by Celia Kyle
“My relationship with your father is my business,” her mother said, and though the words weren’t harsh, Jane knew better than to press her further.
“It was bad enough when he didn’t look at me,” Jane said. “Now he doesn’t even talk to me.”
On the few occasions they’d found themselves in the same room at the same time, her father had refused to acknowledge her in any way. He’d simply mumble to himself as he hurried out of the room. Sometimes she’d catch a muttered “Warren” or “bitch,” and even though she pretended not to hear, her heart always folded in on itself just a little more.
“He could be feeling guilty about what he did,” Ginger offered. “People react differently when they know they were in the wrong. Your father is no different. He’s a proud man.”
“It’s not just him, Mom.”
Ginger frowned. “Who?”
“Everyone!” Jane huffed as she climbed out of bed and moved to the window.
The front of her pajama bottoms rolled down to settle under her pregnancy bump, reminding her it was time to go shopping for maternity clothes. If she could manage to drag herself out of her room.
“They hate me, Mom. They hated that I came home knocked up by some strange wolf. Now word has spread like wildfire that Reese and I recognized each other. So, of course, they hate me even more. What’s worse is they’ll hate my baby.”
Ginger moved to her daughter and enfolded her in a comforting embrace. They stood that way for some time, swaying gently as Jane knew she’d sway with her own child when he or she needed the comfort only a mother could give.
“I should have known my daughter would choose an alpha,” Ginger finally murmured into Jane’s hair.
“Even if it’s the wrong alpha?”
“Who says?” Ginger demanded, pushing her daughter to arm’s length. “A baby that is both Warren and Coleman? That will be a fearsome wolf, my dearest. Strong too. Maybe strong enough to unite both clans once and for all. A union between you and the Warren alpha…”
“Nobody said anything about a union. He didn’t claim me. As far as I know, he hasn’t given my condition a second thought.”
Jane knew she was pouting, but sometimes a girl just needed a good pout. Of course, her mother would never let her wallow.
“I hardly think he’s had the chance with you locked away like a princess in a tower.”
Jane sighed heavily. “I know, I just…”
“You miss him?”
She did. All these months, even before she discovered she was pregnant, she’d longed for Reese. She ached for him to hold her one more time, to kiss her so hard her toes curled, then make love to her until she screamed. She’d made her peace that she’d never see him again, but then… There he was. And he lived just a few miles away, yet it might as well have been a million.
Tired of thinking about the mate she could never have, Jane changed subjects.
“I’m worried about Daddy.”
Her mother stiffened but remained silent.
“Don’t you think he’s been different lately?” Jane pressed.
Ginger released Jane and smoothed her auburn locks away from her face. “I think he’s under a lot of stress. You know how close he was with Peter. The death of a beta can be hard on an alpha.”
“It seems like more than that, Mom. I’ve caught him talking to himself a lot lately. And he’s—” Jane shook her head, trying to find the word. “—cruel. He calls me names under his breath and he’s unforgivably rude to you. I’m starting to wonder if something is seriously wrong.”
A gentle crease appeared between her mother’s eyes, but that was all the other woman gave away. “Like I said, your father is under a lot of stress, and that’s the last word I have on the subject, understand?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Jane demurred.
Of course, not talking didn’t make her concerns vanish. Jane worried what would happen if her father really was sick. If he died or turned feral, Ian would be next in line to become alpha. A chill rippled down her spine and raised goosebumps over her entire body.
Ginger pulled Jane into a quick hug. “Well, my dearest, what can I get you for dinner?”
“Dinner?” Jane said with a laugh.
Ginger raised a solitary eyebrow. “It’s almost six.”
“Oh.” Time certainly flew by when one hid under the covers all damn day. “I’m not hungry. Maybe some—”
“Orange juice?” Her mother shook her head. “I’ll bring you food, too. See that you eat it. A baby of such strong lineage will need everything you can give it.”
With another gentle smile, Ginger swept from the room, leaving the door ajar behind her.
Jane stared blankly at the door, willing herself to close it before her father stalked past and cursed her again. Then again, maybe she ought to go for a run—a nice long one to clear her mind and get her thinking straight again. The enforcers would no doubt follow her, but she’d make them work for it. Even five months pregnant, she was fast.
The challenge of humiliating the enforcers boosted her spirits enough to dig out her running clothes. She was just about to drop her PJ bottoms when the door creaked open behind her. Ginger must have already had a meal prepared. Always the mother hen, and Jane wouldn’t have it any other way.
“That was fa—”
Jane’s smile quickly turned into a grimace. Ian stood in the doorway, biting his lip and letting his nasty gaze slide up and down her body. And now I need a shower.
“Get out of here, Ian. This is my private bedroom.”
She glared at him with all the hatefire burning inside her. He smiled in return.
“I thought a private room would be best for a private conversation.”
He swung the door shut behind him, the soft click seeming to echo through the quiet room. He slunk toward her and took a seat on Jane’s mussed bed. Her upper lip peeled back in a snarl that he’d dare get so close to where she slept. The slimy smirk never left his pinched, smug face.
