by Lisa Kessler
“By myself?” My heart picked up again.
“You’ve got this. I have faith in you.” He smiled, and the warm lines around his eyes melted my insides.
I made sure my heels were as far down as I could get them and clucked my tongue. Sally walked ahead toward the rail, and as we neared it, I pulled the left rein and she turned, walking along the edge of the arena.
Nothing could’ve wiped the smile from my face. I called out to Luke. “I’m riding!”
“You are. See if you can ease her into a jog.”
“A what?” My smile might’ve faltered just a little.
“Squeeze your legs into her. Gently at first.”
“What if she runs?” My pulse surged.
“Then you’ll pull back on the reins like we practiced.”
God, I wanted to hold onto the horn of the saddle so bad. “What if she doesn’t stop?”
He walked from the middle, closer to the rail, to me, his voice deep and even. “Then I would get in front of her and stop her for you.” He waited for me to meet his eyes. “I’ll never put you on a horse that might hurt you.”
I nodded slowly. Luke knows horses. Trust his judgment. Trust. Ugh. Until today, my sister was the only person I ever allowed myself to count on.
“Maybe walking is enough for today.” Luke’s voice scattered the fog in my brain, and while his words were clearly letting me off the hook, they had the opposite effect.
I tightened my legs into her sides and clucked again. Sally moseyed into a two-beat gait. It was a little faster and bouncier than her walk, but not by much. Once I was sure I was going to stay in the center of the saddle, I glanced toward Luke and the smile on his face. Shit. I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen anyone look at me that way. Pride. I focused straight ahead, blinking hard. I was not going to cry.
Chapter Sixteen
Luke
I almost felt bad for pushing her, but Sally was the best lesson horse at the barn. Raven was in good hands. Back home, Adam once told me that half of my job when giving a riding lesson was to be a coach, to encourage the rider to try something new, even though they might be hesitant or a little afraid.
But the moment Sally eased into a slow, steady jog, Raven grinned, and damn…I was proud of her. She’d been scared, but the second I gave her an out, she pushed herself. That was the same strong will that kept her from crumbling in this sick Pack. It was a hardheadedness I could certainly relate to and respect.
And I was proud to call her my mate.
Despite her hesitation, she was a natural up in the saddle. Her back moved with the mare’s gait. She didn’t tense up and bounce. Her posture was upright and straight, too, her shoulders back. I gave her a couple of pointers, and she was quick to adjust.
“Ease back on the reins and tell her to walk.”
Once they were walking, I came toward the rail. Raven stopped Sally, and I rested my hand on Raven’s thigh. “Sorry I pushed you so hard.”
She laughed and shook her head, rolling her eyes. “It was all worth it in the end.”
“You’re a natural.”
Her face flushed a little. “Well, I didn’t fall off, so that’s a win to me.”
“Not even close. You were rock solid up there.” I grabbed Sally’s bit to hold her still while Raven slid down.
We led Sally back to the barn, and I took the saddle off, enjoying the way Raven’s gaze wandered over me. While I put the tack away, she started brushing Sally. As I walked back toward her, my heart swelled. Seeing her grooming the mare, talking to her softly…I rubbed my chest.
I saw a future. Our future. Someone to share my passion with.
“Luke? Are you all right?”
Her voice snapped me back into the present. I nodded, tongue-tied for a second.
A crease lined her brow. “What’s wrong?”
I shook my head and took her hand, pulling her in close so I could wrap her in my arms. She stared up at me with questions in her eyes, but I wasn’t sure where to start. I opened my mouth and whispered, “We’re going to get out of this Pack.”
The worry around her eyes faded, and her throat bobbed as she swallowed. “And then…”
“We make our future. Together.”
Determination shone in her dark eyes as she rose on her tiptoes and kissed me, but calling it a kiss didn’t do it justice. She tightened her fingers in my hair, pulling me down to her as her lips parted and her tongue swirled slowly with mine, the warmth of her mouth a sharp contrast to the cold wind gusting through the barn aisle.
