by Lisa Kessler
Caldwell’s silver eyes snapped over to me. “Am I missing something here, Raven?”
Fuck. I needed to get a grip. Luke was taking a huge risk calling her. Caldwell would be able to hear both sides of the conversation.
I shrugged. “How would I know? I haven’t met his Pack.” I tried to focus my breathing and added, “Forgive me for having a little PTSD after last night.”
Sasha answered, and any werewolf would be able to hear her voice through the phone. I held my breath.
“Hey, Luke.”
“Sasha, I’m at my appointment here, and I need your new address.”
She paused for a second before quickly rattling off an address in Reno. Luke snatched a pen from Caldwell’s desk and jotted it down on an envelope on top of a stack of papers. “Thanks.”
He ended the call and stuffed the phone back into his pocket. “Satisfied?” He handed the paper to Caldwell. “Adam’s out working horses right now, but I can get his street number after work.”
“They don’t know you’re here.” Caldwell handed the paper to Vance.
Luke took my hand again. “They know I’m in Sedona for my job. They don’t know you exist.”
Caldwell smiled. “Good.” He glanced at Vance. “When are you leaving?”
The jaguar shifter folded the paper, slipping it into his jacket pocket. “In the morning.”
Luke walked me toward the door. “Then you can meet me at the bar tonight. I’ll have what you need, but I can’t give you any more of my time this morning. I have a barn full of horses that need to be worked while there’s still daylight.”
“I can admire a good work ethic.” Caldwell glanced at Vance. “Be at the Wolf Pack Bar tonight.”
Vance nodded. “I’ll be there.”
“Good.” Luke reached for the door.
Caldwell’s voice boomed, “One more thing.”
We stopped, and I turned back. He steepled his fingers. “If you cross me, Reynolds, Raven doesn’t go back to Bo and Blake. She’ll be mine.”
Something snapped inside me. “You son of a bitch!” I bolted forward, but Luke’s hold on my hand was like iron. I couldn’t quite reach Caldwell physically.
Luke’s voice was soft and low and meant just for me. “We’ve got work to do.”
I forced myself to walk away. I understood the real truth behind his words. We’d get even with Caldwell, but I needed to be patient. For now.
We walked out together and got into the van. Once I started the engine and got back on the road, I vented all my frustrations. “I hate him. I want to kill him and watch him die.”
I’m not sure how long Luke let me rant like a crazy person before he glanced my way. “Caldwell’s not going to be a threat much longer. I’m in now. We just need to keep our heads down until I have a clear shot.”
I glanced his way. “That wasn’t Sasha’s real address, was it?”
He shook his head. “No. She knew we were going to Caldwell’s this morning.” He settled back into silence, staring out the passenger window. At the traffic light, I looked over at him, but he didn’t notice. His shoulders were tense, the muscles in his arms tight.
“It seems like there’s something else you’re not telling me.”
He shrugged. “Just a gut feeling.”
I pulled into the Costco lot. “Want to share?”
“Up in Tahoe, when Damian was still alive, Logan and I trapped two Nero assassins during the new moon. Before they shifted, we overheard one of them saying Damian was getting erratic and would jeopardize them all.” He met my eyes. “I recognized his voice. It was Vance.”
“You think he’s lying about wanting Damian to lead Nero?”
“I’m not sure, but I’m interested to ask him a few things tonight.”
I raised a brow. “That’s why you put Caldwell off today. You wanted to talk to Vance alone.”
“Exactly.” He chuckled. “You surprised?”
“That you’re good-looking and intelligent?”
He grinned. “Right back at you.”
My cheeks heated, and laughter bubbled from my lips. “How do you do that?”
“Do what?”
I sobered. “Make me happy.”
He took off the sunglasses and reached across to cup my cheek. “There is no one in the world I would rather be stuck with in this snake pit of a Pack than you.”
Another smile crept up on me as I leaned in. “You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet.”
His lips curved as he came closer, stealing my breath. “You’re the only girl I care to sweep.”
