Passion

by Bonnie Vanak

  Jake frowned. “And you. It seems to be targeting you, but why? Has it affected your mother or any other females when they were here?”

  “No. My mom and a few other females held a baby shower at a pavilion a couple of weeks ago.” Molly blinked hard. “It wasn’t until my father and the other males came to pick us up that things got tense. The males got all belligerent. Fortunately, their mates calmed them down and soon as they left, everything was fine.”

  “It’s you.” Jake’s frown deepened. “It’s targeting you. But why?”

  She wondered about that.

  He lowered his mouth to hers. “If I could, I’d give everything to keep you safe, and here in my home.”

  He led her into the bedroom and they made love. Later, as they drowsed in each other’s arms, the shrill beep of Jake’s cell phone interrupted them.

  Jake picked up his phone from the nightstand and answered it in his gruff, sexy voice.

  “Robert.”

  Blood drained from his face. “Right. We’ll see you in an hour.”

  As he set down the cell phone, she felt her stomach lurch. “He’s coming here to bring me back to the pack.”

  Jake nodded and enfolded her in his arms. But deep inside, she worried about the future.

  After showering, she made them a brunch of eggs, toast, coffee and bacon. Molly studied Jake digging into the food. He’d been too quiet since Robert’s call.

  They needed to talk. Reality had intruded on their blissful escape. Molly set down her fork and wiped her mouth with a paper napkin.

  “I’m not going back. I won’t mate with Luke. I can’t. There has to be another way.”

  Tension finally eased from his broad shoulders. “I won’t let you be mated against your will. I’ll beat that bastard with my own fists before anyone drags you off to spend the rest of your life with him.”

  His words touched her. Jake would fight for her. But would he go the extra step?

  She dared to voice her deepest desire. “I wish you had given me your mating mark. Then Luke couldn’t do anything. And we’d be together forever.”

  She felt him tense. “Molls, that’s permanent, an intimacy between bonded mates.”

  A male Lupine bit a female’s neck to mark her as his mate. Once she bore the mark, her scent would change and other males would lose sexual interest in her, even during her heat. But the mark was a bond between a mated pair. And Jake didn’t want a mate.

  After the incredible night they’d shared, she thought things had changed between them. He’d opened up about his past, and his pack. She wanted more than one night and thought he did as well.

  “So I’m not good enough as a lifetime partner?”

  Guilt touched his expression. “Molls, it’s not that simple. I care deeply for you…”

  “As a friend.”

  She pushed away from the table, intending to clear it. Jake stood and went to her. His fingers gently clasped her wrist and caught her chin between thumb and forefinger. “Look at me.”

  When she refused to meet his gaze, he raised her chin. “Molls, my life is pretty damn complicated. I still belong, technically, to Aiden’s pack. I can’t swear fidelity to another pack unless Aiden formally releases me.”

  Montana. It was cold, and she’d be far from her family. But she’d have Jake. She clung to hope. “You can ask Aiden. He’d probably let you go. And Robert would gladly accept you. He’s always respected you.”

  He drew in a deep breath. “I don’t have anything to offer to you as a mate.” Jake began ticking items off on his fingers. “No pack. No real home. No future. I know how important pack is to you.”

  “You have yourself.” She laced her fingers around his wrists. “You’re the most honorable, courageous male I know. I love you, Jake.”

  Long, dark lashes rested against his tanned cheeks as he closed his eyes.

  “I love you. Isn’t that enough?”

  His eyes opened and fierce resolve glittered there. “Not for you. You deserve more. A real house, a mate who can provide for you, give you babies, and a pack that will always watch your back. I don’t have that, Molly. I have…nothing.”

  A house. Four impersonal walls and a roof, and a male who would give her babies, and a pack. She’d have all that with Luke. Not love.

  They had shared something wonderful and special, and Jake backed off. He wanted to be reasonable, and she wanted to know where they stood.

  “The baby part may have happened anyway,” she reminded him, her voice edgy.

