I watch the life drain from your eyes. You’ve got a thirty second lead, but know this; within the next five minutes, your life will end.”
Tristan released him, ripping the chains off of the man as easily as if he was pulling apart string cheese. The acrid odor of burning flesh from the silver burning Tristan’s hands hung in the air. Like a caged animal, the man took off running, clothes flying in the process as he prepared to shift.
Kalli held her breath, trying not to hyperventilate at the sight. Witnessing Tristan’s furor first hand jolted through her like electricity. She’d never seen an Alpha so fierce and primal; a purely spectacular male. Hating Sato and everything he represented, she felt no sympathy for the killer. Her only regret was that she wouldn’t be able to witness his death.
Tristan ripped off his leather jacket, t-shirt and jeans within seconds. As soon as the air hit his naked skin, he instantly shifted into his beast. Turning his head just once to glance at Kalli, he howled and ran out into the darkness.
Stealthily, the black wolf weaved in and out of the shadows, scenting his prey. He crouched low to the ground, hearing a whine in the distance. Sprinting at full speed, he took off toward the enemy, who was attempting to hide in a nearby shed. Images of Toby flashed through his mind, surging the rage; the need for revenge. The thirst for blood danced on his tongue.
As he rounded the corner, the grey matted wolf darted into a deserted house, and Tristan closed in pursuit. Inwardly, he laughed, knowing the wolf had essentially trapped himself with his own irons. Hunching down, he quietly padded into the blackened entranceway. He could smell the blood of the wolf in the room; he must have cut himself in the street.
A rat squeaked in the corner, momentarily distracting Tristan. He growled menacingly toward the rodent, and it scurried off. Still smelling Sato’s scent, he launched himself up the stairs, which led into a parlor of sorts. The waiting enemy snarled, beckoning Tristan to attack quickly, increasing the chance he’d make a mistake. But Tristan wouldn’t make this quick. Sato had shown Toby no mercy, chasing him down, eviscerating him slowly. So he’d planned do the same to Sato, inflicting the exact pure terror Toby must have felt. Circling Sato, Tristan bared his teeth, approaching and then receding and back again. He snapped at him, tearing off a chunk of Sato’s fur; blood sprayed the floor. Is that how you made Toby feel? The pain of the bullets tearing through his skin. The scent of his own blood filling his nostrils as he tried to shift.
Sato whined in pain, but refused to retreat. The large grey wolf advanced with great speed, jumping at Tristan’s head. Teeth sliced through his ear as blood and fur flew into the air. Refusing to yelp, Tristan let the pain ignite his rage. He quickly flipped himself around, until his teeth were firmly rooted in Sato’s pelt. The harder the other wolf tried to shake him off the harder Tristan held on, not killing him…yet. Sato twisted and turned until he finally fell to his back, baring his belly submissively. As Tristan went to release his hold, Sato gnashed his teeth in one last attempt to maul the Alpha. Anticipating his strike, Tristan struck, sinking his teeth into the soft tissue under the chin. Blood flooded his mouth as he shredded the wiry fur and flesh. Slowly he tore it apart, bit by bit, until his prey stopped moving. Releasing the wolf, Tristan circled around the body, until it transformed into the remains of a shell that used to be Sato. Throat torn out, the sanguine cord of the spine laid on the dusty floor, providing evidence of the kill.
Tristan howled in mourning for the wolf spirit; there was always a consequence for taking a life. As Alpha, the heavy scar on his soul settled. Responsibilities and vengeance to the pack ran deep. In his actions and thoughts, he felt he’d brought Toby a step closer to peace. Others would pay as well, but for tonight, he’d avenged for his pack.
Tristan strode into the warehouse, naked and bloody, fresh from the kill. Kalli screamed his name, struggling to break free of Logan’s hold. Stifling her cries, the silence seemed to mirror Tristan’s tenebrous disposition. Although he’d been gone for less than fifteen minutes, his somber expression spoke of war. Deftly pulling on his t-shirt and jeans, he slipped on his shoes and approached the table.
“I am in gratitude for your gift, Alpha. Clearly, this is just the beginning. One battle. You should be advised that after today’s news, we’ll be going after the Wallace Pack. Please contact me directly should you receive any more information on the other wolf,” Tristan stated emotionlessly. His normally warm amber eyes appeared darker, tinged in sadness.
“You are very welcome,” Jax remarked. Standing up from the table, he extended his hand. As Tristan shook it, Jax caught sight of his wariness. “Alpha, it had to be done. If there’s one thing I know, it is the weight we both share. Good luck to you going after the others.”
Tristan nodded in understanding. Taking Kalli from Logan, he hugged her tightly. “Let’s go. Our business is finished here.”
Before leaving, Tristan turned to Simeon. “Body’s in the third house on the left. After we get home, grab a couple of the boys and ship it to South Carolina.”
