Howl (Howl Book 1)

by Kalani Zoldyck

  "Find them! You will not come back until they are in cuffs and in your arms!" I faintly recognized the man's voice, but couldn't place.

  As quickly as I blinked we were surrounded. Two of them men seemed to walk out of the shadows. I kept my arms up, but didn't let down my guard. I didn't know the men at my back and it wasn't comforting having them standing that close to me.

  One of them, a large man with muscles rippling down his arms, grabbed my hands and roughly held them behind my back. I huffed and a small growl escaped my lips.

  I heard Cassie let out a similar growl. The only one of us who didn't verbally struggle was Pavel.

  The men walked closer in unison. Darkness cloaked their features. From what I could tell, they could pass as body builders or heavy weight champions. They definitely had the intimidation thing down pat. I could hardly breathe as they approached us.

  "Pavel?" One of them stepped forward, out of the shadows, and I knew exactly who he was.

  "Shit." I swore when the London pack's Beta's eyes landed on me. His hair had grown out since the last time I saw him. His sandy brown hair fell to the lobes of his ears. He looked like a surfer with refined muscles.

  I spent a lot of time in London growing up so I pretty much grew up with Caleb. He's the Alpha's one and only son. He was a warrior, but he had never faced a battle, although I knew he wanted to.

  Caleb cocked his chin and I was released. It only took a few seconds for the alley to thin out. I stood with my eyes to the damp concrete. I was digging my nails into my palms to keep myself from meeting the beta's gaze. I didn't want to get into another fight that night.

  "Hey Caleb," Cassiel greeted him jokingly, "How's the pack?"

  The light joke did nothing to clear the air. "Did something happen to Alexander?"

  "No sir." I answered. "We're here to call for a cab."

  "The jeep broke down a few miles back." Cassiel added helpfully. In my opinion, the less conversation we had, the better we'd be. Caleb was a master interrogator. He could get any information he wanted if he asked the right questions. Also, he read me like a book.

  I heard footsteps slush on the concrete and inwardly winced when a pair of boots came into my view. "Why do I have a feeling that this is all your doing?" Caleb sounded amused, but I didn't miss the edge of warning in his tone.

  "Why does everyone always blame me?" I gruffly crossed my arms and scuffed my shoes on the floor.

  Pavel cleared his throat, "We're sorry to intrude on your territory."

  I saw Caleb wave his hand in a careless manner, "It's no problem." We were practically extended members of their pack anyway. "I'll get you a cab."

  He turned his back on us and found the hidden door in the wall. I watched Pavel go after him and I sighed. I couldn't believe I was standing here. It was surreal and mind blowing that I was even in London let alone The Calling.

  Memories kept flying through my mind. Nathaniel's raging eyes filled my mind and I jerked my head to the side as if I were reliving that night.

  "Are you coming?" Cassiel was at my side.

  I nodded and wordlessly walked through the door and into the strobe lights. Music hit me like a stack of bricks and I went rigid as the pounding bass consumed my senses. I always thought it was strange that the music was always so loud. Werewolves had sensitive ears.

  The club resembled the alley. Shadows had taken over. I could only see where the spot lights led me. Pavel had laced his fingers through mine, so I wasn't worried about getting lost.

  I let him lead me through the crowd while I searched for the guys. For a second I thought I saw Odolf, but when I blinked he was gone.

  The whole room spun as I walked. I tightened my grip on Pavel's hand and let my gaze fall to the floor.

  "Dave!" I looked up at Caleb's voice and saw him partially leaning over the bar. "I need two cabs out front in a half an hour!"

  "Who are they for?"

  As the black hair bartender walked into view, I hid my face. David Charles was a high ranking member of the London pack and was a good friend with Nathaniel. I was already walking on thin ice by talking with Caleb. But I didn't think he'd rat me out. However, if Dave knew I was here, I would have barely two seconds before Nathan was on my tail.

  "Look, Caleb, thanks for your help man." Pavel gave the beta an one armed hug. His right hand was still holding mine. I wasn't even sure if he realized he was still holding onto me.

  "But…" Caleb knew us too well.

