by West, Tara
The girl threw her arms open. “Amara!”
She ran to her, pulling her into a tight hug, surprised to see little Annie was almost a head taller than her.
“Oh, thank the Ancients you’re alive!” she said. “Are you okay?” She looked her cousin over for any signs of injury.
Annie gave her a watery smile. “I am now.”
“What happened, Annie?” she asked, leading Annie to a nearby set of chairs.
She blushed. “My name is Takaani now, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course not.” She clasped Takaani’s hands tightly in hers. “That’s a beautiful name.” She didn’t care what her cousin wanted to be called. All that mattered was that Annie—Takaani—was alive.
“Should I start with my shocking puberty?” Takaani said with a nervous laugh.
“My puberty was a shock, too,” she said. “The goddess told me about your origins.”
“A goddess? Did she tell you that four shadow wolves claim to be my fathers?”
“Yes, you are a daughter of the Ancients.”
Takaani hung her head. “So I guess we’re not cousins.”
She cupped Takaani’s chin. “We’re all descendants of the Ancients. We’ll always be cousins.” They shared a tight hug.
She was almost relieved Takaani wasn’t related to Amara’s piece of shit uncle. He hadn’t exactly been Father of the Year to Takaani.
She grunted when Takaani squeezed her ribs. Not only was she taller than Amara, she was stronger, too.
She squirmed out of Takaani’s embrace, holding her at arm’s length. “What are you doing here?”
“Instinct led me to Alaska.”
“Me, too.” She was amazed at how much the two of them had in common.
Takaani straightened, pushing a long lock of black hair behind her ear. “I was working at a bar, saving up money to fix my truck when my boss tried to rape me. I-I didn’t mean to kill him.”
“We don’t blame you for defending yourself.” she looked deeply into her eyes. “I probably would’ve done the same thing.”
“I would’ve gladly killed him for you,” Drasko said. He was glaring at them with large, yellow eyes.
“Takaani, these are my mates.” Rone and Drasko were sitting in chairs across from them, and Luc paced the room like a caged animal. “Drasko, Rone, and you’ve already met Luc.”
Takaani’s jaw dropped. “You have three mates?”
“Four.” Amara chuckled, inclining her head to the closed office door at the end of the hall. “Hakon is in there.”
“Four mates! Holy heck.”
She smiled. “We mate as a pack, one she-wolf to three or four brothers.”
Takaani continued to gape at her. “Wow.”
“Yeah, that was my first reaction, too.”
Luc sat beside Amara and whispered in her ear. “Your reaction was worse.”
She winked at him. “It’s gotten better.”
He nuzzled her neck. “Much better.”
She laughed, pushing him off her when Takaani fidgeted, uneasy. Not now, she projected. Later.
I’m holding you to it, he said, stood, and quickly turned away, no doubt to mask his growing desire.
“What will happen to me now?” Takaani asked. “Am I in trouble for killing my boss?”
“Don’t worry.” Drasko knelt in front of her. “The agent who was hunting you has been taken care of.”
“Taken care of?”
Drasko grinned. “He’s no longer head liaison for the Amaroki.”
Luc nudged him, snickering. “You mean he no longer has a head.”
“Um....” Takaani nervously glanced at Amara.
“Gross, you two,” she chided them, then reassuringly squeezed Takaani’s arm. “My father popped off Agent Richter’s head. He won’t be pursuing you anymore.”
“Popped off his head?”
“We can all transform into wolves.” She indicated Drasko. “But our alphas can shift into giant, hulking beasts. They are our protectors. Their job is to keep us safe.”
“And so your father removed Agent Richter’s head?”
“Agent Johnson is in charge now.” Luc said, his eyes softening. “He knows you killed your boss in self-defense.”
Takaani’s hands trembled as she raked them through her long hair. “Will there be a trial?”
“No.” Luc’s voice dropped to a soothing whisper. “There will be a cover-up. You don’t have to worry about it anymore.”
Takaani’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “But where will I go?”
