by J. E. Cluney
My phone sounded off in my pocket and I snatched it out as I answered.
“We found Bianca,” my father stated. “She’s okay, a little bruised and scared, but okay.”
“Thank God,” I breathed, but then panic washed over me. “Beth and Mary?”
“Their scents are fresh. Apparently they took the women with them, but they left Bianca chained up. Bianca said they’re wanting to kill you for disrupting their way of life. They have guns, Tay. You need to stay inside and safe, let your Pack protect you. Jaye, Neema, and Nathan are headed over right now,” my father said, worry tinging his voice.
“Why would they take Beth and Mary?” I growled. My chest tightened as I worried for the mother and daughter pair.
“Leverage we think.”
“Did they hurt Bianca… in other ways?” I managed to ask as my throat tightened.
My father was silent for a moment before he sighed in defeat. “Yes.”
My stomach dropped, and I had to lean on the porch railing as my head whirled, Richard’s harsh body flashing into my mind, his animalistic grunts as he forced himself upon me, raping me and bruising my skin.
And Beth.
I couldn’t contain the snarl for the seventeen-year-old girl. I’d kill them if they’d hurt her. I’d tear them apart, rip their throats out with my teeth and howl victoriously to the moon.
“Bianca said Mary held their attention, they focused on the older women because they’re more experienced. They decided it would be best to comply and stop them from hurting Beth. She doesn’t know if they’ve since done anything,” my father murmured, understanding my fears.
“They need to be put down on sight,” I snapped, flexing my hands as energy pulsed through me. The same energy from that night I killed Richard.
My Alpha energy.
“I agree. I need to go, we’re taking Bianca home. Jaye, Neema and Nathan are already on their way. You need protection,” my father stated, reminding me of my incoming aid.
“We’ll get them back, I know it,” I murmured, and my father just sighed in frustration.
“I hope so.”
My father hung up as I stared hard at the dark tree-line, the moon shrouded by clouds tonight.
“What now?” Brian asked, sensing my anger and unease.
“Wait to hear from the others, and wait for everyone to arrive.”
As if on cue, some more Pack members exited the tree line, their movements quick and tense as they headed to the lodge.
“Is it a smart move keeping everyone altogether like this?” Brian asked softly.
“We need to be able to keep an eye on everyone, and have look outs set up around the lodge. We’ll be safer together than split up. If they’re intent to hurt the Pack and they’ve got guns, they could pick us off one by one. Together is our best bet,” I said, believing firmly in my choice.
Brian just nodded, and I lurched forward when more men trickled through the tree line. I’d get some look outs set up and scouts. The Pryce Pack being nearby was also a bonus, but I couldn’t put everything on them. My people needed to help too.
We’d get through this.
5
Nathan.
The first few cabins I searched with Lawrence and Jaye were dead ends, and Jace, Neema and Chris called through to inform us that the two cabins they’d checked were useless too.
Neema was with us on our cabin search since the questioning with Mathew was not going too well. Carlos was taking over, and I wasn’t sure we’d return home to a living captive. But if Neema hadn’t gotten the information from him, I doubt anyone could.
Sometimes I hated how loyal some ‘wolves could be.
“They have to be here,” Lawrence growled as he climbed back into the Jag, his green eyes flashing golden for a moment.
I could feel the waves of rage and uncertainty rolling off him, and I prayed we found them soon. Our Alpha was beyond stressed. Three missing she-wolves and his daughter a possible target was not sitting well with him.
“We still have two more cabins to search, same with the other three,” I reminded him. “We could still find them.”
I wasn’t sure splitting up had been the wisest decision by our Alpha tonight, but he was getting desperate. The longer they had our she-wolves, the less likely we’d get them back in one piece. That was normal police statistics.
The Jag rumbled to life as I bounced my foot, casting a weary look back at Jaye as he climbed into the backseat.
The phone sounded off and Lawrence cursed as he answered it.
