by Caris Roane
Her gaze shot to his and her cheeks colored up. She smiled, shook her head then lifted her mug to her lips once more. Her voice hit his mind. You shouldn’t be so built. It would help a lot.
The compliment, especially coming from her, brought a smile to his own lips.
Of course, a dragging sensation on his heart quickly followed. He realized how much she pleased him. The fact she’d offered him a compliment when she’d been embarrassed, was the part of her personality his wolf really loved. She didn’t hold back.
He heard his cell-phone through the muffled clothes now folded up on the bench at the foot of the bed. She was on her feet instantly and said, “Don’t get up.”
He glanced at the sheet covering his lower body and he smiled again. He understood. If she saw more, she’d be tempted. She headed to the bench, fished out his cell then tossed it to him.
He caught it easily in his hand, checked the face then frowned. “It’s Ralph. Of all the people I expected to hear from this evening, Ralph wasn’t one of them.”
Warren liked Ralph because he treated his female sex workers, all wolves, with kindness. Though he was a warlock, he protected them, never allowed rough treatment and had set up several of them with human protectors who pretty much kept them as mistresses and therefore out of harm’s way. It wasn’t ideal, but the women were safe.
Ralph kept a wolf mistress as well, a woman named Susie who had been his partner for the past three years. She was one of the females he’d rescued from another club where the owner was known to hurt his workers. When she’d come to Ralph, love had struck hard. Of course, it helped that the warlock had a fetish for wolves. Warren’s own attraction to a witch had given him a new understanding of the need to engage with another species.
Beyond that, Ralph was an excellent businessman. He paid his workers well and kept violence out of his club by employing some of the most physically powerful bouncers on the Savage Strip. No one touched Ralph.
By the time he swiped the front of the phone to answer, however, the call had already gone to voicemail. As he waited to hear the message, he watched Kiara return to her chair, sit down then pick up her mug once more. She kicked off her flats then lifted a heel. She bent her leg to plant her foot on the edge of the seat. Another thing he liked about her. The witch was limber.
He listened to the voice message. When he had a minute, Ralph wanted him to call. He was concerned about rumors that Julio was planning a takeover of several of the clubs in the near future. He’d also heard he’d been targeted.
When the message ended, Warren chose not to call him back right away. He’d heard the rumors as well. After events of last night, he suspected Julio had launched a major campaign against Savage that would probably include dominating the Strip.
But he wanted to talk to Fergus first. They needed to put a plan together to go on the offensive starting tonight.
He told Kiara the gist of Ralph’s call.
“How about a meal before you get going?” she offered. “The staff is ready when we are. Also, Fergus contacted me about a half hour ago. Roberts let him know what happened last night and where you were. He wanted to make sure you had what you needed.” She gestured toward the bathroom. “He sent some clothes over and I had one of my wolves intercept outside the spelled perimeter. Your gear is in the dressing room.” He’d noticed the door earlier inside the bathroom, but off to the left.
“Fergus sent it over, huh?” Warren chuckled then sipped his coffee.
“Why are you smiling?”
“Fergus would never have thought of sending my clothes over on his own.”
“Mary?” she asked.
“Yup. This has her considerate nature written all over it. And yes, a meal would be best. I also want to get some things lined up with Fergus first before I contact Ralph. I’m going to ask him to come over in a few.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Once he’d put on fresh leathers and the black, green-trimmed tank of his pack, he joined Kiara in the dining room. Other wolves were there as well, and each offered him a respectful nod. More than one, however, lifted a surprised brow presumably because his left eye was now open. He was used to the stares, but the current reason made him smile. Dammit, he could see with both eyes.
He returned each deferential dip of the chin. He was more formal than most alphas. It was just his way. Maybe if his alter life had been less complex or if he hadn’t felt so powerful a burden to see to the safety of the entire territory, he might have relaxed his somber demeanor.
