Pack Wars Complete Box Set: Paranormal Menage Werewolf Military Heroes

by Vella Day

  “Let’s just forget it,” she said. Climbing out of the bed, she kept her back to Jay and dressed. If she looked at him, she’d see the pity in his eyes, and she couldn’t handle that.

  Just as she finished zipping up her shorts, Jay turned her around. “We should talk.”

  “I’d rather not.”

  His grip on her shoulders tightened. “It’s not an option. It’s late and I’m hungry. I bet you are, too. I’d take you to dinner, but by the time we drive over to Lippett Falls, find a place and eat, it will be past both of our bedtimes, and I know you have to rise early.”

  Here she’d thought Riley was the controlling one. He was right, though. “I have a pizza in the freezer. Will that do?”

  Jay smiled and pleasure shot through her. Her hormones must have taken over her thought processes.

  “Perfect. I’ll help.”

  “There’s not much to do.” It had been a long time since she’d shared the kitchen with anyone other than her assigned roommate. “If you get the pizza out of the freezer and put it on a tray, I’ll fix us some decaf.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Once the pizza was in the oven, Jay pulled up a chair at the small kitchen table and sat down. “What do you know about shifters?” His tone sounded casual, but from the way he’d glanced to the side, he had a hidden agenda.

  She hadn’t expected that question. “What do you mean?”

  “Beside the fact we can shift into wolves and heal fast, what do you know about us?”

  “The usual. In your human form, you can be as good or bad as regular humans.”

  He leaned back in his seat, his jaw tight as if he wasn’t sure how to bring up some werewolf secret that had been handed down from one generation to another. “Do you know that we mate for life?”

  The words mate and life had her stomach tumbling. She’d always avoided the whole idea of marriage, or as he would say, mating, but this time, the churning was different. “It’s not a topic I’ve discussed with anyone in detail, but I have heard of it. Remember, the shifters I’ve encountered aren’t exactly looking for a permanent relationship. They’d just as soon kill you, sell you, or fuck you to death than take you for a mate. Excuse my language.”

  He winced then pushed back his chair and came toward her at the counter, his eyes full of concern. “We’re not like those men.”

  “We?”

  He scrubbed a hand down his stubbled chin. “I don’t even know how to begin this conversation, so I’ll just say it. You’re my mate. And Riley’s, too.”

  Her vision turned white and she grabbed the counter. “I’d better sit down.” Jay led her over to the table and held out the chair for her, her questions running rampant. “What exactly does it mean that you and Riley are my mate? As in both of you? And shouldn’t I get a say as to who I want to be mated with?”

  His face actually turned a slight shade of red. “Fuck. I’m sorry. I didn’t explain it very well. Yes, you do, only we don’t.”

  “Huh?”

  “That coffee ready?”

  Oh, crap. “Yes.” She stood, and with shaking hands and a mind that couldn’t stop spinning, she poured two cups. “Cream or sugar?”

  “No, thanks.”

  She carried over the drinks and placed them on the table then sat down again. “Go ahead. I’m ready to hear this, I think.”

  “All I can tell you is what I’ve been told and what I feel. Once in a werewolf’s life, someone, something, or perhaps it’s just fate, puts a woman in front of us that we immediately know is our mate. As soon as I saw you, my body reacted and started to change.”

  “It’s called lust.”

  He smiled and then shook his head. “I’ve been in lust before when I was much younger. Trust me, this was more than that. A sense of protectiveness took hold of my heart and bonded me to you.”

  As sweet and flattering as the words were, he had to be mistaken. Then again, she’d seen how Ford and Tyson Summerville had risked everything for Bailey. “You said Riley has these same feelings?”

  “Yes, and that scares him. I believe that’s why he ran. But I know him. He won’t be able to resist you for long.”

  She doubted that. “While every person is different, exactly what is he afraid of? That I won’t accept him?”

  Jay twisted the steaming cup in his hands. “It’s complicated. His mom was sixteen when she became pregnant and gave him up for adoption.”

