by Jo Penn
That is, Uri tossed some clothes and his toiletries into a bag while Finn took his time choosing, making sure he packed what he needed and what would be required depending on where they were going, steamed items and even arranged food and backup fuel.
Yeah, the mate was smart and resourceful, and probably more organized than Uri. Except, there was far more champagne in the fridge than beer. Uri should have been on top of that one.
Now Finn was making them a snack before taking over the driving for a few hours. They’d decided each would drive for four hours then swop, but it’d be late soon so they’d get over the border and find a lake or mountain spot and settle for the night.
Driving the big rig was relatively easy, Uri was finding. He just had to watch out for corners, or he’d be giving his insurance details to another car owner.
The drive would also give him some time to think about what he’d learned before leaving Milson Valley. He’d been so sure Finn was entranced by the sun bear’s gift and been prepared to unleash all his alpha power on the foolish creature. The only problem was when Uri gazed into the blueberry eyes of the sun bear who had his Finn suffering, something deep inside clicked, and he had difficulty keeping his claws sheathed as a need and desire so powerful nearly swept Urian away. He’d ignored the reaction as best he could, though it was damn hard, and got on with what needed doing.
And he did a lot during the time from when Finn told him about Tristian till they pulled out of pack lands. Urian had ordered the private investigator, Milo Stints, to be collected and brought in for questioning. Since discovering Finn had hired the private detective, Urian had also assigned two of his pack to follow the creature, so it was easy for them to grab the shifter and bring him here via the fae who was assigned to the Starters pack.
After a lengthy discussion with the private investigator and going through the man’s records on Tristian Le Faye, Urian sent Stints and some soldiers to the last confirmed sighting of Tristian. Milo Stints was adamant that Tristian was aware he was being followed so they’d have to be careful how they proceeded from here. After sending the group off, Uri went and saw Doc Eric in the pack clinic, who gave options for dealing with the possible illness or magic Finn was suffering under.
Doc Eric was a wolf shifter who trained as a doctor and veterinarian. He also underwent training with the local witch and wizard group, the Armstrong coven, so as to be able to use the potions, concoctions, and natural medicines they used in healing. The Doc was good and recently had a few pups with his mate, the sweetest female wolf Uri had ever met. They were the pinup couple for happily mated.
Eric advised Finn he should take a magic and gift removal potion, which should strip any spells, gift use, anything magical or gift affiliated. Uri was all for this suggestion, except it would also remove the lingering potions Finn had taken when leaving Hell Island to protect himself. The Doc said after an hour of taking the potion, if Finn didn’t perk right back up, then he should take the djinn staving drugs, a particular medication to stop a djinn’s need of their mate. Djinn were the closest in magic and biology make-up to a seer. Doc would also administer an herbal draught, one a vampire herbalist, Chane Taunton, developed and would help absorb the medications.
Unfortunately, the first concoction stripped away the last of the potions Finn took, but the seer didn’t perk up. In fact, Finn looked more gaunt and haggard, and was peeved that the potion also removed the magically enhanced moisturizer he used to conceal tiredness.
Uri was mildly pissed off but pushed it, and the growing worry of what exactly this meant, aside. ‘Don’t borrow trouble.’ That’s what Carol, Drax’s mother always told Uri growing up. ‘Get up, get on, and kick ass’ was another and Uri’s particular favorite. She was an amazing woman.
When the staving drugs gave Finn nearly instant relief, it was a huge punch in the guts to Uri. He honestly hadn’t thought Finn’s story of another mate could be true, despite his reaction to the photograph of Tristian. Maybe Uri hadn’t wanted it to be true.
He had Finn, his pack, and friends who were family. Uri had everything he wanted. A lot of stress and responsibilities as Alpha, sure, he had to do a lot of things he didn’t always want to and make harsh decisions, but Uri loved what he did, and there was a helluva lot of good also. But the fates felt differently and provided another mate. One who believed Finn had rejected him and didn’t hang around to sort out the misunderstanding. The other mate was also a sacred creature and hunted. Tristian was out there where anyone could grab him.
Shit! Uri was now worried about his other mate.
