by Dana Archer
Except she did.
Chapter 17
The moment their feet touched the tarmac runway of the airport, Xander knew his time had run out. Devin and his mate, Lena, were waiting for them.
Xander snatched Gwen’s wrist, stopping her from walking toward her sister and Devin.
Gwen shot him a questioning look. “What’s wrong?”
“We need to talk.”
The skin around her eyes tightened and her lips thinned. “But we’ve just spent hours on the plane together.”
In other words, why hadn’t he talked to her about whatever it was he wanted to say then.
“I know.” He turned her into his arms, pulling the zipper higher on the jacket they’d found on the plane. She frowned more. No doubt her confusion stemmed from his act. Although cool, it wasn’t cold enough to be bundled head to toe. He ignored her response. “I forgot something.”
“What?”
He glanced over her head. Vlad and Dante were heading straight for Devin and Lena. It’d be just as devastating if they’d shared the knowledge of his mating to Gwen as it would be for Gwen to do so. The revelation of her importance could happen only once Xander was sure Gwen had completely recovered from her near-death experience. The scrutiny and disdain of the pack weren’t things he wanted her to deal with yet.
“Stop.” Xander delivered the order into Vlad’s mind, slipping behind his mental shields with ease. “Neither you nor Dante can say anything about my mating to Gwen.”
Vlad grabbed Dante’s arm, preventing him from closing the last few feet, then looked over his shoulder to focus on Xander. “Why?”
“Because I can’t risk anyone knowing the truth about our bond.”
“Why? Aren’t you strong enough to protect her?”
Vlad’s question deserved to be answered with a fist to his face. How dare he suggest Xander wasn’t strong enough or worthy enough to be Gwen’s mate. Had anyone else said such a thing, Xander would’ve beaten him. Vlad, unfortunately, was important to Gwen. Xander had to give the male some leeway.
“The pack will not easily accept a human alpha female. You know this as well as I.”
“You can’t hide the fact you mated her for long.”
“No, but I can delay it until I’ve had a chance to ease Gwen into pack life and to give her a chance to rest. She’s been through a lot.”
“Good idea, and while we’re helping Gwen adjust, we can explore our b—”
“Not now, Vlad.”
“Then when? We—”
“I’ve given you an order.” And disobeying it in front of others, even if Devin and Dante couldn’t hear it, put Xander in a tough position. He was obligated to ensure Vlad’s compliance.
Xander didn’t want to get into this here. His thoughts concerning Vlad and Gwen were too jumbled. If Xander acted now, he very well might regret his actions. He couldn’t chance it. He’d already made enough mistakes where his true mate and Vlad were concerned.
A long moment passed before Vlad inclined his head. “Then I shall abide by my alpha’s command.”
Vlad cut the connection, leaving Xander in shock. After years of denying him as his alpha, Vlad took his stance back with one sentence.
Xander didn’t have time to ponder the reason behind his pack mate’s change of heart, though he likely knew it. Vlad wanted to be a part of Gwen’s life. He wanted to share her—mate her—if that was even a possibility now that Xander had already given her a piece of his soul.
Gwen tugged on his arm, drawing his gaze to her. “Everyone is staring at us. What is it that you want to talk about?”
A quick glance at Lena and Devin proved Gwen’s statement right. Xander rested his hand on Gwen’s elbow and guided her to the side of the stairs. With his back blocking them from view, he met Gwen’s expectant gaze. There was no way to deliver this without upsetting her. She’d think he was either embarrassed or ashamed of her.
He skimmed his knuckles over her cheek. The softness of her skin soothed him as much as the purity shining in her eyes. The fact that she’d retained the innocent glow, despite the horrors she’d endured over the past few months, was a miracle. He would not allow his pack to succeed where the bear shifters had failed. She would not lose this spark of humanity and goodness. It was his lifeline. She just didn’t know it.
“I am not introducing you as my mate, and I don’t want you to tell anyone what you are to me either. Not even Lena.”
Gwen’s eyes widened on a rough inhale. “Why?”
