Judah (The Strong Pack Book 3)

by Crystal Dawn

  “Our attack and subsequent victory pushed Mr. Crazy all the way over the edge?” Mal asked. Jude hadn’t even heard her walk up behind them. It just showed how serious he took the information.

  “Any ideas on what to do? So far you’ve had the best ideas.” Jude said that since Mal had been the one to suggest the surprise attack. It had worked perfectly because Kirk had figured them all out and knew they wouldn‘t attack. Mal was a wild card never doing what anyone expected.

  “There isn’t any choice. We have to hunt him and take him down.” Mal observed. It didn’t look like she liked it but she knew the way it had to be.

  “Once everyone finishes breakfast, we’ll gather to break down into teams for the hunt.” Ari agreed.

  Jude took his mate by the arm and led her to the table where he sat next to his dad and Mal sat next to him. Jericho was on his dad’s right side as tradition dictated. Now that Jude had taken the time to reflect on the place they each had in the family and the pack, he realized they each had difficulties to deal with and benefits they reaped. He might not have the power that Jericho would someday wield, but neither did he have as many responsibilities. Life was a balance and he intended to find his. It was his privilege to assist his brother in running the pack and that was what he would do.

  He ordered his breakfast once the waitress came by. She already had their drinks and she was right on the money without even asking. That showed that she was a good waitress and that they ordered the same drinks all the time. Habits could be good and some would save your life but sometimes breaking habits won the day. That is what had happened when they had followed Mal’s plan to take out Kirk’s camp. It would have been for the best if Kirk had died in the attack but the goddess spared him for some reason. Maybe Kirk was just too insignificant in the grand scheme of things for her to notice him.

  The waitress brought their food quickly and everyone ate in silence. Jude’s thoughts were on hunting Kirk down and destroying him. It was an unpleasant task that he saw no honor in performing. He did realize it was necessary to safeguard the weaker pack members which were the ones a coward like Kirk would attack. Even as they ate Kirk slunk around the edges of pack lands looking for a victim. The general had been spotted by guards but ran off before they could get outside the fence.

  Once everyone was through eating they just sat there stalling for a few precious moments while each person made peace with themselves over what they were about to do. This was not war or even a battle. They couldn’t allow him an opportunity to escape and cause any more harm. Finally they could stall no longer.

  “Everyone ready?” Jericho asked. Nods all around answered him. The grim countenances also told him no one looked forward to this which was only right. He’d be unhappy to be in the company of anyone who enjoyed killing like that. “Come along then. We need to arm ourselves. This is a mercy killing that needs to be dine swiftly and as painlessly as possible.”

  That would be the best way but plans didn’t always go according to expectations or maybe he should have said hopes. They followed after Jericho as he led the way to a small supply closet that held just a few type of hand guns and ammunition. The plan was to arm everyone with hand guns then track him. They would have to get mighty close to shoot him which might be a hole in Jericho’s thinking. Jude decided not to say anything and just hope it would work out as Jericho wanted it to.

  They all were now armed and the guns were loaded. No one took tactical gear since that would slow them down and none of them planned to get close enough to be attacked. Jude was a little concerned about that thinking but maybe he was just giving the general too much credit. After all they had taken his whole army out with ease and while a few of their people had been injured not one had been killed. It had been amazing to watch such a one sided battle.

  Mal was at his side as the others broke off to head in different directions. There were enough of them to cover the grounds well. His attention was mostly on Mal, the sweet scent that wafted from her, the warmth that radiated from her skin even when she stood in the shade. The temptation to kiss her rolled over him but he fought it since they were on duty. There was a need that they had to see to whether they liked it or not. Lifting his nose in the air he took a deep breath smelling only damp earth and distant animals foraging for food. Mal growled, her wolf wanted out to explore the rich woodlands. He chuckled at her frustration but had she been in wolf form she would have snapped at him. Instead she glared.

