Finding Our Way (Werewolf Wars)

by Bethany Shaw

  He sighed savoring the moment. This was a new experience for him, having never woken up with someone like this before. It was special—she was magnificent. If only this moment would never end. Right now, he could forget about the attack last night and breath in the scent of the beautiful woman he held.

  Light footsteps fluttered by the door, casting shadows on the wall. He should get up and go about his duties—not that he was really sure what they were. With the attack, he wondered if they would still be leaving first thing tomorrow. He assumed not.

  The bedroom door twisted and the door burst open.

  “Hey, Nora, you...” April trailed off, her eyes widening as she took him in. “Oh,” she smiled.

  Nora bolted up, clutching the green comforter to her chest.

  “I hope I’m not interrupting.” April winked. “I’ll just fix this here and you can come find me when you’re not preoccupied.” She reached in and flipped the lock on the door, then pulled it closed behind her.

  “Oh my god.” Nora flopped down, her hands covering her face. “I can’t believe that just happened.”

  Her body shook, and at first, Daniel thought she was crying until she moved her hands back exposing the wide grin. “She’s never going to let me live this down.”

  “Just be glad it wasn’t Vincent. He wouldn’t have left,” Daniel chuckled, propping himself up on an elbow.

  “I didn’t even think about the lock last night. I definitely didn’t plan on doing this,” she said, motioning between them with her hands. “But, I’m glad we did.”

  Daniel wasn’t sure what to say, so he answered with a kiss to her lips. Nora sighed, her lips parting. His cock twitched and he slipped his tongue into her mouth.

  Voices boomed outside the door and Nora pulled away. Her eyes drifted to the closed white entrance then back to him.

  “Everyone’s up and moving,” Daniel said.

  “Yeah, we should probably pick this up later.” Nora kissed him and then rolled to the side of the bed, gathering her discarded clothes from the night before. She slipped her shirt on and then walked to her dresser. “What are you doing today?” she questioned.

  Daniel stood up and found his cotton pants. “I’m not sure yet. I’ll have to check in with Gene and Dev.”

  “We were supposed to finalize plans today. Do you think we will still go?” Nora asked as she pulled out a pair of jeans and a light red tee. She put her outfit on top of her shower bag before turning back to him.

  “If it were my pack, no. We lost quite a few men last night and many were injured. Right now, we need every able bodied person available. Juarez is close and who knows when the next attack will be,” Daniel explained. That didn’t mean that Devon would agree with him though.

  Nora picked up the small rectangular box that contained her pills and popped one of the lids open. She placed them in her mouth and then picked up a bottle of water on the back of the dresser. After swallowing down the medicine, she turned to him.

  “April will be disappointed,” Nora sighed, slipping a pair of underwear on.

  “We have to do what’s best for the majority,” Daniel sighed. “April will understand that.”

  Nora frowned and nodded. “I’m going to go get a shower, then we can get something to eat and find out what’s going on.”

  ***

  Fernando stood at the large, glass window watching as his men regrouped in the parking lot. The majority of the men appeared fine physically, though there were more bloodied and haggled men then he would like to see. There was also quite a few less men than he expected. Not that it really mattered. Any men he lost were easily replaced. He had three contingents nearby awaiting orders. They could be here within a day and would be ready to do his bidding.

  Malakai who had been speaking to some of the leaders of the attack, broke off from the group and made his way over to him. Fernando met him at the door, ushering his grandson inside, before closing it.

  “What is the final word?” he asked eager to see how things had worked out last night.

  “There are sixty-eight men unaccounted for. I presume they are dead or prisoners,” Malakai spoke up.

  “I sent one-hundred-twenty-five,” Fernando fumed. “You mean to say we lost half of our men last night? Who is training them?”

  “I believe these men came from the West training camp,” Malakai said, keeping his eyes peeled on his paper. “I’m not entirely sure it was all their fault. Apparently, the fence they have built is electrified. Some of the men died before they even entered the Harris’ property.”

