Clover’s Destined Mate:
Bad Alpha Dads
McKayla Schutt
Clover’s Destined Mate: Bad Alpha Dads
Denver Troubles, Volume 3
McKayla Schutt
Published by McKayla Schutt, 2018.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
CLOVER’S DESTINED MATE: BAD ALPHA DADS
First edition. November 13, 2018.
Copyright © 2018 McKayla Schutt.
Written by McKayla Schutt.
ISBN-13: 9781720127109
ISBN-10: 1720127109
I would like to thank my husband Branden, giving me the push when I needed it I love him so much.
I also would like to thank my awesome editor for making me work hard.
Last, I would like to thank my fans, especially my street team for always supporting me even when I felt like quitting you guys were there to keep me going.
I hope everyone loves this story and make sure you review if you do. ;)
Bestselling and Award Winning Paranormal Romance authors are bringing you the baddest of the bad ALPHA dads. Keyword bad. So sexy, you'll want to teach them to be good. These shifter dads need all the help they can get, and we want to give it to them.
Check out our website at BadAlphaDads.com for our release schedule and more about our fabulous authors.
Chapter One
Ash
Ash resisted the urge to rub at the irritating mic in his ear as Kirk’s voice thrummed through the small device. “We’re in position.”
“You’re clear, the database just refreshed but the screen won’t update for another five minutes.” He zoomed out on the virtual live map to see if there were any cars but didn’t see anything heading their way. Ash wished they would update the damn software and give live feeds instead of this every four-minute frame shit he had to work with. At the bottom corner, it said the time and how fast the frames lapse, but the live view gave a countdown timer to the next frame.
“Twins, you’re clear to go in. Make it quick,” Jaiden said over the slight static.
“Don’t worry your little heads, we have Virgo here ready to be calm and precise.” Leo chuckled on his end. The screen to Ash’s right changed from black to the view of the warehouse on the edge of the Denver pack borders. Jackson had a body cam strapped to his chest giving Ash the perfect view of the place.
“Lobby is clean and clear. But this side looks like they left in a hurry.” Jackson or as his brother liked to call him, Virgo- scanned the open area, shattered glass littered the floor and a smashed machine sat on the counter.
“Is that a computer on your left?” Ash asked and Jackson turned his head. His mind raced at the possibility of digging through all their shit and finding an unbreakable lead. He was good at computers, he could break through firewalls and sniff out dirt with ease. Excitement bloomed in his chest even after seeing the monitor in pieces.
“Yeah, but the screen is shattered.” Jackson’s discouraged voice didn’t dim his enthusiasm. The display was replaceable, he needed the tower intact and everything would be freaking golden.
“And the hard drive looks wet,” Leo pitched in as he tipped over the large metal box holding all the goodies a computer had, fluid rushed out of the holes for the fan. Ash’s heart sank. He cursed at their use of liquid to fry their evidence so no one else could retrieve it. Come on, we need a lead to catch the hunters! He wanted to be the one who finally caught the bastards taking the pups and killing their parents. The whole situation reminded him of a show, but he was stuck in the shitty ongoing investigation with nothing to show for it.
“Bro, look at this,” Leo said and the camera turned to a clawed-up wall. “These aren’t from a full-grown wolf,” he growled.
Ash had received information about kids going missing in Colorado Springs and they were found dead after being missing for almost eight months. The pack needed to believe they were keeping the pups alive and so far nothing contradicted this thought. But Ash had a sick feeling the hunters wouldn’t raise them to adulthood. The timeframe put even more pressure on Ash since the first kiddo from their pack had been missing for almost six months this week.
Jackson lifted up a tag to fill the camera screen. “Test back to human?” Jackson asked and Ash stared at the tag.
“Wait, did you say back to human?” Jaiden asked.
“Yep.”
“Here’s the damn DD symbol again.” Leo held up a sheet of paper, the bottom half had been shredded but the logo rested at the top. The same one Zac drew when he helped rescue his daughter, Annmarie. Well, they should be in the right place then, with the DD paper drawing strong connections to the tiny cabins where Cora and Annmarie were found.
“Come on, we still have two more rooms to search.” Jackson handed over the tag and Leo shoved the items in his pocket. They turned and strolled toward the first closed off room.
“We’re still clear on this side,” Jaiden announced and Kirk agreed a few seconds later. The picture on the map flashed bringing up the most current up-to-date image. Ash ignored it, keeping his gaze on the live video instead. Instead, he scanned the screen hoping for a strong clue to bring them closer to the hunters.
Leo opened the door to find a stainless-steel medical-type bed, dried blood on the floor, and a large burgundy stain rested in the corner sending anger through Ash’s soul like fire consuming a forest. What did they do, bleed a pup dry? His stomach hardened at the thought.
“This spot was definitely from an adult human but the spots on the floor are from a wolf.”
“What’s your best guess?” Ash asked while Leo rocked on his toes.
“Seems like one pup bled on the table, he struck back and managed to get the fucker to bleed a good amount but there isn’t a decay scent. Just dust and old blood.” Leo pointed to the large spot and Jackson nodded.