As he ate the Spanish omelet chef had prepared for the refuge’s first meal, he half expected Kiara to tease him. Instead, she seemed equally as somber, though it wasn’t her go-to attitude. She was generally more light-hearted.
What gives? There were enough people around that he didn’t want the personal question out there for anyone to hear.
She spread boysenberry jam on a slice of toast and offered a slight shrug of her shoulders. Ralph’s call, I guess.
You think it’s unusual?
She took a bite as she met his gaze. Actually, I do. It’s possible he’s sensing something in the air and reacting to it. He knows what’s going on up and down the Strip better than any other club owner.
Warren nodded several times. I’ll make it a priority right after I talk to Fergus.
Good. That eases my mind a little.
Because it seemed important, he added, I want you to know how grateful I am for your refuge and for putting me up during the day.
She tilted her head. You’re welcome.
He offered a smile, but continued with telepathy. I wasn’t sure if I said as much last night. I meant to. I appreciate what you’ve done, your role at the station. Everything. Once at your room, well, we got going pretty fast.
We did, didn’t we? She even chuckled. And you’re welcome. It’s the least I could do. And, you did thank me.
I did? Right, I guess I did. You saved so many lives last night. You were incredible.
Least I could do for you and for the men who serve on the Border Patrol.
Her generous attitude never ceased to amaze him. He liked this woman and what she stood for. He also knew she was holding back as much as he was. He had a powerful sense that if he walked away right now, she wouldn’t offer a single protest. She knew the score.
He recalled his own determination to separate from her as soon as possible. For a moment, however, he didn’t know if this was a good thing or a bad thing. He’d savored his time with her in bed. Whatever this was between them, it was beyond exceptional. Did he really want it to end?
The bigger question, however, hit him hard. Did it really matter what he wanted when so much was at stake?
He knew the score as well and the answer was ‘no’.
Later, when he called Fergus, he asked him to come to the refuge but to continue keeping its existence a secret. He’d set a strategy with his fellow alpha to start a counter-offensive against Julio and whatever force backed him in his attempt to take over Savage. Fergus also let him know that Mary wanted to help with her dreamglide anytime she was needed.
“Can’t think of a better form of surveillance. Tell Mary, thank you.”
“You bet.”
Mary was able to form a powerful fae conveyance called a dreamglide. It was created when she was in a deeply meditative state and she could pilot it anywhere she wanted without usually being detected. Though a powerful witch or wizard could sometimes hone in on a dreamglide, for the most part it was a hidden phenomenon. From that vantage, she could see everything.
When the time was set, Warren would have ended the call, but Fergus stopped him. “Gotta know, bro. Did you do the deed? What was Kiara like?”
Warren felt his wolf bristle and a sudden line of fur erupted down the length of his back. He stood in the foyer where several of the rescue wolves clustered in small groups chatting quietly.
He hadn’t yet responded to Fergus’s question, but his swift change in demeanor h
ad telegraphed through the room and brought every voice silent.
He mentally cursed. He needed to get somewhere private to set Fergus straight. He headed back toward Kiara’s apartment. Once in the hallway, however, he cursed again. Her protection spell was in place and he couldn’t see the damn door.
“You still there?” Fergus asked. “What the hell, Warren. I can feel your rage through the phone. Why are you mad, no enraged? Wait. Oh, shit. She’s the one, isn’t she? Dammit, Mary was right. Again.”
Warren stood staring at a stone wall that suddenly disappeared and became an open doorway. Kiara was there, smiling at him, a goddess, her brown eyes large and beckoning.
“I have to go.” He’d moved from sudden inexplicable rage that Fergus had asked about sex with Kiara to an overwhelming need to be with her again.
“See you in ten,” Fergus said.
“In ten.” He slipped his phone into his leathers.
“What’s going on?” Kiara asked. “And what’s with the wolf? Not that I’m complaining. I find it ridiculously sexy and you smell fantastic: Wolf and storm.” She made a soft, cooing sound.
