Pride to Pack (The Mount Roxby Series)

by Aimie Jennison

  Billy is the first to break the silence. “Fuck! I can see why you became so aggressive.”

  “Okay, so tonight’s rescue mission is a no go but we still have tomorrows plan of attack.” I think Wesley is trying to reassure us all so we keep our hopes up, but maybe he is just reassuring himself out loud.

  “Since I know we’re not being ambushed and the growling has finished, I’m going back to bed, good night.” Chloe turns and leaves out the same door she had just entered, shutting it behind her.

  “I’m off to bed too,” I say. “We’ll need as much energy as possible for tomorrow. It’s going to be physically and emotionally draining. Billy you’re staying here the night aren’t you?”

  Billy nods in response.

  “Bel you might as well stay too. There are enough rooms. You’re acting leader, it would probably be best to be were the Pack can get in touch with you,” Wes suggests.

  “Plus the more weres in here the safer since someone broke the door and deemed it unlockable.” A smarty-pants Billy adds making us all laugh.

  “I’m not sure. I need to eat.” Shifting takes energy and makes me hungry. “I don’t have any other clothes here and I can’t really sleep in this,” I say gesturing towards my dress.

  “Ted has heaps of food in. He’s always eating. I’m sure we can find you a spare t-shirt and sweats. Please say you’ll stay,” Ruby begs with an eager look on her face.

  “Okay, but I hope there is a lot of food because I’m going to be shifting a number of times over night to check in on Theo, remind him to hang in there. Where are you sleeping Ruby?”

  “I’m in the room next to Ted’s. You could sleep in the room at the other side of mine,” she offers.

  “Okay, that sounds like a plan,” I agree with a smile.

  “I guess that means I’m your next door neighbour, hey?” Billy says as he nudges Wes in the ribs.

  “Ow, Billy. If you’re scared of sleeping downstairs on your own, you can be my neighbour. I’m off up now. Do you want me to walk with you, Billy, to keep you from getting scared?” Wes jokes making us all burst into laughter.

  “Fuck off, mate,” Billy says.

  “We can ring the pack members we decide would be best for the job after breakfast about ten o’clock. All three of us will need to be down here to discuss it at eight thirty,” Wes says more seriously.

  I frown. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that Wes wants me in on the decision or if it’s the fact that he was referring to eight thirty in the morning. I haven’t seen that time of the day in years!

  “Why do I need to be here that early? I wouldn’t have a clue who would be good for the job.” I complain.

  “You need to ring and give the order to do the job. It comes with the role of the alpha’s mate. Well in this situation, it does anyway.”

  “Well then I can come down at nine forty five,” I suggest more cheerful at that thought.

  Billy starts to laugh, “Are you not a morning person by any chance, Wolfy?”

  “Are you kidding? I’ve not seen that side of noon for the last two years,” I say shaking my head. It’s too bloody early.

  “Eight thirty,” is all Wes says just as he opens the door leading to the hall.

  Billy waves bye to us and follows Wes, closing the door behind him. Leaving me and Ruby alone in the lounge room.

  23. REUNION

  Theo

  Hearing Bel’s voice gave me a boost. I don’t know how she knew but I was desperate for something to cling on to - to make myself live. She reminded me that I have a pack, a mate and my baby sister relying on me. I need to get through this. The tranquilliser wasn’t fun, but it’s wearing off now. I need to focus.

  “Look, he’s coming around.” Is that Alyssa?

  “Don’t get too excited. He might be too out of it to recognise us. He might attack us.” That is definitely Paddy.

  He must have knocked me out so he could bring them in here.

  “At least he might recognise you. I’ve only met him twice. He’ll eat me first,” says who I can only assume is, Jared. Since I saw his lion attacking Dominick earlier I know he’s under the kidnapper’s control.

  I need to shift back to human. I can’t exactly talk to them in my wolf form. They are right. An injured werewolf is dangerous. I rein the wolf in. He comes willingly, knowing it’s the best thing for all of us. He may be injured but he knows I would never put us in danger while we’re so vulnerable. It’s one of the most painful changes I have ever made. The intensity of the pain takes my breath away. I lay as still as possible once I’m human, not wanting to irritate my already sensitive skin and nerves.

