by Meg Ripley
“Are you feeling shy? Even after last night?”
“Shut up.” She couldn’t believe she’d let her deepest urges take over, and she didn’t need him to remind her about it. Audra was already reminded about it every time she looked at him or spoke to him or even breathed.
“Come on. It’ll be a good release for both of us. There’s a ridge I wanted to explore, anyway.” He pointed off through the woods, in the opposite direction of the path that would lead them back to the clubhouse and pack property.
It didn’t quite make sense to her, but thoughts of Randy kept her obliging. “All right. If that’s what you want.”
Once Flint had smoldered the fire, they took off through the woods once again. Flint looked over his shoulder at her, and at first, she thought he was just checking to make sure she hadn’t escaped. But he raised one eyebrow and then took off himself.
“Hey!” She took off after him, her feet pummeling the path. Her joints were stiff from sleeping on the ground and her shoulders were tense from being so angry, but everything began loosening up the more she moved.
She gained on Flint, but only for a moment. His back shook and he pulled in his arms as he began his metamorphosis, his fur erupting through his skin. He dropped to all fours and took off, speeding through the wilderness like a silver banshee.
Audra didn’t think about it. She simply let loose, her human form falling away to show the wolf she kept underneath; the wolf she’d let out so rarely and that was not only longing to be free, but to run through those mountain forests with Flint. She felt the shiver of pleasure-pain as she shifted, her paws hitting the ground and her back stretching out to cover as much trail as possible. She felt the wind through her coat and sucked in deep lungfuls of it as she charged after Flint, determined to catch him.
He was faster than she would’ve guessed. In his human form, he seemed almost lazy in his slow movements and his reluctance to talk. As a wolf, he was a different beast entirely. Audra nearly lost sight of him as he tore through the woods, and she only caught up when he reached the final ascent that led to the ridge.
He scrambled up on his paws, agile and capable, and she darted up after him. Flint glanced at her, those eyes completely different in this form, yet somehow able to give her such similar looks as when he was human. Flint watched as she finished the climb and then sat on her haunches to take in the view.
It was absolutely incredible. The steep, craggy mountains were topped with snow that fell away to show the gorgeous greens and purples of a late summer bloom of foliage. The colors were interrupted by sharp cliffs and bluffs that shot up through them, claiming the mountain range as their own. Below it all was the deepest, bluest lake that Audra could ever remember seeing. She inched forward on her stomach, letting her paws dangle over the edge so that she might get the best possible view. It was like something from a postcard, not in your own backyard. To think I’ve spent most of my life around here and I’ve never even seen this.
She turned to Flint, prepared to take her human form once again so that she might tell him just how right he was about this place. He was no longer at her side but further down the ridge. He sat near a patch of wildflowers that danced in the breeze, but he didn’t seem to be enjoying the view. His head was tipped back slightly, his eyes closed against the sun. Audra thought his brow was furrowed, though it was hard to tell through all that fur, like he was concentrating on something. She watched him, savoring this moment when he for once wasn’t being so wary, so careful, so suspicious.
Audra! There you are!
The voice in her head startled her. Audra reeled back from the edge of the ridge, not interested in taking the wrong descent. Nate? Audra bent her head forward and pawed her coat behind her ear, expecting to find whatever it was that Flint had stuck to the side of her head when he’d captured her. It wasn’t there.
Of course. I’ve been trying to get a hold of you. So have Mom and Dad. Your cell phone must not be working.
Flint had promised he’d help her get a message to her family, but that hadn’t happened yet. He could have at least let her parents know that she was okay. She swallowed. This was exactly the chance she’d been looking for, the opportunity she’d been waiting so impatiently for to come along. Flint, whatever he was doing, seemed preoccupied. She was in wolf form, so she had a much better chance of outrunning him than she did on two legs. And to top it all off, she could communicate with Nate. She hadn’t felt that psychic link since she’d moved off to Fort Collins with Luke, and it’d been a shock the first time she’d felt it once she’d come back to the pack. Apparently, she still wasn’t used to it.
How could you take off without letting any of us know where you were going or how long you’d be gone? he continued. And you definitely shouldn’t have left by yourself. I can’t find Flint, either, and I was worried something had happened to you.
Though Nate would’ve been in his wolf form in order to speak to her like this, she could still hear the same tones in his voice that he had as a human. He was arrogant and angry, talking to her like she was some errant child.
And of course he’d put two-and-two together upon realizing that both she and Flint were gone. Ironically, the situation was closer to what Nate was imagining that she’d like to admit. He’s with me, she confirmed after a moment. We’re fine, just taking an impromptu camping trip. I totally lost track of time and was just about to let Mom know—
Jesus, Audra. Are you shitting me? You said you were going to find out about him, but I didn’t think you’d stoop that low.
She couldn’t help the growl that issued from deep in her throat, even though Nate wouldn’t hear that part. Excuse you? I never said anything was happening, I just said we were out together. And I’m a grown woman; I can do whatever the hell I want to.
As part of my pack, Nate reminded her, you’ll do what you’re told. And I’m telling you right now to get your ass back here.
