Stephan leaned closer, allowing me to sit in the nook of his arm. His satiny cheek rubbed against mine, gentle kisses pressing against my skin. His warmth pulled at my gut, pouring on my desire for being with the pack while worsening the pain of my excommunication.
"Give it time,” he said. “Maybe Seth will renege on his ban. If he does, then what happens to your Hunting Club? Will you give them up?"
"Stephan,” I said, fighting the urge to kiss him back. “I've known them for a long time. They were my family before you guys ever came into the picture. Asking me to leave them is like asking me to let go my right arm. Just because I'm with them doesn't mean I love you guys any less."
We sat there for the longest time, cheering everyone on, watching people get slammed from side to side and thrown across the lawn. The ball came in our direction and Aiyana caught it. The entire field stampeded toward us. At the last possible second, they stopped and lunged straight at me, piling kisses on top of kisses. Everyone remained careful of my foot, but that didn't mean my face and neck were off limits. Smacking kisses and loud voices drowned out all the other sounds of the backyard. Faces moved in and pushed other faces out of the way. Talk about getting love-bombed. How could they become so attached to someone so fast? Then again, who was I to throw stones? It had taken me two days to grow fond of Stephan and Aiyana. Their kisses left me laughing so hard that my ribs ached. Stephan shooed everyone away after they had their taste and sent them back to their wrestling/football game.
The backdoor opened behind us. Seth stepped onto the patio first, followed by Dane and a small entourage. Everyone seemed full of smiles ... except Seth. Gee, imagine that. His black hair remained combed back, a trimmed beard adding to his dignified posture. He swiveled his head in my direction, scrutinizing my presence. A stone cold glare fed the tension between us.
I wanted to ask he was staring at, but my mind screamed, “Shut up and ignore him.” Getting in deeper trouble wasn't worth it. Besides, I didn't know what they had worked out and could ruin anything good that came of their meeting. I assumed it had gone okay because Dane stood on the other side of him as an equal and not cowering on his knees and begging for mercy.
I brought my attention back to the game.
Seth paused a moment before going into a description of the house, the grounds, and how far the property extended into the woods.
Quentin plowed his way through the thicket of spectator legs, towing his father by the hand. The minute his eyes fell on me, he let go of Vaughn and threw himself against my back, sausage arms becoming a death grip around my neck. Tiny kisses saturated every part of my head, starting with the back and working their way around to the front. Boy, did I miss the feel of this little kid. If he didn't give me wet, juicy kisses then he slurped his tongue, wriggling it against my neck. His touch alone felt like a fist hitting me in the chest. No way in hell I'd cry and let Seth could think his punishment had worked.
Seth and Dane stepped off the patio and sauntered along the sidelines to avoid the ruffians running after Evan, who had the ball. The rest of the entourage stayed put, letting the two Pack Alphas have their privacy. I had thought their negotiations were over, but I guess they had some kinks to work out. Excluding those of the football players, all eyes remained glued to those two.
"What do you think they're talking about?” I asked. My ears strained to hear their conversation, but the yelling from the football game drowned them out.
"Not sure,” Stephan said. “If I had to guess, it looks like Seth is taking him on a tour of the grounds."
"Why?"
"I'll tell you why,” Matt said, crouching behind us. He captured my arms and torso in a hug, sandwiching Quentin between us. Giggles erupted next to my ear as Matt mock growled at the little boy. “A cease-fire is in effect until this problem with Decker is resolved."
"Really?” I asked. Seth listening to someone for once? Unbelievable. Maybe that Pack Alpha thing gets you more incentives than I thought.
"He is,” Riley said. He sat down on the other side of Aiyana. “Your hubby's a great mediator. They're talking about strategies as we speak. It looks like we're all one big happy family. For a little while, anyway."
"Collaborating maybe,” Stephan said. “'One big happy family’ is stretching it. If this thing goes sour, Seth will dig a pit for the entire Hunting Club."