“Lucky me…” My words faded as his mouth met mine.
Chapter Ten
Luke
Her tongue tangled slowly with mine as my fingers slid into her silky hair. My heart pounded like cracks of thunder in my ears. All the aches in my body and all the danger surrounding us faded away until it was just Raven and me.
And we were enough.
She broke the kiss, resting her forehead on mine. “We should get the supplies so you can finish working the horses.”
I brought my hand down from her hair, my fingertips gliding down her side, but she didn’t tense. Baby steps.
“I don’t want to leave you at the bar.”
She smiled. “Then we’re even, because I don’t want you to go to the ranch, either.”
I chuckled. “Gabby’s not on my radar.”
She raised a brow. “Bo and Blake aren’t on mine, either.”
“If they touch you, I won’t be able to let it go.”
“That shiner Bo was sporting came from me. I can protect myself.”
“Wasn’t implying you couldn’t.” I put my hands up in mock surrender. “I was warning you that I could blow all our work with Caldwell if I kill his right-hand man.”
“And I’ll blow a gasket if Gabby gets all handsy on the horse trainer.”
On some level, her jealousy gave me hope. She’d told me she didn’t love me. Fair enough. We didn’t know each other well yet, but our partnership was growing.
And it was more than just wolf instincts.
I kissed her forehead. “I will stay out of her reach. And for the record…” I took her hand and held it up. “These are the only hands I want on me.”
She laced her fingers with mine. “Good to know.”
But I’d seen the brief flash of fear in her dark eyes. Part of my mate was scarred from her months with this Pack. Rage festered in my gut, but I did my best to bury it. She’d had enough angry wolves in her life. I needed to be patient, and no matter how badly I wanted her, I would have to let her make that first move.
After we got the van unloaded at the bar, we walked around back to get my Mustang.
Raven gasped as we rounded the corner.
Fuck.
I stood at the front of my classic car, taking in her damage. The headlights were smashed in, the windshield shattered, one tire slashed, and the chrome bumper was dented all to hell.
“Luke, I’m so sorry.”
I took her hand, grateful when her fingers laced with mine. “It’s only a car. I can fix it.”
It would give me something to work my frustrations out on other than Bo and Blake’s faces. I pulled my keys from my pocket and opened the door.
At least they didn’t have the brainpower to break inside. Replacing the seats and upholstery would’ve been a much bigger pain in the ass than popping in a new windshield and beating the dents out of the bumper.
I opened the trunk and fished out my jack and the spare tire.
Raven crossed her arms, watching me. “Can I help?”
“Sure.” I popped off the hubcap and handed it to her.
She held it upside down like a bowl, and I filled it with the lug nuts. I slid the jack under the car and pumped it up.
“You’re pretty Zen about all this.”
I glanced up at her and pulled off the flat. “Not exactly.” I grabbed the spare and a couple lug nuts from her. “I’m hold
ing it together because I have to, not because I’m all right with any of this.”
She didn’t reply. I worked on tightening the lug nuts, but when I turned to take the hubcap, she met my eyes. “So you’re not pissed at me?”
“At you?” I frowned, popping the hubcap back in place. As I straightened, I shook my head. “No. Why would I be?”
“They did this because of me.”
The pain in her voice stoked the fire in my gut. I ran my hands up her arms until her gaze met mine. “They did this because they’re spineless, chickenshit bastards. None of this is your fault. You had nothing to do with any of it.”
She laughed, rubbing her forehead. “If you never came into the bar last night, you wouldn’t be bruised and cut, and your car would still look amazing.”
My arms slid around her as I kissed her hair. “I have no regrets about last night except that I didn’t have my gun on me. I won’t make that mistake again.”
I’m not sure how long we stood there, but when she stepped back her eyes no longer shined with tears she wouldn’t allow to fall. “I better get to work.”
“I’ll be back by seven o’clock.”