Why? Audra challenged, feeling insolent. A day ago, she would’ve given anything to let Nate know that Flint had captured her. Now she could see him in her mind’s eye, standing in the doorway of the pack house and pointing at the ground, demanding that she get off the lawn and stop chasing the mailman, to come and sit and stay like a good girl. Well, he’d forgotten just who he was talking to.
There have been several more attacks. I think there might be several packs involved now. I have to wonder if the whole state isn’t against us, just because we have the best land. There are so many who want to infiltrate, I just don’t even know where to start.
Audra questioned her brother’s statement in the back of her mind. Were the other packs actually teaming up against them? Or was there something to what Flint had said about Nate starting all the fights in order to take their land? The whole thing was ridiculous, and she didn’t want to get caught up in it. Is everyone okay?
Ryan was injured, but he’ll be all right. I’m still assessing the rest of the damage. I need you to get back home right now. I need to know where you are and that you’re safe.
I am safe, she protested, automatically realizing just how silly of a statement that was considering less than twenty-four hours ago she’d been bound in ropes and thrown into the back of a vehicle.
Audra, this is no time for arguments. If Flint is actually trustworthy, and I sure as hell hope he is, if you’re out there with him, then I need his skills. I want both of you back here. Now.
Nate! Stop being so fucking bossy! But he was gone. He had already shifted and had broken the connection. Audra huffed in annoyance, no longer able to lose herself in the beauty of her surroundings. It’d been so nice to just be her wild self for a moment and not think about anything but what was in front of her, but that was over now.
She stood up, preparing herself to go talk to Flint, when he was at her side. Audra started for the second time, growling at him for scaring her. He was already on two legs, and she slunk off behind a nearby clump of trees to revert herself the same way.
> “You don’t need to be shy about that, you know. You’ve seen me shift,” he pointed out.
At least he was no longer watching her like an escaped convict. She held onto the tree trunk for stability as she regained her balance, feeling irritated and tired. “Maybe I like my privacy.” When she emerged from the trees, Audra found him staring out over the vista again. “I guess it’s over now. I just spoke to Nate.”
“What?” He whirled on her, and she could swear the anger in his eyes was tinted with something else. Fear? “How?”
Audra obligingly turned her head so Flint could see behind her ear. “I guess your little doodad didn’t stay put.”
Flint muttered something under his breath she couldn’t understand. “I take it you didn’t have a good conversation. You were over there growling and snarling like crazy.”
“What do you expect me to do when my pack is in danger and I’m nowhere nearby to help?” she said crisply. “Nate tells me there have been even more attacks on the pack. He knows we’re out here together, and he wants both of us back at the pack house immediately.”
He watched her as she spoke, and Audra knew he was waiting for her to throw it in his face that she’d told Nate everything. But she hadn’t, and as much as she hated herself for it, she decided it was easier not to bring it up.
“We’re not going anywhere,” Flint said quietly.
She sucked in a breath. “I should’ve guessed that would be your answer. Look, if you don’t trust my brother and you don’t want to go, then don’t. But I have to. This is my family we’re talking about, no matter if they’re right or wrong. They’re in trouble, and I should be there to help.” Audra turned on a heel and headed toward the steep path that led down from the ridge, suddenly realizing just how helpful it would’ve been to stay in wolf form if she’d been planning to leave.
But Flint caught her by the shoulder and spun her back toward him. His entire body surged and seethed with anger as he grasped her hips and pulled her close, pressing his forehead against hers. “Both you and your son are the ones who are going to be in trouble if you continue listening to Nate. He’s sacrificed other members of his pack to his cause; what makes you think you’d be any different?”
He had her there, both physically and logically. Their position was an intimate one, one that reminded her of their steamy night under the stars and the way his strong body fit against hers. Audra tried to pull away, but his grip was firm. “I’m his sister. Shouldn’t that count for something?”
“You’d think, but I wouldn’t put it past him to use you as yet another pawn if he thinks he’ll benefit from it. I won’t have you put in danger, Audra. You’re staying here with me.”
She shoved against him, but he only held her tighter. “And how is staying out here supposed to do us any good?” she challenged. “Wouldn’t it make more sense to head back there and catch him in this little game you insist he’s playing?”
“It’s too dangerous for you right now. We need proof before we head back to the pack, and my colleague that I just spoke to says we’ll have it soon enough.” Flint did let her go now, but only so he could grab her by the wrist and lead her back down the trail toward their campsite.
“Spoke to…? Oh.” As soon as she said it, she understood. That was what Flint had been doing when he sat there with his eyes closed. That was why he’d wanted to go in lupine form. She stared at his fingers around her wrist as she followed him. This man was impossible.
11
Flint watched Audra from across the fire. He knew perfectly well that there had been times she could’ve escaped. He was slacking, and it was all because of the way she made him feel. He knew from his military experience that he was perfectly capable of capturing a hostage, using them to make negotiations go his way, and then letting them go when he was done. It was simple. But nothing about Audra was simple, and things only seemed to get more complicated.
