by Lacey Thorn
“Did you find out where Tony’s keeping Talbot?” Slade asked.
Jensen shook his head. “Tony was out of reach when I went back up to the main house. Not sure what happened yet. Adam headed over to see what he could see. From what Tah told him, they’ve had a few attempts to gain access to Talbot or at least, to find out where he’s being held. Both shifter and hunter. Seems no one’s real happy he’s being held.”
Slade snorted. Shifters probably wanted him dead, while hunters wanted him back in the lab, devising new ways to torture shifters in the name of science. “What’s Tah’s take?”
“Seems they think Talbot might know something about a missing member of their inner circle. Murphy Dockery.”
“Shit,” Slade growled. Murphy and his brother, Finn, had spent some time with the Holloways in Wyoming. Slade liked the Irish brothers. “What happened?”
“Murphy disappeared when they were in Illinois. He and Daniel walked in on a swarm of hunters. Daniel was shot, and Murphy hasn’t been seen since.”
“Fuck,” Slade muttered. That didn’t bode well for Murphy. “What else did you find out?”
“Tah took me over to the medical facility, in case we have need of it while we’re here. I spoke with Gideon, was introduced to Diane, and finally met Professor Mueller.”
“And?” Slade prompted when his brother paused and shook his head.
“He’s younger than I expected or at least, doesn’t show his age. You can feel the energy coming off him. His mind is like a computer. I swear he could run even a bear into the ground. He knows things, though, and what he doesn’t, he keeps digging away at.”
“What does that mean?” Slade demanded.
Jensen shrugged. “He’s one who won’t give up on anything. He asked me for blood. Asked me at least a hundred questions about bear shifters and mating. Hell, at one point, he pulled my lip down and poked at my teeth. Then he asked if he could see me shift. Wanted to assess me in animal form and see how the blood changes. Asked me what I’d studied and what lab tests I run. Like I said, a hundred questions.”
Slade whistled. The professor definitely sounded like an interesting character.
“He asked me about Rissa, as well,” Jensen added. “Wanted to know about her injuries, especially the head trauma, and how her animal genetics had healed her. Asked if he could meet her, talk to her.”
Slade growled.
“I told him it would be up to her. Her, little brother, so tuck away that growl.”
“Anything else come up?” Slade snapped. Professor or not, the other man wasn’t poking around his mate. She’d been through enough.
“There are a lot more people here then we realized. I guess a new group came in. An older woman kept them together and brought them here. They’ve got them set up in cabins on the property. As soon as Tony’s builders are done with his house, they’re going to start building more cabins in case new groups show up. They seem to think others will.”
“And they’re willing to accept whoever shows up?”
“They have protocols in place,” Jensen informed him. “I’m not sure of all of them, but I don’t get the impression these guys are gullible or pushovers. Their alpha might be new to his animal and his role, but he’s got power. Both as a human and a lion. And those around him would die for him. I see it every time they look at him. They might not be blood, but they’re definitely family. They’d guard his back and that of his mate and child the same as any of us would do for Laramie. And just like Laramie, Tah Pearce would do the same for any one of his pride.”
“Sounds like you respect the guy,” Slade admitted.
“To the point I’m thinking of staying for a bit. There are things I can learn from Professor Mueller. Things I can teach him also. Plus, he mentioned his daughter will be heading this way soon, bringing all four of her mates with her. He seemed to think I’d find Cody of particular interest since he’s a doctor, also.”
“You’d seriously consider staying here? Knowing how many pregnant mates we have back home?” Slade hoped his mate would be in that category soon.
“I’m not moving in, Slade. I’m talking about a few weeks. Maybe, six at the most. Besides, this is all up in the air at the moment. I haven’t decided anything, and I’d want to talk to Laramie first, anyway. Then I’d need to get Tah’s approval. And all of that will depend on how things play out once we get our hands on Talbot,” Jensen added.