  Pavel glanced around his shoulder, "We don't want anyone knowing that we're here."

  Caleb laughed and yelled over the noise, "That's going to be harder than you think!"

  "What do you mean?" I threw caution to the wind and looked Caleb square in the eyes. I had an itchy feeling that Nathaniel already knew we were here.

  "The pack knows you guys. Someone will tell Nathan." He knew us well enough to realize we were only worried about Pavel's dad.

  "Elaine," Dave's greeting made my cringe. I had blown my cover to shreds. "How have you been, sweetheart?" He was like an uncle to me and I couldn't help but smile back at him. I chose to ignore the questions he had in his expression.

  I leaned against the bar and slid onto the nearest stool. "I'm a lot better when I'm not in the line of fire."

  "You wouldn't be in the line of fire if you'd listen to me." Pavel tugged my arm and growled in my ear.

  Dave and Caleb heard him, and laughed. "You haven't changed at all, have you love?" Dave smiled cheekily at me while he grabbed the cordless phone off the counter.

  "Unfortunately," Pavel grumbled. I jabbed him in the stomach, which earned me a light smack on the arm.

  "Target is spotted."

  I spun around at Cassiel's warning. First, I thought he meant his eldest brother, but when I followed his gaze I found myself staring at Sean and the three village idiots.

  "Finally," I groaned, "See ya, Dave!" I called over my shoulder as Cassiel and I pushed our way through the mass of people. I could tell that humans had mixed in with our kind. They were easy to spot. They didn't move as freely. Their dancing was jerky and stiff; maybe not to them, but it was to us.

  "The cars are on their way." I told them loudly.

  "Catch me if you can." I stiffened at the sound of Sean's voice. I whirled around just to see him slip back into the crowd. I let out an aggravated growl and threw my arms into the air.

  Cassie stopped me before I went after him, "You get these guys. I'll find Sean."

  "Break," We clapped our hands jokingly before starting our new missions. Chris was easy. He was scared of me, so all I had to do was send him a look before he started helping me with Martin and Odolf.

  Those twins were going to be the death of me. And to think the pack thought I was a trouble maker! These guys put my pranks to shame.

  They zigged and zagged through the crowd and left me on the verge of tears. I was sweaty, aggravated, and ready to get out of this hell hole. I wanted to go home.

  Finally, I saw my break. They were near a corner. All I had to do was trap them.

  Chris and I pushed our way through the crowd. I almost had a hold of Martin's arm when someone grabbed my wrist and jerked me around. The air left my lungs and I nearly tripped.

  Pavel kept me standing, "We need to get out of here."

  His tone put me on alert. I met his gaze and saw the pure fear in his eyes. My throat closed up and I let him pull me through the crowd. When we got past the DJ platform I saw what had him on edge.

  Nathaniel was by the bar. He was leaning against the counter with his back facing us, but I knew it was him. There were only a handful of men who had an aura of power surrounding them. I called it the alpha power. It was something that just drew people to you.

  Pavel and I changed directions rapidly and started towards the main exit.

  But I stopped dead when I saw who was standing in the doorway.

  "Shit." Pavel and I echoed.

  Leo, the London alpha, was walking through the
doorway. His son was at his side, exactly one step behind him, and three others were following them like an army.

  As if Pavel and I were the only other people in the room, like we were the only things making sound, Nathaniel and Leo turned to us.

  I froze when Nathan's eyes locked on mine. The power that hit me was similar to what I felt when I was talking with Alex.

  On instinct I fell to my knees.

  Pavel fell just one second after me.

  "What are we going to do?" I hissed as I clutched Pavel's hand. I wasn't scared, per say, but I wasn't calm either.

  "Be quiet." Pavel instructed.

  When the last word left his mouth I saw a pair of sleek black shoes stop just below my face. I knew who it was without having to look.

  "Get up." Nathan snarled harshly. Pavel and I rose simultaneously. I kept my head down with my eyes locked on the much taller man's shoes. He didn't say anything else. He didn't need to. Nathan simply hooked his arm around my wait in a controlling way and cupped the back of Pavel's neck with the opposite hand.

