Pride to Pack (The Mount Roxby Series)

by Aimie Jennison

I can feel his energy pushing at my skin. “What’s going on, Theo? I’ve already told Wesley I haven't seen Paddy.”

  “It’s got nothing to do with Paddy.” That spicy scent coming from him is getting stronger by the second. He takes a deep breath and spins around to face me. “There is a werelion asking about you. He wants to reside here. I sent him to Dominick so I would have time to warn you.” I could tell that isn’t what he wanted to say.

  “You’re too late. He turned up last night, not long after Dominick warned me he’d passed on my address. But that isn’t what you really wanted to say though, is it?”

  “Yes, that’s it. I guess I could have told you in the bar after all,” he lies.

  “Theo, I’m and empath and a werewolf. If I couldn’t feel your emotions through my empathy I’d still know you are lying. My wolf can tell. What do you really want to talk about?” I slam my hand on Misty’s desk to emphasise my impatience. I really don’t want to be pissed, but he’s blatantly lying and I can’t stand it.

  “An empath.” he repeats, stunned. That’s not exactly a good sign, maybe I should have told him before. “Why were you kissing the witch? We’re mated.”

  “Theo,” I sigh. “You haven't said two words to me since leaving Misty’s on Saturday morning. You promised to show me where it was safe to run on Monday but stood me up. I assumed everything said at the meeting, must have been bullshit, or at least the full moon causing you to do it. So when Emmanuel asked me out again, I said yes.”

  Theo finally steps away from the door, coming to a stop when I’m within reach. He reaches out and brushes my hair behind my ear. He doesn’t crowd me. He can probably tell that I’m angry and fighting my wolf for the change. I may not be part of his Pack but he is an alpha. He’ll be able to sense my wolf and how much she wants to get out.

  He takes a deep breath. “I’m sorry. Paddy going missing hit the pack hard. I’ve not had two seconds to even think since then. I know it’s no excuse. I came here tonight to beg for your forgiveness and to see if you would go on a date with me, since we pretty much skipped that step.”

  My anger dissipates with his words. How can I be angry with him when he has so much on his plate? “Theo, I forgive you.”

  Before I can say more, he grabs my face between his hands, and takes my mouth with his. As he runs his tongue along the seam of my lips, begging for entry, I pull away.

  “Wait, what about Emmanuel? He’s a nice guy; I can’t just trade him in.”

  He’s looking at me with such adoration that I can feel his love wrapping around me.

  I’m kissing him again before I even realise that I’ve moved. My hands are around his neck, fisting in his hair. Our scents mix and Theo lifts me by the hips and places me on the desk, knocking the few papers on to the floor. As his hands roam my body, mine take a journey over his muscular chest and down his abs. As I reach his belt and start to undo it, his nimble fingers work at my zipper.

  "I can't let you do this," Dominick says from behind me.

  Theo jumps away from me startled. "Where the fuck did you come from?"

  "Didn't Rosabel tell you? One of the gifts I received from the tie gives me the ability to materialise wherever she is at just the thought of her name.” He smirks as I get off the desk and face him.

  "Why the fuck are you here, Dominick?" I ask him pointedly.

  "I told you the other day. I can't let you seal your mating," he reminds me.

  "What does our mating have to do with you?"

  Theo and Dominick answer my question at the same time,

  "Death isn't the only way to break the tie.”

  “Sealing our mating breaks the tie.”

  I glance between them both, not knowing who to address. I focus on Dominick. "Is that true? When Theo and I seal our mating, the tie between the two of us will be broken?"

  "I believe so, yes," Dominick states as the door opens and Misty comes in.

  "Sorry to disturb ya but I need ya out there." She hooks a thumb over her shoulder indicating the bar. "Jared and Emmanuel are both getting anxious. I can’t serve and keep them calm.” She glances at Dominick as he dematerialises. "What the hell?"

  I dismiss the empty space with a wave of my hand, "He arrived the same way. He's a pain in my arse. Sorry about leaving for so long. I'll be right out.”

  Misty closes the door again leaving the two of us alone.

