A Ravenous Pack: Wolf's Hunger 5 Books
Page 26
Danko’s voice shouting a warning around the camp. “Stand back!”
Again Zohar paused, giving the assembled She-Wolves enough time to get out of their way, but Marlon did not. His Wolf leaping high into the air and heading straight for him. Zohar’s Wolf was in a frenzy, out for blood, standing his ground until the very last moment and then he dropped to the ground and rolled to the side. Then he bounded up and on top of Marlon, opening his jaws wide and sinking his razor sharp into his opponent’s shoulder.
He held on tight, shaking his head and tearing free a chunk of muscle, blood spurting to cover him and dripping down to sink into the dirt. Marlon’s beast howled with pain and anger, crawling out from under him and getting to his feet, spinning around to face him again. His lips curled back, froth oozing from his mouth and covering his lower jaw.
Zohar’s beast spat out the meat, growling and pacing back and forth. A vision of Marlon manhandling the girl whose tantalizing scent had affected him swirling around inside his brain and sending both man and beast into a furious rage. He didn’t show quarter to the wounded Wolf before him, his anger knowing no bounds as he attacked again.
Everything else disappeared, the buildings, people, everything. One word ringing in his head: destroy.
And that’s what he did, literally. Minutes later Marlon’s Wolf lay in pieces after Zohar’s had torn him apart, limb from limb, until finally he ripped the head from the already dead body, throwing it into the air with a final roar of anger and triumph tearing free.
His Wolf prowled back and forth before lowering its head and turning around, stalking back toward the girl with piercing green eyes who still sat on the ground. She watched as he drew closer her wide eyes locked with his but not a flicker of fear showing as his massive Wolf stopped mere inches before her.
A tiny hand reached out to touch his muzzle, her voice soft, and once again she surprised the hell out of him as she whispered, “Thank you.”
Zohar wasn’t sure what shocked him more; his total lack of control in the fight, or the words that swam over him and soothed both him and his beast.
Danko’s hard voice echoed around the silent camp. “Jermaine Skinner is no longer Alpha of Dark Forest Pack; you are free to leave your homes now. Don’t be scared, come out and comfort your children, they need their parents.”
Zohar transformed, his naked body covered in Marlon’s blood, those green eyes darkening as they scanned him from top to toe. Her frank gaze surprising him, not for her appraisal of his nakedness, she was a Shifter after all, but for the total lack of fear.
That wasn’t something he was used to. When people looked at Zohar, he invariably encountered that emotion, albeit some tried, and failed, to mask that reaction. She wasn’t hiding anything from him though, her face, her body language, everything about her was an open book, and there was not one frisson of dread slipping through. Strange.
He didn’t have time to think any longer on that as Jermaine’s finger prodded his shoulder. “What the fuck did you do? He was my Beta and you just . . . destroyed him.”
Zohar’s eyes dropped to the offending digit, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “Don’t touch me or you’ll suffer the same fate.”
Jermaine stepped back, his eye’s darkening with anger. “You can’t just come into my Pack and rip apart my Beta for no good reason.”
“I can and I did.” Zohar faced the ousted Alpha whose Beta’s blood covered his nakedness. “You hold no power here, that’s something you’d do well to remember. You have one hour to pack up and leave and that includes the time it will take you to vacate Pack land. After the time is up, I will take things into my own hands and trust me, you do not want me to take that course of action. I suggest you get moving before I lose my temper . . . again.”
The threat was clear and it appeared Jermaine heard it loud and clear as he started to bark orders to the few men standing nearby, their feet shuffling and eyes flitting to Zohar’s men who now surrounded them. Zohar halted Jermaine. “Wait, I have a question. There’s someone in your Pack that I’m interested in finding. Where’s the man named Saul Farrar?”
Jermaine’s eyes squinted, head cocked to the side. “He’s not here, he’s away on a mission I sent him on. What do you want with him?”
