The Rockford Pack

by Stacey Espino

“I thought you said they were scared of us.” Bethany stuttered her words, arms up at the elbows as if being robbed at gunpoint.

  Nova noted movement to her right. Her mystery guy was back, leaning against a nearby tree. At first she felt a little thrill, expecting him to rush over once he recognized her. When he didn’t move, Nova had a sinking feeling they were all in very big trouble.

  “Humans are no match for the strength and killing desire of a wolf. Did you know they follow orders from an alpha?” Corbin’s voice was equally sexy and deadly, slow and deliberate. It lulled her into a false sense of security.

  How could this guy sound so at ease with those huge animals growling only feet away? Were they circus wolves, trained to obey? Her heart pounded as fear seeped from her pores. They smell fear.

  “Anyone?”

  “Y–yes, they follow pack order,” Craig answered. “The alpha leads them.”

  “Good answer. You’ve surprised me.” He smiled—a ridiculously sexy tilt of the lips as he slowly clapped his hands. “And you’re right, of course. Pack law.” Corbin walked past them, heading in the direction of the deadly animals. That was when she noticed he was massive in size and height compared to the two men in their group, a totally different league of male. Even though he was nice to stare at, she couldn’t help take glances over her shoulder at her mystery man. Part of her hoped he’d save the day, save her, but she knew these two men were up to something together. Shocking news headlines flashed in her head, all including her dying a grizzly death.

  Corbin bent down on one knee and held out his hand to the wolf closest to him. Nova held her breath, cupping her hands over her nose and mouth. “Pack law says they’ll never hurt me.”

  To her complete shock the wolf didn’t bite his hand or even lunge at him. This seemed to intrigue the animal behavioral specialist of the group.

  “That’s incredible. It goes against everything I’ve studied. How is that possible?” Craig joined Corbin, squatting down to his level without being invited. He held out his hand in a similar fashion and made a juvenile kissing sound.

  “Because I’m the alpha.”

  The wolf attacked.

  It happened so fast that nobody was prepared. Bethany screamed so loud it rang Nova’s ears. The darkness only added to the fear factor when their lone lantern toppled over in the chaos. She didn’t want to die, not here and not now. When the snarling and commotion settled, she peeked open her eyes. Craig stood cradling his arm, his mouth agape. Blood dripped through a tear in his sleeve. Corbin hadn’t budged, still casually bent on one knee.

  “Oh God,” Craig whispered. “My hand…”

  “You should really get that checked. I hear animal bites are full of bacteria,” said Corbin. He clucked his tongue mockingly. “Don’t be so surprised. Pack Law doesn’t include you, foolish human.”

  Another odd “human” reference. What the hell was going on?

  “Roger, what do we do?” Bethany cried, now latched in a death grip around Nova’s arm.

  She remembered they had bear mace in one of the bags, but she had no clue where when her brain was in fog. It wouldn’t help them anyway. There was something seriously wrong happening.

  “Can you call off your dogs?” asked Roger, a poor attempt to sound in control. He was a joke.

  Corbin stood to his full height, the wolves staying in place. “I could, but that wouldn’t be any fun now, would it?”

  The man enjoyed their torment. What a sadistic bastard. Was he going to watch the wolves tear them apart one by one? She wished she could go back in time and turn down this so-called opportunity of a lifetime.

  “What do you want from us? We don’t want any trouble. We’re just here on a scientific expedition,” said Roger.

  Corbin tilted his head to the side as he scanned all four of them as if cataloguing every weakness. She could hear Craig whimpering and wished she could do something to help.

  “I could let you pass through my land. But I’d have to decide on terms of payment.”

  He ran a hand through his tousled hair as he paced in front of them. She noted the defined “V” that disappeared into his low-rise jeans. His upper body was massive, raw strength and defined muscle. Even with the evening chill, he looked quite comfortable.

  “The university will pay generously,” said Roger. “I know that for a fact.”

  Corbin scoffed. “I’m not interested in your money.”

