When I hit the second floor landing, he answered on the first ring.
“Ace! Where the hell have you been? I’ve been worried sick!” he said as I plugged in my ear buds.
“Sorry,” I squeaked. “It’s just been crazy out here. But you’ll be glad to know, that I am now a free lone-wolf!”
“What? How?”
“Charles the Northeastern Alpha, gave it to me. I can stay in New York without any trouble from the Pack.” The phone line went silent. “Hello?”
“I’m here,” he said after a while. “What did you have to do for it?”
I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. There was no point in keeping this a secret, at least not from Roman. It seemed like everyone either already knew, or was going to know real soon. He might as well hear it from me.
“I didn’t have to do anything. My father is King Alexander MacCoinnich,” I muttered.
“WHAT?” Roman screamed into my ear.
“Holy shit, Rome, want to say that any louder? I think they heard you down in Florida.”
“How come you never told me, Ace? This isn’t shit you keep from your lover,” he said, sounding hurt.
“Your lover?” I laughed. “I need you to come back to the twenty first century, Rome. And for your information, I found out today, calm your tits.”
The chime above the bodega door rang as I walked in. I looked over to the counter but didn’t recognized the boy behind the register.
“You just found out? Holy shit, Ace! That’s insane! What—” Roman rambled on while I muted the call.
“Hey, Mr. or Mrs. Mejia around?” I asked the boy. He appeared to be no more than eighteen years old.
“They’re on vacation. My mom and I are looking over the bodega while they’re gone,” he said, and by his accent, I pegged him as either Puerto Rican or Dominican. He spilled the beans of the owner’s whereabouts as if I were harmless. I wanted to laugh, I was the most dangerous person here.
“Oh, that’s nice. They deserve it.”
“Ace? Ace are you still there?” I heard Roman call out.
“Yes, I’m still here,” I said as I smiled at the boy and held up a finger so he would give me a second. I was roaming the aisles for snacks and listening to Roman when the smell of wet dog hit me. Except it was mixed with something else—I just couldn’t put my finger on it. I wrinkled my nose and ignored it.
“Rome, it’s no big deal. He is not my father, and I have no interest in meeting the bastard,” I said as I grabbed a bag of jalapeño Cheetos.
“How can you not care, Ace? He—”
“Mackenzie Grey,” a deep, baritone voice said behind me.
I whirled around not expecting my face to connect with a big, fat fist. The force behind it sent me crashing into the stand that carried all the potato chips, and my head slammed on the linoleum floor.
“What the fuck,” I shouted as I blinked away the stars clouding my vision and tried to stand.
“Ace? Ace what’s going on?” Roman yelled, but I couldn’t find my voice to answer. I needed to know where that hit came from.
The same hands pulled me up by the lapels of my jacket and dragged me across the store, my feet gliding over bags of chips that now littered the ground.
“It is so damn good to finally get my hands on you,” said the deep voice. “Hey Larry, come take a look at her. The boss will be real happy about this one.”
My hands reached for the wrist that held me, and I extended my claws, digging them into his flesh.
“Oh, that’s not how a pretty Luna like you is supposed to behave,” he said as he backhanded me. The stars were back, and I had to shake my head a few times to see. My breathing became erratic as I wondered who the hell these guys were.
He threw me to the ground, and I slid across the dirty floor, stopping when my back slammed underneath the counter.
“Sorry to disappoint, boys,” I slurred, “but I think you’ve got the wrong girl.” I attempted to stand, but my legs gave way and I fell on my ass again. My sight was blurred and could only make out two very distinct body types: a scrawny guy, and the big guy that dragged me around the bodega like a rag doll.
They both laughed at me. “She thinks we made a mistake,” said the guy I assumed was Larry. His voice was nasal and high pitched; I imagined him as Gollum from the Lord of the Rings.
What is wrong with me? This was not the time for side commentary.
“Listen,” I said as I stood, “I’m sure we can come up with some understanding.” I was never one to back down from confrontation, but that big guy knew how to pack a punch. I still wasn’t seeing straight.