I stepped toward the stall door, and she followed my lead until I had her pressed against it. Her pulse was racing in time with mine until Sally pawed in the cross ties and Raven jumped.
She gasped, and I chuckled. “I think Sally wants her treats.”
Raven slid her hands down my chest, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “I know we have this wolf-mate thing going on, but that kiss had nothing to do with instincts.”
“No?” I raised a brow.
She shook her head. “No. That was all me.” She swallowed, her voice softening. “I want that future, Luke. This is the first time I’ve ever had one.”
Her admission left me aching inside. I ran a cool finger down her cheek. “I’m sorry I didn’t find you sooner, but you have my word, you definitely have a future. And if I play my cards right, I hope you’ll share it with me.”
Sally snorted behind us, and Raven laughed. “You better show me how to give her goodies.”
I took Raven’s hand and led her into the feed room. Inside, we kept an industrial-size bag of carrots. I grabbed one and snapped it in half, handing the bigger piece to Raven. She followed me back toward Sally, who was already stretching her lips in anticipation.
“Hold it up like this, but keep your fingers out of the way.” I let Sally have a bite. “See?”
Raven nodded.
“The last bite she can grab from your open palm. No fingers.” Sally snatched the end piece from my hand and crunched, her ears already pointed at Raven.
“Like this?” She glanced my way and I nodded. She held the carrot out, and Sally took a greedy bite. Raven squeaked.
“Did she bite you?”
She shook her head. “No, just surprised me.”
Raven offered the carrot again, more confident this time. Once Sally had polished off her treat, I led her back into her stall and turned her loose. When I turned around, Raven smiled. “I’m freezing. How about you?”
I took her hand. “Let’s get inside.”
Raven’s cell rang the second we sat on the couch. I recognized Isabelle’s voice and tried not to eavesdrop, but with our hearing, I would’ve had to wait outside if Raven wanted privacy. Her hand on my leg told me to stay put, and I wasn’t going to argue.
“Are you with Luke?”
Raven met my eyes and nodded. “Yeah. What’s up? Are you okay?”
“So far. Luke should warn his Pack that Caldwell’s planning on heading to Reno Monday.”
I laid my hand over Raven’s and squeezed. I’d need to take my shot sooner than we realized.
Isabelle went on. “Luke, I assume you can hear me, right?”
“Yeah.”
Raven groaned. “No weird werewolf eavesdropping. I’m putting you on speaker.” She held the phone in front of us. “Okay, we’re both here.”
“Perfect. Luke, did you know your alpha’s mate, Lana, was orphaned? Abandoned on the steps of a church in San Antonio?”
My pulse raced enough that Raven looked over at me. I trusted my mate with my life, but I barely knew her sister. And I didn’t like the direction these questions were going in. “Why does Caldwell care about any of this? None of it matters now.”
“I think it does. He wants to me to find out who her birth parents are.”
I frowned. “Can you come to the ranch? We should talk in person.”
“I think I can make that happen.” She paused. “Raven, you’re not at the bar?”
&nbs
p; Her eyes met mine, and she smiled. “Nope. Ryker is taking my shift tonight.”
There was a pause, followed by a slow chuckle. “Good for you, Rave.”
I gave her the address, and Raven ended the call. She set her phone on the arm of the couch and met my eyes. “Your heart was racing. What’s going on?”
I ran my hand down my face and stared up at the ceiling. “Your sister is really close to making some dangerous connections between my Pack and Nero.” I lowered my gaze to meet hers. “Can I trust her not to give it to Caldwell?”
Raven stiffened. “Isabelle is the only person in the world I trust.”
She was defending her blood—I could relate—but the jab reminded me that my mate didn’t trust me yet. Patience wasn’t easy. I was ready to lay down my life for her.
I got up and went in the kitchen for a beer. “Want anything?”
She shook her head. “I’m okay.”
I twisted off the cap and took a sip. “I didn’t mean to piss you off, but what I’m about to tell you is information that could jeopardize my Alpha’s family.”
“Maybe it’s better if it stays a secret.”
