by Bethany Shaw
“My mom and I were just about to make some coffee and were wondering if you wanted to join us,” Emily whispered.
“I um…” Natalia started, turning to look at Adrian.
“We just thought it might help pass the time a little quicker if we were together,” Emily offered with a shrug. “You don’t have to, though.”
Natalia hesitated as her stomach rolled with anxiousness and knotted into a tight ball. If she stayed in this empty room, she would not only wear a hole in the carpet, but she would probably go stir-crazy waiting for word.
“Okay,” she said. Going to the dresser, she grabbed the baby monitor and flicked it on.
Emily gave her a small smile as they walked down the stairs. The house was quiet—so quiet that she could hear the rumble of the coffee brewing in the pot from the stairwell.
“Maddie and Amelia are already in bed for the night, Sarah is locked in Preston’s room, and all the guys are out surrounding the property. It’s just us in the house,” Emily explained, as if reading her mind.
Natalia felt her body tense, her muscles coiling tighter with each movement as she thought of the impending fight. Gene would be okay, she assured herself.
“Did Marcus go?” Natalia asked.
“No,” Emily answered. “He would’ve gone, but he hasn’t been the same since he was injured. He was protecting me during an attack about a month ago—the same one that Gene’s dad died in. Marcus was nearly killed trying to keep me safe. When they abducted me, I had no idea if he was alive or not until Daniel told me a day later. It was the most horrific twenty-four hours of my life. The bones didn’t set right in his back, and he has some cardiac problems, but he is alive, and that is all that matters. Marcus doesn’t complain about it, but it is obvious every time he shifts that his body is not the same.”
“I’m confused, I thought shifting helped us heal faster,” Natalia asked.
“It does, but Marcus’ injury was severe, and he did not allow his body to rest properly afterwards. He nearly died, and, because he had to force a shift, it has disrupted the balance with his wolf. I am confident that, with time, he will overcome it. I know he wishes he could be there too,” Emily said as she opened the door to the kitchen.
Claire looked up as they entered. Her eyes seemed hollowed, and her face, ghastly pale. Her brownish-grey hair was in disarray; strands poked out from all sides of her ponytail.
Tapping her mug against the counter, she said, “I’m glad you decided to join us.”
“Thank you for inviting me. I may have gone crazy, sitting in that room,” Natalia acknowledged, setting the baby monitor on the table before having a seat.
“Any word yet?” Emily asked, eyes gazing out the window.
“They have arrived at the rendezvous point and will commence the attack within the next few minutes,” Claire said with a sigh.
“It’s going to be okay, Mom,” Emily said, wrapping her arms around her mother.
“One day when you have kids, Em, you’ll understand a mother never stops worrying over her children,” Claire said, gripping Emily’s hands and resting her head against her daughter’s. “I will not truly be at ease until all three of my boys are at home again.”
“They’ll take care of each other,” Emily said quietly.
“I know. I just cannot bear the thought of another funeral. Children your age should not be buried,” Claire worried, her voice growing thick as she spoke. Clearing her throat, she turned to Emily. “Do you mind getting my sweater for me, sweetie?”
“Sure.”
Natalia watched as the younger brunette walked out of the room, the door creaking shut behind her as her footsteps thumped across the hardwood floors.
Shifting in her seat, Natalia stared at the grains in the wooden table, unsure what to say to the other alpha female. The chair opposite her rubbed against the floor as Claire pulled it out and sat down.
“You care for Gene,” Claire stated.
Natalia looked up, meeting the other woman’s eyes. “I…” she started, but didn’t know how to finish.
“I didn’t understand the draw myself when I first felt it. My husband—Devon’s father, Joseph—he was unlike any other man I’d ever met. When he walked into the room, my heart would skip a beat, and I would get butterflies in my stomach. The more I was around him, the more I felt drawn to him, like a moth to the flame. I couldn’t deny the allure—the attraction,” Claire said, her eyes misting as a smile spread across her thin lips.
“I do not understand why you are telling me this,” Natalia whispered.