  “And they didn’t figure out what was happening sooner? There is no excuse for that kind of stupidity. I will need to have a word with West about his training methods. Did we complete the two tasks we went there for?” Fernando inquired. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

  Malakai sighed and Fernando growled, balling his fists at his side.

  “We were able to make contact with Maddie and secure her with a phone. The men who spoke with her don’t believe anyone saw with the chaos around.” Malakai paused. “If you don’t mind my asking, are you entirely sure we can trust her?”

  “She approached me at the McKinley’s and asked about a mate. She might not be an alpha, but the girl wants to go places, and there is no way she’ll ever get anywhere at the Harris ranch. I’ve promised her to one of your younger brothers. I always reward those that help me and she knows that I punish those who turn against me. I don’t foresee there being a problem,” Fernando explained. “Now tell me you have more good news?”

  “I do. We were also able to capture three of the younger girls and one boy from the group,” Malakai replied meeting his eyes.

  “Fantastic. I want them moved to the Luna’s at once. There will be no rescue missions or escape attempts. Were any of them alpha’s?” Fernando asked, smiling.

  “Yes, one of the females was Amelia. I’m sure you remember her from Emmett McKinley.”

  “Ah, yes, I do. She was taken in by Claire and is one of her charges. We should move them quickly.” Fernando smiled. “And the last task? Was it a success?”

  “It was not. None of the men that went into the house came back out,” Malakai revealed quietly.

  “I see.” Fernando narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth. “Were they able to plant any bugs in the home.”

  “Our technology suggests no,” Malakai answered.

  “Damn it,” Fernando snapped, punching his desk. “We cannot lose those women again. We need more breeders. Do you realize that we only have one-hundred-and-three fertile women in our pack?”

  “I did not know the number,” Malakai responded.

  “Remember it. You are to be a leader some day. Out of those women, only six of them are currently with child, and of those far enough along to tell the gender none of them are carrying females. We have a crisis on our hands. One that needs to be amended as soon as possible. During the next attack, I want it to be made clear that the Davies sister’s and this new girl Nora are not harmed.”

  “Do you really want half-breeds?”

  Fernando sighed and laced his fingers behind his back. “Of course not. However, a group of three women defeated our men we sent inside. Regardless of their weapons, that should not have happened. These women are fighters—they are strong. If we are going to use humans, it’s best to choose the strongest not the weakest. Besides, think how much fun it will be to break them, boy.” Fernando grinned. “I hear Natalia and Lark have become close friends, and she is the alpha’s mate. Think about it, Malakai. You could have Lark as your toy and we’ll find you a proper alpha to be your mate.” Fernando clapped him on the back with a wide grin. He beamed further as a slow smirk spread over his grandson’s lips.

  “Should I call the Luna’s to have them send more men?” Malakai questioned.

  Fernando scratched his jaw. “Call him, but I don’t want him to send the men yet. Let’s wait till I speak to Maddie first. I want to know what the Harris’ are p
lanning. Once we know their plans, I want to get men here without their knowledge. The next time we attack, we will obliterate them.”

  “I will speak with Charles Luna,” Malakai agreed. “Have we heard from the second group yet?”

  “Not yet, Papa. Although, they had a further distance to travel, I expect them back soon.”

  “Very well, I’m sure they were successful. They probably never even saw it coming,” Fernando grinned.

  ***

  Natalia padded back into the bedroom and smiled as she took in the sight before her. The two people she loved most sat on the bed. Gene held Adrian in his arms, feeding him a bottle. Adrian greedily sucked on the contents creating a loud popping sound.

  “How are you feeling? Did your run help?” Gene asked looking up at her.

  “I must have pulled a few muscles during the fight last night. I took a short run, and I feel a lot better.” She stretched and went to the dresser to pull out some clothes for the day. “Adrian did not sleep long,” she commented, depositing her clothes at the end of the bed as she sunk down next to Gene. “He’s eating good though, I believe he is going through a growth spurt. Not to mention, the confusion last night.”

  “I remember hearing babies go through a growth spurt about this age,” Gene said, setting Adrian up to burp him.

