Betrayed: Book Two - The Road to Redemption

by Nicky Charles

  He gave a one shoulder shrug. “I hear there’s a Beta position open there.” He hazarded a glance her way.

  Sam studied him for a moment before replying. “Really?” She resumed staring out the window. “I heard the position is no longer being offered.”

  That was a shock. Had he screwed up that badly? He clenched the steering wheel tightly, wondering what to say. Before he could decide, she spoke again.

  “The position has been upgraded to co-Alpha. Provided the right Lycan applies.”

  The tension began to ease from him. “The right Lycan?”

  “That’s correct. I’ll be holding interviews…private, personal interviews. Quite soon as a matter of fact.” Out of the corner of his eye, he noted how her hands were clenched. “Do you know anyone who would like to apply?”

  “Perhaps.” Thankfully a side road was right ahead. He pulled onto it and turned off the engine. “Do you think I might qualify?” Undoing his seatbelt, he turned to face her. When she didn’t answer, he reached out, gently touching her chin. “Sugar?”

  “Dammit, Damien!” Abruptly, she turned on him. “What the hell kind of game are you playing with me? I can’t handle this blowing hot and cold business any longer. If you’re applying for the position, you had damned well better mean it.”

  “Of course I mean it! I mean…” He paused, trying to gather his thoughts. “Sam… I… We’re good together. I feel a connection to you. But a part of me is afraid. Afraid to lose someone I…care…about again.”

  “Everything in life is a risk, Damien. And just because you’re afraid to admit that you…care…doesn’t mean the feeling isn’t already in your heart. That’s what my grandfather has spent his whole life doing.”

  “Your grandfather?”

  “Yeah. He admitted as much to me. Said he’d never dared use the word love even though that’s what he felt in his heart.” She pulled a face. “I always knew he cared, but without the words I never knew for sure.”

  “That’s why you chose that tattoo.”

  She nodded. “I don’t want to be the kind of Alpha he was. He did his best, what he thought was right, but I want to do even better.”

  “You will.” He stroked her face.

  “With you at my side?”

  He sighed heavily, staring out across the barren land. Could he do it? Did he really have any choice? Lacing his fingers with Sam’s, he nodded. “I’ll try.”

  A wide smile broke over her face. Grabbing his shoulders, she kissed him hard. “Damn well took you long enough. I was thinking I’d have to beat it out of you.”

  He laughed. “That’s my spitfire. All prim, proper, and ladylike.” He tried to pull her close, but the console was in the way and he had to make do with an awkward hug. She returned it but then stiffened in his arms. He could sense a hint fear coming over her. “What are you thinking?”

  She looked away. “Nothing.”

  He gently grasped her chin and turned her face towards him. “Show no fear only works when you’re fighting. In a relationship you have to open up. Let each other know what you’re thinking.” He gave a rueful laugh. “I know coming from me that’s a bit like the pot calling the kettle black, but it’s true.”

  Sam compressed her lips before giving in with a sigh. “A part of me worries about competing with Beth.”

  “There is no competition.” He brushed her hair from her eyes. “Beth was white daisies and a quiet fire and you’re—”

  She made a face. “Pizza with extra cheese and a Harley.”

  “Totally different and incomparable, but each good in their own way.” He kissed her and then tried to tuck her close only to curse the console again. Instead, he laced their fingers together. “Three years ago, I was a different person. Beth was what I needed then. But I’m not that man anymore. I’ve lived hard, experienced things, done things that have changed me. You’re what I need in my life now. You’re not Beth and I wouldn’t want you to be. You’re Sam Harper, a very unique, special woman. And if someone doesn’t like it, then screw them.”

  He could feel her relaxing and rubbed his chin against her hair before continuing. “My turn now.”

  “What do you mean?” She twisted and looked up at him.

  “You know I’m a rogue.”

  She nodded.

  “I’m not sure about being part of a pack. I want to be, but I wonder if I’ll be able to handle it, day in and day out.”

