Ashton Grove Werewolves (Boxed Set, Vol. 2)

by Jessica Coulter Smith

  “You’re right. It’s just hard to sit here and wait.”

  “Someone has to be here in case she manages to come home. What if she escapes? You know she’s going to fight him. It’s possible she’ll find her way home before we find Trent.”

  “It’s obvious she’s no match for him or he wouldn’t have taken her to begin with. I hope she gives him hell, but I doubt it will be enough to free her.”

  “Either way, you need to be here. I’m the one who should be out there looking.”

  Ramsey shook his head. “I need someone here to keep me from doing something stupid.”

  “I’ll stay until morning, but then I’m going to join one of the rescue groups.”

  Ramsey couldn’t argue with him if their roles were reversed, he would do the same thing. It killed him to sit home while Harper was missing, but the alphas had given their orders. If he were being honest, he would admit they were right, but he didn’t like it. He wanted to feel like he was doing something. Not to mention that sitting at home gave him too much time to think. He imagined his life without Harper by his side and felt physically ill. His home felt empty without her in it, the halls too silent without her laughter.

  He closed his eyes and saw her face, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. Inhaling, he could still detect a trace of her perfume in the air. Thinking about her warm, soft body in his arms made his chest ache. Being in the house was torture, but he was stuck here until Harper was found.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Harper twisted her hands behind her back, trying to loosen the ropes. If she could get free, she could make a break for it. But Trent wasn’t as stupid as he looked. The ropes bit into her skin, rubbing her wrists raw. He lay stretched out on the bed across from her, oblivious to her efforts as he slumbered. If she thought she could open the motel room door with her hands behind her back, she’d run away tonight. Surely there was someone out there who would help her.

  She shifted on the bed, wondering if she could do it, but Trent cracked an eye open and looked at her. She froze.

  “Where do you thinking you’re going?” he asked.

  “My legs are going to sleep. I thought I’d walk around.”

  “Good. Because trying to escape is pointless. We’re in a deserted section of the motel so no one is around to save you.”

  She inwardly sighed. It had been hours since he’d taken her, but she refused to give up. One way or another, she would find her way back to Ramsey. She couldn’t imagine living the rest of her life without him. Sooner or later, Trent would have to drop his guard, and that’s when she would make her move. Until then, she’d rest, conserve her energy.

  But as she closed her eyes, she saw Ramsey’s face, and tears gathered in her eyes. She burrowed her face into her pillow and silently cried. She wanted to be home, safe, held in Ramsey’s arms. She wanted to tell him again how much she loved him, how happy she was to be his mate. Sniffling, she willed her tears to stop. She didn’t think of herself as a weak woman, but she was feeling very emotional. She bit her lips, trying to keep quiet.

  “Would you shut up?” Trent growled.

  “I can’t help it.”

  “You need to forget about him. You’re never going to see him again.”

  Harper shook her head. “He’ll find me.”

  “How? He can’t track you. We’re miles away from Ashton Grove now. I doubt they even realize we’ve left town. And if they do know, they won’t know which way to go.”

  “Where are you taking me?” she asked.

  “Down through South Carolina and into Florida. It won’t be long before we’re part of the Jacksonville pack.”

  “I’ll just tell them you stole me from Ramsey and they’ll return me to my home.”

  He grinned. “I’ve already spoken with their alpha. He’s been told a different story and knows you’ll try to run. No matter where you go, someone will be watching.”

  Dread filled Harper. If what he said was true, she had to do something before they made it to Florida. She had to let Ramsey know what Trent’s plans were in hopes that he could save her in time. But what was she going to do? She watched warily as Trent rose to his feet.

  “Since it seems I won’t be sleeping anymore tonight, I might as well take a shower so we can get back on the road,” he said as he stretched.

  Harper’s breath froze in her lungs. This was it! This was the moment she’d been waiting for. Her heart sank as she watched him tie her ankle to the bed. She had enough rope to move around the room, but escape was now out of the question. Still, she wasn’t without options.

