by D. C. Gambel
“I suppose not.”
“Why are these kids being detained? And why in the hell are they wearing silver?”
Adam growled from behind me. It was hard not to react when you saw innocents being harmed.
“Come here.” Reed ushered me a few feet away. I held my hand up to Adam to stop him from following. I wasn’t running off, but Reed wanted some semblance of privacy and I was curious why. “Those wolves were bad mouthing Chad. When he told them to leave, they tried to attack.”
“Really?” I spat cynically glancing at Chad, whose appearance was pristine without a speck of dirt on him although his knuckles looked bloody. “It looks like he took a real beating.”
“We were here, Isabel. We broke it up before things got out of hand.”
“And if I asked those kids?”
“Wolves,” he corrected. “They’re animals, Izzy. They’d have killed Chad if we hadn’t been there.”
I glanced at the three boys on the curb. They were dirty and bleeding like they’d been in a scuffle, while the three hunters stood with not a hair out of place. If I were a gambling person, I’d say the boys had tried to be agreeable, but the hunters had used their authority unjustly.
“You’re going to let them go, Reed. You know silvering a wolf is forbidden unless they’re shifting.”
“It was a precaution.” He nodded his head to his crew who went to release the boys. “Are you sure you want me to release them?”
“Of course, Reed. They’re kids, regardless of their species.”
“What I mean is,” he lowered his voice, “they only sent you with one guard. We could take him out with the kids confined and bring you home. After everything that’s happened to you there, you can’t feel safe. We could claim it was just.”
Surprise jolted me but I did my best to keep my face neutral. I wanted to ask what he meant by what happened to me there. I got the feeling it’d been a slip of the tongue. That wasn’t what startled me. What he was proposing could lead to war. Why I found it unexpected was beyond me. This was Reed.
“My father nor I are willing to go to war with the wolves. Even if I slipped away without us killing anyone, Gideon wouldn’t let that slide. My father would send me back and I wouldn’t blame him. No one should have to die when a year is barely any time.”
“I promise I’ll find a way to get you out.”
Internally I groaned. To protest would be pointless. Reed wouldn’t hear it. He wanted to be a white knight, but what he didn’t understand was I was no damsel.
Once the three boys were safely in the vehicle, I climbed into the passenger seat. Reed stared at me through the window as we pulled away and I wondered if he could actually see me through the tint. Once we were out of sight, I turned to Adam who sat behind the wheel. “We need eyes on him.”
Adam’s brow furrowed. “Why? He’s an asshole but not anything more than we normally deal with.”
“He knew about the attacks.”
Adam shook his head. “He didn’t say anything.”
“He didn’t have to. I know him. He slipped up. If I had to bet, I’d say he’s got a connection on the inside, either directly or indirectly, but he’s being fed information on the going ons inside the pack.”
Adam fell silent mulling over what I said.
When we arrived back at the manor, Adam insisted we both head to Gideon’s office to explain what had happened, and my thoughts on Reed. The list of excuses I made in my head sounded unreasonable. My heart pounded the closer we drew to his office.
“Why are you nervous?” Adam asked.
“I’m not.” Even I heard the lie when my voice cracked. No way could I tell him the truth, that less than twenty-four hours ago, I’d been doing the naked tango with his boss.
Adam opened the door without knocking. Gideon’s brow pinched briefly when we entered but showed no other sign of distress. My heart leapt upon seeing him. He looked utterly divine sitting like the master of the universe behind his desk in his charcoal business suit that draped over his body in a way that accented his hard muscles. I had to fight to remain still. My hands twitched. My feet argued remaining glued to the floor. I had a strong flight instinct.
“It’s like you thought,” Adam began snapping me away from my internal conundrum. “One of the hunters explained the situation but it was obviously a lie.”
“Alright,” Gideon drew out. His gaze was on Adam but kept bouncing to me. I could see the question in his expression. Why was I there?