I had every intention of going into the woods to stake out positions and possible routes into the den. As I said, I had intentions. Too bad they weren't in accordance with my husband's or Alpha's. Matt looked me up and down and reminded me to keep my nose out of it. Dane added his wholehearted five cents by pointing out that if I couldn't go on the stakeout, then it didn't make sense to help pick out ambush sights. Let's forget about the fact that my being a sniper made me the best person for the job. My ideas didn't count for anything, because my foot had put limitations on what I could do. Go figure that logic.
I ranted and raved until I kicked the side of the concrete step with my plastic boot. My mouth clamped shut as the pain wormed its way through my toes and instep, straight up my ankle. I tried to play it off. Matt caught my facial tick and said it served me right. He pulled out his cell and called Bryce about a checkup.
As they made their way to the den, Seth concluded his talk with Dane and turned his attentions to other concerns. He approached my husband from the other side of the patio.
"I'm guessing your home is still vulnerable,” Seth said to Matt.
I kept my eyes on the game. However, my ears were less attentive as they held on to every word that passed between them.
"Decker knows where we live,” Matt replied. “He called the house twice last night and again this morning. I already told you what he said he wanted to do to my wife."
"In that case, you are more than welcome to stay here."
That part of the conversation didn't escape me. Turning slowly, I eyeballed him. Had he not been an Alpha, I would have smacked him on the spot. Too many people around and not enough time to run. Seth didn't miss a beat. He glared his beady eyes at me before turning his attention back to my husband. Matt shot a single finger in my direction, silencing me. Smart man.
Seth snorted. “However, you play a vital role in the pack and I know you wouldn't leave your mate behind. So bring whatever else you might need."
A wry laugh burst from my mouth. “You hear that, honey? You can fold me in half and pack me right next to your electric razor."
Matt threw me a cold stare.
Aiyana yanked me to my feet and shoved me inside the house. “Say one more word and I'll break more than your foot. You got free room and board, so don't screw it up."
The magnitude of Seth's asylum offer hit me when I smelled the lemon-scented polish wafting off the hardwood floors. I limped to the lounge, taking in the sight, sounds, and aroma of the house. Mental notes scribbled across my brain as my eyes scanned every inch of the room, touching every piece of furniture. I couldn't believe how much I had missed this place.
Everyone followed us into the house to set the ground rules. Dane was in charge of the operation, but Seth wanted in on all his plans and reserved the right to veto anything he didn't find acceptable. With this being a collaboration, Seth allowed Dane two more people from the Club and a few extras from the Georgia Pack to lend a hand. Being in charge of pack security and wanting to protect his family, Vaughn stepped up to the plate first. Had I not been on the injured list, Seth wouldn't have allowed Matt to volunteer in my place. It pissed me off that my husband had taken the rap for me. Matt shrugged it off, saying the Club could have gone after the Georgia Pack at any time whether we joined or not. It didn't make me feel any better knowing that I had exacerbated it. Dane agreed with Matt and all Seth did was snort before turning going back to laying out the ground rules. One of them included me being under constant surveillance in the house.
I went from needing asylum to literal house arrest. To make matters worse, Riley turned redcoat and volunteered his services for keepi
ng an eye on me. I could see the thoughts trickling behind Seth's mind when that comment came out. It took him seconds to amend his injunction and include all members of the Hunting Club in being kept under constant surveillance. Dane elbowed Riley in the ribs. Everyone stifled their laughter. Aiyana, Stephan, and a few others agreed to share the charge of keeping me under wraps while the others staked out the woods.
It didn't take a genius to figure out that it would be a long night.
Chapter 45
Night came with no signs of Decker.
Since I couldn't be outside keeping watch along side my companions, I held the position my uncle usually occupied. Everyone remained silent ... most of the time. Stephan sat with me in one of the conference rooms, munching on an apple. Each crunch bit into my nerves and the portentous silence didn't help. Every now and then someone would come into the conference room wondering if anything had transpired. Most people should have been on edge, but they weren't. On the contrary, they treated this whole thing like a game of international intrigue, sitting by the radio wondering what would happen next. When nothing happened, they left. Stephan couldn't believe we had such a high tolerance for sitting around, waiting for something to stir the bushes.