  After she heard the shower, she backed toward the phone. Picking up the receiver, she laid it on the bed and slowly dialed Ramsey’s number. She laid her ear down beside the receiver and listened to it ring. She wanted to desperately to hear Ramsey’s voice, but he never answered. When his voicemail picked up, she began to cry again.

  “Ramsey, it’s Harper. I don’t have but a minute. Trent is holing me in the Lucky Leaf Motel in New Hope. He said we’re leaving tonight.” She briefly outlined his plans. “Ramsey, I’m scared. If we reach Florida, I’ll never see you again. I love you. Please remember that no matter what happens.”

  She hung up the phone and curled up o the bed. She’d done everything she could; now it was up to Ramsey to find her. Harper only prayed he wouldn’t be too late.

  Ramsey shifted into his human form and put some clothes on. He’d gone out back with Shakespeare to distract himself. The little dog had looked so forlorn that Ramsey had thought they could both use a little break. He picked up his phone and scrolled through the missed calls, one from a number he didn’t recognize stood out. Listening to the messages, he nearly dropped the phone. Harper had called and he’d missed it! He listened to her message again and wrote down the name of the motel and the town where she was. After he hung up, he called the alphas. Gabriel didn’t answer, but Connor did.

  “Connor, I know where she is,” Ramsey said when the alpha answered. “She got a message to me. They’re in New Hope, but she said they would be leaving soon. I know where they’re going and how they’re going to get there.”

  “Gabriel just left to pick up the Denver wolves from the airport in Spruce Hill. One of them flew their own plane. And Ben left an hour ago to go to Altanta. Two wolves from Texas are flying in to help. It seems you helped one of them before.”

  Ramsey leaned back against the counter in the kitchen. “Mac is coming?”

  “Yeah, he said he owed you one.”

  “Do you know who’s coming from Denver?”

  “No, I guess we’ll see when Gabriel gets home. They have more than one pilot?” Connor asked.

  “If I had to guess, I’d say it’s Rob, but there are two other guys who have their own planes, too.”

  “I’m going to send Austin and Sean after Harper, and then we can fill in everyone else when they get here. I’m also going to call the South Carolina packs with an update. If we’re lucky, she’ll be home by morning.”

  “Thanks, Connor. Keep me posted.”

  He disconnected the call and went in search of Hunter. He found his friend dozing in one of the spare rooms upstairs. To say Hunter was excited about the news was an understatement. Ramsey had to restrain him for going after Harper himself. Not that he could blame Hunter. He wanted to rush out the door and run to the rescue, too.

  “At least we know she’s safe,” Hunter said.

  “We don’t know what he’s done to her. Just because she didn’t say anything about being hurt doesn’t mean he hasn’t laid a hand on her. She was crying on the phone.” Ramsey rubbed his hands down his face. “I shouldn’t have left her. I should have taken the day off and protected her. It’s my fault she’s missing.”

  “We know where she is. It won’t be long before the guys catch up to them.”

  Ramsey shook his head. “She shouldn’t have been taken to begin with. I shouldn’t have relied on other people to keep her safe – that’s my job.”r />
  “You’re being too hard on yourself. I know my sister isn’t blaming you. If anything, she’s probably blaming herself.”

  “It’s not her fault. Maybe if I had told her...”

  “Told her what?” Hunter asked.

  “Told her how much she means to me, how important she and the baby are. I told her I cared about her, but I don’t think I explained myself very well.”

  “What’s to explain?”

  Ramsey shrugged. “That she’s the first thing I want to see in the morning and the last at night. Her smile warms me from the inside out. That I could happily drown in the blue of her eyes.”

  Hunter grinned.

  “What?” Ramsey asked. “Are you laughing at me?”

  “Far from it. I was just thinking... it sounds a bit like you’re in love with your mate.”

  Ramsey’s eyes widened in surprise. Could Hunter be right? Was it possible that he more than cared for Harper? Somewhere along the way, had he fallen in love with her? He hadn’t seen it coming, but perhaps he should have. Now he understood why it bothered him so much to call her his mate and not his wife. And it was something he was going to rectify as soon as possible once she was safe in his arms again.

