Shaking her head, Katalina glanced across at Luke, who sat trying to look inconspicuous in the car down the street. To be fair, he wasn’t doing a bad job for a recently promoted novice soldier, but he wasn’t the only one who’d been training. If Katalina had any hope of ever having any freedom, she had to not only train as her peer wolves had but become better than all of them. Even then she wondered if Bass would ever loosen his hold. How good would she have to be for him to trust she could protect herself?
“Maybe we should start with coffee, and when the guys trust us alone, we’ll work up to New York,” Katalina suggested.
“How very reasonable of you, Kat.” Olivia smiled, nudging her. “What happened to rocking the boat?”
“I’ve done that enough lately. Bass is going to turn gray from stress at this rate.”
“What makes you think they don’t trust us?” Anna asked, frowning.
“It’s not that they don’t trust us.” Katalina paused, deliberating how best to explain to Anna. “Our type of men doesn’t trust others easily. Leaving us unprotected goes against their natures.”
“Do we need protecting at a café?” Anna’s frown deepened further.
“Of course not.” She sighed. “But if we did, I’m more than capable of protecting us,” Katalina added. “They are just being overprotective fools,” Katalina shouted.
Anna jumped, looking around. “Who are you yelling at?”
“Kat,” Olivia groaned.
“Cage,” she explained. “I mean honestly, white? Why are you wearing white?” Katalina continued louder.
Cage stepped from his hiding space, a sheepish smile on his face.
“You were spying on me?” Anna asked, shocked.
“No, not spying,” Cage replied as he joined them.
“Well, then what would you call it?” Anna asked, her voice tinged with anger.
“Protecting, I was protecting you,” he explained, smiling sweetly.
Not that it worked. Anna didn’t sound convinced. “And what exactly are you protecting us from? Hmm, I don’t see any danger.”
“You’re in my world now, Anna. Danger can’t be so easily seen.”
“Hmm,” she huffed. “Well, I don’t see Nico and Bass acting like cavemen. We’re having coffee for God’s sake.”
“Actually, Anna, our men are acting just as cavemanish,” Katalina said. “It’s just Cage was the most obvious. He seems to have forgotten what to wear in his months away.” Katalina grinned up at Cage, sticking out her tongue. “Losing your touch.”
“Actually, I told him to wear that shirt today,” Anna added in his defense, looking guilty.
“Yeah. Was there a reason for that?” Cage asked, disgruntled.
“If you’re implying I foresaw you spying on me, and decided to tell you to wear white, then the answer is no. I just like you in that shirt.”
“So, where’s Nico?” Olivia asked, scanning the vicinity.
“Actually, I haven’t spotted Nic yet. But that right there—” Katalina pointed to the car parked down the street — “is Luke.”
“Luke?” asked Olivia.
“He’s River Run, just moved up in rank. And as for Bass and Nic, well, I can’t see them, but I can sense Bass close, so Nico isn’t far behind.”
Olivia bent down and rummaged in her bag. Retrieving her phone, she swiped the screen and called Nico. “Hey…. Where are you? Really…. Oh, right…. Well, you tell me.”
Nico appeared seconds later.
“Busted.” Katalina laughed.
Bass followed next; he didn’t look pleased.
“I’m not sure why you’re looking so disgruntled. It’s our girls’ outing that’s been disturbed,” Katalina told Bass as he walked up to her.
“You could have quite easily gone along ignoring us, as you did for the first twenty minutes.”
“No, I couldn’t. I’m surprised there isn’t a hole burned into my back, you’ve put that many eyes on us,” she argued.
“Well, now that everyone is here, you might as well get a drink and pretend to look normal,” Anna suggested.
“You should have got changed,” Nico grumbled to Cage.
Katalina hid her smile, taking a sip of her tea. “Your mistake, Nic, was allowing Bass to come. I sensed him following us from the moment we left.”
“I told you,” Nico said, slapping Bass on the back.