His face moved to momentary concern as he spoke to Tay, a deep frown settling over his features as he nodded and swore.
From the sounds of things, they’d had the deserters attempt to cross the borders. Someone got hurt.
Lawrence ended the call before turning to glance between us.
“Two of the men tried to cross into the border, attacked one of the paid muscle. You two will join her and protect her once we finish searching these cabins,” he said, his mouth pulled up into a snarl.
“Shouldn’t we go now?” Jaye growled.
“No. Your loyalties lie with this Pack, and we need to find our women,” Lawrence barked, glaring hard at Jaye in the rearview mirror.
My stomach knotted in worry for Tay, but I had to remind myself she had Scott with her, and Ray.
Ray. The one who’d done so much to help her.
The one Scott told us was her newest interest. Our trio would become four. I’d been unhappy about it at first, but to be honest, he’d saved her. He’d put his life on the line to keep her safe. Why would I keep someone like that from Tay? Right now, she needed someone who’d die for her.
Jaye was not as enthused by the idea. Not that we could really stop Tay. If we gave her an ultimatum, him or us, we’d hurt her. And I didn’t want that.
We’d learned to all love and share her, what was one more going to do?
And he seemed like a nice guy, caring and sweet. I couldn’t hate someone who’d helped Tay, even if I was annoyed I hadn’t been able to. At least she’d had help.
The Jag lurched forward, and I flared my nostrils as I looked out the window at the towering pines. The moon was tucked away tonight, the cloudy sky plunging us into more darkness than I would’ve liked.
We drove in silence as we headed to the next cabin, and I stuck my head out the window, testing the air for any fresh scents as we drove.
A distinct ‘wolf smell hit me and I barked at Lawrence to stop.
“I can smell ‘wolves here,” I growled, knowing my eyes were flickering yellow as I drew in the array of scents.
She-wolves too. I could barely make out their distinct scents, but the women had been here. And recently.
“We go the rest of the way on foot. We need to be careful. I’ll call the others, tell them to meet us here,” Lawrence instructed as he whipped out his phone.
I exited the car, testing the cool night air as it pricked my bare arms. I scolded myself for not putting on a long-sleeved shirt, instead opting for a black tee and jeans.
“How fresh do you think it is?” Jaye growled as he joined me on my side of the vehicle.
“Quite fresh. Last few hours,” I said as I peered through the pines. The dirt drive led up into the trees, weaving out of sight. Judging by the map in the car, it wasn’t a long walk to the cabin.
I eyed the surrounding area, searching for any peering eyes, but nothing made the back of my neck prickle. A werewolf trait, we could sense if we were being watched.
They didn’t know we were here. That was good.
“The others will be here shortly, we’ll wait for them. We don’t want to walk into a trap,” Lawrence said quietly as he walked around to us.
“Let’s hope the deserters are here too,” Jaye hissed as he crossed his arms, his brown hair falling into his frosty eyes.
I certainly hoped they were too. Then we could punish them for all the heartache they were causing.
And we’d
make it safe for Tay and her new Pack too then.
Her new Pack.
The reminder that Tay was no longer one of us truly was a punch to the gut once more. Even if we were to successfully join the Packs, she’d have to remain on their territory to lead. And as Lawrence’s betas, we were bound to remain at his side by duty and loyalty.
We’d just gotten our sweet Tay back, and now she was gone again, slipping through our fingers. And for good.
Unless another Alpha challenged her, which I prayed would never happen.
So maybe Ray was a good thing. Lawrence had permitted us to visit her, but we couldn’t stay with her permanently. With Ray by her side, at least I could feel slightly at ease knowing she had someone willing to fight for her and protect her.
Even if he was just a young man with no fighting experience.
I scowled as we waited patiently for the others to arrive.
Ray would need some combat training. I’d make sure that would be a priority.
Hell, I’d train him myself, make sure he was worthy of being one of her men, one of us.