“Haven’t seen you at all this week,” he finally said, his tone smooth, as if he actually gave a rat’s ass.
Ever think that was by design, asshole? She didn’t dare say that though.
“I’ve been right here.” Even though her voice was a perfect monotone, she could still hear the edge of disgust rimming her words.
Ice shimmered in his leer. “That doesn’t mean you’ve been present, does it? I haven’t seen you on runs or at meals.”
Jane cocked an eyebrow at him. “So, you’re here because you missed me?”
The corner of his lip raised in what she could only guess was mock amusement. It certainly wasn’t what anyone in the world would consider a smile.
“Maybe. But I also think it’s important for you to know what’s going on. And what will come next.”
Jane frowned and crossed her arms, preparing herself for whatever bullshit Ian was about to spew.
“Your father is losing control of the pack,” Ian said dispassionately. “His thirst for war is weakening the people’s devotion. It’s understandable. They don’t want their sons and daughters to die in a pointless war.”
“War was your idea!” The balls on this guy!
Ian waved her comment away like an annoying gnat. “Regardless, your father’s days are numbered. After he’s gone—one way or another—I will become alpha.”
It was almost as if he’d read her mind from earlier. She’d brushed away her thoughts, telling herself she was just being paranoid, but now he was here confirming her suspicions.
“You came to threaten me?” Jane spat.
“I’m not threatening you, Jane,” Ian said, his voice oozing with what he probably thought was charm. “I came to give you a choice.”
Jane glowered but remained silent.
“When your father dies at the hands of my followers, you can die alongside him and your mother or…”
A rage like none Jane had ever felt grew inside her. It was only matched by fear. Fear for he
rself, her parents, but most of all, her child.
“Or give up my baby and allow you to take me as your mate?”
Ian stood and brushed imaginary lint from his pants. When he finally met her gaze, the fear in Jane’s heart turned to horror.
“The baby won’t live either way, Jane. You can save yourself, though. There will be other pups. Pups born of a worthy father.”
“And exactly how do you expect me to answer?”
Ian chuckled. “Oh, I already know your answer. I’m proving what a generous alpha I’ll be by giving you one last chance to change your mind.”
Ian left her standing there, mouth gaping in shock, and slammed the door on his way out. Her wolf strained to be set free so she could tear the little asshole to shreds, but she remained frozen in place, completely paralyzed.
Ian wasn’t wrong. Her father was losing control of the pack, not to mention his mind. If she told him about Ian’s threat… He’d never believe her, of all people.
Jane’s worst fears had been confirmed by the very man she feared the most. This was no longer her pack, and if she was honest with herself, it hadn’t been for a very long time. There was only one thing she could do—run. Run far and fast to somewhere her baby would be safe. She had to escape, the only question was where to go.
Except, there really was no question. She had to find Reese. Somehow. She knew in her gut that he’d protect her and their pup. The real question was if he would also protect her family. As determined as she was to save her child, she couldn’t just leave her parents to die at the hands of that foul piece of shit. She would need Reese’s help. But the last time she’d seen him, he hadn’t looked to be in a forgiving mood.
CHAPTER 7
Reese bounded through the dark forest, branches slapping at his muzzle as he fought to outrun his demons. He barely felt the whip of fast scratches through his fur and flesh. He needed the run. More than that, his wolf needed the physical activity. Both halves of him had to burn off some of the confusion, frustration, and anger that’d been eating at him since the botched summit.
After the fight with the Colemans, Roman and the other members of the National Circle had formally reprimanded him for his behavior. They’d promised Lance Coleman and his beta would also be chastised. Right. Reese silently wondered what effect that might have on a couple of lunatics.
Reese’s wolf had become frantic the moment Jane had climbed back into that black-as-death SUV. He didn’t miss the way her gaze sought him out and then she was gone—the door closed and tinted windows hiding her from his view. His beast had howled in protest as the truck carrying her drove off. Reese had summoned every ounce of strength he possessed not to chase after it like a stupid dog on the street. Instead, he’d waited until the dust had settled and then he’d run into the forest, full throttle.
He’d been running ever since.
His wolf demanded he hunt down their mate and pup, but Reese had to tread carefully. As much as he yearned to slaughter any Coleman who dared to stand between him and his new family, he’d made a promise to his dying father to seek peace at all costs. On top of that, he sensed something… off with Lance Coleman.
Naturally, Jane’s unexpected pregnancy had no doubt rocked their pack to the core, but something else swam just under the surface. Something dark and evil. He simply didn’t know what it might be. If he could somehow track her down, maybe he could figure it out and find a solution.
No, it was too dangerous—not just for him, but for Jane as well—to invade Coleman lands. They no doubt had sentries protecting the border, and getting caught meant certain death. That didn’t stop him from trying to come up with a safer solution, though. He had so many questions, not the least of which was if she’d set him up.
A growl bounced off the trees, sending a jolt of adrenaline rushing through his body. It took a moment to realize his wolf had been growling at him for thinking his mate would betray him in such a way. And in his heart, he knew the truth. Fate had brought them together for one incredible night to heal the wounds between their packs. He just had to make sure they all survived to see it through to the end.
