by Lynn Leite
“Isn’t that dangerous?”
“This whole thing is dangerous. I’ll have my dad back us up. Howland will not be looking for the coven to be involved. He’ll just see the Cheveyo’s new human and Ranger’s girl unescorted. He’s bound to make a move.”
“You’re hoping he kidnaps us?”
“Well, just me actually. From what I understand, his pack of rogues doesn’t kill the women right away.” Faith looked at Nina with awe. Was this girl really going to risk her safety for a pack she just joined? “I could find out where they are gathering, even take a few out in the process.”
“Seems like a huge risk to eliminate a few of Howland’s men.”
“I intend to eliminate all of them, Faith. As I said, I will have the coven back me. They can find me. Witches leave an energy signal.”
“Like a wiccan Low Jack?”
“Kind of.”
“Ranger would never agree.”
“I wasn’t going to tell him.” Nina smiled
Faith looked stunned “Nina…”
“Faith, I don’t want to risk my mate. He would go to the ends of the earth for me and I him. We don’t know how long the Alpha can keep Knight from claiming you, and if he does, all bets are off. Howland’s men would smell it on you. Pretending to date Ranger, when you smell like his uncle, isn’t going to work. We have to do something. We go shopping, they take me, and we eliminate the pack.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It is easy. We can’t find Howland by conventional methods. They have been looking for months. He is crafty, but he won’t see this as a set up. He’ll assume he’s sending a message to the pack by taking their new pet human.”
“You know that just might work.”
“It has to work. The whole point of my keeping my nature veiled is to lure Howland’s men out of hiding. This just speeds up the process.”
16
Faith laid in her bed and stared at the ceiling. Ranger had dropped her off hours ago, yet she was still unable to sleep. Nina’s plan ran through her thoughts. The plan had so many holes in it. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to go off half-cocked. Ranger would never forgive her if anything happened to his mate. She had almost told him about their conversation on the ride home. Nina wanted to protect her mate; it was an emotion Faith was now familiar with. Knight risking himself sent a chill of fear through her. Losing him before even having him didn’t sit well. She had to think Nina felt the same about Ranger.
“The Alpha will have a fit.” She muttered into the darkness. Rolling over, she tried to sleep. Nina was coming to the clinic at Noon the next day. Faith knew she would be no good to the girl if she was half asleep on their shopping spree. She would need back up when the pack heard she had let herself get captured. Maybe Howland wouldn’t even take the bait.
If they were lucky, they would uncover where he was and who he was working with. It all seemed so impossible.
“You look tired. Late night?” June asked as Faith tried to keep her eyes open the next morning.
“Yes, late night,” she groaned and thought ‘if you only knew’.
“Maverick said you left early.” So, she had already asked Maverick about Sunday dinner.
“We did.” Faith let June fill in the blanks.
“Faith, hum, that cop is here. She said you were meeting her?” Tam shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another. Humans were discouraged at the clinic.
“We’re having lunch. Send her back Tam. It’s alright.”
“Lunch with the human?” June raised an eyebrow.
“Relax. She knows all about us. Remember, she lives with shifters.”
“Yeah, but is that safe?”
“Safe June? She’s human. What is she going to do?”
“I don’t know. It’s just, things used to be different is all?”
“Don’t let Maverick hear that. Rory used to be human as well, if you’ll recall?”
“I wasn’t saying humans are bad. Just that they have no place in the pack.”
“Is that what is keeping your new man from joining?” It was a long shot but bringing up Will might prompt her to call him.
“He’s not a big fan of mixed marriage.”
“Good thing you’re a wolf then. Besides, Nina isn’t marrying into the pack.” The lie came easy. She wasn’t marrying into the pack. She already had.
“But if what you say is true, she knows an awful lot about us.”
“I do know a lot about you,” Nina said rounding the corner. “Is that a problem?”
“No… no. I mean, it isn’t a problem for me.”
“Good,” Nina said sternly.
“Do you think she’ll call this Will?” Faith asked Nina as they got into her car.
“I don’t think it matters. I was tailed here.” Nina smiled at the thought.
“You were?” Faith looked around seeing nothing but empty cars in the parking lot.
“Quit looking. You’ll give us away.” Faith groaned. She wasn’t sure she was up for this.
Nina parked in the most remote, darkest section of the parking garage before they entered the mall. They were doing exactly the opposite of what every woman is taught to protect themselves.
“Did you call your father?” Faith asked nervously. The Witch turned Were had skills that might be able to defend against an attack. She didn’t.
“Yeah, he wasn’t happy. I think words like willful, and headstrong were the most flattering ones he used.” Nina laughed
“The coven?” Faith whispered
“They are around. Don’t worry. We got this. I figure an hour or two before we walk back loaded with packages to my car. If he doesn’t make a move then, he never will. It’s like I’m walking into his trap giftwrapped.
“Sir, the human and Ranger’s girl are at the mall.”
“And you have followed them I assume?” Howland’s statement was short and to the point.
“Yes. The men followed them. Sir my source said the human knows what we are.” June had been a good little gossip and called him the moment the two women had left the clinic. Little did she know, she was being used. It was so easy to convince the overly excited bitch that he was interested in the pack because he wanted to make Havens Port his home.
