“It’s so dark out there,” she said, barely above a whisper. The two men were consumed by shadows so quickly. One moment they were walking away, the next moment—gone. Without the usual flood lights, the entire yard was a black void.
Patrick led her inside the trailer, closing the door securely behind them. “It’s Climax.”
“Don’t be worrying about them, baby girl. A wolf lives for the night, for the hunt.” Travis flopped down on the sofa, patting his lap. He looked edible, his dirty-blond hair partially tucked behind his ears, and his muscles taut as he leaned back. She wanted to resist, to remain in a state of perpetual mourning until all her men had returned, but she gave in to temptation and sat on his lap.
“Isn’t there anything we can do?” She wanted to help or at least know what was happening up in the mountains.
“Only wait.”
“Can’t we call Corbin and reason with him? Can’t you tell him I’m already marked by the pack so he’ll leave us alone?”
“He’d never fall for it,” said Patrick. He opened the mini fridge and banged it shut without taking anything. “Would he?”
Travis shook his head. “I’m not even convinced he’d care one way or the other. He doesn’t seem to give much value to wolfen tradition. Besides, how many wolves do you know that carry a cell phone?”
The men continued to argue and theorize. She leaned her head against Travis’s chest and closed her eyes. His warmth, the beat of his heart, and rumble of his deep voice were all comforting elements. Within minutes she was lulled to sleep in his arms.
Chapter Ten
“Why are we heading to the cabin?” asked Matthew.
Garret continued to race along the beaten paths to their home deep in the woods. His black fur was only a blur ahead of him. Matthew thought they were heading up into the mountains to the original heart of the fire. It would hold answers and maybe offer clues to Evan’s whereabouts.
“Boss?”
“I can feel him. He’s close.”
Matthew never doubted his alpha’s abilities. If he could sense Evan, there was a good chance their pack mate was near. Hopefully in one piece.
They shifted back into their skin once they reached their destination. Garret was right, they weren’t alone. There was a new fire warming the cabin. The firelight danced, creating long shadows on the far walls. It should have been cold and dark after their extended absence.
Garret called out as they entered. “Evan?”
Disappointment hung heavily in the air when only silence greeted them. Then a thud proceeded heavy footsteps from the bedroom.
“Where the hell have you guys been?”
“Evan?” Matthew couldn’t believe his eyes. Part of him never expected to find his friend again. He’d lived with such traumatic childhood memories that Matthew was sure the new fire would have been his breaking point. Gregor wolves may be strong, but they were also flesh-and-blood men.
Garret gripped the other man by the shoulders, giving him a firm jolt. “Gods, it’s good to see you. We’ve been in the city, keeping Cassie safe until we could find out what happened.”
“I’ll tell you what happened. Corbin’s a lunatic. Him and his band of miscreants.”
“We know he set the fire. I was worried you’d go after the loggers and get yourself in over your head,” said Garret.
“I was more worried about Cassidy. Corbin sent me straight into the fire so he could go after her. The logging camp was already abandoned. It didn’t take me long to figure out his plan.”
Matthew was tired of the drama. It was bad enough shifters were an endangered species, fending off loggers and hunters as they tried to function in human society. Fighting each other because they belonged to rival packs was ridiculous. If it wasn’t for one of the Rockford wolves, Matthew would still be in captivity. He wished they could all live in peace, but the introduction of one woman seemed to squelch such a possibility.
“Cassidy thinks she’s found her brother again. This time a shifter,” said Matthew. “You see any strange wolves around our land?”
“Who? Scott again? I overheard Corbin talking to him. Trust me, he’s no brother of hers. He’s Rockford.”
It seemed Corbin Rockford had tried everything to steal their woman away—first the forest fire, now trying to deceive her again. It was public knowledge that Cassidy’s heart’s desire was to find her missing brother. Corbin had tricked her once before, playing on her emotions, and it seemed he was at it again.
“You know he’s from the Rockford Pack?”
“Positive,” said Evan. “Corbin’s trying to play him off as a rogue wolf, but Scott’s just a loose cannon in his pack.”
Garret ground his jaw down hard. “It all makes sense. If any of his pack marks Cassie, it would just start the mating process for Rockford. He’ll do anything to get his paws on her. Only he’s after her for a pedigree, not love.”
“So what do we do?” asked Evan.
Matthew and Garret both turned to look at each other.
“You’re going to finish what we started and make Cassie ours. Once she has your love bite, our claim can’t be disputed.”
All three of them secured the cabin before stepping outside. Moonlight filtered down from the forest canopy and owls cast their sorrowful cries in the treetops. Their mood was somber enough, a dark cloud seeming to travel with them everywhere they went. He was desperate for clear skies and happier days.
Matthew needed to return to his mate, to keep guard over her in such perilous times. Even when away from her, he swore he smelled the sweet fragrance of her skin on the breeze. He saw her waves of dark hair only to find branches swaying in the shadows. She was tattooed on his mind and heart.
“What about Peter? Did you see him around?” asked Matthew. There were too many rivals, too many threats for his liking. There were only five Gregor Pack members. While their numbers had never been an issue in the past, it was now a challenge when faced with so many adversaries.
