“I lost my gun.” She said it as if she was admitting some dark sin.
Her father gave her a comforting hug, pride etched on his face. “You did extremely well considering you didn’t know what to expect.” He ran his hands over her arms and back as if to reassure himself that she was okay. “The problem is that these were, for the most part, young men. Only two of them were seasoned warriors. The next time it won’t be so easy.”
“Easy.” Joshua could hear the growing horror in her tone. “That was easy?” Her eyes strayed to the large gray wolf lying dead on the floor and to the man with the broken neck. She swallowed hard, her hand going to her stomach.
He knew she was experiencing the aftermath of the fight. The adrenaline was still rushing through her system with no way to expend itself. He knew she must be feeling queasy. The fight was bad enough, but she’d had a huge shock on top of it. Still, she was steady on her feet. Once again, he found himself pleased with her inner strength.
James kissed her forehead before releasing her. “You must go with Striker.”
“No. I won’t leave you.” She glared at Joshua as if he’d suggested it and not her father.
Joshua held his hands out in front of him. “He’s right, Alex. They’ll be back or another group will come. Next time they may be larger and more organized.”
Her father gripped her shoulders, shaking her lightly. “Listen to me, Alex. I’ve given up everything to keep you safe and I don’t regret a single moment of it. I’ll be damned if I’ll let these rogues have you if I can prevent it. Do you understand me?”
Joshua watched, fascinated by the play of emotions that raced across Alex’s face. Anger followed by defiance and finally acceptance and sadness. She may be an alpha female but, in this small pack of two, her father was still top wolf.
She straightened her shoulders, shrugging out of her father’s grip. “What do you want me to do?”
Her father nodded and Joshua could tell he’d expected no other answer from her. “I want you to go with Joshua back to the Wolf Creek pack. He will protect you with his life. There you’ll have the time to get to know the rest of the single male wolves before you have to decide.” He paused and dragged his hand over his face, suddenly looking tired and older. He sighed deeply as he reached out and stroked his hand over Alex’s hair.
“I didn’t wish this life for you. I’d hoped it wouldn’t happen, that somehow there was more of your human mother in you. But the wolf is strong and won’t be denied. I know this isn’t what you wanted, but I have faith in you, Alexandra. I know you’re strong enough to, not just face this, but to thrive.”
She swallowed hard. Joshua watched the play of the muscles of her throat and had the urge to drag his tongue over that soft, sensitive skin. The adrenaline racing through his veins was searching for an outlet, and with the absence of violence, sex would suit him just as well. Maybe even better. He found it almost impossible to drag his gaze away from her, but he did, painfully aware of how tight his jeans were becoming.
“I’ll get rid of the bodies,” James motioned to both the wolf and the man. “Then I’ll follow you. I assume the Wolf Creek pack is still in the same general area.”
Joshua stepped forward, suddenly very eager to get Alex away from here. He felt twitchy, like an icy cold breeze had just skated down his spine. “It is,” he assured James. “We don’t have much time.” He glanced out the window. The rest of the world was just beginning to wake, but he knew there were wolves prowling close. The wolf in him could sense them and they weren’t friendly. “I have to get Alex back to the protection of the pack.”
James stepped over the body of the wolf and opened the bookcase again. Sliding back another false panel, he exposed the front of a small safe. Quickly spinning the dial, he yanked it open and drew out a large roll of bills, handing it to Alex. He fished out another large wad of cash, stuffing it in his own pocket before closing the safe.
“If you need to stop in a motel or lay low for a few days, pay for everything with cash. Don’t leave them a trail they can follow. The wolves may not live in the cities, but they’re smart and resourceful. Don’t ever think for a moment that they don’t use whatever human technology is at their disposal.” He closed Alex’s limp fingers over the wad of cash. “We’re just like humans really, only with a little something extra.”