  No one was near them and he felt the desire to take her to the ground and have her. Of course he couldn’t since they had a job to do. It wasn’t smart to lose the concentration needed for a wolf hunt but in Jude’s mind the worst thing that could happen is they would miss seeing the hunted and he would escape to live another day. Maybe he even preferred that because this hunt was abhorrent to him. Regardless of what the general had become and the lies he had told, there had been a time he had been like a favored uncle to him. Okay, maybe that was stretching it a little but he had been at least like a well thought of adviser in his life.

  The advice he’d give in most areas had been sound. Jude had invested his pay well and now had a sizable nest egg. He had stayed out of trouble by avoiding the places Hamish had said were dangerous. As the Lt., he had always followed orders successfully completing each and every mission he was sent on. There was value in those things that made this mission particularly heinous. What if the vampire was just pissed off about their loss and blamed the general’s leadership and wanted to get even? How would they ever know if they had needlessly killed him?

  Jude struggled with those questions as he walked side by side with his mate through the quiet and beautiful woods he had once known so well. He wished they had time to just explore so he could enjoy his new mate in the way that he wished. Glancing at her he realized she was looking around at the peaceful environment and her wolf was wanting out too. It was hard to be newly changed, because her wolf was like a pup wanting to play and be free. Jude could imagine them playing in the woods as wolves before turning back and making love.

  Reaching down he adjusted his cock which strained against his pants. The rough material rubbed him mercilessly. That’s what he got for not keeping his mind on the task at hand. A noise caught his attention then a second later his back was on fire. His nose caught the scent werewolf. In his human form he was no match for the beast that had jumped him. His shift came about almost instantly but the weight on his back was already gone. His mate had attacked his attacker backing him off. It seemed her human wasn’t the only form that could fight.

  The bastard ran and in his current shape, with strips of skin and meat hanging off his back and blood running down onto the ground, he was in no shape to pursue. Mal refused to leave him as she attempted to press her shirt against his wounds to stop the bleeding. Jude knew he would be alright in time but he needed to get to the pack healer so he could stitch him up. Otherwise with the meat and skin the general had pulled loose, he might have some nasty scars.

  Jericho came to them at a dead run. “What the hell happened?”

  “Kirk snuck up on us and landed on Jude’s back. His claws were incredibly sharp. He just ripped through his shirt into his back slicing it open. I was able to get him off and he took off that way.” Mal explained pointing the way the general had run. “He’s mad as a hatter. The feral gleam is in his eyes.”

  “It sounds like he has no sense of self-preservation either. Attacking Jude will just make us more determined than ever to catch him.” Jericho observed.

  “That one is full of hate.” Alex noted. “He’ll not stop until we stop him for good.”

  “We’d best gather all available guards and get Jude back to the healer.” Jericho agreed. Off in the distance a wolf howled. Was it the general or a natural wolf, no one could say. They all had to head back to the pack house for now, but they would be back soon.

  Jude grunted as the young healer worked on his back. Mal held his hand and looked concerned. Shaylm
a the healer was in training but was taking the place of the regular healer who was delivering a pup. The young she-wolf knew how to sew and was getting it done quickly. Once she was done, she would spray the wounds with something to sterilize the wound and kill pain. Just because wolves were tough didn’t mean they had to suffer unnecessarily.

  The healer was pretty and capable. She gave Mal instruction and smiled like she thought he wouldn’t follow them without his mate seeing to it. That was probably true but he’d never admit it. “So he needs to stay still?” Mal asked in disbelief.

  Shaylma nodded encouragingly. “Normally it wouldn’t be necessary but the feral had something on his claws that slows healing.”

  “You think he put poison ion them?” Mal asked.

  “No, had he purposely done it, the damage would have been more extreme. I think he picked something up walking through the battlefield. There was a lot of magic turned loose in the battles. Magic can have ill effects long after its original use.”

  “Should we restrict the area? We don’t want pups getting in there and being hurt.” Mal observed.

  “I assumed with a feral loose they wouldn’t be allowed out there.”

