She closed her eyes and took a calming breath, hating that he was right. When he pulled her into his arms, she didn’t resist. “Trust me,” he whispered.
“I do.” There was no other choice. Her entire life was going to be decided tonight, and there was not a damn thing she could do about it. She felt helpless, hating her culture that allowed such a thing to happen in this day and age.
****
Billy wasn’t nearly as confident as he projected. He was facing a dangerous opponent, one who had already beaten and killed him.
But that was before. Now, he had something precious, something he’d die to protect—his relationship with Addie. There was nothing more important to him than her safety and happiness.
More than that, he wanted them to have a life together. He hadn’t been ready to die the first time they’d fought, and he sure as hell wasn’t ready to die now.
Something inside him had shifted when she’d suggested they mate. Some part of him had wanted to demand that Jacque pull over so he could drag her into the nearest woods and claim her, mark her.
He wanted Simon and the world to see she belonged to him.
But he couldn’t do it. As much as he wanted her—and he wanted her more than he wanted his next breath—he needed to do this right. She deserved their mating to be in a soft, cozy bed where he could spend hours loving her, showing her just how much he cherished and appreciated her, before he marked her.
Then they’d throw a big pack party, and everyone would celebrate with them.
That would happen. He had to believe that. The alternative didn’t bear thinking about. He had to remain confident, not allow doubt to slip in and undermine him.
His dad looked over his shoulder, offering his silent support, but there was apprehension there. They were all worried. He might not be human, but he hadn’t yet fully integrated into a wolf. He was more of a half-breed in terms of abilities. And it would be nearly impossible for a half-breed to beat a full-blooded werewolf in a fight.
His one advantage was that he’d been training with big, powerful wolves his entire life. Simon seemed to be more of a bully, relying on stealth and underhandedness to get his way.
It would be stupid to underestimate him—a good way to end up dead. Simon wanted Addie, and that was a powerful motivation. He could even understand it. There was no other woman like her. She was special. What he would never understand is trying to force a woman. That was never acceptable, wolf or human.
The miles passed in silence as the evening closed in around them. Jacque knew where he was going, had been there years ago. Billy was sorry they’d had to come back under such harsh circumstances. He would have liked to be driving to Kentucky simply to meet Addie’s parents, not to participate in a life-or-death battle.
“We’re here.” She bolted upright and peered out the window, leaning so close her nose touched the glass.
Jacque exited the main road but didn’t go far. He found a slightly wider spot and turned around so the truck was facing the road. They’d be able to move fast if necessary. The trucks trailing them did the same.
They all piled out and Jacque took charge. “Keep him quiet.” He pointed a finger at Simon. “I don’t want him raising an alarm until I speak with the alpha.”
Cole slapped his big hand over Simon’s mouth, muzzling him. Simon seemed more amused than upset. Billy knew it was because he was relaxed, believing he’d easily win the coming contest.
“This way.” With Jacque leading the way, Billy followed with Addie next to him. Cole and Simon came next, with the others bringing up the rear.
There were wolves watching them. He sensed them easily, felt their eyes on him. No one raised an alarm, but by the time they reached the alpha’s house a small crowd had gathered. A large man with dark hair and a full beard stood on the porch with two other men flanking him. They looked enough like him that they must be related, probably his sons.
Ryan Hatfield ignored Jacque and glared at Cole. “I’d hoped I’d never see your ugly face again.”
Rather than be insulted, Cole offered a slight grin. “I’d hoped never to have to come back, but this one”—he lifted Simon right off his feet with one hand in an impressive show of strength—“made it impossible not to.”
“So I’ve heard.” Ryan came down the steps and faced Jacque. “LaForge.”
“Hatfield.”
“Now that the pleasantries have been taken care of, why the hell are you here?” Addie’s alpha demanded.
“It’s my fault.” She marched forward before he could stop her. Not about to allow her to face this alone, Billy stepped up beside her.
“How is it your fault that Simon is an idiot?”
Cole had released Simon, who surged forward. “Hey.”
Ryan pinned the younger man with a single glare. “Be quiet. I’m not talking to you.”
It was surprising when Simon actually obeyed, although he didn’t look pleased by the order. Not one bit. Billy caught a flash of anger and something else. If he lived long enough, Simon would someday make a run at the alpha.
Ryan pinned him with a glare. Billy didn’t flinch. Something inside him wouldn’t let him. Hatfield might be alpha of this pack, but Jacque was more powerful. Hell, so were Cole and Gator. He figured his father could probably take the man in a fight, too. He’d been around tough, hard, alpha males his entire life. If Ryan thought he could intimidate him, he’d best think again.
“So this is the young man causing all the trouble.”
While he’d been raised to be respectful, he was no pushover. “Begging your pardon, sir, but it wasn’t me causing the trouble.”
The alpha seemed surprised he’d spoken. Whether it was his respectful tone or the accusation causing the most shock, he wasn’t quite sure. But he wasn’t backing down.
Beside him, Addie made a strangled sound. He didn’t look at her. Couldn’t. He needed to maintain eye contact with Ryan.
The older man shook his head. “You sure do have a stubborn pack,” he said to Jacque. “This one was human until a few days ago from what I understand.”