  After his speech about shying away from commitment, she expected a look of horror. Instead, pride and tenderness shone on his face. “A baby…”

  He hooked a lock of hair behind her ear. “You’re so pretty, and smell so good, and you’re all I could think about. I’ve wanted you for so long.”

  He wanted her, but wouldn’t make a commitment? Molly felt her temper rise. “So if I’m pregnant, you’ll be with me?”

  He kissed her forehead. “If you are carrying my baby, I’ll stand behind you. I’ll do whatever it takes, Molls. I won’t abandon you.”

  “And if I’m not? Back to business as usual? You’ll keep hiding here in your trailer, as a park ranger, refusing to be part of a pack? But I’ll be good enough for you to mate if I’m pregnant?”

  Jake’s mouth tightened. “It’s not that simple.”

  “Then explain it to me! Why can we be together?” Her voice broke. “Is it because you don’t love me?”

  He framed her face with his large hands, his palms warm, yet his heat did not chase away the chill deep inside her. “I do love you, Molls. Gods, I love you more than I’ve ever loved any woman.”

  “Then join my uncle’s pack. He’d be glad to have you!”

  “I can’t. I owe my fidelity to Aiden and the Mitchell pack.” He dropped his hands and dragged in a deep breath. “I left Montana to keep the peace. I negotiated a truce between your pack and the Silverns. I can’t risk starting a war here among your people. “

  Her people. What about her lover, the only one who’d ever made love to her? The passion of last night turned to ashes. Molly breathed deep and clenched her fists.

  “You’re not giving me much of a choice, are you? You won’t take me as your mate, so go your own way, Jake. And I’ll go mine. I don’t need you.”

  Liar, the little voice inside her whispered.

  Leaving the dishes on the table, she went into guest bedroom to pack. Tears burned the back of her throat, but she ignored them. No matter what happened, she wouldn’t mate Luke. Too much in her life had changed by making love to Jake. After experiencing real passion, she wouldn’t settle for a loveless, stale relationship anymore, not even if it meant war between the two rival packs.

  I’m worth so much more. I deserve love.

  “Molls…”

  Jake stood at the door, his expression haunted. “I don’t want to lose you,” he said thickly. “I can bear a lot of misery in this crazy, mixed up world, but never seeing you again isn’t one of them. You’re the missing piece of my heart, and when a guy’s lucky enough to find someone that special, he doesn’t let her slip away. He hangs on tight as he can.”

  Anger faded, and her heart turned over at the sorrow on his face. “Jake. Oh, Jake. I don’t want to lose you, either.”

  In two strides, he crossed the distance separating them and pulled her into his arms. His kiss was hot and fierce and possessive. She kissed him back, wishing things could be different. But even so, she knew she could no longer ignore her own needs.

  The heavy rumble of a truck sounded outside. They broke apart, Jake’s expression tightening.

  “Robert’s here.”

  In a caress that heated her blood all over, Jake traced her lower lip with his thumb. “It’s going to be okay.”

  She pulled away, feeling the distance grow between them. Jake couldn’t commit, and she deserved better.

  A sharp knock sounded at the door. Taking her hand, Jake walked into the living
room. As he opened the door, Robert stood on the porch. In his left hand he clutched a rolled parchment.

  “Molly.”

  Robert’s bear hug threatened to bring on tears as she thought of the possibility of losing him if it came to war. No more crying. She was through with tears.

  Jake stuck out a hand. “Robert.”

  No more “sir,” as if things had changed between them. They had, she realized. Jake rested a hand on Molly’s shoulder. She winced internally at the hard look on Robert’s face as he studied Jake.

  “Please, come in,” Jake told her uncle.

  They sat in the living room. Robert refused an offer of refreshments and turned to her. “Tell me how you really feel about mating Luke. Not the answer you think I want. I want to know your feelings.”

  No breaking the ice asking about her welfare, or asking questions about how Jake had treated her—the remembrance of the way he’d made her cry out as she clung to him coaxed a heated flush to her cheeks—but not this. Molly summoned all her courage. Robert was intimidating and fierce, but he loved her.

