When he looked up, the adults were staring, even Desiree, although her gaze wasn’t full of warmth and understanding. No, she looked sad—and suddenly weary.
“Time to head out, Desi?”
River instantly demurred. “There’s dessert. Something chocolate.”
Bella and Andrew cheered, and he forced another smile. “Can’t pass that up.”
After dessert, and over coffee, Jett’s cell sounded an alert and he grabbed for it, ignoring River’s reproachful look. “It’s important, sweetheart.”
Motioning to Tahl, he led the way to the study, shutting the door against anyone else. “It’s Ashton,” he said and put it on speaker.
The old shifter’s voice crackled in the space. “We called an emergency session, Jett. I didn’t know she was there. Mind you, I thought we had her under control before she left, too, so I suppose I should have known she’d head over to Blue Star.”
“Has she returned?” Tahl knew he should have followed her, should have had called another shifter to ensure she returned to Dawnfall. He was the only one here who was immune to Peyton when she wasn’t medicated, however, so sending another pack member would have been irrelevant—or a disaster. It didn’t detract from the fact he hadn’t been able to leave Desiree.
“Not yet. It’s a fair distance, so maybe she’ll be here soon.”
Or she had no intention of returning… He cleared his throat. “It’s Tahl Powers, Alpha.”
“Hello, Tahl. I sorry for this. I know we agreed—”
“Is she back to the way she was?” He couldn’t even say it out loud. His throat and shoulder ached as if in sympathy.
“I’m not sure,” the old man admitted. “Peyton’s adept at hiding herself from others, and the medication is very helpful in that regard. I’m wondering if she was even using it, though the people I have taking care of her believe that’s not the case.”
“Could she be getting resistant?” Jett interjected.
“Possible. Though our doctor monitors her regularly. She got up this morning, like usual, dressed and had breakfast, same old routine. Went out for a walk and ditched her bodyguard. Simply vanished and somehow found transportation.”
Tahl’s gut closed in on itself, a thoroughly nasty sensation that he could hardly speak around. “Do you think—”
With a harsh bark of laughter, Alpha Leaf said, “I can’t see it being anything else, can you? You should have dealt with her when you saw her today.”
Peyton was this man’s granddaughter, his only living relative, seeing as his mate had passed not long before and Peyton’s mother had perished in a suspicious house fire. It made what appeared to be a callous comment highly significant. But Tahl remembered what it had been like to live in that situation for nearly two years, and he hadn’t had the same exposure as the older shifter…
“I couldn’t,” was all he said. I had to put my mate before duty.
“Not your responsibility,” Ashton conceded. “If Peyton isn’t here within the hour, I’m heading your way, if you have no objection, Jett.”
“Who will you bring?”
“My guards, not that they’ll be much use.”
They finalized the arrival times and established that Aston and his shifters would use The Sanctuary, the safe house now standing empty.
“You and Desi should stay here.”
His wolf threw down, all of his senses on alert, and he cursed. “We shouldn’t have come here at all. Goddamn it, Jett. Your mate and your kids are here.”
“Then it’s good you are too.”
His Alpha’s practicality grounded him, and the relief made him nauseous. Swallowing, he said thoughtfully, “She was pissed, but not out of control, Jett. Not like I remember. And Michelle wasn’t influenced. Nor Desiree. It could be Ashton is overreacting a little.”
“Except she flouted the rules and came here. After you. And I doubt she brought any of her meds with her. That’s obsession.”
There was that. And who knew how Peyton’s troubled mind worked? “She might have returned to Dawnfall.”
“Well, best we prepare if not.”
“I’m still not certain being here is the best plan. I should leave Desi with you and head home. Her car is at the shop and Peyton might check that out, not find anything, and go to my house.” He was back to thinking he’d made a big mistake coming here. He could have dropped his mate off and conversed with Jett over the phone. He’d just wanted to give Desi what she needed.
“Tahl. Find my lieutenant.” Jett’s voice cut like a whip through his frenzied thinking.
