by L. P. Dover
Knox nods, and my stomach falls. The only wolf in my pack who’s lived that long is Zayne. Judging by the animosity pouring off of Zayne, I have the sinking suspicion that whatever happened with Knox has to do with him as well. If Zayne thought a threat was coming to our pack, why wouldn’t he tell me? It’s obvious the rest of the pack knew.
I look right into Knox’s eyes. “What did you do?”
He sighs. “My family tried to take over the Royal Pack. After they were killed, my sister and I were banished. We’ve been on the run ever since.”
The breath hitches in my lungs, and I gasp. “This isn’t good.”
So many emotions run through me, but the one that wins out is fear. Knox doesn’t stand a chance against the men in my pack, even if he is a royal. Colin, Ryker, and Sebastian are mated royals which makes them almost invincible. What makes me nervous is all of their emotions hitting me like a ton of bricks. They’re worried, and it grows stronger the closer Knox gets to me.
Slowly, I turn my head, and my eyes lock on Zayne. Knox stands next to me almost protectively. “It’s good to see you again, Lyall.”
Zayne’s eyes flash to his wolf’s, his voice dark and rough. “Can’t say the same.” If Zayne was in the woods when Knox arrived, I’m sure he heard our conversation. And with that, he undoubtedly knows Knox and I have a past together. The problem is that Knox is a good man and would never hurt me. I can’t turn my back on him.
Knox clears his throat, and I watch him look at all the guys. “My name is Knox Channon,” he calls out to them. “By now, I’m sure you know everything about me.”
Ryker steps forward. “Where’s your sister?”
Knox stares straight at him. “On her way here. She’ll be in Wyoming in two days.” All the guys look at each other except for Zayne. His murderous glare stays transfixed on Knox. Holding up his hands, Knox steps forward. “I’m not here to cause any trouble. I’m here to see Amelie. I found her former alpha in North Carolina.”
Sebastian’s eyes widen. “Finn?”
Finn had helped Tyla and Sebastian rescue me when I was with the Sierra Pack.
Knox nods. “He told me she was here. I thought maybe with her help, I could get a second chance. You are the new Royal Pack. Having two more join you would only make you stronger.”
Zayne’s anger blasts through the air, and I stumble back. Knox grabs my arm to steady me, which only infuriates Zayne more. “Fuck that. You don’t belong here.”
Knox lets me go and holds his hands up again. “The last thing I want to do is start a war I can’t win. I’m not stupid enough to go against mated royals. And from the looks of it, your pack has a ton.”
Colin growls and focuses on me. “How do you know him, Amelie?”
It takes all I have not to look at Zayne, so I keep my focus on Colin. Zayne’s going to be furious when he hears what I have to say. “Knox and I met over two decades ago. He wasn’t part of the Redwood Pack, but my alpha trusted him. I trust him. He made a mistake, but that was two centuries ago. People do change.”
Ryker walks up to us and stares Knox down. “You’re on our land, Channon. This is our territory. You won’t be able to go anywhere without one of my men knowing. Either you play by the rules, or you die. It’s as simple as that. We don’t tolerate betrayal here, and we sure as hell don’t trust easily.”
Knox nods once. “Understood.”
Ryker’s fiery gaze turns to me. “You’re free to make your own choices, Amelie. But, if things go sideways, I’ll do what I have to do.”
“Knox isn’t going to do anything to hurt the pack. You all are my family, and I’m on your side. If he hurts anyone, he hurts me.”
I look over at Knox, and he reaches for my hand. “You can trust me.”
The tension in the air skyrockets, and I slowly slide my hand away from him. Zayne’s anger is so palpable I can feel it smothering me. Seeing me so close to Knox isn’t helping matters any. Ryker turns on his heel and disappears through the forest with Cedric. Sebastian goes over to Zayne and whispers something in his ear before leaving.
I thought Zayne would try to talk to me for sure, but he stands back while Colin is the one who approaches us. First, he glares at Knox, but then his concerned gaze lands on me.
“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” he asks.