  Because Sarah had worked with human trafficking for years, she’d seen the horrors of what happened to kids when they were separated from their mothers. “I’m sorry.”

  Jay shrugged. “He was adopted by a family for a few years, but the first time he shifted, they freaked out and returned him to Children’s Services. The problem was that no one believed them that he’d shifted. The parents were told their mind was playing tricks on them. In the end, the parents said they just didn’t want to have such an odd child. From there he went from foster home to foster home. When he became of age, he joined the Marines in part to get away from all that crap.”

  She sucked in a breath, her heart bleeding. “How did he end up at the FBI?”

  “Riley doesn’t talk much about his past, but when he finished his time with the Marines, he was recruited by the Bureau.”

  Sarah tried to put all the pieces together. “So what you’re saying is that Riley might know I’m his mate, but he doesn’t trust me not to abandon him?”

  Jay’s brows rose. “You’re perceptive. I can’t be sure, but that’s what I believe.”

  She sipped her now ready-to-drink coffee, and the rich brew soothed her. “Let me ask you this. What if I don’t want a mate? Or rather two mates?”

  His eyes darkened. His expressive face truly was a window to his soul. “The woman always has the choice to say no, but that doesn’t change the fact we’ll never be able to be with our true mate then. We only get one chance.”

  She moaned. “That’s not exactly fair to the men, now is it?”

  “No, it’s not.”

  She’d need time to think about this. “So what’s the next step?”

  Jay chuckled, but it didn’t hold much cheer. “This isn’t some game show. I merely told you that you are the most important person in my life, so that if you see me hanging around or putting my life in danger for you, you’ll know why.”

  She drank more of her coffee. “I’m overwhelmed.”

  Jay clasped her hand. “There’s no pressure.”

  “Oh sure.” She held their fate in her hands. No way Riley and Jay would just let her walk away if that was what she chose. The over timer dinged, indicating dinner was ready. “Time to eat.”

  * * *

  When Sarah checked into work the next day, she kept an eye out for Russ. Riley had told Jay who passed it along to her that their schedules were being redistributed now that he, Clay, and Dirk were there. Russ’s shift was supposed to be ending, so she was disappointed when she spotted him near the storage closet arguing with Connolly, the new head of security—a position Russ had held.

  Not wanting them to see her, she hurried to find Amy to let her know she could clock out. Sarah found her in the room where Nancy was housed. Her roommate looked up then turned back around, a scowl marring her face. Oh, Christ. Russ must have told her some tale about how she’d come onto him, but then had turned pissy when he tried to kiss her. If Russ had told Amy the truth, she doubted her roommate would appreciate what her wonderful boyfriend had done.

  Sarah still hadn’t decided what she wanted to do about both of her men, but she didn’t need Amy making trouble with Riley by telling him lies.

  Wait a minute. Had she just decided that she wanted to be with both of them? Hell if she knew. Right now, she needed to get a grip and deal with other things first—like helping to save these women.

  Pretending nothing had happened, she strode toward Amy. “How’s Nancy today?”

  “She seems a little perkier, but I’m having a hard time getting her to eat
.”

  Sarah knelt down next to them, her heart heavy at Nancy’s labored breathing. “I’ll see what I can do. I bet you’re exhausted, so go ahead and clock out.”

  Instead of a nod of gratitude, Amy grabbed her arm hard. “Just so you know, roomie, I’ll be watching you.”

  To see if I come onto Russ? Before Sarah could respond, Amy stood and stomped off. Okay, that wasn’t good. After waiting a beat to make sure she wouldn’t return with Russ in tow, Sarah turned her attention back to her patient. The antibiotics were in the storage closet—next to where Russ and Connolly were having what looked like a strained conversation. It would be best if she checked on the girls and then chanced retrieving the needed drugs once Russ wasn’t around.

  It took Sarah a good hour to examine each of the ten girls, taking their vitals, checking for bedsores, and asking them to describe any symptoms they had. Just as she was about to see if the hallway was clear of Russ, Riley stepped into the room.

