The Chase Is On (Pack Everhart Book 1)

by Brooke Warren

  She peers up at me. “You have no idea how much that means to me.” She lifts on her toes and presses a kiss to my cheek. The air in my lungs freeze and burn at the same time. What do I do? I know what I want to do, but I can’t discern what’s appropriate. Granger claps my shoulder.

  “Little One, I’ll set the table, if that’s okay?”

  “Yes, thank you. Dinner is almost done.” Claudia releases me, and I hate the instant loss of her body’s heat flush against mine. I want to grab her and pull her back to me. Granger gives me a knowing nod. Thankfully he stepped in, but now I’m in desperate need of a cold shower.

  “I’m going to go wash up real quick before we eat.” Ascher gives me a sympathetic look when I walk by. The struggle is real.

  Claudia

  Dinner is ending, which means it's almost time to tell them I’m leaving. I inwardly groan. What an awkward conversation this is going to be, but I hope they understand. I already put in my notice at work, and after this last paycheck, plus the money we earned at the party, I have enough resources to leave and set up someplace new.

  I had already planned on leaving but my timeline has been pushed up. Nothing like having more of your past show up out of nowhere. When I ran into Raphael in town today . . . well, to say I was surprised would be an understatement. The information bomb he dropped in my lab solidified my decision. Staying is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity.

  I commit each of their faces to memory, even as guilt and sadness churn inside me. I have an ache in my chest that is getting stronger by the hour. Leaving them sucks. If we’d met under different circumstances, I’m sure we could’ve explored this connection we all share.

  No point in denying my feelings for them anymore. Each man has touched my soul, picked me up when I didn't realize I needed someone, transformed a piece of me inside, and has slowly been putting me back together. We may have barely spent time together, but my heart recognizes them as if we’ve spent a lifetime together.

  That’s one thing I discussed with Hannah today. Of course, she flaunted how she was right, but she was very supportive of me pursuing a relationship with one or all of them. I got giddy thinking about what it would be like to date each of them, though I wasn't sure how open the guys would be to sharing me. However, none of that matters. It was a nice idea to ponder and to chat about with my best friend—that’s all.

  “Dinner was awesome, Claudia. You’re more than welcome to cook for me anytime you like.” Ascher’s goofy yet sexy grin has me melting inside. Yes, this will be hard, but it’s better to cut ties now before our relationships develop deeper.

  “I agree, though I would’ve chosen my words more carefully.” Granger shakes his head at Ascher. I’m going to miss their banter. Standing up, I gather the dishes to clean up.

  Milo reaches out and covers my hand with his. “Claudia, let us do that. You cooked, let us clean. I insist.” Looking into his mismatched eyes, I realize how easy it’d be to lean in and press my lips to his. His smile reaches his eyes and arousal courses through me. Every day I spend with them, it becomes harder and harder not to climb all over them and beg them to have their way with me. There hasn’t been enough cold water or self-relief to quench the fire that blazes inside continually.

  “Sure, thank you.”

  I sit back down and observe how fluidly they work together. They’re so lucky to have each other. I wish nothing but the best for them. Tears prick the corners of my eyes, and I bite the inside of my cheek to stop them from falling. I don’t need to give them any reason to suspect I’m upset before I get the chance to tell them.

  “Claudia, why don’t you go to the living room? We’ll join you in a minute.”

  Nodding to Milo, I grab my glass of water and plop down on the couch, admiring the fire burning in the fireplace. The guys eventually join me. Granger and Ascher sit on either side of me, while Milo takes the longer section of the couch facing me. They have me boxed in. Usually, this would make me uncomfortable, but with these men, I welcome their closeness.

  The time has come for all of us to talk, but no one seems to want to take the initial step. We sit in silence for a while, enjoying each other’s company.

  “Claudia, we want to talk to you about something,” Granger finally speaks, breaking the ice.

  Claudia?

