Connors Pursuit (Amber Woods Shifters)

by Rose, Arabella

  As soon as the comforting sight of the guest house came into view she breathed a sigh of relief. Glancing back one more time over her shoulder she raced up the back steps and into the kitchen. The house was still quiet which she was grateful for, making the most of the peace she brewed a fresh pot of coffee. Food was not her top priority righty now, besides she did not think she could face any form of substance judging by the way her stomach was rolling with anxiety. What the hell was she going to do? She felt as if she was damned if she did return to Oakfield and damned is she stayed here, when did her world suddenly become so complicated? A few months ago she was holding down a steady job, with a good wage, partying until the sun came up, whilst enjoying her feminine powers of persuasion. And now? Sitting in a bloody pack way so far north the ice froze on your nose, meeting with an ancient order in two days who she never knew existed until yesterday. Oh and the small problem of Lawson blackmailing her into mating with her son, all for the purpose of obtaining and using her power to his advantage. Then there was the annoying, sexy, caring shifter who was her mate that she was doing a bloody good impression of pushing him away at every turn. And why was she doing that? Was it just her pride getting in the way? Groaning she dropped her head on the table. She heard Luke enter the kitchen.

  “Lizzy, I thought you went to bed early, don’t tell me you are still tired, there is a perfectly good bed just down the hall”

  Lizzy placed her elbows on the counter, watching him make breakfast. Thank god she had pulled her sweater over her neck, no doubt there were bruises spreading out in a fingerprint pattern by now. As she was about to reply he froze, turning his head in her direction. His energy changed, the air was charged as his eyes changed from green to amber.

  “What’s wrong with you? You like you chewed a wasp” she laughed.

  But he was not laughing, in fact he came over inhaling her neck. Lizzy jumped out of her seat, giving herself distance from him.

  “Connor is going to be so pissed when he sees you. Which male shifter have you been with?”

  Lizzy actually spluttered trying to answer him.

  “Excuse me?”

  “You smell of male, and not Connor, be careful Lizzy”

  Ok, that was it she was so pissed off at dominating shifters, she had quite literally had her fill. Planting her hands on her hips she glared up at him.

  “For your information, I have not been with any other male than Connor, I would not do that to him. And if you think that low of me then you don’t know me at all”

  “Lizzy that’s not what I meant, I am only telling it as it is. There is a scent on you I don’t recognise from the pack. Have you come into contact with someone I don’t know?”

  She averted her eyes, she really could not get Luke involved in this, he had already done so much to help her and he had his own problems to deal with.

  “No, now if you will excuse me I am going to take a shower, then go window shopping in Crescent falls. Can I borrow your wheels?”

  “Sure, just don’t scratch it. You told Connor where you are going?”

  “No, somehow I don’t think it will be a problem after last night”

  Luke’s brow furrowed as he narrowed his eyes at her. Lizzy noticed the unspoken question, but decided not to answer. Instead she briskly walked to her room, stripped off her running gear, launching it through the air into her wash basket. The sooner she washed the stench off her the better. What she needed was to get her thoughts together and try to figure out what to do and she could not do that here with so many distractions. Just thinking about him had her chest aching and her core heating up with need for him, her mate. She needed to clear things up with him, let the past go, but first she had to use her own brain and gather as much information as she could so she was prepared to meet her old alpha. There was no way in hell she was going to let him harm her brother and she could do this herself, she wanted to prove to herself that she was not weak and could fight her own corners, show Connor that she was a strong person. Decision made, she finished showering, before picking up her bag and Luke’s keys, stepping out into the cold morning air.

  The sound of the pack going about their business made her walk a little faster. She was sure Connor would be one of them and deep down she knew he had probably not slept either after their stupid argument. First things first.