Slade definitely wanted to get Talbot within his reach, but unfortunately, he’d be held accountable for what he did to the man, which was bullshit. Talbot deserved the same treatment he’d given to so many shifters. Slade would like to strip him naked and tie him down, leaving him completely exposed and unable to protect himself. Then he’d become the shifters’ science experiment. See how he liked it when his skin was splayed wide so they could poke and prod at his organs, cutting and damaging just to see what his body was capable of healing. Bastard. He deserved no less than the same torture he’d given to far too many.
“Easy, brother,” Jensen said, giving his shoulder a squeeze. “Whatever you’re thinking, let it go. Let’s focus on Rissa. When she wakes up, I’d like to stop in for a minute and assess her.”
“She needs to eat first.”
“Or I could take a look at her, then she could eat and the two of you can settle in for the night. Remember, we’re meeting Tah and the rest of the group tomorrow morning for breakfast,” Jensen reminded.
“Do you think that’s a good idea? For Rissa, I mean.”
“That’s the reason I’d like to check on her.” Jensen shook his head, giving Slade a look as if he weren’t firing on all cylinders.
“If seeing Ariel prompted all this, then maybe, we need to keep them apart.”
“Considering seeing Ariel was a huge part of the reason Rissa wanted to come, I can’t believe you’re even saying that.” Jensen shook his head again, and if he didn’t wipe that expression of his face, Slade would do it for him.
He opened his mouth to say something then turned to face the door, waiting until the woman they were discussing filled the doorway. He had sensed her presence before he saw her standing there.
“You’re not keeping me from anything,” Rissa huffed as she padded over to the table, wearing his shirt. “Either of you.”
Slade slipped an arm around her waist and tugged her down into his lap. Not caring that his brother stood nearby, watching them, he dropped a kiss on Rissa’s lips, taking it deeper when she opened to him. He’d never get enough of her. The taste of her on his lips. The feel of her skin under his hands or body.
Jensen’s throat clearing finally had Slade breaking away from her. It was too easy for him to get lost in the pleasure he found with her.
“Why don’t I take a look at you real quick while Slade gets your food out of the oven?”
Rissa rose with a sigh while Slade growled at the interruption. Jensen laughed. Slade couldn’t wait to return the favor when his older brother found his mate.
“Well, get started,” Rissa snapped when Jensen stood looking at her. Slade snorted. His mate was a snappy, little hellion, and he loved it.
“I am,” Jensen said as he continued to watch her. “How’s the head?”
“No longer screaming on my shoulders.”
“Any pain at all?” Jensen wanted to know. So did Slade.
Rissa shrugged. “Not really. It’s noisy, but not hurting.”
“Noisy how?” Slade asked as he carried her plate to the table.
“It’s as if now that the memories are back, I can’t shut them off.” She shuddered, and Slade automatically moved into her, wrapping his arms around her. “Every time I close my eyes, I’m back on that table. Stripped down. Arms and legs spread wide and tied down.”
Slade growled, and she curled into him, seeming to find comfort in his hold.
“I feel their hits. The pain… it’s as if I’m in that moment again. Feeling it for the first time. There was a club. Metal. And on
e of the hunters taunted me, telling me how he’d been waiting for the perfect time to try it out.”
She shuddered again, and Slade couldn’t stay silent. “He’s dead. They’re all dead except for the bastard Tony has tucked away somewhere, and even Talbot can’t hurt you again. I’ll kill anyone who tries. Never again, Rissa. I’ll never let anyone hurt you like that again.”
She nodded against his chest, but she was still shaking. Her trembling tore through him. He hated it. Hated knowing he’d failed her when she’d needed him most. No matter what she said, he had.
“Maybe, we need to talk about it. Maybe, that’s the way we get it out of your head.”
“Fuck that!” Slade snapped as Jensen did a complete one eighty from what he’d previously said. “We’re not putting her through that.”
“Sounds like we don’t have to,” Jensen said softly. “Her mind already is.”
