by L. P. Dover
She sits down at the kitchen table with me. Her red hair hangs in soft waves over her shoulders, and she has a pregnancy glow about her. We all know her fae magic is more potent than Killian’s witch, but I refuse to put her in any harm. I haven’t left the safety of her and Cedric’s house since I stepped foot in it two nights ago. It doesn’t feel like a prison, but it is. Wolves from our pack have been taking shifts guarding the area. So far, Killian and his men haven’t gotten close. No one has seen them.
It’s Monday morning, and the alphas from the surrounding packs are to arrive in town for the meeting. I want to be there. I’ve had two days to think about everything, and I came up with a plan. Will it work? I don’t know, but I can’t stay in Wyoming. No matter where I go, it’s not safe for anyone. My bags are packed and ready.
Laila reaches into her pocket and pulls a rock out of her pocket; I recognize it. Black carmine is a rare stone used for protection in the old days. Months ago, she used it to keep her hidden from the dark fae, but they already knew who she was and how to find her, so it didn’t work the way she wanted.
Laila slides the rock over to me. “Take this. If you’re able to get away from here, it’ll keep Killian and Tia from finding you. Unfortunately, right now, they know you’re here and who all of us are.”
It’s as if everything falls into place. I pick up the stone and close it in my palm. “Laila, this is exactly what I need.”
Amelie walks into the kitchen, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt with her caramel-colored hair in a braid. “What’d I miss?” she asks, sitting down at the table.
I show her the stone. “Laila just gave me this. For the past two days, I’ve been thinking of a way to get Killian off my trail. With the stone, I think my idea might actually work. That is if the other alphas agree to it.”
Amelie waves her hand impatiently for me to continue, but Cedric saunters into the room and leans against the kitchen counter. “I really want to hear this.”
“First off,” I say, sliding my chair back, “I want to be in the meeting this afternoon.”
Laila raises her hand. “So do I.”
Amelie huffs. “Well, damn, I’ll be at Blake’s ranch working. I miss everything.”
Getting to my feet, I walk over to Cedric. Out of all the men in the pack, he is the one I know will agree with me. “Hear me out,” I say to him. “This could seriously work if the other alphas are on board.”
His brows furrow. “What does this have to do with them?”
Laila and Amelie stare curiously at me. My plan is bold and maybe a little scandalous in the scheme of things, especially since I do have ulterior motives. If Killian is here to steal me away and mate me off to either himself or someone else, I need to beat him to the punch. I already know my mate is not within the Teton pack. It’s up to me to find my mate, on my own time. The only way to do that is to get away.
Cedric notices the black carmine in my hand and then looks into my eyes. “You want to leave, don’t you?”
I nod. “I think it’ll work. You and Ryker are close friends with so many of the surrounding packs. If their alphas agree to take me in, I can travel around and make it hard for Killian to find me. All I have to do is slip out undetected. He’ll never believe you guys would let me go.”
I look over at Laila and Amelie, and they both smile. “Not a bad idea, Faith,” Laila agrees. “And who knows, you might find what you’re looking for.”
Cedric lets out a long sigh. “I know what this is about. This is your way of getting that freedom Micah won’t let you have.”
“He has to let me go, Cedric. This plan doesn’t involve him; it’s about me. I need to find my own fate, not have someone force it on me.”
Understanding flashes in those gray eyes of his. If the alphas agree, Micah will not be going with me. “Okay,” Cedric murmurs. “I get it. I think it’s a great idea, and I have no doubt the other alphas will agree to it.” He glances over at Laila and then back to me. “They might be a little too thrilled with the thought of having a royal, unmated female under their roof. The good thing is I know they’re respectable men.”
Amelie snorts. “If they aren’t, Faith can put them in their place.”
Cedric bursts out laughing. “I know that.” His phone beeps, and he slides it out of his pocket to read the text. He types out a reply and slips it back into his pocket. “That was Tate Grayson. He’s stuck away on business and won’t be able to make it. He said whatever we all decide, he’s good with it.” Tate is alpha of the Great Plains pack, and I enjoyed talking to him when I met him at Laila’s welcome to the pack party. He’s handsome and a hard worker. Out of all the wolves at that party, he and Chase Maheegan, the Timberwolf pack alpha, were my favorites. Cedric walks over to Laila and rubs her shoulders. “The only issue now is Micah.”