  “I need to go. Neither of us wants Jared losing control. He’ll cause a lot of damage and probably take a number of people out before anyone can subdue him.”

  Just as I reach the door to the bar, Theo spins me by the shoulder and pins me against it. His mouth descends on mine without warning. I kiss him with everything I have. How could I not? We were about to do a hell of a lot more in that office before Dominick dropped in. Theo pulls away from my lips resting his forehead against mine.

  “It might be a while before I get to do that again, it sounds like you’re going to be busy. I love you.” I stand there taking in his words as he pushes the door behind me open, giving me no option but to exit.

  I work my way back to the bar, without reacting to his words.

  I love you.

  Did he even realise he said that? I walk behind the bar in a daze, watching Theo join Wesley and a beautiful, petite redhead at Lucy’s side of the bar.

  I shake myself out of my stupor and make my way to Emmanuel. “Sorry about that. We had some crossed wires we needed to sort out.” I’m not going to dump him in the middle of a packed bar.

  He grabs my hand and presses his lips against it. I smell the spicy scent and turn to see Theo watching. I give him a smile to let him know everything is fine as I pull my hand from Emmanuel’s grasp.

  I hear the beginnings of a roar, a rumble coming from the back of a throat. It’s coming from beside Emmanuel. I glance over to spot Jared.

  Here comes World War Three.

  I tap Misty on the shoulder as she pushes the drawer back in on the cash register. “I’m sorry I’ve been a pain in the arse tonight, but do you mind if I take Jared to one of the booths so I can get this chat over with?”

  “Don’t worry, ya can’t help it. As long as war doesn’t break out in my bar I won’t dock ya wages,” she says with a grin before heading off to serve another customer.

  After hearing my conversation with Misty, Jared gets up and walks towards the tables.

  I follow him to an empty booth, ignoring the half a dozen eyes I can feel watching our every move. Not only are Emmanuel and Theo watching, but so are the pack members who are scattered throughout the bar.

  "Okay, Jared, you wanted to talk, so talk!" I say before my butt even hits the seat. Once I'm sat and my eyes connect with his I can see the heartbreak in his eyes. Who am I kidding? I feel it too. Jared was the first person not related to me that actually loved me. He stood up for me when everyone else wanted me dead. He put his life on the line for me. "Why did you follow me Jared? You know we can't be together, your pride want me dead. They won't let you lead if we are together. You were born to lead. I can't be the reason you don't."

  He reaches across and wipes a tear from my cheek before grasping my hand on the table. "I love you, Bel. I needed to make sure you were safe. We're meant to be together. I would’ve left with you."

  My wolf starts to pace inside me, agitated. She doesn't want him. She’s always liked Jared. He protected us. I don't understand her change in heart.

  I knew Jared would act like this. Putting his life on hold to protect me is what he does. "As you can see I'm safe." I let go of his hand and lift my arms to gesture at my unharmed appearance. "You need to go home, Jared, back to your pride."

  "Bel, we have been through this a million times. It's my father’s Pride, not mine." His voice rose and everyone in the bar looks our way. The werewolves are no longer pretending not to be listening.

  Seeing red I stand up. "DAMMIT JARED!" Before I can even finish berating him, my wolf takes my temper and uses it to come through. I’m sudd
enly no longer a human but a wolf. I hadn't even felt the usual pain.

  Growling at Jared my front paws on the table and my snout in his face; I can see he’s trembling, no doubt fighting his own change. But that doesn't stop me snarling.

  Theo's calming energy alerts me of his presence.

  "Rosabel, you’re not going to rip Jared's throat out are you?" I can feel his alpha energy pushing at me to obey. As much as I don't like the thought of him being able to make me obey an order, it pushes my wolf back enough for my human half to realise the mistake I’m making. I don't want to rip Jared's throat out, especially not in Misty's bar.

  I look into his concerned emerald eyes and rub my head against his hip. I jump down off the bench seat and lay down on the floor next to the table.