Most would go rushing off to where the P.I. said Tristian la Faye was and track the little sun bear down. But during his discussion with the P.I., and after doing some research himself, Uri learned a lot. Not everything, but enough to know the bear shifter would be alert and ready to bolt if feeling threatened. He needed to be taken by surprise, so Uri had a little diversion tactic planned. Tristian had already made the private investigator, and threatened to toss the coyote shifter off a cliff, after knocking him out, stripping and leaving outside a BDSM club tied to a pole.
Urian had organized two large groups of soldiers, each with an expert tracker, to get as close to the sun bear as they could and surround him, not leaving any opportunity for escape. To thwart Tristian from the evasive action and noticing, Urian sent three of the pack’s wolves to distract the bear. In the meantime, it would take three days to drive up to Canada where Tristian was last located, giving Uri and Finn much needed time alone.
Well, mostly alone. The Armstrong coven leaders, Sanchez pride, the Alliance and his own pack protested vehemently over Urian and Finn being out on the road by themselves, and so here they were with their own followers to appease everyone.
But Uri realized that since mating the only real time he spent alone with Finn was in bed. Even in their home, there were visitors and constant interruptions on the phone. Thinking about the lack of personal alone time, Uri didn’t like it and decided from now on, he’d be making a point that the Alpha pair would be unavailable except in emergencies. And he’d take his mate to hotels on weekends. Finn liked that sort of thing.
“Why don’t you pull over and we’ll eat. Then I can take over the driving, and you can return those zillions of calls that keep beeping on your phone.”
Uri needed an executive assistant. He generally handled all the calls, e-mails, and snail mail correspondence and communications himself with Kelly, the head beta, but it was taking more and more hours.
“Okay.” Pulling over when he found a green spot, Uri turned off the engine and pulled out his phone.
“Can we eat first?” Finn sighed loudly.
Hitting a preset number, Uri put the phone to his hear. Two rings and his call was answered. You had to wrestle the phone from this wolf’s hand.
“Problems already?” Luka Charmers, interspecies public relations officer for the pack, and now mated to Prince Caspar Morgan of the fae, teased.
“I need three personal assistants, an executive assistant and a dozen experts in communications, media, and I’ll come up with the rest as needed,” he snapped out.
“Wowee. About time. I’ll get right on that, bro.”
“Yeah, but not Dalton. I’d end up tearing out his spikes by lunch time.” Uri winked at his surprised mate.
Luka chuckled. “I can imagine. I’ll have it all sorted by the time you get back. Be afraid, Mason and Deak will be all over this.”
“Quaking in my sneakers. Thanks, little brother.”
“No prob. Hey, can you pick me up some authentic maple syrup on your honeymoon?”
“Sure - hang on. I never said this trip was a honeymoon to anyone but Drax. And he is making a point lately of not telling you anything since you blabbed about his weapon backfiring and got him in trouble with his mate.”
“Bastard. Check your mate’s FB notifications. He’s been a busy seer. Have fun.” Luka disconnected.
“I’m stunned,” Finn said
as Uri put away his phone. “I wasn’t sure you’d ever do it.”
“Long overdue.” Uri smiled. “I want to make more time for us—”
“Alpha, what’s the problem?”
Bawling the soldier out for entering without knocking, Urian ordered no interruptions then sat down with Finn to eat. Of course, his mate teased him a bit, Finn was rarely one to leave something unsaid, especially about such a significant change in attitude, but Urian didn’t mind. He liked Finn’s spunk and the fact his mate would never be one to put up with what he didn’t like. Finishing their meals, they stepped outside to stretch their legs and argue over which way they should travel.
Back on the road, he sat up front while Finn drove and they talked. Uri learned a lot about Finn’s life on Hell Island, his many siblings and Finn’s worry over visions he was having of Bastion killing Jude and attacking Uri who was protecting Finn. In the visions, Uri ended up killing Bastion. He made Finn describe to the finest detail what was in his visions, so he was prepared, and they discussed ways to stop Bastion.
“You mentioned seers gain more power around their ninety-ninth year. Are you experiencing that?”
