Slade grabbed the stunned enforcer and forced him through the doors in front of him. “Get down,” he yelled, shoving the pup to the floor and army crawling to where his coat lay in the corner.
Quickly finding his cell phone in the inside pocket, he dialed his alpha. Chase picked up on the first ring. “What the hell is going on?” he demanded loudly.
“Sound the alarm!” Slade growled, quickly slipping off his shoes and sliding out of his jogging pants. “Everyone needs to stay inside! We have a fucking sniper out there, Chase.”
Immediately, sirens could be heard throughout the compound. Slade ripped his shirt off over his head as he growled, “The bastard is in the abandoned buildings across the street somewhere. I’m not sure which one. I’m going to shift and go hunting.” Slade disconnected the call, not waiting for a response. Tossing the phone to a stunned Zane, he ordered, “Contact the other enforcers and tell them to make sure everyone stays inside. Do not move from this building, Zane. Do you understand me?”
When Zane nodded and started to dial the phone, Slade dropped to all fours and called to his wolf. Within moments a large, dark grey, powerful beast stood where he had just been. Resisting the urge to throw back his head and howl a challenge to whoever had tried to take his head off, Slade ran across the gym and slipped out a door in the back made specifically for the pack in their wolf form.
Sticking to the side of the building, Slade used whatever cover he could find, making his way to the front gate. One of his enforcers opened it from where they were hidden in the guard shack, and he slipped through it quickly. Now he would be on his own crossing the road to the abandoned buildings on the other side. There was no coverage, and he would be an open target. He’s gone. Slade stopped in his tracks when he heard Gypsy’s voice whisper in his mind. He left right after the sirens went off. He’s angry because you moved and he missed you.
Gypsy? Was it really her? Was she really communicating with him, or was he just imagining it? He hadn’t seen her since he left her in her hospital room two nights ago. Jade told him Gypsy needed time and space to think things through, so he had left her alone, even though it had been torture to stay away.
He wants to kill you, Slade. He wants to kill you because of me. His wolf growled at the fear in her voice. Whoever wanted him dead had put it there, and he would pay.
Why? Moving swiftly forward, Slade crossed the road to the buildings beyond. They had been on the land years ago when the pack bought it, and they used them for training rookie enforcers now. Slipping inside one of them, he stopped and raised his head, breathing in deeply, hoping to catch his enemies scent.
He thinks I’m his, and you stole me from him. He wants me back.
Slade paused. Who is he, Gypsy?
I don’t know, she whispered raggedly. Why can’t I remember, Slade? I remember everything else. I should know who he is. I know I should.
Slade moved quickly through the building, clearing each room as he went. Gypsy stayed a presence in the back of his mind throughout his search. He could feel her there, lending him her strength and support, as he moved from building to building. There were a total of four vacant buildings across from the compound, and he found what he was looking for in the third one. The man had been on the second floor in the corner of the room. Slade breathed in deeply, inhaling the male’s scent, making sure it was one he would never forget. It was all the bastard had left behind, but it was enough, for now.
Chapter 9
They would be coming for her soon, Gypsy knew. She had slipped out of Slade’s mind just twenty minutes before, when he was on his way back to check in with the alpha, but before leaving she had read his intent to come straight to her after their meeting. They would have questions, but as hard as she tried to remember where she knew the man from, she couldn’t. She had no answers. She knew she needed them if she was going to survive. She needed them to keep her mate safe. However, even though she remembered so many other things in her life, when it came to the man who was terrorizing the compound, she was a blank slate. One thing she did know for certain, though, was that she was not staying in this hospital any longer. She’d had a lot of time to think over the past couple of days, and she knew her place was with her mate.
Jade breezed into the room, setting a backpack down on Gypsy’s bed. “These should work for now, Gypsy. It’s all I have with me. Chase has put the compound on lockdown until that lunatic is caught.”
“Thank you, Jade. I appreciate it. I can’t leave the hospital in a gown that opens in the back.”
Jade giggled, “That would be a sight! Slade would be so pissed if you flashed the other males in the compound, showing them your panties!”