Alex launched herself against her father, hugging him tightly. “I don’t want to leave you.” Her voice was muffled against her father’s shirt, but Joshua heard it all the same. He felt her pain as if it was his own. Uncomfortable with the softer emotion, he turned away to give father and daughter a moment of privacy.
“I know you don’t, Alex. I don’t want to let you out of my sight either, but we don’t have a choice. If we split up, I can draw them away and we’ll both have a better chance of survival.”
She sniffed and Joshua couldn’t resist peeking back at her. Alex swiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. Her father teased a laugh out of her when he lifted the tail of his shirt and used it to wipe away the telltale sign of her tears.
James took his cell phone out of his pocket, dropped it on the floor and crushed it beneath the heel of his boot. “Don’t use your cell phone. We don’t know if they’ve been compromised.”
Alex nodded as she took the money her father had given her and divided it into four separate piles before placing one in each pocket of her jeans. Joshua raised his eyebrow as he stared at her. She was smart. It wouldn’t do to have to haul out a huge wad of cash in front of anyone. That was something that a motel clerk or store clerk might remember.
She bent over, grabbed the handgun off the floor and jammed it into her holster. She checked her knives as well and, when she was satisfied, she turned back to her father. “Do you have any more ammunition?”
He reached into the hidden area behind the bookshelf and drew out another Glock, tucking it at the small of his back. “No. The clip was full. You fired three shots, so you have fourteen left. Make them count. Silver bullets are not easy to obtain without a lot of unwanted questions. I’d planned on acquiring more, but it’s too late now.”
“Will anyone call the cops?” Joshua asked.
James shook his head. “Probably not. The building behind us is vacant. And most folks mind their own business around here.”
A scraping noise just outside the window alerted them all. Time had run out. James pointed to the door. Joshua retrieved his knife and whipped open the door, ready to face any threat. When he determined the coast was clear, he led the way down the stairs to the garage. The large room appeared empty, but they could all hear the loud bang from upstairs. James closed the door and bolted it shut. Joshua knew that wouldn’t hold them for long.
Striding down the length of the room, James hurried into the office, returning a moment later with a heavy leather jacket and some keys. He tossed one set to Joshua as he continued on to Alex. “Put this on.” He handed her the jacket and waited while she pulled it on. Then he handed her a set of keys and motioned to the corner. “Take the Ducatis. One of them has a slow oil leak; the other one just needs a tune-up. They’ll get you away from here, but ditch them when you feel it’s safe. They’re too distinctive and easily remembered.” He looked at Joshua as he said the last.
Joshua nodded as he made his way to the motorcycles in the corner. They were first-class machines and he couldn’t help but admire them. “Can you ride?” he asked Alex as she came up beside him.
She snorted before turning her back on him. He’d take that as a yes.
James laughed, shaking his head. “I’m more worried about you than I am about Alex. She can handle any machine on the road.”
Alex was already mounted on her bike and had the key in the ignition. It roared to life as James hurried to the vintage Mustang and slid inside. He rolled down the window and shouted over the roar of the motors. “I’ll see you in two days. Don’t let anything happen to my little girl or you’ll answer to me.”
Before Joshua coul
d respond the garage door began to rise. Swearing under his breath, he pulled the motorcycle off the stand and straddled it. Tires squealed and his head jerked up just in time to see the Mustang surge from the garage, barely clearing the bottom of the garage door, which was still rising.
Something pounded on the door leading down from the apartment. The bolts loosened with the blow. Another two blows and the rogue wolves would break through and be upon them. Alex tugged at his arm, shouting to be heard over the din. “Follow me.” Not giving him a chance to respond, she revved the engine and shot out of the garage. He had no choice but to follow.
The Mustang roared out of the garage and down the street. The screech of tires behind James brought an immense sense of satisfaction. “That’s it you bastards. Follow me.”
Two nondescript vehicles sped down the street behind him in pursuit. James kept one eye on the rearview mirror and was pleased when the two motorcycles pulled out of the garage. Pushing the gas pedal to the floor, he made a hard turn to the right. He heard the unmistakable sound of gunfire and almost turned back.
