The Challenge (The Pack Book 2)

by Kristin Coley

  “Sam’s ex?”

  “One and the same,” I answered with a nod. “He issued a challenge.”

  “Ohhhh,” Trent drew the word out slowly. “No wonder Anna was upset. Caleb –” Trent didn’t finish the thought but he didn’t need too. We both knew what could happen. “He’s going to fight him?”

  “I don’t know yet,” I replied shortly. “He took off right after they left. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him.”

  Trent scratched the side of his neck, choosing his next words carefully. “Do you think he can win the challenge?”

  “He’s strong,” I answered, not wanting to face the real point of Trent’s question.

  “Is he strong enough to kill a man?” Trent said bluntly and I eyed him silently. “He’s seventeen and we know there’s only one way a challenge like this ends.”

  “I know,” I replied, the words barely audible. “And to answer your question…I don’t know.”

  “You better find out,” Trent said in a low voice, cracking the sucker between his teeth as he stared into the forest where Caleb had disappeared earlier. “You better find out before it’s too late.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jess

  I poked my head out the window, verifying Dom was still there before I crawled out. As my legs swung over the ledge I lost my grip and tumbled through the window, landing in a heap on top of Dom. He grunted as I sprawled over his face, his breath exhaling hotly against my thigh.

  “You really want me to hump you like a dog in public, don’t you?” He growled, shoving my legs down, and pulling me into a sitting position.

  “Well,” I started to speak and he clamped his palm over my mouth.

  “Don’t answer that,” he gritted out, and it was only the hint of pleading I heard that had me complying. I nodded and he uncovered his hand from my mouth.

  “Kinky,” I told him, smiling when he eyed me narrowly. “You have hidden depths,” I teased him and he let out a snort, resting his head against the wall behind us.

  “I don’t actually,” he admitted, rolling his head slightly so he could see me. “What you see is what you get. Flaws and all.”

  “Guess it’s a good thing I admire a man with flaws,” I countered, bumping his shoulder. “Domineering, opinionated, and don’t get me started on the shedding,” I continued, ticking them off as I said them.

  He covered my hand as he leaned over and placed a soft kiss on my lips. He pulled back slightly, smiling, as I stared at him dazedly. He leaned in again, pressing more gentle kisses on my mouth and jaw before pulling away with a low groan.

  A sigh gusted from me as he moved slightly, putting more space between us. “Good kisser,” I added thoughtfully and he glanced at me.

  “Good?”

  “Great?”

  He raised an eyebrow and I grabbed his face, peppering him with kisses as I said, “Fantastic, magnificent, excellent, toe curling, forget where I am, amazing kisser.”

  “Better,” he acknowledged, cupping my jaw as he held me back from continuing to kiss him. “But let’s not push my control past the breaking point today, okay?”

  I eyed him for a moment before giving a casual shrug. “Fine by me.”

  “Leah still asleep,” he asked, glancing up at the window we sat underneath and I nodded.

  “She had questions,” I told him. “A lot of questions.”

  “You told her about us,” he stated and I wiggled guiltily before nodding. “I’m not upset. She’s not the first human to know.”

  “Like me,” I replied, and grew confused when he shook his head.

  “Not like you,” he corrected. “She’s fully human. You have the shifter gene. The ability to bear shifter children. You were never normal.”

  “It felt like I was,” I muttered.

  “But you weren’t,” Dom pointed out. “She is and because she is, she has no vested interest in keeping our secret.”

  “I don’t think she’ll tell anyone,” I offered, wanting to ease some of the stress emanating off him. “She was curious but not in a weird way,” I lifted my hands at my less than helpful explanation.

  “I trust you, Jess,” he replied and warmth bloomed in my chest, making me forget for a second that we were sitting in the cold. “If you consider her trustworthy, then so do I.”

  “I put her life at risk,” I confessed, the words barely a murmur in the crisp air. “I invited her. They would never even know she existed if I hadn’t brought her here.”

