Protecting the Wolf's Mate (Blood Moon Brotherhood)

by Sasha Summers

  Hollis frowned. “Not the lab…?”

  “No. Just the warehouse. It will look like a break-in and the fire was set to cover it. He’s destroying the video feed and taking care of the…” Dante shrugged. “Evidence that might be hard to explain.”

  Hollis shook his head. “I don’t want to know.” Gentry’s passion for firearms and explosives had saved their asses on numerous occasions. He wasn’t thrilled about putting his research of the billions of dollars of equipment at risk, but Gentry was a professional.

  “Good idea. Then you don’t have to lie when the cops and insurance ask questions,” Mal clapped him on the shoulder. “But we should kick it into high gear.”

  “Get dressed and we’ll go.” Finn led them from the room.

  Ellen stood on the far side of the lab, braced. As much as he wanted to break the tension between them, he didn’t know how. She’d hurt him, deeply, when she’d broken her word to him. Didn’t she know what could have happened? His wolf longed for her touch, longed to be closer to her. And, dammit, angry or not, so did he.

  Her gaze found his, then fell.

  He closed the distance between them, assessing her with a quick once-over. She’d survive. But seeing her battered, knowing someone had laid hands on her, made his blood boil. “Let me look at your head,” he murmured, distracted by the blood staining her shirt. “You might need stitches.”

  “I’m fine—”

  “No, you’re not,” he argued.

  “I am, Hollis.” She stared at him.

  He ignored her, brushing away her hands and leading her under his lamp. The fluorescent bulb hummed, hurting his ears and rubbing against his already raw nerves. It didn’t help that she was staring at him. One blue eye, one green eye, so intent he could hardly think straight let alone determine if she needed stitches or not. “What?” he snapped.

  “You’re so angry with me,” she whispered.

  She had no right to look sad. No right to tears. “I am,” he ground out, his jaw clenching as he fought for control. It was too raw, too real to talk about. Not yet.

  Her hands cradled his face. “Don’t be.”

  Eyes pressed shut, he managed to hold back his anger and sadness, fear and frustration. Barely. “Don’t.” His breath powered out of him.

  “You can’t stay mad at me. You can’t. You would have done the same thing. You are mine. I am yours.” Her grip tightened, demanding he look at her.

  And when he did, the spark of anger in her eyes was mesmerizing. And infuriating. “You are mine.” He growled, pulling away from her to tug up her shirt. “And this is mine.” He pressed his hand against her flesh. “My child. A child you promised to protect.”

  She opened her mouth. then squeezed her lips tight.

  He waited, hoping she’d argue. If he couldn’t tear into someone physically, he’d damn well welcome a verbal throw down. He was pissed as hell at her, but so fucking relieved that she was okay. That they were okay. It stole the air from his lungs to know that they might actually have a future together. Beneath his hand was the evidence of their bond—one strong enough to recover from whatever life threw at them. Not that he was ready to forgive her yet. No, he was too fired up. Too overwhelmed.

  Someone cleared their throat.

  “We ready?” Finn asked.

  He turned to find all eyes on them. Dante, Anders, Kim, and Finn. All watching and waiting, wearing various expressions.

  “Yes,” he answered, dropping the hem of her shirt and spinning away from her. “Give me a minute to get a few things. I’ll meet you downstairs and we can go home.”

  …

  She wanted five minutes alone with him. Since they’d left the blazing warehouse, they’d been moving. From car to hotel, hotel to car, car to plane, plane to car, and—finally—arriving at the refuge. Always with the pack, never alone. He made sure of that. The more he kept them apart, the more irritated she grew.

  Now they were home, the pack reunited, and still he kept his distance.

  If he was going to be a stubborn ass, then she would not waste time trying to make amends. Instead, she’d be useful. Finn and Brown were already looking for activity from the remaining Others. They’d gathered in Finn’s office to talk strategy and preparation.

  It would take time for news of Cyrus’s death to spread. He’d always kept the Others fragmented and scattered since smaller groups were easier to control. Using Brown and Gentry’s connections, they had plenty of eyes and ears ready and willing to help track the remaining Others.