“You will come home with us,” Drasko said. “We’ll keep you safe until we find your mates.”
“Really? Oh, thank you.”
“No need to thank us.” Drasko grasped Amara’s hand, threading his fingers through hers. “We Amaroki take care of our own.”
She lifted his hand to her mouth, kissing his knuckles. Thank you, she mouthed.
His dark eyes flashed gold. You can make it up to me later.
Her knees weakened at the deep purr of his voice.
Oh yes, she’d make it up to her mates all right, and she was definitely looking forward to it. In the meantime, her quivering cousin needed her. She took Takaani in her arms again, and they cried tears of relief and joy on each other’s shoulders.
“LUC THUNDERFOOT, I’M glad you’re alive,” Johnson said, entering the room and holding out his hand.
Luc rigorously shook it, surprised at Johnson’s strength. “The feeling is mutual, sir.”
The agent’s smile was huge. “Your mate made me feel twenty years younger.”
“I’m glad.” Johnson appeared to be in a good mood, despite the major shit storm he’d walked into.
“Good thing,” Johnson said, “because I’ve got a big mess to clean up.”
“I know, but nobody cleans up our messes better than you.”
“This time the mess is more the government’s than yours.” Johnson grimaced. “One of my agents tells me we have a hostage back at camp. You mind coming with me and helping me straighten it out?”
Luc wondered who it was. One of his crew? “It’s the least I can do, sir.” When Johnson didn’t volunteer further information, curiosity got the best of him. “Who is it?”
Johnson glanced at Takaani. “A young man by the name of Roy Miller.”
“My brother!” Takaani cried. “Why would you take him hostage?”
“I didn’t.” Johnson clarified. “I’m sure it was Richter’s doing. Don’t worry. I’ll release him.”
“Thank you.” Luc patted Johnson’s back, hoping Takaani would take his lead. “I know you didn’t mean for him to get caught up in this.”
Johnson gave Takaani a pointed stare. “Does he know about your wolf?”
She averted her eyes, playing with the frayed end of her linen hospital belt. “He saw me shift when I was escaping the feds.”
Johnson heaved a groan. “I’ll have to read him in and get him to swear to secrecy.”
Amara shot to her feet. “If he knows about us, does that mean we can see him?”
Drasko shrugged. “That all depends on him.”
Takaani stood, hands still shaking. “I wish I could go with you.”
Johnson thoughtfully rubbed his chin. “That might not be a bad idea.”
“The only problem is I need to get Mako.”
Amara Asked, “Who’s Mako?”
“My husky.” Takaani’s voice shook with emotion. “He’s in Anchorage with some asshole vet. He had an infected wolverine bite, and I couldn’t afford to pay for his treatment.”
“I’ll get your dog for you,” Drasko offered.
Amara beamed at him.
Takaani bit down on her trembling lower lip. “Thank you, but all my money is in my apartment.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“I’ll pay you back as soon as I can,” Takaani promised.
He waved away her concern. “I’m not worried about it.”
/> “There’s one more thing,” Takaani said hesitantly. “The vet knows I stole a truck. I had to get Mako to a hospital.”
Johnson laughed. “What’s one more mess to clean up? I’ll add it to my list.”
Luc really owed Johnson for his commitment to the Amaroki. Then again, Luc’s mate had just cured his cancer, so maybe they were even.
“I’m going with you. There’s no telling what his condition is.” Amara shot Drasko a sly smile. “Besides, I have a feeling I know this asshole vet.”
Drasko grinned. “You gonna let me deck him again?”
“No more violence,” she groaned.
“Agreed,” Johnson said.
Drasko’s shoulders sagged. “I’ll play nice if he does.”
Luc hid a smile. Tanner was getting slugged again. A door shut behind him. He expected it to be Hakon, but he was still pacing the office and talking on the phone. Eilea had come out of Jovan’s room looking haggard and tired.
Amara crossed the distance between them. “Tell me.”
“Your father is stable,” Eilea said with a small smile. “I’ll take care of him until your return.”