“Shit, did I hear tires?” Kirk asked and Ash glanced at the screen, at the very edge he caught the front end of a pickup truck.
“Fuck, you might have company!” Ash yelled. The live video jostled around as the twins ran toward the front lobby.
“Two are in the truck,” Jaiden hissed.
“Don’t shift! Make sure you know who they are because once you shift, you’ll lose the damn mics. Jackson, stay in your human form. I’ll lose my visual if you don’t listen,” Ash warned the twins.
Jackson and Leo ran out the front and turned to hide in the brush near the front doors. The sound of tires filtered through the video and mics but the brush covered the camera.
“When did you find this place?” A female’s voice called out and two doors slammed closed in quick succession.
“A few weeks ago. The back’s all fucked up but the front is ready for us.” The new male’s voice had a seductive side to it and Ash smacked his forehead. That’s all I need to see now, two humans fucking. He wouldn’t say he was lonely but the idea of finding a mate always gave his beast an odd sense of peace. We don’t have time to find a mate right now, he reminded his beast who just shook his head. Jackson stood as the two slipped into the front door. Through the window, they were caught stripping off their clothes.
“Lucky bastard,” Jackson hissed, and his brother chuckled.
“It’s all clear. Just two horny teens,” Leo spoke and Jackson shook his head. “Come on, let’s go.”
“Do you think we’ll find anything else?” Kirk asked.
“Doubtful. Most of the shit was cleared out, they left a few clues but nothing major leading to their new base of operation.” Leo sighed and Jackson turned off
the camera. Ash did a search of the property to three months back but the place had been inactive even then. He pressed his tongue against his cheek to keep himself from cursing the damn universe. Nothing to follow up on which put him back to where they were before the team entered the building.
“All right, come on back.” Ash snatched up his phone and texted the alpha about what they found, but he left out the teens interrupting their search.
Raymand responded quickly. ‘Do you think it will lead us anywhere?’
‘Doubtful but I’m going to do some searches of the area as far back as I can.’ He added the task to his enormous to-do list. Ash knew the hunters would strike again and he wanted to find them before they took another pup. He stood and paced in the office needing to move. His beast pushed at the edge wanting to go on a run but Ash kept him in place. Ash hoped to the goddess above the wolves would catch a freaking break. The race to keep the pack safe was on and so far Ash felt like he was hundreds of miles from catching the fucking hunters.
Chapter Two
Clover
Clover looked at her stomach and winced hating the way it stuck out even more than a year ago. “Do I really want to go on a run tonight?” A few black curls fell from her bun when she bent down to tie her shoes. After two long months of trying to lose the extra damn weight she gained during college, she wanted to throw in the towel. She had an awesome job, she loved baking cakes, but it also didn’t help her in the weight department. She grabbed her keys. Her dark skin made her blue shorts seem bright. Her white shirt helped her to stay visible in the night. She walked out of the house, locking the door behind her before bouncing down a flight of metal steps. Instead of taking her normal route to the right, Clover switched it up by turning left. She hoped the change helped her to feel better. Part of her wished she had been born with a wolf inside her body, then she could be skinny almost instantly after running a few dozen laps in wolf form.
Tara never had issues with gaining weight during college and she still bragged about it. Even offered to change Clover but when she heard the risks, she decided against it. Death! Kind of a big risk there! Clover turned down toward a nice neighborhood close to her apartment and picked up the pace.
“What I really need is some excitement in my life,” she hissed to herself as she pushed her legs harder. Tara had to drag her out of the house to do anything other than deliver her cake creations.
Werewolves had stepped out of the supernatural closet, but Tara told her the bears and other shifters were waiting. For what, Clover didn’t know, and she didn’t question it.
She came up to a cream-colored house on the corner. A scream rent the air and Clover froze before her next stride. A shiver zipped down her spine. Clover turned toward the house. A woman struggled to get away from a man. Her heart raced in her ears making it hard to think. Before she second-guessed her choice, Clover ran into the house to help. If she had a wolf she’d be quicker and heal if she was on the other end of a blade or gun. She shoved down the thought as the sound of a crying boy filled her ears.
“Patrick, shift and run!” the woman yelled and a little boy around three with cute chubby cheeks sobbed on the stairs. Light bounced into her eyes and she turned slightly seeing the long blade sink into the woman’s chest. The large silver handle rested in her torso.
A thud filled the house and Clover pulled her gaze from the female and caught dark eyes staring at her.
Clover’s heart leapt to her throat. Holy shit, what did I get myself into? His hand lifted with another blade as he stood over the fallen mother.
The boy would be next.
Only her weak body stood in their way of hurting the pup. She bolted up the two steps and grabbed the little boy.
“Someone is taking the kid!” the male with dark eyes yelled and lurched for Clover. A few toys on the ground tripped him up giving Clover the edge. She held onto the crying little boy and ran like hell. Blood raced to her ears and sweat beaded on her forehead. You’re not fast enough to protect this child! She pushed down the inner voice and glanced at the boy, his eyes were redder than a fire truck while his sweaty hands clung to her neck.