  Natalia brushed her hand over Adrian’s dark hair. “I was so afraid for all of us last night.” Her lip trembled as she kissed her son’s head. “And I cannot help but think that I failed those kids. We have to go after them, Gene.”

  “We will. Dev and Lark should be here in an hour. We’ll go over everything then.”

  “We need to strike now, Gene. Today! While his numbers are still down. He lost a lot of men last night,” Natalia pointed out.

  “So did we.” Gene began to feed Adrian again.

  “But he can send for reinforcements. We cannot. We have exhausted all of our contacts. If we go now, we can take a shot at him again, and this time take him out.” She’d intended to do it before, but Luis had showed up in his stead. “He’s there now, Gene. Just a few miles away. We can end this and leave his pack in disarray.”

  Gene nodded. “We’ll work out a plan with Devon and Lark. If we’re going after him, I want to get him this time.”

  “And then we will be safe,” Natalia closed her eyes and sighed.

  Gene placed a kiss to her forehead and her eyes fluttered open. “I’ll always keep the two of you safe, Talia, until my last breath.”

  “I love you,” she whispered, hoping it never came to that.

  ***

  Nora helped herself to a few cinnamon rolls and pieces of fruit before going to sit down at the table. Vincent and Sarah were already at the long, rectangular table, she sat next to Sarah who seemed more interested in playing with her food than eating. Daniel followed behind her, taking a seat between her and his brother, Vincent.

  “So,” Vincent started waggling his eyebrows. “How is everyone this morning? Did you two sleep well last night?”

  Nora shifted in her seat and stared down at her cinnamon rolls. Flames engulfed her cheeks and the fire spread to the tips of her ears.

  “Knock it off,” Daniel grumbled stirring his cereal with his spoon.

  “Someone’s in a grumpy mood,” Vincent rolled his eyes. “How are you, Nora? You look lovely as ever,” he commented his voice taking on a more serious tone as he complimented her.

  “Fine, thanks,” Nora answered quietly.

  “And you Sarah? It's a beautiful morning,” Vincent went on.

  Sarah sighed. “I’m just ready to get the day over with already.”

  “It’s not even lunch yet. The day’s not a total loss until it’s half over,” Vincent teased.

  “Look, I’m going to The Cookie Jar because Lark needs the help—not because I want to,” Sarah snapped.

  “Ease up, I’m only joking. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together for the unforeseeable future. Might as well make it fun,” Vincent said, smiling as he nudged her lightly on the bicep.

  “It’d go a lot faster if you just kept your mouth shut. I’m not interested in making friends.” Sarah shot up, causing her chair to almost topple over. “I’ll be ready to leave in twenty,” she said before storming off.

  “She’s looking forward to spending the day with me you just can’t tell yet,” Vincent said, taking a bite of his apple.

  “Really?” Daniel grinned. “Because I think you might have just met the first girl who doesn’t like you.”

  Nora chuckled as Vincent’s face dipped down into a scowl.

  “She likes me, she’s just still in a funk. You like my company, right, Nora?” Vincent asked, turning his attention to the red head.

  Nora cleared her throat and finished chewing on her banana. “Yeah.”

  “She likes me,” Vincent smirked staring at his brother. His eyebrows shot up suggestively as he eyed them.

  “Do you have a point to your shenanigans, Vincent?” Daniel asked around a mouthful of cereal.

  “Always.”

  The kitchen door opened and clanged shut as Gene and Natalia walked in. The she-wolf had an empty bottle in one hand and a baby monitor in the other.

  “Morning,” Gene nodded as he took in the assortment of food.

  “How are you, Nora?” Natalia asked, sliding the chair Sarah had vacated in so she could set in it.

  “Good, thanks. You?” Nora asked.

  “Tired, but I am well.”

  “Lark and Devon here yet?” Gene asked.

  “Nah, not yet. They had a late night, though,” Vincent spoke up. “Or they are busy that seems to be going around here.” Vincent jumped back. “Ow,” he barked bending down to rub his shin.