  Theo sits in my vacated seat and begins talking to Jared in a hushed voice. I can feel the tension throughout the room even though everyone has returned to their own conversations. Emmanuel is blatantly staring in our direction but not making a move to approach.

  “Jared, I understand that you have protected Bel for a long time.”

  I growl, insulted at the fact that Theo is insinuating I needed protecting.

  Theo ruffles my fur to calm me down. "We know she doesn't need protecting, but I'd like to thank you for keeping my true mate alive."

  Jared's anger dissipates within seconds. I look to him to see defeat in the slump of his shoulders.

  A whine leaves my throat as I rub my snout against his shin.

  "Your true mate?"

  Theo nods his head as he rests his chin on his steepled fingers,”If you choose to pursue her, I will have to take it as a challenge.”

  "If you really are her true mate I have no right to challenge you. I love Bel. I wouldn't hurt her by challenging her true mate." Jared glances over his shoulder towards the bar before leaning further across the table towards Theo. “Why was she all cosy with the witch?"

  Theo laughs, "Let's just say things have become a little complicated.”

  14. STALKER STATUS

  Theo

  Things sure did get complicated.

  My plans for tonight involved making it up to Bel for not being around since Paddy’s disappearance, and relaxing with my mate.

  As I sit opposite Bel’s ex, I thank my lucky stars he’s deciding to back off. It’s not that I don't think I could handle taking him out in a duel but seeing us fight would be hard for Bel.

  “I won’t pursue Bel, but I’m taking a break from the pride for a while. Both me and my father believe I need to see more of the world before I take over as leader so I’d like to stay in town if you’ll allow it?”

  He’d kept Bel alive for years. I owe him. I give permission with a nod.

  Without a word, he stands and starts to leave. As he moves I catch Paddy’s scent in the air.

  Within seconds I am up and have Jared pinned to the wall with my arm across his chest. Bel is growling beside me but I don’t have time to deal with her. I need to find out why Jared has Paddy’s scent on him.

  “What the fuck?” Jared spits, looking at Bel who is growling and baring her teeth to him. She would have caught Paddy’s scent too.

  I reach into my pocket and pull put one of the missing person flyers Alyssa had been pasting everywhere.

  “Where did you see this guy?” I ask shoving the flyer into his chest. I quickly release him, needing to stay calm. I can feel the pack crowding in around us and I don’t need them ripping into him before we get answers.

  I watch with bated breath as Jared looks at the flyer closely before answering. “I’ve never seen this guy.”

  “You have his scent on you, can you explain that?”

  “I swear I have never seen this guy. Maybe he brushed past me in the street. I’ve been knocked by numerous people today. Maybe it was transferred from someone else.” I can sense the truth in his words.

  I step back allowing him to exit.

  “If you do see him, I’d appreciate it if you could let me or one of my wolves know.”

  “Of course.” Jared exits the bar without glancing back at any of us.

  After watching him leave, I crouch down and take Bel’s head in my hands, making sure to scratch behind her ears. “As much as my wolf wants to come out and play with you, you really need to change back. You’re putting the pack on edge.” Her tongue darts out to lick my cheek. I stand and she stretches out but doesn’t shift.

  “You might want to take her somewhere private. She isn’t keen on a public naked parade,” Dominick announces from behind me. God, this guy is pissing me off; I shouldn’t need a fucking vampire to tell me what my mate needs. If he hadn’t stopped us earlier I would know what she needs and what she is thinking.

  As I look apologetically at Bel, ready to lead her through to the office she silently shifts before my eyes.

  I can’t contain the growl leaving my throat. I didn’t think this through. I don’t want all these people seeing my mate naked, pack members or not. We may be used to nudity and don’t always look at it sexually but I don’t care.

  I don't want them seeing her.

  Billy must have read my mind because before her change is complete he hands me his full length leather trench coat, which I place over her to cover her.

  “Thanks,” Bel says with a grin as she pulls the coat around her.

  I silently fasten the buttons and tie the belt saving her sensitive fingers the job.

  Ed approaches his eyes on the door Jared had just exited. “Should I follow him, Boss?”