  “I’m not in love with Luke Silvern. I’ll never learn to love him, as Mom and Dad keep insisting. I need something more. I deserve something more. I won’t do it, Uncle Rob.”

  His expression guarded, the alpha waited.

  “I’m sorry if my decision will cause trouble for our people, but I won’t be a sacrificial lamb.”

  Her uncle gave a gentle smile. “I never wanted you to be a lamb, Molly. You’re too much of a wolf for that. I only wanted you to be happy. Remember what I told you? Mating someone is for a lifetime.”

  His expression grew pensive. “At least it should be.”

  She knew he had loved Caroline, the Mage who had nearly destroyed their pack. Robert had refused to find another potential mate.

  Gaze hardening, he studied Jake. “I don’t know what happened between you, and I don’t want details. But you hurt my niece in any way, and I’ll make you regret you were born.”

  “Jake would never hurt me,” she began.

  Her lover silenced her with a look and held up a hand. “I would never hurt Molly. I love her. But I will be honest. I’m not in a position to make a commitment.”

  Robert gave him a level look. “Are you saying you will not make her your mate?”

  Jake picked up her hand, squeezed it. “I love her. And the details, we’ll work them out.” He gave her uncle an equally level look. “It’s our business, and not yours.”

  Molly held her breath as the two men locked gazes. She heard low growls rumble from Robert. Testosterone levels rising, her uncle didn’t like the challenge.

  Yanking her hand free, she waved her arms. “Enough! Stop it, Uncle Rob!”

  He turned to her and blinked, as if waking from a trance.

  “We have other matters to consider. Hello? Pack business?”

  Robert tensed as he held out the parchment he’d gripped so tightly. “There’s trouble. That’s the real reason I came here to see you.”

  Jake nodded. “If that’s what I think it is, it’s very bad news. Is that a declaration of war?”

  His mouth thinning, Robert threw the parchment on the carpet. “In blood. William Silvern has turned as hot-headed as the other males.”

  “What’s going on?” She felt shaky inside, suspecting what had happened.

  “The truce has been broken. One of those fool Silvern males jumped one of our guys when he drove into town.”

  Molly went still, her heart racing. “Is he okay?”

  “He will be, but he got badly banged up. I demanded justice and William’s answer was a declaration of war. He’s tired of waiting for you answer about his son. He’s named the time—noon tomorrow.”

  Her heart dropped to her stomach. Jake muttered a low curse.

  Her uncle’s dark brows drew together in a scowl. “I tried reasoning with him. He’s turned as violent and arrogant as the rest of his pack. If I didn’t know better, I’d say there was something in the water.”

  Her heart thundered with panic.

  Jake glanced at her. “We need to tell him what we’ve discovered so far.”

  Robert listened as they explained about the darkness in the park, the fire ant attack, and the dying raccoon. The alpha frowned.

  “It could explain why all my males seem so testy lately. But has anything happened lately?”

  “No.” Molly shook her head. “After the Crimson Wizard made an appearance, we didn’t find anything else. Not even a dying plant.”

  “It could be gone. My concern now is this war.” Robert shook his head. “We’re going to be outnumbered.”

  “I’ll join you,” Jake told her uncle. “I’ll fight every damn one of them.”

  “This isn’t your war,” Robert said evenly.

  “Is now.” Jake rolled a shoulder, making his powerful muscles flex. “You’ll need me.”

  “It will get ugly.” Her uncle cracked his knuckles and looked dangerous. She wouldn’t want to tussle with him.

  Glancing at Jake, and the hardened expression on his face, she wouldn’t want to tussle with him either, except in love play. These two males she loved stood ready to fight to the death for the pack.

  Robert picked up the parchment and crushed it in his fist. “Another thing. The fight must be on neutral territory. We selected the park.”

  Jake shook his head. “No, Robert. The bad magick could surface, make the fighting worse.”

  “Well, damnit, we have no choice and no time to find a new location. I’m not risking any of my people getting beaten up for showing their faces. The park is our only option for neutral territory we can both agree upon. I need you to pick a location far from Skin interference, Jake.”

  “The best location is the beach. I know a patch of beach that’s neutral. And safe from dark magick.”

