“Hm?” Zoe asked, taking a sip of her soda.
“Murphy’s Tavern.”
“What about it?”
“Well, since Mitch is effectively out of the game, I’m technically the owner now. Problem is, between Council duties, Neighborhood Watch, and being a deputy at the PD, I just don’t think I have the time to reopen.” Zoe only stared as Amara as she explained, mild shock on her face. “And I mean, we can’t leave the doors closed forever. Our regs wouldn’t stand for it. So I guess what I’m saying is… how do you feel about owning a bar?”
“Wait, wait, wait, Amara. You can’t just spring something like that on me,” Zoe fretted.
“Why not?” Amara asked. “You’ve been an amazing help at the bar in the past. You take orders at breakneck speeds and the people love you… well, they love you when you’re sober, but still. What do you have to lose?”
“I don’t know, Amara,” Zoe replied, frustrated. “It’s a lot to think about. I… just, go on your honeymoon. It’ll give me some time to think. When you get back, then we can continue this discussion.”
Amara nodded her confirmation. “Sounds fair.” She turned to Mac and Alec. “And you two don’t burn the PD down without me.”
“Right, as if Madge would allow that to happen,” Mac replied with a boisterous laugh.
“Hey newlywed wifey!” Sadie called from across the reception hall. “Come over here and talk to your family some!”
Amara exchanged apologetic looks with Mac and company and departed to her sister. Sadie was standing with their mother, as well as Dan and Carol, Becca’s parents. Immediately, Amara embraced her mother in a warm hug. Cathleen was extremely agoraphobic after wolves took her husband, then nearly Amara’s life. When Sadie ended up in the hospital after what appeared to be wolf bites to the neck, Cathleen could hardly leave in daylight to check the mail without suffering a panic attack. Amara understood this, and the fact that her mother had faced her fear to see her marry the love of her life filled her with a joy she’d never be able to put into words.
“I love you, Mom,” Amara whispered past some newly forming tears.
“Oh, sweetheart. I love you, too,” her mother replied, ample tears streaming down her own face. “Nova is an amazing young man. Your father would be so, so proud.”
Sadie joined in on the hug. “I love you guys, too!” It would have been comical had she not also started crying.
Cathleen gave a small laugh. “And of course we love you, too, honey.”
When they’d all finally composed their sniffles to a minimum, Nate stepped forward almost timidly. “Um, I’m sorry to be a bother, Mrs. Townsend. I was just wondering if…” His words trailed off as he met Sadie’s eyes. “I was wondering if the lady would like to dance, is all.”
Cathleen smiled while Amara looked a bit surprised. Nate was generally a very forward guy; his shyness was a new side she’d never seen before. Maybe he wanted to make a good first impression on her mom.
“Oh, yeah. Of course, Nate,” Sadie responded, dabbing the last of the tears from her eyes with a grin. “Okay, now that we’re done with feelings, it’s time to have some fun!” She waved back at Amara and her mom as Nate led her onto the dancefloor.
***
Nova watched Amara as she waved off her little sister into the crowd of dancers, and shot Nate a quick grin as their eyes met. Nate hid his blush well in the dim lights of the dancefloor, but Nova still noticed.
A strong clap on his back nearly had him spilling a splash of champagne onto the floor. He turned to see his brother Nemoy standing beside him. “So, brother, how’s it feel?”
Nova looked back to Amara and couldn’t help the grin that overtook his face. Ten years was a long time to love a woman, and for a woman as special as Amara Townsend… no, Amara Lowery, it felt like those ten years had moved in super slow motion. Now she was finally his for the rest of eternity. “Like everything was worth it.”
Nemoy smiled with an understanding nod. “Then I’m happy.”
“As am I, my sons.” The two brothers turned to see Neveah walking nobly toward them, spine straight and shoulders back, just as they’d always remembered. “I can tell that, though human, this woman will be good for you, Nova. I want to… apologize for not seeing it sooner, the impact she has on you. You’ve become a stronger man, and a stronger wolf because of her. And,” she finished with a smile, “she makes you happy.” She held out her arms.