  Did Granger use my name?

  Crap, how bad is this going to be?

  My stomach knots up and I find myself scratching at my pants. I hate this suspense. It’s sending my nerves in a fit of panic. I already ran through the possibilities of what he might say but came up with nothing. Now that I’m about to find out, I’m not sure I want to know.

  “I can see your wheels spinning, and I can promise you that what we have to say isn’t bad news. Please don’t worry.”

  Easy for him to say. I wipe my clammy hands down my pants and puff my cheeks.

  “I think Claudia should go first,” Milo interjects. “You mentioned needing to speak with us about something.”

  Do I want to go?

  I don’t think I’m ready.

  I shake my head. “My stuff can wait.”

  The guys look at each other like they’re having a silent conversation. It’s cute but irritating at the same time.

  “Claudia, the time we’ve spent with you has been wonderful.”

  But?

  I feel like there’s a ‘but’ coming at the end of Milo’s sentence.

  “There is no ‘but,’ Claudia. Your face just scrunched up. Relax,” he chuckles. “We—the three of us—have acknowledged the connection we all have with you.”

  Oh no. My heart sinks to the floor.

  We’re having this talk.

  “We’re not telling you this to freak you out, but we wanted you to know how we all feel about you.”

  Shit, shit, shit.

  “We would like the chance to explore this connection further. That is, if you feel the same.”

  Now, any normal female in my position would be elated and bouncing off the walls at their confession. I should rejoice, knowing I’m not the only one who is experiencing this pull deep inside. However, I’m not a normal female, and what I have to say will ruin the moment. A heavy weight sits on my chest, and no matter how much air I suck in, nothing is easing the crush.

  “I can’t breathe,” I whisper. I jump up and pace back and forth.

  “This is not the way I intended this conversation to go. The last thing we want is to hurt you or confuse you in any way.”

  Ugh, I hate the cracks in Granger’s voice.

  “Shit . . . no . . . sorry . . .”

  My thoughts and words are all over the place, jumbled to the point I can’t form a simple sentence. I stop and stare into the fire, forcing myself to take calming breaths while I figure out what to say.

  Mine.

  I brace myself for my wolf’s shove against my barriers. It’s so forceful I worry my head will split in two.

  They are not mine. But they want to be.

  I want them to be. But they can't be.

  Fuck my life.

  How does this shit keep happening? Maybe if I tell them everything and leave nothing out, they’ll change their minds about this relationship. That’ll make things easier, right? Whatever this is between us—it can never happen, no matter how much I want it to. They deserve better than what I can grant them. They should move on and find females who aren’t lugging around this much baggage. The idea of them choosing another woman makes me sick to my stomach, but my choice has been made. I sigh.

  Here goes nothing.

  Claudia

  “It's official, I’m an ass. Please forgive my fucked-up reaction. I was not expecting that, and it kind of took me off guard.” I take a few shallow breaths before continuing. “Before you freak out like I did, I need to tell you something.”

  They’re all staring at me with different levels of concern and hurt on their faces. Each expression breaks me inside because I put them there.

&nb
sp; “The story I’m about to tell you is difficult for me to share. I haven’t talked about this in eleven years—I only glossed over it with Hannah. Even though I just met you guys, for some reason, I’m comfortable around you. I’m still working on my ability to trust. So please try to understand where I’m coming from.”

  “Whatever it is, you can trust us. We’re here for you, always.” Ascher’s bittersweet smile makes me want to throw my arms around him until the sadness ebbs.

  “I know Bryce already told you, but my real name is Rhayven Winters. I’m from Pack Underwood, back east. Bryce’s dad is the Alpha and was my guardian after my parents died. Bryce and I grew up together; we were best friends. Things changed between us the older we got, and even more so when I started dating another pack member named Kylan. Bryce felt like I was replacing him, which caused tension between the three of us.”

  I pause, in case they have questions, but also to catch my breath. When no one speaks, I press on.