Laila shakes her head. “I don’t think he’ll be a problem, not when he hears what I have to say.”
Cedric kisses the top of her head. “This is why I love you.”
There was a time when Laila would train with Micah and me. I’ve seen her use her magic to open a hole in the ground and toss him in it. She’s even killed people by suffocating them by closing them into the earth. If all else fails, she could trap him while I left, but that’s the last thing I want to do to him. I want him to let me go willingly.
When we get to Ryker’s, all of the alphas are there. I don’t know who all is inside, but I can feel their power and all the wolves around us, protecting the perimeter. My brother, Micah, and my sister, with little Asher are the only ones on the front porch. I get out of Cedric’s truck and rush over to kiss my nephew on the cheek. He has the signature look of an arctic with his blond hair and clear blue eyes. He smiles, and it warms my heart. “You are just the cutest thing.” I wink at my sister. “He’s going to be a heartbreaker.”
Bailey snorts. “Yes, I know.” She gives me a side hug and sighs. “I wanted to come out and say hey to you before the meeting. It’s time for Asher’s afternoon feeding and a nap.”
I nod. “I’ll say goodbye to you before I leave.” She smiles and carries Asher inside.
Colin pulls me in for a hug. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m fine. Just ready to figure this craziness out.”
He lets me go, and Micah takes his place. I hug him hard and silently pray he doesn’t get angry once he hears the plan. Laila and Cedric come up behind us, and we all walk inside. Ryker and Sebastian are in the living room with three of our ally pack alphas. Ian Randale is a little older than me and the Northwestern pack leader with light brown hair and green eyes. He became alpha at fifteen years old through combat. He’s extremely strong and not afraid of anything. Next to him is Colton Redding, the alpha of the Red Wolf pack. Anyone can see he’s a red with his auburn hair and gray eyes. Lastly, is Chase Maheegan, the Timberwolf pack leader, with his ash-colored hair, bright blue eyes, and a friendly smile. The only person we’re missing is Tate.
Chase’s smile widens when he sees me, and I wave at him. “It’s good to see you again. Did you ever hike up Mt. Whitney?”
He chuckles. “I did. You’ll have to try it one day.”
At Laila’s party, we talked about his family’s vineyards, but mainly, he told me about all the hiking there is where he lives. I loved listening to him tell me about all of the national parks and how beautiful they are. “I will definitely have to do that,” I reply. I move to one side of the room where Colin stands on my right and Micah on my left. Laila winks at me and gives Chase a quick side glance. I know what she’s thinking, but I haven’t had any inclination that he’s my mate.
Ryker moves to the middle with Cedric and glances around at everyone before speaking. “First of all, thank you for coming. I talked to all of you on the phone, so you know what’s going on. Laila knows who these wolves are and what they’re capable of. We’ve seen it firsthand. We know they’ll be back for Faith. Right now, they can’t get to her because of Laila’s magic.” He turns to Laila an
d nods. “Do you mind telling everyone what you know?”
She nods and he moves out of the way so she can stand by Cedric. “The Blue River pack is who we’re dealing with right now. Their alpha is Killian Vilkas, and he’s worth a lot of money. I don’t know what he does to get it, but I know it can’t be legal. He has a witch named Tia working for him; her family has been indebted to the Vilkas’ for decades. She’s strong, and we’ve seen what she can do. Not even a royal can withstand her magic, except for myself. That’s because my power comes from the fae.”
Ian crosses his arms over his chest, looking dangerous with how serious his expression is. I haven’t spent any time with him, but I’ve noticed he’s really intense. “How are we supposed to fight against her magic?” he asks.