  “You couldn’t have known the Hanleys would show up. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” I couldn’t meet his eyes and he tilted my chin up. “Don’t hold yourself responsible. They may not have even registered her presence.” He ducked his head, brushing his thumb over my bottom lip as he stared at me solemnly. “Besides, we have bigger concerns.”

  I lifted my head at the worry in his voice and he sighed. “No one has seen or heard from Caleb since last night.” His jaw ticked and I smoothed my finger over the rock hard surface. “He said we’d talk later but I can’t even reach him through the mental link.”

  “Is that normal?” I asked hesitantly.

  “No,” he said shortly before easing his voice. “It’s not impossible, but he’s never done it to me,” Dom admitted.

  “Maybe he just needs to think without interruption?” Dom shot me a glance and I shrugged, “We can hope, right?”

  “We can, but he needs to get back online,” Dom grumbled, his expression serious.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Council meeting,” he answered flatly. “And Caleb has to be there.”

  My forehead wrinkled at the news. I’d witnessed a meeting of the elders once before when I’d gone to their small community to warn Dom about the Hanleys, but I wouldn’t consider that a council meeting.

  Dom recognized my confusion and explained, “The Pack as a whole will meet in the Pack House to discuss the challenge and how they want to proceed.”

  “Caleb accepted the challenge,” I reiterated, my voice a tad desperate. “He’ll fight.”

  Dom’s face tightened further if that was even possible and my heart dropped. “If Caleb loses,” he paused, fighting back some strong emotion, “The entire Pack is at risk.”

  “Do you think he’ll fail?”

  Dom’s eyes closed as he took a deep breath. “It’s a fight to the death, Jess.”

  “If Caleb doesn’t fight, then who does?” I asked, trying and failing to keep my voice from trembling. His eyes popped open as he reached for my hands. I curled them into fists, but he just wrapped his palms around my clenched fists.

  “That would be decided by the elders, but we both know,” he stopped, glancing down and I completed the sentence.

  “It would be you.”

  “I’m not going to die,” he promised and a humorless chuckle escaped me. “Jess, I’m a strong fighter.” I tugged my hand from his grip and placed my finger over his lips.

  “I know you’re an amazing fighter, but do you think I want you to have to kill a man?”

  “It wouldn’t be the first time,” he replied wearily, acknowledging the two Hanley men he’d killed protecting me.

  “Yeah, but they weren’t Nicky’s father or Sam’s ex,” I reminded him, watching the skin around his eyes tighten minutely. “She may not love him, and she may actually want to kill him herself, but you would have to carry that burden.”

  “I will do whatever is necessary to protect you and this Pack,” Dom swore, the steel in his tone sending a flutter through me. “If Caleb –”

  “If Caleb what? Won’t fight, can’t do it? Are you going to give him the chance?” I was honestly curious by Dom’s answer. My impression was the elders didn’t want to chance Caleb losing, but it was Dom’s opinion that mattered to me. And to Caleb, I thought.

  “I’ve always supported Caleb. This is no different,” Dom said stoutly. “He’s my brother, my Alpha, my friend.” He swallowed thickly. “I believe in him.”r />
  “Then I think everything will be okay,” I said, smiling softly as I leaned forward to kiss Dom’s cheek, watching as Caleb disappeared back into the forest. He’d heard what he needed to hear.

  “Do you think it was enough?” Dom whispered against my cheek and I nodded. “I wish,” he broke off and I smoothed my hand through his dark hair.

  “We all wish,” I answered, knowing none of us wanted Caleb to go through the challenge but also knowing there was nothing else that could happen. “What time is the meeting?”

  “A couple of hours,” Dom replied, lacing his fingers with mine as he helped me up. “Have you had a chance to check on Sam yet?”

  “My next stop,” I commented, tightening my fingers when he attempted to pull away. “I think you should join me.” Dom’s gaze was reluctant but I didn’t relent. “She’s going to dodge you until you force her hand.”

  “You think today is the day?”

  “Better today than tomorrow.”

  “What if she slams the door in my face?”

  I patted the large bulge in my pocket. “I have keys. Also, I’ve seen what you’re capable of. I’m pretty sure you could knock the door down if necessary.”

