by Aline Hunter
“He’ll do anything for you, you know?” Resting back, Chloe said, “It’s actually kind of funny. Declan used to be the smartass of the pack. Now, with you, he’s totally different. Believe me when I tell you the pack was happy to meet the woman who’s changed him for the better.”
Strange. It feels like it’s the other way around. “They were nice.” Rachel had been surprised at how warm and welcoming the pack had been. She frowned when she remembered the women in the room though. She’d seen the livid glares they’d aimed at Declan. “Even if some of the women don’t seem to like him much.”
“Like I said, he was a smartass. He liked picking on the mated couples. The men ignored him most of the time but their mates weren’t as forgiving. They were pretty relieved Declan had taken a vacation from his duties—until they found out why. When you came along,” Chloe snickered, rocking her head against the cushion, “it changed everything.”
One word, bringing forth a heavy dose of fear. Changed.
“You didn’t tell me how things went with your dad,” she said, desperately wanting to think of something else. “Are the two of you mending fences?”
“We are. I’m excited to learn more about him and Mom.” Chloe sat up, her eyes going to Rachel’s face. “We’re going to have dinner after all this mess with the pack is taken care of.” Her green eyes flashed, nostrils flaring slightly. “You can’t hide your fear from me. I hate to be a downer but I can sense and smell it.”
“I’m not afraid.” So she kept telling herself. “I’m nervous.”
“It’s not as bad as you think—changing, I mean,” Chloe said. “I was terrified when I found out I was going to shift. I worried about how painful it’d be and I wondered if I’d even make it through. Then it happened and I realized I’d worried for nothing.” Giving Rachel a determined stare, she added, “Jackson has given me his word he’ll take care of you. We’ll make sure you get to a private place in the forest and you can do your thing. It’s going to be okay.”
“How bad is it? How long does it last?” Before she could back into a shell and keep her worries to herself, she decided to ask serious questions. “Are you still you when it happens? Are you different after?”
“It’s uncomfortable but bearable. And you’re always you. Shifting will never change that. But you will be aware of your wolf in a different way. It’s not a bad thing. I would explain it to you if I thought I could. The truth is it’s easier to experience than to talk about.” Chloe met Rachel’s gaze. “I would never lie to you. Even if it might be something I don’t want you to know. You have a right to understand what’s coming. I’m not hiding or keeping anything from you.”
“Nothing?” Not that she didn’t Chloe but she did want to clarify. “There’s not a single thing?”
“There is one thing.” Sadness swept over Chloe’s features, her eyes darkening a shade. “I didn’t want it to happen the way it did. I never wanted that for you. But I am glad I don’t have to worry about your future anymore. You’ll be safe and cared for. You’ll have someone who’ll love you more than anything else in the world. It’s selfish but I’m happy to have you with me, to know you’ll be in my life. You’ll always have a family.”
From time to time Rachel had thought of how different things might have been if she’d never been attacked. As much as she resented what had been forced upon her, she realized she’d have kept pushing Declan away otherwise. Of course, the man was pushy too. Eventually he might have gotten his way.
“Speaking of family.” Rachel ducked her head. She didn’t want to look her friend in the eye. Not when she talked about this. “Mom showed up when Declan took me by the house.”
“I’m not going to ask how she reacted.” Chloe’s voice vibrated with anger. “I’m pretty sure I can guess.”
“She didn’t take it well when Declan told her we were selling my house.”
Chloe came closer, excitement returning to her voice. “Please tell me he gave her hell. If anyone can insult someone in a sarcastically polite way, it’s Declan.”
“There wasn’t any need.” The memory made her bitter, the emotion squeezing her heart. Cindy should have been upset her daughter was changing into a werewolf—not that she was hard-up for a buck. “She was already pissed. If anything he only rubbed salt in her wounds.”
“Should I ask?”