It took every ounce of discipline he had to keep going forward to draw the men chasing him further away from Alex. He reminded himself that he’d taught his daughter well. She knew how to defend herself. Better still, she could drive like a demon. That’s why he’d insisted they take the Ducatis. With the smaller, faster motorcycles, they should be able to evade anyone pursuing them. It was James’ job to draw the bulk of the attackers after him.
He began a deadly game of cat and mouse that took them through every back street in the city. James knew them all. If he was lucky, his pursuers would know squat about the layout of the roads. His instincts proved correct and it didn’t take him long to lose them. But he knew they weren’t gone. They’d regroup, knowing that Alex would be heading toward Wolf Creek and the protection of the pack. James figured they’d give the city a final sweep and, if they turned up nothing, they’d head out to set up an ambush somewhere along the way. It’s what he’d do if he were in their situation.
Pulling slowly out from behind a building, he turned left and headed toward the downtown district. It was time to get down to business.
Alex’s heart was beating so hard she couldn’t hear anything else above the pounding rhythm. The motorcycle flew out of the garage just in time for her to see the tail end of the Mustang turn right at the end of the street. Her father was safe. She was safe. That was all that mattered.
The roar of a large caliber weapon being fired made her jump. Someone was shooting at her and Joshua. Well, what did she expect? These were obviously not the sort of people you reasoned with. A whiz off to her right startled her and she automatically jerked the bike in the other direction.
Swearing at herself, she struggled to regain control and keep from wiping out. She had to just ignore the shooting and drive. She didn’t even know if Joshua Striker was behind her and she didn’t dare look to find out. She had to trust he’d keep up. When she reached the end of the street she didn’t slow down as she turned left.
She felt something coming up on her right side and risked a quick glance. Sure enough, the other Ducati was hot on her heels. Leaning over the fast, aerodynamic vehicle, she led him through the streets of Chicago and finally into the heart of the city.
It hit her as she left the modest buildings of her neighborhood behind her that she might never be able to go back there again. The thought struck like a knife to her heart. It was the only home she’d ever known. She might never see Divine again. Mr. Bykowski at the bakery shop, where she picked up coffee and muffins every morning, would wonder what had happened to her. She didn’t have any really close friends, but she and her father were part of the very fabric of life of their little section of the city.
What would happen to her father’s garage? Unlocked as it was, it would probably be vandalized by the end of the day. What about her tiny apartment and all her things? She didn’t own a lot, but what she did own, she’d lovingly chosen. She’d spent years scrounging through thrift shops and consignment stores to find furniture and dishes that she loved.
Her vision blurred and she blinked hard to clear it. Now was not the time. Stuff could be replaced. After all, in the end it was just stuff. What mattered was that she and her father were safe. She didn’t dare think about the rest of it right now. She couldn’t afford to lose her focus.
She knew that putting it off wouldn’t change anything, but it would have to wait until she was safe. Then she knew she’d have to come to grips with the nightmare her life had suddenly become.
The bike jerked and the engine began to sputter. She was driving the motorcycle with the oil leak. When she glanced down, she saw flecks of dark liquid staining her jeans. Yup, there was no doubt about it. She’d just about reached the end of the line. Motioning Joshua up beside her, she pointed to the engine. He nodded and smoothly moved in front of her. She guessed that meant he wanted her to follow him.
She pushed the motorcycle as hard as she dared, knowing any moment could be its last. Finally, she had to pull over, reaching the curb just as the engine died. Joshua turned a corner, obviously not yet realizing she wasn’t following.
For a brief moment, fear filled her. She was truly alone. Her home and her life had been summarily ripped from her.
Taking a deep breath, she put down the kickstand and dismounted from the bike. Opening the side compartment, she dropped the keys inside. Slamming it shut, she stepped up onto the sidewalk and walked away without a backward glance. The city would eventually tow the bike and impound it. This was a good part of town so she wasn’t concerned about leaving it here, and it wasn’t as if anyone could drive off with it. It should be safe until her father hopefully got the chance to reclaim it.