Amara gave Eilea a hug. “Thank you.”
Eilea looked like she was trying to hold back tears, which meant she had feelings for Jovan. Luc couldn’t imagine her tumultuous emotions after nearly losing Jovan and then having to watch the men she was destined for mourn the loss of their first mate. What an incredibly heartbreaking and awkward position. Luc feared neither Eilea nor her fathers would ever be able to get past this experience and find solace in each other’s arms. Then again, maybe it was for the best. He wasn’t so sure the Amaroki would welcome a human, especially the Romanian branch, who were more shut off from the world than most other tribes. How sad that the Ancients had chosen a human to replace Katarina. He didn’t see how such a complicated relationship would ever work, which meant even more sadness for Amara’s fathers.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Roy stumbled to his feet when the door rattled. Those bastards had either forgotten about him or they wanted to delay his torture because it had been several hours since anyone had come to his door. He cradled his injured hand. It was most likely infected by now. It was so swollen, he no longer felt the shrapnel digging into the bone. He probably looked like he’d had the plague, but he didn’t care. His injuries were nothing compared to the pain in his heart. He’d given them too much information about Annie. She was probably dead or worse. What would the government do to her? Bring her to a lab and dissect her? Torture her as they had him?
An older black man came in, brow knitted. “Hey, kid. You okay?”
Roy pressed back into the wall, flinching when the man drew closer. “Who the hell are you?”
“I’m Johnson.” The man held out a hand. “I’m in charge now.”
“You’re not here to play that good cop/bad cop bullshit, are you?”
“Nah.” Johnson waved at the open door. “You’re free to go. I’m sorry about all the trouble.”
He wasn’t fucking buying it. They weren’t just going to let him go, considering all he knew. There was probably a firing squad waiting for him. “I’m not leading you to my sister.” He saw the bulge under the agent’s jacket. The guy was old, and even though Roy felt like a bucket of beat up assholes, he could probably take him, steal his gun, and shoot his way out.
“We know where your sister is,” Johnson said with a smile.
Roy tensed, heart thudding loudly in his ears. Had they already killed her? Roy would never forgive himself. “Where is she?”
“Hi, Roy.” His raven-haired sister strolled into the room wearing a camo jacket over what looked like a blue sheet.
“Annie!” His knees weakened.
“Omigod!” She lunged at him, touching his face. “What happened to you?”
“Never mind me.” He grabbed her wrist with his good hand, trying hard to stay on his feet. “Are you okay?”
“I am now.” Tears streamed down her face. “I-I thought you shot me.”
“That wasn’t me.” White hot rage flooded through him. “It was that Richter guy.” If he ever got ahold of that agent, he’d tear him to shreds. “They got me, too.” He held up his damaged hand, which felt as heavy as a brick.
She looked at his nose. “They got more than your hand, Roy.”
He grimaced. “The torture was all Richter.”
“He can’t hurt you anymore.”
Roy swallowed, though his raw throat pained him. “Why not?”
“He’s dead.”
A wave of relief washed over him. “Fucking hallelujah.”
He held out his arms and welcomed her into his embrace.
She fell against him. “I thought you’d hate me.”
“I didn’t know that about you, Annie,” he murmured, kissing her forehead, “but you’re my sister. I’ll love you no matter what.”
“You don’t know how happy I am to hear that.”
His world tilted, then his head started spinning, and he slid down the wall with her still in his arms.
“A little help, please.” He thought he heard Annie say. He waved the agent away when he shined a light in his eyes. “We need to get him to my niece. After that, Amara can finish patching him up.”
“Amara?” He reached for Annie. “I’m allowed to see my cousin?”
But would Amara want to see him, and more importantly, why was the room spinning? Why was he so sick? Had the torture and starvation finally caught up to him? Or worse, had the infection in his hand spread?
“You can see her if you swear to secrecy,” the agent said, his voice strangely echoing.
“I won’t tell a soul.” Damn, he was hot. Why hadn’t he noticed before? “I just want Annie and my cousin to be safe.”