“I wouldn’t give her any cash.” Rachel didn’t try to play things cool. Chloe had been around Cindy through the years. She knew the score. “She tried to throw a tantrum and he stepped in. He told her she could stay until a Realtor took a look at the place. I might have let that slide but I’ve honestly had enough. I told her to leave before I called the police.”
“You know it’s not your fault.” Resting a hand on Rachel’s leg, Chloe said quietly, “She’s been doing this to herself for years. No one can help her but herself.”
“I know.” Rachel rested her fingers over Chloe’s and gave them a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re here. I’ve missed having you around.”
“Ditto.”
Enough of this sappy shit. “So are we watching a movie or what?” Rachel rose from the couch. “I’m not sure what kind of liquor Declan has but we can raid the cabinets if you want a drink.”
“Trust me.” Chloe stood, an impish grin on her face. “He’s got good stuff somewhere. We’ll find it.”
Heading into the kitchen, Rachel asked, “So what do you want to watch?”
“No movies, not tonight.” Chloe strode past her and took a deep breath. Pivoting, she went for a cabinet and opened it. Several bottles were stashed inside. Collecting a bottle of vodka, she spun around and smiled at Rachel. “I want you to take a seat,” she gestured to the kitchen table, “get comfortable and get ready to spill the beans. I meant it when I said I wanted to know everything.”
“Chloe…” The last thing Rachel wanted to be was a bitch. “I hope you don’t take this the wrong way but I’d rather not discuss certain details. It’s not that I mind sharing things with you.” Hell, over the years they’d shared everything together. “It’s just,” lifting her head, she stared into her friend’s eyes, “this is the first thing that’s ever been completely mine. I want to keep it that way. At least for a little while.”
“Oh wow.” Instead of getting angry, Chloe grinned. “You really need to take that seat and have a drink.”
Doing as she’d been told, she questioned, “Why is that?”
“Because, dearest Rachel…” Chloe placed the bottle on the table and went to retrieve glasses. As soon as she had them in hand, she put them on the table and put a sizeable amount in each container. “You’ve fallen hard.” Chloe passed a glass to Rachel and lifted the other into the air, extending her arm so they could toast. “That’s a cause for celebration.”
Rachel almost protested. Then she thought about it.
She had fallen—very hard.
Declan wasn’t like anyone she’d ever met. She knew she’d never get tired of looking at him, listening to him or letting him care for her. Each day seemed to bring them closer. Even now, with him gone only for minutes, she kept glancing at the door. She missed his smile, woodsy scent and gentle touch. She wanted the time to pass quickly so that he was back at her side. In his presence she felt protected in a way she’d never expected to be.
To hell with it.
“To the future?” she asked, looking at Chloe.
“To the future,” Chloe parroted, giving her a smile.
They dinged glasses and tossed the drinks back.
Out with the old and in with the new.
* * * * *
Jackson parked outside the club and turned off the engine. The bar was hopping, the parking lot crammed with cars and trucks. “Are you ready?”
“Yep.” It hadn’t been easy leaving Rachel but he’d managed to get a grip on things. The sooner they got this shit over, the better. “All set.”
“Gavin has your place covered,” Jackson repeated—something he’d done
the entire drive over. “Rachel’s in good hands. I need you here.”
“I told you.” Facing the Alpha, he growled, “I’m all set.”
Seemingly satisfied, Jackson climbed from the car. Declan did the same. Facing testosterone-laden males wasn’t his idea of a good time. The men wouldn’t show up as an idle threat. They had to know Jackson meant business. Due to the nature of things they’d chosen neutral ground—a biker bar that catered to humans and immortals.
“I hate these places,” Jackson grumbled, adjusting his coat.
“I feel you.”
Most mortals came to bars like these to get their supernatural groove on. Others were curious but became terrified if a werewolf, vampire or other such being approached them. Since heavy drinking was often involved, crazy shit usually happened. Declan had heard many a horror story through the years. Despite the police leaving their kind alone, they still had to respond to disturbance calls.