“It’s too dangerous.”
“Dangerous?” Her voice cracked. “How?”
“I need to assess the pack. There’s been fighting in the ranks in my absence, and much displeasure with me. If one of our dominants has decided he’d be a better alpha, he might kill you in an effort to kill me, assuming we’re soul-bonded.”
That was as close to the truth as he could safely get. Although killing Gwen to take him out was a possibility, Xander didn’t think any of his pack would do such a drastic thing. Immortals never forgot betrayal. Any shifter who’d take over a Royal pack in such a manner would face an eternity of looking over his shoulder, waiting for the one who would exact revenge for Gwen’s death.
“Because I’m human, and until you soul-bond with me, I can die easily.”
What point was she trying to make by regurgitating the details he’d already explained to her? He didn’t know and didn’t have time to figure it out. Vlad would likely head their way soon. “Yes.”
“Back off, Xander. My mate wants to hold her sister.” Devin stepped next to them and Lena, Devin’s petite mate, looped her arms around her slightly taller and curvier sister, squeezing Gwen tight.
Words of love were exchanged, along with more hugs and tears. It was the kind of greeting only women could give one another. Xander had seen it many times over his lifetime but never quite understood the need for the exuberant show.
He backed up, giving them the space to reconnect. All he could do was hope Gwen didn’t betray his order.
“I apologize for interrupting.” Arms crossed over his chest, Devin leaned against the movable staircase attached to the plane. “Lena was getting upset, and when she’s upset, I’m upset. That never ends well.”
Despite his statement, Devin didn’t appear uncomfortable or stressed. With his multi-colored hair—brown, black, red, and blond—pulled into a short ponytail, a pair of sunglasses hiding his yellow feline eyes, and the casual stance he’d taken, he looked more relaxed than Xander had ever seen him.
He wouldn’t call Devin on his statement or question the validity of it, though. The deal they’d made years ago was one he adhered to whenever possible. They didn’t talk about Devin’s shattered mind or about how those in the shifter community thought he should be put down. To Xander, it didn’t matter if Devin was unstable. He was still a friend.
“How are the girls?” Xander used the generic term so as to avoid drawing Gwen’s attention. She didn’t need to learn of Molly’s fate or the troubles her twin, Megan, faced. Not yet, anyway. Guilt already saddled Gwen over the fact that she hadn’t been able to protect Molly.
Learning that the little girl still remained in her lioness form would be too much on top of everything else Gwen would be dealing with over the next few days. Every day Molly refused to shift back into her human form increased the possibility she never would.
And Megan? Her life remained in flux. The ancient spirit partially bonded to her hadn’t yet merged with her. If it didn’t? No one had a firm answer to that. Xander, for one, didn’t want to find out.
Devin turned his head to look at Gwen before facing Xander. He lowered his voice. “The same. I guess they’re happy for the most part too. Molly is with Kade’s cousins, but Megan is living with Josh and Mira full-time now. We still get the little munchkin for visits or when Mira has to go to the doctor or something, but Lena and I will be moving in after the holidays to take care of Megan. Mira’s doctor wants her to go on bedrest.”
Protective instincts rose. Xander tensed. Mira and Josh’s unborn triplets were an anomaly. They’d be half-breeds. What that meant exactly, in terms of whether they’d be immortal or able to shift, was a secret Josh and Mira were keeping close. “Why? Is something wrong with the babies?”
“The doctor hasn’t said anything, but she’s worried Mira will go into labor early because the babies are so big. My cats aren’t concerned, so I’m not, but I agree with the doctor. The longer they stay in, the better.”
Although as crazed as Devin, his cats were attuned to the world in a way other shifters’ animals weren’t. Probably because they were feral and reacted to the slightest change in their environment. Either way, Xander trusted their assessment too.
“I’m glad to hear that. Those babies are too important to our future.” The goddesses had prophesized their birth, saying they’d change the world.
“Yes, they are.” Devin tilted his head slightly and studied him. “Gwen reeks of the Winchester pack.”