“The only understanding we have is bringing you to our Alpha,” said Big Guy. He moved to reach for me again but this time I was prepared. I roared as I accommodated the wolf into a half-shift.
I turned to the boy who was frozen in shock behind the register. “Run,” I growled before I pounced on the other werewolf. My claws extended and I aimed for the first person in my way. They slashed Larry right in the face, as I was kicked from behind. My vision cleared a bit, and I saw the scrawny wolf cowering in a corner as he clutched his bloody face.
“One down, one more to go,” I snarled. I got to my feet as the big guy stomped toward me. With my sight in better shape, I got a good look, and he was massive, like a freakin’ giant as his meaty hands aimed for my head again. This time I ducked and slid across the floor like I was running to first base. I swirled and hopped to my feet, striking him in the back of his knees. I kicked with all the force I could muster, and he barely wobbled. I scanned the bodega and saw an old-fashioned wooden broom. I snapped it in half above my thigh and jammed both of the sharp ends into the back of his calves.
Big Guy dropped to his knees and I could have sworn the floor shook like an earthquake. He howled in pain but I didn’t wait. I jumped on him, flinging the cord of my headphones and wrapped it around his neck—pulling on opposite ends. He choked, his head flung back against my chest, the force almost knocking me down. I held on for dear life.
“Die motherfucker,” I screamed as I pulled even harder. I felt the cord ripping. “Come on!” I shrieked in anguish. Finally his body fell limp, and I had to move out of the way before he pinned me to the floor. Number eight.
I was dripping both blood and sweat—each of them my own. My legs shook like Jell-O, and I felt as if I were going to pass out at any moment. The asshole rattled my brain.
“You,” I pointed to Larry and staggered over to him. “Who the fuck sent you?” I grabbed the collar of his shirt and hauled him to his feet.
“L-Logan,” he stuttered. “T-The Alpha of the Ch-Chicago P-Pack.”
I gripped him tighter. “And what the fuck does he want with me?”
He cried. “H-He wants you as h-his Ma-Mate.”
I scoffed. “And this is how he courts a lady? He should watch a Nicholas Sparks movie and up his game,” I said as I eyed Larry. He was shivering as if I’d poured a bucket of ice water on him. I didn’t know what he feared most—me or his Alpha. “And you’re a wolf?” I asked in shock.
“I’m an O-Omega,” he stuttered.
“Whatever. Tell you what, Larry. You seem like a coward, so I’ll let you live unlike Big Guy over there,” I jabbed my thumb behind me, “but I have a message for your Alpha.”
I shifted back to human form, and I could feel the bruises and cuts on my face. Only adrenaline kept me going. “Tell him come and get me.”
Chapter Ten
I ran.
I ran like ice cream was my dying wish and the truck was five blocks away. I pumped my weary arms, raising my knees to my chest as I ran back to my apartment. Amy wasn’t safe. They tracked me close to home, which only meant that they already knew where I lived. And my best friend wouldn’t be able to protect herself.
My shoulder rammed into our apartment door, once again breaking off the hinges. “Amy!” I shouted. I barged into her room like SWAT, and found her lying in bed watching something on
her laptop.
“What took you so long? I’m hungry over—” she didn’t finish. Her green eyes nearly popped out as she took in my current state. My heavy breaths pumped in and out of me like a five-pack-a-day smoker.
“We have to go—now!” I demanded and she didn’t bombard me with a million questions. Amy took a moment to gather herself and then moved about her room to collect a few things. I did the same, luckily I never unpacked my duffle bag from Los Angeles so I grabbed it and pulled out my cell phone from my back pocket. The screen was so shattered, it wouldn’t turn on. It was useless. I dumped it in my bag and waited for Amy at the front door.
We took a taxi to the only place I could think of that I felt safe—St. Paul’s Cathedral. I needed to see Lucian.