  I met Leo's gaze before Nathan pushed us into one of the back offices. I gave him a nod of respect and I saw the faintest of smiles tug at his lips.

  I quickly took in the room. We were in an office. At first I wondered if it was Leo's, but then I saw the picture that was framed on the desk. It was the same one hanging over my bed.

  We were in Nathan's office.

  He closed the door without much effort and it slammed shut. "Explain this to me."

  I glanced over at Pavel. He met my eyes and made a small nod with his head.

  While taking in a deep breath I stepped forward, "Sir, we over heard a plan from the Nicolais Pack that we thought the alpha should know."

  Chapter Seven

  "What?" Both Nathaniel and Pavel snapped in surprise.

  I ignored Pavel and stood alert with my back straight and eyes staring straight ahead. "Ask Caleb, if you don't believe me, but there were two men in the alley outside The Calling tonight. What we heard led us to believe that your alpha, or packmate, is in danger."

  When Nathaniel's attention turned to his son I snuck a peek at him. I had never met an overweight werewolf and Nathan was no exception. His upper body was broad with muscle. He was handsome, with a strong jaw and toned back.

  "What do you have to say about this?" Nathaniel was born and raised in times of war. He had grown up with the strict mannerisms of a military officer and rose through the ranks during the centuries he was living in France. I often compared him to a robot. He hardly ever dropped his façade of seriousness.

  There was only one time where I remember him losing control of his rage and I'd rather never see him that way again.

  "Sir," Pavel stepped up to my side. His back was even straighter than mine. "I concur with Elaine." He kept his expression stone hard. My face fell out of my military mode as I studied him. It pained me seeing Pavel look that way while addressing his father. Although, I supposed I should've been used to it.

  I straightened back up when Nathan turned his gaze back onto me. His gaze was so penetrating that I couldn't help but meet his gaze for a second. I saw the hard edge along his features, and knew he was upset.

  "You didn't hear that conversation until you were in London." I didn't think I ever saw Nathaniel lose his poker straight back. He tantalizingly strolled across the carpet and studied both his son and I. Then, after thoughtfully making a decision, he came up in front of me. Obviously he thought he could crack me faster than Pavel. "Now, tell me why you came to the city."

  I didn't answer right away. I knew I should rat out Sean. Not only would it make me feel better, but the pack ought to know what he's been doing with his muscles.

  I had two choices. I could tell Nathan, and Pavel, what happened back in our territory and my kidnapper would be punished. I most likely wouldn't get out of the situation without a scratch, but the blame wouldn't be completely on me. Or, I could keep the truth to myself. Sean would walk away clean and I'd be in a lot of trouble. The only upside to this option was that the pack would remain clueless about my helplessness.

  "The guys and I wanted to get away from the pack house, sir." With that said, I stepped back. Part of me boiled in anger as I took the blame, but my wolf felt nothing more than pride. Even if it was Sean, he was still my packmate.

  I saw a strange glint in Nathan's eyes, but it was gone before I could guess its meaning.

  Nathan set his jaw, "James!" He barked without taking his eyes off mine. After a few moments of struggle I forced myself to look away. The door opened behind Nathan and a bouncer walked inside. I knew James, but not very well. He was a great hunter and followed orders better than I did.

  "Yes sir?" James mirrored Pavel's and my stance in the doorway.

  "There are four males from the Bewdley pack on the floor. Find them and bring there here." Nathan commanded evenly.

  I waited for him to lecture me once James left the room, but Nathan remained silent. I snuck a glance up at him, but turned back to the floor almost instantly when I met Nathaniel's gaze. He was watching me with the utmost intensity.

  "Sir," Pavel spoke up; uncertain, "I take partial responsibility for Elaine's presence in the city. I could have prevented this, as well as gotten her home earlier."

  I felt like slapping him. Pavel was ruining the plan. I tried to glare at him through the corner of my eye, but his full attention was on his father. I wanted to tell him to shut up before he got us both into a lot of trouble, but couldn't because James reentered the room just as I opened my mouth.

