A Ravenous Pack: Wolf's Hunger 5 Books

by A. K. Michaels

  “If you’re sure.”

  “Yes.”

  Somberly they waited until the last of the bodies were laid to rest, Rafe cradling his mate to his side as she fought to control her tears. He whispered, “It’s okay to cry, baby.”

  But she resolutely shook her head, her body shaking as she raised her chin defiantly. “I’m fine.”

  He knew better. She was far from fine. The soft sheen of perspiration covering her skin, the thud of her heart, and the unshed tears told him as much, but his mate refused to surrender to her grief.

  Myrtle followed behind the men carrying the final dead. Her head bowed reverently as she whispered a farewell. She stopped at the edge of the communal grave, dipping into a purple velvet pouch tied at her waist. Her voice rose as she spoke in a soft but firm tone, honoring the fallen Wolves and sending them on their way to the Goddess.

  Then she sprinkled some sort of herbs out onto the bodies. Rafe could taste the scent in the air but didn’t try to decipher what was in the concoction as Myrtle lifted her arms high above her and pleaded with the Goddess to take her children home and keep them safe.

  Tasha trembled beside him as Myrtle spoke, her body shaking as she choked out, “I love you. Goodbye, Mom, bye, Dad. I promise we’ll find who did this and make them pay.”

  Myrtle came over, grasping one of Tasha’s hands, her short curly hair blowing in the wind as she looked up into Tasha’s eyes. “I’m so sorry for your loss. If I can help in any way, please, just let me know.”

  Tasha waited for a moment. Obviously gaining control before she nodded, her voice firm as she replied firmly, “Help us catch who did this. That’s all I need right now.”

  Myrtle’s blue eyes seemed all knowing as she tilted her head, studying Tasha. “Revenge doesn’t heal all wounds but I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

  “Thank you,” Tasha replied, her voice shaking at the end.

  Rafe studied his mate, taking in her wide eyes, blood-shot and filled with sorrow. Her body coiled tightly and her breathing coming quickly. Her soft full lips pinched together, her cheeks pale with tear tracks visible down the middle. He worried about her and wished she wasn’t here to witness this abominable carnage, but he also knew she wouldn’t return home, not until they’d dealt with the threat that was still out there.

  As the sun shone brightly above, breaking through the few clouds that meandered across the sky, the beams fell directly on the grave. At least some of the bodies were now hidden from view as Zohar’s men filled in the trench. More than thirty were working quickly to throw the dirt on top of the Pack. The reek of decomposing bodies abating somewhat as layers of earth gathered over them.

  Small mercies in a harrowing situation.

  “Myrtle.” Rafe broke the silence. “Can you track the magic that’s been used here?”

  He watched as her face paled, her hands clasping tightly and a small tic appearing at the side of her left eye. She seemed reluctant to answer so he raise an eyebrow, glaring at her. “Well?”

  She still faltered, looking down at the ground before she mumbled. “Yes, I could but I wouldn’t recommend it. Not until we have someone far more powerful than me in your arsenal. I’m no match for this person, Alpha. If we go after them now then everyone would be in danger.”

  Rafe wanted nothing more than to hunt down the scumbag responsible for the massacre of this Pack but he wasn’t stupid. He wouldn’t rush off half-cocked and put any of his Wolves at risk.

  The sun beat down on the now covered bodies, newly turned earth mocking him as his body thrummed with anger. Soft hands caressed his chest, looking down into his mate’s upturned face full of worry.

  “We’ll get him . . . them, whoever. But I don’t want anyone else to die, Rafe.”

  Her pale grey eyes implored him, her luscious lips a distraction as he nodded. “I’ll figure something out.”

  “No need.” Zohar’s deep baritone butted in.

  The Enforcer looked between them, his dark eyes settling on Rafe. “I have someone who can help and they’re far more powerful than your half-Witch here.”

  Myrtle bristled at the veiled insult, her cheeks burning red as Rafe stepped forward, eye to eye with the insolent Zohar. “Don’t insult anyone in my Pack. You’re in no position to do so, after all, no Pack would have you. Would they?”

