“Tell us about your son.” Frank rubbed her back, trying to distract her from what was going to happen.
Whitney grinned and got a faraway look. “Andrew, his name is Andrew. He’s such a smart little boy. He’s already tested at a first-grade level. They wanted me to put him into the first grade right off the bat when he starts school next year, but I said no. I want him to enjoy kindergarten. Maybe later he can jump a grade, but not the first year.” She doubled over again, but continued in a whisper. “He has my eyes and mouth, but has his father’s hair and nose. Thank God he has my patience. I just hope he didn’t see enough of his father’s actions to influence him.”
“Where is his father? Did he hurt you?” The thought of another man hurting her sent a violent tremble through him.
“He’s dead. My father doesn’t say much, but when I ended up in the hospital the last time with a broken jaw, three ribs cracked, and my arm broken, it was too much.” She slowly sat up. “My father turned him into a turtle and made turtle soup for himself. Ate the whole thing, too.”
Frank glanced at Dana, Cruse, and Theodore. “Remind me not to make her parents mad.” They all nodded in agreement.
Whitney laughed, but stopped when the change started. Her large blue eyes gazed up at him.
“It’s time, Whitney.” He stood and gently set her on her feet. “It would be better if you were naked.”
She didn’t hesitate, ripping the shirt over her head and grabbing his arm as he threw the shirt to the floor. “Frank!!”
He released the magic and shifted, as did his inner pack. Their magic poured over her, helping ease the transformation. She screamed. Bones cracked, muscles snapped and contracted, and white fur broke through her skin.
All four of them surrounded her, waiting for the last push of magic to move through her. Whitney bent over and snarled, then slowly rose to six feet in height. Her blue eyes gazed around the room, then back at them.
“It’s over. In a little while I’ll show you how to shift to the wolf, but for now just relax and build your strength.” His voice was deep and garbled.
“Everything is much louder and my vision is amazing.” Whitney took slow steps to the bathroom and gazed into the bathroom mirror. “Damn, I’m taller too.”
Frank stood behind her and grinned. “You’re always bigger in the dire- wolf form. Let’s shift to the wolf form now. I want you to picture a wolf and hold it.”
Her big blue eyes held his in the mirror. “It won’t hurt, will it?” He shook his head. “No, it’s just different, but no pain.” Frank stood back watching as she closed her eyes and started the shift. In no time, a small white wolf glanced up at him, wagging her tail. “Very good, now test out your legs. Go into the sitting room.”
Chapter Three
Whitney glanced up at Frank before she moved to the sitting room. Even though he was a giant, he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. His green eyes could capture any female and his hair was like silk. Hell, he even smelled good. All four of them smelled good, and the wolf sure wanted to raise her tail and expose herself to them.
She shook her head and slowly moved to the sitting room. All four men kneeled down and ran their fingers through her fur.
“You’re beautiful, Whitney. Never seen such a small, dainty female wolf before.” The man named Cruse praised her.
“It’s time to change back to your human form, Whitney. We need to pick up your son and the things you’ll need for your stay here.” Frank stood and transformed back into his human self. His black jeans covered his long muscular legs and a black tank top covered his chest, which she so wanted to lick and kiss.
“Again, picture your human form.” Frank reached behind him and held out his shirt as she shifted to her human form.
“Damn, that was weird. Will it get easier, and can I shift anytime?” She stepped into the shirt and started to button it.
“Yes, you’ll be able to shift faster and easier as time goes on, any time you want. Just make sure you don’t do it too often in one day. It tires you out. I’ve ordered an early dinner for you. You need lots of iron now. While you’re eating, I want you to make a list of things you’ll need for Andrew. I’ll have someone run out and get them for you.” Frank walked to the door and glanced back at her.
“I’ll be back in plenty of time for us to get your son. Dana, let’s go.” Frank moved out of the room and shut the door behind them.
She frowned. “Did I do something to upset him?”
A knock on the door drew her attention as Theodore moved to open it. “Room service,” the man behind the door called.