Cedric steps forward. “We’re hoping you won’t have to. Faith came up with an idea that we think will work.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Micah and Colin looking over at me. Only Ryker, Cedric, and Sebastian know about my plan. I wanted Sebastian to know so he could help convince Micah it’s a good idea. As luck would have it, he agrees it is.
Micah leans in close. “What kind of idea did you come up with?”
Colin elbows me in the side. “I’d like to know the same thing.”
Cedric glances at him over his shoulder and then looks at me. I nod for him to continue. “Just don’t be mad at me,” I whisper to both Micah and Colin. Cedric turns his attention back to Ian, Colton, and Chase. My heart thumps so hard it must be going ninety miles an hour.
“Laila gave Faith her black carmine stone. Its magic will help keep her hidden. If we can get her away from here unnoticed, it’ll keep her safe from Vilkas and his men. Right now, they know she’s still with us. We want to keep it that way so they’ll come at us again, and we can finish it.” I’m not too fond of the latter part of the plan, but I was outnumbered. The reason I wanted to leave was to keep them safe, not to put them in danger.
“I can get her out,” Micah states.
Sebastian stands next to him and meets my gaze; they look so much alike. The room falls silent, and I know it’s my turn to explain. “You won’t be going with me, Micah.”
His eyes blaze. “What do you mean I won’t be going with you. You’re sure as hell not going alone.” Sebastian places a hand on his shoulder.
I shake my head. “Of course, I’m not.”
Cedric clears his throat. “We were hoping to get help from the outside. That’s where the other packs come in.”
Ian, Colton, and Chase all look at each other, and Chase is the one who speaks up. “How can we help?”
Ryker glances at Micah and then at them. “Instead of keeping Faith in one place, she thought it would be best to stay with each of your packs for a while. Like one week with you,” he says to Chase, “and then the next with the Northwestern pack,” he says to Ian, “and so forth.” All three alphas agree with a nod.
“Seriously?” Micah cuts in. His anger fills the room, making it hard to breathe.
Sebastian squeezes his shoulder. “You can’t go with her, brother. Vilkas and his men know you are Faith’s protector. Wherever you are, they’ll expect her to be close. For this plan to work, you have to stay behind.” Micah’s jaw clenches and he looks at me once before turning on his heel and storming out the door. Sebastian gives me a sad smile. “He’ll be okay. It wasn’t easy for me when I had to give up your sister.”
“I know,” I murmur. The bond between a female and her protector is special. It was hard for Sebastian to step aside when Ryker laid claim to Bailey. Then again, it could just be because he and Micah are stubborn and overprotective.
“Faith can stay with me first,” Chase suggests. We all look at him, and he smiles at me. “If that’s okay with you.” Ian’s eyes narrow as if he’s annoyed, and it doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by Laila who tries to hide her smile.
I’m kind of glad Chase spoke up first. If Tate were in town, I would’ve wanted to go with either him or Chase. “Sounds great. We can leave tonight. I look forward to going on all those hikes we talked about.”
Cedric pats him on the back. “Thanks, Maheegan. And thank you,” he says to the others. “We’ll be in touch with you next week.”
I walk up to Ian and Colton. “I want to thank you both as well. I know you didn’t have to agree to any of this.”
With his smoldering gaze on mine, Ian’s lips pull back slightly. “It’s no problem. I look forward to the time with you.”
“Same,” Colton agrees. I say my goodbyes to them and head for the door. Micah is nowhere in sight, but I can sense him out in the woods with Sebastian. When I get out there, his back is to me.
Sebastian comes toward me and smiles. “He’ll be okay. Don’t worry about him.”
It’s easier said than done. I’m always going to worry about Micah. He walks off, leaving me alone with my protector. A couple of minutes pass by before he speaks. “I’m sorry I got angry. It’s not easy putting your safety in someone else’s hands.”
“I know,” I murmur. “You’ve always wanted what’s best for me.”
He finally turns around. “I could feel their need, Faith. That plan of yours is just what they want.” His gaze narrows. “And I think it’s something you want as well.”
“It is,” I confess. “You know I want to see the world. I love our pack and having our families close by, but I don’t feel like this is my place. Having Killian and his men here just made it even more apparent.” I reach for his hands. “I need to find where I belong. Something in my heart is telling me to venture out.”