“No, but I would have loved to run him again.” Evan glanced up toward the mountain, taking a deep, cleansing breath. “I made sure the fire was out before coming home. The loggers have packed up for the season, and gods willing they won’t be back in the spring.”
“We’ll deal with it as it comes. For now, let’s get you back to the mine,” said Garret. “There’s someone there who’ll be very excited to see you.”
* * * *
Cassidy could overhear the conversation just outside the back of the trailer. The walls were thin, masking little outside sound. It was a nuisance when the mine was in full operation during the day.
Patrick had done as she’d asked, inviting Corbin to come and talk. She didn’t know how, but it didn’t matter. Of course, he brought some muscle along—his brother Ryder and two other shifters. She’d peeked out from the bottom of the window ledge before they went around to the rear and out of sight.
“I’ve known you a long time, Corbin. Not once have I seen you interested in one woman more than another. Why her?” asked Patrick.
“You know why,” he said. “She has pure blood. That means power.”
“For what? She can’t even shift. That’s if Garret was even right about her blood in the first place.”
“Don’t bullshit me, Viking. We can all smell her. Her blood calls to our kind like the song of a siren.” Corbin’s voice was getting louder by the minute. “Our offspring would be superior to all shifters, bringing honor and power to the Rockford name.”
“A mate is more than a breeding vessel, Corbin. What happens when your time comes, when the gods gift you with your true mate? Will you send her away because you carelessly marked a female for status?”
Corbin chuckled. “I have no need for love and don’t count on the gods for anything in my life.”
“That’s too bad for you. As for us, we do mate for love. We’ve marked our woman, all five of us, so you need to get over your fixation and move on.”
“What of y
our muscle-bound friend? I doubt he’s given her a mark considering his predicament. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be averse to making an exchange. One of your pack in exchange for a female. Sounds like a fair trade to me.”
“Those are big words. You saying you’re holding Evan against his will?”
“I’m not saying anything. But if you want to drop by for a mutually beneficial visit, I’ll happily be waiting. By the way, our offer ends when the sun comes up.”
Cassidy held her hand to her mouth. Although she was relieved to know Evan was at least alive, not taken by the fire, she wanted him free. She wanted him in the trailer with her, telling her everything would be okay. He was always so logical and grounded, a comfort for her in times of stress. Her rock. Now he was being held captive because of her. The men she loved continued to suffer over and over because of who she was or what she was. It wasn’t fair.
She pulled away from the back wall, not wanting to hear any more. She had to make a big decision, one that could change the entire map of her future. Love was about sacrifice, about putting someone else’s needs and wants above her own. She had to be selfless and do what was right for Evan and the Gregor Pack as a whole.
While the men were still occupied around back, she slipped out the front door of the trailer carrying only a flashlight. Her determination to keep the pack together was stronger than her need for personal safety. There was no way Patrick or Travis would agree to Corbin’s deal. They’d sacrifice their pack mate before giving her up. Evan’s life was more important than hers.
Cassidy boldly walked around the side of the building until all eyes seemed to spot her at once.
“You can’t trade something that doesn’t belong to you,” she said, anger ringing in her tone. “No one owns me, not Gregor or Rockford. I’m tired of the macho drama.” She stormed away, right through the middle of the men and toward the forest.
“Where you going, darlin’?”
“Away from here. Don’t even dream about following me either.”
She knew where Corbin lived, but doubted she’d have to travel the miles through the dark forest to find it. His other men were likely scouring the area in search of her. As soon as she was found, they’d take her to their alpha’s house. She’d demand the guards set Evan free. With Corbin at the mine, maybe she’d say he gave consent for the release.
If Corbin returned before she could get Evan loose, it was a risk she had to take. She’d trade herself for his freedom. It would be a sacrifice on her part, forced to mate with a band of men she detested. But she was used to disappointment, had been from the time she was orphaned as a baby. There was still a small flicker of hope in the recesses of her mind. She hoped and prayed Evan escaped before she offered herself to Corbin Rockford. Or her five men managed to miraculously save her from a loveless mating before it was cemented.
She crossed the perimeter fence, using a small opening in the chain-link the men sometimes used after shifting. It was colder outside than she expected, and she wasn’t dressed for the northern climate. Her knit sweater offered little protection from the bitter air. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms as she walked up the side of the dirt road. Once she reached the thick forest ahead, she’d use her flashlight to find her way through. The only mortal risk was running into a real wolf, but they usually kept away from humans. She was surprised Patrick and Travis actually listened and stayed behind.
Every direction she turned seemed to haunt—eyes glowing, twigs snapping, shadows moving. Her heart raced as she picked up her pace. What was she doing? Only the thought of her sweet Evan being held captive kept her going.
“Little Red Riding Hood, have you come out to play?”
Her blood froze. How could the voice originate from nowhere and everywhere at the same time? She wanted to run into a Rockford wolf and never considered an alternative beyond a saving grace. Peter was the last man she wanted to encounter. His fractured reality terrified Cassidy, and he could offer no help in rescuing Evan.