“Don’t!” Whitney yelled and held up her hand, sending her magic to the door. “It’s not room service.”
Cruse stepped in front of her as Theodore glanced over his shoulder at her, frowning. “How do you—” He didn’t finish the sentence when they all heard fists pounding flesh behind the door.
Both men rushed to the door and tried to throw the door open but couldn’t. Cruse turned to her. “Open it. Frank’s out there with Dana.”
Whitney glared at him and waved her hand. “Fine, but I’m warning you if those pricks get me again, I’ll make sure Dad knows.” She took off to the bedroom and slammed the door. “I’ll be damned if they get me again.”
Magical symbols danced in front of her and she sent them to the bedroom door, sealing it. Whitney sighed and turned to glance at the bed. She sniffed around the bed and growled. Another female had been in his bed and the wolf inside her wanted to track her down to rip her throat out. Ripping the sheets off the bed, Whitney threw them into the corner of the room and plopped down on the stripped bed. “Dickhead. Too big, my ass.”
She jerked at the pounding on the door. “Whitney, open this door,” Frank shouted.
“Are they gone?” Whitney stood up, slowly moving to the door. “I wouldn’t be here pounding on the door otherwise.” He pounded twice more on the door.
“Back away from the door.” Whitney removed the spell and the door opened.
Frank came into the room, glancing at her, then at the bed. He raised his eyebrow at her, questioning.
“What? I wasn’t going to sit on those filthy sheets. Her stink is all over them.” Whitney moved around him and into the other room. “So what are we going to do now that they know I’m here?”
Cruse stepped in front of her, frowning at her. “Did you threaten me earlier?”
She shrugged. “I could have, but then again, if I remember it right, all of you did say I would be safe here and look what happened.”
“We have to move. We don’t have time to deal with this. Dana, inform the pack we’re heading to the house. Tell them to tighten security. We’ll stop and pick up her son and parents if they are coming now. Let’s move,” Frank ordered/
Whitney whipped around and faced him. “I can’t go out in this.” “There is nothing wrong with what you are wearing. It looks like a dress anyway. Now, let’s go.” Frank wrapped his arm around her waist, moving toward the elevator.
“Damn it, Frank. If my mom or dad sees me in this shirt, they’ll ask questions later.” She grumbled as he pushed her into the elevator.
“We’ll deal with your folks when we get there. Dana, I want to know how the hell Alfred’s men got up here and if they knew about us or if they were just looking for her.”
He shoved a piece of paper into her hand and a pen. “Start writing fast what you’ll need for your son. Cruse, when she’s done, take the list to Melody and have her go shopping and meet us at the house. Make sure she picks up food. Also, we haven’t stocked it for a while. Matter of fact, have Timber go with her to help. We stay in pairs now till the challenge is over.”
The door opened and Whitney sighed, writing as fast as she could. Cruse, Frank, and Theodore surrounded her while she wrote. “Okay, this should be it. Remind me to make sure Mom gives me Andrew’s medicine and breathing machine before we leave.” She handed Cruse the list. “I’ve put some foods on there
for Andrew, because there are certain things he can’t eat.”
Cruse nodded and moved away while Frank pulled her out the front door into a waiting SUV. Whitney got into the back and stared out the darkened windows, curling her feet under her. Theodore jumped into the driver’s side. Cruse took up the front passenger side while Frank once more picked her up and settled her onto his lap. Dana crawled in next to them.
“Let’s go. You have the address, right?” Frank asked glanced at Theodore in the rearview mirror.
She watched the passing cars, trying to figure out why this man drove every hormone in her body crazy.
Frank took her small hand and put it in his. “What’s wrong with your son, Whitney?”
Whitney glanced up at him, then back out the window. “I was six months pregnant when Carl attacked me, sending me to the hospital. My water broke and they had to take him early, because of this his lungs and other organs weren’t fully developed. He was in the hospital for a month and a half before I could bring him home. He has problems breathing when it’s warm, or allergies are high. Andrew loves to watch football—it’s our favorite thing to do together. I’ve taken him to four games so far. He keeps telling me he wants to play football when he gets big, but…” She shook her head. “I don’t see it happening.”