  “Everyone has been warned but that isn’t the same as guarding the area against possible entry.” Mal explained. “I’ll let Jericho know so he can decide.” The healer nodded. As the heir apparent he was given much responsibility. Once more Jude was relieved he wasn’t in charge. It made him feel bad that he had resented his family for years over a position he didn’t even want.

  It was a relief when they left the medical center. He knew that as a wolf he didn’t have to see healers as much as humans did but when he had to go he hated it. “Poor Baby.” Mal teased.

  Jude growled at her but she just giggled. The female made him happy and it was hard not to feel better just to be in her company. Jude just followed her as she led the way to the dining room. It was suppertime which meant that he had been in with the healer for hours. His stomach growled showing he needed some nourishment. It seemed everyone was in the private dining room. All the tables had been pushed together to make a giant one. A discussion was going on and everyone seemed to have an opinion. As soon as they became aware of his presence, they all quieted immediately.

  “Son.” His dad said with a nod. “Mal.”

  Jude could see the lines of worry and while he didn’t want to be the cause of it, it showed him his father cared. Many of the males nodded in welcome and the females murmured a greeting. There were only a few seats available so he and Mal took the closest two seats next to each other. The waitress brought drinks and took their orders quickly.

  “So what are we discussing?” Mal asked.

  “Hamish Kirk.” Ari replied.

  “What is the disagreement about?” Jude wondered.

  “Some of those present feel we should capture him alive.” Jericho admitted.

  “Why? To what purpose?” Mal asked.

  “Torture.” Ari answered.

  “That’s barbaric.” Mal whispered.

  “So is shredding Jude’s back.” Ari replied.

  “Kirk is crazy, we’re not.” Jude observed.

  Ari sighed heavily. “I know and sometimes that’s a shame. Still, we need to send a message that attacks on our people will not be tolerated.”

  “I think a speedy death will do that.” Jude pointed out.

  “I think you still feel some loyalty to him. It’s both crazy and admirable.” Jericho challenged.

  “No matter who it was, I would be against torture.” Jude insisted.

  “You’ve had to torture others before.” Jericho responded.

  “Yes, but only to save lives. It was never done if there was another choice.” Jude admitted.

  “That’s enough.” Ari said as he exerted his alpha control. “We don’t need to follow questionable practices. The general just needs to be taken out. Let’s do this quickly and humanely.”

  No one dared to challenge his decision now that it had clearly been made. Jude felt it was the only right decision to make. He would not be allowed to join the hunt and destroy mission but if he was honest, he didn’t want to. All he wanted to do was make love to his mate and forget his pain. Maybe she would give in but he doubted it. The healer had been clear in her instructions saying he needed to rest. Movement could be disastrous to his slowly healing wounds. Still, he was a male and a male would always take a chance to love his female. One glance at Mal who was searching his face as if she could find the answers to all her questions, told him she wouldn’t put up with anything.

  The best he could hope for was some cuddling. His female had to agree to give him a little comfort. Their food came at that moment and the scent of a warm home cooked meal made his mouth water. Everyone else was finishing their food but he and Mal had just started eating. The others would leave now that they had eaten even though night was falling. Jude wasn’t sure it was the best time to hunt a crazy wolf trained in all kinds of warfare. What he thought didn’t matter, the decision had been made. He sent a prayer to the goddess that none of his people would be hurt and that Hamish would be given a swift and painless death. That would be the best possible outcome.

  All the others were gone as he and Mal finished up their meal. When he stood his stitches pulled and he grunted immediately gaining his mate’s attention. “Are you alright? Well, as good as can be expected under the circumstances.”

  “I’m good.” He lied and she probably knew it. Pain swum over him but he was an alpha wolf and he would deal with it. Mal smiled softly at him then took his hand and squeezed it. She would have let it go but he clutched her hand in his taking comfort from her touch.

  “Let’s go to our room.” She suggested and he felt warmth run through him because she’d claimed his room as theirs. It was amazing how quickly things could change and he’d gone from not wanting to mate to not knowing how he’d ever lived without her.