  Connor stepped out of the shower, coming to stand in front of the steamed up bathroom mirror. Wiping the moisture away, he looked at his reflection. Tired eyes and a tense jaw, evidence of his restless night. Many times he had jumped out of bed, intent on going to Lizzy but each time he stopped himself. He said he would give her last night and he wanted her to trust him. That was yesterday, today, they would start anew. The need for her was so strong. He knew she felt the same, but the stubborn female kept letting her pride get in the way. And he loved her for it. Love? Shit I really am getting in deep he thought. The deeper the better where she was concerned. Feeling better, he quickly dressed, grabbing breakfast. He wondered how long to wait until he should seek her out. Maybe this early in the morning would look too desperate. Shit, he was desperate, he needed her now. But, it was probably better to see her late afternoon, give her a chance to wake up, think things over.

  Connor headed over to the pack house settling down for a mornings work to distract him from his thoughts. Amber woods as a pack had shares in many different enterprises. Due to shifter longevity, each pack member had more than enough money to last there very long lives. As head of security it was his job to check on all transactions making sure everything was above board. Luke had now stepped aside from the job, taking on a more advisory post to the pack. Looking at the clock it was 12.30pm, it was lunchtime, he was hungry, but not for food, only for his mate. Growling, he closed down his computer and started the journey to the guest house. His heart was hammering in his chest the closer he got, just to feel her, smell her and touch her, taste her wonderful mouth had him hard as a rock. The snow had begun to fall heavy again, as he reached the steps he kicked off the balls of snow that had gathered on his boots. Knocking once he walked into the house. All pack houses were generally unlocked, it was a trust thing amongst their own, unless mates were having sex, then it was locked. To interrupt mates in the heat of passion would incite a bloody battle.

  “Hello?”

  He called out into the living area. The smell of Lizzy was faint, it soothed his wolf just to smell her sweet cinnamon scent, a balm to his current state of mind. Luke bellowed from the kitchen area.

  “In here”

  The sound of Connor had Luke shitting himself. He may be a big shifter warrior but the Beta was crazy about Lizzy and Luke had just let her drive away with his wheels.

  “Hey”

  “Hey yourself, if you are looking for Lizzy she left this morning”

  Connor came to stand next to him, he was a fraction under Luke’s height, huge bunched muscles evident as he crossed his arms in front of him.

  “Out where?”

  Luke matched his pose, leaning against the kitchen table.

  “Said she needed time to think, she has gone to crescent falls, don’t worry she has my wheels”

  Connor visibly bristled, what the hell was she thinking?

  “You let her go alone?”

  “Hey man, she is not a prisoner here she can go when she wants to. She is more than capable of looking after herself”

  “Of that I have no doubt, but right now we don’t know how much damage may be done from her repressed power”

  Luke stopped what he was doing, tilting his head at Connor.

  “Damage?”

  “Marcus has spoken with the Order, they are sure they can get her wolf back but there is most likely a risk once that power is released. The episode in the kitchen yesterday may only be the beginning. They advised us to keep her calm until they meet her on Friday”

  Luke winced, oh crap.

  “Shit, I’m sorry Connor, how calm does she have to be?”

 
“As calm as she can be, why?”

  Luke dragged his hand through his blond hair that he had left loose after his shower.

  “She had been up early, been for a run, when I got out the shower I scented some anxiety and that’s not all”

  Connor stilled, his wolf growled low waiting for the next words.

  “Before you freak out, I scented a male shifter on her, one I do not recognise. When I asked her about it she denies being near anyone”

  “WHAT? Who is he?” he yelled.

  “Luke backed up a little, the last thing he wanted to do was start a fight with Connor.

  “I don’t know, but the scent was strong, wait here”

  Connor growled and paced the room as Luke jogged down the hall .Seconds later he appeared with Lizzy’s hooded sweater. Just the thought of the man holding his mates clothing had Connors claws unsheathed.

  “Calm down Beta. She was wearing this earlier after her run, the scent is still on there”.