  "Here are the Bewdley males, sir." James commented. I cracked a grin at how silly that sounded, but tensed over when Sean's smug face came into my view. "Also, sir, Caleb and Alpha wish to speak with you," He paused and his eyes flickered onto me, "and Elaine." He gave me a small nod of acknowledgement.

  My gaze went straight to Nathan. Every muscle in his body went rigid.

  "Give us ten minutes. You're excused." Once Nathan finished James was out of the room.

  While Nathaniel was pinching his nose I looked around him and rolled my eyes when I saw the guys. Chris looked like he was about to piss his pants. Martin and Odolf were busy trying to hide behind one another. They were practically wrestling each other. Sean was the only one who wasn't freaking out, but I did see small beats of sweat along his forehead and neck.

  "Elaine, you and I will be discussing your behavior later." Nathaniel spoke low and threateningly.

  I cringed but said, "Yes sir."

  Nathaniel nodded strictly, "Pavel I'm disappointed."

  The three of us stood frozen, in silence for three minutes. I wasn't sure of what to do. There wasn't anything I could say to get us out of the dog house, at least not when Sean and the boys were in the room. My plan was to talk to Nathan later, alone. I knew how to handle Nate; I just couldn't confront him head on.

  Then Nathan cleared his throat.

  "Pavel, you're in charge. If any of you leave this room I'll lock you in the anger management room for one week without food, water, or any human contact. Do you understand?" Nathan pivoted around so he was facing the boys.

  Martin and Odolf froze. Their hands were wrapped around each others throats and their eyes were wide with fright.

  I scoffed, "Try not to break anything."

  Then, with Nathan's hand on the small of my back, we left the boys. I blinked a few times to adjust to the change of lighting and walked further down the hallway. There were three other offices. Leo's was the last one.

  Two large men were standing in front of the door. They reminded me of the guards at the Queen's house. Neither of them made eye contact with us as we approached them.

  Once we stopped, they saluted and stepped out of the way.

  "Tom, Johan." I greeted them as Nathaniel pulled open the door. He gently pushed me inside the dark room. Once the soles of my sneakers hit the wooden oak floor I slid my military mask over my features.

  Leo had very expensive
taste in furniture. From the curtains that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe, to the chairs facing the red oak desk, and the Persian rug; there was nothing in the room that I could afford. He definitely liked to put on a show.

  "Are you here on business or pleasure?" Leo chuckled lightly from behind his desk. He was older than Nathaniel, but didn't look it. Anyone who met him, who wasn't a werewolf, would have guessed he was barely pushing 30.

  He and Caleb shared the same features; although Leo could pass as GI Joe instead of a surfing instructor on the shores of Australia.

  "Business, sir." I replied almost instantly.

  "Pavel and Elaine were there when we found those Nicolais' in the alley." Caleb was standing two steps behind his father's chair. He was as stolid as a statue.

  There were a few seconds where no one said a word. I knew Leo was studying me. He did that with everyone. He'd give them a once over and study their expressions, body language, and the look in their eyes.

  Leo had once told me that I was one of the hardest people to read. He said I often had an amused look in my eyes, so it was hard for him to guess what I was thinking. I always thought that was funny, because Nathan, Alex, my brother, and even Leo's son could read me like an open book without having to try.

  "I apologize on behalf of my pack, Leo." I kept my eyes locked on the window behind his head.

  Leo stood, "You should have called before you arrived."

  "Yes sir." I was getting uncomfortable. I was going against every rule that Alex had ever given me. I was voluntarily lying to an alpha. "I understand your anger, sir, but I wasn't aware of our trip until I was already in the jeep." That was partially true, so I didn't feel as guilty.

  "Your jeep broke down about ten miles from here." It wasn't a question, which led me to believe that Leo, and maybe even Nathaniel, knew that we were here before we got to The Calling. "And you wish to leave tonight?"

  Nathaniel shifted beside me, "Her, Cassiel, and Pavel will stay at my house tonight, sir. I'll take them all home tomorrow."

  "The others can stay with me." Caleb stated. I inwardly laughed. The boys were already freaking out. When they met Caleb they'd most likely have strokes.