“It’s still early,” he offered, glancing out of the corner of his eye at Jackson. “Maybe we’ll miss the deadbeats who trickle in.”
“We’re not that fucking lucky.”
The loud shuffling of feet got their attention. Jackson froze and so did Declan.
The male standing to the left of the building, just beside the parking lot, let his wolf show through his eyes. The male’s dark eyes brightened to orange, his fangs reflecting the glow from a nearby streetlight. He’d dressed in black, his hoodie keeping his face somewhat hidden.
“Jackson Donovan?”
“Who wants to know?” Jackson snarled.
“I’m just the middleman. I don’t have a dog in this fight.” The male’s eyes returned to normal and his fangs retracted. “Everyone’s waiting for you in an area in the back. It’s private and exclusive. You can’t get in without the password.”
“Which is?”
The male strode across the distance, holding out a piece of paper to Jackson. “Talk to the man behind the bar. He’ll take you where you need to be.” The werewolf didn’t stick around, spinning on his heel. He hurried off and faded into the night.
“Something smells shitty,” Declan muttered. While they were meeting in a public place, the area they’d be taken to was hidden. That meant the males could very well be itching for an ass kicking. “I don’t like it.”
“I don’t either.”
“So what’s our move?”
Jackson pulled his cell from his coat and pressed a button. He placed the device to his ear and after several seconds said, “Gavin, I’m meeting your guys at the back of the bar like we discussed. They want a fucking password in order for us to enter some super-secret room.” Opening the paper, Jackson snorted. “It’s Cinderella. Figures. If you don’t hear back from me by the morning you’ll know who’s responsible. I’ll be sure to tell them we chatted as soon as I get inside. Just so they know their asses are grass if they fuck this up. Keep our girl safe. I’ll be in touch.”
“Nice.” Declan grinned and cracked his neck. The males had the right to challenge Jackson but killing him would earn them Gavin’s eternal wrath. He was the male’s father-in-law. If Jackson died Chloe might not survive. “Can we get this over with?”
“Absolutely.” Jackson put his cell away and strode to the door, the loud boom of music nearly drowning out his voice. “The sooner the better.”
Chapter Thirteen
Declan dragged his feet up the stairs, more exhausted that he’d felt in years. So much for making it home in enough time to enjoy his mate. The males from the other pack hadn’t just demanded their attention, they’d decided to fight for it. Precisely as Jackson and Declan had thought they might. Apparently a few of them thought they were strong enough to take the pack from Jackson.
Not smart, although Declan hadn’t blamed them for trying.
He rubbed his cheek, relieved a nasty cut had started healing.
Jackson hadn’t been able to hold them off, meaning Declan had to watch the Alpha’s back. It hadn’t been pretty. For several hours they’d had to wait for the next challenger to appear. Despite their waning strength they’d pulled through. After the last asshole from Gavin’s pack had his ass handed to him, the other males had finally caved and bowed down to their new Alpha.
In a way it was for the best.
The pack didn’t need this shit during the full moon.
Jackson retrieved the key Declan kept taped to the bottom of a flowerpot on the porch, dusted it off and handed it over. “Here you go.”
Declan slid the key into the lock and tried to clear his head. Once he opened the door the alarm would go off. Even if that woke the women inside, he could make sure the annoying noise didn’t drone on forever. Before he could put his plan to action he heard someone on the other side undoing the locks. The door opened and Rachel appeared.
Her smile of happiness quickly vanished.
“What the hell happened?” She rushed forward, her fingers carefully inspecting his wounds. In a split second she directed her attention to Jackson. “What the fuck did you do to him?”
Time for damage control.
“I told you not to open the door.” Catching her hands in his, he stepped forward and forced her into the house. When her anger didn’t lessen—telling him she wasn’t up for his teasing—he tried a different tactic. “Take it easy, Rachel. He didn’t do anything.”