  “Theo, it’s Alyssa can you hear me?”

  “Yes,” is all I can manage. The shift took it out of me. I will heal better in wolf form. The sooner I can talk to them and get back the better. I honestly don’t feel like I am going to make it until tomorrow night.

  Someone covers me with a blanket.

  “Someone needs to take those bullets out of you. You’re never going to heal if those stay in you,” Alyssa says, rubbings at a sore spot on my upper arm.

  “Bullets?” I ask, trying to inspect my arm.

  “I’m betting silver by the way you’re not healing,” Jared says as he steps closer.

  I can’t control the warning growl that comes out of my mouth.

  He holds his hands up in surrender and takes a step back. “Sorry, you’re injured and your wolf doesn’t know me. I’ll stay over here.”

  “I can smell your lion. My wolf doesn’t like the fact that you are a predator. I’m sorry. I'm not normally so grouchy.”

  “It’s understandable. You have at least three silver bullets in you and numerous injuries that aren't healing,” Jared admits.

  “I have your blood on me. I can smell it. Did we do that to you?” Alyssa asks sounding distraught.

  I sit up, ignoring the pain that rolls through my body, and pull her into my arms. “Alyssa, you did not do this. You may have the weapon but he was wielding that weapon. Do you hear me?” I command.

  “Yes,” she whispers against my chest.

  I look over at Paddy and he must see the pain on my face. He walks over and pulls Alyssa against his own chest.

  “Go sit with Jared while I try removing the bullets out of Theo,” he says, guiding her towards Jared.

  Paddy turns back towards me and starts poking at my arm. “If I could shift just my claws I could probably dig them out, but I can’t do that. They’re too deep. I need something…” he says as he looks around the room for anything that could be of use.

  I look around too. The room is sparse. Three camping beds against different bare walls and a bucket in the corner. I guess the kidnapper doesn’t want us to find anything we can use as a weapon.

  “Can you shift just your claws, Jared?” Paddy asks as he looks at Jared.

  “I can but Theo’s wolf won’t let me near him as it is. There is no chance in hell he will let me near him with my claws out,” he says from his seat on one of the beds, with Alyssa tucked into his side.

  “It’s okay. I’ll be able to hang on until tomorrow night. I spoke with Bel before he knocked me out.” I tap my forehead to clarify how I spoke to her. “They have a plan.”

  “Bel is always the one with the plan. You’re a lucky man.” Jared says.

  I am feeling weaker by the second. The silver isn’t doing me any favours. I need to get it out. I shift just my hands, hoping to be able to dig them out myself. I reach around to the one Paddy was poking at and I can just reach it. I cut a cross through the wound to make it bigger and then dig my claw into the newer larger hole. I feel the silver. Not only does the arm it’s in sting like bitch, but it stings the claw that touches it too. Trying to ignore the pain, I keep digging. I add another claw to the wound hoping to pincer it out. It works! I drag the bullet through the wound and drop it to the floor with a grunt.

  Feeling slightly faint and nauseous I give up any thoughts of removin
g the other bullets and lay down where I am sat. “That will have to do. I can’t do anymore.”

  “You did good, mate. I honestly don’t think I could have done that if I was in your shoes.” Jared praises. “If you shift, I will watch over your wolves whilst you sleep.”

  I don’t even bother thanking him. I give my body over to my wolf and fall into a deep sleep.

  24. SEEKING COMFORT

  Rosabel

  “Okay, first things first. Where’s the food?” I ask Ruby as my stomach grumbles in agreement.

  Ruby leads me to the kitchen and starts pulling food out for a sandwich. I manage to stop myself from eating the ingredients before the sandwich is made. But once that sandwich is in my hands, I eat in total silence, enjoying every mouthful.

  Once I'm finished we both head up to the bedrooms. Since I have to get up so early I should get as much sleep as possible. I also need to ring Misty and Benji, he should be home and I haven’t heard from him yet, I understand why he was so mad when I didn’t ring him after arriving here.

  We get to Ruby’s room and say our goodnights before she enters and closes the door behind her.