Zohar leaned forward, his eyes boring into the other Shifter’s. “It’s a Council matter so that means several things to you. First, it’s none of your fucking business. Second, if you attempt to contact him from this second onward, I will find out and I think you know what that means for your future . . . you won’t have one. I’ll hunt you down and end you, and I promise you it will be painful, Jermaine. Lastly, that goes for each one of your men. Nobody alerts this man that we’re here or that I’m looking for him. Is that clear?”
Zohar’s steely gaze settled on every set of eyes, holding his smirk inside as he saw cold fear staring back at him. “If you don’t want to end up like dear departed Marlon then you will not alert Saul Farrar.”
Jermaine shrugged, trying to look nonchalant in front of his men but Zohar scented his terror as he spat out. “No loss to me. He was an idiot and couldn’t deliver what he’d promised anyway. He deserves whatever he gets.”
Zohar couldn’t stop the snarl that erupted from him, his fangs sprouting quickly from his gums as one of his hands grabbed Jermaine’s shoulder, shaking him like a rag-doll. “What? He couldn’t bring home your next-in-line sex-toy? You’re a fucking animal and your time here has just been cut short. You have no time to collect anything. Go now before I kill you for all you’ve done against the females that were supposed to be under your care. I have one more thing to say, Jermaine, watch your back on your travels. There’s an angry Alpha out there whose mate you were going to abuse but she got away, albeit you sent her father to hunt her down. I know this guy and he’s not the forgiving type, in fact, he’s the kind to hunt you down and tear you apart then go home to his mate and not even tell her what he’s done. Yeah, I can see him doing just that. You better run, run hard and fast and keep running because he’ll be coming for you and you won’t stand a chance against him.”
Jermaine’s face had lost all color, a deathly white pallor now staring back at Zohar. “What? Who? Who is it that’s coming for me?”
“That would be telling, now wouldn’t it?” Zohar pushed Jermaine away roughly. “Go, now, before I change my mind and do the job for him. As a favor for an old friend.”
Zohar wouldn’t be doing it as a favor. No more favors for anyone . . . ever. But he would do it if that cocksucker didn’t get out of his sight soon because he wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold his own anger at the man in check.
Jermaine staggered back, away from Zohar’s anger that flowed in great waves from his body. The old Alpha’s eyes flitted to his cabin. “What about my family?”
Zohar turned to see an older woman shielding what he assumed were her daughters. He addressed them in a much calmer tone. “It’s your choice, stay or leave with him now.”
The woman didn’t flinch as she glared at Jermaine once before answering. “We’ll stay.”
Jermaine’s face flushed scarlet before he stepped toward her. “You’re coming with me, bitch.”
Danko dashed forward, grabbing Jermaine by the back of the neck. “She stays and you go, now. You won’t be given another chance. Leave or face the consequences.”
Zohar felt a presence at his back, the heat of a body so near that he was on the verge of spinning to attack . . . until her scent assaulted him. What the hell was she doing? She was almost touching him she was so close. Nobody voluntarily approached him, ever. Most ran in the opposite direction so her actions confused him, even though his Wolf appeared to welcome her.
Looking over his shoulder he stared down into those deep green pools, his heart speeding up as she tilted her head and looked at him. Her face covered with sadness and grief but something else too, uncertainty, doubt, and disbelief.
“What are you?” she whispered.
“I know that,” she replied, her skin puckering on her brow. “But your scent is . . . I can’t describe it. It’s like nothing I’ve come across before.”
Zohar refused to admit, to her or himself, that her scent was . . . what? Delicious, tempting, out of this world. No. He would never voice that so he simply shrugged. “It’s the blood.,” he said coldly before forcing himself to tear his eyes from hers.
Danko had seen the interaction between Zohar and the girl earlier, and now this. His mind turning over and remembering his friend’s reaction in the forest too. Well, damn, it looked suspiciously like the Hunger was indeed what he’d thought and his friend had found his mate.
He was under no illusions that Zohar would accept this effortlessly though. It looked like Danko would have to give fate a helping hand. He waited until Jermaine and his men were herded away, ordering several of their men to ensure they left Pack land before returning to Zohar.