  Ripping the garment out of his hands, Luke inhaled deep. The unmistakable scent of a male, with undertones of engine oil slammed into his nose. A surge of protectiveness and dominance rolled out of him.

  “I will find out who touched her” he snarled.

  “Look Connor, Lizzy is one hundred percent in love with you, I don’t think she would do anything to jeopardize that”

  “Love? She told you that?”

  “Yeah last night, she was pretty upset after your argument”

  Connor placed the sweater on the table.

  “Crescent falls you say?”

  Luke grinned, nodding yes to his question, as he watched Connor run to his vehicle, pursuing his mate.

  10

  Crescent falls was a small northern town, she had been here once before with Brianna but that was when the grass was green with just a hint of autumn in the air. Now, the snow was falling gently as her boots silently made their way to an internet café. She decided to visit her friend Katie who owned the local coffee shop. Katie was mated to the alpha of red stones and was always up for a good chat. The sensible person to talk to would be Brianna, but that would not be fair, she was pregnant, mated to the alpha of amber woods and she really did not want to add to any stress she may currently have.

  Kicking the excess snow off her boots, the sky was heavy threatening a heavy covering of snow later. Pushing the door open, she walked over to the counter, pleased to see that Katie was in, her mouth watered as she watched her place a new tray of muffins in the glass display. It was generally quiet, aside from a few locals picking up a quick lunchtime bite. Katie’s eyes lit up when she saw her.

  “Hey Lizzy, when did you get back to town?”

  Her bobbed brown hair shook gently as she ran to give her a hug. Lizzy affectionately embraced her.

  “A couple of days, had a few things to sort out”

  “A few things? Last I heard you were on some sort of trip”

  Lizzy silently thanked Brianna for telling a small lie to protect her.

  “Something like that” she laughed.

  Katie reached out, grabbing a strand of her hair.

  “Wow, I like the new look, Lizzy, kind of like mine. It suits you”

  “Thanks I am getting used to it now”

  Katie lead her to a bar stool and sat next to her, her nostrils flared slightly.

  “Ok what’s wrong, your emotions are all over the place”

  Lizzy sighed, pushing a small tendril of hair behind her ear.

  “Men”

  That one word had Katie rolling her eyes, leaning closer to gather more information.

  “With Connor? You guys looked great together”

  “Yeah we were, we are….., oh I don’t know there is so much shit going on right now. I just needed to get away from amber woods for a while you know, clear my head”

  Katie jumped down off the stool, quickly having a word with one of her colleagues. Seconds later she had her bag and coat in her hand.

  “Come on, I have just the escape you need. It’s my sister’s birthday today and she is having a party tonight. Red stones is a couple of hours drive away. You can relax, talk, drink, do what you want. Stay the night if you like then go back in a better frame of mind tomorrow”

  Lizzy’s heart skipped a beat, a slight nervous excitement. Maybe this was exactly what she needed. Hell, she was meeting with the order in two days and that could be life changing in itself. Then there was the major issue of her brother. Things were so messed up. But for tonight, she would be the old Lizzy, let her hair down. Having made the decision, her wolf felt calm, she felt calmer, so there should be no repeat of last night’s episode. Clearing her throat she looked up at a smiling Katie.

  “I have nothing to wear to a party!”

  “Oh that won’t be a problem, I think I have something you can wear”

  Lizzy silently hoped that the bruises to her neck would be gone by now.

  “Ok, that sounds great, just let me text Luke, I have his wheels”

  Connor had sorted out a new phone for her as soon as they got back to amber woods and right now she was grateful. As she opened up the contacts list she hovered over Connors name, unsure if to ring him. It was unfair to completely ignore him. But she was still chicken shit to talk just yet, so she sent a text.

  Just to let you know I am ok, will talk tomorrow. I promise

  Her fingers shook as she pressed send. Another quick text to Luke to say she was borrowing his wheels for the night and she was good to go.