“Got it boss.” Simeon knew the drill without Tristan saying any more. It was a message to the Wallace Pack wolves, and he’d be happy to help him deliver it.
Chapter Eighteen
The macabre vibe continued well after they’d left the warehouse. Rather than a slew of consolatory comments, a muted contemplation blanketed the car. On the way over the bridge to Philadelphia, Tristan received a call from Tony informing him that the body of Lindsay, Kalli’s assistant, had been found in the UVH parking lot earlier in the evening. She’d been found stuffed under her car, throat slit. The cowardly act had b
een caught on tape, and one of the sketches matched the suspect; the second wolf, Morris.
Tony said they believed that both wolves had visited the hospital in search of Kalli, while she’d been held by Alexandra. During that visit, an exchange of information had taken place between Lindsay and the suspects. An intensive computer search showed evidence that Lindsay had been responsible for hacking into several computers at the hospital, including Kalli’s. A large lump sum of money had been recently deposited in Lindsay’s account, suggesting she’d sold Kalli out, and possibly others. Tony said it was too early to tell at this point. They weren’t exactly sure of the motive for her killing, but reasoned that perhaps the wolves wanted to tie up loose ends after Toby’s murder.
The news of Lindsay’s slaying and betrayal angered Kalli. But she held the emotion in tightly, refusing to shed a tear or waste her thoughts on the foolish girl who’d helped kill Toby. The incident only served as a further incentive to help Tristan track down the other wolf. Seeing Tristan’s display of power earlier left no doubt he’d be caught.
When they finally reached Livingston One, they were greeted by both Julie and Mira, who both offered assistance. Logan quietly confided what happened at the summit with both women, while Tristan and Kalli retreated to his condo. Normally jovial and confident, Tristan seemed distant and uncharacteristically reserved. Like Tristan, Kalli knew that things were far from over, especially since they suspected that the CLI was in Gerald’s hands.
“I’ve gotta take a shower,” he muttered, walking toward the master bedroom. “You wanna join me?”
“Sure, um, I’ve just got to stop by my room a sec, okay?”
“Okay, meet you in there.”
She nodded, wishing she could take his hurt away. He needed comfort tonight, and she swore she’d do everything in her power to help him. The killing appeared to come at a great cost to him, or perhaps he was mourning Toby. Observing Tristan in the element of battle had been both exhilarating and exhausting. She couldn’t even imagine what it had done to him, but she’d go to him, care for him, and make him whole again. But Kalli knew there was a critical singular task she had to complete before she could give herself to him fully; one which would allow her to start her life anew.
Going into her bathroom, she stared at herself in the mirror. Taking a deep breath, she peeled off the black clothing she’d donned for the summit. But even once her clothes were gone, the morose film of violence still clung to her skin. She needed to shake off this evening’s events as much as anyone, but she couldn’t stop thinking about Tristan, the man and the wolf. Reveling in his animalistic display of dominance, she could no longer deny her true self.
Stark naked, she wrapped her fingers around the tan bottle on the countertop, which contained the CLI. Remorse for Toby’s death still remained, but pride for surviving all those years without detection surged through her veins. There was no use in regretting what her childhood could or should have been. There was only now. And without a doubt, Tristan and Lyceum Wolves commanded her future. In her mind’s eye her alter ego awakened, enthusiastically prancing in anticipation. Unscrewing the white top, she took one last look at the pills before flushing all of them down the toilet.
Instead of going to his room, Tristan had decided to turn around and head toward the kitchen. He’d torn off his clothes, removed his shoes, and threw them into a black plastic bag. Texting housekeeping, they arrived within seconds to take it to the incinerator for disposal. The scent of the dead wasn’t something one could wash out of clothing. Snatching a bottle of cognac and a couple of glasses, he retired to his private sanctuary.
Tristan let the hot spray sting his skin as his consciousness drifted to Kalli. Mulling it over all day, he’d struggled to comprehend the urge to claim her. Yet deep down, he knew exactly why. Although Logan’s earlier cryptic comments had irritated the hell out of him, he realized at some point later in the afternoon that his beta knew for certain what he’d been renouncing. But his stubborn attitude could no longer deny fate. Never truly understanding what it was like for other mated wolves, the calling of his mate was a song he craved like no other.
Accepting and acting on this newfound realization were two entirely different things. Kalli hadn’t even accepted her own wolf, so he wasn’t about to slam her with this new information any time soon. Reflecting on the summit, he prayed he hadn’t frightened the hell out of her. But like he’d told her, there was no hiding one’s true nature. And his was lethal.
He placed his forehead against the cool tile as the calming scent of Kalli wafted into the room. Out of his peripheral vision, he could see her white robe drop to the floor, giving way to her silky olive skin. Through the beveled glass blocks, he watched the black curls spill down her back as she removed the band and pins, which had bound her hair.