“That is against council policy. Again, the Alpha thinks he is above reproach.” Blake Howland growled. His men still only numbered in the hundreds. Not enough to take the pack, but it seemed every day Royal Cheveyo did something more to anger him. He was intentionally breaking with Were law and what did the council do about it? Nothing. “Grab them both and bring them to the safe house.”
“Yes sir.” Will had known that would be the command. He didn’t agree with Howland’s methods. Eliminating the pack’s women would eventually impact the pack in its entirety, but it was taking too long. Half of these women were unmated. What good did that do? What he wanted to do was take the Alpha’s mates. Yes. That would cripple the pack. No Chosen, no Oracle, just feral alphas. What a nice mess that would be. Then, all some Alpha male would have to do was waltz in and clean up the pieces.
Will wasn’t sure Blake Howland was the man strong enough to do that. This hide and strike mentality had Will itch to go in guns-a-blazin. At least today, he would have some action. Not that one female and a human could put up much of a fight. The adrenalin rush would at least take the edge off.
Willow was struck by a sudden dark feeling. This had happened before and the result was never good. She tried to focus, digging deep to see what might have prompted the sudden panic she felt.
“Ranger, where is Nina?” she called as the man descended the stairs of their shared home.
“I thought she was with you. Why?” Ranger looked at his best friend, trying to read the emotion on her face. “Shit Willow, tell me!”
“I’m not sure. It’s just… “Willow hesitated. “Damn! She went off on her own. Faith is with her and she’s scared.”
“Where Willow?”
&nbs
p; “The parking garage at the mall,” Willow said with confidence.
“Call Dad and Maverick! Hell, call everyone! I’m going now.”
“Slow down Ranger. She knows how to take care of herself.”
“Just call!” Ranger yelled tearing out the door.
Willow called Royal first. The Alpha could better amass a team to help. She didn’t like Ranger going off alone. It wasn’t like she could stop him.
Willow tried Nina’s cell. Maybe the woman would answer. Willow was becoming more clear on the events that were unfolding. She had to warn them though. She had a sneaking suspicion Nina had orchestrated the scene.
“Hey Willow, what’s up?” Nina answered with false cheer.
“Nina don’t do it!”
“Do what?” Nina said. She was cursing the fact that she had forgotten her talented sister-in-law would see what she was doing even before she did it.
“Don’t play dumb with me. Ranger’s on his way.”
“Damn Willow. Why didn’t you call me first? I got this covered.”
“You may have it covered, but what about Faith?”
“She’s fine. Look, I got to go. See you at home.” Nina hung up as they were entering the dimly lit garage. Hopefully, Ranger wouldn’t blow a gasket when he found she had gotten herself kidnapped on purpose.”
“Nina?” Faith asked looking a little green.
“Willow. She saw what we were doing.”
“She is good.”
“They don’t call her the Oracle for nothing.”
Will seethed in his hiding spot behind a van parked close to the vehicle the women had arrived in. There they were chatting about the Oracle. A human and some nothing she-wolf from the clinic. Howland had one thing right. The Cheveyo pack was diluting the blood of his ancestors while risking the pack by allowing Humans to know of their existence.
“Circle around. We have them trapped. This is almost too easy,” Will laughed as he gave the command through a head set. His team was rough. They were a motley crew, quick to anger. He just hoped this went down smoothly. He would hate to have to explain any accidents. Then again, Howland had said to bring them in. He hadn’t said to bring them alive.
“Nina?” Faith muttered, feeling the presence of several wolves in the remote corner of the parking garage.
“Four,” Nina answered. “When we get to the car, lock yourself in.”
“I’m not leaving you.” Faith didn’t know how much help she’d be, but she was sure splitting up was a bad idea.
“Isn’t that touching? The little wolf protecting the human,” a voice echoed in the large space. Both girls whirled around to see a man they didn’t recognize. He stood at least six foot with dark hair. His face was hidden in shadow.
“Faith, the car,” Nina commanded pulling her service revolver from the waist band of her jeans.
“Now now, that is not necessary. I just want to talk,” the man cooed as if speaking to a child.
“Then talk,” Nina answered as she stepped in front of Faith.
“So brave little human. I can see why the alpha family would keep you as a pet.”
“I’m no one’s pet, wolf.”
“That’s not the way I see it. I think it’s time to take a little trip. There is someone I’d like you to meet.”
“ Howland?”
“My my, you are well informed aren’t you?”
“Word is he doesn’t like humans so give me one good reason that I shouldn’t shoot you right here and be on my way.”
“I’ll give you four reasons. Boys,” Will said as three grey wolves came out of the shadows.
“The Cheveyo’s will kill you. You know that, don’t you?”
“Over one human? I doubt it. Besides, they won’t know will they. You’ll just disappear.”
“I don’t plan on disappearing.” Nina knew full well she had the ability to do just that. Disappearing now would leave Faith unprotected. She would wait until they led her to the rest of the pack and Howland for that little trick. “Faith, get in the car.”