  “Look, I don’t think you realize who I am. I can buy you and your land a hundredfold.” Roger’s superiority complex was peeking through, along with his nerves, and Nova seriously doubted it was a good move. Especially when Corbin’s expression turned completely void of emotion, like a mask with flat eyes.

  “I see a dead man.” Corbin jutted his chin to her mystery man.

  He strolled down to river’s edge and grabbed Roger by the arm. It must have been a bruising grip because, despite his struggles, Roger was helpless against his strength. The man forcibly led him into the darkness, into the shadows that concealed the black wolves.

  What came next was enough to freeze her blood. Roger’s screams mixed with the violent growls and snarls of the wolves. She could practically feel the needle-sharp bites and white-hot pain. Her stomach roiled, and it took all her energy to keep from vomiting. She felt like she was an extra in a movie, nothing seemingly real or possible. Nova expected to wake up from a terrible nightmare at any minute—silently prayed for it.

  She kept glancing out into the darkness, wondering if her mystery man also fell victim in the attack.

  “Please let us go,” Bethany cried. “We’ll do anything.”

  Corbin froze in place, his eyes settling on Nova and Bethany, still locked together at the arm.

  “You have females,” he noted as if suddenly realizing the fact.

  Part of her expected Craig to literally throw them to the wolves to save his own ass, but he kept quiet. Cold terror flooded her veins. Was Corbin going to rape them? Kill them? Worse?

  “Keep the brunette,” said her mystery man from behind them. He was alive and well, and for some reason, she was glad. She turned to the voice, only able to see his silhouette now. Bethany was blonde, so he had to be referring to her. Is that a good thing or bad thing? Is Roger dead?

  “You fancy her, Ryder?”

  The mystery guy, Ryder, joined Corbin. They were the same height and build, black tribal tattoos marking their shoulders in the same fashion. “Her name’s Nova.”

  “Holy shit, how does he know that?” Bethany cried, terror coloring her words.

  The men ignored her. Corbin said, “Since we’re still waiting for Scott, go ahead and play with her.”

  Bethany began to cry uncontrollably. Nova was numb with shock. What pissed her off was the fact that her traitorous body was firing hot for these two dominating men, her twisted imagination creating happily-ever-after scenarios. And it secretly pleased her that Ryder chose her over Bethany. These men were probably serial killers or something equally terrifying, so why did she feel alive for the first time in her life?

  Chapter Four

  Corbin had expected this to be more entertaining. How many years had he lived to torment tourists trespassing on Rockford land? Now it had lost its appeal. Maybe it was the fact that he planned to end their lives rather than sending them home with nightmares. But he’d never lost sleep over taking a life before.

  More disturbing was Ryder’s sudden interest in the human female. His brother had been suggesting he take a packmate for years but hadn’t mentioned it since the Gregor Pack claimed Cassidy. Ryder was loyal and would follow orders before fulfilling his own desires. He’d always been Corbin’s rock in their fucked-up world.

  His brother led Nova toward him. She didn’t put up a fight, only looking back at her friends on occasion. Her silence intrigued him. She had long dark hair held back in a loose binding. Her skin was pale, and he imagined it would be soft to the touch.

  “I want to spare her,” Ryder sai
d as he approached. It was rare for his brother to go against their plans, especially when Nova could potentially incriminate them. It was bad enough he’d deviated from their original plan. All the humans were supposed to die from gunshots. Now one had been killed by wolves.

  Corbin narrowed his eyes, looking the little thing up and down. What did Ryder see in her? He used a curled finger to tilt her chin up. She was so much smaller than both of them. He could break her without trying. Unfortunately for her, he didn’t do sympathy. “We follow the plan.”

  Ryder growled, only audible to him. He didn’t like his brother’s show of defiance, but he ignored it for now. As alpha he could sense the emotions of his packmates. Nova represented much more than a quick fuck to Ryder—way too much. In fact, he was acting like a mated male. He waved his hand in the air, giving Bray and Shade permission to leave the area. His two packmates had done their job well, scaring the shit out of the humans and dealing with the loud mouth. Now they needed to find Scott so they could finish what they started. Corbin wanted Scott to prove his worth, show he had what it took to really call himself a Rockford wolf.