It takes all I have not to look over at Zayne. “I’ll be fine. Knox would never hurt me.”
Colin’s jaw clenches as he cuts his eyes over at Knox. “Are you sure about that? I know you have a history together, but sometimes that doesn’t mean shit. People will still fuck you over.” Knox scoffs but keeps his mouth shut.
Colin glares at him one more time and backs away. “We’re watching you, Channon. Don’t forget that.”
Colin moves back to Zayne, and the way Zayne and Knox glare at each other makes me tremble. There’s a dark history between them, and it’s volatile. I feel as if it’s going to explode any minute. Luckily, Colin whispers something to Zayne, and he turns his back on us before taking off into the woods. Confusion sweeps over me, and I don’t know what to do. After last night, I felt connected to Zayne in more ways than one. But today, I couldn’t feel further apart.
Once Colin and Zayne are gone, Knox turns to me and smiles. “This wasn’t exactly the Christmas I imagined when I decided to come here. At least I found you though. I can’t think of a better way of spending the holidays than with you.”
He reaches for me, and I hold up a hand. “That Channon charm you used to use on me doesn’t work anymore. You have a lot of explaining to do.”
With a heavy sigh, he nods. “I do.” Then he looks over at my cabin. “Can I come in and tell you all about it?”
I’m curious to hear what he has to say. The others looked at him as if he was a dangerous beast. Never once have I gotten that feeling from Knox. But then again, I’ve been wrong before, and it almost killed me.
I flourish a hand toward the porch. “Let’s go. I need to know what I’m getting myself into.”
Knox strolls up to the porch, but I stop and peer over my shoulder toward the woods. I can’t feel Zayne’s presence, but I know he’s there. It’s times like now I wish we had the blood connection. That way, I could hear his thoughts. Right now, I have no clue what’s going on.
Am I inviting the big bad wolf into my home, and I don’t know it?
One way or another, I’ll find out.
21
Zayne
The anger became too intense to the point I had no choice but to shift. I could feel the rage just underneath the surface, taunting me to lash out, to take what’s mine. Seeing Knox touch Amelie was more than I could bear. All I could think of was ripping him apart.
Running as my wolf always used to clear my head, but it didn’t help this time. The second I get back to my house and shift, the rage is still there. Kami walks out onto the porch with a set of clothes in her arms. She hands them to me and backs away, clearly sensing I’m on the verge of losing control.
Once I’m dressed, Colin comes up behind me and sighs. “When were you going to tell me you’ve been feeling the rage?”
Kami’s head jerks my way, and I look away. “Not long,” I hiss through clenched teeth. I can still see how Knox stared at Amelie and the way he touched her in my mind. “Seeing Knox with Amelie didn’t help. I can’t leave her with him. She has no idea what he’s capable of.”
“It’s her choice, Z. It’s obvious they have a past. I saw the way he looked at her.”
“Which is?” I snap, feeling the anger well up in my chest even more. Turning around to face him, I can’t stop my hands from shaking. I won’t be able to rest until I know Amelie’s safe.
Colin glances over at Kami, and his expression saddens when he focuses back on me. “He cares for her, Z. I know you don’t want to hear that, but they have history.” He holds up his hands. “Now, don’t get me wrong, I know he’s a dangerous wolf. I’ll kill him in a heartbeat if I have to.”
“No,” I growl. “Knox is mine.”
Colin blows out a sigh. “And I understand that. I could sense some darkness in him. That’s why I know not to trust him, and neither should the others. We’re not going to let our guard down.” He steps toward me. “The question is … what are you going to do?”
The full moon is tonight, and my mate is with another man. That thought alone makes me want to kill someone. “I need to call Laila.”
Colin reaches into his pocket and pulls out my phone. “Then you might need this.”
When I shifted, it had flown out of my pocket when my pants ripped. I take my phone and press Laila’s number.
“Hey,” she answers. “Cedric just got back. I heard what happened.”
“Which is why I need your help.”
She sighs. “Anything. What do you need?”
“I need to get Amelie away from Knox tonight; it’s the full moon.” If he were to force himself on her, they’d be mated even though she’s mine. I can’t take any chances.