Footsteps followed her but she didn’t dare look back. She tightened her grip on the little boy and turned the corner. A large black duely truck came into view and she ducked behind the double set of tires. I should keep running! No, I should stay right here. Her mind raged a silent war as sweat covered her hands. Heavy breathing filled her ears so she sucked in a breath to hear if they were clear. She placed a hand over the boy’s mouth to quiet his sobs and the man ran past them.
Adrenaline coursed through her system as she ran the other way. Another adjustment of the little guy then she pulled at her strength to keep running. A sharp turn and her apartment building came into view. Her head whipped around trying to make sure they weren’t following her. Blood pounded in her ears so hard she could barely hear past it. One last check around the area before she zipped up the stairs in the building. She wanted to keep the kiddo safe but she also wanted to live to see another sunrise.
Only when her feet touched her carpet flooring did she take a good solid breath. A cold sweat coated her forehead making her curls stick to her skin. She locked the front door and placed the little guy on the couch before checking the windows. All of them were firmly closed so Clover managed to let go of another shaky breath as she doubled over. Oh goodness, what did I just do? She glanced over at the small kiddo on the couch and knew she’d do it all over again if it meant he lived.
She sat down on the couch and the little guy jumped into her arms. Deep down, she was thankful for the run because she managed to save the cute little man in her arms.
“Mommy?” the little boy asked while she rubbed his back.
“I…what’s your name?” Clover didn’t know what else to say but the fear and sadness in the little guy’s voice broke her heart.
“Patrick.” He sniffed and moved his hands over his face.
“What’s Mommy’s name?” she asked, and he shrugged. “What about Dad’s name?”
“Patrick.”
“So, you’re Patrick Jr, right?” Clover received a small smile at the comment.
“Yep. I don’t want to go to the alpha’s house. He’s scary.” The little boy cuddled up into her chest. Clover yanked the blanket she kept on the couch and covered Patrick, then pulled out her phone. She knew the perfect person to help her with the pup in her home.
“What’s up, pretty lady?” Tara always answered with witty comments. Tara enjoyed being cheerful and funny when answering the phone. Clover’s mind wandered back to her thoughts of being a wolf.
“I have a problem and it’s wolf related.” She glanced down at the boy, his light skin had a stark contrast to her dark complexion.
“Shit, did you imprint? Who’s the guy?” Tara asked, her excitement pulsed through the phone. Clover shouldered her cell and worked on adjusting her messy bun. She needed to keep her fingers busy so her mind could work on what just happened. It was the reason she was great at baking and even a little clay design because keeping her hands busy helped her to think through any problem.
“No guy. I, uh, just rescued a kid from being kidnapped. I’m pretty sure Mom and Dad didn’t…” Clover swallowed hard, not able to say the words. Glass shattered on Tara’s end.
“Fuck. Where are you?” All the joking vanished from her voice.
“Home. I don’t think they followed me.” But even the idea of someone possibly catching up with her had Clover glancing at the door and window.
“I’m sending a guy named Ash your way now.” Tara put her on speaker and the sound of taps on the phone came through to Clover.
“Why?” She knew the alpha, Raymand, and his second, Drake, were the go-to wolves when pack mates had issues. Maybe Ash is up in the ranks, and he’ll take Patrick to the alpha.
“We’ve been having issues with hunters kidnapping little kids,” Tara growled low. “He’ll be there in two minutes to ge
t the kiddo. What’s his name?”
“Patrick Jr.” At his name, he sniffled again and rubbed his nose against his arm.
“No.” Tara paused and when she talked again, her voice cracked. “I’m going to hunt those bastards down and kill them myself,” she growled low through the tears.
“You knew the parents then?” Clover bit her lower lip.
“Yeah, so did you actually.” The house had been so dark and the voice did sound familiar, but Clover was too worried about Patrick to think about it.
“Who?” She wracked her mind trying to think of the familiarity in the voice.
“Barb was with us in Bio.” Tara sniffed.
“Really, I have Barb’s kid? I mean I would’ve recognized her, even in the dark.” Clover looked down at Patrick.
“She chopped off her hair and bleached it after she had her pup. I’ll come see you tomorrow and check up on you.” Tara blew her nose and the urge to cry rolled through Clover’s chest. She had been friends with Barb, but they drifted apart after college.
“Okay.” A knock on the door made Clover freeze. “Someone’s here,” she hissed over the phone. Her heart raced and she held Patrick tighter. She glanced at the window and didn’t like her odds of a successful escape through the second story opening. What the fuck am I going to do?
“Tara sent me,” a low voice came through the door and Clover relaxed.
“What color was her hair last time you saw her?” Clover whispered. A human wouldn’t be able to hear her question, the only advantage she had.
“Fuck, I think pink, or maybe red.” Sincerity filled his voice, along with hints of confusion.
“It’s Ash. Thank you, Tara.”
“Anytime, honey. See you tomorrow.” Tara ended the call and Clover tried to put Patrick on the couch so she could answer the door, but he wouldn’t let go of her.
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