  My door is painted a lovely lavender colour. The bedroom is laid out the same as all the other rooms I’ve seen. There's a brass bed with the head against the far wall, which has bedside cabinets at either side. There is a dresser on the side wall that has a plant pot with a lavender plant in it. The other wall has two doors - I’m guessing an ensuite and a wardrobe. The room has a really calming feel to it. Not that it will help calm my wolf at all, she's too edgy. The only thing that will put her at ease is having our mate happy and healthy in front of us.

  I take my phone from my clutch bag and call Benji. It rings for a long time making me think it's going to click over to voicemail.

  I'm just about to disconnect the call when Aunt Lily answers.

  “Hello this is Benjamin’s phone.”

  “Hi Aunt Lily. It’s Rosabel. I’m just ringing to make sure he got home safely. Is Uncle Jack okay?”

  “Jack is doing fine. He’s complaining about being cooped up so it seems he is back to his normal self. Benjamin is trying to distract him with a game of chess at the minute, but you know Jack. He won't be fooled for long. Shall I get him to call you back?”

  “It's getting late now. I'll try him again tomorrow. Thanks, Aunt Lily. Pass my love onto Uncle Jack and you take care.” I suggest knowing I need to get as much sleep as I can.

  “Thank you, Rosabel. Good night.”

  “Bye,” I say, disconnecting the call.

  I don’t bother putting the phone away. Instead I scroll through my contacts and call Misty.

  “Hello?” she answers with a sleepy voice.

  “Misty, it’s Bel. Did I wake you up? I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I wasn’t in bed. I dozed off on the sofa with the candle burning, so it’s a good job ya called or the candle could have burnt the apartment down. How’s the pack coping without Theo?” she asks sounding more alert.

  “They’re doing as good as can be expected and surprisingly they're letting me lead them. I only had a little trouble from Chloe, but that wasn’t anything new. She wouldn’t let me in. I knocked her out and ended up breaking Theo’s front door in the process.” I'm still dreading the cost of that door.

  “You knocked her out?” she asks, surprise clear in her voice.

  “Yeah, in my defence I just wanted to get past and I did try asking first. We have a plan for tomorrow night. The only thing is, with me falling into the leader position it means I need to be there. Do you think Lucy will be able to cover for me?” I ask dreading her answer. If she can't do it I have no idea what I will do.

  “I guessed ya’d need a few nights off. She said she can do the next three nights.”

  “Oh Misty you are a star! I’m so bloody unreliable. I’m surprised you haven’t fired me yet.” I say only half joking.

  “The reasons you’ve been unreliable have been through no fault of your own. I’m not firing you for that.”

  “Thanks anyway. I have to go now Wesley wants me up at eight thirty. Can you believe it? I think he’s mad. I’ll try and pop in the bar before all hell breaks loose."

  “No problem. Sleep tight. I’m glad I won’t be up that early. He’s definitely not sane,” she jokes before disconnecting the call. I didn't even get to remind her to blow out the candles.

  I quickly type up a text before setting my alarm for eight thirty and placing my phone on the cabinet by the bed.

  I head into the bathroom to clean up. I find a towel and a towelling robe hanging on the back of the door so I decide to take a shower. The hot water running down my body is calming and relaxing but I start to remember my last shower with Theo. Before I know it I have tears streaming down my face. I don’t want Theo to be torn away from me before I really get to have him.

  Once I’m dried with Theo fresh in my mind I decide to drop in on him to check he is still okay. I close my eyes and pray he’s there.

  “Theo It’s Bel, can you hear me?” I wait for a reply but it doesn't come. I try again.

  “Teddy baby, keep fighting. I’m coming to get you.” I still don't get a reply but I can faintly feel his hope. He must be in a deep sleep, hopefully healing. Either that or the tranquilliser hasn't worn off. I'll hope for the former.

  I open the door of the bathroom to find Wesley sitting on my bed. Glad I decided to wear the robe; I pull the tie making sure it’s secure.

  “Oh, hi Wes.” To say I'm surprised to find him here is an understatement. The look on his face tells me how worried he is. I have no doubts it's about Alyssa.

  “How’s Theo? Is Alyssa with him?” He blurts out.