“That’s right. Until he was attacked while defending Addie.”
A low growl rumbled in Ryan’s chest. He wasn’t pleased by what had happened. Good, the alpha set the tone for the rest of the pack.
“I challenge him for Addie.” Simon broke his silence and stepped forward.
“Do you now.” Ryan went to stand in front of the younger man. “And why shouldn’t I just let Orin Fuller kick your ass for trying to force his daughter to mate.”
“She’s of age. She wants it. She’s a tease.”
“I am not,” she shot back. “I told you straight out I didn’t want you.”
Billy growled at the insult, would have launched himself at Simon if Jacque hadn’t held him back.
“Boy,” Ryan said as he studied Simon, “I’m not sure if you’re really that stupid or if you just have a death wish.” He sighed. “There’s no easy way to settle this, is there?”
“I’m afraid not,” Jacque agreed.
Ryan tilted back his head and howled, the sound low and urgent. “That will bring the rest of the pack. When they get here, they’ll fight.”
Chapter Eighteen
Addie’s heart was racing, her stomach doing back flips. The growing tension made her skin prickle and her wolf edgy. One wrong word and it would snap.
That bastard had accused her of being a tease. Not once had she given any indication she wanted anything to do with him other than friendship. She’d spelled it out for him in no uncertain terms. Hell, she’d all but put it on a T-shirt, had only refrained from making it public to keep from humiliating him. That had been a mistake.
Fortunately, none of the others believed him. If they had, things could have gotten even worse. Although, she couldn’t imagine how much more horrible they could be. The man she loved was getting ready to fight for both their lives.
Billy was tense. She wished she could talk t
o him, but there was nowhere private. There were too many pack members here already, with more arriving every minute.
“Addie!” Addie’s chest grew tight and tears welled in her eyes as her momma ran toward her and pulled her into her arms. “My baby girl.”
“I’m okay.” It was far from the truth, but worrying her momma more than she already was wouldn’t change anything. Addie didn’t want to let her go, but she needed to reassure the man hovering beside them. “Daddy.”
Orin Fuller was a big man, not prone to showing much emotion in public, but he grabbed her off her feet and held her so close it hurt, but in the best way possible. She’d always found safety and comfort in his arms, but this was one thing he couldn’t fix, couldn’t kiss and make better.
She briefly clung to his broad shoulders. “Put me down,” she whispered. She sensed Billy hovering behind her, waiting for an introduction.
Her daddy reluctantly put her back on her feet, taking an extra few seconds before releasing her. She grabbed Billy’s hand and pulled him forward. “This is Billy Gallagher. Billy, these are my parents, Orin and Sharon Fuller.” She held her breath, wondering how her parents would react.
Billy offered his hand to her daddy. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. I’m just sorry it’s under such circumstances.” He waited, calm and assured. This was the man she’d lost her heart to. He was always so brave, ready to do what was right in any given situation.
She looked at her daddy, silently pleading with him to take Billy’s hand. Finally, after what seemed like hours, but was most likely mere seconds, he did. “You protected my girl.” Her daddy’s voice was a deep rumble.
“I did what was right. Addie is one special woman.”
Her cheeks grew warm. Her momma started to smile.
“Mrs. Fuller.” Billy nodded toward her. “I’d like to introduce you to my dad.” Elias was only steps away, watching to make sure no one hurt his son. Addie appreciated his discretion. It had to be difficult for him not to intervene. The connection between them was deep, even though Billy wasn’t his biological son.
“This is Elias Gallagher,” Billy continued.
Elias tipped his head in greeting. Her daddy sniffed the air and frowned. “You’re a werewolf.”
“I am. But Billy is still my son.” There was a challenge in his voice that had her daddy backtracking.
“It’s just odd, is all.” He turned to her. “What’s going on, Addie?”
She wasn’t sure how to phrase it so he wouldn’t lose his mind. Billy handled the problem for her. “Simon has challenged me for your daughter.”
Her momma gasped and her daddy growled. “That boy never did have any sense. I should be the one to fight him.”
“No, Mr. Fuller. That’s my responsibility.”
She wasn’t sure how her daddy would take his declaration. He’d all but stated his intention to mate with her. Her daddy stared deep into Billy’s eyes. Whatever he was searching for, he seemed to find it. “Call me Orin.”
That was a huge concession and one that briefly lightened her heart. To have her parents’ unconditional support meant everything to her.
The crowd had swelled, their murmurs getting louder. People were openly staring at her, her parents, and the visitors from the Salvation Pack. The older pack members were especially watching Cole, many of them with fear. She couldn’t blame them. He was one scary wolf.
The alpha raised his hands in the air, and a wave of silence spread across the group. “It seems we have a problem.”
Irma Jones stomped forward, leaning heavily on a cane. Addie had no idea how old she was, but she’d often heard her daddy mutter she was older than dirt. For as long as she’d been alive, Irma had been cantankerous, liking no one but her immediate family, finding fault in everything and everyone. She was old school, believing half-breeds and humans were weak.
“Why is he here?” She lifted her cane and pointed it at Cole. “Didn’t he do enough killing the last time he was here?”