  “You were fine when you were with us.”

  “But that wasn’t year after year. What if I get restless?”

  “Then you’ll hop on your Harley and take off for a road trip for a week or two. As long as you come back.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Damien, I’m not the clingy type. I’m pretty independent. I’ll understand if you need your space. Sometimes I need mine, too. The important thing is that we’ll always come back to each other.”

  He nodded. Reaching out he traced her eyebrow with his fingertip, then the curve of her cheekbone. “I guess the future is full of unknowns, but whatever it holds, I want to face it with you. If you’ll have me.”

  “Well…” She placed her hand on his chest, seeming to absorb the steady thumping of his heart. “Tina once told me men are like motorcycles and you should never buy one without taking it for a test drive or two.”

  A crooked smile formed on his lips. “And that means…?”

  “I want a ride, Damien Masterson.”

  “A gentleman should never refuse a lady’s request.”

  “Are you a gentleman?”

  “No. Are you a lady?”

  She snorted. “We’re a good match.”

  “I think you’re right.” Once again he tried to pull her closer but the console was still in the way. “This is not going to work.”

  “No, we need to find someplace with a bit more room.”

  He started the car up and made a u-turn. “We’ll head back to Stump River. I have some friends there you should meet.”

  “And a room with a bed.” She slid her hand into his lap and cupped him.

  “Yeah. Definitely a room with a bed.” He grinned over at her, a feeling of lightness that had been absent for years filling him. Driving down the open road, his mate at his side…

  Somewhere in the distance he heard a long, low wolf howl. He glanced at Sam but she didn’t seem to have noticed. Had it been Beth? Was her spirit wishing him a final farewell? He’d like to think so. It put an end to any final feelings of guilt he might have had.

  Putting his hand on top of Sam’s, he laced his fingers with hers, feeling her warmth blending with his.

  This was right.

  This was his destiny.

  This was his road to redemption.

  Epilogue

  Frowning, Sam twitched her leg. Something was tickling it, disrupting her concentration. She was lying on her stomach in bed, laptop in front of her as she finished going over the contract Sinclair had sent her and…

  The tickling sensation returned.

  Absentmindedly, she reached back and waved her hand in the general direction of her leg again. The deal she’d worked out with Sinclair to lease part of her territory should prove to be financially beneficial to the pack. They’d spent the last three months hashing out all the details, but she wanted to make sure Sinclair hadn’t slipped something extra in at the last moment.

  Some might say she was over-cautious, but she still didn’t completely trust the—

  Damn! Was that a fly walking on her or…? With a growl, she swung her hand backwards and promptly connected with something hard.

  “Hey!”

  “Damien!” She rolled onto her side to find her mate sitting beside her on the bed giving her an affronted look and rubbing his cheek. Last time she’d checked he’d been sleeping beside her.

  “Why did you hit me?”

  “Why were you tickling my leg?”

  “I wasn’t tickling your leg. I was blowing on it.”

  “T
echnicality. Why?”

  “Because the back of your thigh is irresistible, and it leads to other, even more irresistible places.” He gave her a crooked grin and she couldn’t help but smile back.

  Reaching over, she closed her laptop and then settled on her back. The contract could wait. Damien had apparently woken in a playful mood.

  “Other irresistible places? I’m not sure what you mean.” Sam blinked at him innocently.

  A mischievous glint appeared in Damien’s eye and she could feel a quiver of excitement starting within her. In the short time they’d been together, her mate had proven to be an adventurous and extremely skilled lover.

  “It would appear a demonstration is in order.” He rose to his knees beside her and began to unbutton the shirt she was wearing. It was one of his that she’d donned as a nightshirt; she loved having his scent wrapped around her.

  As the material fell from her body, Damien replaced it with soft touches and tender kisses. She gave a contented sigh as he murmured against her skin.

  “Right here, your cleavage, is very irresistible to me.” He licked between her breasts.

  “My boobs aren’t big enough to have cleavage.” She pointed out.