Gypsy pictured herself walking down the sidewalk in the small town, the back of her gown flapping open for everyone to see her bright blue underwear while Slade glowered at them all, and for the first time in months, she laughed. Not just a small laugh for the benefit of others around her, but a carefree laugh that she felt all of the way down to her toes. She used to laugh all of the time, before she and Sari were taken. By nature, she was a happy, joyful person. Not the quiet, scared one she had become. She wanted to be that person again.
“You better get dressed before the enforcers show up,” Jade said, her dark green eyes alight with mirth. “I am so proud of you, Gypsy. Leaving the hospital is a big step, but I believe it is one you are ready to make. I know accepting a mate into your life will be difficult.” Placing her hand on Gypsy’s arm, Jade looked at her seriously now. “If you need me, Gypsy, all you have to do is reach out to me. I will always be here for you.”
I know, Gypsy responded, letting the words drift into the other woman’s mind, instead of saying them out loud.
Grabbing the backpack, she went to the bathroom to change. Opening it, she found a brush and a small makeup bag sitting on top. She grinned when she pulled out a matching bright red bra and panty set that still had the tags on them. They were followed by a pair of black leggings and a beautiful multi-colored shirt that was snug in the bodice, but flared out at the waist to settle at her thighs. At the bottom of the bag was a pair of stylish black boots with a small heel. The outfit was perfect, exactly something she would have picked for herself, and everything seemed to be in her size, except the boots. They were half a size too big, but they would work.
Hearing voices in the other room, Gypsy donned the outfit and made quick use of the brush and makeup before placing it back in the bag and zipping it closed. Her heart was fluttering, and it was hard to get her emotions under control. This would be the first time Slade saw her in something besides that dreadful hospital gown. What would he think? Not only that, but what would he say when he found out she had made the decision to leave the hospital? She hoped he would accept her in his home, but if not, she would manage. Gypsy had also decided it was time to take back control of her life. She wanted her mate’s support, but she would do it without it if she had to. After one last look in the mirror, she took a deep breath, held her head high, and opened the door.
The first thing Gypsy saw was Slade standing in front of the window. His hands were shoved in his front pockets, his shoulders slightly slumped, as he looked out over the gardens below. She was aware of others in the room, but her eyes never left her mate. He was hers, as she was his. The other half of each other’s soul. She had known about shifters before meeting Trace in The Dungeon. The book her mother had given her talked about them, and it discussed the mate bond vaguely, but it did not go into detail about what it entailed. She had learned more about it from Trace when he fought daily to get back to Jade. She had thought the idea of the mate bond was beautiful. Having one person to love and cherish, one person who was a part of you, for the rest of your lives, was a dream for most. Now, it was reality for her.
As if sensing her presence, Slade turned from the window to face her. She watched as his eyes widened and his nostrils flared. His gaze slowly slid down her body and then back up, a deep growl escaping his thro
at. Gypsy caught her breath as he took a step toward her, but then seemed to catch himself, stopping and clenching his hands tightly into fists.
You like? She asked the question softly in his mind, afraid to voice it out loud.
I fucking love, came the quick response, followed by another low growl. Mine.
“Gypsy, we need to talk to you about the man who took a shot at Slade.” The alpha’s voice reminded Gypsy that she and Slade were not alone. A quick glance around the room showed Chase, Jade, and one other male she didn’t recognize. “This is Bran, my beta. If you aren’t comfortable with him being in on this discussion, he can wait in the hall.”
Remembering her promise to herself to be the woman she used to be, not the scared one she had become, Gypsy shook her head, “No, he can stay. If he is your beta, then you and Slade trust him. That means I can as well.”
Chase nodded, “Yes, you can. As Slade’s mate, you are a part of this pack, Gypsy, which means you are under my protection.”
“Which also means you are my alpha, and Bran is my beta,” Gypsy replied. Walking over to them, she kneeled before Chase and bared her neck. “I accept your generous offer of protection, and I am honored to be a part of your pack, Alpha.”