Xander laughed. “Reeks? Don’t use that term around her. She’ll take offense.”
“Don’t know why she would. She’s been claimed as a beloved human by the alpha and the top dominant of the most powerful Royal wolf pack in the States, maybe the world. She should feel lucky.” Devin snorted. “At least until the two of you start fighting over her.”
“We’re not going to fight over her.” By mating her, Xander had guaranteed he’d never lose his spot in her bed. As far as who else joined it, he couldn’t contemplate that yet.
“Yeah, I suppose you wouldn’t care. It’s not like you’re going to mate her, even if she is your true mate. She wasn’t born into a worthy body.”
Lena spun on her heel and glared at Xander, an icy look that rivaled Dante’s deadly one. “And what kind of body would Xander consider worthy?”
“A—”
“Shut up.” Xander snapped, cutting Devin off. He turned to Gwen. “Ignore him. He’s being a jerk because I gave him a hard time over Lena.”
Gwen studied him for a long moment, then turned to Lena, who shrugged but didn’t speak.
Likely Lena would spill all the nasty details about how Xander had sworn he’d wait until his true mate’s soul was born into a shifter female’s body and about how he’d walked away from his true mate twice before.
He inwardly cursed. Until he talked to Gwen, explaining more about the past and why he’d done the things he had, he’d have to keep Gwen away from her sister too. The idea didn’t sit well with him. Family and friendships were important. They needed to be cherished and cultivated. Cutting contact with Devin and Lena went against those values. It was also unavoidable for the moment.
“Why did you give Devin a hard time?” Gwen motioned to where Devin held Lena against his side, tucking her into his embrace as if it was the most natural thing to do. “It’s obvious he loves my sister.”
“Devin needed some intervention.” Vlad stepped next to them. “Xander and I gave it to him the only way he’d understand.”
“And that was?” Gwen asked.
“By forcing me to be honest with my mate. I kept stuff from her, thinking I was protecting her. I wasn’t, though. I was trying to hide the fact that I’m messed up in the head.”
Lena sighed. “Enough, okay? Gwen just got home, and she looks exhausted.” She tipped her head back and caught her mate’s gaze. “Once we get Gwen settled at the house, I’ll need to go into town and pick her up enough clothes to hold her over until we can go shopping.”
“That’s fine. It’ll give Gwen and me a chance to”—Devin looked in Xander’s direction—“talk about stuff.”
Xander ground his teeth. “Gwen isn’t staying with you. She’s moving into my house.”
“Yeah?” Devin stepped forward, pushing both Lena and Gwen behind him. “And who gave you the right to demand that?”
“The Shifter Council and the human government, actually. She’s my beloved human.”
“She’s also mine.” Vlad smirked. “Maybe Gwen should return to Delaware with me. I still have the flat under the strip club.”
“Hey, maybe she should stay with me.” Dante sat on the stairs leading to the plane. “I’ve decided to hang out here for a while. At least with me, Gwen can adjust to being part of our world without people fighting over her.”
“Nobody is going to fight over her. She’s staying with me.” Xander glared at each male, daring them to question him.
“Stop it.” Gwen stepped forward. “I’m still healing from an injury I suffered, and since Xander’s helping me recover, I’m moving in with him. End of discussion.”
“Oh my God!” Lena turned Gwen toward her with a hand on Gwen’s arm. “What happened?”
“I was shot.”
The fact was delivered calmly, without any indication of the fact that she’d almost died. Nothing showed in her expression, and her scent didn’t change. She’d completely buried her emotions. Pride surged within Xander.
“How? Where did you get hit?” Lena studied Gwen as if trying to spot an entry scar.
Gwen waved her off. “It doesn’t matter. I got hurt, and Xander took care of me. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
“Of course, sis. You shouldn’t have to relive the bad memories. You’re home with us, and we’re going to make happy ones.”
“Absolutely.” Gwen nodded. She reached a hand out to Xander. He grasped it, pulling her against his chest and tucking her close. “I’ll call tomorrow. Maybe we can arrange a visit to see Molly.”