“Well, it’s too late now. We might as well join them,” Bass said. He didn’t look that bothered. In fact, Katalina suspected he’d hoped that she’d spot them. Protecting them was far easier when sitting with the person in danger. Not that she was in danger or incapable of protecting herself.
“Yes, stop loitering and sit.” Katalina smiled slyly. “Now, what were we talking about? Oh yes, our trip to New York.”
All three men snapped to attention, protesting in unison.
Olivia buried her head in her hands, groaning. “You had to go there, didn’t you?”
“I don’t need to be psychic to know you most certainly do not care about Bass’s gray hairs,” Anna said.
“I don’t have gray hairs!” Bass protested, his hands subconsciously touching his head.
All three girls burst out laughing. Katalina laughed so hard tears formed in her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Glancing up at Bass, her face hurting from the creases in her cheeks, she nudged him in the side. “We’re joking, babe. Don’t look so serious.”
“Come on, pal, let’s go get the drinks. What are you having, Cage?” Nico asked.
“Coffee, black, two sugars,” Cage answered.
As Nico and Bass stepped away, Cage’s phone pinged. Katalina caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Sitting straighter, she made eye contact with the old man who’d been watching them from the moment they’d arrived.
“What’s wrong?” Bass asked Cage, pausing en route to ordering the coffees.
“We’ve got a tail. Luke says he’s been watching the girls since they got here,” Cage answered.
Drinks forgotten, Bass and Nico moved to block the girls from view. Katalina climbed to her feet. “Bass, wait.”
“Just stay here, Kat, please.” Bass sounded tired. Katalina had noticed the tone creeping in far too often lately, and she didn’t like it.
“He’s human and looks more frightened than aggressive. Maybe this could do with a more human approach.” Not a possessive alpha one.
“I agree,” said Anna, pushing her way to the front. “I’ve been waiting for him.”
“What? Who is he?” Cage asked, grabbing Anna before she could walk off. Katalina was even more intrigued now she knew about Anna’s vision.
“I’m not sure. That’s what I’m going to ask him,” Anna answered, trying to shake Cage off.
“Wait, Anna, sweetheart.” Cage moved in front of her and lowered himself so their eyes were level. “Talk to me, honey. What have you seen?”
“Just that someone was looking for us. Well, Katalina to be exact. He needs her help. He means no harm.”
Shock rolled through Katalina at Anna’s words. She studied the man, wondering just what he needed from her. “Bass,” she murmured, taking his hand. “Maybe we could do with his help. Look at his van.”
Phillips construction was printed down the side, along with a logo.
“Shall we?” Anna asked, glancing back.
“We’ll see what he wants first,” Bass instructed, meaning for Katalina and the other girls to stay behind.
“I don’t think so,” Katalina said, staring Bass down.
“He means us no harm,” Anna repeated.
“I trust Anna,” Cage said, taking her hand and preparing to move.
“Well, I can’t tell you what to do, but Kat, Nic, and Olivia will stay here,” Bass instructed.
“Pfft.” Katalina scoffed. Stepping forward, she danced out of Bass’s reach as he lunged for her. “I’m River Run and Dark Shadow. I don’t take orders. I’m Switzerland.”
“Kat,” Bass
growled, going after her.
“We may as well all go. Not like a human is going to do much damage with all of us around,” Nico suggested.
“Not got much choice now, have I,” Bass grumbled.
Guilt wormed its way into Katalina’s mind as Bass joined her. She didn’t like been treated like a fragile princess who needed protecting at all times, but that didn’t mean she didn’t understand where Bass’s actions were coming from. It frustrated her. Made her wish for a simpler life with less complications and threats.
The six of them walked toward the man. What remained of his hair was speckled with gray. Katalina pegged him at mid-fifty. The young woman in the van slipped into the driver seat as they approached. The man glanced at her briefly, nodding at her as they spoke a silent message to one another. Katalina didn’t for one-minute think that the man meant them any harm. If anything, he looked like he thought he was the one in danger. The young woman also looked frightened. Her knuckles were white as she gripped the steering wheel while the engine idled, ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Katalina couldn’t understand what he was frightened of. To anyone else, they were just six young adults. He couldn’t possibly know how dangerous they truly were.