“I’m looking for someone.” She kept walking, hoping not to antagonize such an imbalanced wolf-shifter. Unlike what Garret thought, she was a human being, incapable of defending herself from a wild predator.
“For who? That wolf everyone’s looking for?” Peter stepped into view, pointing to his jawline. The moonlight offered her a muted view of a large, dark bruise. “The one who nearly killed me?”
He was talking about Scott, her brother, or the man she’d hoped was her kin. Scott had either saved her from Peter because he loved her as a sister or hoped to keep her as a mate. There was no way for her to know for sure with the little information she had.
“No. I’m looking for someone from the Rockford Pack.”
He shrugged. “I have no clue who rules these forests. I’ve never been one for groups. The city life has always suited me fine. You’re the one who forced my wolfen side out of hibernation. I preferred to keep it locked up, but your scent…I couldn’t help myself.”
“Well, you need to get a grip. I’m not up for auction. I’m a human being and I have the right to choose whom I spend my life with.”
“Then choose me willingly. We have a history together, Cassidy. We belong side by side.”
“What history? I’ve met you what—half a dozen times at work? I couldn’t even remember your name.”
She’d chosen her words poorly. Fire seemed to ignite in his eyes, a reddish hue making him appear like a malevolent phantom. His anger became nearly palpable, making her break out into a cold sweat.
“I know every detail, every facet of your life. And do you know why? Because I care, because I’m committed to a future with you.”
She backed away, suddenly regretting her decision to leave the safety of the trailer and men. But if she’d stayed, they would never have allowed her to trade herself back for Evan.
“You can’t inspire love in me, Peter. And despite what your wolf is telling you, we aren’t meant for each other. I’m already in love, already marked.”
“Like I said, I’m not one for following pack rules.” He stepped closer, the sound of the dry brush beneath his feet crunching ominously as he tried to close the distance between them. “Sometimes it pays not having an alpha to answer to.”
He lunged forward, trying to steal a kiss. She turned her head in distaste and immediately scrambled to get away from him. He was determined, faster, and stronger. Peter grabbed her wrist, yanking her back.
“Ouch, you’re hurting me!”
“Then stay still. The more you struggle, the harder it’ll be for you. You can’t fight fate.”
His grip was like an iron shackle. She used all her energy to attempt escape, not even caring if she wrenched her arm off. It wouldn’t be long before Patrick and Travis showed up. They were probably confused and hurt by her actions, but wouldn’t be able to keep away. She hadn’t wandered off far, so they’d track her within minutes. Please hurry.
“What if I’m a wolf-shifter, too?” she asked.
“You said you can’t shift.”
“Maybe I lied.”
He stopped, frozen in place, his head tilted. “If you were a wolf, you would have ripped me a new one long before now.”
She walked backward and away from him. He wasn’t falling for her act. Soon he’d become irritated with her lies and games. How far would he go? Would anyone hear her if she screamed?
“Are you willing to take that risk?”
He chuckled wickedly. “Cassidy, I’ve already given up everything to follow you. There’s no going back for me now.” The desperation in his voice terrified her. A man on the edge was indeed dangerous.
Before she could think of another stalling tactic, he pulled her close against him and leaned forward. She clearly saw the glint of white fangs before his head descended. He was going to mark her, to steal the special bond she’d created with her lovers.
And there was nothing she could do to stop him.
Chapter Eleven
Cassidy fel
t the heat of Peter’s breath before the dark wolf leapt out of the brushwood. The animal had Peter in its sights, and it didn’t appear to be in a good mood. The angry snarls were her signal to get out of the danger zone and find safety. She darted away to hide behind a massive downed tree, squatting low enough to be out of sight.
The wolf tore at Peter’s clothing until he was finally forced to shift forms. It was such a miraculous display to witness. She would never tire of the magical world she’d been introduced to. Within seconds two wild animals were battling—rolling, biting, and using brute strength to gain the upper hand. She tried to focus on the new wolf, but they wouldn’t keep still long enough. Was it one of her men? A Rockford wolf she may recognize? Or could it be her mystery wolf again?
The display morphed from fur to flesh before her eyes. Once the two men were throwing punches, she could see it was Peter and Scott on the ground. Scott pinned Peter with a forearm to his neck. They were both breathing heavily, exhausted from the fight.
“You will stay away from her, do you understand? She’s not yours for the taking.”
Peter attempted to speak, his words choked. “And you think she’ll choose you?” The fight ensued—a tangled, vicious battle of strength and will.
Was Scott another crazed male or the half brother she’d sought most of her adult life? She hadn’t been paying careful attention to her surroundings, too distracted by the conversation and action. A presence lowered behind her, arms snaking around her waist where she was crouched down low. She flinched until she heard his voice.
“My mate shouldn’t be cowering in the bushes,” whispered Patrick, his voice calm and confident. She internally sighed, a sense of peace and safety flooding her system.
“No, she shouldn’t have left the trailer in the first place.”
When she glanced up, Travis was standing over her with his arms crossed over his chest. He didn’t try to hide from the other men, not fazed by the violent brawl only feet away.
Climax for Six [Wolves of Climax 7] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever - Serialized) Page 9