“Because I recognize the connection you and Gene have, and I would hate for your apprehension to get in the way of something truly special,” Claire explained.
“As much as I love Daniel, Vincent, and Emily, I despised their father. Having known true love and experiencing the love of my mate, no one could ever live up to that. I committed some of the most horrendous things because of Emmett. My Devon nearly died several times because of him. I know you must hate me for the past. I don’t expect your forgiveness for my part in your imprisonment, but I would like to offer my apologies.” Claire sighed as she stood up and walked to the coffee pot, taking the kettle from the machine and pouring a cup. “Would you like some?”
“Yes, thanks,” Natalia said after a long moment. She blinked, processing the apology she’d gotten from Claire. The she-wolf trailed her finger across the fine grains of the table as she realized that she could sympathize with Claire. If Adrian’s safety were to be threatened, there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do to protect him.
Claire poured the steaming liquid into a cup and set it on the table. “Anyway, I just want you to think on it. Don’t dismiss Gene without truly exploring what it is that the two of you have.”
“Here you go, Mom,” Emily said as she came back into the kitchen a dark eggplant-colored sweater in hand.
“Thank you, sweetie,” Claire said, taking the sweater and wrapping it around her slender frame.
A cell phone on the counter chimed, and, with trembling fingers, Claire walked over to it. Picking it up, she slid her finger across the screen and closed her eyes. “The attack is starting.”
Chapter Eighteen
––––––––
Gene lowered himself to his belly as Lark positioned herself in the grassy ridge. The fifteen-minute drive here had been excruciatingly slow. Gene needed some resolve after everything that had happened. He narrowed his eyes, having already transitioned into a wolf. He saw everything clearer and more vividly. Adam, one of Devon’s pack members, nestled in on the other side of Lark. The thick, tall grass blew in the wind, concealing their approaching pack. The rain pelted them, hopefully disguising their scents. He caught a glimmer of one of their men’s backs, but it disappeared just as quickly.
Panting, he inched forward, his stomach dragging across the wet earth. Mud slicked across his abdomen, and imbedded itself between his toes.
“Gene,” Lark hissed, her blue eyes narrowing. “You’re supposed to stay here!”
Swiveling his head to look at her, he was surprised to see he was about twenty feet ahead of her. Huffing in annoyance, he backtracked up the hill until he rested next to her again. She pulled the gun tighter against her shoulder, closing one eye as she pressed the other against the gun.
Focusing fully on the farmhouse, he watched as the first few of their wolves snuck across the murky terrain. The rain seemed to intensify as the first snarl erupted into the air. Growling, his back legs shook, aching to be a part of the action. But he knew he couldn’t leave Lark, and, deep down ,he knew that they were right. The pack could not afford to lose both alphas, and Devon was the most levelheaded at the moment. Still, he wanted blood—revenge for Preston, for his dad.
The loud pop of the gun firing drew him from his vengeful thoughts as he saw an enemy wolf fall limply to the ground. Lark scooted forward, the muddy water sloshing beneath her as she situated and fired again, hitting her mark. Gene w
hined as more men and wolves exited the house, fanning out across the grassy terrain. The wolves on the ground fought rolling through the mud as snaps, snarls, and growls rang out in the air. Amidst all of the noise, the deafening bang of Lark’s rifle cut through the night once again.
The grass to his left shifted, and Gene rose to his feet as a grey wolf darted toward them. Sprinting ahead, he jumped, catching the wolf in midair and dragging him back to the mud. Nails extended, Gene tore into the sensitive flesh of his enemies underbelly. The wolf rolled, and Gene lunged again, not giving him the chance to regain his balance. Sinking his teeth into the wolf’s shoulder, the alpha shook his head as hard as he could.
Copper warmth filled his mouth, and he unclamped his jaw, wrestling the wolf to the ground. As soon as he had the other wolf pinned, he jabbed his outstretched nails into the other wolf’s chest and dragged them down the full length of his torso. Turning back towards Lark, he noticed she was now standing.
