by Lisa Kessler
I finally lifted my head and stared at her beautiful face. No trace of makeup, with perspiration on her forehead, and she took my breath away.
She looked up at me, her gaze wandering over my face. “I would not wish any companion in the world but you.”
“Shakespeare.” I smiled as I ran my thumb along her cheek. “The Tempest, no?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Before my father disappeared, I thought I was going to be an actress on Broadway.”
“How did I not know this about you?”
Her laughter warmed me as she shrugged. “Not something I talk about. I went to community college for a couple semesters, but after my younger sister ran away, I left my dreams behind and focused on my work.”
Slowly I slid free of her body and lay down beside her as I drew her into my arms. She rested her head on my chest, her silky hair teasing my skin. I kissed her temple and whispered, “I want to know all your secrets.”
She peered up at me from under her lashes and shook her head. “I guess we’ll have to live, then.”
“But in case we don’t…” I lost myself in her eyes. “I need you to know, you’re my light in all this darkness. I don’t want this to end.”
She traced her finger along my lips. “Then don’t die for me tomorrow. Live.”
…
I woke with a start, but the panic faded when I found Isabelle, naked in my arms. I watched her sleep, memorizing the lines of her face. My body was already responding to having her so near, but there wasn’t time to surrender to temptation.
Today might be my last chance for a shower. If the plan went smoothly and Isabelle and the others escaped the walls of the compound…I would have Isabelle to thank for my salvation before leaving this world.
Poetic, but it didn’t give me the peace I was hoping for.
Sex with Isabelle hadn’t had the affect I was expecting. I’d thought it would help me find closure, maybe a readiness for my father’s retribution. At least a happy memory as I endured torture until my body could take no more.
But the opposite had happened. I’d never experienced a connection on every level like I had in her arms. She healed parts of me I hadn’t realized were lost.
And I wanted more.
Instead of being content to sacrifice myself, I found a burning desire to live. Too late now. The only way they would be able to escape with Madeleine was if I stayed behind. There was no other way.
I would die to protect her. But that didn’t mean I didn’t wish there was another option.
Quietly I got out of bed. She moaned but didn’t wake up. In the shower, the hot water helped me clear my head and regain my familiar mind-set. Deadly confidence.
When I came out of the bathroom, Isabelle was already up and dressed. She was in front of the mirror brushing her hair into a ponytail.
I watched her in the mirror, but she never made eye contact.
She finished with her hair and turned around. “We’ve got a lot to do today.” She glanced down at the towel around my waist and back to up my face. “You should put pants on so we can get going.”
Not the response I was expecting.
She moved around the room like a hummingbird, flitting from her bag to the closet, to the bathroom and back again. I stepped into her path. She nearly ran into me. Something wasn’t right. I caught her chin and lifted her head until her eyes met mine.
“You’re upset.”
She sighed, pulling away from my touch and staring at the floor. “We don’t have time for this right now.”
Her heart was racing in my ears.
I frowned. “No, we don’t, but I’ll make some for you.”
She backed up. “This mate thing—it’s making me nuts.”
The one thing I knew nothing about.
I sat on the bed, grateful when she settled beside me. She glanced my way. “I don’t regret last night.”
“Me neither.”
“But something happened.” She tapped her chest. “It meant something more to the wolf. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s like she recognized you when we touched, but…when we slept together she claimed you, or something.” She shook her head. “Sounds so lame out loud.” Her eyes met mine. “I don’t have words for it, but it was like a giant commitment that the rest of me hasn’t caught up with.”
She chuckled, but there was no joy in it. “I sound like I’ve lost my shit.”
I rested my hand on her knee. “Jaguars don’t have that instinct, but I swear to you, I have never been this honest with anyone. Ever.” I swallowed the emotion brewing in my gut. “Whatever happens today, I will fight with everything I have left for a chance at a future with you.”
The morning light shone in her eyes. “I won’t be able to leave you behind.”
“You will. And you’ll go back to Reno with Adam. Stay with your sister, and I’ll come back to you as soon as I can.”
A knock came on the door between the rooms. I got up, tightening the towel as I approached. Vance stared at me for a second.
Clearly, I was not who he was expecting.
“Never mind, then.” He shook his head, trying not to smile. “Apparently you did make it back last night.” He sobered. “Did Isabelle tell you Severino reached out to the Sedona Pack to verify my whereabouts?”
Shit. “No. I got back late. Does he know you’re not in Sedona?”
“Asher covered for me and said I was at the gun range training the wolves.”
“Good.” I started to close the door. “We need to get the girl before he hides her. I’ll be ready in five minutes.”
Once the door closed, I went directly to Isabelle and took her in my arms. Our kiss was hungry and desperate. When I forced myself back, we were both breathless.
“What was that for?”
“A promise.” I took her hand. “That won’t be our last kiss.”
If I didn’t get up, I’d never be able to walk away. I went to the closet and grabbed my dark suit and dressed quickly. After dragging a comb through my hair, I came out of the bathroom.
“Ready?”
She hooked her Ruger into her shoulder holster and nodded. “As I’ll ever be.”