“He’s right,” Rissa offered. “But I’d like to wait until after breakfast tomorrow. I can share what I remember and see what Ariel remembers. Maybe, she’ll share something that brings more clarity to the jumble I have in my head, right now.”
“Why?” Slade demanded. “Aren’t you already hurting enough? Why ask for more?”
“Because there are others out there who aren’t as lucky as I am, and yes, I am lucky. I got away. I have you. They’ve been wherever they are for years, Slade. Years most likely filled with torturous games played by the monsters who hunt us. They don’t have people searching for them because no one even knew they were alive. I can’t imagine what they’ve gone through. The survivors. Because God knows, I’m sure there were many who didn’t. If I can remember anything that points us in their direction, then I’ll endure memories. Memories can’t draw fresh blood. They only remind you of the time it was drawn.”
“I love you,” Slade whispered. He’d known she was strong and brave, but he hadn’t truly understood the depths of both that existed inside her.
“I love you,” she whispered back. “Thank you for understanding.”
He nodded. How could he do anything but stand beside her and offer support? He could be no less than his mate.
“You’re a remarkable woman, Rissa, and my brother’s damn lucky to have you,” Jensen stated.
“He is, and he knows it,” Rissa agreed, and Slade chuckled softly. “What have you two learned about where they’re hiding Talbot?”
Slade sighed while his brother shrugged. Before Slade could comment, though, she turned from him, pushing him away. She sat at the table and pulled her plate closer then picked up her fork.
“Do not say later, Slade. I swear. I thought that was the only word you knew, earlier.”
“Really?” Jensen asked with interest. “Do tell.”
Rissa snorted then dug into her food.
“Maybe, you want to know what I have in mind for later?” Slade crooned, leaning close to her ear. His mate shivered, lifting one hand to cover his mouth while keeping her gaze on her plate. He definitely had plans for later. Plans that included her spending hours moaning his name while he milked every ounce of pleasure from her body. He’d chase away the memories and fill her dreams with nothing but the two of them.
Chapter Ten
Rissa had fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep after Slade had finished wringing pleasure from her. The man had an insatiable appetite for her. Something she appreciated and returned. Hell, she’d been half tempted to initiate more love play that morning and would have if it wouldn’t have made them late. Part of her had expected him to wake her and want to know what else she remembered. She suspected he wasn’t eager to hear any more about the torture she’d endured. He’d seen the aftermath. That was probably more than enough for him to handle.
“Ready?” he asked, holding out his hand. She nodded as she took it, threading her fingers with his as he led them out of the bedroom and down the hallway to the front door.
Jensen was there to pick them up, but there were no signs of her brother. Knowing him, he was doing his own search for where they had Talbot. She wasn’t sure the Holloways fully appreciated her brother’s skillset. He could be calm and quiet or a wrecking ball, taking down everything in his path. She’d have to make Slade aware Adam would be a huge asset to the den if they chose to make use of him.
Hopefully, Adam found Talbot. She wanted to know where the man was. If it was the last thing she did before they headed back to Wyoming, she wanted to come face-to-face with Talbot. She wanted to look at the man who thought she was worthless, who thought all shifters were nothing more than science projects to mutilate and kill. God help her, she wanted to kill him, but she also believed that pleasure should belong to the ones he’d kept and tortured, over and over, through the years. Those shifters were out there. Somewhere. She hoped they were all located and helped back home.
“Feeling better?” Ariel asked as she met them on the front porch of the house where the main members of the pride resided.
“Much,” Rissa said then went on instinct and stepped forward, hugging Ariel close. The other woman returned it, and Rissa knew Ariel was as eager for the friendship they’d begun as she was.
“You didn’t replace me while I was sleeping, did you?” Rissa teased.
“No one else is crazy enough to vie for the position,” Ariel assured her.
“Their loss.”
Ariel grinned. “I thought you might want to hang out for a bit later. Talk privately.”
“I’d like that,” Rissa agreed.
