“I didn’t think so.” He stood and leaned down to give me a hug. “I need to get back to work. You ladies have fun.”
I turned toward Jamie after waving goodbye to Augie. “You should sneak me over to the house now. It would be more fun that way.”
She shook her head. “Good try. I’m listening to Alex’s advice. Bedrest for a full day. Deal with it.”
I pouted, feigning innocence. “Please, I won’t tell.”
“You don’t have to tell,” she said. “If anyone comes over here to visit you, which is likely, and we’re not here, I’ll be on the receiving end of Liam’s wrath. I love you, but not that much. Now, turn the show you were watching back on and indulge in this relaxing time. There won’t be much of it in the near future from the sounds of it.”
I huffed but did as she said. Jamie was right. I should probably be enjoying the quiet time, but my mind wouldn’t let me. It kept circling around to all the things I should be doing if I hadn’t gotten stabbed by the asshat.
I needed to pay him a visit and see if they’d broken him yet. I’d love to have a crack at him and give some payback.
“How’s Jessica doing?” I asked.
Jamie shrugged. “Alex says she’s fine, but she hasn’t woken up. Gerald has someone with her around the clock, though, just in case something goes wrong.”
I didn’t want to think about losing another member of our pack, so I ended up taking a nap to block out the crap running through my head. I woke up to multiple voices in my house who thought they were whispering.
“Should we wake her?” Liam asked.
“Can I do it?” Augie asked, his tone of voice telling me he wouldn’t be nice about it if he got the chance.
I pushed myself up on the couch, feeling almost back to normal. My muscles were sore and there was still a slight ache in my side, but all manageable stuff I wouldn’t worry about or tell anyone about.
“Nobody gets to wake me up,” I said, surprising them. “Now, someone let me out of this house.”
Liam laughed as he made his way toward me, then helped me the rest of the way off the couch.
“How are you feeling?”
I stretched to show I could move on my own. “Great. Back to normal. I just need sunlight to feel complete.”
“All right, then. Let’s go,” Liam said.
I pulled back. “Really? No arguing? No making me check in with Alex or my dad first? Who are you?”
“Hmmm. You make valid points. Maybe we should–”
I shook my head. “No, that’s just my crazy talk. Let’s go.”
Everyone laughed, and we all walked out the front door. I was the first to slip through.
Freedom.
I knew I was being dramatic, but I hated being told to do something. If Jamie hadn’t been with me all day, I never would have lasted. Points to whoever thought of sending her over. They knew me well.
“Can we walk to Caleb and Jamie’s?” I asked, not wanting to be cooped up in a car even for just a few minutes.
“No, it’s a couple of miles away, but we can take the ATV’s instead, so you won’t be in a car,” Liam answered.
That would probably be a whole lot more fun than walking. “Let’s do it, but only if I get to drive.”
Nobody objected, which was good for their well-being. I was apt to throat-punch someone if they did. We took three of the ATVs and I realized how lonely Augie must feel. He was our fifth wheel. A very much wanted fifth wheel, but I’m sure some days it didn’t make a difference. I hoped we didn’t ever make him feel uncomfortable.
As soon as Declan was dealt with, we’d be finding a him a suitable mate. One I would have to approve of. I would only accept the best for my dearest friend. I almost pitied the poor girl, whoever she might be, for having to deal with me.
Liam snuggled in behind me, wrapping his arms tight around my stomach. “I missed you today,” he whispered.
I leaned my head back to kiss him. “I missed you, too, but not as much as I would have before the bond. It was nice to feel you there even though you weren’t, if that makes sense.”
He kissed me again. “I know exactly what you mean.”
I leaned forward again, ready to drive the shit out of the quad. I had pent-up adrenaline I needed to let out. I knew which house Caleb and Jamie had bought just from her descriptions, so I took off without waiting on the others.
Wind slapped against my face as we picked up speed, and I couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across my face. I glanced behind us to find the others weren’t too far behind. Caleb had a competitive side and it showed as he gained on us.
I pressed the gas, but then let up, deciding I wanted to enjoy my time. Caleb could have his win for today.
Liam squeezed me as I let the others pass, saying something, but I couldn’t hear him over the noise.
Not even ten minutes later, we arrived at the house.
I let out a whistle. “You weren’t kidding when you said it needed work.”
I guess it had been a while since I paid attention to the home when we passed by it. The siding was missing in some places, the paint was chipped, windows were cracked, and more. We’d be spending hours a week here for the foreseeable future to get it fixed up.
“The inside is nicer than the outside,” Jamie defended her new home. “It has potential and it’s close, so don’t make fun of my house.”
“I wouldn’t think of it.” I smiled. “Show us the rest.”
We followed them in and found that Jamie had been right. There was newer paint on the walls and some of the rooms had new flooring to help brighten the place up. The kitchen had recently been updated, but the bathrooms were the worst.
“I already bought new toilets and fixtures for the bathrooms,” Caleb said. “Either of you want to help me install them?” His attention was on Augie and Liam.
“Only if you feed us,” Augie answered.
That was always Augie’s requirement. He was a growing boy.