I opened the door to the adjoining room and locked eyes with the Alpha. “When we’re near the gate, I’m going to have to restrain you.”
A muscle clenched in his cheek, but he didn’t refuse.
“My father will probably have another man take you to a holding cell. If you fight or try to break free, they won’t hesitate to kill you.”
His eyes narrowed, chin high and strong. “I won’t give them a reason.”
“Good.” I shifted my attention to Vance. “Reno will be the signal for you to enter. I’ll have you cleared at the front gate and the girl’s room. I probably won’t know where they’re holding the wolf.”
“I’ve got eyes and ears in the compound. I’ll find Adam.”
“Good.” I turned to Isabelle. “You will stay with me under the pretense of plotting the invasion into the Reno Pack’s territory. Once I get word from Vance that they’ve got the girl, I’ll keep my father busy while you meet them outside.”
Isabelle crossed her arms. “What’s the contingency plan in case someone sounds the alarm that Adam’s out?”
Vance answered before I could. “They won’t know. I’ll be sure of that.”
“Pretty cocky.” She lifted a brow.
He shrugged. “It’s well-placed confidence.”
I cleared my throat. “Is everyone clear on the plan?”
They nodded, and Vance added, “It’s risky, but if it works and we get away, you’re going to be hip-deep in shit, Sebastian.”
“I’m well aware, but unless you have a better idea…” No one spoke up. “All right. Vance, you’ll need to wait in Lovettsville. Keep your phone close. I want you inside before anyone notices your name on the list and alerts my father.”
“I’ll be there.”
I went to the door. “Time to go.”
When we finally reached a strip mall in Lovettsville, I pulled into the parking lot and turned off the engine. When I turned around, Adam broke the silence.
“Before we do this, I want to tell you both something.” He paused and cleared his throat. “I keep trying to figure out why fate would tie me to Severino’s daughter and then close the circle by connecting the sister of one of my packmates to Severino’s oldest son.”
Isabelle finally spoke. “Does it matter? I’m not in your Pack, and even if Sebastian and I both live through this, you’ve made it clear he’s not welcome.”
“I think it does matter.” Adam shook his head, meeting my eyes in the mirror. “I’ve learned to trust fate and destiny, and I don’t think this is any different.”
I ground my teeth, uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. “I think fate shortchanged Isabelle. She deserves a much better man.”
Adam’s eyes narrowed. “So be the better man, Sebastian.”
“I don’t know what you’re trying to say.”
Adam turned to Isabelle. “The moment I touched my mate’s skin, the wolf recognized her, and some kind of invisible web grew between us whether we wanted it or not.”
Isabelle nodded without so much as glancing my way. “Yeah, I heard the wolf howl inside my head.”
Adam went on, his voice low. “And when the two of you become one physically, your mate is claimed.” He struggled for words, but I was starting to realize where he was headed.
“You’re saying when we had sex, the mate bond tightened?” I looked over at Isabelle, but her attention stayed focused on the Alpha.
“It’s more than that.” He stared at his hands. “When your wolf makes that final connection with her mate, it’s more like an oath that you will care for and protect them. Only death would stop the wolf in your soul.”
Finally Isabelle met my eyes. “He’s saying the plan won’t work. I won’t leave you behind.”
Then she would die, too. Unacceptable.
I turned to Adam. “You have power as the Alpha. Take her into your Pack—then you can command her to follow you.”
“That’s not how it works. Yes, I can try to force my will over my Pack, but you’re still human, too. It’s not like she wouldn’t be able to resist.”
I groaned. “Then tell me what you think we should do. I won’t let her stay. My father will kill her or order me to do it, and when I refuse, he’ll make me watch someone else finish the job.”
Adam stared into my eyes, and again, that primal power ignited the air around us. “I think fate put you two together to heal the rift between our races. It’s your father’s poison that makes shifters enemies.”
“You think I haven’t dreamed of killing my father?” I hissed, shaking my head. “When you get inside the compound, you’ll understand how impossible that would be. There are cameras everywhere, and over one hundred trained assassins loyal to my father’s cause to protect him, not to mention his body armor.”
“Maybe not on your own, but for once in your life, try to think like a wolf. We’re stronger together. This isn’t your mission alone.” He swallowed, his voice softened, raw. “Be part of my Pack.”
All the air sucked out of the cabin of the car for a moment. Isabelle leaned in. “You were the one who told me he’d never be accepted.”
“I know.” Adam nodded. “But destiny put you two together for a reason. It won’t be easy, but I can see the big picture now. It makes sense. Lana, my mate, grew up in foster care, dreaming of a family. Yes, she has me and our twins, and my Pack loves her, too, but her brother is two feet from me right now, about to risk his life to save her little girl. A girl we never let him meet.”
Adam met my eyes. “You’ve shown me the world from both sides of this chessboard, and the aggressor here isn’t you or my Pack. Vance seems like a good guy, too. Your father has filled the jaguars with venom and made us enemies.” He shook his head. “I say we’re stronger as a family.”
I realized in that one moment why my mother had helped Adam’s father escape from the compound all those years ago. My mother believed in family.