His wolf was at the fore so there wasn’t anything he could do but cross the threshold and drag her into his arms. She gave a startled cry then slung her arms around his neck as he kissed her hard. He kept kissing her, too.
When he drew back, he caressed her face. She fingered the fur that had risen along the line of his cheeks.
Yeah, it would be so simple to walk away.
“This will pass.” His voice was hoarse. Was he trying to reassure himself or her? Before she could say anything else, he kissed her again.
What went through his mind was very male. If he got her clothes off lightning quick, he could take her before Fergus showed up. When her legs tightened around his hips, he was about ready to suggest a hot-and-heavy quickie, when his phone chimed.
Damn phone.
With the way things were heating up in Savage, he couldn’t ignore it.
Kiara seemed to understand. She relaxed her legs and settled her feet back on the floor. He slowly unwound his arms from around her. He’d pinned her tight against him and reluctantly let her go. His pants were tight against his arousal.
With difficulty, he plucked his phone from his pocket.
Ralph.
He drew a deep breath as he brought the phone to his ear. “Ralph, Fergus will be here in—” He got no further.
Ralph broke in, his voice three tones higher than usual. “They’re here. Shit. Fuck. Warren. We need you. Shit. Don’t know what to do.”
Warren put the phone on speaker. “Kiara’s with me. Tell me what’s going on. What happened?”
“Julio showed up. I was in the office. Susie’s out there somewhere. She’s probably dead.”
Warren stared into Kiara’s horrified eyes as Ralph continued. “He put them in a partial shift. My wolves. My bouncers are dead. All of them. The customers. Blood bath. A warlock is working with Julio. Fuck. Susie. My Susie.” His voice broke.
Warren could hear some of Ralph’s female wolves in the background. They cried out in painful yelps and hoarse howls. For a moment, he got stuck in their pain until Kiara reached for his arm and held on. Soothing warmth flowed at the point of her touch and his mind sharpened once more.
She dipped her chin.
Kiara spoke into the phone. “Ralph, talk to us. Tell us exactly what happened.”
“My wolves are in a partial-shift and in more pain than I can bear. Can you hear that?” A partial-shift was different from the shifting signs Warren exhibited when he experienced a strong emotion. This kind of incomplete shift involved twisted bones and ligaments stretched to the breaking point.
Warren met Kiara’s gaze once more. She drew close to him and in a very warlock way he could feel her need for comfort, a sensation that matched his own. He moved the cell to his left hand and slid his arm around Kiara’s waist then pulled her tight against him.
She trembled, but it wasn’t from fear. Instead, also with warlock senses he shouldn’t possess, he knew she’d connected even at this distance, with what was happening in Ralph’s club. She was forcing herself to take even breaths.
He spoke into the phone. “Ralph. I want to help, but you need to pull it together and give me the details. Tell me what you saw. Start at the beginning.”
He heard Ralph take a ragged breath then the warlock told the story swiftly. Right after Ralph had left the message on Warren’s phone, Julio and his men had arrived with assault rifles. The bouncers had fought hard, but they’d died in the gun battle. Julio’s men had fired on all the customers in the place. Most were dead.
From early in the evening, Ralph had known something was off. When Julio had arrived, Ralph had sensed a dark warlock presence near him, a wizard in fact.
Ralph hadn’t been able to see him, but he was a man of tremendous power. A kind of wave had flowed through the room which had carried the partial-shifting spell. Muzzles had elongated, parts of arms and legs. Without the full shift when major bones were involved, crippling pain had ensued.
At the back of the club, where Ralph had his office, he’d gathered as many of his wolves as he could into his safe room. There’d been a lull in the shooting, but it picked back up.
Several of his wolves had been trapped in the dressing room area behind the stage, including Susie. The brutality of the hit had a clear purpose, to warn the rest of the club owners what they could expect if they resisted Julio.
Ralph continued, “Kiara knows where the safe room is. She’s been here many times.” Warren glanced at Kiara who nodded.
“You’ve got to help us, to get us out of here. If you can’t, Alpha Warren, no one can.”