“Umm…” Lena looked to Devin. “I don’t know if tomorrow would be the best day.”
“Why not?” Gwen tilted her head to the side and studied Lena with that inquisitive gaze Xander was starting to associate with her when she suspected someone was lying to her.
“She was getting stressed out here. Too many humans around, so she’s visiting with Kade’s cousins. They live in the middle of nowhere. It’ll take time to drive out there.” Devin supplied an answer that skated the truth without delivering a lie. Too bad Xander hadn’t come up with the diversion himself.
“Then, I’ll call her.”
“They don’t have a phone or electricity. They believe in living off the grid.” Xander fed off the spin on the truth Devin had started.
“Oh.” Defeat laced the single word. Gwen’s shoulders slumped. “I want her to know I’m okay. She protected me as much as I protected her in Alaska. We were partners.”
Xander brushed his lips over her cheek. “Write a letter. Vlad will take it out to her.”
“I’m not going—”
“I want to go see her myself.” Gwen cut off Vlad.
Xander tipped her head toward him with a single finger against her chin. “You’re not strong enough yet. You said so yourself. When you are, I’ll take you.”
“So you plan on leaving your pack for another couple weeks while you visit Molly?” Vlad asked. “Maybe miss a fifth full moon celebration and really give our pack mates a reason to despise you and resent Gwen.”
Xander met Vlad’s challenging gaze with a hard one of his own. “Do not concern yourself over my affairs.”
“I’m not. I’m concerned about my pack.”
“Well, this is news.” Surprise laced Lena’s response. “You’re calling yourself a Winchester again?”
“I’ve always been a Winchester.” Vlad stepped into Xander’s personal space, crowding Gwen between them. “But I’ve just recently realized where in the pack’s hierarchy I belong, and this full moon, I’m going to claim my position.”
Tension slithered through Xander. Whatever connection they shared through Gwen was not something that should be discussed in front of anyone else.
“Have you now?” Xander asked his pack mate.
“Yes, and nothing will stop me from taking what’s mine.”
Whether Vlad intended it or not, he was setting them up for a fight. Couldn’t he just wait until they were alone? Even a telepathic ar
gument would take time he didn’t have. As alpha, he had to respond to any challenge, real or implied, immediately. “Don’t deliver any threats yet. Come the full moon, I very well might give you exactly what you want. Without a fight.”
Vlad rested his hands on Gwen’s shoulders and leaned closer, bringing his face to within inches of Xander’s. “That’s exactly what I’m counting on.”
He stepped back before Xander had to force him away from Gwen to save face in front of Dante and Devin. Without another glance, Vlad walked toward where Devin’s SUV was parked at the entrance to the runway.
Dante bumped into Xander’s side as he walked past, following Vlad, and muttered under his breath, “Last chance, big brother. Don’t screw this up.”
Chapter 18
The drive to the Winchester pack lands passed in a blur. Gwen answered questions about her time in the fighting compound and how Killer had protected her but steered clear of her promise to save him. She couldn’t deal with the lectures or the doubt.
She would save Killer. She was not as weak or incompetent as everyone thought. She’d survived two fights with shifters, the surgery on her wrist without anesthesia, and had managed to get a feral shifter to talk to her. Really talk to her, not just answer in grunts or garbled words. Killer hadn’t spoken often, only late at night and then only in whispers as if afraid of being overheard. When he had, though, their conversations had been meaningful.
He’d recounted his time as a child, growing up among his pack, and shared with her his love for his pack mates, even if he couldn’t remember their names or his own. He’d described adventures he’d shared with his best friend and detailed celebrations he’d attended.
He’d also told her how he regretted every death he’d caused, but his drive to live was too strong to ignore. He had to kill. Had to survive. Had to keep getting up every day. If he didn’t, his wolves would die. He couldn’t fail them. Simple as that. They hadn’t asked to be tied to the soul of a male who’d allowed himself to be forced into slavery.