It was only her advanced age that allowed her to question the alpha that way. None of the others would dare.
“He’s here because your great-grandson has been causing problems.” Ryan put his hands on his hips and let his gaze travel over everyone assembled. The Salvation Pack was off to one side, with Addie and her parents alongside them.
Simon started to walk toward his family, but one look from Ryan had him staying where he was—between Gator and Cole.
“It’s not Simon causing problems.” Irma turned her ire on Addie. “It’s the girl. It’s her fault.”
Both her daddy and Billy bumped shoulders as they moved to stand in front of her at the same time. It would have been funny if the situation wasn’t so serious. Instead it was a solid wall of protection, a physical reminder of how much she was loved.
“That’s not true, Irma.” Her daddy pointed at Simon. “He’s been sniffing around my girl and planned to force mate with her even though she told him she wasn’t interested. That boy never learned the meaning of the word no.”
Simon’s face was turning a horrible shade of red. His temper was going to burst and soon.
“Enough,” Ryan interjected. “He’s challenged Billy Gallagher, and the challenge has been accepted.”
“What’s going on?” Simon’s father, Robert Jones, strode out of the woods. “What has that boy done now?”
She almost felt bad for Simon. Her parents’ support was never in doubt. He’d never had that.
Ryan’s growl silenced everyone. “I’m getting mighty tired of being interrupted.” They all took that for the warning it was. The next interruption would be met with violence. “Simon tried to force Addie to mate with him. When Billy stepped in to stop, your son attacked. Billy was full human when it happened.”
That drew gasps and stares. “See right there, that’s a lie,” Robert challenged. “He’s standing right there in front of us.” He moved closer and sniffed. “And he’s no human.”
“But he was.” Addie stepped around her protectors. “He was brutally attacked and died. But then he was reborn.” They all knew the myths and legends—almost every human who was brutally attacked died. It wasn’t easy to be converted and it was a very, very rare occurrence.
“So he’s a half-breed.” Robert nodded. “Simon.” He addressed his son directly for the first time. “Kill the breed so we can all go home.”
The crowd was restless, but beneath that was a thread of fear, too. Some were looking at Robert in disgust. The Jones family weren’t making any friends here today. There were members of her pack who feared the Salvation wolves and what might happen if Billy died.
This could become an all-out war if things weren’t settled and soon.
Through it all, Jacque hadn’t said a word, but now he stirred. He didn’t even have to speak and everyone looked toward him, giving him their total attention. “Billy was human until the attack. He was and always will be a valuable member of my pack.”
The unmistakable warning sent a shiver down her spine. Anyone who interfered in the fight would find themselves facing Jacque LaForge. Most of the men looked away. Ryan just seemed aggravated. “Let’s get this done so you can go the hell home.”
Jacque glanced at Billy, who nodded. “I’m ready.”
Addie wasn’t, but it was out of her hands. She was about to watch the man she loved face down a full-blooded wolf, one who wanted revenge for what he’d been denied and for the public humiliation he’d been forced to endure.
Billy stripped off his shirt and handed it to his father before making his way to the center of the rough circle that was quickly formed by the pack. The scars from Simon’s earlier attack were visible, but they were white marks, no longer red. A badge of honor he would carry for the rest of his life.
He was a little shorter than Simon. Not quite as broad either. But there was a sureness in the way he held himself, a confidence. His arms were roped with muscles and so were his abs. She’d been around strong men her
entire life, but none had ever drawn her eye the way he did. His hair glinted in the light shining from the surrounding houses.
Simon stripped off his shirt as well and tossed it aside. Billy removed his sneakers and socks. Simon wasn’t wearing any footwear. Dressed only in their jeans, they slowly circled each other.
With her parents on one side of her and Elias on the other, she watched as they prepared to fight. Her throat tightened and she began to sweat as fear tried to take hold. Simon was a full-blooded werewolf, while Billy was still getting used to who and what he was. She prayed he’d be safe.
Without warning, Simon pounced.
****
He’d been watching his opponent’s feet, waiting for him to telegraph his first move. He couldn’t afford to take his eyes off Simon for one second. The wolf was lethal and a killer.
The roar of the crowd faded, his concentration solely on his opponent, all his senses hyper-focused. When the attack came, he dropped to the ground and rolled out of the way before popping back to his feet.
“Afraid to stand your ground?”
He ignored the taunt. Jacque had taught him early in life that an opponent would try to distract him with words. All the men of the pack had taught him valuable fighting skills. And he’d need every last one of them now in order to survive.
Over the next few minutes, Simon attacked and Billy evaded. It helped tire his opponent, but it also gave Billy a better gauge of his skills.
Simon appeared to be used to attacking quickly and attaining victory before his victim knew what hit him. He seemed almost baffled by his inability to take Billy down. He was also getting angrier.
And angry men made mistakes.
Addie’s pack was growing restless, calling him a coward for not engaging. His own pack remained quiet. He could practically hear his father whispering instructions in his ear, telling him where to place his steps, to be aware of his surroundings, to keep his eyes on his opponent’s feet, shoulders, and eyes. They would telegraph his movements.
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