“Do you know how many men Julio brought with him?”
“I don’t know. It was chaos and noise. I only had time to rush the women into the safe room.”
Kiara squeezed his arm, then said, “Ralph, I’ll bring a potion to reverse the spell.”
“Good. That’s good.”
Warren added. “Hang tight. I’ll get troops over there as fast as I can. Fergus will help as well. You’re not alone.”
“Thank you.”
Warren ended the call then immediately contacted Fergus and put him on speaker. He let Fergus know what was going on at the club.
“I’ve already got troops headed over there,” Fergus said. “I’ve had several of my wolves in the vicinity keeping tabs on the Strip. As soon as the first shots were fired, I had info.”
“Okay. Good. But Fergus, we’ve got a wizard backing Julio’s play.”
“Shit.”
“No kidding.” He needed to know something else to fully understand the scope of Julio’s attack. “What’s going on at my compound?”
“My spies tell me everything’s quiet. Julio’s men haven’t made a move, though there are at least thirty surrounding Caldion. We’re sure they’re waiting for you to show up. But you don’t need to worry. Alessandro has your compound on full lockdown. Everyone is safe. So, how do you want to run this at the Strip?”
He glanced at Kiara, meeting her gaze. He didn’t even need to pose the question. She simply dipped her chin, a resolute expression in her dark brown eyes. “Kiara and I will be over at Ralph’s in a matter of minutes. We’ll get the wolves out of the safe room using Kiara’s invisibility shield.”
Kiara touched his arm. “Hold on, Fergus. I need to tell Warren something.”
“Go ahead,” Fergus said.
“I’ve got to put a spell together to get the wolves out of the partial-shift. They won’t be able to move until I do. I’ve seen it happen before. It’s agony for the wolves.”
Fergus let loose a string of invective. Warren instinctively held the phone away from them both. He finished with, “Julio’s a bastard.”
Kiara added, “I second that.”
“Do we know which wizard?” Fergus asked.
Warren was aware of several powerful wizards in Elegance Territory.
But which one was dark enough to want to align with a powerful drug dealer?
Kiara shook her head. “I have no idea.”
“We don’t know,” Warren said. “But I hope it isn’t Glissane. We’ll be up shit-creek if it is.”
Rumors about Glissane had abounded over the past several months. He’d entered some kind of super-charged spell-making capability. Warren didn’t always put stock in rumors, but given Julio’s blatant actions, and that a wizard was behind the attack on Ralph’s club, Glissane’s involvement was a real possibility.
“My men and I are in the air now, Warren. See you at the Strip. We’ll head to the alley entrance first and see if we can gain access.”
“Good deal.” He ended the call and put his phone in the pocket of his leathers.
Kiara pulled away from him. “I’ll be in my spellroom.”
Warren watched her head toward the hall on the other side of the living area. He felt the need to get into the air, but he couldn’t do anything until Kiara had her spell configured.
He thanked God for her in this moment, that she had enough power and skill to formulate a counter-spell to help Ralph’s wolves. Because of her ability to reverse the wizard’s spell, she would be at the center of what would happen at Ralph’s club. He couldn’t do this without her.
The trouble was, given his attraction to her, he knew the more they engaged in sharing of abilities and the more they worked in tandem, the more complicated their relationship would become.
He understood what was happening, the powerful pull of his alpha wolf to her alpha-mate capacity. Forces even seemed at work to push them together in increasingly intimate ways.
He grew very still. Every once in a while, he experienced moments of acute awareness and understanding. This was one of those times.
He felt the entire breadth of his life as he considered Kiara. He wasn’t sure of all the circumstances that had led him to her, or why she’d been so committed to her path that she’d built a secret hidden refuge burrow in Savage, but she was here.
He also needed this time with her, even if it was short-lived, or complicated, or forced them together in ways that threatened his peace of mind. He could never take a witch as his pack’s alpha female. Yet he knew something else as well. He couldn’t continue as he’d been before.