“There’s more.” Adam stepped back giving me the floor.
I took a deep breath. My hands were clammy, but I fought the urge to rub them on my pants. I would not show signs I was bothered. “They have someone on the inside feeding them information about what’s happening here.”
“What?” Gideon’s brow furrowed and his face contorted with confusion.
“He knew I’d been attacked,” I explained.
“He never said that,” Adam spoke up. I glared at him. I thought we settled this in the car. Why had he insisted I be present if he was just going to undermine me?
“Not in those words.”
“Then in what words?” Gideon asked. So I told him. “That does sound suspicious but I’m with Adam. It might not be what you think.”
“It’s not a coincidence, Gideon.”
“You think the hunters are in on this uprising?” he asked.
I shook my head. “I believe it’s just this one unit.”
Gideon leaned back in his seat, the metal groaned as he did. “And how do you propose I handle it?”
“The proper way would be to send a correspondence to my father letting him know he has a suspected traitor in his midst.”
“But you don’t think I should do that.”
I shook my head again. “The leader of the unit, Reed, comes from the second highest ranking family in the clan. They want to lead. Without me there, my father is vulnerable. His hands are tied. He can’t move against the family’s eldest son without causing waves, waves that he can’t afford right now. Not to mention it’d be admitting that you have an uprising on your hands.”
“If you’re suggesting I send you home—”
“Not at all,” I halted him. For him to release me would weaken his position not only among the wolves but the preternatural community without a valid reason why. “We need tangible proof, eyes on him. You can’t send wolves because they’d end up like the kids tonight or worse.”
“Then who?”
“My second. I’ve not once doubted his loyalty. In the meantime, I’d suggest sending my father a declaration. For every wolf unjustly harmed, you’ll begin tacking time on to my sentence.”
His brow furrowed. “How would that work? If this family wants to rule, then wouldn’t they want you out of the way? Perhaps they’re even pressing for you to die here. Adding time might help them.”
My eyes flicked to Adam. He’d seen the affection Reed had tried to bestow on me and I didn’t doubt that he heard the whispered conversation too.
Taking pity on me, Adam broke in drawing the Alpha’s attention. “The boy covets her.” Gideon’s attention returned to me in an instant. His eyes flashed amber so swiftly I thought I might have imagined it. “He wants to rule the legitimate way.”
Gideon eyed me for a moment before bending over his desk writing something out. After a moment he handed it to Adam who took it without question. “See that it’s delivered to the Order.”
When Adam turned to leave, I attempted to follow him, but Gideon called out. “Isabel stay for a moment.”
If Adam suspected, his face revealed nothing as I stood watching him close the door behind him. The room fell quiet, almost deafening.
“Are you fucking him?” he demanded in a low voice that I barely heard.
With my shoulders back and my head held high, I turned to face the Alpha. I knew what he meant but not who, so I played on his words. “I’m currently not fucking anyone.”
His green eye
s narrowed. “Have you fucked him?”
“Who? Reed?” I couldn’t hide my distaste. “Gross and even if I had it’s not your business.”
“Your second?”
“What?”
“Have you fucked your second?” he stated so there would be no more misunderstanding.
That stunned me. Gideon had only seen me with Eric for a moment. “How dare you. A man and woman work together and they’re automatically fucking.”
“We work together, Isabel and your warped sense of ideals went out the window when you fucked me so forgive me if I question them.”
Enraged, my face reddened. Gritting my teeth, I turned on my heel and was out the door before I said something I might regret. The door bounced off the wall when I threw it open. I was in a haze as I stomped to my room. Not only had he accused me of sleeping with Eric, he then insulted me for sleeping with him.
I had just closed the door to my room when it swung open and hit the wall with a resounding force. Gideon charged into my space on a warpath. “I did not dismiss you,” he spat.
“You seem to think that I answer to you, but I’m not yours.” I stood my ground glaring at him. His gaze was harsh as he met mine.