  He winced, scrubbing his hand over his head as he replied, “Let’s hope it’s not necessary.”

  “Have you seen Trent?” I asked curiously and he shook his head. “He was supposed to find Anna for me last night.”

  “He did find her,” Dom answered and I glanced at him curiously. “She was in the forest, tracking Wren.”

  “Did she find out who Wren is meeting?”

  Dom shook his head, “Trent says they got there too late. He escorted Anna home.”

  “I’m sure Anna appreciated that,” I said under my breath.

  “She should,” Dom said sharply, his tone surprising me. “She takes too many risks. The Hanleys know about her now. She’s valuable and I won’t take the chance of something happening to her.” He eased up slightly at my shocked expression. “Trent feels the same way.”

  “I never meant that she shouldn’t be escorted,” I tried to explain, “Just that I know she feels she doesn’t need the protection, and she takes exception to it.”

  “I can accept her anger if it means she’s safe,” Dom rumbled, his overbearingly protective side showing itself.

  “Shouldn’t Caleb be equally concerned?” I asked lightly and Dom grimaced. His expression forced me to ask, “Is he becoming the Alpha or just playing at it, Dom?”

  “It’s a heavy burden for any man, much less a grieving teenager,” he answered, avoiding the question as we came to a stop at Sam’s door. “He needs time and the elder’s acceptance.”

  Dom’s words reminded me of Gregory’s cryptic remark. “Gregory said something to me last night. Do you know his thoughts on Caleb?”

  “My impression is he supports Caleb as Alpha,” Dom answered. My forehead crinkled. “Why?” He questioned after seeing my expression.

  “I’m not sure. I just feel like Gregory has his own agenda,” I replied slowly, as I acknowledged the idea for the first time.

  “We can speak with him this afternoon,” Dom said quietly as he faced the door his sister hid behind. “You think she’ll talk to me?”

  “I don’t know but its time she listened to you at least,” I answered honestly and he rapped on the door.

  It took a minute before we heard the shuffle of a shoe against the floor and I knew she had checked the peephole when I heard, “I don’t want to talk to you.”

  “Yeah, but I want to talk to you,” Dom rumbled, giving two sharp taps to the door. “You owe me that much, Sam.”

  “Where’s Jess?”

  “Right here,” he answered, shifting so I was in sight.

  “You too scared to face me alone?” She taunted through the door, her voice too shaky to be taken seriously.

  “She has a key,” Dom said simply. “I’m not going away this time, Sam. You don’t have to explain anything to me. I love you,” his voice thickened and I had to blink a couple of times. “I just want my big sister back.”

  A loud scraping noise preceded the door flying open. “I’m sorry, Dominic,” she cried, throwing herself at him. He rocked back at the force but managed to stay upright as he wrapped his arms around her. “I’m so sorry for all of it.”

  “You don’t need to apologize, Sam. I’m just glad you’re home.” He patted her back as I lowered my gaze to my feet, rocking back and forth.

  “I’m going to go,” I murmured, pointing to the stairwell. Nicky’s head popped out at that moment and I offered him my hand. “Want to get some breakfast while your Mom and Uncle Dom talk?” He nodded, one finger hooked inside his cheek as he watched his Mom cry all over Dom. “She’s fine,” I reassured him. “Happy tears. You’ll understand when you get older.” He nodded solemnly, popping his finger out of his mouth and placing the damp digit in my hand. “Come on. We’ll wash our hands before we eat.”

  Thank you.

  The words caressed my mind, more emotion behind them then I could process without bursting into tears of my own.

  You’re welcome, I replied, ducking my head so he wouldn’t see the dampness in my eyes as Nicky and I walked past them.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “We’re going to be late,” I declared, shooing Monster ahead of me as Dad juggled his keys, phone, and the door behind us. Trent nodded to me as we flew past him. He’d agreed to stay behind and keep an eye on the motel. I thought it was mainly because he wasn’t sure he’d be welcome at the Pack House.