“We’re safe, Roy.” She knelt beside him, rubbing his shoulder. “I swear.”
He closed his eyes with a smile. “Then that’s all that matters.”
AMARA DIDN’T WANT TO be here, but she had no choice. She couldn’t leave the fate of Takaani’s dog to her apathetic boss.
Holding Rone’s hand, she followed Drasko into the run-down building. It was almost closing time, and Tanner’s truck was the only other vehicle in the parking lot.
They walked into an empty waiting room.
“Anybody here?” Drasko hollered.
“We’re closed!” Tanner hollered back.
Amara opened the pony door and walked behind the counter as if she still worked there.
“Tanner!” she called. “We’re here to get a dog.”
The back door flew open with a bang. Her red-faced boss marched toward her, pointing like his finger was a loaded weapon. “You!”
She went back through the pony door again, before Drasko and Rone decided to break Tanner’s finger. “I’m here to get my cousin’s dog.”
“What did you do with Max?” he demanded. “I know you took him.”
She feigned ignorance. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Like hell you don’t.” He banged the counter, his cheeks turning a deep crimson.
Drasko gently pushed Amara aside. “Do not raise your voice at her,” he said in a deep, menacing whisper.
Tanner cowered like a frightened mouse. “Y-You broke my nose.” He covered it with one hand.
“We can do this the easy way or the painful way.” Drasko reached over the counter and hauled Tanner up by the collar. “Now give us the damn dog!”
Tanner’s eyes were as wide as saucers. “What’s the dog’s name?” He tried to break free of Drasko until Rone walked around the counter and silently stood behind him.
“Mako.”
“The truck thief!”
“The authorities have already taken care of her,” Drasko said, releasing him. “We’re here to get the dog.”
“You gonna pay her bill?” Tanner’s bottom lip quivered as he cast a wary glance at Rone, who was so far into Tanner’s personal space, he could’ve
hugged him.
Drasko pulled a wad of bills out of his pocket. “Yep.”
“Twelve hundred.” Tanner shot Amara a dirty look. “Plus $500 for Max.”
Drasko counted off hundred dollar bills and slapped them on the counter. Before Tanner could take them, Amara took back $500.
“Hey!” Tanner protested.
“You never gave me my last week’s paycheck.” She gave him a triumphant smile. “Now we’re even.”
Tanner waggled his fingers. “Plus another $300 for his prescriptions.”
She shoved the money in her pocket. “He doesn’t need prescriptions.”
“You have to continue the antibiotics and pain killers for another week.”
“Just give us the damn dog, Tanner.”
“Fine.” He waved them toward the back room. “He’s too heavy for me.”
Amara found Mako lying in a crate in his own piss.
“Hey, Mako.” After Amara let him sniff her hand, he perked up, and she knew he’d smelled Takaani. “How you doing?” She scratched his ears and examined the mess Tanner had made of him. She turned to the vet with a scowl. “That’s a sloppy stitch job, Tanner. Sheesh.”
“I had a lot of patients yesterday.”
“That’s no excuse,” she grumbled, then turned to Rone and Drasko. “Let’s go.”
Tanner seriously needed to get out of the animal care business. It was clear he didn’t actually give a shit for them. Never mind Drasko punching Dr. Tanner. She’d wanted to flatten his nose when she saw the terrible stitch work. As soon as they got to the truck, she’d work on healing the husky. It was clear he was still hurting bad by the way he trembled when she touched him. Tanner, the cheap-ass, hadn’t given him enough painkillers.
They’d just finished loading Mako into the back of the truck when Tanner raced into the parking lot, waving a white towel. Was this some kind of flag of surrender?
“Wait!” He stopped a few feet away when he saw Drasko standing protectively beside her. “How is he?”
“Max?” she asked, unable to keep the venom from her voice. “Why do you care? You never paid attention to him when you had him.”
He kicked the gravel. “Sometimes we don’t appreciate what we’ve got until we lose it.”