Jackson stepped in behind them. Before Rachel had only seen his shadow. Now she got the full deal. She shut up, no doubt embarrassed when she realized Jackson had it just as bad. Declan had made sure to keep things in order—only letting the males go at the Alpha one at a time—but Jackson hadn’t been so lucky. His cheekbone had been busted. Despite the substantial amount of healing Jackson had done, one of his eyes was almost entirely black.
“I thought you said there wouldn’t be any fighting.” Chloe didn’t sound happy, rounding the corner. “You said you’d never lie to me.”
“I didn’t lie. I didn’t think there would be.” Shooting Declan a look, Jackson swept Chloe up and headed for the door. His mate’s hands went to his eye, her expression concerned. “I’ll tell you about it in the car. I’m ready to get home.” He gave her a fast kiss and exited through the house, calling out as he went, “I’ll see you tonight. Call before you leave.”
“Close the door,” Declan requested softly. He didn’t want to fight with his mate. He was too tired, in need of a shower and sleep. “I’ll explain.”
Her lips thinned and her eyes narrowed but she left him. He discarded his jacket, tossed it onto the counter between the kitchen and the living area and removed his shirt. As a werewolf he healed quickly but these wounds would take longer. Each blow to his body had been delivered by others just like him. Rachel gasped and he turned toward her. Her mouth opened and closed, her gaze raking over his torso.
“Oh dear God,” she whispered and took a small step toward him.
“A few of the wolves decided to challenge Jackson as Alpha.” Bringing his hands to his jeans, he undid the buttons. His lust didn’t stir, his body too sore and bruised for any sort of physical activity. Even if he wanted to take Rachel to bed he wouldn’t be able to. He needed to sleep his injuries off, give his wolf time to rest. “The fuckers look worse than we do if it makes you feel any better.”
“What do you need?” Like a switch had been flipped, she went from appalled to concerned. She hurried to his side but didn’t touch him. “Tell me what I can do.”
He hoped she meant that.
“There are steaks in the back of the fridge. Can you pull out two or three and put them on a plate?” Deciding it was best not to inform her he was going to eat them raw, he said, “I’m going to get a shower and get clean.”
“I can cook a steak.” She pivoted to go the kitchen. “How do you want them?”
Shit. So much for that. “I’ll heal faster if I eat them rare.”
“How rare?”
“Completely,” he answered, too exhausted to continue the conversation.<
br />
“Oh.”
He waited until he heard the fridge open before he made the trek to the bathroom. Wasn’t this his luck? When he finally had time to be with his female he was too shitkicked to do anything about it. He peeled his pants off inside the bathroom and walked to the shower. He didn’t wait for the water to heat, thankful for the cold against his skin.
Running his hand along his side, he inspected the rib that had been cracked.
Still tender but definitely healing.
Bowing his back, he let the water drift over his head as it warmed. It felt good to get the sweat and blood off him. He didn’t bother with shampoo, scrubbing at the strands with his fingers. He tried not to think about the pain, picturing his bed instead. Once he finished off the steaks he’d curl up around his female and sleep.
The door to the stall opened and Rachel—naked as the day she’d been born—stepped inside. He wasn’t sure what she was up to and felt ashamed that he might not be able to perform if she wanted him to. For her, he’d give anything a try. But he ached all over, his muscles sore and weak. She retrieved soap and a washcloth stowed on a shelf built into the wall and, all business, started washing him clean.
Her hands were just the way he liked them—soft and heavenly.
She started at his neck and worked her way down.
He was too tired to speak so he just enjoyed. She made sure to cleanse all of him, tender as she worked about his rib cage. After she’d she finished, she left the shower. He turned off the faucets and she reappeared with a towel in hand. She’d wrapped another one around her lovely body. If things had been different he’d have ripped it off and taken her to the floor. He was weak but he still had fantasies, wanting to do so many things with his mate.
“Let me help.” It wasn’t a request but an order. He stood there, letting her pat him off. When she was satisfied she backed out of the shower. “I want you to get in bed. I’ll bring your food. Come on.”