  Myrtle let out a gasp, Tasha gripped the back of his shirt, but Rafe stood his ground, watching Zohar. His eyes closed to slits, his jaw clenching as he tried to stare down Rafe. Too bad the Enforcer didn’t scare him. He’d had more than one run-in with Zohar and no doubt he’d have others, but one thing was for sure: he’d never back down.

  A soft breeze ruffled Zohar’s dark hair as Rafe glared angrily at him. If anyone else insulted Myrtle he wouldn’t have given them a warning, he would’ve put them in their place right away. It was only because of his position within the Council that he afforded Zohar the luxury of a caution.

  Several long moments passed before the Enforcer huffed out a sigh. “Touchy, touchy, Alpha. I thought having a mate was supposed to calm you down.”

  Rafe’s anger mounted, a growl rumbling in his chest, his muscles clenching in readiness for a fight. If this asshole wanted to rumble then today Rafe would give him what he wanted.

  “That’s enough!” Tasha yelled. “I’ve just buried my parents and my entire Pack! And you two are having a fucking pissing contest. Stop it. Now. Then maybe we can find who is responsible and you can take out all that pent-up rage out on them.”

  Spinning toward her outraged face his heart swelled at the sight. She looked fierce. Hands on hips, hair blowing in the wind, eyes wide and angry, face flushed and damn it, she even had a foot tapping. She was one angry woman and one not to be messed with. Go Tasha.

  “I’m sorry.” Rafe shrugged. “You’re right. We should be focusing on why we’re here and nothing else.”

  Zohar surprised him, stepping forward and giving a small bow. What the hell was that?

  He then stood up straight, dramatically raising a fist to his heart as he proclaimed. “I apologize too. I pledge that we will hunt the perpetrator down and deal with him as you desire.”

  Rafe frowned at the ostentatious show the Enforcer put on, especially when he snuck a glance his way and smirked. What he wouldn’t do to wipe that damn smug look off his face.

  “Excuse me?” Tasha tugged on Zohar’s arm. “Did I hear correct? I can decide what happens to this person when we catch him?”

  Zohar turned his full attention back to Tasha, that smug look gone as he smiled down at her upturned face. “Of course. It is your Pack that has been destroyed. It’s only fitting you decide the punishment.”

  Rafe watched as a host of emotion flashed across Tasha’s face. Excitement was first, then worry, hurt, and last of all was resignation. She’d made up her mind and it didn’t take long for them to find out what she’d decided.

  “Death by Wolves. Seems fitting after what they’ve done.”

  “Then we’ll do our best to honor your wishes.” Zohar saluted her, his huge body towering over her.

  The sight making Rafe uneasy enough that he stepped closer to his mate, snaking an arm around her waist and holding her against him securely. She looked up, a look of fiery determination on her face. Pride surged up inside him as he gazed down at her beauty and strength. She was already turning into a tough Alpha, one he was honored to have at his side.

  Reaching up he ran a finger along her jaw, smiling down at her. “You’re amazing, sweetheart.”

  “I am?” she asked, wide eyed and confused.

  “Yes, and you don’t even know it, that’s what makes it all the more so.”

  “Can we get this show on the road?” Zohar asked sarcastically, breaking the moment, pissing Rafe off again.

  “Rafe, we’re ready,” Jacy said, surprising Rafe. He hadn’t heard his Beta arrive. Looking around he saw the rest of his men waiting a few feet away.

  “Okay, big shot, how do we go af
ter this maniac and not get our asses fried by his magic?”

  Zohar quirked an eyebrow toward Rafe before answering. “I have someone waiting on the other side of camp. He’s set up and already got some spell or other in place. Apparently it should lead us to whoever it was that made the Pack sick.”

  The Enforcer stopped, staring hard at Rafe. “The information you managed to get out of that rogue you caught, he did say they were working for whoever it was that did that. Right?”

  “Yes,” Rafe ground out, remembering how the rogue had almost taken Tasha from him. One slip of his wrist and the knife in his hand would’ve slit her throat.

  That wasn’t something he could dwell on or it would drive him insane.

  Right now he needed his wits about him as he tuned back into Zohar barking orders. The Council’s men scurrying about to do his bidding. Jacy and Levi waiting for Rafe’s. “Get the vehicles and meet us on the other side of the camp.”