  “Nothing I like better about the hunt than the chase,” Gentry said, leaning against Finn’s desk. “We’ll find ’em. If any of them look like trouble, I’ll call in.”

  “Chances are they’ll scatter.” Ellen ran her finger along the map that covered the conference table. As far as she knew, she’d traveled to every one of the Others’ dens. Cyrus had taken her with him, introducing her to his seconds—sharing her with those he truly favored. Her skin twitched, shoving aside those memories best forgotten. But she’d learned something important. While most of his favorites were ambitious and driven, none of them were capable of being an Alpha. Without Cyrus, their pack would cease to exist.

  “Or each group will try to form a pack,” Dante pointed out.

  “They might,” she agreed, pressing a hand to her temple. “Most won’t live long enough to see that happen. Very few of his pack are originals. They have memories, would challenge his truths. No, best to keep the bloodlines fresh and the memories shorter. A good plan if the sickness hadn’t set in. But it did.” She glanced at Tess then, huddled in the corner of the couch. The girl still wouldn’t look Ellen in the eye—not that it mattered.

  Dante moved, ever so slightly, putting himself between her and Tess. She sighed. Poor Dante. He could do better. But, if his wolf had already chosen there wasn’t much he could do about it.

  “Even if they do, there’s no guarantee they’ll want to follow Cyrus’s master plan to wipe us out.” Anders shook his head. “Tonight, we came off looking like one hell of a threat.”

  “It doesn’t mean they won’t,” Mal added.

  “If I can help, I will.” Tess spoke softly, still nervous and uncertain in her new pack.

  “She might know of dens I don’t.” Ellen said, her gaze returning to the map.

  “You’re to watch and report back, Gentry. Nothing more,” Finn cautioned the grinning man.

  “What if they get riled up and hungry for a fight?” Gentry asked, still grinning.

  Finn sighed.

  “There has to be a way to convince them the whole wolf-turf war thing was all Cyrus’s idea,” Olivia spoke up. “Then we wouldn’t have anything to worry about.”

  “That went so well last time” Mal hugged his mate close and pressed a kiss to her temple. “Still so willing to believe the good in everyone.”

  “Which is why you love me,” she said, pinching him on the arm.

  Ellen felt a twinge of envy at their closeness. Her gaze bounced to Hollis, but he was poring over some paperwork on Finn’s desk.

  “I’m with Olivia on this one.” Dante shook his head. “They live like we do, thinking we’re coming for them.”

  Tess cleared her throat. “I don’t want to put any of you—us at risk, but Dante has a point. Living in fear is living half a life. We—they don’t know how to live, as a wolf, without being ruled by him. They will panic.”

  “A short life, growing sick and dying,” Ellen added. “Cyrus gave me turning dates so I could track them. Even he realized there was something wrong. Life expectancy was no more than seven years. Usually five.” She paused, looking at Tess. “You were with them how long?”

  “Seven years,” Tess said.

  “Now it’s five. Some others three.” Ellen frowned. “The pack will die, in time, without Cyrus.”

  “Is there a way to help them?” Finn asked, looking between Hollis and Ellen.

  “I don’t know.” Hollis shrugged, sparing her a f
leeting gaze. “I haven’t had many Others to run tests on.”

  “And I’m thinking the likelihood of them lining up for us to experiment on seems pretty slight.” Anders shook his head.

  “It might be best to start small.” She rolled her head slowly. “I know there are some who would gladly forget the bad blood between our packs. Now that Cyrus is gone, it’s possible.”

  Tess nodded. “It’s true.”

  “If it’s possible, then we’ll try.” Finn said.

  Mal growled. “Meaning we’ll research the shit out of each group, go in armed to the teeth, and be prepared to kill every last one of them.”

  “After Gentry has the place scoped out and knows exactly what we’re walking into.” Finn nodded. “Then, yes.”

  She nodded, a sudden bolt of pain shooting up her neck and into her skull. She winced, hissing against the unexpected stabbing sensation.

  “Is your head bothering you?” Hollis asked her, bringing all conversation to a stop.