Awestruck, Nova accepted her embrace. “Thank you, mother. I’m sure she’d be thrilled to hear you say that.”
Neveah nodded. “I’ll be sure to tell—”
“Excuse me, Lady Neveah,” Ian interrupted, bowing an apology to her. He turned to her sons. “Alpha, Nova,” he addressed, nodding to acknowledge each of them, respectively. “I’m sorry to interrupt, sirs, but I was sent here to alert you immediately.” He chewed on his lip anxiously, as if he was afraid to continue.
Nova could feel Nemoy grow rigid beside him, slipping easily into his role as Alpha. “What is it Ian?”
Ian nodded, steeling himself to continue. “Sir, I’ve been informed that there has been a breach at the compound.” The words set everyone on edge. Nova heard his mother suppress a small gasp in shock.
“Damage? Casualties?” Nemoy barked.
“Minimal damage, two casualties. Both ours. And one…” Nova could see Ian fidgeting with nerves. “One escapee.”
“What?” Nemoy’s voice was hard, louder than expected, with just enough growl to sound dangerous. Nova saw Ian flinch under the power of it.
“One escapee, sir,” Ian responded dutifully. They all knew who it was, but still he continued, “Kal Vann was broken out of his cell. They can’t find him.” He met Nemoy’s angry gaze. “He’s gone, sir. Kal Vann has escaped.”
Nova was moving before he could think why. “Ian, gather the Protectors we have here. Fan out outside the church and keep watch. If Kal’s free, there’s a high chance he’ll be coming here to disrupt the reception. I’ll grab Amara.” He gazed across the dance floor full of happy wedding attendees. She looked back at him with eyes full of worry. She knew something was wrong. “We have to leave immediately.”
He looked to his brother. “Nemoy, I need you to do everything in your power to make sure that Amara’s family makes it home safely.” He knew he was in no position to be giving orders to his Alpha, but he had a moment of relief when Nemoy nodded his compliance.
“I will, Nova.” Nemoy’s eyes swept over the crowd, mentally cataloging all of the humans in the room. “We’ll let things run a bit longer so that we don’t alert anyone to the problem, then I’ll meet you guys back at the compound.” He looked from Ian to Nova. “Go directly there once Amara is safe. I’m assuming she’s your priority?”
“Always,” Nova confirmed without delay. “We’ll see you there. Stay safe until then.”
***
Amara’s eyes never left Nova. His shoulders were drawn taut, his expression feigning blankness, but she could see the apprehension that lay underneath.
She took a deep breath and faked a smile, turning to her mother. “Oh, well, I guess it’s time! Here comes Nova.” She gave her mother one last hug. “I’ll text and call while I’m away, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you, too, Mara,” her mother responded with a warm smile. “Stay safe, and have fun.” One last squeeze, and Amara finally stepped away.
She met Nova away from the listening ears of her mother or any humans. “What’s wrong?”
“We have to go, right now. I promise I’ll tell you in the car.” He gently took hold of her hand and moved to leave.
“Is my family safe?” Amara asked, not budging from her spot.
“Yes, of course,” Nova replied.
“Are we?”
Nova pursed his lips, remaining silent. Finally he said, “I’m not sure. But we will be. I’ll make sure of it.”
***
He hated the look of trepidation
that overtook Amara’s face. In that moment he knew that she’d deduced that Kal was somehow involved. Fear dimmed her grey eyes to the color of storm clouds, and in the hand he held in his own, he could feel the tension sing through her entire body in a terrifying chorus.
Kal had interrupted his happiness for the last time. If that mangy wolf dared try to lay a hand on his wife, Nova would kill him without a second thought.
Pack codes be damned.
Chapter 4
Back at the compound, the pack was in varying degrees of panic. As Nova led Amara diligently to the Council Chamber, she noticed women crying and clutching their children close to them as she passed by the many homes in the community. Their distress only made her more uneasy. They were both still in Wedding attire, and in the back of her mind, Amara lamented the damage the dust and dirt was probably doing to her gown. It was the last thing she should be worried about, she knew, but this was supposed to be the happiest night of her life. If she even thought of allowing Kal to cross her mind, she’d dissolve into hysterics. So she thought of the dress; the trivial was way more tolerable than the alternative.