  “And you’ll never get it free from Skins, or the police. Choose a location here, Jake.”

  He sighed. “All right. I know a spot.”

  “The odds are against us. We’re a small pack. The Silverns will bring 50 males to the fight. We have only 30 in our immediate circle who can fight.”

  “Isn’t there any way you can talk sense into them?” she asked.

  “Even William’s mate can’t reason with him. No one can. He’s determined to fight us.” Robert scowled.

  Jake stared into the distance, seemingly lost in thought. Finally he stood. “I have to make a call. I’ll be back.”

  As he left, cell phone clutched in one hand, she wondered what could be so important when her very future was at stake.

  It was time.

  For more than a year, he’d ignored his pack, needing time away to heal. Not even knowing if Aiden and the Mitchell pack would welcome him home. He’d been a lone wolf, walked alone, and grieved alone.

  Jake didn’t care about himself anymore.

  But he sure as hell cared about Molly, and wasn’t going to let Luke Silvern take her by force. What if Robert lost and the Silvern pack took her by force? No way in hell would he let that happen.

  He hated to admit it, but he needed help.

  Jake went out to the porch and steeled his spine. Part of being strong was admitting when circumstances overwhelmed you.

  He dialed the number he’d never forgotten.

  Aiden answered immediately. “Jake!”

  Of course, caller ID. “Hey, Aiden. How are things?”

  He listened as the alpha of the Mitchell pack talked about the latest news. Nostalgia filled him. The pull toward returning came on strong.

  But now he had a duty here to protect the woman he loved.

  “Jake, what’s wrong?”

  A rueful smile touched his mouth. Aiden always knew when something troubled one of his pack.

  He explained about the troubling evil found in the park, and the fire that had nearly engulfed Molly.

  “There’s more. Just as bad,” he added.

  “Of course. Because you’re never boring, J
ake.”

  He grinned. He’d missed the alpha’s dry sense of humor.

  His grin dropped as he recalled the stakes. “I’ve managed to ruin a virgin.”

  “Ruin? If you made love to a virgin, I’d say she was not ruined, but redeemed. Unless you were so amazing she’ll never get satisfaction anywhere but your bed.”

  “She’s ruined, all right. Molly had contemplated mating the son of a local rival alpha.” He paused. “The same alpha who is declaring war on Molly’s pack.”

  “Terrific,” Aiden sighed.

  “And there’s more.”

  “Terrific.”

  “Molly…may be pregnant. She was coming into her heat last night.” His hand tightened on the cell phone.

  Aiden sighed again. “You don’t do anything by half measure, Jake. But I’m damn glad you found a female worthy of you at last.”

  He stared into the surrounding forest. “What do you mean?”

  “Karlene wasn’t good enough to wipe your paws. She caused more trouble than any other female working for me.”

  Once he would have snarled at such insults to his dead lover. But time had sharpened Jake’s awareness and tolerance, and distanced him enough to listen.

  “What did you have against her?”

  “She got all my men ruffling their feathers like proud peacocks, then nearly set you to fighting each other over her.”

  The alpha drew in a deep breath. “She nearly had you and Garth at each other’s throats.”

  “Yeah. Would have been better if we killed each other. Karlene would still be alive. Instead Garth burned her to death.’

  “He didn’t torch her. Never set that fire.”

  Jake nearly dropped his cell phone. “What? If he didn’t, who did?”

  “I don’t know. Could have been an accident.”

  “And you believe him.”

  “Yes. But you ran off before he could explain.”

  The accusatory note in Aiden’s voice, and his alpha’s firm belief in Garth’s innocence filled Jake with cold rage. “I had good reason to leave. It was coming down to a war in the pack, Aiden. If I didn’t leave, many more could have been killed.”

  “And you underestimate my authority and my leadership. I’d have cracked skulls,” the alpha growled. “After Karlene’s death got all my males in a crazed frenzy, I knew you had to blow off steam. It would have come to nothing more than fistfights and then I’d have put a stop to it. Garth knew it. But you didn’t trust in my judgment.”