  Yes. It was throbbing. With the occasional stabbing pain. And that was the only reason he was looking at her—talking to her. She frowned. “I’m fine.”

  “Let me see,” Hollis said, crossing the room.

  His concern was nothing short of infuriating. She shook her head, wincing at the effort that took.

  Anders said, “Forgot you can’t shift. I can see it from here—gotta hurt like a son of a bitch.”

  “It’s fine,” she ground out, hating the attention.

  Finn looked at her. “Let Hollis check.” It wasn’t a request.

  She pushed out of her chair and stalked toward her mate. “Here?” she snapped.

  “Would you prefer some privacy?” he asked, jaw tight, green eyes studying her.

  “Now you want privacy?” She waited, hands on hips. “You’ve turned this into an exhibition. By all means, see for yourself. I. Am. Fine.”

  His hands rested on her shoulders, causing a shudder to run down her spine. This was what she craved more than anything else. His touch. She let him lead her to Finn’s desk and pulled the lamp closer, stooping for a closer view. “I should have stitched this before we left.” But his anger had gotten in the way.

  His scent flooded her. “You stubborn man.” Her voice lacked the bite she wanted.

  “I’m stubborn?” he asked, parting her hair to assess her injury. “You’re the one bleeding and refusing help.”

  “I don’t need help,” she snapped, waiting for his hands to fall away before standing.

  “You proved that today.” His voice was low, the last word ending on a growl.

  She spun to face him. “Hollis—”

  “If Mal had been tied to that chair, or Finn, would you have done the same thing?” His eyes searched hers. “Would you have jeopardized the baby’s safety if you’d known their wolf was capable?”

  She swallowed. She’d done more than broken her word. She’d hurt him, wounded his pride, deeply.

  “Or was it just me?” he pushed.

  She ignored the pack, ignored everything but him. “Pack be damned, Hollis Robbins, you are all I have.” Her hands fisted at her sides as she stared him down. “I will not live without you. I cannot.” She broke off, hating the waver in her voice. “Forgive me or not, I would do it again. If you refuse to understand, then you are the stubborn ass. Not me.”

  His expression revealed nothing.

  “But no, to answer your question, I would not have acted as I did if it had been anyone else in that chair.” She shook her head. “But not for the reasons you think.” Her hands cradled his face. “I believe in you, Hollis. I’ve always known you’d be a fierce wolf. But my wolf, my instinct, would not be denied. I will always fight for you. And fight with you.” She ran her fingers through the tangled copper locks she so loved, then sighed. “Believe me or not. Your wolf knows the truth.” She stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest, and scowled at him.

  His gaze bore into hers, intent and piercing and tender. “I do.” He pulled her close. “Now you, forgive me. Watching you tonight… I was wrong to expect you not to fight.” He drew in a deep breath, his hand cradling her cheek. “You are a fighter. And a healer. I love who you are, as you are. Every stubborn hair on your beautiful body. Your scathing insults. Your lethal grace. The smile you give Oscar and Diana. The smile just for me. Because you’re mine.”

  “I am,” she whispered, sliding her arms around his neck. “As you belong to me. My warrior. My mate. My love.”

  He smiled, the slight flare of his nostrils revealing his hunger for her. When his lips sealed against hers, her wolf howled for more. This was what she needed.

  Someone cleared a throat.

  “Not to ruin the moment here, but I’m not sure I want to see where this is going,” Anders interrupted.

  “Agreed,” Dante said.

  “We’re done here.” Finn chuckled. “We’ll talk later.”

  “Much later,” Anders whispered.

  Mal laughed.

  Ellen took Hollis’s hand in hers. “Much later,” she said. But Hollis was already dragging her from the office and down the hall to their room. She waited until they reached their room before launching herself at him. He caught her, the fire in his eyes making her throb.

  “Your head,” he said against her lips.

  “Be gentle,” she murmured, biting his lip. “But love me.”

  “I do. More than my own life.” He groaned, pulling back. “Tonight was hell.” He broke off, fear and sadness twisting his beautiful face.