  Gene’s cell phone chimed and he pulled it out of his pocket. “This is Gene.” He turned to the window. “On my way.” Gene hung up and spun around. “We have a problem. Daniel, Vincent, we need to go now. Talia see if you can round up a few more men. Send them south to the road.”

  “South?” Natalia questioned.

  “Yeah. That was one of the guys from Derek Stiles’ pack, they were attacked last night. They have Derek’s daughter with them and are being chased,” Gene explained, heading to the door.

  “I’ll be back soon,” Daniel assured, squeezing her shoulder as he hurried after Gene and Vincent.

  Natalia hurried out the door with them leaving Nora sitting at the table by herself. She shoved her plate away, no longer hungry. Would it ever end?

  Chapter Sixteen

  Nora got up from the deserted table and rinsed her plate off, placing it in the dishwasher. She let out a long breath and decided to seek out April.

  Just as she was about to leave the door thudded open.

  “Where did everyone go?” Sarah asked as she walked back into the kitchen.

  “There was some sort of issue-“

  “Is it Lark?” Sarah interrupted her blue eyes widening.

  “No, Gene said something about some Derek guy,” Nora replied shrugging.

  “Oh,” Sarah sighed, her shoulders slumping down. “He’s an alpha friend of Gene and Devon’s. Their pack is a few hours from here. I wonder if everything is okay.”

  “They all went running out. It didn’t sound good,” Nora said.

  Sarah huffed and sat down at the table. “I guess I won’t be going to The Cookie Jar today. Not that I really wanted to anyway.” She stared at the wood as she tapped her fingers against the table.

  “You don’t like working there?” Nora asked curiously.

  “I love it. I use to love it. I just...I don’t want to do it,” Sarah explained.

  “What do you want to do?”

  Sarah shrugged. “I don’t know.” Sarah fell forward onto the table resting her head on her forearms. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this.”

  “It’s all a little overwhelming,” Nora nodded in agreement. “Last night...”

  “I don’t know what came over me,” Sarah said,
looking up with haunted pale blue eyes. “All I could think is these are the men that killed Preston and Rick. The same men that kidnapped me and Lark, and Talia.”

  “No one can blame you. If you hadn’t acted, Lark and myself would be someplace else right now,” Nora said placing her hand over the other girls.

  Sarah’s fingers trembled and she closed her eyes. “I was so mad. I hate them. All I can think about is how they died—what they took from me. Preston and I were supposed to start school together. We were going to get our own apartment and buy furniture. Hell, we may have even gotten married, or mated. That’s never going to happen now.” Tears streamed down her face.

  “I know it’s hard right now, but it does get better. When my grandma passed recently too, I tried to focus on what she would have wanted me to do. It wasn’t easy, but eventually, I got back into the swing of things.” Nora studied the other girl as her shoulders shook. Sarah’s head fell forward resting in the palms of her hands.

  “I don’t want to feel like this anymore. I don’t want to get hurt anymore. Everyone is dying. Forty-six people died last night and four are missing. How can we come back from this? It’s only getting worse.”

  Nora opened her mouth to respond when the door opened. Natalia walked in juggling the baby monitor in her hand. Her gaze fell on Sarah and she gave Nora a small smile as she took a seat at the table.

  “Twelve more men went out. I am sure Gene and Daniel and the rest of the guys will be back soon,” Natalia said.

  “I hope everything is okay,” Nora whispered.

  Natalia shook her head. “I fear not. Juarez enjoys the game. While we were under attack, he was probably doing the same thing at the Stile’s homestead.”

  “But I thought his men were attacking here?” Nora asked frowning.

  “He has men everywhere. There are thousands of men in his pack. They are spread out throughout the country. I believe he has many packs like the Luna’s where he houses large groups of men,” Natalia explained.

  “Are we still going to the Luna’s?” Nora asked.

  “We have not decided one way or another yet,” Natalia answered.

  “Why would we go there?” Sarah asked, peeking up at them.