  ***

  Harper had fought to stay awake, but once they were back on the road, she’d lost the battle. She didn’t know how long she slept, but when she opened her eyes, they were pulling up to a large mansion. She’d had no idea Trent knew such powerful people and she worried that Ramsey would never find her. Even if she knew where they were, it was doubtful she’d find a way to call him again. A place like this would have top notch security.

  “Don’t even try your abduction nonsense here,” Trent warned her. “I’m going to untie your hands and you’re going to act natural.”

  “Natural means I despise you.”

  “Don’t do anything stupid, Harper. They aren’t going to listen to your ranting. As far as they’re concerned, you’re my mate.”

  “Have you even thought about your unborn child at all?” she asked. “What’s Luna supposed to do?”

  “Luna can do whatever she wants. I’m sure Ramsey will give her a shoulder to cry on.”

  “If I know Ramsey, he’s already shipping Luna off to Denver. He doesn’t want anything to do with her. But he is looking for me. And no matter what you say, I believe he’s going to find me. One way or another, before this is over, I’m going to be back home with Ramsey. Because I love him and I believe in him,” she said bravely.

  “Well, isn’t that touching,” Trent sneered. “Turn around.”

  He parked the truck and reached for the ropes binding her hands. Making quick work of the knots, he freed her. He grabbed a handful of hair and pulled her head back.

  “Remember what I said. Don’t do anything stupid.”

  She jerked free and rubbed her wrists. Pushing the truck door open, she got out and looked around. Several guards patrolled the grounds – as both human and wolf. She’d never been to such a huge house before, nor one with such good security.

  A tall man with graying hair stepped out of the house and walked toward them. He stopped in front of Harper and smiled down at her kindly.

  “Trent said he was bringing a beautiful woman with him,” the man told her, “but he didn’t do you justice.”

  “My name is Harper,” she said softly.

  The man’s eyes flared. “What an unusual name. Not one you hear too often.” He smiled. “I’m being rude. My name is Patrick. And my lovely mate, Elise, will see to your comforts. She’s waiting for you just inside.”

  “Thank you.” Harper quickly glanced at Trent before hurrying toward the house.

  When she stepped inside, she was met by a tall brunette she assumed was Elise. The woman was stunningly beautiful and smiled at her warmly. Without introducing herself, she ushered Harper up the stairs. Harper followed her down one hallway after another before they finally stopped outside of a large door.

  Elise pushed the door open and motioned Harper inside. Once the door was firmly shut, Elise turned and smiled at her.

  “Now, I had to make sure there were no ears around.” She held her hand out. “I’m Elise.”

  “I’m Harper.”

  “I know. But I’m guessing my mate didn’t find out until you got here. He’s not going to be pleased with Trent. We were told that Trent was bringing his mate with him, but that obviously isn’t the case.”

  “You know who I am?” Harper asked.

  Elise smiled. “Darling, every pack within six hundred miles of Ashton Grove knows who you are. Just so you know, I’m on your side. As for Patrick... he’ll have to choose between duty and family friends. I’m sure he’ll do the right thing when it comes down to it.”

  “Can I call Ramsey?”

  Elise shook her head. “If Patrick found out I’d let you use the phone...”

  “What if I just happened to use while you were in the bathroom or something?”

  Elise laughed. “I like you. Very well. Call your mate and tell him you’re in Charleston at the alpha’s house. Maybe we can detain Trent long enough for help to get here.”

  “Thank you.”

  Elise nodded and stepped in to the other room, giving her some privacy.

  She picked up the phone and quickly dialed Ramsey’s number. He picked up almost immediately and she released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

  “Ramsey...”

  “Harper! Where are you? Are you safe?”

  “I’m in Charleston at the alpha’s house. His name is Patrick, but he doesn’t know I’m calling you. It seems that he’s friends with Trent.”

  “Austin and Sean shouldn’t be too far away. I’ll send them your way now.”