“Never give up hope, Whitney.” Frank kissed the top of her head and rested his chin on it when she curled up onto his lap, resting her head on his chest.
“I’ll never give up. He’s all that matters now,” she whispered.
* * *
Frank knew he was losing the battle with his heart. When he had left the room earlier he had every intention of taking his sexual needs out on Alex again. Once they stepped into the lobby downstairs, he knew he couldn’t, but he still needed to feed and right now he wouldn’t even consider taking Whitney’s blood. Soon he would explain everything to her, but for now he needed to make sure she was safe.
“Cruse, we’re going to need to feed. Have four of our donors come to the house. Make sure they’re in the office and out of sight when we get there.”
“You know, you could feed from Whitney.” Dana glanced at him and he shook his head.
“No, maybe after the challenge, but not until we can explain what she is to us and who we are.”
Dana smirked. “So you’re finally admitting she’s our queen?” “Shut up. Dana. I still think the fates fucked up. How the hell is she going to take the four of us? She’s so small.” Frank rubbed his chin on her head and inhaled her scent, sighing.
“She’ll be fine. I have a feeling Whitney’s a lot stronger than you give her credit for.”
Whitney sat up and glanced out the window. “We’re here. You might want me to go in first. God knows what Dad and Mom will do when they see me.” She grinned. “I’d hate to see four turtles crawling around the house. Then Andrew will want a turtle.” Whitney laughed when they pulled into the driveway.
“You’ll stay behind me, Whitney, until I’m sure no one is in the house with your parents. My men have taken out the two who paid a visit already, but we need to make sure no others showed up.” He tightened his grip on her and nodded to Cruse and Theodore, who stepped out of the car, scanning their surroundings.
The front door banged open and a man stepped out, waving his hands.
Whitney jumped out of the car before he could stop her. “No, Dad, they’re with me!” she yelled and tried to run up to the house, but Cruse caught her and placed her behind him.
“You were told to stay with Frank. Woman, you are pissing me off,” Cruse said.
The man moved slowly towards them. “I suggest you take your hands off my daughter and don’t threaten her again.”
Frank stepped forward and offered his hand. “Mr. Rae, I’m Frank Stein. I talked to your wife earlier. I’m sorry about everything, but right now we have to be extra careful with your daughter. Is there anyone in the house other than your family?”
Mr. Rae narrowed his gaze on him. “No, and you’d better explain better than that.”
Frank glanced around. “Maybe we should take this inside? I really don’t like having Whitney out here in the open right now.”
“For Pete’s sake, Dad, they saved me,” Whitney whined.
“Don’t start with that mouth, young lady. Follow me, Mr. Stein.” He turned and made his way up to the house.
“I don’t think so,” Whitney mumbled under her breath.
Cruse leaned down and stared down at her. “Your father might not spank you, but I sure will later.”
Whitney glared at him. “And who the hell do you think you are? Remember, I’m a tiny human and I could get hurt.” She threw a look at him and tried to follow her father.
Frank pulled her back into his arms. “Whitney, enough. We’ll explain later, but right now we need to settle your parents and get somewhere safe.” He turned her around, pushing her towards the door and swatting her ass. “Whitney, you have a fine ass to swat.”
“It’s my ass, so hands off.” She stomped up the stairs and into the house. “Men!” She snarled when she went past her father.
A small black-haired boy ran to her and jumped in her arms. “Mommy!” His small arms wrapped around her neck.
“Have you been a good boy?” Whitney kissed his cheeks and laughed as he squirmed to get down, seeing Frank.
“He’s big. Who is he?” Andrew held onto her hand as she turned to him.
“Andrew, this is Mr. Stein. We’re going to be staying with him and his friends for the next few days. Frank, this is my son, Andrew.”
Frank kneeled down in front of the boy and held out his hand. At first Andrew just stared at him, then slowly put his hand in his. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, little warrior.” Gently, Frank shook the little guy’s hand.