“We’re safe, Amara,” Nova murmured behind him as they continued their fast pace to the Chamber. “Kal… he was nowhere near the church. Your family’s safe. And if that changes, Nate and Ian are only a call or text away.” He sniffed the air. “His scent is faint here, he hasn’t circled back around. You don’t have to worry.”
Amara nodded in response, afraid of saying anything that might make her emotions worse. Nova had explained to her the gist of the breach on the ride over. It was a swift and sporadic explanation, much like his driving had been. He’d ignored every stop sign, ran every traffic light, and broke the speed limit by double, all to get her to safety as quickly as possible. It had only made her feel nauseous.
“Nova. Nova!” someone called out as they neared the Chamber. Amara saw a youngish tall, thin man approach them. He had a bit of worry in his eyes, but he kept his features strong. “Thank the ancestors you’re back. Has Nemoy returned, too? We’ve done all we can to keep the peace, but it’s only getting worse. The women and children are terrified. Kal—”
“Allow me to tend to my wife, Jaden, then we can speak.” Nova’s voice was clipped and stern, laced with agitation.
Jaden looked from Nova to Amara, then back to Nova. Realization dawned on his face. “Oh, yes, but of course! My apologies, Nova.” He dipped into a quick, curt bow. With a nod, Nova continued their walk to the Council Chamber.
The Council Chamber was a long, wooden building in the center of the compound where the pack’s Council members held meetings to discuss boring everyday goings on. The mossy green of the walls and strong wooden pillars at its corners were a welcome sight to Amara; maybe she’d finally get away from all of the panic in the air that seemed to clog her throat.
Inside, there was usually a roaring blaze raising several feet up from the stone fire pit in the center of the room, but tonight, it was cold and useless, just like Amara’s fingertips. The lack of flame left the Council Chamber awash in darkness, but Nova seemed to be able to see by the scant moonlight that shone through the skylight in the ceiling.
He sat her down gently in a nearby chair and cupped her cheeks in his hands. “Amara, look at me,” he said softly. She obliged. “I love you. You’re safe here. Nothing can hurt you without going through me first. Do you know that?” She nodded. “That’s good. Okay, so right now I need to go out there and make sure everyone else is okay until Nemoy gets back. Is that alright?” She nodded again. “Atta girl. Just remember every second that I’m gone, you’re absolutely safe. You will always come first for me, and I’m never too far away to protect you with every ounce of my body and soul.” He kissed her lips gently, and with some effort, she returned it. He smiled down at her, barely visible in the dim moonlight. “I love you, Amara Lowery.”
She was much too numb to feel any tingles of excitement this time. “I love you, too,” she whispered back. Unease crossed Nova’s face, but he managed to back away, nonetheless. With one last worried look at her, he slid out the Chamber doors, closing them firmly behind him.
Sitting in the dark, cool Chamber completely alone, Amara’s fingers began to tremble. Immediately, she clamped down on them, the first hint of anger thawing the cold fear that coursed through her. What was the matter with her? She was better than this, dammit! She’d faced off against Kal more than once without incident. She’d survived not just one, but two personal attacks by him! She may be human, but she could hold her own in a fight, even against a wolf or two! So why… why was she suddenly shivering in her skin at the very mention of his name? He was cowardly, underhanded, and not worthy of her fear, but still…
Images of Sadie clutched haphazardly in Kal’s arms as he tore away at her throat wrenched their way through Amara’s mind. She clasped her head in her hands, doubling over in agony. A wail escaped her lips, tears stung her eyes, and she only wished above all else that the memories would just go away. They wouldn’t oblige, playing over and over in her mind the terrible things that Kal had done to her, her friends and her family.
And she wept.
She couldn’t tell how much time had passed before she heard muffled words being exchanged outside the Council Chamber, and before she could clean herself up, the door swung open. Nemoy, Nova, Neveah, Isiah, Ivanah, Iso, Ivan, and the man from earlier—Jaden—walked into the Chamber.
Nova was speaking as they entered. “The Protectors not guarding Strathford or scouring outside the compound for Kal’s scent will be—”
“Amara!” Nova interrupted, running to her.