In the reflection of the mirror, Kalli’s breath caught as she noticed his sexy silhouette; like a powerful animal, he stretched his arms upward, leaning against the shower wall. Slipping around the enclosure in search of Tristan, she admired the sight of his bronzed dripping wet skin. The muscled planes of his back gave way to the solid curve of his buttocks and long powerful legs. Jets of water sprayed from each wall, and by the time she reached him, warm drops poured down her lithe but curvy body.
Within inches of his body, she placed her hands on his shoulders tracing her fingers upward until she reached hold of his rock-hard biceps. Giving them a gentle caress, her hands trailed down the hard muscles of his back. She heard him hiss; his head lolled backward in contentment. Her hands explored his trim waist until her arms were wrapped all the way around him. Pressing forward to embrace him, her swollen bosom crushed against the expanse of his back and her legs straddled his. Spreading her fingers, she touched his wonderfully broad chest down to the rippled abs beneath his warm bare skin.
“You okay?” she asked lovingly, closing her eyes while the cheek of her face pressed softly against his back.
“Chérie, there is no place I’d rather be right now,” he mumbled. “Goddess, you feel so good. So perfect.” He moved to turn around to face her, but she stilled his movement.
“Shhhh…My Alpha, let me take care of you tonight,” she whispered, reaching for the soap. “Relax, baby.”
Lathering the bubbly cleanser into her small hands, she sluiced slippery liquid over his clavicles, massaging his neck until he released a small moan. Her hands continued their assault, rubbing the globes of his bottom and down his crease. Brushing his thighs, she gently turned him until he faced her.
He stood silently watching her, enjoying the feel of her smooth palms on his skin. She rinsed her hands to fill them with cleanly scented shampoo. Reaching up into his hair, her pebbled pink tips grazed his chest. He sighed in aching need at the feel of them, but allowed her to thoroughly wash his blood-matted hair. Squeezing out the excess lather, she gently tilted his head back into the spray.
Again, she resumed washing him with suds. Moving from under his arms to his biceps, she carefully attended to him all the way down to his fingers. Kalli’s breath caught at the sight of his tanned, sculptured chest. He opened his eyes to catch her gaze as she cleaned him all the way down to his belly. Keeping eye contact, she let her fingers deliberately trace the muscularly cut v that led to his groin. Whisking her palms downward, she spread his legs, stroking the juncture of his thighs. A ragged gasp escaped his lips as she cupped his velvety sac; his head fell backwards to rest on the tile, delighting in the sensation. Wrapping her other hand around his straining erection, she pumped him up and down, smoothing her thumb over the plump head.
Tristan had never in his life been so open and vulnerable to a woman, letting her roam free on his body. From the first touch of her fingers to his shoulders to the graze of her nails on his chest, he tensed in excitement, letting her work her magic. She’d asked him to relax, but the agonizing arousal coursed through his body like he’d touched a live wire. It took every bit of self-restraint to not rush to make love to her. Rat
her, he willingly submitted to the sweet pain of her titillating stimulation, anticipating her next touch. As if she was performing a purification ritual, he felt the dark cloud in his soul lift.
As he peered into the depths of her eyes, the intense affection he felt for Kalli teased his lips. He wanted to tell her how much she meant to him. More than lust, he was falling fast without a parachute. He bit his lip in resistance, thwarting the words that threatened to expose his heart. A jolt ran through his body as her tiny hands massaged his hot swollen flesh.
“Kalli,” he cried out in pleasure before she released him. Lovingly, she turned his body once more, rinsing him clean. He gave into her direction, again his eyes meeting hers.
As if performing a sensual rumba, she refused to release him from her trance. Smiling, she gracefully knelt before him, combing her fingernails down the front of his thighs. Tristan sucked a blissful breath. The sight of his beautifully bared female on her knees, parting her lips, sent blood pulsating into his already hard cock. Incredibly stunning, her drenched hair clung to her skin. Puckered nipples brushed across his thighs, as she leaned forward. Darting her tongue outward, she licked the underside of his engorged shaft. He could have sworn he’d died and gone to heaven as her warm lips encased him.
Kalli relished his taste as she sucked him deeply. Releasing his sex from her mouth, she fisted his swollen staff while she laved his testicles, rolling them over her tongue. Once again she took his rigid flesh into her mouth, slowly swallowing all of him. Digging her fingers into the cheeks of his ass, she pulled him toward her until he began to pump himself in and out of her lips. She moaned, as the excitement of tasting him incited her own passion; her core ached with need, begging to be touched.
As the intoxication of her actions spread throughout his body, Tristan struggled to speak. “Mon amour…please.” He grasped her hair. “I can’t stop. I’m going to come.”