I focused as Chris’s truck rolled up the drive to meet us. He shut off the lights and engine before climbing out with Jace and Neema. Carlos, Beth’s father and Mary’s mate, had demanded to come, but he was better off managing the affairs of the Pack. I hadn’t agreed with Lawrence on that call, but he believed Carlos would be too hot-headed and unpredictable to bring along, especially since it was his whole family. Jace, on the other hand, had been allowed to come and search for his mate. He was more laid back and quiet, and I doubted he’d do anything reckless that could risk Bianca’s safety.
Jace looked relieved but horrified as well when he caught Bianca’s scent, his whole body tensing as he drew in the air.
“Let’s go,” Lawrence ordered, and our small group began the careful walk to the cabin.
We fanned out, splitting into three pairs to scout the area, their scents growing stronger.
A faint flicker of light through the trees alerted me to the cabin, and I kept to the shadows with Chris by my side.
“Their scents are here, but they’re not current,” Chris murmured as we crouched down behind some bushes. The cabin was set in a small clearing before us, no vehicle in sight. Just a lone lantern, the flame flickering through the window.
I sighed in agreement, and I spied movement on the far side of the cabin. Lawrence was making the approach with Jaye.
We moved off, circling to the front of the cabin, and when we were satisfied the deserters weren’t here, Lawrence led the way to the front door.
He tested it, growling when it was obviously locked.
I glanced over at Jaye and Jace, at their stony, rigid expressions.
The she-wolves scents were strong here, along with the men.
“I sense one presence inside,” Lawrence hissed.
Right. Alpha senses were keener than ours.
Neema stepped forward, raising an eyebrow at her brother before he stepped aside with a huff.
Neema pulled out a small case, and I watched in surprise as she pulled out some lock-picking tools.
We could’ve just smashed a window or knocked the door down.
She was quick, her movements precise and skilled as she picked the lock in only a moment.
She moved aside as the door swung open, and I drew in Bianca’s fresh scent.
And blood.
“Bee!” Jace lurched forward, and Lawrence made no attempt to stop him. He must have been sure of his belief that there was only one person here, and judging by the scent, it was Bianca.
I waited until Lawrence and Neema had entered the cabin before following with Chris and Jaye.
What we found brought a small sense of relief to me.
Bianca was chained to the far wall, naked and bloody, but alive. Jace was murmuring assurances to her as she cried, and Neema got started on the locks on her chains.
“They were here recently,” Chris remarked as he eyed the abandoned coffee mugs on the wooden table.
I could smell the coffee too, not too old, but not hot anymore either. A few hours old.
“Bianca, you’re safe,” Lawrence murmured as he knelt down beside Jace as Neema got her locks undone.
Bianca threw herself in Jace’s arms, crying and clinging to him as he stroked her messy, dark hair.
“I know you’re upset, and things have been bad, but I need to know. Where’s Mary and Beth?” Lawrence asked, ignoring the dark look from Jace.
Bianca sobbed and sniffled as she tried to pull herself together, and Lawrence refrained from demanding answers. We were all worried, desperate to know where the other two were.
“They took them. They took both the trucks, they said they were going to kill the new Alpha. Said she ruined their way of life, took everything from them.They had guns too, hunting rifles,” Bianca sobbed, thanking Jaye as he handed her a blanket he’d pulled off one of the beds.
“Did they hurt the others?” Lawrence murmured as she wrapped the blanket around herself.
“They wanted to have Beth, so Mary and I agreed to… satisfy them, willingly, to keep them from hurting her. They still hit her though,” Bianca said through gritted teeth, shooting Jace a pained, apologetic look.
He growled but pulled her close, clutching her like he thought she’d vanish from his sight.
“Those bastards,” Jace snarled. “We’ll kill them for touching you.”
“I’ll call Tay, give her the heads up,” Lawrence said as he stood up.
“Jaye, Nathan, you guys take Chris’s truck and head over there. Neema, you go too,” Lawrence said as he raised his phone to his ear.