“Hello,” Anna said before anyone else had chance to speak. “You’ve been looking for us?”
Yeah, not the human touch I was thinking of. Katalina shook her head, smiling slightly. Anna’s innocent hello didn’t calm the man much. In fact, he looked even more terrified.
“I… well.”
“How about we start with hello, I’m Katalina, and you are?” Katalina said.
“T-Tim, and that’s my daughter, Eva.” Tim gestured toward the woman in the van.
Bass tensed beside Katalina. He expected the worst from people, and Katalina couldn’t blame him. The caution was warranted after recent events, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to be afraid. She had no idea what he wanted, but she was certain it wasn’t a fight.
“What can we do for you, Tim?” Bass asked, voice cool, face impassive.
Tim visibly gulped. “Are, are… you the one in charge?”
“Katalina is the one who can help you,” Anna said, smiling helpfully, with a faraway look on her face that Katalina had already gotten used to. Though she didn’t quite appreciate her words at that moment. Dread was slowly building inside of Katalina as she speculated at just what Tim wanted.
“Honey, I’m not sure you’re helping,” Cage said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and bringing her close.
“Well… I…. How about I just show you?”
“Show us what?” Bass asked.
Tim gestured toward the back of the van, stepping toward the rear doors.
Katalina then heard what she’d missed over the rumble of the engine, the heavy breathing and scrape of what she was sure were claws. Her eyes widened as she glanced at Bass. “We’ll stay here,” she whispered, reaching out for Anna.
Anna frowned at her as Cage nudged her in Katalina’s direction.
“Kat will keep you safe,” Cage murmured.
“I don’t need keeping safe,” she mumbled.
Bass, Nico, and Cage followed Tim to the van. He eyed them for a second, sweat clear on his brow, then opened the doors.
“Well, shit,” Nico swore.
Anna broke free and ran to Cage.
“Anna,” Katalina gasped, reaching for her.
Anna went into Cage’s arms and peered around the doors. “Well, I didn’t foresee this.”
Katalina looked to Bass. On his nod, she moved closer and looked in the van. There, in a cage, was a small wolf, fur dull and matted. It looked crazed. Its snarl was savage as it took them in.
How am I supposed to help with this?
“Is it wild?” Katalina asked quietly.
“No, it’s bitten,” Bass said. “And out of control by the looks of it.”
“Can you help?” Tim asked.
“How did you get it in the cage?” Nico asked.
“Him. He’s my son, Zackary. And he put himself in the cage.”
My God.
“When did he last take human form?” Bass asked.
Katalina was out of her depth. She had no knowledge of bitten wolves, or how to help them.
“A week ago, maybe, but not for very long. He’s been a bit… wild since being in the cage. I was afraid to let him out.”
“Not surprising. It goes against the wolf’s nature. I’m shocked he went in, in the first place,” Bass said.
Poor thing. Katalina studied the wolf, the desperate, crazed look in his eyes, and filled with sorrow. Hurt for the boy trapped inside the wolf’s mind.
“He attacked me. He felt he had no choice.” Katalina spun around as Eva spoke. She’d been so engrossed by the cage that she’d not noticed the sound of her door opening. A mistake she didn’t intend to make again.
“I told you to stay in the car,” Tim gasped, rushing toward his daughter.
“Where?” Bass asked, directing his gaze to Eva.
“Where, what?”
“Where did he attack you? Were you injured?” Bass explained further.
Eva lifted her arm, the underside of which were covered with gauze. “He threw a glass at me. It shattered, some of the glass cut me. I’ll live.”
“So, he wasn’t in wolf form? He hasn’t scratched or bitten either of you in wolf form?” Bass questioned.
“No, why?” Tim asked.
“Because that is how the gene is often passed on. A simple scratch isn’t often enough, but a serious injury where flesh is exposed is another story.”
“W-we could become one as well?” Eva asked quietly.