“No.” I set the bottle on the counter. “You’re my mate. No secrets between us.” I pulled in a slow breath. “You trusted me today on that horse. And I’m trusting you now.”
“Riding a horse isn’t in the same league with secret information about Nero.”
I laughed, but not because she was funny. My frustration level was rising, but I couldn’t put my finger on the reason. “Trust is trust. I’m not putting levels on it. You trust me or you don’t. Simple.”
She frowned. “Is that what this is about?”
Was it? Hell if I knew.
Raven crossed her arms. “You’re upset because I told you Isabelle’s the only person I trust.”
“I’m not.” Was she right? “I haven’t earned your trust yet. I get it.”
She stared up at the ceiling, pressing her lips together. My heart pounded. What the hell was I missing here?
“But you have, Luke.” Her voice dropped a notch. “You were almost beaten to death when Caldwell threatened my life. You’ve got a plan to give us a chance at a future.” She sniffed. “I’ve never met a man like you. I…” She shook her head. “My dad walked out when I was twelve and never looked back…” She wiped her nose, focusing on her feet. “And it hurt so bad, I promised I’d never trust another man. That rule has saved me many times.”
I abandoned the beer and knelt in front of her, ignoring the nagging ache in my ribs. Her gaze met mine as I took her hands. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
“You didn’t.” She rolled her eyes with a humorless laugh. “I’m sorry fate cursed you with an insane mate.”
“Hardly.” I chuffed. “You’re the strongest, most amazing woman I’ve ever met.”
“I’m trying to tell you that I’m terrified if I let myself trust you, you’ll realize I’m not worth the effort. I don’t think I could survive it if you walked away.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but she pressed a finger to my lips.
“I’m telling you that in spite of my best efforts, I do trust you, Luke.”
We stared at each other, the truth lain out bare before us. I reached up to cup her cheek, unsure of what to say, but somehow, my heart must’ve known all along.
“I love you, Raven.” I swallowed, surprised by my own honesty and praying she wouldn’t sprint away as fast as her legs could carry her. “I’ve never spoken those words to anyone but my family. I don’t toss them out without meaning them.”
I searched her eyes, my voice dropping to a whisper. “Because of you, I can see a future, and I want it. I’ll fight for it and for you.”
She wiped the corner of her eye before a tear could escape.
A car engine snapped me to attention. In a heartbeat I was on my feet, reaching for my gun. “Get down.”
She frowned. “It’s probably Isabelle.”
“Until I know for sure, hide.” I peered through the mini blinds and added, “Please.”
She sighed but did as I asked.
My pulse slowed, training winning out over worry for my mate. A black car rolled up behind my Mustang. I waited. A woman got out. She was a little taller than Sasha, longer hair. I pulled in a breath. Werewolf. It had to be Raven’s sister.
I released my pent-up breath. “I think it’s your sister.”
Raven went to the door and smiled as she opened it. I hadn’t met Isabelle in person yet. Seeing her with Raven, the resemblance was undeniable. They had the same smile, same nose. Isabelle was at least four or five inches taller than Raven, and instead of dark eyes, Isabelle’s were bright green.
They hugged while I put my gun back in the holster on the table. Isabelle glanced my way. “Good to see you’re protecting my baby sister.”
“Just being sure it was you.”
Isabelle came my way and held out her hand. I reached farther up to grip her forearm. “This is a true Pack greeting.”
She tightened her hold on my forearm and almost smiled. “Good to finally meet you in person, Luke.” She laid some file folders down, and her gaze wandered over my face. “Not a warm welcome into the Pack, huh?”
“Should’ve seen me yesterday.” I chuckled. “Friendly bunch.”
“Caldwell’s influence.” She shook her head. “I can’t stay long. Why couldn’t we talk this over on the phone?”
“Because you’re digging into dangerous territory, and I’m pretty sure Caldwell hasn’t warned you about it.”
She pulled out a chair and sat. Her bright green eyes flashed with defiance. “Before I got sucked into this Pack with Raven, I worked as a PI and a bounty hunter. Checking adoption records is hardly my most dangerous assignment.”
Raven came over and took a seat between us, clearly not taking a side.