“Really? Because I seem to recall you saying different last night.”
“Fuck you, Gideon!” I couldn’t believe he threw that at me. Rage vibrated under my skin and I had to fight myself not to hit him.
“We did that already,” he stated lowering his voice. “This is my house, Isabel and you will do as I say and that means waiting until you are dismissed to leave.”
“If you think that’ll happen,” I said taking a step forward until we were almost chest-to-chest. “Then you’re more naïve than I thought.”
We stood there glaring at each other, both of us simmering with hostility wafting off us in a cloud. With a growl, Gideon kissed me with a deep hunger that had my knees shaking. I shoved him away then hit him. He grabbed my hand preventing me from swinging, before kissing me again. I bit him. He pulled back eyeing me, tonguing the gash I made on his lip. I could see his fury still brewing in his gaze.
“I hate you,” I hissed before sealing my lips to his. The kiss was rough and angry much like we were in the moment. Our hands fumbled over each other as we tumbled into my bed. Gideon’s fingers glided down my body, before slipping into my yoga pants and under my panties. He traced over my folds. Finding me wet, he growled before slipping two digits into me.
I arched with a gasp breaking away from his lips. Gideon hovered above me watching with an intensity as his fingers thrust into me. Using his free hand, he shoved my shirt up taking in the sight of the rosy tips of my nipples before lowering his mouth to claim each peak hungrily. His fingers continued to drive into me. I’d been wound up so tight all day that it wouldn’t take long before I peaked.
“You may think that this,” he thrust his hand forward, rubbing his fingers over the perfect spot, enunciating his point, which caused me to moan, “isn’t mine, but you’re wrong.” His eyes met mine. My body began to vibrate as my orgasm drew near. “And when you realize it…” He withdrew his hand and I whimpered at the loss. He brought his fingers to his mouth, sucking them clean, which only did treacherous things to my body. “You know where to find me.” He rolled off my bed heading toward the door. I stared at him, mouth agape. He just stopped and had no intention of finishing what he started. He looked at me over his shoulder as he headed to the door and as much as I wanted to, I didn’t call out to him. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. “Make the arrangements with your second when Adam gets back. He’ll be involved in every move you make.”
With one final sweep of his eyes over my body, which I’d forgotten was still on display to him, he pulled the door closed behind him leaving me lying there completely unsatisfied. I stared at the spot where he’d just stood in a daze. Not only had I been ready to give into him, again, but he’d left me wanting as a punishment.
14
Eric didn’t seem surprised by the request to track Reed nor did he ask questions. It was something I liked about him. After a week on Reed’s trail we had our agreed upon call which was done on Adam’s phone in his presence.
“Not a lot of our crew likes Reed so I had a few follow his underlings.”
“And?” I asked pacing the floor of the throne room.
“And nothing.”
“I don’t understand.”
“They did some shady things like roughing up supernaturals for the thrill but they met with no werewolves. I even tapped their phones. So unless they’re talking in code that is too superior for us to even realize, which I doubt, then I don’t know what to tell you.”
“Thanks, Eric.”
“No problem, Isabel. I’ll keep on it.”
I disconnected and turned to face Adam. He’d report the lack of findings to Gideon. I’d barely seen the Alpha since the night he left me sexually frustrated in my room. When I did see him, others were always around, which was probably a good thing. It kept me from hauling back and punching him.
“Maybe you were wrong,” Adam offered.
I shook my head. “My gut is telling me there’s something we’re missing. I’m just afraid it’ll be too late when it finally occurs to us.”
A week later I was finishing up my training class with the Omegas and was proud that someone had actually connected a punch on me, when Adam came bursting into the gym.
“I found her,” he spoke into the receiver before thrusting the phone at me. “Everyone out. Now.” The entire gym cleared out before I’d even absorbed what was happening.
“Hello?” I asked hesitantly.