“Good. Now, let’s head in,” Slade said as he pressed his hand against her lower back and urged her forward. “I’m hungry.”
Rissa laughed as Ariel led them the rest of the way inside and took them straight to the kitchen. Heavenly smells filled the air.
“You’re in luck,” Ariel said. “Logan made breakfast this morning. Let me tell you, that man can cook. Out of everyone here, he’s the best, though Zane holds a close second.”
“Ariel’s a fantastic cook herself.” This comment was thrown out by a tall blond, with laughing brown eyes. “It’s good to meet you all. I’m Logan. I’m guessing you’re Rissa, and that makes you Slade. Jensen, good to see you again. Have a seat at the table in the dining room. We’ve got stuff set up buffet style. Makes it easier with people coming in and out. Tah, Abby, and some of the others are still there.”
“Follow me,” Ariel said and led them again, going around the corner and into a large dining room. It was nothing like the dining area at the Holloways’ where there were dozens of tables spread across the room and one big table for the family in the kitchen. This was a long table that extended the length of the room, easily seating at least thirty people. And there were currently a lot of faces, trying not to stare at them.
“Jensen,” Tah said as he came to his feet with Abby. “I think you’ve met everyone here. Rissa, Slade, welcome. Are you feeling better today?”
Rissa nodded, feeling slightly embarrassed that she’d caused such commotion when they’d first arrived. It wasn’t how she’d planned to meet the pride’s alpha and his mate. She hoped they wouldn’t think her weak.
“I’m fine, thank you,” she remembered her manners enough to reply. “I hope I didn’t cause too much of a disturbance.”
“Our only concern was for you,” Abby assured her, stepping around her husband to face them. “You were put through hell when you and Ariel were attacked. I’d imagine suddenly remembering everything was like living it all over again.”
Rissa nodded, realizing Jensen must have shared what she was dealing with. Abby was right, though. The emerging memories were pure hell.
“We’ll talk after you eat,” Abby said then pointed toward where she and Tah had been sitting. “We saved seats for all of you.” She paused, glancing around them. “Where’s your brother, Rissa?”
“Off somewhere with Tony and Aleksy,” Jensen said with a smile, and Rissa didn’t know if he was telling the truth or not. “Everything smells delicious. My mouth is wat
ering, and my stomach is craving a taste of every dish.”
Jensen took the seat closest to Tah. Rissa sat beside him, and Slade sat on her other side. She doubted it was by accident that she was shielded by a Holloway on either side. Even among friends, they would watch over her.
Slade filled her plate and his, and chatter resumed around the table. Zane, a panther shifter, and his mate Diane, the main doctor for the pride, sat across from them. Next to them were Kenzie, the brunette Talbot had really wanted, and her mate Gabriel, the liger who’d brought the body of the Holloways’ father back to them. She’d met both of them when she’d met Ariel and Daniel. She sensed guilt in Kenzie’s gaze and knew she’d have to make sure the other woman didn’t think she was in any way responsible for Rissa being taken. Then again, the other woman was also newly pregnant, and Rissa had heard shifter pregnancy hormones could be hell.
Next to Slade was a shifter named Finn, who Slade apparently already knew. Next to Finn was his mate Laura, who was also pregnant. Beside Laura were Ariel and Daniel. Rissa wished they’d been seated closer to her and Slade. Past that, Rissa wasn’t sure who everyone else was except for the woman and man at the far end of the table. Tah’s second in command sat at the opposite end from Tah. From the conversation, she gathered his name was Reno Esponetti. Next to him was his mate, Amia. Rissa had heard of her. She knew the woman was the only child of Marcus Blaine, one of the most ruthless hunters alive. There were many who wanted to kill him and would probably take pleasure in killing his daughter, as well, but Rissa wasn’t one of them. She’d heard how the other woman had risked her life over and over again to sneak captured shifters to safety. She hoped the seating arrangement wasn’t because anyone present thought she might feel otherwise.