Feeling Chase’s hand on the top of her head, Gypsy smiled at the push of energy from him, instantly calming her wayward emotions. “When you are ready, we will have a ceremony announcing your mating and welcoming you to the pack. Until then, know you already are a part of us, and your mating is approved.”
Gypsy raised her head and smiled. “Thank you, Alpha.”
Chase smiled, letting his hand trail down to cup her cheek. Why can’t my mate be more like you?
Gypsy caught the words that flitted briefly through his mind, and the guilt that followed. Smiling gently, she responded, Because she wouldn’t be the woman you want, the woman you love, if she was. Everything about her attracts you to her. Her loyalty to her team, her love for her children and determination to keep them safe above all else, her will to survive everything she has been through and become the person she is today. Her rejection is killing you right now, but try and focus on her reason for that rejection.
We would be stronger together, Chase growled in frustration. I would fight with her if she would let me.
Did you ever think that maybe, just maybe, she doesn’t let you because she is afraid of losing you? The impressions I get from you is that she is a strong woman, always in control, always fighting for what she believes in. But, always losing what is most important to her. The first man she cared for, both of her children. Maybe she is afraid of losing you too? So she fights to get rid of the one thing that could take you from her. The General. After he is gone, she will feel safe enough to allow you to claim her.
Chase’s eyes narrowed as he contemplated her words. You are strong, Gypsy. You don’t push your mate away right now while we track down and fight the man who is trying to kill him.
Gypsy covered the alpha’s hand that still rested against her cheek with her own. Squeezing it, she whispered, That is only because I am not as strong as your mate.
His eyes widening slightly in understanding, Chase replied out loud gruffly, “Thank you for that, Gypsy.” Leaning down, he helped her to her feet before looking at Slade. “Your mate is wise beyond her years, my friend. The God’s have chosen well for you.”
As they have for you. Gypsy savored her alpha’s look of gratitude before walking over to sit in the chair next to Slade. Slade’s hand rested on her shoulder, and she covered it with her own. As she did, she caught the glimpse of a blonde haired, blue-eyed woman, and a touch of love and deep sadness from him, and then it was gone. Who was she? Someone very special to Slade, but Gypsy also got the impression the woman was not around anymore, and hadn’t been for some time. It was as if when Slade thought of her, he was thinking of a past life.
“You are safe here, Gypsy,” Chase said as he crossed over and shut the door for privacy. “We need to know anything and everything that you can tell us about the sniper who is targeting the pack. Whatever you tell us now will not leave this room.”
Gypsy’s hand tightened on Slade’s nervously, her gaze going from Chase, to Bran, to Jade, then back to Chase. “I don’t remember him, Chase. I’m sorry. I have tried and tried, and even though I feel like I should know who he is, I just can’t remember.”
“You’re blocking it.” Jade moved forward and knelt by Gypsy, resting a hand gently on hers over the light pink cast. “You don’t want to remember him.”
“Yes, I do,” Gypsy insisted. “I don’t want him to hurt anyone else.”
“I know,” Jade whispered. “You could never harm anyone, Gypsy. Someone told me once that I’m a healer, not a fighter, and I think that is the case for you too.”
“I don’t heal people,” Gypsy protested. “That is beyond my abilities.”
“You bring them back from death’s door. If that isn’t healing, then I don’t know what is.”
Gypsy looked down into Jade’s eyes, so full of compassion and understanding. “Not always,” she admitted quietly. “There was one person I wasn’t able to bring back.” Tears of regret slipped down her cheeks as she remembered that cold, dark night so long ago. “It was raining,” she whispered, a shudder rippling through her, “and it was so dark. The moon was hidden, and very few stars lit the night sky. I remember it clearly because I am able to draw energy from the moon to help strengthen me if I need it. That night, there was none. I just kept thinking, maybe if the moon had been out, maybe then I could have saved him.” Slade moved to stand directly behind Gypsy, silently running a hand down her long, soft hair. She leaned back against his chest, sighing as she felt his support and strength filling her. “I had just arrived to New Orleans the day before with some friends. Against my mother’s wishes, the three of us were going on spring break together. It was early morning, around 2am. I wanted to go back to the hotel to sleep, but Kelly and Nicole weren’t ready yet. They were having fun, but I was exhausted. I decided to head back on my own. The streets were crowded, so I thought it would be safe.”