  Myrtle sped away after Jacy, her obvious unease at being anywhere near Zohar palpable in the air. He couldn’t blame the girl. Zohar was cold, hard, intimidating and dangerous. He also had a short fuse and it was that point that always confused Rafe as to how the Enforcer still managed to rise up the ranks within the Council.

  There was no doubt that the man got the job done, but at what cost? He would step on anyone in his path and to hell with it. Nobody was allowed to get in his way and that included innocents, like Myrtle. There was no need to insult and bully people to get what you wanted. But, Zohar didn’t seem to follow the same rules as everyone else and Rafe never let him forget it, or failed to stand up to the man when he felt the need.

  He felt lucky that he didn’t cross paths with Zohar too often. If he did, then he’d be forever bruised and battered, as would be the Enforcer.

  “Rafe.” Tasha tugged on his sleeve pulling him out of his thoughts. “Come on.”

  He noticed they were alone, Zohar and his men walking away quickly. Grabbing her hand and jogging to catch up. Their feet slapping against the soft grass, a fresh breeze cooling their skin against the heat of the sun. It would soon be hot-as-hades so it was just as well the corpses had already been dealt with. He dreaded to think of the stench if they’d been any later.

  He vowed to come back and plant a crop of wildflowers over the mass grave and some sort of headstone to mark the place where an entire Pack lay. That was something that couldn’t be ignored, they needed a memorial and he’d make sure one was provided.

  Catching up to Zohar beside a large black SUV, they saw a small man sitting, arms crossed, head back and looking as if he were napping. He certainly didn’t look like much but if the Council were confident in his magical abilities then Rafe would need to accept it. He just hoped the man’s power far outweighed his diminutive size.

  “Follow us,” Zohar ordered, climbing up into the front passenger seat and slamming the door.

  Jacy shouted them over and they got in the back of Rafe’s Jeep. The first thing he did as he shut the door was ask his Beta “Is Myrtle all right?”

  “She seemed a little shaken up.” Jacy made eye contact in the rear-view mirror. “But we both know Zohar has that effect on most people. Don’t we?”

  “He’s a bully.”

  “He can be, that’s for sure.” Jacy agreed before they settled into silence, following the long line of vehicles filled with Wolves sent from the Council.

  How long would it take to find who they were looking for? He hope it wouldn’t be too long. His nerves were frayed thinking of Tasha being anywhere near the maniac that was powerful enough to take out an entire Pack. His stomach clenched, fear lapping at his belly, a loud cracking sound alerting him to the fact he’d demolished the handle on the door.

  “You okay back there?” Jacy asked quickly glancing over his shoulder.

  Tasha reaching over to snatch his hand away from the mangled plastic in his hand. “I’ll be all right. I promise to stay right beside you.”

  Her insight to what was wrong with him endeared her even more to his heart. Then she unbuckled her belt, slipping onto his lap and burrowing her head into his shoulder. She didn’t say a word, just sat there, his arms around her holding her close. Her scent invading his senses and calming him, man and beast.

  Nuzzling his nose into her silky soft hair he allowed his mate’s presence to still his stormy waters. Her soft curves against his hard torso, her breath caressing across his neck, her fingers stroking his chest, all came together to fill him with such peace and joy. And other emotions hard on their heels: need, want, and lust.

  His heart sped up so he could feel the vein in his neck throb, his cock hardening in his jeans to rub against her ass, and then Tasha felt it too. What did she do? Wiggled that delectably fine ass and peek up at him with a mischievous smile. If that wasn’t enough, her tongue darted out to slowly lick along her bottom lip.

  Damn! He was ready to throw her on the seat and tear her clothes off. The look in her eyes changed from playful to “oh hell” in a split second. She sat up, blushing scarlet, whispering, “Sorry, I’ve no idea what came over me.”

  Rafe exhaled, holding Tasha in place when she tried to escape onto the seat, her embarrassment flowing from her to surround him in a cloud. “It’s okay, darling. It’s our bond calling to us. We started our mating but we didn’t exactly ‘seal the deal’ and both of our beasts are getting impatient. We’ll be all right once we . . .”