  Maybe he’d have to test Ryder’s loyalty, as well.

  The remaining human male lit a lantern, giving a soft glow of light to the area near the river. Although Corbin could see quite well in the dark, even in his human form, he didn’t protest. It was bad enough they’d lose their lives. And it shut that fucking blonde up.

  “Don’t try and run, happy campers. I promise the wolves can outrun you.” Fuck, he hated humans. Compassion wasn’t something he practiced. If they expected mercy from him, they didn’t know him at all. It had never been offered to him, and he refused to show weakness by offering it to others.

  * * * *

  Ryder forced his wolf to stay in check. It was so unlike him to defy his brother, the alpha of the pack. The group of humans were of no importance to him. He delivered that pathetic male to the wolves without hesitation, not even a twinge of guilt to keep him up at night. But he wanted Nova. He wasn’t sure why, but every cell in his body demanded he protect her from Corbin’s sadistic plan.

  The remaining male was already sniveling, but Ryder knew for a fact the bite he’d received was only a superficial wound. Humans were weak and cowardly. He learned early on to detest them. They’d killed his parents and taken his brother. So why did this slip of a female garner his full attention? He led her away from everyone else, including Corbin this time. Her scent was intoxicating to his wolf, making it difficult to maintain his human form.

  “What’s happening?” she whispered. “Are you going to kill me?”

  He shook his head, even though the plan called for Scott to end all their lives. When they were safely alone and out of earshot, he stopped and turned her to face him. The heavy pines created a wall of privacy, only the sounds of nature around them.

  “Where are the wolves?”

  She looked cute when she was scared. Little did she know he was at home in the forest and came alive in the darkness. He noticed the elegant line of her neck, which made his incisors elongate. “Are you afraid?”

  This time she looked right into his eyes, and something ravenous stirred within him. “I’ve never been so scared.” She touched his bare arm, the feather-light caress searing his flesh. He catalogued every detail of her face, realizing he could find no flaw, which was so unlike him.

  “I can protect you from the wolves, Nova.”

  “And the bogeyman?” She nodded back to Corbin’s direction.

  “Yes, even him.” He smiled. Ryder wanted her to believe him, not just because he wanted to fuck her but because he really wanted her to trust him.

  Ryder knew Shade was lurking in the underbrush while Bray went in search of Scott. He signalled him with a discreet hand signal. On command, the dark wolf stalked forward.

  “Oh my God,” Nova shouted. “Something brushed my leg.”

  “I told you I could protect you from the wolves. Bend down, Nova. Don’t be afraid.”

  Shade knew better. He stood motionless beside them as Ryder tried to pull Nova into his world in any way possible. He resisted the urge to touch her dark hair, to trace the side of her heart-shaped face with his finger.

  “It’s going to bite me, too. Make it go away. Please…”

  She was frozen in fear, her breath coming in shallow pants. He held her arms and brought her down into a crouch. Ryder took her wrist and placed her hand on Shade’s thick fur coat. “Touch him. I promise he won’t hurt you.”

  She trembled. “I can’t…”

  “Nova, he likes you.”

  She began to move her fingers ever so slightly. “Is he trained?”

  He chuckled. “You could say that.” Shade would kick his ass when they were alone later.

  When she began to smile, it pleased him, filling him with a warmth he’d never known. “He’s so soft, so gentle. I don’t understand.”

  “Wolves rarely tolerate strangers.” Shade slowly slipped away, leaving them alone again. “You must be special,” he whispered.

  The acrid scent of her fear dissipated, the tenseness in her muscles easing.

  “None of this can be real.” She pointed. “Look…”

  The fireflies were out.

  “You like them? They’re just bugs, you know.”

  Nova shook her head. “They’re magical. I hardly ever see them.”