“Isabel.” The relief in Eric’s voice was strange to hear. He was always so mechanical that the Order joked he was a robot. “Is there any way that we can meet? I have something you need to see.”
I glanced at Adam, silently asking him. He nodded. “Sure. How’s tonight?” I offered.
“Tonight? Are you sure?”
I didn’t understand the reason for his doubt. Adam answered. “Full moon.”
I gaped at him, but quickly recovered. Was it really time for the full moon again?
“Oh right. Sorry. Definitely not tonight. Tomorrow? Lunch?” I asked but the question was aimed at both Eric and Adam.
“Lunch would be perfect.”
We set a place and time before I hung up. Handing Adam back his phone I was jarred by the notion of the full moon.
“You okay?” he asked noticing my sullen mood.
I nodded walking absentmindedly from the room. I didn’t understand why I felt this way at the notion of the full moon. Sure, I’d have to sleep in the cage, which sucked but it didn’t require such heavy feelings.
“Oh, I’m definitely ready for tonight,” someone’s words fell on my ear. “My wolf has been aching for freedom and not to mention my post moon escapades with Gideon, which hopefully won’t be interrupted this time.” I realized it was Carla and her words were aimed at me.
I halted midstride. “Well maybe if you fuck in a private place instead of the goddamn sitting room no one will interrupt your orgasm.”
“What did you say to me you little bitch?” She stepped forward, flanked by her two friends.
“I didn’t stutter. Was my vocabulary too extensive? Do you need me to dumb it down for you?”
“You can’t speak to me like that.”
“Really because I think I just did.”
Her eyes flared amber just a second before her hand shot out. I ducked, missing the blow before delivering one of my own to her nose successfully breaking it. Werewolf or not, it would at least be a few hours for it to heal. I was vibrating with energy. The two wolves came up behind me, but I was in fight mode. I jabbed one in the ribs forcing her to release me. The other I flipped over my head, slamming her to the ground. I stood preparing for the next attack when familiar male arms wrapped around me, tossing me over a shoulder. I let out a scream thrashing myself against Gideon trying to get him
to release me, but he walked us steadily down the hall with ease.
We entered his office and he tossed me onto the couch.
“What the hell was that?” he demanded.
I climbed to my feet, but I wasn’t done. I kicked my foot high, connecting with his jaw. Even seeing the look of disbelief on his face wasn’t enough to deter me. Whatever I was feeling was still coursing through me and this was how I needed to let it out. Gideon didn’t seem overly upset. Instead, when I took my next swing, he immediately took the defense. I charged at him over and over. Some moves connected, most he deflected. My stamina held and the energy that was consuming me wasn’t waning. Gideon switched tactics. Charging at me, he forced me to defend myself. The change happened so suddenly as he gained the upper hand.
One moment I was standing, the next he had me pinned to the ground. I swiped at him, but he grabbed my hands pinning them above my head. I thrashed trying to get away. He just held me waiting for me to be done.
When my anger receded some, I felt instantly embarrassed. I’d acted like a crazy person going after Gideon.
“You wanna tell me what all this was about?”
Gritting my teeth, the words fumbled out. “Was I just convenient? Do you even care who the vagina is attached to that you’re using?”
“Trust me, Isabel. Nothing about you is convenient. You made your thoughts clear. I was just trying to honor them.”
“And tomorrow morning?”
“What about it?” he asked feigning ignorance. His face was close, I could feel his warm breath brush across my lips as he spoke.
“Are you going to fuck Carla?”
“She is convenient,” he stated causing me to narrow my eyes. “So unless you’re offering?” When I didn’t speak, he lowered his voice to a more serious tone. “Are you offering, Isabel?”
Was I? I didn’t know what I was doing or what was causing me to ask these questions of him. The tension mounted between us. My gaze focused on his lips before meeting his green eyes again. The weight of his body on mine was doing delicious things to me. With what he said the other night, I doubted he would make the first move. He exhaled heavily before releasing me and yanking me to my feet.