“Have you thought about what you’re going to send?” he asked quietly as he poked at the fire with a stick. It’d been a day and a half since he’d contacted Hudson, and he’d been fortunate enough that the communications guru had been in his lion form. The last thing he’d needed was for Audra to listen in on his conversation and pick it apart, finding more ways not to trust him.
Of course, keeping her out in the woods and away from her family wasn’t exactly doing him any favors. “Only about a million times.”
Flint stood and went to the tent, fished out her cell phone and handed it to her. He hated to do it, if he was honest with himself. As far as he could tell, Audra hadn’t said anything to her brother about what they were actually doing in the woods or why she hadn’t come back yet. But that didn’t mean he could trust her not to give something away, and if her pack came crashing in to ‘rescue’ her, then the entire mission would be blown out of the water. He sat down next to her, making sure he could see the screen. “Just one message, so I suggest you make it a good one.”
“Gee, thanks. You’re so generous.”
He resented that, even if he understood why she should feel that way. “Look, I’m not trying to be the bad guy here.”
“Easy for you to say. You don’t have anyone waiting for you and wondering where you are. You just march in here like you own the place, take advantage of me, keep me from my family, tell me what a villain my brother is…” She trailed off as she furiously tapped out a message on the phone.
“Is that how you really feel?” Something twisted inside Flint, something he didn’t like. It was distracting enough that he wasn’t even watching what she did with the phone any longer. “Do you think I took advantage of you?”
Audra’s shoulders sagged as she rested the phone on her lap. She didn’t look at him. “No. I don’t.”
He rubbed the back of his neck, not sure he believed her. “Are you sure? Because I know this whole thing has been crazy. I know it’s been uncomfortable. But I never would’ve done that if I thought—”
She answered him by turning her head and pressing her lips against his. They were soft and sweet, tasting of honey from the granola bar he’d given her. Audra’s free hand rested on his knee, and between the two points of contact with her body, he felt his entire being shake and shiver with pleasure and desire. Audra made him go crazy inside, and most of the time it was in a good way, but allowing even the thought that he might’ve taken advantage of her was enough to kill him.
When she pulled away, her cheeks were flushed the palest pink. Her eyes rested on his lips for a moment before she turned away. “I’m sure,” she said with finality. “There’s a part of me, Flint, that would happily stay out here in the middle of the woods for a long time with you, just hiking and fishing and staring at the stars at night. But that’s not reality. None of this is. Reality is waiting for me back at the clubhouse. Reality is waiting for me in my brother’s old room at my parents’ place, wondering where his mother is. This…” she waved her hand in the air as though the campsite and all that surrounded it had simply been conjured up out of someone’s imagination, “is something else.”
Flint didn’t know how to respond to any of that with words. The only thing he truly wanted to do was scoop her up and carry her inside the tent to remind her just how real things could be out there.
Audra tapped on her phone some more and handed it over to him. “There. Send it or not.”
He glanced over the message without completely comprehending it, his mind still focusing on their kiss and whether she was right about what was between them. Audra had typed out a text to her mother, explaining she’d gotten caught up in taking care of some business and not to worry about her, ending with an apology. He hit the send button and put the phone away.
She was slumped there by the fire, looking defeated. That wasn’t the Audra he’d come to know in the last few days. Flint realized he was wearing her down, but in all the wrong ways. He didn’t know what he was going to do about it either.
His phone rang, an unwelcome noise in t
he middle of the wilderness, but at least a distraction.
It was Hudson. “We’re here in Colorado Springs, and I’ve got everything I need.”
“Already?
He cleared his throat. “Let’s just say I’ve used some unconventional tactics that most people wouldn’t agree with if they knew about them.”
Flint smiled, knowing Hudson was usually a stickler for the rules. “I like the sound of that. Where do we meet?”
“That’s up to you. We haven’t been here long, and I’d think you know the place better than we do.”
Flint glanced at Audra. She wasn’t looking at him, but he knew she was listening. She was too smart not to, and she wasn’t a complacent person. She was also right, that this whole ‘camping trip’ was little more than an illusion. “Are you staying somewhere?”
“The Silver Saddle Motel in Manitou Springs. Needed someplace out of the way.” He turned away from the phone for a muffled conversation. “Leona says she wishes we were closer to Estes Park so she could stay at the Stanley Hotel. She loves The Shining.”
“Tell her maybe next time. I’ll pack up and meet you as soon as possible.” Flint hung up and pocketed his phone, looking at Audra. “You know that proof you wanted? I’ve got it.”
She snapped her head up to look at him. “Your friend works quickly.”
Flint nodded as he doused the fire. “He usually does. How well do you know the roads around here? We need to get to Manitou Springs, but I don’t want to go past the pack house.” He couldn’t risk being spotted, especially since he didn’t know what Nate might suspect him of at the moment.
Audra hesitated as she stood up and dusted off her jeans. “I think I can make that happen,” she said quietly.
Flint noticed how slowly she was moving. “This is what you asked for,” he reminded her.