With a deep breath, he replied, “I’m back, Alpha.” He now fully understood how a threat to River—a very real threat—had nearly stripped Jett of his focused ability to rule his pack in the short term.
“Good. Now, what are you thinking?”
“I’m leaving my mate here. Peyton has no idea where you live.” He didn’t think, although the meetings had been held here. “But she’s been at my place. I’m heading there as soon as I talk to Desiree.”
“You think splitting up is a good idea?”
Did he? He was desperate to keep Desi safe, but instinct told him Peyton would go where she believed he’d be. His mate might be in her sights, but it stood to reason that where he was, so would Desi be. And if he was concerned for nothing, all the better. “If she can’t get in, she’s no risk.”
Jett nodded, accepting his assessment and Tahl refused to second-guess himself. With a curt nod, he went to find his mate.
She was near the couch, Bella and Andrew on either side of her, singing something about Tony Chestnut knowing they loved you, complete with actions. He studied the picture she made, envisioning her with their pups, and found it hard to speak past the lump in his throat.
“What’s going on?” River asked from her perch by the window. Desi stopped singing, mid-chorus, but the kids’ pure, childish tones continued. Toe knee nose.
Motioning Desi over, he said quietly to both females, “I’m heading out for a bit. Business.”
Two pairs of eyes bored into him, but he maintained a calm demeanor and must have conveyed it well because they both relaxed.
“Can you drop me off?” Desi looked around, presumably for her purse.
“No.”
She blinked, and he hurried to qualify. “I’ll come back. If that’s okay.”
“I knew I should have brought my car.”
River stepped up. “You know you’re welcome here, Desi. I want some adult time after the kids go down.”
“Sure.” His mate gave him another searching look before nodding.
He grasped her arm and tugged her close. He loved her height, not having to bend and dip to kiss her. Except Desi didn’t allow him to kiss her. Regardless, he leaned in and managed to brush his mouth over hers. For a fraction of a second, her lips softened before she disengaged.
“I’ll see you later.”
When he reached the doorway, he glanced back to see her watching him. Sad was becoming her usual expression when her guard wasn’t up, and regret tinged his belief that they were meant to be together.
Taking care to examine his surroundings, he let himself out of the house, hearing River lock up behind him, knowing his Alpha would be double-checking. Climbing into the Camaro, he drove to his house, vigilant for lights that might be in proximity. Seeing nothing, he turned onto his street.
An unfamiliar vehicle was parked up against the curb, unoccupied, unless the occupant or occupants had ducked out of sight. He pulled in the drive and studied the house. A small figure huddled on the wicker love seat and flame-red hair glowed with subtlety beneath the porch light.
She’d been there long enough for the motion sensors to have shut off, but that didn’t give him a timeline. He counted himself lucky that she hadn’t tried to search him out, again indulging in a recrimination that earlier he’d simply let her go.
“Peyton. I thought you were heading home.” He watched her carefully, noting the fren
etic flush and claw-like hands. His heart sank.
“I was. And then I thought I had to see you again. I felt … compelled.” She uncoiled her slender length to drift in his direction and he braced himself.
Her signature fragrance reached him, a mixture of roses and lavender. It conjured up a plethora of bad memories and he shook them off, raising his palm. She halted, full lips thinning as she visibly tried to control her rage. Her blue eyes glowed violet and despite his best effort, he was drawn to her.
“Invite me in, Tahl. We should talk.” She glanced behind him. “I see your … mate isn’t here.”
The mention of Desiree renewed his strength and determination, and the other female’s hold on him weakened and melted away. He needed to keep Peyton under wraps until her grandfather arrived, but how? He didn’t want her in his home again. “I don’t think so. We could get a coffee.”
“I thought you preferred to keep shifter business away from humans.”
The threat wove through her words, and he shrugged, knowing she wouldn’t be above creating a scene, perhaps one that couldn’t be explained away. Or something worse. He opened the door, feeling her right at his shoulder, far too close, and ushered her inside.
Heading to the kitchen, he took out his cell. “Have a seat. Can I make coffee?”
“I’ll take wine.”