  “I confronted Bryce one night to clear the air. After I told him how I felt, he became livid. He attacked me and tried to force himself on me. If it hadn’t been for Kylan interfering at the right moment, Bryce would have succeeded. Honestly, he probably would’ve killed me.”

  A repulsive touch glides down my arms. I squeeze my eyes shut. It’s not real. He is not here. Memories of that night come rushing out of the darkness again, and just like my falling tears, there’s nothing I can do to stop them. Low growls reverberate through the room. Wave after wave of anger rolls through the air, burning my nose and mixing with my emotions.

  “Claudia, you don’t have to go on. I know this must be difficult for you. I promise you’re safe with us. Please don’t cry.”

  Through the haze, I hear Milo’s whispered plea. No one moves to coddle me, and I appreciate that more than they know. I open my eyes, wiping the tears from my face. “Thank you, but I need to get this out.” I take a deep breath and gather what composure I can, even though I want to flee this room and jump into a scalding-hot shower.

  “Bryce and Kylan fought, but eventually, Bryce overpowered Kylan. I begged for Kylan’s life and freedom in exchange for agreeing to mate with Bryce.”

  “I knew something wasn't right with that guy,” Granger snarls. He leans his elbows on his knees, rubbing his knuckles together. His brow furrows and his jaw clenches. The glow in his eyes grows brighter, his primal side jonesing for a fight.

  “It was a bad idea, but I didn’t see another option. He was going to kill Kylan, and I couldn’t let him do that. Kylan left, and I haven’t heard from him since. After that night, I planned my escape. It took me a whole year to put everything in place. I left the night of my 21st birthday once everyone was passed out from drinking and partying.”

  No one speaks; the tension in the air is so thick you could cut it with a knife. This conversation isn’t done, though. There’s another issue that needs addressing.

  “I have one more thing to tell you.” I mull over what words I want to use. “I’m sorry I invaded your lives with my drama.” Granger opens his mouth, but I hold up my hand to stop him. “Yes, I’m aware that you offered your help, but that doesn’t change the fact that each of you has made individual sacrifices for me.”

  This next part is going to crush my heart, but they need to learn what happened today. “What you feel for me . . . I feel the same for you. Every time I’m around you guys, my body and mind go crazy. I’ve never experienced this before, not even with Kylan. It’s confusing, and if my situation were different, I’d be open to exploring it further.”

  “What exactly are you saying?” Ascher leans forward, and for a fraction of a second, hurt flashes in his eyes.

  “Well . . . I—”

  My words are cut off by the front door crashing in.

  Blave

  “Where the fuck is she?” I yell, rounding the corner. This was easier than I thought. They’re all gathered in the living room, huddled around her like one big happy fucking family.

  Once they listen to what schemes she’s been planning, they’ll finally come to their senses. It’s a good thing I trusted my instincts and didn’t allow myself to become enamored with her. I tried telling them that something wasn’t right. No matter. Soon she’ll be out of our lives for good. I plan on making that happen.

  “Yo, man, what the hell?” Ascher steps in front of Claudia, blocking her from view.

  The move pisses me off. I open my mouth as my canines elongate. I don’t even need to look at my hands to know I’ve partially shifted, my black and silver fur starting to cover my skin.

  Gritting my teeth, I choose my next words carefully. “Ascher, get out of the fucking way.” The asshole doesn’t budge, and to make the situation worse, Granger and Milo move closer to her. “I mean it. I have no problem ripping each one of your throats out for protecting her. She’s been infiltrating this pack from the moment she weaved her way into our lives.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about?” Granger takes a step toward me, his hands balling into fists.

  “My father informed me that a wolf named Raphael Morietti, the Alpha of Pack Morietti, was seen in the area. Raphael is wanted for orchestrating several takeovers of other packs. So far, three have had their Alpha and the Alpha’s family killed. Those packs are now being ruled by one person—Raphael,” I growl out.