Finn smirked. “You worried I’ll be more powerful than you, babe? Ah, don’t worry, sugar plum. I’ll keep you anyway.”
“You better, even when my knees are creaking, my eyesight is shot, and my dick hangs limp.”
“Ugh, I want an out clause.”
“Fickle.” Uri mock growled.
Laughing, Finn nodded. “My visions are having more clarity and are easier to understand. They’re intense and crystal clear. I’ve been experimenting with opening up more of the vision, controlling what I see and reaching for more.”
“That sounds draining. I’d like to be with you when you’re performing these experiments.” He didn’t want Finn to overdo it and harm himself, but he trusted his seer to know how far he could push, so Urian would be there to take care of his mate during and after.
Visions were useful, but they could also be traumatizing and painful. Finn was a powerful seer but even he at times suffered a headache and was haunted by some of the horrific things he’d seen. Finn studied Uri a second before returning his gaze to the road.
“Sure. I know you’re busy—”
“That’s never going to change. But the way I deal with it is. I’ll be delegating a lot more and spending time with you. Maybe even some weekends away.”
Finn smiled. “I can get on board with that. What about Tristian?”
Urian paused before responding, giving himself a moment to think. “I have to be honest, angel. I can’t see how another mate fits in with us. But if that’s what fate decided, so be it.”
Finn patted Uri’s leg. “He’ll fit in just fine, you’ll see. I have a feeling all those wolf protective instincts will jump out. “
“A sacred creature is incredibly powerful. I don’t think he’ll need protecting.”
“Umm, but what about Luka? He’s a special type of creature yet no stronger than other wolves. There is also Linc, who is special and can barely fight.”
“I see where you’re going with this, honey, but when Luka uses his gift, he’s powerful. As for Linc, he’s different. His gift isn’t employed in a fight. Besides, his gift is damaged.”
“Ah, I’m having flashes of Linc in visions, nothing substantial and no more than fleeting, but we’ll have to wait and see what is happening with him. As for Luka, he’s protected constantly with his own little troop of bodyguards.” Finn wiggled his brows, and Uri conceded the point. “Because he would be hunted for his gift if others knew. And was he not struck down a few months ago? Anyone can be.”
“True,” Uri mused.
“You’re not considering more as you usually do because this situation has thrown you. I should know. Look at the mess I’ve made of everything. If I just accepted at the beginning instead of wanting my own way and wanting everything in my own time—though that’s not such a bad thing, of course…anyway…” Finn glared at the road. “Tristian isn’t a forgiving sort of creature. He’s suspicious as hell, easily irritated, and not as physically strong as you believe. His gift, yes, it can be powerful, but he needs training and focus. At present all Tris has is survival instincts. No refinement, no strength behind how he uses the entrancement. He’ll need an Alpha behind him or a powerful army.”
Uri trusted that Finn knew what he was talking about. Still, until he met Tristian and saw what the man was capable of for himself, he would hold back his final opinion. In the meantime, he was looking forward to finding a spot to stop for the night and seeing if he could get this home on wheels to rock.
Chapter Four
Hicksville nowhere. His Google research brought up hundreds of rave reviews about this town, calling it quaint and historic with picturesque views and great lakes. Paranormals liked the fresh air and open fields. Campers loved it.
Tristian la Faye did not. And it made it real damn difficult.
For one, Tristian wasn’t keen on countryside, towns and small to medium cities. He preferred big, vast metropolises with creatures bumping into you on the footpath and snarling obscenities or acted like you were invisible. This place was an unwelcome adjustment with all the fresh air and pleasant greetings.
And two, when you were attempting to remain unnoticed it was much more difficult in a small town with exceptionally friendly people and astute creatures wandering about having a good time.
It just made Tris grouchy.
Which was why he was currently hiding out. Though he wanted to leave this place, move on as he always did, Tris never stayed in a location more than a few weeks, he was having an internal struggle. For four months he’d fought the battle and won. Unfortunately, it was growing more difficult, the yearnings harder to contain, and the memories unable to be tucked away any longer.