I sat down, too, leveling the playing field. “Raven trusts you, so I will, too, but this can’t get back to Caldwell.”
Her gaze flicked to her sister and back to me. “I have no loyalty to Caldwell.”
“I assume he has you digging into Lana because Sebastian ordered him not to hurt her.”
She nodded. “As I understand it, Caldwell is looking for leverage to hold over his old friend Severino. Once this mission is done, he wants to be sure he doesn’t turn into a loose end.”
I pulled out my cell phone, clicking on the gallery. “Lana is Sebastian’s half sister. Her mother was killed shortly after her birth.”
Since I’d moved to Sedona, I hadn’t opened the pictures on my phone. Seeing their faces made me ache for my Pack and my family. Home. I scrolled through and clicked on the picture of Lana and Adam with their twins, Madeleine and Malcolm. They were laughing together in the barn at Whispering Pines. Happy times.
Light-years from Sedona.
I slid the phone over to her. Isabelle stared at the picture and met my eyes. “Same father as Sebastian.” She shook her head slowly. “Shit.”
“Exactly.” I nodded. “If Caldwell found out she’s Severino’s daughter…he’d use them as leverage.”
She glanced at the photo again. “Does Severino know about his grandchildren?”
“Sadly, yeah. I think that’s why he’s so anxious to have Caldwell wipe us out. I think avenging his son’s death is just an excuse to rally the troops. He really wants Madeleine.”
Now they were both looking at me. I was already dipping a foot in the water. Time to dive in. “Lana was the product of a Nero breeding experiment. They were pairing up psychic female humans with jaguar men to see if they could produce shifters without being bitten first. What he was really hoping for was female jaguar shifters.”
Confusion lined Raven’s brow. “Caldwell told us the shifter gene is carried in the Y chromosome. Females have to be bitten and converted.”
“That’s how it’s always been.” I pointed to Lana. “But Lana was born a jaguar shifter, and she passed it on to her daughter. We h
ave another woman in our Pack who gave birth to twin boy werewolves without ever being bitten. Seems to us that if the psychic ability is strong enough, a human woman can give birth to a shifter without being bitten.”
Isabelle studied the pic and went back to the file. A crease marred her brow. “So Nero was conducting these experiments twenty-seven years ago?” She closed the file and sat back in her chair. “If he knew it worked, why hasn’t he just rounded up female psychics and bred more?”
I shrugged. “I think he wants to. Nero funds a boarding school that specializes in helping girls with psychic gifts. Brightwood Academy.”
Raven frowned. “That sounds familiar.”
Isabelle nodded. “Our mother graduated from Brightwood.”
Chapter Seventeen
Raven
I sat between Luke and my sister, and judging by the looks on their faces, I was missing a big piece of the puzzle. Maybe my brain was still on overload from Luke telling me he loved me. I struggled to box up the emotions and focus on my sister’s words.
“Mom graduated from a school for psychic girls?”
Isabelle nodded slowly. “Apparently.”
“Wait…” Luke ran his hand back through his hair. “You two didn’t know she was psychic?”
I shrugged. “Mom was a mess on many levels, but if she was psychic, she never told us.”
Isabelle got up, crossing her arms. “What if that’s why she fell apart?”
Luke took my hand under the table, and somehow the rough strength in his touch buoyed me, keeping me from sinking into memories I didn’t want to relive.
“Believe me, she was psychic.” He reached for his cell phone with his other hand, clicking off the screen. “They wouldn’t have allowed your mom to stay in the school if she didn’t have abilities they could measure.”
“And then Nero let her move away and get married and have kids?” Isabelle shook her head. “No way.”
“I don’t understand it, either.” Luke sat back in his chair. “But we can only handle one problem at a time. You need to be sure Caldwell doesn’t make the connection between Lana and Nero.”
“Done.” Isabelle nodded. “I can give him the birth records showing she was abandoned as an infant and bounced around the foster care system. She’s attractive. I’m sure he’ll jump to the conclusion that Sebastian wants her for himself. If he asks my opinion, I’ll back up the theory.”