Jamie and I ordered pizzas from the only place in town that was willing to drive thirty minutes out of town for us, while the guys checked out the supplies and made plans for what they would do first. Talks of tearing down walls began, and I decided it was time to head back outside.
There was a porch swing that needed to be refinished, but it was still sturdy, so we settled in. The view was incredible, and I was beginning to get jealous of the location.
I nudged her shoulder. “You won’t mind if we borrow your house while you’re in the Catskills, right?”
She laughed. “I don’t think it would matter if I did mind, but you’re welcome anytime.”
“Having permission does make things easier. We’re going to need to make a better strip on the property for you guys, so you don’t have to fly into the airport and drive two hours every time.”
We continued to talk about their plans for the house and things we could do without the guys. I was happy to leave the heavy lifting to them, but some of it I had actually enjoyed when Liam and I had given our house a makeover. I was excited to help Jamie do the same.
Pizza arrived, and the guys were already covered in drywall and paint.
“I thought you were hanging fixtures and installing a toilet?” Jamie gaped.
Caleb shrugged. “Go big or go home, right?”
“We are home.” She glared at him.
He swung an arm around her. “I promise, you’ll love it.”
“As long as I can pee and shower somewhere sanitary, then I’m happy.”
I laughed, and the guys cringed. They must have torn through more than just a wall.
“You’ll be able to… eventually.”
Jamie rolled her eyes, moving away from Caleb. “Should we eat on the swing and let the cavemen continue to make a mess of my house?”
I nodded. “Sounds fantastic.” I gave Liam a kiss. “Make sure it’s perfect for them. Jamie deserves it.”
“Of course.” He smiled.
I follo
wed Jamie back outside. We ate and then ventured around their property for a while until it was almost dark. We headed back inside. I was exhausted, but Liam was nowhere near ready to leave and Jamie had just pulled the paint out to start on their bedroom.
I pulled Liam aside. “I’m going to take one of the ATVs home.”
“Let me get cleaned up and we can go.”
I shook my head. “No, you stay and finish. It looks like you guys are almost done, but I know my limits. I don’t want to push myself too far and not be ready for whatever my dad needs tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?” His face creased in concern.
“Positive.” I gave him a kiss. “I’ll see you at home.”
I said goodbye to the others with promises to Jamie that I’d be over tomorrow night, if possible, to help with the painting.
The ride back home was tranquil as I raced the setting sun. The sky was awash with orange, red, blue, and purple colors. My favorite time of day. I almost took a detour to the pond to watch the sun set completely, but I really was tired and wanted a proper shower now that I was allowed.
I pulled up to the house and headed straight for the bathroom. I should have thought to take one earlier when my twenty-four hours were up, but I had been so excited to get out of the house that being clean had taken a back seat.
I double-checked my injury. It was closed all the way from the outside with a scab that would likely be healed all the way by the time I woke up. I took my nail scissors and cut out the stitches before I hopped in the steaming shower. They weren’t helping anything anymore and it wasn’t the first time I’d taken my own stitches out.
Once I was under the water, I let out a sigh of relief. I took my time, enjoying the heat against my skin. When the water began to cool, I stepped out and got on some pajamas.
I began brushing out my hair, realizing that the shower had woken me up, and decided to finish watching a show I had been enjoying earlier. I heard the front door and smiled, walking out of the bathroom with brush in hand to greet Liam.
I flicked on the hall light, but Liam was not who I saw standing in my living room.
It was Sam, and he wasn’t there for a friendly visit, either.
Chapter 19
I had told myself just the other day that we needed to start locking our door, but I never asked Augie where I might find a house key. Stupid. Now, Sam stood before me with something in his hand, and I knew it wasn’t good for me.
“What are you doing here, Sam?”
His eyes were sinister, something I had never seen on him before. How had we missed this?
“I saw you come home alone. I wanted to check on you, since you were hurt so badly yesterday. Where’s Liam?”
His voice was calm, but his body language gave him away. Sam and I weren’t exactly friends. He had no business in my home.
“He’s on his way.”
I sent as much urgency and fear through our connection to Liam as I could, hoping he’d get my mayday call. On a good day, I could take Sam without a problem, but if he hit me just right in my side, I knew I wouldn’t win against him.
“You should probably take off before he gets here. He’s the jealous type. Kind of annoying, but I deal with it.”
I instinctively knew Sam was the traitor. There was no other reason for him to be in my house uninvited. If I could convince him I thought his visit was normal and buy myself some time until Liam arrived, then I would do everything in my power to make that happen.
“You shouldn’t have to deal with that in a mate, Taya. There are plenty of other suitable shifters in our pack who would treat you with more respect.”
He took several steps in my direction. I held my stance, refusing to be afraid of him, but the way he mentioned other suitable shifters creeped me out. Could he be jealous of Liam?
“That’s enough, Sam. You need to leave.”
I braced myself for the attack. My brush was still clutched in my right hand. It wasn’t much, but it was better than nothing.
“I’m not leaving without you,” he sneered. “You’ve fucked up enough of my plans. I’m not letting you do it again. Now, make this easier on yourself and come with me. I’d rather not hurt you, but I will if I have to.”