  Damien responded by cupping her breasts and lifting them, testing their weight. “They’re the perfect size,” he declared, kissing the tip of each before sliding lower on her body. “Your bellybutton is fascinating.”

  “Really?”

  “Are you doubting my judgement?” He cocked an eyebrow at her.

  “Well…”

  Damien shook his head and continued his inventory of her charms. “But this spot…” He nuzzled the crease of her thigh. “Is what I really can’t resist.” His breath tickled her sensitive skin and she squirmed under his attentions. “I love your scent. Your taste…”

  She felt the hot moisture of his tongue as he flicked it over her skin. Anticipation grew within her and she reached down, burying her hands in his hair, guiding him lower.

  “And down here…”

  He was so close to where she wanted to be touched, to the place that was moist and aching.

  Suddenly, he sat up. “What about you? Do you find any part of me irresistible?”

  A snarl of frustration escaped from her throat. “Damien, that isn’t nice!”

  “And since when have I ever been nice?” A smirk curled his lips.

  “It would seem a certain co-Alpha needs to be put in his place.” Abruptly, she pushed him onto his back and began to tickle him mercilessly.

  He laughed and attacked back, the two rolling like pups on the mattress. Eventually the game grew sensual and soon they were kneeling, facing each other.

  “I love you, Sugar.” He urged her to straddle him.

  “I love you, Damien.” She said the words on a sigh as she sank down on him.

  Face to face, equal. It was her favourite position. She wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her hips. Together they began to move, staring into each other’s eyes. She loved watching him, seeing the fierceness in his face, the protectiveness, the love.

  Her fingers lightly brushed the mark of their blood bond. It was on the opposite side of his neck from Beth’s. She hadn’t wanted to erase the other woman’s memory. Beth had helped make Damien the man he was now.

  Sam leaned forward and kissed her mark. Damien responded by quickening their pace. She could feel the need growing within him, and still marvelled at how a blood bond could multiply the pleasure both partners felt. She knew there was a tingling at the base of his spine, that his balls were drawing up, the pressure mounting inside him. It increased her own excitement and she rode him even harder, her breasts brushing against his chest, sweat slickening her skin.

  Damien growled in approval. Sam knew he was experiencing her feelings as well. The growing tension within her, the way her heart was pounding, her vision beginning to blur. She hovered on the edge, hanging on to him tightly, her nails digging into his flesh as she tried to prolong the moment. The tiny pinpricks of pain drove them both beyond reason and with a unified shout they lost all control.

  Passion spent, they slumped against each other, hearts pounding, enjoying the afterglow.

  The doorbell rang.

  “Damn.” They swore as one, eyes meeting, equal looks of frustration on their faces.

  “We could ignore it.” Damien suggested. “Someone else will answer.”

  “No one else is home except us, and Grandfather and Florence; they’re both resting right now.” She’d made her peace with the old man—sort of. As Damien had pointed out, you never knew when someone would be gone forever. Holding onto old hurts didn’t prove anything.

  The doorbell rang again.

  “Maybe whoever it is will go away.” Damien nibbled at her neck.

  Sam sighed regretfully even as she angled her head to allow him better access. “You’d better see who it is.”

  Damien grumbled but got up and pulled on a pair of sweatpants. “Don’t go anywhere. I’ll get rid of them and be right back.”

  “Hurry!” She urged him as he left the room. Another round of lovemaking seemed a lot more interesting at the moment than going over legal notes.

  Damien stomped down the stairs. His afternoon delight with Sam was being interrupted and he wasn’t happy. He’d arranged for everyone to be away for the day and now some door-to-door salesman was going to ruin everything. Funny how he’d never given much thought to the restrictions a pack placed on an Alpha’s sex life. There was always someone around, always someone wanting to talk to you. He and Sam really needed to look at reorganizing the house so they had a wing to themselves. A sound-proofed wing.

  The doorbell rang again just as he reached the front entryway. He jerked the door open.