  “And for me,” she said, tilting his face toward hers. “But we are one. We make each other stronger. True mates. I will always be with you.”

  “Always.” His nod was stiff. “But sometimes…it scares me how much I love you.”

  She nodded, her fingers twining in his copper locks. “I know.”

  Epilogue

  Hollis ran his hand over the swell of Ellen’s stomach. Their child kicked and rolled inside, stretching her skin. “That was a foot,” he said, pressing her stomach. “It’s getting crowded in there.”

  “Yes, I noticed.” Ellen laughed. “You’re distracting me.”

  “You’ve been working all morning,” Hollis argued.

  “Yes.” She glanced up at him. “You could help.”

  He grinned, packing up her tools and carrying them back to the cabinet.

  She cradled the bone in her arms, treating it as the precious heirloom it was. He’d brought it from the vault to surprise her. And she’d spent the better part of the last month studying it. After three days of reading, she’d made diagrams, jotted notes, and packed it away to continue her research online. Kim had been eager to help. Her natural curiosity made her an exceptional assistant for his very pregnant wife.

  What she’d learned was both impressive and overwhelming. In his years of testing and research, he’d never come close to what she’d discovered. And today she was going to share it with the pack.

  “I’m ready,” she whispered, running her hands over her stomach.

  “I have your notes.” Kim followed, a well-used spiral in her hands.

  “They’re waiting for you.” He took her hand and led her into the great room.

  In under a year, they’d almost doubled the size of their pack. Anger and fear had been replaced with only good things. Love and hope—things he used to demean were first.

  “If you say we’re from Transylvania, I’m leaving,” Mal sounded off. “I’m no vampire’s guard dog.”

  “Vampires don’t exist.” Olivia patted his arm.

  “As far as we know,” Anders teased, moving over to make room for Kim. He slid an arm around her shoulder. Kim’s only reaction was the bold color staining her cheeks. Hollis still didn’t approve of the match but appreciated the two were moving slowly. Maybe, if they were both lucky, this was only a passing flirtation.

  “Not funny.” Dante shook his head.

  “Maybe a little?” Tess asked, smiling up at him.


  All that stood between Tess and Dante was her father. Dante had turned Tess, and Tess was recovering well. And as grateful as Brown was to have his daughter with him, he was in no hurry to have her leave his side. Luckily, Tess and Dante understood and were doing their damnedest to keep their wolves in check. How long that would last was anybody’s guess.

  “I appreciate the time and energy you’ve put into researching this.” Finn smiled from his place on the floor, offering Oscar another block for his tower.

  Ellen smiled. “It’s been interesting. I think you’ll be fascinated. I’ve spent many hours reading—almost talking to him—”

  “It’s a man?” Jessa asked, rocking Diana.

  Ellen nodded. “Pascual Otero of Argentina.”

  The room was instantly silent.

  “Am I the only one freaking out it—the bone—has a name?” Anders asked.

  “No,” Dante agreed.

  “Argentina?” Jessa looked up from her place on the floor. Oscar was busy stacking blocks and Diana watching him from her bouncy seat.

  “Go on, please,” Finn sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

  “He was born around fifteen sixteen, the seventh son of a seventh son. There is a myth that probably evolved from his family—or some earlier relative. Under a blood moon he fell victim to bloodlust and killed every member of his family.”

  Finn’s jaw locked. He was infected under a blood moon and attacked them. It was a miracle he hadn’t killed them all. Or, as Ellen put it, maybe it was fate.

  “He was devastated. The village assumed he’d been dragged off by whatever had killed his family, so he ran, hiding until he’d learned to control his wolf and his ability to shift. Then he went where he was needed.”

  “Needed?” Mal asked.

  “Call it survivor’s remorse. Even guilt. So many wars were fought since the fifteen hundreds. He championed the weak with everything he had and moved on. Always moving.” She turned to face the map. “Portugal. Spain. Italy. Rome. Then America. America was undiscovered and wild. The Revolution, the Civil War, then west into Indian Territory and met a woman.”

  “Of course, he did.” Dante sighed. “So there are other offspring from Pascual?”