“Done,” she says. “Come over to my house, and we’ll plan our attack.”
“I’m on my way.”
22
Amelie
After Knox explains what happened between his family and the Royal Pack, it doesn’t seem real. I’ve never known Knox to be power-hungry.
“So, let me get this straight,” I say, pacing the living room floor. Knox sighs and sits on the couch, his expression guarded. I stop walking and stare at him. “Your grandfather was the one who tried to take over the Royal Pack, and when he was defeated, the rest of your family attacked?”
Knox looks away and nods. “Pretty much.”
“And you joined in as well. So I can see why the people in my pack don’t like you right now.”
His dark gaze jerks back to mine. “I just watched my grandfather die, Amelie. The same goes for my parents. My mother tried to protect my father and failed. I lost it after that.”
My heart breaks for him even though their deaths were justified. His family betrayed their pack, and they paid the price for it. Still, I can’t imagine losing my entire family like that. With the hostility between Knox and Zayne, I have a feeling Zayne played a part in their destruction.
Clearing my throat, I walk over to the couch and sit down. Knox’s eyes lighten, and his anger slowly dissipates. “I don’t want to burden you with all of this on Christmas day. If I remember correctly, it’s your favorite day of the year.”
“It is,” I say with a smile. “But this is important. Tell me the rest.”
Knox leans his head against the couch, and I can see the sorrow in his eyes. “When I tried to save my parents, Lyall stepped in the way. I would’ve fought him, but my sister and I were surrounded.”
Swallowing hard, I try to keep my emotions to myself. I’m afraid to find out the answer to my next question. “Did Zayne kill any of your family?” I ask.
Knox growls. “No, but his parents did. Zayne was my best friend.”
My mouth gapes, and no words come out. Out of all the wolves in the world, I never thought a past lover from twenty-five years ago would be the former best friend of my future mate. Yet, the world connects in mysterious ways.
“It’s because of Zayne,” Knox continues, “that my sister and I are alive today. The pack knew we were friends, and that Kara and Zayne were lovers, so instead of killing us, they banished us.”
The word lovers made my stomach clench. “Did you say Zayne and your sister were lovers?” I can feel the jealousy stir within me, but I hold it back as best I can.
Knox snorts. “They couldn’t stay away from each other. I think that’s what broke her heart even more when the attack happened. He turned his back on her.”
Clenching my teeth, I try to relax my jaw before speaking. “Any loyal wolf to the pack would’ve done the same.”
Knox chuckles, but there’s no humor to it. “And that’s what Lyall is. He chose his family over love and friendship.” He looks past me, his gaze full of concentration. “What worries me is that I don’t think she’s over him. She orchestrated a meeting to see him in Chicago a couple of weeks ago. I don’t know what happened between them.” His eyes focus back on me. “Kara has it in her head that royals belong with royals.”
I have a feeling I’m not going to like her very much when she gets into town. Knox moves closer and places a hand on my leg. It doesn’t feel right to be touched by another man like that. “Don’t worry, she’ll like you. She knows everything about you.” Not everything. If she plans to get Zayne back, she’s in for a rude awakening when she finds out he’s my mate. That is if the Great Luna ever bestows her magic on me. I still don’t understand why he can feel it, and I can’t. Is it punishment for taking the wrong mate and killing him?
Knox stands and walks over to my Christmas tree, keeping his back to me. “What all do you know about Zayne Lyall?”
I don’t know how to answer that question, but my intuition screams at me to play it aloof. “Not much,” I say. “Zayne prefers his solitude, so he doesn’t spend much time around the pack. Although, he has here recently. I think he’s trying to fit in.”
Knox glances at me over his shoulder. “He’s changed then. The Zayne I knew used to be adventurous and wild. We used to get in all kinds of trouble.”
He’s had a lot of heartache, but it’s not my place to tell Knox any of that. “People change,” I say. “I’m not the same girl you knew twenty-five years ago.”