Micah looks away. “Then go. If staying here keeps Killian from finding you then I’ll do it. I just hope you find what you’re looking for.” He smiles at me, and I hug him.
“I hope so too. I’m going to miss you.”
His grip tightens around my waist. “I’ll miss you too.” He lets me go, and we walk back to Ryker’s house where everyone is gathered outside. “Make sure you keep the stone with you at all times. It should shield you and Maheegan both since you’ll be in close quarters in the car.”
“I will.”
Ian and Colton leave, but Chase waits for me by his car. I walk over to him, and he opens the passenger side door for me but nods toward everyone watching us. “I’m sure they’re all wanting to say goodbye to you.”
I make my rounds, stopping at my sister and Ryker first. She hugs me hard and tells me I better text her every single day. Amelie says the same, and so does Colin. Cedric and Laila are next, and I hug them both.
“Keep us updated,” Cedric says. “Your bags are already in the car, and I called Tate a few minutes ago. He’s ready for whenever you want to stay with his pack.”
“Great. I’d like that to be my next stop.”
He nods. “I’ll let him know. Depending on what happens here, we’ll figure out how to get you to him.”
Laila places a hand on my shoulder and turns me toward her, her expression serious as she meets my gaze. “Don’t lose the stone. This plan of yours will work if you keep it close.”
Reaching into my pocket, I feel its smoothness against my fingers. “I will.”
She leans in close. “I don’t know why but I have a good feeling about this. Stay safe and have fun. You have four alphas who are chomping at the bit to get you all to themselves.”
Cedric chuckles. “I’m glad Chase spoke up first. You two will get along great.”
I have no doubt. I look behind me, and Micah is standing at the car with Chase. They shake hands, and then he focuses on me, his forehead creased with worry lines. Chase walks around to the driver’s side to give us space.
“Take care of yourself,” I say to him.
Micah snorts. “You do the same. Make sure to call if you need me. I’ll be right there.”
“Always.” I hug him one last time and get in the car.
Chase starts up the ignition, and I wave at everyone as he pulls out of the driveway. “You’re going to lov
e northern California. I’ll take you to all of my favorite spots.”
The thought excites me, and I smile. “I can’t wait.”
When we get to the main highway, he presses on the gas, separating me from my pack. The feeling is strange, but it also feels right. “So, tell me,” he begins and then stops.
Tilting my head, I stare at him curiously. “Tell you what?”
The interior car lights make his eyes look like they’re glowing. “Are you in love with your protector?”
My heart swells with love for Micah, but it’s nothing sexual. “No,” I answer in all honesty. “He’s my family, and I love him. He will always hold a special place in my heart. I want him to find his mate and be happy. He can’t do that following me around.”
Chase nods. “I know it had to be hard for him to let you go. Hopefully, Vilkas and his men will be put down soon. I haven’t felt the rage yet with being unmated, but I know how it feels to want to find your mate. I’ve seen how far some will go; it’s not pretty.”
With a heavy sigh, I lean my head against the seat. “That’s what I’m afraid of.” How far will Killian go to find me? Something tells me pretty damn far.
Chapter 7
Faith
ONE WEEK LATER
Being with Chase’s pack for the past seven days has been truly epic. We spent most of the days exploring the national parks around his home, walking around his vineyards, and at night we’d sit by the fire pit on his back deck, drink wine and talk. No one from my pack has seen or heard from Killian since I left. Even Laila hasn’t been able to track him down with her magic, which means he’s no longer in the area.
The smell of pancakes wafts in the air, and I breathe it in. Chase and I came up with a plan to alternate cooking days. Today is his day to cook all the meals. I don’t see how he isn’t mated yet. The wolves in his pack love him, and they’re loyal. The man is handsome, smart, and very attentive. He has a successful vineyard that’s well-known across the country. What I love is his house. It’s a Tuscan-style villa with stone walls, intricate wrought iron accessories all throughout, and stone paths that lead to the vineyards.