  “Yeah?”

  “Damien Masterson?” A tall rugged-looking man eyed him up and down. A Lycan. Older, with a scar on one cheek. He looked vaguely familiar.

  Damien gave a brief nod. It was probably someone from Lycan Link sent to check up on him. His name might be off the most-wanted list, but he had no doubt they still kept close tabs on him.

  “Good.” Without warning, the man slugged him in the jaw.

  The unexpected greeting had him staggering backwards into the doorjamb and the other fellow grabbed him by the throat before he could react.

  “What the f—” Even before he could finish his curse the Lycan replied.

  “My name is Stone. Did you work for Deirdre?”

  Damien stiffened, wary of the man. Elijah Stone. Deirdre’s mystery partner. “Why do you want to know?”

  “If you did, I might have to kill you.”

  “Do you get a lot of positive responses with this warm friendly manner of yours?” Damien quirked a brow, refusing to acknowledge the man’s scare tactics. Breathing was overrated anyway, or so he tried to tell himself when his comment resulted in the man tightening his grip.

  “Just answer the question.”

  “You seem to already know the answer, but yeah, I was stupid enough to work for her.”

  Stone slowly released his grip and stepped back, arms held loosely at his side, his gaze assessing.

  Damien straightened and tested his jaw. It wasn’t broken, but the man had a damned good right hook. “Interesting way you have of greeting people.” Stone didn’t react to his snide comment, so Damien tried again. “If you’re here to kill me I’d suggest we take this out back. Too many human witnesses.” He gestured towards the street.

  Stone didn’t turn to check behind him. “Deirdre said you’d quit. Why?”

  Realizing he couldn’t distract the man, Damien sighed and answered his question. “Let’s just say I saw the error of my ways.”

  A sneer twisted the man’s mouth. “Poetic, but what the hell does it mean?”

  “It means I was fucked up and the whole organization was, too. I finally realized it and left.” Damien moved to fold his arms and then thought better of it. He needed to be ready to block another attack. His i
nner wolf didn’t trust the man before them and neither did he.

  “Good answer.” Stone inclined his head.

  “Come again?”

  Stone didn’t explain, instead seeming to steer the conversation in a new direction. “I’ve been watching you on and off for the past few months.”

  Damien frowned, recalling all the times he’d felt he was being watched but had never been able to locate who it was. Stone? But how had the man remained undetected? He hadn’t been using a scent mask…or at least not one that left a flowery trail. “How and why?”

  “The how is my secret. The why… Like I said, you left. I wanted to find out why.”

  “Deirdre didn’t tell you?”

  “We’ve had a…falling out over the direction our organization developed during my absence. I’ve spent the past few months tracking down ex-employees and dealing with them. My way of making restitution for any damage they might have done.”

  “Which means?”

  “Some lived. Some died.” Stone’s eyes narrowed, a deadly look coming over his face.

  “Not the best severance package.” Damien murmured. He had no difficulty seeing this man enact it. There was a cold, ruthlessness about the Lycan that had been evident in some of the men who worked for Deirdre; men for whom life had no meaning, and killing was as much a part of their daily routine as taking a piss. Yeah, Elijah Stone had that look about him with something extra added in; an air of determination that he’d accomplish his mission no matter what obstacle got in his way.

  Not even a hint of a smile curved the corner of the man’s mouth. “They got what they deserve.”

  “And what do you think I deserve?” Damien flicked a glance over Stone’s shoulder to the street beyond. Traffic was light, a few neighbours were on their porches. Still too many witnesses for the man to kill him on the spot.

  “Damien?” Sam had grown tired of waiting for him. She’d pulled on a t-shirt and yoga pants and, hearing an unfamiliar voice, had headed downstairs to see who was keeping him from her bed.

  As she descended the steps it became apparent it was a Lycan. Male. Powerful. Deadly. She slowed her pace as she analyzed the scent emanating from him. Who the hell was this and what was he doing in her territory?