Adam took on two other wolves as Lark shot at the ones approaching. Racing toward Adam, Gene tackled one of the wolves to the ground, pulling them through the wet grass. The wolf bit into his right front leg, and he winced in pain, snapping his jaws at him until he caught the other wolfs ear. Jamming his back legs out, he hit the other wolf’s belly, sending him reeling back. Quickly regaining his balance, he stormed ahead and lunged, going straight for the neck. Ripping into the furry flesh, he yanked back as hard as he could. The wolf spasmed beneath him, then stopped, lying utterly still.
Lark let off a series of shots, unloading a round into a line of approaching wolves. She paused to reload, and Gene sprang into action before they could reach her. Adam ran beside him, and they each attacked one of the two remaining wolves, making quick work of them. Stepping back from the wolf’s body beneath him, he turned, snapping as he heard footsteps softly padding through the grass. He halted his attack, instantly recognizing Lark.
The blonde reeled back, stumbling and falling on her butt. “We’re winning,” she said as she pulled herself to her feet, wiping off her bottom. “Devon and the other’s are finishing off the last of them now.”
Gene turned to look, realizing she was right. Only four enemy wolves remained, and they were surrounded by his and Devon’s pack. They showed no signs of surrender. Instead, the wolves chose to fight to the death. Within seconds, their adversaries fell, being drastically outnumbered. Gene sucked in a deep breath as he sat on his haunches and howled up at the darkened night. They had won. Other howls echoed off the building, resonating in the cool crisp night air as they acknowledged their victory.
***
Gene pulled the SUV to a stop, the long line of cars coming to a halt in front of the ranch. Men climbed out of the cars, offering short goodnights as they headed off to their rooms and the showers for the night. After the fight and the cleanup, everyone was exhausted. Gene included.
“I think we made a good team,” Lark said as Devon wrapped an arm around her, their muddy boots clomping up the wooden steps.
“Yeah, well, I hope we never have to do that again. I don’t like the idea of you being out there,” Devon said.
“Lark was an asset tonight,” Gene pointed out, stepping in before their tiff could get out of control. “I’d be happy to have you on my team anytime.”
“Thanks, Gene,” Lark smiled.
“I do agree with, Dev, though. No reason to put you in danger unless we have too. That goes for everyone.”
Devon opened the door and motioned Lark in first. Gene followed after her, running a hand through his matted and muck-clumped hair. Some dried mud cracked and scattered to the floor and he sighed, realizing he needed to get in the shower.
The floorboards creaked as he saw Claire, Emily, Marcus, and Natalia emerge from the kitchen. Claire rushed forward, embracing Devon in a tight hug as she murmured in his ear. Natalia’s chestnut eyes met Gene’s, a small smile on her thin lips.
“How is everyone?” Claire asked, looking from Devon to Gene.
“Good. We had no casualties,” Gene answered.
“Any word from your brothers yet?” Claire questioned, her eyebrows rising to her hairline as she squeezed Devon’s hands.
“Not yet. But I’m sure they’re fine,” Devon said.
“I pray their trip to Louisiana is uneventful,” Claire sighed. “I will feel better when this war is over, and all my babies are at home.”
“Mom,” Devon grimaced at her word choice.
“And you look well,” Claire said, yanking Lark toward her and hugging her.
“We should get home, and get cleaned up,” Devon said, his muddied hand grasping Lark’s.
“Of course. We will speak more in the morning about our next step; it is very late,” Claire said, brushing the dust off of her front from hugging Devon and Lark.
“Do you want to say about nine?” Gene asked, looking warily at Devon.
“Yeah.” Gene watched as Lark and Devon left.
“We’re going to head up too,” Marcus said, placing a kiss to Emily’s temple as he led them away.
“I am glad everyone is safe,” Claire said, clasping the alpha’s dirty hand. Glancing between him and Natalia she smiled. “I think I should be heading off to bed as well. Goodnight.” Releasing his palm, she walked briskly to the stairs.
Natalia stared at him, and Gene felt his pulse spike once more as he took a step toward her.
“I am glad to see you are okay,” she whispered, her eyes roaming over him.