Of course, she would. He texted Jett while pretending to search for a bottle. Pouring her a glass, he decided on a beer, not that he’d drink it, and took the beverages to the living room.
Peyton was wandering about, stopping to consider the items Desi had set out, her upper lip twitching in a near snarl. She threw him a glance before sauntering to take a seat. She patted the couch as he set her wine in front of her.
He took the chair closest to the door and waited. Thwarted, she narrowed her eyes before reaching for the glass. She made a production out of the first sip, and objectively he could understand how she drew men so effortlessly. Even without the compulsion she spun.
“You mated the Alpha’s sister. How forward thinking of you, Tahl.” Her innocent look belied the malice of her comment.
He smiled and took a mouthful of beer. “How’s your grandfather?”
Lifting a thin shoulder, she then tucked a sheaf of hair behind one ear. The gesture, like everything Peyton did, was studied, calling attention to her glossy auburn mane and her perfect profile. “Like I said, he’s getting old. Stuck in his ways.”
Knowing the kind of progressiveness she favored, he contented himself with a nod. Peyton wanted to introduce something quite radical—to rule and conquer.
“I expect you called him?”
“He’s hoping you’re on your way home.” A partial truth, it appeared to satisfy her.
“Come back with me, Tahl.” She leaned forward, palms outstretched imploringly, cleavage on display.
“You know I can’t do that, Peyton.”
“Because you chose to mate,” she spat, her fingers curling into claws.
The very air crackled with tension and the hair on his arms lifted. Peyton smirked, her pale skin nearly translucent against her red lips. “There’s no guarantee of a long and happy life, is there, Tahl? Not for anyone.”
“Don’t threaten what’s mine,” he gritted, as she unerringly put her finger on his worst fear.
“I never threaten, Tahl.” She stood, waving a languid arm, even as her gaze shot to the door. “You need to come back. With me. To me.”
Shaking his head, he heard voices outside but received no warning as Peyton launched herself at him.
****
Jett checked his phone, obviously reading a text, and Desi read his body language. River was upstairs with Bella and Andrew. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Tahl just checked in.”
“And?”
“And he’ll be delayed a while.”
“I should go. It’s been a long day.” She couldn’t stop thinking about Peyton now she wasn’t distracted.
“Hang around for a bit,” he advised. No, he ordered her again. There was no mistaking it.
“He’s gone to meet her,” she stated.
“Desi.”
She looked him in the eye. “I’m not worried about him fucking her, Jett. Not unless something’s changed with shifter nature.” Unless I changed it … paranoia will destroy yuh.
“You okay?” Her brother stepped closer. “You looked … funny.”
“A stupid thought,” she said, dismissing his concern. He’d know soon enough once he and River talked.
Her sister-in-law wandered into the great room as if summoned. “The urchins are asleep and Glenda’s upstairs reading. I thought we might talk.”
She’d done enough talking today. More than enough. “I’m tired, River. Sorry.”
Jett stared, and opened his mouth when his cell rang. Saved by the bell.
“She’s here,” he said, after greeting a male voice she couldn’t identify. He turned, moving fast, but she heard him say. “At Tahl’s.”
She grabbed her purse and was hot on his heels, ignoring River’s wide eyes.
Her brother shook his head as he ended the call. “Stay here.”
“No. And don’t pull either the big brother card or the Alpha one on me either, Jett.”
He loomed, despite her height, but she faced him down.
“Take her with you, Jett.” River wrung her hands but looked resolute. “I don’t know what this is about, but Desi can take care of herself. Trust me.”
“River,” she warned. She had no control. What should she do? Tell Peyton to drop dead or something?
He studied them both, his gaze settling on his mate, and Desi knew he was reading her mind. He muttered under his breath. Females. They both ignored him. “Can you follow orders if you come? Like if I tell you to stay in the vehicle, you stay?”
“I can.” She wouldn’t promise to follow them, though was capable of doing so. Witness how she’d obeyed Tahl today. Mostly.
“River, lock up. Benjamin will be here shortly to keep an eye. Stay inside.”