  Jacy interrupted indignantly. “Hey! I’m right here! I don’t need to hear this stuff. Jeez, just get a room you two and be done with it.”

  “I would if I damn well could,” Rafe groaned.

  Tasha buried her face against his chest, mumbling, “Kill me now.”

  “Bit drastic, honey.” Rafe laughed, settling down to continue the journey. With her in his arms he wasn’t on edge, well, not as much.

  On and on the journey dragged, sun beating through the windows, Jacy using the AC to keep them cool. Wolves bodies ran hot, so they were all suffering, apart from Tasha who was fast asleep in Rafe’s arms. The heat from her body enhancing her scent, enveloping him in her aroma and soothing his soul.

  “Damn it, how much longer.” Jacy shook his head, annoyance dripping from every word. “It’s been hours, Rafe.”

  “We have no idea how far this guy had gone. He could be anywhere.”

  Rafe felt the tension in his Beta as he concentrated on the road ahead. Yet another backroad, one of a dozen they’d driven along and not easy to navigate in the waning light. At least they didn’t need the AC anymore.

  Not once had they went anywhere near the interstate. No, this guy they were hunting had stayed away from civilization and main roads. Why? Rafe wasn’t sure but it made him uneasy. He had the feeling their prey was exactly where he wanted to be and they were driving straight into a trap.

  Rafe lurched forward, holding tight to Tasha to stop her from tumbling off his lap as Jacy stamped on the brakes. “What the fuck, Jace?”

  “What’s going on?” Tasha mumbled sleepily.

  “Sorry,” Jacy threw over his shoulder. “They just stopped dead with no warning.”

  Rafe shuffled Tasha onto the seat, struggling to open his door because of the mangled handle, giving up and opening the window, reaching out and opening it from the outside. “Stay here and I’ll see what’s going on.”

  “Wait.” Tasha tried to scramble out but he quickly shut the door, leaning in the window to place a kiss on her nose.

  “I won’t be long.”

  Jogging along the side of the vehicles he had to wind in and out of bodies too, many of the men exiting to see what the hold-up was. Nearing the lead of their convoy he saw Zohar lit up by headlights, fists on his waist as the small man Rafe had seen earlier spoke animatedly up at the large Enforcer.

  “I tell you he is up ahead but there are magical traps set. If you go any further using these vehicles then you will be in danger.”

  The Witch’s voice was high-pitched, more suited to
a woman than a man, his head tilted back so he could glare up at Zohar. His body language screaming out that he was “in charge” and definitely not used to being questioned. With the power that Rafe could feel rolling from the diminutive man he wasn’t surprised.

  “What’s up?” Rafe asked, slowing to a stop beside them.

  “This, this . . . buffoon won’t listen to me.” The Witch glowered at Zohar, tapping a foot furiously.

  “I don’t see what difference it makes.” Zohar waved his arms around him. “Carrying on in our vehicles or walking in. I’d say we’d be more in danger on foot.”

  “You,”—the Witch prodded Zohar’s chest—“are an Enforcer, I am the Witch. Who knows best about magic? Hmm? You or me?”

  Rafe grinned at the man’s bravery as he stood up to Zohar. The man’s black hair flying around his head as he swung it between the Enforcer then Rafe and back again. Rafe stuck his hand out, trying to defuse the growing anger. “Hi, I’m Rafe and you are?”

  The Witch stopped his tirade, his blue eyes surprised as he looked up at Rafe who grinned down at him. “Oh, hello, I’m Sherman Kelly.”

  “Nice to meet you, Sherman. Now what seems to be the problem?”

  Sherman took a deep breath in, held it for a moment then released it slowly, calming himself. “There are spells on the road ahead. The person we are after is ahead and he’s placed these for several reasons, the first of which is to stop anyone driving along here getting to him. The second is that any vehicles that proceed will then set off alarms that will give him the opportunity to escape, but that’s not the main issue.”

  Rafe saw Sherman throw Zohar a stinking filthy look before he continued. “Anyone within those vehicles will be, at best, knocked unconscious but I suspect the effects of the spell could have far worse consequences.”

  Zohar threw up his hands, exclaiming, “Well why the hell didn’t you just say that?”

  “Because you wouldn’t listen!”