  “What does this have to do with Claudia?” Milo asks calmly, but the stiffness in his shoulders is visible.

  “Let me enlighten you.” A sinister grin spreads across my face the wider Claudia’s eyes get. She knows she’s been caught. “I was sent out to find where Raphael has been hiding. I got a lead that he was in the city today, and guess who he was with?”

  I point to the guilty female, unfazed by how pale she looks. “I followed them into an alleyway and overheard their conversation. She’s been gathering intel on other packs for Raphael. He warned her that her life was in danger and she needed to leave town immediately. The only reason they're alive is that they slipped away before I could catch them. I told you she couldn't be trusted,” I seethe.

  “I have something to say.” Claudia pushes her way through the guys, but they hold her back.

  Smart move.

  “Nothing you say will change my mind. And if you come anywhere near me, I can’t promise I’ll hold back from attacking you,” I threaten.

  “Whatever, Blave. Do what you want. But don’t come in here and make threats without hearing both sides to the story. You’re missing chunks. I’d already planned on leaving, but hear me out first,” Claudia growls.

  She’s got balls, I’ll give her that.

  Wiser people stay clear of me when I’m this angry, and here she is trying to reason with me.

  “Let her tell her side. As my friend, don’t you think I’m owed that much?” Milo, always trying to solve problems with his rational thought processes. My fists tighten, and my jaw clenches as I try not to lash out at him. I know he’s done nothing wrong—other than fall for her lies.

  “I don’t care what she has to say, and frankly, I don’t want to hear anything that comes out of her mouth.” I point at Claudia again while holding each of their gazes in turn. “I want her out of this place, now! That’s an order. This is the only chance you’ll get before I have her killed.”

  “What the fuck!”

  “Have you lost your mind?”

  “I’m sure there’s an appropriate explanation.”

  Of course, they’re making excuses for her. It makes me sick to my stomach that they could think, even for a second, that she’s innocent.

  “You’re lucky I’m giving her the chance to leave and never return. She has ten minutes to vacate our land before I make a phone call to have her hunted down.” I narrow my eyes at her. “I’ll be timing you.”

  I storm out of the apartment. When I’m back at my truck, I pull out my phone.

  “Sir?” a voice answers.

  “Get the team ready.”

  Claudia />
  “I know you have no reason to believe me or hear anything I have to say, but I’ll tell you as much as I can.”

  My shoulders sag. I feel defeated and heartbroken. I feared this would happen. I made mistakes and have had to live with them, fully aware of the cost. I never wanted to hurt them, and that’s precisely what I’ve done.

  “Little One, please tell us what the fuck is going on.”

  Granger.

  Gosh, he’s so beautiful, even when he’s looking at me like his world is falling apart around him. This is why they’re better off without me. My past has not only fucked me over for the last ten years, but it’s now impacting my future, and I need to get out while I can.

  I suck down the lump forming in my throat. “I met Raphael about two years ago after he caught me stealing from his bar. And before you judge me—someone had robbed me, and stealing money was the only way I survived for several weeks. Instead of killing me, he agreed to let me pay off my debt by working for him. He found my skillset useful, and the money I made outweighed any misgivings I had about the job. Most of the time, I didn’t get names for who he wanted me to target. The less I knew, the safer I felt.”

  This next part will hit Granger the hardest. “I overheard a phone call Raphael had with a man who he called ‘Boss.’ He ordered Raphael to start targeting political heads. That's when I knew I had to get out. Granger, the night you and I met was my last job. Yes, I was there with my friends, but I knew my target would be there as well.”

  “Fuck,” he gasps, “when Blave and I saw you coming out of that room . . .” He runs his hands through his hair.

  “I’m sorry for keeping this from you, but it’s not like I anticipated ever running into you again. Plus, I was wearing a masking spray. I have no idea how you were even able to pick up on what I was.”