Even a passing thought about their night together in Ft. Lauderdale brought back a flood of memories. He tried to push them away, but it was no use. Even as he sprinted through the woods, he couldn’t outrun his memories. They’d become part of the fabric of his soul.
Jane dancing with him, grinding her luscious ass into him until he couldn’t control himself. The feel of her full lips wrapping around his cock. The way her hips arched into him as he rocked into her, begging him to go even deeper.
Fuck.
He shoved the vivid memories from his brain. It wouldn’t do for one of his pack to see their alpha in wolf form running around with a boner. The very thought took care of the problem in a heartbeat.
His paws were caked with mud and his muscles burned by the time he reached his small cabin near the boundary line. If that hadn’t run the piss and vinegar out of his wolf, nothing would. Panting heavily in the crisp night air, he pulled his beast back, stretching his arms and rolling his shoulders as fur shifted to skin.
An evening alone, away from the pressures of being alpha, might allow him the quiet he needed to plan his next move. His pack was understandably skittish, thinking they were on the brink of war. No amount of reassurance from him could soothe them—probably because they could smell his own agitation. Unfortunately, living in the pack house didn’t offer a lot of privacy. The only place for him to be alone was his tiny, private man-cave out in the middle of nowhere.
His skin erupted in goosebumps as he mounted the steps and let himself inside. Fall felt heavy in the air around him, so his first stop was a small cardboard box that held spare clothes. Shrugging a hoodie over his head and tugging on some sweatpants, he then piled some kindling in the little potbelly stove in the middle of the one-room cabin. Except, before he could light the match, a loud howl ripped through the night. He’d recognize that call anywhere—an enforcer needed backup.
Damn.
Reese’s cabin sat just a few hundred yards from Coleman lands, so it stood to reason another Coleman enforcer had tried pushing onto Warren land again. As much as he’d like to let his men tear out the throat of the intruder, that wasn’t the path to peace. He picked up his pace to make sure he reached the scene before anything happened.
Normally, he’d shift back into his wolf form for the boost in speed, but the call sounded close. Very close. Pausing to shift would only slow him down.
Plus, he didn’t want to ruin another set of clothes over a Coleman.
He caught the scent on the air before the scene came into view. A wall of Warren scents hit him full force. Several of his sentries in wolf form stood in a circle, growling and gnashing their teeth at the trespasser. The moon had yet to rise, so Reese couldn’t see the Coleman in question, but an aroma eventually wound its way through the testosterone and body odor. When the faint flavors reached him, he pushed past furry bodies to confirm what his wolf already knew.
Jane stood in the center of the circle, her strawberry blonde hair pulled into a ponytail and a backpack slung across her back. She held two enormous hunting knives and glared at each wolf in turn, her eyes wild with a combination of fear and fury. It was almost as if she dared them to make the first move.
She didn’t have to wait long. Ren, one of their best enforcers, sprang forward and lunged for Jane’s throat. She sidestepped him deftly and swiped one knife through the air, slashing Ren’s haunch. The enforcer crumpled to the ground a bleeding, whining wreck.
Pride like Reese had never felt swelled inside him for his mate’s bravery. She truly was an alpha bitch to her very core. He almost wanted to see how she’d handle the rest of his pack, but he couldn’t stomach the idea of her getting hurt—or worse. As the other wolves inched closer, Reese pushed his way past furry bodies to stand at her side.
“Back off!” he shouted, his tone firm.
The circle of wol
ves paused mid-step, some glancing at each other in confusion while a few whined. Regardless, they all backed away, giving their alpha and the Coleman spy space. They no doubt assumed Reese wanted the honor of killing her.
Instead, he wrapped a steadying arm around her trembling shoulders. When her pale green gaze latched onto his, he almost forgot anyone else in the world existed.
“Reese!” An angry voice cut through the fog in his brain. A young sentry named Declan had shifted to get to the bottom of the matter.
“What is it, Declan?” Reese kept his tone even and calm.
Declan stared at him, mouth hanging open, as if the answer to the question was obvious. He raised his hands and looked incredulous, totally speechless. Finally, he managed a lame, “What the fuck?”
Jane tensed next to him, but Reese remained calm. “Would you like to rephrase your question, Declan?”
Declan’s face burned red. “This is bullshit! That Coleman bitch just walks right onto Warren land and you’re going to let her go free? We should send her back to her daddy in pieces to send those bastards a message!”
Reese’s facade of composure crumbled at the threat to his mate and his pup. He allowed his wolf to show a little of itself as he snarled at the upstart sentry.
“You so much as look at her the wrong way, and you’ll be the one who ends up in pieces, boy. This is none of your business.”
“That bastard she’s carrying is all of our business,” Declan sneered. He sniffed the air for effect. “As if we can’t smell it on her.”
The young man had grown up with Jake Warren as alpha, and perhaps he resented the fact Reese took his father’s place. Or maybe he was testing the new alpha’s boundaries.
Or maybe he was just stupid.
Declan looked to the other wolves for approval, all of whom avoided his gaze. Turning back to Reese, he glared at them both.
“It’s unnatural and you should get rid of it as soon as possible before any more damage is done!”