  I make my way over and take a seat next to him. “I’m not sure. I couldn’t get a response from him maybe the tranquilliser hasn't worn off. I think he heard me because I could feel his hope, faintly. The good news is he's still alive. Sorry if I woke you up. I didn’t think I’d be noisy.”

  “No it’s okay. At least we all know it’s just you and we’re not under attack. You need to keep checking on them to make sure they're all okay.” His voice trembles as he speaks. I don’t blame him.

  I'm worried and I haven't been mated anywhere near as long as he has. I'm surprised he hasn’t tried communicating with her since she’s been missing. “Did Theo order you not to try and communicate with Alyssa?”

  He looks across at me, with a stern look on his face. “Yes, he said I'd get lost in the communication and wouldn't leave her. It’s been killing me knowing I could talk to her but I’m not allowed. I know he’s right but it’s still hard.” he turns his eyes back to the floor before standing and making a move for the door. “I suppose I better let you get to sleep before you want to contact Theo again.”

  “I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep.” I admit.

  “I know,” he says as he closes the door behind him. Just before it shuts he sticks his head back in, “Thank you.”

  I smile in return, but it's too late I'm left looking at a closed door. Getting into bed is easy. Laying there and trying to fall asleep is harder than I expected. I can't stop thinking about Theo and how if he hadn’t been taken we would probably be in his room right now, snuggling up in bed amongst other things. Thinking about snuggling with Theo makes me crave his scent. I quickly pull on the robe and go to his room.

  I open the door to Theodore’s room and see Ruby sat on the bed with her back against the head board, cuddling one of the pillows in a death grip. If that pillow was a person they would be struggling to breathe. The room looks different from how it looked last night and I can’t quite place what's causing the change.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t think anyone would be here. I’ll leave you to it.” She looks up at me in shock like she hadn't even heard me enter.

  “No stay.” She pats the bed next to her in a gesture for me to join her, “You miss him too. You need to be here just as much as I do.” That's what's different; the
bed has fresh sheets on it. A deep blood red satin set is replacing the black set from last night.

  I sit on the bed next to her and we both slide down under the covers and sniff the sheet at the same time trying to breathe in Theo’s scent. We look at each other and laugh.

  “I know it doesn’t even smell of him because I helped him put them on fresh this afternoon. How stupid am I?”

  “As stupid as me because I know they were black sheets last night.” We both chuckle in unison.

  “Do you like the red? He put them on especially for you. He said red is the colour of passion. It reminds me more of blood than passion but, hey, that’s my opinion,” she says with a shrug.

  “Well to be honest, I thought of blood too, but don’t tell Theo I said that. I do like it though, now I know what he meant by it.” I admit.

  “I heard you growling not long ago. Were you talking to him? How is he?” All the happiness she just had in her face vanishes with her words. I can feel nothing but sadness coming from her.

  “He’s still in a deep sleep. I didn’t get a reply from him but I could feel him. He’s still alive,” I say cheerily, hoping to give her something to cling on to. “Will you tell me about him? I haven’t known him for that long; I’d love to hear some stories.” I add. Hearing about him will make me feel closer to him, and hopefully talking about him should do the same for Ruby.

  25. ONE TRACK MIND

  Rosabel

  “Rosabel! Wake up!” Wesley’s shout wakes me up. It sounds like he’s pounding on the bedroom door, the one I was meant to be staying in anyway.

  "I’m coming in,” I hear him announce.

  I stifle my laugh; he's not going to find me in there.

  “DAMN IT,” he yells.

  I stay quiet. He can wait for me to get dressed. He sounds mad and I don’t really fancy facing a stressed out angry werewolf first thing in a morning.

  Ruby and I talked for most of last night. She told me about their upbringing which sounded just as hard as mine, but for different reasons. Their mother and father split up when Theodore was nine years old, and his mother was pregnant with Ruby. Their dad was high up in the pack. He couldn’t divide himself equally between family and pack. Ruby mentioned another brother called Cain who is two years younger than Theo. Apparently he’s a lone wolf who doesn't get in touch often. The werewolf gene skipped Ruby, which she finds disappointing.