“Thanks.”
Her breath caught, and he watched her eyes widen as he inched closer. Stopping, he waited for her to either step back or forward.
“I should get upstairs,” Natalia said, pointing to the wooden staircase. “It is late.”
“Yeah, I need a shower,” he said, motioning to his clumpy hair with dirt-stained hands.
Natalia shifted on her feet as if she were unsure what to say. Licking her lips, she entwined her fingers, eyes focused on the floor.
Gene wanted to say something—anything—but didn’t know what to say to her. He wouldn’t quite call the moment awkward, but there were things that needed to be said between them.
“Well, goodnight,” Natalia said as she slipped past him. She turned, casting one final glance his way before she was out of sight.
Sighing, Gene shook his head. Whatever was going on with her, he wished they could figure it out already. Heading off toward his bedroom, he gritted his teeth. He should have said something to her.
***
Gene finished walking the grounds of the house. His hair still wet from the shower. He’d dressed for bed but decided he was still too wired to sleep. They’d won tonight, but the fighting wasn’t anywhere close to over. Not every skirmish would work out in their favor. Running a hand over his damp hair, he stomped up the steps to the house.
His right arm had reddish-pink puckered flesh where he’d been bitten. The injury had already healed mostly. They had been lucky tonight, suffering only minor injuries and no casualties on their end. His shoulders felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from them. Finally, things were starting to go their way.
Walking down the hallway, he headed for the kitchen. His stomach grumbled, and he hoped there were still some muffins left in the kitchen.
Opening the door, his eyes widened as he saw Natalia standing at the sink. She turned off the water, setting the bottle in her hand on a towel and turned to look at him. Her long coffee-colored hair was woven into a braid that hung over her shoulder. The grey tank top and red and black checkered pants she wore hugged her body perfectly. He ground his teeth as he remembered the way her body had felt wrapped around his; he groaned at the thought.
“Hi,” she greeted after a long moment, her voice husky. He wondered if she could sense his arousal.
“Hey,” he said, taking a step toward her.
“How are you?” she shifted her foot across the tile, eyes flitting between his and the floor.
“That’s on
e of those questions I wish everyone would quit asking,” Gene responded, placing both hands around her on the counter in a loose embrace. He’d love to say he was fine, but he wasn’t. His brother was dead, and that would never be okay.
“I am sorry. You are right. There is so much going on it is a little overwhelming. If I am flustered, I cannot imagine how you feel,” Natalia rambled.
“I’ll be okay,” he answered, leaning closer until his face was mere inches from hers.
Her breath caught and eyes widened at his close proximity. Her tongue darted out, licking her lips, and he leaned into her. Gene caressed her lips with his as he closed the gap between them, pressing his body against hers. Natalia’s lips parted, and he got lost in her sweet honey taste.
Her hands landed on his chest, creeping up his neck where they ran through his hair. Pulling back, he peppered kisses down her neck to her collarbone. Her head fell back and she moaned. He dipped his head lower, lightly biting one of her nipples through her shirt.
“We should go someplace else,” she whispered. Her fingers tangled in his hair, drawing him closer.
“My room is down the hall,” Gene said, placing another kiss to her lips.
Natalia blinked her eyes open, meeting his. Her floral and sea salt scent permeated the air along with the lust budding inside her, which only aroused him more. His cock twitched in his pants, and he groaned, needing to bury himself inside her. Picking up the monitor off the counter, she nodded at him. Grasping her hand in his, he led her to the opposite end of the kitchen.
Not many people came into the old part of the house. It was the part that was for the alpha and his family. He led her down the long peach-colored hallway to his bedroom, hesitating for a moment before opening the door. He’d never brought a woman into his room before. Partly because of his parents, but also because he’d never met a woman whose scent he wanted on his sheets.
Shoving the door open, he motioned Natalia in first and closed the door behind him. He watched as she set the baby monitor on the dresser and took in the bedroom. His king size bed sat in the middle of the room, the black comforter rumpled—he never made his bed. Clutter littered one of his grey dressers, and his large TV sat atop the other.