  “Do you really think we need to be there?” Dad asked again, jogging to catch up to us as I hotfooted it to the path in the woods.

  “Yes,” I stressed, slowing so he could catch up as we reached the canopy of trees. “I’m with Dominic and Monster is a…” I stuttered to a stop as I realized no one had told Dad.

  “A shifter?” He mentioned sardonically, shoving his glasses up his nose as he stuck his hands in his pockets. “Yes, I’m aware.”

  “How? Who?” My thoughts short-circuited at seeing how calmly he was taking the news.

  “Monster told me,” Dad answered as we watched him wander down the path ahead of us. “He seemed quite proud of himself.” I chuckled, easily imagining Monster strutting like a rooster as he told Dad he was a big bad wolf shifter. “Wren confirmed it.” He worried his lip as he strode along side of me and I waited for him to decide what he wanted to say. “I’m the reason. My genes are what make you a…,” he paused before clearly saying, “A shifter mate.” My laugh interrupted him.

  “You can say breeding female, Dad. I’ve come to terms with it.”

  “I haven’t,” he declared, shaking his head. “And Monster is a shifter. Are you sure?” He glanced at me so optimistically that I hated to shatter the hope staring me in the face but there was no point denying it.

  “We’re sure.” I nodded to where Monster had stopped to examine something on the ground. “He knew the moment he met Dom that he was different. He can smell them and Dom confirmed that he’s a shifter.”

  “It’s a good thing your Mom sent him to us then.” He frowned. “I still can’t believe she sent him via courier.”

  “Better than the bus,” I muttered. “He would have destroyed a bus.”

  Dad gave me a sideways glance. “Good point.”

  “It’s going to be better for him. Easier,” I murmured watching Monster pocket a leaf he’d picked up. “He’ll grow up knowing he belongs.” Dad wrapped his arm around my shoulder and I leaned into him. “He’ll grow up with others like him. Be a part of the Pack.”

  “And you, Bunny?” I felt his gaze on the top of my head, but I didn’t look up. “Do you feel like you belong here?”

  “Yeah,” I answered thickly. “I do.” I squeezed his waist before stepping away. “For the first time in a long time, I’m not biding my time until I leave. I’m not waiting for college or my life to begin. It’s here and it’s now.”

  �
�This fight…is it Caleb’s fight or Dominic’s?”

  “It’s the Alpha’s,” I replied and he hummed. “Caleb,” I spit out. “Caleb wants to fight. Dom supports him.”

  “That should make you feel better,” Dad said carefully. “That Caleb is fighting and not Dom.”

  “If the Council supports the decision.” I rubbed my hands together, the temperature low enough I wished I’d remembered gloves. “They don’t think Caleb is ready.”

  “I can’t imagine what’s going through that young man’s mind. He’s grieving for his father, responsible for an entire community, and now he’s expected to defend it without their support.”

  “It’s kind of depressing when you put it like that,” I mumbled, stuffing my numb fingers in my back pockets. “Dom supports him.”

  “I doubt it’s the same. Especially if those that don’t support Caleb wish to replace him with Dom. There has to be some animosity there. Intended or not.” Dad stopped speaking as we came to a break in the forest where small wooden houses sat ringed in a large clearing. To our left stood the Pack House, a large community room set up like an amphitheater, where people were milling around outside waiting for the time to enter.

  Dom? I pushed the thought out, hoping proximity would help my struggle with initiating the mental link.

  Inside with the elders. Aggravation coated the thought but it wasn’t directed at me. They’re being foolish, he continued, his thoughts harsh.

  Caleb?

  Not here, the words ground out of him and I knew it was part of the reason for his frustration.

  I can find him, I offered and felt his hesitation. He wasn’t sure if he should take me up on the offer but didn’t have a better idea. I’ll find him, I promised, taking the decision out of his hands.

  Check the treehouse behind my house, he suggested right before our connection broke.

  “Dad, I need to go,” I said hurriedly, already a few steps away. “Don’t lose Monster,” I chided and he nodded, having the grace to look slightly chagrined at needing the reminder.