Adding to this, that damn coyote shifter was following him again! Man that ticked Tris off. Couldn’t the man take a hint? If he thought Tristian wouldn’t toss him over a cliff, the man was a terrible judge of character, for Tris definitely would, and without any frigging guilt whatsoever!
Of course, it might be a little cliff, possibly more like an incline or a soft grassy knoll.
Puffing out a sigh at his own pathetic-ness, he couldn’t understand why Finn had to be so persistent and drag that Alpha wolf into their dispute.
Okay, it wasn’t precisely an argument. Tris and Finn weren’t talking, after all. Tris had gotten the hint loud and clear when his Fated mate wouldn’t let him claim and bond them. And he understood. He wasn’t the catch of the century, not with different groups hunting him and all those damn annoying creatures following him around. Who wanted to deal with that? Not, Tris, that’s for sure, yet here he was, hiding away from those after him and trying to keep the annoying followers out of trouble long enough to dump them someplace they’d be happy.
Why they continuously thought he should just take control and wipe out the groups following them, he understood. But he knew that wasn’t the right thing to do. Controlling others and committing violence wasn’t the solution, not yet. They’d just keep coming for him until they either caught him, or he was beyond their grasping, dirty hands. Which meant dead, or protected.
Could he protect himself? Fuck yes! He’d been protecting himself for nearly two hundred and thirty years. And he would have completely disappeared but for the followers. As for the private investigator, sure, Tris could have shaken the coyote off, but when he found out Finn had been searching for him he had to admit to feeling surprised, and a little hopeful and sentimental. Did Finn regret rejecting Tristian, or was he like so many others who were after him for his gift?
At first, Tristian had to be sure and broke into the hotel where the private investigator was staying. Unfortunately, the man didn’t keep anything incriminating around, so Tris took control and checked out Milo Stints’s phone. After reading all the texts and listening to the messages from Finn, he had his answer. It was nice to know F
inn wanted Tristian found and protected. It wasn’t nice knowing the selfish, beautiful bastard had hooked up with a wolf shifter, an Alpha one at that, bonded and mated.
Great. Just fucking great! Reject Tris and jump the Alpha. Yeah, he was so happy for them. Not.
Still, it was hard to let go completely. While it was becoming harder and harder to suppress the yearning ache that wanted to consume him whole, Tristian knew it was best this way. He’d heard of the Alpha wolf. Strongest in the States with a huge pack that continued to grow and prosper. Alpha Urian Starters was a man others aspired to be like, and for Renegades, those creatures intent on taking over paranormal groups and leading the world wanted to take down.
Tristian could be a tool to do that, but he wouldn’t let it happen.
He’d looked up Urian Starters on Google and unfortunately hit on a hundred odd photos of Finn. Flicking those aside, he’d stared at the Alpha for hours. The wolf was a massive hunky creature with a power that just seemed to crackle and snap around him. He was also one of the hottest creatures Tris had ever seen, and he’d seen a lot in his two hundred and fifty years as he’d traveled the globe a dozen or so times.
Keeping Milo around was like having a link directly to Finn and Urian. It may be insane and a bit sentimental, and not safe for any of them, but after so many months apart from his mate, he was having a weak moment.
Glancing around covertly, Tristian discreetly sniffed the air. Not scenting anyone in particular close by, he shuffled around and pulled out his phone. There were no messages and not a lot of credit. Considering he rarely received a call, and usually, those were wrong numbers, and he rarely rang or texted anyone, you’d think he would have heaps of credit. Unfortunately, Tris was a Google freak.
Gods he loved Google. It was like his own personal thesaurus, encyclopedia, and dictionary all in one, plus a dozen other things! He could spend hours looking up the absurd to the important. He was kinda concerned it was an addiction.
He hadn’t meant to end up only a hundred and fifty miles from Milson City a few weeks ago, it just happened. He guessed the mating pull was winning. And stuff like that always happened to Tris, he was used to it. Could be karma he guessed, but if it were, he was tempted to find Karma, that bitch—or bastard—and beat the creature to a bloody pulp for all the shit Tris knew he never deserved. Karma could go fuck itself.