He had stepped closer and was within striking distance. I didn’t waste any time. I guarded my left side where the injury was and swung with my right fist out. I clocked him in the jaw, then rotated my hand to jab the brush into his side.
He howled in pain but didn’t retreat.
Where is Liam?
He took a swing back at me, but I ducked and saved my face from the impact. I decided he needed a decent kick to the balls for trying to hit a woman. When I brought my leg up, he saw it coming and grasped it with his hand, causing me to crash into the ground.
His body landed on top of me and before I could blink, he stuck my arm with a needle. My vision immediately began to go foggy.
“What did you do to me?” I snarled.
“Just something to make sure you don’t cause a scene.”
He lifted me up and carried me outside. It was dark now, but I could hear the ATVs ripping through the dirt.
They were going to be too late.
I did my best to hang on, but the last thing I remembered was Sam tossing me in the back of his car before the fog fully took over and I was unconscious.
I woke to water being thrown on me and found myself tied to a chair with heavy chains. I was not happy, and neither was my wolf. I growled and snarled as my vision focused on where I was.
“She’s awake, boss,” Sam yelled from the doorway before turning to me. “It’s about time. I thought I might have killed you on accident.”
I couldn’t see a clock anywhere. I had no idea how long I had been out or how far away from home I might be.
Love and relief slammed into me suddenly. Liam. I felt him. He must have thought I was dead when he couldn’t feel me anymore. I closed my eyes and reached out to him. I needed him to know I was okay, but as soon as he did, I felt the anger. Pure rage came through to me, bringing me back to my current situation.
I opened my eyes, glaring at Sam. “Why am I here?”
“That doesn’t matter. You’re just an insurance policy. When Declan is done with you, he said I get to keep you. It was a win-win for me. I get to keep my life and the girl.”
“You won’t lay a hand on me if you want to live,” I snapped.
He moved his hand closer, trailing his finger down my cheek. “Oh, we’ll see about that.”
“That’s enough, Sam. You haven’t finished your end of the deal. No touching until you do.”
Declan moved into the room. His imposing figure seemed to fill the room as he stared daggers at me. I had killed his son. There was no way he was going to let Sam have me. Sam was an idiot for believing so. We’d both be dead soon if I couldn’t figure out an escape.
“I’ve waited a long time for this day, Taya. I wanted to kill you the day you embarrassed my family at the Decennial Gathering, but kids these days have no respect and you refused my handshake. Instead, letting your father pay the price. Next, I’ll be hunting down those witches for foiling that plan as well.”
He took a seat in the chair across from me. I had nothing to say to the man. I refused to let his words get through to me. I wouldn’t let him break me.
“I didn’t worry, though. I had back-up plans to my back-up plans. You see, I’ve had decades to plan this coup, and your dad has always been in my way. Always wanting to be in other people’s business. He couldn’t just let us run our packs the way we wanted to. There had to be rules. I didn’t like his rules.”
He leaned forward. “You don’t like them, either. I thought for the briefest of moments, I could bring you to see my reasoning, but you made the wrong choice. You went and got yourself a mate, making yourself more vulnerable.”
Mother fucker. I told Liam this would happen. I knew he’d be used against me.
I kept my face relaxed. “
Liam is just a means to an end. He helped us get closer to you, and after I kill you, I’ll be done with him, too.”
Declan smirked at me. “So you say, but I’ve watched you from afar. I don’t believe you’re that good of an actress. He and Gerald will come for you, and when they do, we’ll be ready. I’m going to let them suffer for a few days, first. For now, you just sit tight, and I’ll be back. We have more to discuss.”
He stood from the chair, turning to the other guard beside Sam. “Don’t leave this room. Piss in the corner if you need to go. Shawn will be back tomorrow, and he’ll take shifts with you.”
Sam huffed. “What about me? I can help Todd.”
Declan stared down his nose at Sam as if he was scum. “You haven’t proven yourself. I don’t trust you, so no, you may not help any of my staff.”
Sam was at least smart enough not to respond to that comment. Instead, he cast his eyes down to the floor like a little bitch and nodded.
Declan slammed the door shut behind him, and I was left alone with the Todd guy and Sam.
I stared Sam down. “Why now? You’ve had plenty of opportunity to get to me. Why tonight?”
“I couldn’t get to Jessica to finish the job and knew she’d wake soon. She figured out I was working with Declan when things didn’t go as planned on our road trip. I couldn’t let her tell Gerald before I got Declan what he wanted. I was prepared to kill Liam to do so, but then you came home alone, giving me the perfect opportunity without making things messy.”
I breathed a sigh of relief that my dad had kept someone with her. Sam could have easily made it look natural and gotten away with killing her if he hadn’t.
I began to think about getting out of the chains. I didn’t like my odds of making it out of the room on my own. I needed to sway one of them to help me. I wouldn’t let my family fall into Declan’s trap, even if it meant I didn’t make it out alive.
An hour or so later, Sam finally left. I refused to fall asleep and ended up having a staring contest with Todd. The room was silent. The walls were bare. There was absolutely nothing for me to do except stare at him or go to sleep.
Shades of Deceit (Raven Point Pack Trilogy Book 3) Page 13