  “Wait! There’s a ton of security here. They have guards patrolling the grounds and I think there’s an electric gate I missed because I was sleeping.”

  Ramsey cursed. “We’ll find a way in or we’ll grab you when you leave.”

  “I miss you so much! I just want to go home.” She sniffled and wiped a tear from her cheek. “When I come home, maybe we could convince Connor to start on the nursery. Think he’d do it?”

  “Honey, I’m sure he’ll do whatever you want him to. We all just want you back home where you belong.”

  “I love you, Ramsey.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. He loved her? She saw Elise out of the corner of her eye and knew it was a conversation best saved for later.

  “Ramsey, I have to go. I hope to see you soon.”

  Hanging up the phone, she turned to face the other woman. The alpha’s mate looked a little pale and shocked.

  “You’re pregnant?” she asked.

  Harper nodded. “A few weeks. We’ve already started buying baby things. We were going to set up the nursery, but all of our spare rooms on the second floor and I didn’t want the baby to be so far away. So we’re going to have a nursery added on to our room.”

  “Patrick didn’t know about the baby.”

  “Trent knows I’m pregnant. My pregnancy was announced at the same time as his mate’s.”

  Elise’s eyes grew round. “He has a mate? And she’s pregnant?”

  “Her name is Luna. My guess is that she’s on her way to Denver, or she’s already there. They were supposed to make the trip together.”

  “You’ve given me a lot to think over and to share with my mate. I’ll show you to your room so you can rest until lunch.”

  “Thank you, Elise. For everything.”

  Ramsey was pacing in his living room when Gabriel arrived with the Denver wolves. When he saw his long-time best friend, Deacon, as part of the group, he smiled.

  “I didn’t expect to see you,” he told Deacon.

  “I was the first one to volunteer. You needed help, so here I am.”

  Ramsey nodded. “I appreciate it.”

  He looked at the others and grinned. “Levi. Terrell. Good to see y
ou both. I just wish it was under better circumstances.”

  “So, what do you need us to do? Have there been any new developments?” Deacon asked.

  “As a matter of fact, there’s been good news. Harper contacted me. She’s in Charleston at the alpha’s house. Unfortunately, it seems the alpha may be on Trent’s side. According to Harper, there’s tons of security. I’m not sure how we’re getting in. All I know is that she isn’t leaving Charleston with Trent. Connor already sent Austin and Sean that way. But I’m not sure that two wolves will be enough.”

  “We don’t have anyone closer?” Levi asked.

  “The alpha in Wilmington, North Carolina responded, as did the one in Augusta, Georgia. It’s possible one of them might be able to beat us there. I wouldn’t count on it though,” Gabriel said.

  “Well, the longer we sit here talking about it, the later we’ll arrive in Charleston. It we’re going, we need to leave now,” Terrell said.

  “Terrell, would you, Levi and maybe one of our local wolves fly out to Charleston? Deacon can ride with me in the Hummer,” Ramsey suggested.

  “I’ll tell Ben to take the Texas wolves to Charleston,” Gabriel said. “Cole and I can follow you with Lucas and James. I think it would be best to send Hunter with Levi and Terrell. As Harper’s brother, he may have the best chance of getting inside the alpha’s home. But, on the off chance Hunter can’t get in, we’ll still meet in Charleston. Maybe if we showed up with such a large number of wolves, it will get the alpha’s attention and we can convince him to do the right thing.”

  “Start making calls. I’m going to pack some things for Harper. She’ll need clean clothes,” Ramsey said. “Let’s try to leave within the hour.”

  Gabriel nodded and started dialing. The Denver wolves made themselves at home while they waited, except for Deacon. He followed Ramsey down the hall to the bedroom.

  “The woman we’re going to rescue isn’t the same one you were seeing before, is she?” Deacon asked.

  “No. It’s a long story. One I probably should have told you before now, but it was too painful to talk about. Remember the assignment I was sent on in Mississippi shortly after getting back from Denver? It was specifically to get me out of town. Chloe married the alpha’s brother during my last trip to Denver.”