“See you then.” She rose up on her toes and brushed a kiss to my lips that nearly brought me to my knees, not because it was hot and passionate, but because it was real.
And it was all her idea.
Damn, I could love her so easily. She just needed to let me in.
I got back to the ranch and called Adam and Sasha to update them on the new developments with Vance. I left out the part about me getting my ass kicked. Truth was, I didn’t think I could get through talking about it yet. I didn’t have time for fear right now. Denial was the simplest solution.
Bottom line, Caldwell had accepted me. And once I had an idea which side Vance was playing for, I’d be able to plan my next move.
I finished working the other horses, but I was slower by the end of the day. My ribs hurt like hell, and the cold air stung the cuts on my face. I was sure I’d heal up on my own in a few days. Going to the hospital wasn’t an option, anyway. Being a werewolf, I couldn’t risk the medical community getting a blood sample and accidentally discovering our shifter DNA.
But if I’d been back home, Jason, our Pack doctor, would’ve at least taped me up so I wasn’t constantly bumping my damned ribs.
I did my best not to limp back up to my cottage. I needed a shower and fresh clothes, then I’d stop at the auto parts store and see about new headlights before I picked up Raven. As I opened my door, a black Jeep pulled in.
The scent hit me before they parked. Werewolves. I recognized one of them. Asher.
I straightened up, chest out. Fuck. I ground my teeth through the pain as they came toward me. Asher’s eyes were on mine as he reached out, sort of tentative. I stepped forward, clasping his forearm in a traditional Pack greeting, and a smile spread on his lips.
His grip was firm. “Good to see you on your feet.”
I nodded. “Good to be here. How did you find me?”
“Raven told me you might have cracked ribs.” He moved back and introduced his friend. “This is Cole. He’s our Pack medic.”
“You’re not from around here.” He came forward and clasped my forearm without hesitation. “I haven’t seen wolves greet each other like this since I was a little guy.”
I shook my head. “Other Packs still do.”
He sobered, his bright hazel eyes flicking over to Asher and back to me. “Our Pack didn’t used to beat people without letting them defend themselves, either.”
I glanced between the two men. No scent of nervous sweat or racing heartbeats, but exposing my real reasons for joining their Pack could get Raven and me both killed. Although their intentions seemed on the up-and-up, I couldn’t risk trusting them. Not yet.
As I turned to show them in, Gabby called from the barn, “Dr. Vega?”
We all turned as she jogged up. “What are you doing here?” She looked at me. “Is a horse sick?”
“No.” Cole shook his head. “Everything’s fine. I heard you had a new trainer, and I thought I’d come by and introduce myself.”
The Pack medic was a veterinarian. That’s how Gabby knew him. The pieces were coming together.
Cole was at least five years older than me, but the look that passed between him and Gabby was unmistakable. They’d been lovers. Interesting.
Gabby forced a smile. “Good to see you again.”
Cole nodded, stuffing a hand in the pocket of his jeans. “It’s been a while.” He shifted his gaze to the barn. “Probably time to worm the horses soon, float teeth. I’ll check the schedule.”
The awkward silence was maddening.
I glanced at Asher. “Asher, this is Gabby. Her folks own the stable.”
Asher offered his hand, shaking hers slowly. “Good to meet you.”
More silence. I sighed. “I better get inside and sit before I fall down. I’ll see you tomorrow, Gabby.”
Thankfully, she seemed relieved. “Sounds good.” Turning to Cole, she tipped her head. “’Bye, Dr. Vega. Nice meeting you, Asher.”
She walked back to the barn, and we ducked into my place. I offered chairs and sat on the sofa, wincing more than I would have liked. “So you’re a horse vet.”
“Yeah.” Cole leaned forward in his chair. “I moonlight as the nearest thing we have to a doctor in this Pack.”
“And you already know Gabby.”
That knocked him back a little in his chair. “Yeah.”
“Little young for you, isn’t she?”