Isabella and Evan stopped by, carrying a pitcher of lemonade and a plate of cheese, crackers, and mixed cold cuts while we waited. Quentin pummeled into the room right behind them and went straight for the eight-foot window. Either he knew something was up or he had found another girlfriend and wasn't interested in me. Isabella kissed me on the head and welcomed me home, even if it was temporary. The mothering touch of my Alpha Female made me long for an extended stay.
Did I say “my"? I meant my former Alpha Female. Amazing how a person can become so lost in the moment.
She hadn't gotten a chance to meet the Hunting Club, but had heard about my adventures from everyone else in the house. I persuaded her to get on the earpiece and say a short greeting to Dane. When her illustrious voice came over the wire, Riley asked if he could come back to the den for a bathroom break. Dane said he had better have the runs or he'd give him a reason to run. Chuckles filtered over the transmitters. After Isabella had a pleasant chat with Dane, Evan borrowed the earpiece from her and started telling dirty jokes.
"Who the hell is that?” Dane asked.
I snatched the earpiece from Evan. “The pack freak."
"I'll take my chances with Seth and beat the hell out of him if he doesn't stay off the line."
"You don't have to,” Vaughn said, smoothly. “I know where we can bury him in the woods and no one will ever suspect a thing."
"Vaughn,” Riley said, “you're one scary person."
"I'll take that as a compliment. If you're still there, Stephan ... I want a raise."
Snickers trickled over the line. I couldn't speak for anyone else, but it certainly lightened my mood.
Isabella placed her hand on my shoulder. “If you two need anything, let me know. I'll take the ‘pack freak’ away before his parents make good on his life insurance policy.” Isabella winked before looping her arm through Evan's and strolling towards the door. “Come on, Quentin. It's way past your bedtime, little man. Give Alexa and Stephan a kiss."
Glass smashed around the toddler. Stephan threw himself on me while Evan tackled Isabella to the floor.
All I could think about was the baby. I shoved Stephan off me and my eyes enlarged at the sight standing next to the cowering toddler.
Between the matted blond fur, brutal scrapes and puncture wounds marred his body. So the late, great Decker had finally unveiled himself.
Yanking his growling muzzle around, he hooked his jaws around the straps in Quentin's overalls and lifted the screaming little boy off the floor.
The tears trailing down Quentin's chocolate cheeks set in motion my own beast of hatred, coursing throughout my insides, consuming me, gutting me into absolute fury.
How dare he?! How dare he come in here and terrorize an innocent child who had nothing to do with this? I wanted more than his hide. I wanted a taste of his blood. This was why humans regarded werewolves as the devil's spawn and hounds of hell. This was why our roots were etched in witchcraft and we weren't trusted to choose our own destiny. That bastard set the werewolf population back centuries by taking a small child from his home. Decker wouldn't make it off this property alive, if I had anything to say about it.
Judging from the tension that rippled through Stephan's shoulders, I wasn't the only one beyond reason. But at least I could do something about it faster than it would take him to change.
Pushing Stephan away, I reached for my crossbow, which was still lying on the table. I chambered an arrow just as Decker faced me and pulled the trigger.
An arrow slammed into his side.
He stumbled, but Quentin remained tight in his mouth. I wanted to aim for his head, but couldn't take the chance on hitting the child. Both his and Decker's eyes shifted in my direction. I chambered another arrow in the cradle.
My rage steered me into working on pure instinct. My reaction to everything became automatic. Thoughts didn't register anymore. Nothing registered anymore. I was on a mission.
Again, I pulled the trigger. Another arrow slammed into his side, inches away from the first one. Decker stumbled, barely able to stand, legs quaking. Before I could chamber another arrow, Decker had both his paws on the sill and pushed off with his powerful hind legs.
Images of my grandfather breaking into our bedroom while we were children flooded my mind. Before my father could smack him one more time with a baseball bat, Grandfather had hightailed it into an alley and toward the front of our building, where he had escaped.
There was no way in hell I'd let Decker escape. I'd spend the rest of my life hunting that bastard down as long as an innocent child's life—the same age as Avery Jr. when he died—was on the line.