She strode down the long strip of concrete, no particular destination in mind. It was a fine time to realize that she was the only one who didn’t know exactly where they were going. Where was Wolf Creek anyway? Not that it mattered. Joshua would probably turn back to look for her as soon as he noticed her missing. That is, unless one or more of those nasty men chasing them caught him. She shivered at the thought. In case something happened and he wasn’t able to come back for her, she needed to make a plan. She’d go to the library and look it up.
If she had to she would go into hiding on her own. She could get word to Divine, letting the other woman know where she was. Her father would look for her if she didn’t show up at Wolf Creek. He would check with everyone in the old neighborhood and Divine would be able to give him her location.
Now that she had a plan, she felt better. Her stomach growled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten her muffin this morning. She was hungry and she needed coffee. With everything that had happened, she still hadn’t had hers yet. Maybe it was stupid to be focused on such a mundane thing, but it was the best she could do right now. Looking around, she spotted a likely establishment. She’d get her order to go and keep moving in the same direction Joshua was headed. Hopefully, she’d be able to find him.
She glanced inside to check out the interior before pulling open the steel and glass door and stepping inside. The heat from the kitchen hit her, reminding her that she was still wearing the leather jacket. It was already heating up outside as the sun rose higher in the sky. She started to unzip the jacket only to remember she was wearing a gun strapped to her hip. She casually pulled the zipper up again, hoping no one had caught a glimpse of it. She’d definitely take her order to go. The quicker the better.
Thankfully, the service was quick. Alex paid for her order and was heading back out the door within five minutes of entering. Raising the cup to her mouth, she took a sip, sighing in pleasure as the dark, rich brew slid down her throat. It was heaven. It was normal and everyday, which was exactly what she needed.
A heavy hand descended on her shoulder. She didn’t stop to think. She dropped the brown paper bag she was holding. Pivoting on one heel, she tossed her paper cup at her attacker, letting the hot liquid fly over
him.
“Fuck!”
Too late she realized it was Joshua and right now he looked none too happy. Coffee stained his shirt and dripped down his jaw. Well, too bad for him. She wasn’t happy either. Her fresh cup of coffee was all over the sidewalk. Thankfully, his fast reflexes had kept him from being hit too badly by the hot spray. Unfortunately, his foot had landed on her breakfast.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Wrapping his hands over her shoulders, he tugged her to him. She thought he might shake her, but his fingers dug into the heavy leather jacket as he stared down at her, dark eyes snapping with anger. “You were supposed to stay right behind me, not stop for coffee. Of all the asinine things to do. This isn’t a game you know.” The last was said with a mixture of anger and exasperation, but beneath it she could hear the tinge of fear. For that reason alone, she held onto her own temper, which was hanging by a very thin thread.
She shrugged away from him and propped her hands on her hips. “First of all, the bike died. It was in the shop because it had an oil leak. I was supposed to fix it this morning. I didn’t have any other choice but to stop, and you were too far ahead for me to signal you. I dumped the bike and started walking. Second, it’s your fault I never got my coffee this morning. I didn’t think it would hurt if I ducked into a shop long enough to get one. How the hell can I fight the bad guys if I don’t have my coffee?”
“I’m beginning to think you can fight them better if you don’t have coffee,” he muttered.
She took immediate offense at the insinuation that she was being bitchy. He probably hadn’t had to do without his morning coffee. She opened her mouth to blast him, but stopped. Joshua was glancing around and Alex realized they were starting to attract a crowd.
“Come on.” He slung his arm over her shoulders and all but forced her to walk down the street. She stopped long enough to scoop up the now flattened paper bag. As they passed a garbage can she dropped her smashed breakfast into it.
“What was that?”
Alexandra's Legacy l(-1 Page 4