“Why don’t you go and get cleaned up and I’ll assemble the Pack and discuss how they move forward?”
The woman at the door came down the stairs. “My name’s Gwenola, and since that bastard is gone and until a new Alpha is in place, this is my home. You are welcome to come in and freshen up. I’m afraid I don’t have any clothes that will fit so I hope you have a change with you.”
Danko chuckled. “Yes, we do. I’ll send for our vehicles and drop off his bag. This is Zohar and I’m Danko.”
“That’s settled then.” Gwenola waved her arm toward the door. “Welcome, Zohar, you and your men have our thanks for freeing us from that tyrant’s reign. My daughters will prepare food for you all so when you’re ready let me know.”
Danko nodded. “Thank you for your kindness, Gwenola. I’ll be in shortly to advise of my findings.”
Gwenola looked up to the cabin. “Girls, can you please show Zohar to the bathroom. I have to take care of Maisy and prepare Libby for her burial.”
Danko watched as Zohar paused, watching as Gwenola approached the small She-Wolf, whose name they now knew, enveloping her in her arms as she wept. Gwenola patted Maisy’s back. “I’m so sorry, darling. Libby was so brave trying to save you from that bastard. I know that doesn’t stop your hurt, but I hope you know that she wouldn’t have it any other way. You were the most important person on this earth to her and she died doing the only thing she could . . . protecting you.”
Danko saw Zohar hesitate, his feet hovering as if he fought an inner battle, his face drawn and tight as he watched Gwenola comfort Maisy.
“She was the only person I had left. What am I going to do now? I have no one. I’m alone now. All alone.” Maisy clung to Gwenola, tears streaming down her face, the sorrow in her words tearing at everyone’s hearts.
Zohar cursed under his breath before spinning around and stomping up the stairs and disappearing inside the cabin. His actions only confirming to Danko he had much more work to do than he first thought.
He was never one to shirk from a challenge and he’d do whatever it took to force his friend to accept what was right in front of him. No matter the cost. If he lost his friendship, then so be it. He only hoped he didn’t lose his head . . . literally.
Danko went to work, ordering Kovak to assemble the Pack and then he instructed some of the men to help Gwenola with the burial of the fallen She-Wolf.
Maisy looked shell-shocked, her grief palpable in the air as her friend was wrapped in a white linen sheet. Silent tears streaming down her white as snow face. Danko joined her, standing quietly beside her for a few moments before offering his condolences.
“I’m sorry we didn’t arrive earlier,” he kept his voice soft and low, afraid he’d spook her. “If we’d gotten here just a few minutes sooner then perhaps we could’ve helped your friend.”
Maisy looked up, her green eyes darker as they were filled with tears. “It’s not your fault. It’s Jermaine’s. I hope Zohar was right about that other Alpha finding him though. Do you think he will?”
Danko couldn’t help his lips tugging up in a smirk as he thought of Shade Shawcross. “I know the person Zohar spoke of, he’s a strong Alpha, and he’s deadly when angered. One thing he won’t stand for is anyone hurting someone he cares for and as his new mate is someone that Jermaine has sent people to hunt down, well, yeah, he’ll deal with him. It’s because of Shade that we’re here. He contacted Zohar and called in a favor, one that’s been owed for over five years. We left as soon as we could after he called but we were too late to save your friend.”
Maisy gave a curt nod. “I’m glad that he’ll be dealt with. That makes me feel a little better. So, this Shade person, that’s who Marissa is with? Is he a good person? She’ll be happy?”
“Yes, I’m sure she will be,” Danko assured her as two of his men removed Libby’s body.
Gwenola joined them. “We’ll have a ceremony later, honey. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how close you two were and no words will help you right now, but just remember that I’m here for you. When you need to talk, come find me. Anytime, day or night, I’ll always be available for you, Maisy.”
“Thank you.” Maisy bit her bottom lip, drawing blood. “She kept me safe for so long that I’m not sure what I’ll do without her.”