  “Sarah, may I speak with you in private?”

  “Sure.” Her heart tripped at his serious tone.

  Once she stepped into the hallway, she glanced around for any other guards but only spotted Skip Jackson. Of all the shifters, he looked the weakest of the lot. Cameras were aimed at the doorway, so Riley motioned they walk down the hallway.

  “We have a development,” he said, his tone curt.

  She didn’t like the way he emphasized that last word. “What kind of development?”

  “Connolly just received a call from Statler. Apparently, the buyer’s representative is coming here to check out the women to see if they are acceptable for purchase.”

  She clutched her stomach. For days, she’d anticipated there’d come a time when the women would be sold. “I doubt he’ll find them to his liking. Nancy is barely hanging on, and a few of the other girls are rather weak. Statler hasn’t let us exercise them or let them see a doctor.”

  “You have to do your best.”

  “I plan to. When is this buyer coming?”

  “He didn’t say, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he showed up later today.”

  That wasn’t enough time to do much but failing to have the women ready might result in Statler blaming her. “I’ll need to clean them up—as in buy them some new clothes and makeup.”

  Riley’s lips pressed together. “I’ll see what I can do about procuring funds.”

  When he turned and walked off, Sarah wanted to throw something at him. What was wrong with that man? Sure, they didn’t need to be hugging and kissing in public, but a smile would have gone a long way to cut through the anxiety of what she was about to do.

  Even if Statler denied her request, the women would enjoy a shower. Needing someone to stand guard, she went in search of Skip, but he wasn’t in the warehouse any longer. Near the front entrance, she ran into Connolly who was stomping around like a bee who’d been swatted at a few times.

  “I need some help,” she said in a calm tone so as not to piss him off any more.

  As if she’d offered the bee some honey, the crease between his brows softened. “What can I do for you?”

  She explained about how she wanted to bathe the women before the buyer’s assistant arrived. “None of them seem strong enough to fight me, but I don’t want one to get away after I release her from her bonds.”

  “I’ll be happy to stand watch. If I’m called away, I’ll tell Riley to help you. I just sent Skip outside to check on something or I’d ask him.”

  “Is Russ gone?”

  “Yes, he’s left for the day.” His lips firmed. “I’m sorry about what happened. Just so you know, I fired his ass for the stunt he pulled, but he managed to convince Statler to have his job reinstated. My hands are tied.”

  “I appreciate that you tried. I’ll be more careful next time.” She never expected Connolly to even care. She’d never met a Statler hire that did.

  Connolly nodded.

  “I need to get some supplies in the closet, but then I’ll be right back.”

  After she located the antibiotics, along with shampoo and some spare bars of soap she’d insisted on taking when they left the clinic, she headed back toward the women. To her delight, Connolly had located a chair and had stationed himself in the hall between the two rooms.

  She smiled. “Thank you.”

  He nodded then returned to staring straight ahead. While she believed the women would appreciate the shower, for many of them, it would be a struggle. For Nancy, it was not even possible.

  It was close to eleven a.m. by the time all but one of the women were clean. Their hospital gowns were soiled and needed to be tossed, but she didn’t have any spares for them to change into.

  After jotting down their clothing sizes, she headed into the hallway to find Riley to see if he’d received permission for her purchases.

  “Have you seen Riley?” she asked Connolly.

  “He’s checking the perimeter with Skip. Are the girls okay?”

  “Okay would be a stretch. I asked Riley to find out if I can buy the women some clothes and makeup for their inspection meeting.”

  “I imagine Statler would give you the okay. Selling these women is his goal.”

  Sick bastard. “I know.”

  From the small break room, she grabbed her purse and headed out. Even if Statler wouldn’t pay for it, a tube of lipstick and some blush could go a long way to make a woman feel good again. Glancing around outside, she spotted Riley and Skip chatting. While he didn’t turn around, the straightening of his shoulders, coupled with his excellent sense of smell, convinced her he was aware she was there. When he finished chatting, she’d speak with him. Not wanting to intrude, she waited by her car.