She scrubbed away the tears that stained her cheeks. “I’m fine, I’m fine.”
“Shh, shh, it’s okay, honey,” Nova crooned, helping her wipe away the tears. His face was deeply creased between the brows and around his mouth, taut with worry. It aged his young features by nearly a decade.
“I’m fine, Nova,” Amara repeated, voice a bit more steady. “I think… I think I got it all out of my system for now. I can focus on what’s important for a bit.”
“Could you not feel your mate’s pain, Nova?” Neveah asked.
“This is not the time, Mother,” Nova snapped back. Neveah appeared hurt by his words.
“Nova,” Nemoy chastised. “I know tempers must be running high for you right now, but this is not the time to turn on one another. We have a greater issue at hand.”
Nova sighed and nodded his apology to his mother and Nemoy. “You’re right, my apologies, Mother. Continue.”
Nemoy nodded back in response. “More Protectors will be arriving to the Chamber shortly, any that can be spared. Then we can explain to them how tonight’s events unfolded and act accordingly to the best of our potential.”
“But all the manpower in the territory won’t help the main issue here, Nemoy,” Ivan, rebutted.
“There was only one Valley Clan scent on or around the compound,” Jaden said, visibly disconcerted, as if he’d said such a sentence a dozen times before.
“Yes, Jaden, we know,” Nemoy replied, “but what you’re implying, it’s…”
“It’s treason,” Nova finished, flitting one small look at Amara to make sure she really was okay before standing to rejoin the conversation. “You’re saying we have a traitor in our pack.”
Silence loomed heavily in the cool Chamber, the truth of the claim sinking deep into their bones.
“There’s not enough evidence to support that just yet,” Iso said, quietly.
“Completely unsubstantiated!” Isiah agreed.
“There’s no other explanation!” Jaden snapped, incredulous.
“I agree with Jaden, here,” Ivan intercepted. “How else do we explain only one Valley wolf scent? The traitor wolf could have easily masked his scent here in a compound where dozens of wolves cross the same paths several times of day. The only scents that would stand out are ones not of our pack. The only scent that fits that description is Kal Vann
.”
“Even in wolf form it’s nearly impossible to determine what wolf has been where at any given time. It’s the perfect scapegoat,” Jaden concluded, nodding.
“Pack doesn’t betray pack,” Iso whispered.
“I understand how you feel, Iso,” Nemoy lamented. “But this is looking more and more like an act of betrayal the longer we talk about it.” Ivanah lovingly patted her brother’s back.
“Yes, and the longer we sit here bickering, the fainter those scents become!” Jaden barked. “It will be difficult to untangle the scents, but with enough wolves, what we have has to be better than nothing.”
“Are we seriously considering this nonsense?!” Isiah lashed.
“Enough, Isiah,” Neveah quietly chastised, walking around the room to light a few candles.
“Neveah, you can’t possibly—”
“I said enough.” Her voice was still calm, but there was an iciness to it that far surpassed the chill in the room. Isiah spoke no more.
“Shit,” Nova hissed quietly, the sound of his expletive echoing in the large room.
“Nova?” Nemoy asked.
“I… it was just something Ka… he said to me once.” Nova worried his bottom lip with this thumb, eyes calculating. “I don’t know how I didn’t remember this sooner. I’m such an idiot.”
“What do you mean?” Nemoy prompted.
“The night he led the attack on Strathford, he mentioned something to me.” He looked up at Ivanah. “About your wife.”
Ivanah gasped in shock and Nemoy immediately bristled. “What the hell did he want with my wife, Nova?” Nemoy’s voice was harsh, protective, and terrifying.
Nova looked surprised. “Nothing. He just mentioned something about her. About her pregnancy. The problem is…”
“… under my orders, Ivanah’s pregnancy was to be kept under wraps until the threat of war was off the table,” Nemoy finished. Amara nodded arbitrarily, vaguely remembering Nemoy mentioning something of the sort to her during her first stay at the compound.
Mountain Wolf Protectors Complete Series: Books 1 - 4 Page 31