  Connor pulled over on the side of the road when his phone beeped with an instant message. His breath caught when he saw it was from Lizzy. Tomorrow? Rumbling his disapproval he called her but there was no answer. Quickly he replied.

  Baby I need to see you now, where are you?

  Lizzy could hear her phone ringing but with the snow coming down she was concentrating hard on the road with Katie giving her directions. Then she heard her instant message alert.

  “You want me to get that for you?” Katie asked

  “No, it’s probably just Luke, I will ring him when we get there”

  Katie nodded and continued to talk about the red stone pack and the pack members she would likely run into tonight.

  “And there is a couple of cute unmated males if you are interested”

  Lizzy shook her head, laughing at Katie’s very poor attempt at matchmaking.

  “No, Connor is all I need”

  Katie gave her a knowing look before changing the subject, asking her to turn right at the next junction.

  Connor waited for her answer but it never came. Just as he was about to pull onto the main road his phone rang. He reached across for it so quickly, the damn thing slipped out of his hands, landing on the floor. Snarling at his own stupidity, he glanced at the screen, heart sinking a little to see it was Luke.

  “Why is it that I seem to spend more time talking to you about Lizzy than actually talking to her myself?” he snapped.

  Yeah he was cranky, but the mating urges were on him so strong, just not waking up with Lizzy today had been torture.

  “Calm yourself Beta, I just thought you would want to know she just text me letting me know she was driving to red stone with Katie. She is staying the night, some birthday party”

  “Can you let Marcus know I won’t be home either tonight, I have plans”

  Luke laughed on the other end of the phone.

  “No problem Connor, ring me if you need me”

  Connor’s wolf settled a little, just knowing where she was and that he would see her soon brought some peace. Turning the car around, he glanced at the road signs, heading toward Red stone territory.

  Lawson paced the pack meeting hall listening to the mercenary he had sent to give his message to Lizzy. The guy was leaning against the wall, arms crossed in front of him, eyes carefully scanning the room. He served his purpose, and he came with good recommendation.

  “So what was her final answer?” Lawson snapped.

&
nbsp; “Put up a bit of a fight, got claws that she wolf. Initially she said no but after I left her on the ground I gave her the package you wanted her to have”

  Oliver stood from the chair behind the table. Placing his hands in front of him he leaned forward, claws cutting into the wood.

  “You attacked my mate?”

  The mercenary pushed off the wall, walking slowly before coming to a stop in front of Oliver. Deliberately he let his own claws unsheathe, matching the gouges that the alphas son was making.

  “Listen son, I was fighting pack wars long before you were born, sometimes a she wolf needs to be reminded of her place in the ranks. If you disagree with my methods you should have down your own dirty work”

  Oliver curled his lip, as he cast his eyes on his father.

  “If anyone is letting the bitch know her place in the ranks it’s me. She will answer only to me”

  Lawson watched the exchange between his son and the mercenary, he was proud of his son, of who he was and who he would become, Yes he was a little hot headed at times, but sometimes a firm hand was needed. He knew more than anyone that his son had to breed her, so that the Oakfield pack could have strong offspring, not only wolf born, but possess a deep hidden power of telekinesis. Just thinking about the wars he would win and the discipline he could enforce by using it had his wolf pacing eager to show dominance.

  “Gentleman, I think we can both agree that we know how to put she wolves in their place, it is the right of every male to take that legacy and pass it on to their sons”

  He came to stand beside the mercenary, crossing his arms in front of him. Letting his alpha energy roll.

  “You seem like the kind of male we need to increase our pack, we are always on the lookout for new stock”

  The mercenary, who had gave no name, let his gaze leave Oliver as he turned to face the alpha.

  “Thanks but I work alone”

  “Fine, well you know where we are if you get tired of the lone wolf lifestyle”

  “I won’t ever get tired, believe me”

  Lawson nodded, admiring the man’s honesty. Oliver had let his wolf retreat, as he sat back on the chair he had so recently vacated.