  I step back from Bel and turn towards Ed as I answer. “He was telling the truth. There’s no need to follow him.” Seeing the sadness in Eddie’s eyes is tearing me apart. I reach out and pull him into a hug to comfort him. “He’s alive Ed. We can all feel him. I promise you we will get him back.”

  Emmanuel pushes past us and throws his arm over Bel’s shoulder and pulls her in close to his side.

  I release Ed and don’t hide the fact that I’m listening to what Emmanuel has to say.

  “Misty told me to take you home and, before you complain about leaving her in the lurch, Benji is going to work the rest of your shift.”

  Bel steps out from under Emmanuel’s arm and wraps her arms around my waist. “Theo thanks for stopping me from losing it with Jared. He would never have let me live it down if I’d drawn blood.”

  “I’m Alpha; it’s what I’m here for.”

  Standing on her tiptoes she stretches until her mouth is to my ear. “It was something a mate would do too.” Brushing her lips against my earlobe she lets me go, she leaves the bar without another word. Emmanuel follows closely behind her.

  My wolf growls at the sight. She’s my mate. Why am I standing here watching her leave with another guy in tow?

  Fuck it, I’m not.

  I leave Misty’s in a rush, not caring what anyone thinks about my rude departure. Once outside, I follow Bel’s scent, sticking to the cover of the shadows from the buildings I pass. I feel like a stalker following them home but it’s all I can do to keep my wolf calm. I’m not far behind them when I pick up their conversation.

  “What is it like to shift?” Emmanuel asks.

  “It varies, depending on the situation. If you choose to do it, it can be great, therapeutic even. It’s always painful to a degree, but again it varies depending on how much you need to change. Tonight for instance, I didn’t feel a thing. My wolf was riding me too hard. Changing back can be embarrassing if you are in front of a crowd. It’s not so bad if they are all weres. We see naked people all the time. We hardly ever notice it. But tonight I was in a bar full of witches and vampires too.”

  “How did Dominick know what you wanted?”

  His mother fucking tie, that’s how. Thankfully, I didn’t say that out loud. My stalker status would be revealed if I had. I really don’t need that getting out.

  “When he drank from me, we formed a tie that gave him certain abilities. Materialising wherever I am is one, feeling my
emotions is another. I am pretty sure that isn’t all he has up his sleeve.”

  It’s a quiet night out tonight and we seem to have the street to ourselves. I watch in the darkened doorway of the building next to Misty’s apartment as Emmanuel kisses Bel. It isn’t a lingering kiss but, never the less, my wolf doesn’t like it.

  Emmanuel waits, looking at the door expectantly.

  Bel, you better not invite him up.

  My wolf will not allow him to cross that threshold. My stalker status would well and truly be blown. Bel will already know I’m here. She’ll be able to feel my energy. If the wind is blowing in the right direction she could probably catch my scent too, but Emmanuel will have no clue he’s being watched.

  “It’s really not safe for you to come up tonight. My wolf is still on the edge, she could easily take over at the slightest thing.”

  More like I would kill the bastard.

  “It’s okay, I can control you.”

  I'm not at a good enough angle to see his face so I don't know what context he's saying it in, but regardless, I don't like the thought of him controlling my mate in any way, shape or form. I force myself to stay still and calm.

  "What do you mean? How can you control me?" Bel sounds wary.

  Emmanuel looks around taking in his surroundings. He looks edgy. I don't know what he senses. I'm not picking anything out of the ordinary up. He's not happy about it - whatever it may be. "Forget I said anything," he glances at his watch before adding, "I've got to go now but can we meet for lunch tomorrow?" He’s already retreating.

  "Sure, text me the details,” Bel shouts after him.

  I watch Bel walk into the building before pulling my new phone out and hitting the buttons to dial her number.

  "Hello," she answers breathlessly. She must’ve run up the stairs.

  "I thought he'd never leave.”

  "Same here, until something spooked him, that is."

  "You caught that too?" I ask intrigued.

  "I couldn't sense anything. Could you?”

  I reach out once again, feeling for anything unusual that could have spooked him. Once again, I feel nothing.