I threw more money than charged at the cab driver and flew out of the car once we pulled up to St. Paul’s. Amy’s tiny feet tried to keep up and I had to stop, grab her wrist, and drag her behind me. We blazed up the steps of the Cathedral as I pushed open the heavy doors and strode into the church.
We speed-walked between the pews as I called out, “Lucian! Lucian, I need your help!”
The vampire’s porcelain skin and dark eyes were frozen in time, never to age a day as he came out of the sanctuary beside the altar. “Pet?”
I let go of Amy and ran to him. Never in a million years did I ever think I’d run to a vampire. “I need your help,” I gasped as I collapsed to the ground. I no longer had the strength to hold myself together. I was somewhere safe, so I relaxed and all the pain came rushing toward me.
Lucian knelt beside me, and kept me upright. “What happened, who did this to you?” Amy fell to my other side and gripped my hand.
“The Chicago Pack. They ambushed me inside the bodega down the street from my apartment,” I sighed in exhaustion. “They must know where I live, Lucian. We’re not safe there.”
“You aren’t safe anywhere, Pet,” he said as he lifted me up and carried me in his arms. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.”
***
The sloshing of water as Amy re-dipped the bloody rag, squeezed, and dabbed it on my face, held my attention. Lucian stitched up a cut on my arm and I wasn’t a fan of needles. I had a few superficial cuts on my face, and the skin was held by medical tape. The bruising on the other hand—was going to be very noticeable.
“You should have listened when I told you to head to South America,” Lucian complained. “We could have avoided all of this.”
“Would we?” I challenged. “They would have found me sooner or later.”
He huffed. “I would have made sure they didn’t, but now? You’re putting me in quite the pickle, Pet.”
“I have no one else to turn to, Lucian. The next time they come for me, I might not be able to fight them off.”
He finished stitching me up and sat on the stool beside me. We were in some type of infirmary, or nurse’s station.
“You’re not understanding, there isn’t much I can do unless I want to start a war with the Lycan. And you’ve grown on me, but you haven’t grown on me that much, Pet. I have to think about my people too, and if I put them all on the line for you—well that won’t bode well.”
“So what are my options?” I asked.
“South America or,” he paused. His dark eyes narrowed, his blond hair slicked back into a pony tail at the nape of his neck. “Or join the Pack.”
“What?” I exclaimed. “Are you high? There is no way I’m joining a Pack!”
“Kenz,” Amy called out. “You might not have a choice. It’s for your safety.”
“No, I’ll die before I give up my free will.” I climbed off the hospital bed and went to the full length mirror across the room. I took a good look at myself and it was as if I’d been run over—repeatedly. “You know,” I started. “I wouldn’t be surprised if this was all Charles’ doing. He probably set this up when I rejected his offer.”
Lucian froze. “What offer?”
“Nothing,” I shook my head. “It’s pointless now.”
Lucian was at my side in two strides. An icy hand gripped my upper arm. “What. Offer.”
I arched an eyebrow. “I met with him this morning. He told me some stuff about who I am. It’s nothing important,” I tried to dismiss it but he wouldn’t let me.
“About your parents?” he inquired.
I shouldn’t have been surprised. I was the last one in on the joke. “Seriously? Am I the only idiot who didn’t know?”
“I didn’t,” Amy interrupted.
“Of course you didn’t Aims,” I said. “They know you would have told me.”
“And you didn’t think to tell me, Pet?” he frowned. “My feelings are hurt. However shall I move on…” he put the back of his hand on his forehead, pretending to feel faint. “I thought we were the bestest of friends.”
“Really?” I deadpanned.
“Well I should have been at least the second one you called when hearing the news,” he rolled his eyes. “At the very least.”
“And why’s that?” I smirked. He was always so theatrical.
“Because now I might have a way to help you,” he grinned and I dreaded what he had hidden up his sleeve.
***
I begged Lucian to let us stay at the church, but even Amy wasn’t having it. The vampires wouldn’t be happy to have a wolf hanging around, and my best friend was uncomfortable. I attempted to bribe Amy with staying at a hotel, but she was afraid for me. Funny enough, I was afraid for her.