“Oh Faith. That’s right. I almost forgot you were here hiding behind a human. What would Ranger think of that? The Alpha’s girl cowering behind a human. This is rich.”
“I’m growing tired of your banter… um… what did you say your name was?”
“I didn’t,”
“Fine then. I’ll just call you Howland’s lackey.”
“I’m no one’s lackey, human.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” she taunted him while still backing toward the car.
“Boys take them! If she shoots, rip her throat out.”
The wolves closed in on Nina as they shoved Faith toward the car. She needed to get Faith out of the way so the wolves would take only her. Sending her energy out, she manipulated the exit door to the mall so it would seem as if someone was coming. Will turned toward the sound. The diversion had the desired effect. His heart rate increased as did the heart rate of the wolves.
Nina allowed herself to be driven back toward a van. “Alright, alright.” She stepped inside, shoving Faith one final time toward the vehicle. She had warded the car so that once the she wolf was inside, she would be safe. Three wolves snapped at her. She was sure the coven members her father had called were near. She just hoped they would wait for her to get to her next destination. So far so good.
Nina heard Faith scream. Damn. She hadn’t gotten to the car. The screaming had the wolves even more on edge as Faith was tossed in beside her followed by three huge wolves who vibrated with rage.
“I’m sorry,” Faith cried looking at Nina with wide eyes. Guilt filled her mind. She had been so focused on getting Howland that she hadn’t considered Faith in all this. She was sure they would let her go if only to report to the Alpha how they had taken the human.
“Shit,” Nina muttered. She had been too focused on ending this charade and getting on with living as a mated wolf. Now she had put Faith in danger. “Some enforcer I’d make.”
Three naked men replaced the wolves in the small confines of the van. They looked even more menacing than they had in wolf form. One of the wolves had red rimmed eyes. Nina knew what that meant. Ryder had the same red tinting around the edges of his blue eyes. A reminder of what happened if you deny your mate.
“Nice crew you got here,” Nina called to the man she assumed was Will. He fit the description June had given Faith.
“Shut her up,” he growled as the van sped through the underground and out into the late afternoon.
Nina saw the blow coming. She knew if she stopped it, it would give away her abilities. Faith was quiet. They probably wouldn’t bother with her. It was the mouthy human that had them all hot and bothered. The feral wolf’s fist hit her hard. She blacked out. Her last thought was of Faith and how she should have listened to Willow’s warning.
17
“They what!!!” Knight exploded. He had allowed his mate to continue the charade for now. It took all his will power to allow her to leave with Ranger. She hadn’t denied the bond.
“Willow thinks they are trying to force Howland’s hand.” Royal shook his head. He felt helpless and his brother’s rage wasn’t helping.
“Why would they do that?”
“My guess is that they wanted this over with. Mated females can be a force to be reckoned with. You’ll learn there is no stopping them when they put their mind to something.”
“You think Faith did this because of me?” Knight roared.
“The why doesn’t matter? All that matters is getting the women back. I’m calling Malcolm. We’ll head out as soon as we know something.”
“I’ll head out now, brother. I can’t just wait around and hope. My mate is out there and I’m going to get her,” Knight stormed out of the house. Royal knew there was no stopping him. If it was Gemma out there, he would do the same.
Ranger paced the area around Nina’s car. The damn doors wouldn’t open, so he couldn’t even check inside. There was no sign of the
women. The smell of Faith’s fear permeated the area. His cell phone rang and woke him from the red haze he was wading through at the moment.
“Nina?” he growled not bothering to check the caller I.D.
“Malcolm. Ranger, the coven tailed them. They are out past the airport on Route Five. White van, Florida plates.”
“You knew about this?” Ranger raged.
“When Nina sets her mind to something, there is no stopping her. You have a lifetime to figure that out. I will meet you there.” Malcolm hung up abruptly. Consoling the werewolf that was now his son-in-law was not going to help.
“Faith?” Nina was still groggy as the stark bulb above the bed she was in pierced the darkness.
“Here,” Faith whimpered. Nina turned to see. Faith chained to the wall across the room. Lifting her wrists she noted that she was chained as well.
“Are you hurt?”
“I’m okay.” The words didn’t sound convincing.
“Listen, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to get caught in this.”
“I volunteered remember? Don’t blame yourself.”
Nina pushed her awareness out until she felt the presence of shifters. “Any idea where we are?”
“Not far. You’ve only been out for about an hour.” Faith sounded tired and scared.
“Can you shift?”
“No. My arms are chained above my head and they collared me.”
“Collared?”
“Yeah. If I shift, it will choke me, and my arms will most likely break.”
“Nina twisted her head. The pain was sharp, but there was no evidence of a collar. The room had one small bed that had seen better days they had Nina stretched out on. Faith was chained to the light fixture protruding from the wall. Nina allowed her awareness to stretch. She was trying to sense how many others were in the house.
“I feel about Forty shifters in the house. Some are asleep. Did you see any of the others?”
“No, just the four that took us. I heard them say they were waiting for someone. Do you think it’s Howland?”
“I sure hope so. Listen, Faith, I’m going to disappear for a second. When I do, they might notice. I have to let down my shield to do it.”