“I promise. You’ll be okay?”
He yanked her against him, big arms enveloping her much smaller body, and Desi had to look away at the caring and passion that flared between them they kissed.
“I’ll be fine.” River’s voice was a tad shaky.
They took his big SUV, and she scrambled into the passenger seat to keep up, as he powered down the drive. As they drove, she asked, “Jett, can you tell me what’s going on?”
Keeping his gaze on the road, he said, “If it all goes well, there will be no reason for you to know, Desiree. You’ll have to trust me on this.”
Maybe she’d have to set her curiosity aside, especially when Jett spoke in his Alpha voice. She knew better than to mess around with him. “Okay.”
“Do you want to enlighten me?”
“No.” She didn’t need to ask what he was referring to. She wished she hadn’t said anything to River. The time would come soon enough when she’d have to come clean, but Marlene would be home and she could be part of that conversation. It gave her some comfort.
They drew up to Tahl’s just as a pickup truck arrived. Jett jumped out and went over to greet an older male who disembarked from the passenger side. A much larger shifter clambered from the extended back and was joined by another, nearly identical male, and the two flanked the first.
Alpha Leaf. Desi recognized him. Jett hadn’t told her to stay in the SUV, so she slipped down out and went to stand behind her brother. The other Alpha glanced at her and spared a nod before focusing on Jett.
“She was waiting for him when Tahl got home. I expect he’s keeping her entertained until you could get here.”
Desi wondered at his choice of words, but said nothing, picking up on the tension.
“Best I head straight in, then. She’s a trial even when she’s not off her meds,” Alpha Leaf grunted.
Meds? Maybe that explained Peyton’s overall agitation. Sh
e had some kind of mental health issue. Desi stayed quiet, as the older male headed toward the front door. His bodyguards closed ranks behind him and Jett followed, albeit at a distance. It seemed a lot of big males to take one small female home.
She watched as Alpha Leaf froze at the door then pushed inside without knocking on the distinct sound of a scuffle. The guards jostled to gain entrance, and she saw one go down, then the other. Jett cursed and hurdled their prone bodies, only to falter and sink to his knees.
What the fuck? Desi pushed forward, scrambling over the big men, pushing Jett to one side as she saw Alpha Leaf grappling with Peyton, who was somehow gaining the upper hand.
Long hair flowing like a flame, the other female hissed and lashed out at her grandparent. Were those claws? And teeth? The redhead slashed the old shifter’s neck, blood spurting in a gruesome arc and Desi bit back a scream. Where was Tahl?
She staggered forward, her animal warring between fight and flight, and spied him lying beyond the combatants, on the floor. He lay still and slack, and terror gripped to infuse her entire being with adrenaline. Lunging, she made it to him in two long strides and knelt to run her hands over him, cradling his head in her palms.
Blood soaked his shirt, muting the faint rise and fall of his chest, and she felt his erratic pulse. Worried he’d bleed out, unconscious and unable to shift, she ripped the material open, buttons popping in a weird pinging counterpoint to the growls and snarls behind her. Deep gashes met her stare and she packed them with the cloth, searching for the injury that had laid her mate out.
A dark bruise fanned out from his temple and over his forehead and she saw the marble figurine she’d placed on an end table only a few nights ago, lying nearby, the base bloody. Tahl didn’t respond, even when she tapped his cheek and pinched his ear. His breathing became fainter. “Wake up,” she hissed. “Please, Tahl.”
She couldn’t lose him. It didn’t matter if he hated her for what she’d done, for how she’d treated him. She promised to be the best mate ever if he would just wake up and not die. Staring at her bloody hands, she swallowed a scream. Her vision had come true, another curse. She pressed her mouth against his and whimpered. Cold.
The old shifter crashed to the floor, and Peyton screamed victoriously. Desi forced herself to face the other woman, trying not to quail. Face streaked with blood and gore, canines glinting ominously, Peyton smiled horribly as she casually brushed a bloody tendril of hair from her cheek.
Undone By Destiny Page 13