Here we were, standing in front of the warehouse in Brooklyn. Waiting for me to grow some balls and go inside. I was not pretty at the moment, and not that it mattered, but I knew Sebastian and Jonah would wig out. I needed to prepare myself for their reaction to my fucked up face and the impending speech I’m sure Bash will give me for not staying with the Pack as he said.
I took a deep breath. “Alright, let’s go,” I said and I pushed the double doors open.
Sebastian and the Captains were at one of the cafeteria tables eating, Blu and another Luna were picking up their discarded dishes when she dropped them. The clanking of ceramic plates echoed throughout the vast room. The wolves all turned to her and then followed her gaze to me.
She shuddered her shock away and started barking orders. “Get a bath started in the spare room,” she said to the other Luna. She turned to another one two tables away. “Get me the first aid kit and clean clothes.” Blu hustled over to me and inspected my face, tilting my head toward the light so she could see better. “Kenz, what happened?”
“It’s nothing,” I tried to brush her off but her hold on me was firm. “I’ve already had everything taken care of, Blu. Don’t worry.”
“Don’t worry?” she scoffed. “You look like a battered plum!”
I gave her a sly smile. “A sweet plum?”
“Mackenzie,” she chided. “This isn’t the time for your jokes.”
Heavy boots resonated against the warehouse floor and I didn’t need to look to know who it was.
“What happened?” Sebastian barked. “Who did this?”
“Listen,” I raised my palms up in defense. “Let’s not go overboard. It’s no big deal. Just a few scratches—”
“A few scratches?” Bash yelled. “I’ll ask once more and then my patience is up. Who did this?”
“The Chicago Pack,” Amy tattled. “She was attacked at the bodega by our apartment. We think they know where we live.”
Sebastian’s blue eyes turned fierce, I imagined smoke coming out of his ears, as his nostrils flared. These damn wolves and their short temper, I mused. Bash went to the nearest table, not worrying who was seated there, and flipped it over. Everything came crashing down, the sound so much louder in the quietness of the warehouse.
“Maybe I should come back another time,” I said inching backwards.
“NO!” he roared as he pointed a finger at me. “You aren’t going anywhere! I told you to stay in the warehouse and you didn’t listen!” And ther
e was the ‘I told you so’ I was expecting from him.
“When are you going to get it through that thick skull that I don’t have to do everything you say! I am not part of the Pack!”
His eyes went wild. “Pack or not, you’re only safe here! Other Packs cannot attack on our property. Do you get it now?”
I looked away. “Maybe you should have said something earlier,” I mumbled and I heard him groan with impatience.
“Just,” he paused as he ran a hand over his pitch black hair. “Just stay here!” he said frustrated.
“Roger that,” I said and swerved around him. “How about that bubble bath?” I wiggled my brows to Blu and she led me to the second floor.
Halfway up the stairs, I heard a name I thought I’d never hear in New York.
“Ace?” a small voice asked from the main floor. I whirled around as my eyes landed on a little girl with strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes.
“Emma!” I ran down the steps toward her. She met me half way and wrapped her frail arms around me.
“Did you come for me?” she said with such excitement, I almost wanted to lie and say I did.
I squatted in front of her, and groaned when I felt something snap in my right knee. “Holy cheese balls,” I grumbled.
“Are you okay? You look like shit,” Emma said as she touched a bruise on my face.
Jonah was standing behind her and I didn’t know if his face was shocked because of my appearance or because she cursed. Could be both.
“Always so eloquent,” I deadpanned. “What are you doing here?”
She shrugged and jerked her thumb to Jonah. “This dude told me I was going to see some chick named Mackenzie Grey. You know her?”
I couldn’t resist the laugh and it caused some serious pain in my ribs. “Yeah I know her. She’s the greatest werewolf in the whole world. And beautiful, don’t forget that. She is one hot tamale.”
“Doubt it,” Emma rolled her eyes.
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