“What about me?” Chris asked, his lip pulling back in a displeased scowl.
“We need to take Bianca home, then I want you to bring men back to help out,” Lawrence stated.
Chris just nodded, but he did not look happy with the decision.
Lawrence waved us off as he started talking to Tay, and I shot Bianca a sad look before Chris passed me his keys.
Jace helped Bianca to the bed, holding her all wrapped in her blanket, stroking her face.
All I could think about was young Beth, and what they might do to her.
And Taylor.
She needed us right now. They intended to kill her.
The thought made me growl as I stormed out to Chris’s truck, Jaye fuming beside me as he climbed into the passenger seat.
They were going to die tonight. All of them. There was no question about it.
Neema climbed into the backseat and we took off, the truck sliding out on the dirt as I spun it around.
I reminded myself that Tay had Scott and the Pryce Pack with her, that she was well guarded now.
And yet I couldn’t shake the unease in my gut.
I needed to get there, and fast.
Taylor was in real danger now.
6
Ray.
I was glad I’d parked my truck just a few yards from the lodge as Scott and two Pryce Pack members hurried after me. Uncertainty washed through me as I worried about the couple up near Firestone Ridge. Fiona and David were a sweet couple who I’d known since the day I was born, and their two sons, Quinn and John, had been good friends of mine growing up.
I just hoped they were fast asleep, unaware that we were trying to contact them. I was eternally grateful that Taylor had made sure to hand out all the satellite phones to the families until a cell tower was put in.
My old truck sputtered to life as the Pryce boys climbed into the tray, and then I took off, the old truck bouncing along the track that led into the mountains.
I glanced over at Scott, who sat stiffly as he stared hard out the windscreen.
“Taylor will be okay. She’s got a fair few of the Pack coming soon, and the remaining members of the Pryce Pack are just outside,” I murmured, trying to reassure myself as well.
The men who’d deserted our Pack were those that ran with Richard. Cruel, nasty men whom I
’d had the displeasure of knowing. They’d goaded me into coming on a hunting trip with them all a few times, and I hated every foul minute of it. They were despicable men who thought women were nothing but things to be used. Not to be treasured and respected like I’d been raised to believe.
And I certainly didn’t doubt their ability to kill Tay, especially if they had guns.
I just hoped that she had enough protection right now.
I was torn as to whether I wanted to be by her side or checking on the couple I’d known my entire life. They’d been wonderful to Tay when she met them, giving her iced tea and relishing Richard’s end. They were pleased with the change, and wanted to support Taylor in her new role as Alpha.
Something niggled inside me, a feeling of despair and unease. Something was wrong, even if I tried to tell myself it was nothing.
Everyone knew to keep their satellite phones handy due to the deserters, and yet Fiona and David weren’t answering.
I pushed harder on the accelerator as we moved into the slopes up the mountain, my old truck struggling and groaning at the climb.
“Something’s wrong about this,” Scott mumbled as he glared forward.
The headlights were lighting up the old worn track, but with the moon clouded over, it was the only source of light tonight for us.
“I know,” I agreed. But hearing Scott feeling my same concerns only worsened the fear inside me for Fiona and David.
“When we get close, we should continue on foot,” Scott stated.
I just nodded, focused on the steep roads as we chugged up into the mountains.
We drove in silence for a while, the only sound was the groaning of my old truck, a hand-me-down from my father. He’d had this truck since I was a boy, and when I’d turned eighteen, he’d given it to me. Not that I actually had a license to drive. Very few members of the Pack had licenses as Richard didn’t allow us off the ranch. Only a select few, so there was no way for us to get our licenses.
I pulled up at the end of the dirt drive leading to Fiona and David’s old cabin, shutting the engine off as I flicked my headlights off.
The pines towered around us ominously, and when I climbed out, the utter silence that surrounded us made the hair on my neck stand up.