“What happened,” Slade asked, lightly stroking the hand he still held with his thumb.
“There was this young boy, no more than ten or eleven years old. He was a beggar with filthy, torn clothes, and shoulder-length shaggy hair.” He was a handsome boy, with some of the greenest eyes she had ever seen. His face was pale, with a smattering of brown freckles covering his nose. “He made the mistake of trying to steal a wallet from one of the men on the street, right in front of where I was walking. The man grabbed him and threw him in the alleyway next to the street, leaving without looking back. The poor little boy hit his head on the corner of a dumpster, cutting it deeply. I knew he was dying. I felt it.” Raising her gaze to Chase’s, she whispered, “I tried to help him, but no matter what I did, I couldn’t connect with him. To bring them back, I have to be able to connect, but I just couldn’t.”
“You weren’t meant to,” Jade said simply.
Gypsy nodded, tugging her hands from Slade and Jade’s, she clasped them tightly in her lap. “I realize that now. A book that is handed down from generation to generation in my family states that I can only save those who are meant to be saved. But that night, with that little boy, almost broke me. I have this wonderful gift, powerful beyond anything I have ever known, and I could not help him.”
“How many others have you helped? How many other lives have you saved?”
“Four, including Xavier,” Gypsy admitted.
“Be proud of that, Gypsy. Be happy that you were able to save them. I know their families are.” Looking into Jade’s eyes, Gypsy nodded, reaching up to wipe away her tears. Jade was right. She was not meant to save that small boy, no matter how much she wished the outcome had been different. It was time to face it, and move on. Hadn’t she just told Xavier that she could only save the ones that were meant to be saved?
“If you will allow me to,” Jade inquired softly,
“I have the ability to merge with you and see what you have seen in the past. Maybe, together, we can find out who this man is that you can’t remember?”
Did she want Jade in her mind? Did she want the kind, gentle woman to be exposed to the terror and torture she had gone through in The Dungeon? “I promise you, I will not share anything with the others that you don’t want me to.”
“No, it’s not that,” Gypsy said when she felt Slade’s hands tighten on her shoulders. “I have nothing to hide. I just don’t want you to have to relive what I went through, Jade.”
“Trust me, I will be fine. I’ve been through hell myself and survived.”
The truth was there in Jade’s eyes for Gypsy to see. Taking a deep breath, she finally agreed. “Let’s get it done then.” When Slade made a move to remove his hands from her shoulders, Gypsy reached up and grasped them tightly with her own. No, please. I need your strength.
She shivered when she felt Slade’s lips touch the top of her head. Always.
Gypsy closed her eyes and lowered her head, still holding tightly to Slade. She could do this. She was strong and brave, just like Chase’s mate. Yes, she felt Jade whisper into her mind, You are very strong. Now just relax. First I want you to take me back to the time you were held captive. A shudder racked Gypsy’s body, fear swamping her. She didn’t want to go back to The Dungeon. There was only terror and death there. You are safe, my friend. Your mate is here, as is your alpha. No one will ever harm you again. Trust me.
I do. Slowly, Gypsy allowed herself to drift back to a time she would rather forget. Now that she had her memory back, she wondered why she had fought to retrieve the memories in the first place. They were full of nothing but pain and despair.
For close to half an hour, Jade stayed in Gypsy’s mind, reliving the past with her; the agony, the torture, the complete loss of hope. Gypsy’s shoulders slumped and her body was racked with sobs as she was forced to endure the memories along with her friend. Finally, when she was sure she could not handle anymore, she heard Jade’s voice You did a wonderful job, Gypsy. I think I have everything I need. Now, show me what happened today.
Slade's Desire (White River Wolves Series, #2) Page 6