“That’s why I ended it. She told me she was twenty. Found out through the grapevine she was just starting at community college.” He shook his head. “There wasn’t a future anyway, not for me.”
“That’s an old-fashioned notion around here, right?” I raised a brow. “I thought Caldwell picks your mates.”
“It wouldn’t matter.” He shrugged. “He’d never choose Gabby to be bitten. Her parents are too close, and too rich and powerful in Sedona. The only ones bitten are strong females without attachments. No one to report them missing.” He crossed his arms. “Besides, my folks are true mates. I guess an idiotic part of me still hopes mine is out there.”
I glanced at Asher and back to Cole. “You weren’t bitten?”
“No. My brother and I were born wolves.” Cole pointed to my chest. “Asher thought I might be able to tape up your ribs. Mind if I have a look?”
“Sure.” I stood up, clenching my jaw to keep from moaning as I pulled my shirt free.
Asher caught sight of me and was on his feet, turning around and staring out my window. My guess was the dark black-and-blue bruises covering my torso were more of a reminder of what happened last night than he wanted to see.
Cole came closer, his cold fingers running along my bruised side. He straightened up. “I’ve got some tape out in my bag. I think you’ve got two cracks. We could X-ray it back at my office.”
I shook my head. “Just tape me up. I’ll be all right.”
Cole went out to the Jeep for supplies, and Asher turned around. “I don’t know how to make this right.”
“This wasn’t your fault. I don’t blame you for the beating.”
His jaw tensed. “I shouldn’t have let it happen. I was weak. I’m better than this, or I used to be.”
“Caldwell was pushing his Alpha power through his voice. Tough for you not to obey.”
“I wasn’t born into any of this.” He crossed his arms. “I don’t like being under someone else’s control.”
“An Alpha of a Pack isn’t supposed to use his power the way Caldwell does. An Alpha’s job is to keep his Pack safe, period.”
Asher raised a brow. “If you know this, why are you willing to help him?”
Million-dollar question.
Through the window, Cole was digging into his vet toolbox. I met Asher’s eyes and lowered my voice. “I’m only here to help Raven and Isabelle.”
“How will
you do that?” He checked Cole’s progress, too.
My gut said I could trust Asher, and my gun on my back told me I could protect myself if my gut turned out to be wrong.
“By killing Caldwell.”
Time stopped for a moment while Asher faced me again, digesting my words. Adrenaline fed every muscle in my exhausted body as I waited. His reaction would dictate my next move.
Finally a gruff whisper escaped his lips. “Killing Caldwell won’t change my fate, but it could save others from it.”
“I’m not asking for your help.” Cole carried a bag toward the door. “If it doesn’t work, we won’t get another chance.”
“You don’t need to ask.” His dark eyes narrowed. “I won’t live my life hurting innocent people like a trained dog.”
I tipped my chin toward the window. “What about Cole? Can we trust him?”
Asher shrugged. “Since I’ve been in the Pack, I’ve never seen him be cruel, but he grew up with Caldwell. He could be loyal to him.”
The door opened, silencing our conversation. But we’d said enough.
Raven and I had an ally.
Chapter Eleven
Raven
Alexandra wiped down clean glasses and stacked them under the bar. “So who was the hottie that came in last night?”
I filled napkin holders. “His name is Luke.”
“He looks like that alt-rock guy you listen to…the Howlers?”
“That’s his twin brother, Logan.”
She popped her head up over the bar. “No way!” She glanced at the kitchen and lowered her voice. “Don’t tell Mike I said anything. He gets jealous when I freak out over hot guys.”
A couple months ago, Alexandra had answered our help-wanted ad for a waitress, and within a few weeks, we also hired her boyfriend, Mike, for the kitchen. They were a good team. Maybe not a happily-ever-after team, but they definitely seemed to have achieved happy-for-now status.
“Your secret’s safe with me.”
She started stocking the wineglasses, hanging them by their stems. “He seemed kind of into you.” She glanced around and added, “Were Bo and Blake pissed?”