His eyes darken. “I know. When Finn told me what happened, I’d have given anything to keep you from the Sierras.”
I shrug. “It made me stronger. Nothing like that will ever happen to me again.”
He turns around to face me. “You’re right; it won’t. I’m here, and I don’t plan on leaving.” He walks over and sits beside me, taking my hands in his. “I’ve been on my own for way too long. It’d be nice to belong to a pack again.” His gaze falls to our hands, and he blows out a sigh. “Do you think it’d be okay if I stayed here for a few days until I find my own place?”
Knox staying with me under the same roof has a few pros and a ton of cons. I’ll be able to keep my eyes on him but being around an unmated male will only add problems to mine and Zayne’s strained relationship. Unfortunately, there are going to be issues either way.
“You can stay,” I tell him.
His smile brightens, and he squeezes my hands. “Thanks, Amelie. This means a lot to me.”
To get his attention, I squeeze his hands harder and let go. “But if you’re goal is to take over my pack, you can leave right now. We’ve been through so many wars with others trying to take control. The more royals we have, the harder it is. It draws a lot of attention.”
“I know,” he murmurs. “I heard about the Blue River Pack alpha abducting one of your royal females.”
Holding a hand over my heart, I can still feel the worry I felt that night she was taken. “Yeah, that was scary. It all worked out though.”
Knox’s expression turns serious. “That’s why I want Kara here. It’s not safe for a royal female to be on her own. I won’t be able to keep her safe if I’m up against an entire pack who wants her.”
“I understand. If you both truly want to live in peace here, then I don’t see why you can’t.” I may want to kill Kara if she comes into town in hopes of seducing Zayne, but she is a royal female. I agree she needs the protection of the Royal pack.
Knox’s lips slowly pull back into a smile. “Do you remember our first Christmas together?” The memories flood through my mind, and my eyes burn.
“I do,” I whisper. “You had dinner with my parents and me.” My mom and dad enjoyed his company and thought for sure he’d end up being my mate. They loved him, as did I.
He nods. “It was a good night. Do you remember what we did after that?”
I do, but I don’t want to say it. Those times in my life are over. Yes, I loved him once, but my heart isn’t his anymore. Before I can reply, his eyes slowly clo
se, and his head falls to the side.
“Knox?” Grabbing his shoulder, I shake him, but he doesn’t respond. A familiar essence of magic swirls around me, and I stand, knowing very well who’s close by. Light footsteps sound on the front porch, and the door magically opens to reveal Laila on the other side. She smiles and walks in, glancing sheepishly over at Knox before turning to me.
“I’m sorry to barge in like this, my dear friend, but there’s someone outside waiting for you.” The second she says it, I can feel Zayne’s presence. Taking a deep breath, I let it out slow and head for the door, but Laila grabs my arm first. “Please don’t be angry with him, Amelie. He’s been worried about you all day.”
I don’t know what to say, so I just nod. Laila lets me go, and I slowly walk out the door. Leaning against a tree is Zayne with his arms crossed over his chest. I can feel his concern, but I can also feel his anger and jealousy. He walks toward me, and I to him, and I have no clue what’s going to happen between us.
“What’s going on with you and Knox?” he asks.
Keeping some distance between us, I stop and stare at him. “We were lovers just like you and Kara. She’s coming back for you.”
Zayne closes his eyes and sighs. “I don’t want her, Amelie. You should know that.” Then, he opens his eyes and focuses on me.
I know he doesn’t want her. “That’s not what I’m mad about, Zayne. Instead, I’m upset you kept all of this from me. Why didn’t you tell me about Knox and Kara?”
He steps closer. “Did you not read my note?”
Brows furrowed, I shake my head. I have no clue what note he’s referring to. “I don’t understand. What note?”
Zayne hangs his head. “That’s why you’re so angry with me.” When he lifts his eyes to mine, it takes all I have not to close the distance between us. “Kami’s been tracking Knox and Kara for a while now. This morning, Colin called and said Knox was in Wyoming. That’s why I wrote you the message and left it on your dresser, telling you I’ll explain everything once it’s safe.”