“Jermaine and his men are gone now, sweetie. Her job is done, she kept you safe, right up to the end.” Gwenola enveloped Maisy in a tight hug, Maisy’s sobs bringing a lump to Danko’s throat.
He quickly turned away, striding toward the assembled Pack to address them. His mind already racing on how he was going to pull off his scheme. Danko began formulating his plan of action, hoping against hope that Zohar would not see through his deception. Luckily, his years as an Enforcer worked in his favor. One of the first training tasks was how to deceive others, and do it well, without your scent alerting other Shifters.
That would come in handy with his first two steps in the schedule he was going to put in place. His phone already in his hand to take care of how to keep Zohar where he needed to be: right here.
Danko wasn’t going to allow his friend to scurry away from his one chance at happiness. He’d do whatever it took, including putting his own life on the line. Zohar had saved his ass too many times to count and he owed him more than he could ever repay. This was his time to do something for him and he’d use every trick in the book, and then some, to do it.
He spoke to the Pack quickly, assuring everyone that they were safe and that they would be staying for the time being to ensure that safety and to guarantee that Jermaine and his men didn’t return. That seemed to reassure everyone, with sighs of relief audible from just about everyone. A few even clapped when he’d spoke with some asking them how long they’d stay for because they were terrified that when they left that Jermaine would return.
Danko confirmed that they would remain until a new Alpha had been appointed and that seemed to calm the nervous crowd. Then Gwenola took over to arrange the ceremony for Libby, and then stating there would be a distribution of food and supplies afterward. Danko saw relief flooding through the Pack, most of them were underfed and could do with a good damn feed. Jermaine had a lot to answer for.
As soon as he could, he slipped away to make the call to set his plan in motion.
Zohar stayed in the shower far longer than usual, allowing the scalding water to wash away the blood of the Beta but also to calm his thudding heart. The woman, Maisy, affected him in ways he didn’t understand and it made him . . . what?
Uneasy, certainly, but he also felt anger at his loss of self-control. His position of the top Enforcer meant he was always in control but when Gwenola had gone to Maisy offering her solace his beast fought against him. His Wolf urged him to go to her, howling that it was his place to comfort the grieving She-Wolf . . . what nonsense.
His beast had lost his mind. The magic spell must be affecting it more than he’d thought. He would need t
o get back to base and begin his search for the enemy behind this attack on him . . . before he lost his mind altogether.
When he felt better under control, he found his backpack just inside the door, quickly drying himself he dressed, leaving his hair loose to dry off, then made his way downstairs. The aroma wafting from the kitchen calling to him like a siren to wayward seamen, his feet taking him straight to the food laid out on the huge kitchen table.
Gwenola and three girls preparing even more dishes as Danko tucked into a huge plate piled high with an assortment of meat. His friend stopped long enough to smirk. “I thought you’d fallen asleep up there.”
Gwenola spun around, wiping her hands on her apron. “Zohar, please sit and help yourself. These are my daughters, Jacinthe, Katel, and Florine, we’re getting things ready for after the burial ceremony.”
“Thanks.” Zohar sat at the head of the table, Gwenola quickly producing a plate for him as he addressed Danko. “Report.”
Danko sat up, all business. “I’ve spoken with Atherton and he’s ordered us to stay here for the time being with a skeleton crew. As there’s nobody suitable within the Pack to take on the role of Alpha, that’s down to you for now. Before you interrupt, I’m aware you don’t want to stay here but it’s the only solution for now.”
Zohar frowned, looking up at Gwenola. “Are there no strong Wolves here that can step in?”
Gwenola shook her head. “No, Zohar. Jermaine took care of any Wolves that showed even the slightest sign of strength a long time ago. We’ll be lucky to find even a Beta within the Pack.”
“Told you,” Danko butted in. “You’re it for now until the Council can find someone willing to take on the Pack or they can put in place another Enforcer. We’re to keep half a dozen here with us, in case of trouble, but also to teach the Wolves here to be, well, Shifters. As in, proper Wolves within a Pack and, hopefully, we can bring out a Beta or two to help in taking the Pack forward.”