Pushing chairs out of my way and letting the glass shards crackle under my feet, I hurried to the window in time to see Decker's blond tail disappear into the woods. I could have pissed my pants with the amount of rage that surged inside me.
How in the world did that bastard get passed our defenses? Scott was out there, manning the position closest to the den. There was no way that he ... He must have done something to Scott.
"How do you work this fucking thing?” Evan shouted, tweaking the communicator that had fallen out of my ear.
"I'm going after him,” I seethed, placing my hands on the sill.
Stephan touched my arm. “Not alone you're not."
I shrugged him off hard and met his challenge. “He's got the baby. Try and stop me."
"I...” Matt said, the rest of his message drowned out by the crackling on the communicator. Evan must have found the volume switch and turned it up. Thank goodness that thing wasn't in my ear. “Headed ... direction and coming ... om the den. Moving ... keeping ... shadows. We're—"
Dead silence.
Well, that was all the incentive that I needed to go after Decker whether Stephan liked it or not. I wasn't leaving anyone at the hands of that madman.
Not saying another word, I leapt out the window and scrambled down the wraparound porch towards the backyard. At the corner of the building, I stopped and peeked my head around the edge.
Footsteps padded behind me. I turned, dropping to one knee. Stephan appeared out of the shadows, throwing his hands up in defense. One of these days I'd accidentally shoot him if he didn't stop sneaking up on me like that. I gestured for him to move closer to the wall. He stepped back.
"Let the others know what's going on,” I whispered. “Something happened to Scott, because he missed his warning cue."
"Maybe they're working together."
"Maybe you should keep opinions like that to yourself.” The situation was tense enough as it was. Snapping at each other didn't help. Sighing, I put on my best apologetic face. “Please find him. If he's with Decker, then you'll have all the more reason to tear him apart. And you'll also have my permiss
ion."
Meeting my eyes, he took the wireless microphone from his pocket and issued orders into it.
Wind blew from the east, passing Decker's scent across my nose. Not wasting another second, I hopped over the railing and hurried through the backyard. Halfway across the lawn, voices yelled after me. Never had I moved so fast before. That helped me keep the heat on Decker's blood trail, so I wasn't complaining.
The plastic boot flew off somewhere in the skirmish. Feet crushed the underbrush ahead of me, twigs cracking like bones. Whirring wind in my ears stifled some of my hearing. My predator mind didn't care about my surroundings. The helpless cries in front gave me the drive I needed, blocking out pain and unnecessary senses. All I cared about was getting Quentin back.
I followed Decker step for step. When he leapt over rocks, I leapt over rocks. When he cut an angle around a tree, I cut the same angle. When he stepped on a fallen log, my foot touched the same spot. If that bastard didn't smell my relentlessness then his ass was as good as mine. He couldn't hide anywhere on this planet where I wouldn't find him.
A quick dart from the shadows caught my eye from my left. Someone was out there with us. I kept up my pursuit, not giving an inch. Decker turned right. I followed behind him. Dane charged from the left. Slick black fur smoothed back on his torpedo body. He joined me in foot pursuit. Adam raced behind him, clothed in a sleek blond fur. Dane ran ahead of us, driving Decker to the right. They must have set a trap somewhere in the woods. Adam moved in behind Dane, backing him, reinforcing the threat.
Ahead were a set of glowing brown eyes at the edge of a thirty-foot cliff. Riley donned his wolf form. He had one chance, so his aim couldn't be anything less than perfect. If it wasn't, then I had a plan of my own.
Decker charged towards the ridge and Riley pounced ... missing him by inches as he tumbled into a small ravine. Listening to Quentin's screech perhaps that was for the better.
I leapt into the air, aiming for the same cliff, landing on a ledge not too far from where Riley stationed himself. A twinge of pain hooked into my foot. Ignoring it, I leapt up seven feet and landed on a flat, dusty surface. I had entered my stomping ground. Darting across the woodland plateau at breakneck speed, I weaved around trees and shrubbery, looking for another perch.
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