He turned when a woman built like Whitney came into the room. “Whitney Rae, what are you wearing?”
Whitney rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Mom, I didn’t have time to get new clothes, okay? Frank loaned me one of his shirts so I wouldn’t have to stroll around naked, since my other clothes were torn up and dirty. Now, let’s sit down and I’ll tell you what happened.” Whitney turned to her father. “And please hear me out before you go crazy.”
“I’ll hold my peace and I won’t go wild.” He frowned at his daughter while she sat down, scooping Andrew in her lap.
“Please, Frank, Cruse, Dana, Theodore, please sit.” Whitney waited till everyone sat and she turned to her mom. “Marci and Allie took me out last night. Well, it was more of a booty call than anything.” She covered Andrew’s ears. “Anyway, the man they picked for me happened to be Alfred Grant. No, I didn’t know who the hell he was before you even ask Dad.” She sighed and glanced behind her.
Mr. Rae shook his head. “Go on.”
“I don’t know how, but he knew I’m a witch and decided he was going to keep me. In his words, he was going to change me and mate with me so he could use my powers against Frank in the upcoming challenge. I tried to get away, but I couldn’t. My magic wouldn’t work. He bit me and thought I would be out for a while, so he left me alone. That’s when I escaped, but four of his men tracked me to the subway. That’s when Frank and his men found me. They helped me escape, Momma, and they helped me through the change.”
“Oh baby, I’m so sorry. See, that’s why you should just use your toys. They don’t lead you anywhere and you can control them.” Her mother patted her arm.
“Mom, please!” Whitney rolled her eyes. Her face turned a pale pink and she glanced at Frank.
Andrew squirmed in her arms. “Mommy, you have toys too? Can I play with them?”
“See what you started? Yes, Mommy has toys, but they’re adult toys, Andrew, not for little kids.” She groaned and buried her face into Andrew’s head.
Mr. Rae held out his hand. “Thank you for saving our baby. Please call me Bran. Are you really going to challenge Alfred? You know he’ll fight dirty. Met him once, didn’t like him even then.”
Frank took his hand and shook it. “It was no problem, but yes, I’m going to challenge him. It’s time someone took back the packs and brought back honor. Will you and your wife come with us? We have a large home just outside the city. It will be safe there.”
Bran turned to his wife and she nodded. “Yes, we’ll drive our car so we have a way back, but I don’t trust Alfred not to show up again, and I’m not about to risk my wife.”
Three suitcases showed up next to the door, followed by a breathing machine. “Whitney, you have clothes up in your old room. Why don’t you go change and bring what you have up there?” Her mother pulled Andrew into her arms and stood. “Go on now.”
“Mom, don’t you start on them. They just helped me.” Whitney narrowed her gaze on her mother. “They’re not interested in me that way, so don’t start.” She pointed at her mother before she turned and ran up the stairs.
“You can call me Eve, and I, too, want to thank you for helping our baby.” She sighed. “I’m sorry the way I reacted on the phone. Ever since her ex, well, we worry.” Her gaze met Frank’s. “There’s more, isn’t there?”
Frank glanced back at his men and they nodded. “We believe she’s our queen. We haven’t said anything to her yet. With the challenge coming up I’d rather wait till things settle down.”
Eve stepped closer and glanced up at him. “You’re something other than wolf and vampire, but human too. How can that be?”
Bran laughed. “One of my wife’s gifts is to see others’ gifts.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Yes, the four of us are vampire and wolf. I also have other parts in me, one being human and the other part machine. I was created more than 300 years ago in England.”
Eve’s hand went to her throat. “I know who you are! There are whispers among our kind about when you would make yourself known, but we never believed it would be in our time. It’s an honor to meet you.
Now I can relax because I know our baby will be protected and so will this guy.” She kissed the little boy’s head. “But Frank, Whitney’s been hurt badly. She hasn’t told us all of it, but it’s taken more than a year for her friends to just get her to go out, and when she does, look at what happens.” Eve glanced at her husband.
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