  “Your wish is my command.”

  “Ha! If only. Everyone knows you do as you wish.”

  “That’s not true anymore. Now my heart only beats for you. You are the beginning and the end of my existence. What’s wrong?” He asked as a single tear tracked its way down her cheek. Jude lifted a finger catching it as it dropped off her face. Holding his finger up, he examined the tiny drop then looked at her.

  “That was just so beautiful. I never expected you to say something that romantic.”

  “Get used to it, Baby. That’s what love does to a male.” Jude knew he had never felt anything like this before. There had always been love in his life, for his family and friends, but never this all-consuming feeling he had for her.

  Reaching the door to their rooms, he opened it and held it there until she walked through. “I don’t suppose we could celebrate our romance?” He asked hopefully.

  She chuckled. “The healer was clear, you will rest.”

  It was no surprise that she was determined to force him to rest, but how easily she dismissed his charm and the temptation of his sexual ability was hard on his pride. On the other hand it helped that she cared about his wellbeing. That helped balance his personal pride so he could accept the loss of any chance to get lucky with his mate. Glancing at the bed, he wondered how in the hell he could get comfortable. Sleeping on his back was his usual position. His back was too painful to lay on so he’d have to try sleeping on his stomach.

  “I’m not sure I can sleep like this.” He admitted.

  “You don’t have to sleep, just relax. I’ll lay down next to you and we can talk.” He gave her a funny look. “What? Don’t you think mates talk in bed sometimes?”

  “Not those that are newly mated.” He growled in frustration.

  “We’ll just have to pretend we’ve been together for years. What do you like to talk about?”

  “How about them Hogs?”

  Mal laughed. “You’re into human sport teams?”

  “Not as much as the supernatural teams but I didn’t think you
’d know any of them.”

  “My dad is into hockey. He knows some of the guys on the Howlers team. My family knew about supes long before the rest of the white wolves did, we just didn’t know I had wolf blood. We even went to a few of their games a few years ago. They are ten times more violent than human games. Jasper and Finch are the best players I’ve ever seen.”

  “I know those two as well. They have always been hell raisers so doing it on the ice comes naturally.” Jude was stunned mal knew so much about a world that should have been hidden from her until recently. “How bout them Smokeys?”

  “I thought their name was so cool. They aren’t bad, they just can’t beat the Howlers. Judd and Breezy are their top players.”

  “How do you like the way they have both sexes on the teams?” Jude asked. Supernaturals didn’t divide the sexes at work. Although they tried to protect their females when they could, persistent females made in on the teams and in the army. That didn’t mean some fathers or mates weren’t overprotective. Some of them did rule over their females keeping them out of the limelight.

  “It almost makes you think supes believe in sex equality. That is until you see how some females are treated by some males.” Now Mal looked unhappy.

  “Most of us consider females equal to males.”

  “You’d better mister.” She shot him a glare when he chuckled.

  “If you intend to punish me now is the time. I can’t fight back.”

  “It will mean more if I beat you when you can fight back.”

  “I like the way that sounds. Anything you do to me will feel good.” His back was on fire but he still wanted his mate. Touching her would distract him from the pain. Jude reached out and ran his hand down her arm slowly. She moaned softly. “You sure you don’t want to love me a little?”

  “There’s no way to do that without causing you pain. We’ll follow the healer’s instructions. Maybe in a few days you’ll be better.”

  They continued to talk sharing their interests. Mal had a lot of interests similar to his. She loved bikes, sports cars, antiques of all kinds, and was a self-admitted foodie. Those were all things he liked as well. At some point his head had drooped and his eyes had closed. His dreams were vivid and Hamish was there telling him that he would take Mal away. They faced off, two black wolves with slobber dripping down their maws. Jude was slightly bigger with glossy fur that looked healthy. Hamish, the smaller wolf had shaggy fur that was dull and unkempt. Jude’s eyes were bright and clear, while Kirk’s were dull and glowed with insanity.