  A minute later, Skip nodded and moved away. Riley had to acknowledge her or look like a total jerk. He turned and came toward her.

  “Statler gave the okay, though it took some convincing,” he said not sounding happy.

  “I don’t understand why Statler balked. The better they look, the higher the price he can command.”

  Riley winced. “Are you sure fixing them up is the best move?”

  “Statler will have my head if I don’t deliver the girls in the best condition possible. I need him to believe I will always follow his instructions.”

  Riley looked away then back at her. “You’re right. We probably stand a better chance of saving them if they’re in the buyer’s hands anyway.”

  Glad not to have to defend her position, she slid into the driver’s side.

  Riley rushed to the passenger side door and hopped in. “I’m coming with you.”

  A laugh bubbled up. “Really? I don’t see you as someone interested in women’s fashion.”

  “I’m not, but I overheard Russ and Amy arguing right before they left.”

  Acid dripped in her stomach. “What did they say?”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Riley was a confused mess. He wanted Sarah so badly he could taste it. The scent of her skin had permeated his brain, and he had to fight the beast within every minute of the day not to mate with her. Being near her and not touching her was pure torture, but he was well aware that the devastation to his heart when she left would either destroy him or throw him off his game so much, he’d die in battle.

  He had to stay focused to see this job through to the end, and that meant keeping his distance. While the women he’d dated hadn’t been his mates, they’d all walked away, claiming they didn’t like how he put his job first. Well, hell. It wasn’t something he could change.

  Sarah started the car. “So what were Amy and Russ fighting about, as if I can’t guess?”

  Keeping the discussion from her wouldn’t be fair. “Russ said you came onto him.”

  Her brows pinched. “He’s such a dick. Just so you know, Amy threatened me before she left, telling me to keep my hands off him.”

  “What did you say?”

  “Nothing. She left before I could think of a good comeback. Alienating her any more wou
ldn’t be smart.”

  “I agree.”

  They drove in silence for the next few minutes as she headed into town, his mind racing. On the outskirts of Lippett Falls a rather old and small department store appeared. “You think they’ll have what you want?”

  “I hope so. The clothes don’t need to be fancy. If they were, it might tip off the buyer that we’re trying to cover up defective merchandise.”

  “Smart.” Riley inhaled, unable to hold back his concern any more. “I don’t want you staying at your duplex anymore.”

  She tightened her fists on the wheel. “You in charge of me now? Last I heard, you’d given up that right to Jay when you walked out of my bedroom after making me a very happy woman.”

  Her words were like swords slicing through his gut. Fuck. He stabbed a hand through his hair. “It’s not safe there.”

  She glanced over at him. He’d expected her to be angry, but she seemed more fed up than anything. “That may be, but you asking if I’m willing to stay someplace else instead of demanding it would have gone a long way to me agreeing. I’m a believer in equality in a relationship.”

  “You see? I suck at saying the right thing. How about you stay at the motel with Jay and I’ll find someplace else to crash?”

  She glanced at him. “Really? That’s your solution? I know you had a rough childhood and for that I’m sorry, but I had no idea your self-esteem was so low when it came to women.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with my self-esteem. So what do you say to moving?”

  She pulled into a parking spot, cut the engine, and faced him. “I’ll move in on one condition.”

  He could adapt. “What?”

  “All three of us stay in the motel room. Together.”

  He’d met stubborn women before, but Sarah was the most strong-willed of them all. It made sense, though, since she was an FBI operative.

  “Deal.”

  The moment that word left his mouth, he realized he might be subjecting himself to sleepless nights and emotional torture.

  * * *

  Fearing Nancy might need care, Sarah couldn’t afford to spend too much time shopping, but knowing that Riley was fighting to keep his distance ignited the devil in her. Teasing him would be fun. Always having to be on alert had made her grow restless, and letting down her guard for a few minutes would help.