  He watched her curiously as she stood and searched the shadows for the tiny lights. There was an innocent air about her, something so sweet and feminine that called to his protective instincts. He’d forgotten about love and magic so many years ago. The world had hardened him, and his pack expected its wolves to be ruthless, fearless, and loyal to the alpha. Nova reminded him to feel.

  Ryder bolted back, nearly tripping over his own feet as the realization finally sank in. Although he had tried to deny the fact when he’d scouted their tents the night before, it was impossible to overlook now—Nova was his mate.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “I knew you’d complicate things. I just didn’t realize by how much.” He wanted to rebel, to embrace the deep-seated urge to own her. His carefree lifestyle, one based on power and sin, began unraveling before his eyes. Ryder wanted to claim her despite pack law.

  He’d been so lost in his own thoughts that he hadn’t even noticed Corbin joining them. His brother would never understand the mating call, never accept a human female into the pack. But in their world, only the alpha could choose and claim a mate, leaving Ryder in a difficult position.

  “You’re not playing with your new toy? Since when are you afraid to take what you want, brother?” Corbin tugged Nova against his bare chest without apology, holding her in a firm grip. She pressed her forearms against him and attempted to push away—only briefly.

  “Feisty little thing, aren’t you? Is that what my brother sees in you?”

  Her resolve vanished like the morning dew, her small hands kneading Corbin’s pecs. The scent of her desire wasn’t lost on him.

  His alpha never took from unwilling women. When they’d visit the larger towns and cities for supplies or entertainment, women practically begged him to fuck them. If Corbin was in the mood, he would, either alone or with the pack. Why did he suddenly give a shit about seducing Nova? Was it only because Ryder had shown interest first? She wasn’t even Corbin’s type. He usually preferred them highly processed with huge tits and no sense of decency. Was it possible he felt the same irresistible pull as Ryder?

  Corbin leaned down and kissed her neck. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back to give him better access. The power of an alpha could never be underestimated.

  “Maybe Ryder had the right idea about sparing you,” Corbin lied. His brother had no intention of changing their murderous plans. He was too obsessed with bringing ruin to the Gregor Pack, almost to the point of insanity. But the human had no clue she was dealing with a werewolf alpha, one who human authorities claimed was a sociopath with a severe at
tachment disorder. After a lifetime together, Ryder tended to believe it.

  * * * *

  Corbin was hard, his muscles rippling under her touch. She felt enveloped by his size and strength, his warmth and musky scent calming her. Yes, he might be a psychopath, but she still felt flattered by his attention and affection. He was so boldly sexual, her body responding to his touch and the gravelly sound of his voice. Passion practically oozed from her pores, her impossible fantasies taking over her logic. The ache between her legs drove her crazy, and she craved to be kissed, needed it more than anything.

  “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” Nova whispered. She held Corbin’s shoulders as he kissed and nipped along her jawline. She was completely wanton. As soon as Corbin pulled her into his arms, she was lost. Nova told herself she’d just sneak in one little feel of his hard chest, but one touch led to another and another…

  Maybe it was the fear of her situation and the growing darkness or maybe she’d lost her mind, but all she could think about was sex. Ryder and Corbin were the ultimate fantasy and she’d been repressing her sexuality her entire adult life.

  “Your body knows what it wants. Don’t fight it,” said Corbin. “You’re nice and wet for a reason.”

  How did he know? Her face flushed hot. He was so crude. And why did it turn her on even more? If she were at a bar, and not in the middle of a forest, she’d swear her drink had been spiked. But no, she was here, and these were her desires, the ones never allowed out to play.

  Her last flicker of logic gave her the words she needed. “You promise you’re not going to hurt me?”

  “Of course not, little one. I’ll take care of you, make all your dreams come true.”

  Okay, she didn’t believe every word, but it didn’t matter at this point. He was obviously a playboy. But what woman could say no to him? She just needed to know that he wouldn’t sacrifice her to the wolves.

  He bent down on one knee in front of her and rubbed his face against her crotch like an animal. She gasped, nearly losing the strength in her knees. The pressure and naughtiness of his behavior made her clit pulse strong and demanding. Her heart began to race, her breathing labored enough to make her pant.