My father wielded it like a sword.
I cleared my throat, keeping my features neutral. “How will this keep Isabelle safe?”
Adam took Isabelle’s hand, staring into her eyes. “If I take you and your mate into my Pack, I will have sway over your wolf, and in turn, I will have a connection to your mate that could help us find him after we’re clear of the facility.”
“But I’m not a wolf.” I couldn’t wrap my mind around his plan. Part of my dark soul ached for the chance to get to know my sister. She could be the only good thing my father had ever given me.
Adam cleared his throat. “Lana and Sasha are both jaguars, and while my wolf doesn’t assert the same power over them, I still feel when they’re in danger or hurting. According to Isabelle’s sister, Caldwell could locate his Pack, so I’ve been working on it. I can’t say it’s a hundred percent yet, but I could probably get us close enough to your location that we could find your scent.”
“Us?” I raised a brow.
“Well, you can bet your ass it won’t be Gareth, but if I can get Madeleine home, I could bring back a few Pack members to help me get you out.” Adam waited.
Isabelle met my eyes but spoke to Adam. “Can we get a minute alone?”
Adam nodded. “Okay. Your prisoner will just wait outside.”
I’d never noticed the wolf had a sense of humor before. He got out of the car, and I slid into the backseat with Isabelle. I took her hand. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“What? That we had sex and suddenly I have this compulsion to keep you safe?”
I laced my fingers with hers. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“That I’m not a better man or mate.” I tipped my head toward the Alpha outside the car. “His Pack has every reason to hate me. What he’s offering us…” I shook my head slowly. “I don’t deserve it…or you.”
She squeezed my hand. “All of this will be moot if your father kills us, right?” Her gaze moved to Adam’s back. “Before he does some mystical wolf thing to pull us into his Pack, I need to tell you something.”
“All right.”
Her emerald eyes shined into my soul. “I’ve never been in love before. I’ve been in relationships, but any good psychologist would tell you I have abandonment issues. My dad was my world, and when he vanished without so much as a good-bye, so did my ability to trust people.” She stared at our joined hands. “I don’t know if I can fix that.”
I lifted her chin and pressed my lips to her forehead. “I can honestly say I’ve never been willing to die for anyone, but if it might save you, I wouldn’t hesitate.” I searched her eyes. “If joining the Pack, will help you be safe…” I smiled. “Never in a million lifetimes did I imagine I would say these words. I would be honored to be a part of your Wolf Pack, Isabelle.”
She grinned, and in spite of the hell we were about to walk into, there was nowhere I would rather be. “So we can work out the details later.”
“After we survive, we’ll schedule a meeting.”
She laughed and wiped her nose. “Adam was right—you are less of a dick now.”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “You have that effect on me.”
She tapped on the window, and Adam opened the door. “Well?”
I looked up at him. “You’re certain your Pack won’t overthrow you when they discover what you’ve done?”
“Many of them won’t be happy with me, but I hope they’ll come around.” He straightened. “Come out here with me.”
We got out, and I scanned the lot for any of Nero’s cars, then the rooftops for snipers. When I was satisfied we were clear, I found Adam staring at me.
“Seriously? You didn’t think I already checked to be sure no one was watching us?”
“Well”—I shrugged—“you are a wolf.”
He shook his head slowly. “And I’m about to be your Alpha. God help me.”
Isabelle looked at each of us. “So do we hold hands and sing ‘Kumbaya’ or…?”
“It’s nothing like that.” Adam closed his eyes and pulled in a slow breath, then one more. When he opened them, his eyes glowed and energy pulsed around us, the hair on my arms rising. Adam’s voice hummed with power, deep and raw. “Isabelle Wood, sister of Raven, I accept you and your mate into my care. My Pack is your Pack.”
I held my breath and waited. The surge of power dulled and gradually vanished.
I frowned. “I don’t feel any different.”
“Me neither,” Isabelle said.
Adam shook his head. “You probably won’t feel it, but I do.” He got in the backseat and looked up at us. “Let’s bring my little girl home.”
Chapter Eighteen
Isabelle
I secured zip ties on Adam’s wrists while Sebastian drove us closer to Nero. If push came to shove, a werewolf could probably bust out of the plastic shackles, but Adam understood his part in this plan. He needed to play by Severino’s rules until Vance could get him out.
Once my “prisoner” was all set, I tried to slow my heartbeat into an even rhythm. To say I was dreading seeing Antonio Severino again was a gigantic understatement.
Adam bumped my shoulder. “For today, just focus on being a bounty hunter.”
I glanced his way. “Your Alpha powers kicking in?” He nodded and tilted his head toward the front seat. “If it makes you feel any better, he’s wound just as tight as you are.”
Sebastian adjusted his grip on the steering wheel but otherwise pretended he couldn’t hear us.
I ran my hands up my arms. “And how can you be so calm?”
Adam shook his head slowly. “Far from calm, but I’m holding it together for Madeleine. I’m also clinging to the fact that my father escaped from Nero. If he did it once, then it’s possible, and I should be able to do it again. Or at least that’s what I’m hoping for.”