“Yes. It is a good thing Zackary volunteered for the cage. Otherwise, it is highly likely you’d have both been injured, or worse,” Bass explained. “But what I don’t understand is why and how you found us?”
Katalina thought it was obvious why Tim had found them. He clearly loved his son, so much so he hadn’t freaked out by him shifting forms and instead had locked him in a cage, managing to track down the very kind he hoped would help. But she kept her mouth shut, because as much as it pained her, Bass was alpha, and she needed to show him respect.
“Isn’t it obvious? He needs your help?” Tim said, his eyes widening.
“I’m not sure what you think it is I can do? Putting him out of his misery would be kinder.”
“Bass,” Katalina hissed, hitting his arm. “Have a little sensitivity.”
Once the initial shock of Bass’s words wore off, Tim moved to the van doors and closed them, spreading his arms out as if to shield his son.
“I’m sorry, Katalina, but we have enough on our plate without bringing a bitten rogue onto our lands. Where would we even put him? He can’t be allowed to run free. The state he’s in he’d attack half the pack, and if you’ve forgotten, we’re not exactly overflowing with living arrangements at the moment.”
Bass was right, she knew that. Yet it didn’t seem right to turn him away, or lessen her frustration at Bass’s lack of compassion.
“How did you find us?” Bass asked again. He had on his cool, calm mask, but Katalina could feel the tension vibrating below his skin. Bass had stopped talking to her, and she didn’t like the fact that he had. Katalina suspected Bass was feeling overwhelmed with all his responsibilities and he was taking the attack on Dark Shadow as his own fault. He didn’t need the added stress, but she also couldn’t turn Tim away. Plus, Anna had said she was meant to help Zachery, and Katalina believed in Anna’s gift.
“It was a fluke,” Tim said, looking frightened again.
“You’re not another elaborate trap?” Bass ground out.
God, I’d never even thought of that!
“It’s not a trap, Bass. He’s meant to help you. Just as you are meant to help him,” Anna assured.
“And what exactly did you see, Anna? More cryptic bullshit?” Bass snapped.
“Hey!” Cage growled, moving in front
of Anna. “Take that back before I make you!” Anger hummed through Cage, vibrating through tensed muscles into clenched fists.
Damn it. Katalina moved between Bass and Cage. The two had been getting along since Cage’s return but Bass wasn’t acting like himself. His mask had slipped. She’d never seen it slip. “A little help here, Nic,” she rasped, putting two hands on Bass’s chest. “Hey, look at me,” she growled. “That was uncalled for.”
After another few tense seconds, Bass’s gaze dropped to hers and his face relaxed. “You’re right.” Bass looked up. “I’m sorry, Cage, Anna. I shouldn’t have said that.”
Katalina breathed a sigh of relief, then turned back around. Nico moved back from Cage’s path. Tim had watched the whole exchange with wide, fearful eyes.
“I-I s-swear I found you myself. I’ve been looking for weeks for some sign that others like you exist. We were going to move on today. I didn’t see any wolves in the week here, and then I saw her,” Tim glanced at Katalina.
“And how exactly did I make you think I was a wolf?” Katalina asked, surprise flitting through her.
“I’m not sure…. I was desperate. It’s your presence. You’re always on alert. The other two sat relaxed chatting, but you, you had at least half of your concentration on your surroundings, and you noticed me the second you arrived. Most teenage girls aren’t looking out for danger.”
So, I’m not as subtle as I’d first thought. Her face must have dropped because Tim added, “I only noticed because I was looking. For anything really. I knew for sure you were different when these three turned up. You’re not like teenagers at all, more like bodyguards.”
Katalina laughed quietly.
“I’m sorry, but we still can’t help you. Maybe we could have a few months ago, but now is not the best time,” Bass said.
“We’ll put him in the barn at Jackson’s,” Katalina suggested. “That’s secure enough.”
“That is not my call,” Bass answered.
“No, it’s Jackson’s, and he won’t say no to me,” Katalina said triumphantly.
Nico laughed. “First time for everything.”
“Yes. But that day will not come today. It’s far off in the future,” Anna added.
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