The Alpha (The Pack Book 3) Page 10

  I thought she got her badass from her Dad, Trent said to me, awed. Turns out she got steel balls from both sides.

  It wouldn’t have been easy to escape the Hanley Pack, I said, inclined to agree, and more curious than ever about her mother’s intentions. Why had she taken Jess away, and why hadn’t she taken Monster? I wondered, feeling his slight weight against my side. He was fighting sleep, but slowly losing the battle as our concern lessened. It was one thing to think the Hanley Pack had Jess, but now that we knew it was her mother, I was marginally less worried.

  She could be working with the Hanleys, Trent said, sounding doubtful.

  No, not if she escaped them once, I replied, disregarding the idea.

  Coercion?

  Doubtful. This whole thing is far too well executed to be the Hanleys’ making. I felt his agreement right before I heard Thomas say, “Jess?”

  I shifted instantly, belatedly catching Monster as he fell when my shape changed. I ignored the fact that I was bare assed as I charged toward Thomas, my keen hearing detecting the catch in her voice as she said, “Yeah, it’s me.”

  He held up a hand, and I stopped in my tracks, breathing heavily. “Are you alright?” He asked her, and I strained forward, needing to hear her answer.

  “I’m fine,” she answered dismissively. “Headache from the roofie she gave me, but otherwise good. Mom has me,” she added, almost as an afterthought. “Dom didn’t do anything stupid, did he?” She asked, her voice worried.

  “Besides standing in front of me, his junk exposed to the world, fighting the urge to yank the phone out of my hand?” He asked and I heard her snort of laughter. “No, nothing stupid, like actually trying to take the phone from me,” he added, the warning in his voice clear as my fingers curled into my palms, heeding it. “I’m guessing your mother doesn’t know you’re calling?”

  “No, she’s a Hanley,” Jess breathed, shock apparent in her voice. “She’s got some weird idea that she’s protecting me, saving me from Dom, or something.” She paused. “I love you, Dad, but can you put him on the phone before he breaks something?”

  Thomas chuckled as I fought the urge to actually break something, “I’m glad you’re okay, Bunny. I love you too.” He handed me the phone, glaring as he said, “You’re a lucky bastard.”

  “I know it,” I grunted as I brought the phone to my ear. “Jess,” I choked, unable to say anything else as I confirmed she was really okay.

  “This has been the day from hell,” she answered, and I didn’t miss the aggravation in her voice. “My head hurts and my mother – ” she cut herself off and I waited, “I never thought I’d sympathize with my mother.”

  “Where are you?” I finally burst out, ready to jump into the Jeep and come get her.

  “Some old ass gas station in Montana, I think,” she replied. “Don’t worry. I’m going to get her to bring me back home,” she told me, determination firming her voice.

  “Okay,” I answered, breathing in and out as I resisted the urge to go after her anyway. “You’re okay,” I repeated, needing confirmation, and heard her make an indiscriminate sound of agreement. “I can come get you,” I told her.

  “No, I don’t even know where I am, and…I think I need to do this. I need to convince her I’m not being brainwashed into slavery,” she continued in a low voice, almost as if she was talking to herself. I didn’t follow what she meant completely, but I wasn’t going to force her to do anything either.

  Not that I could.

  “Okay, you know I love you, right?” I needed to reassure her of that fact, feeling the gossamer strand of our bond and not sure it was enough to remind her.

  “Yes, and I love you,” she said in a clear, determined voice. “But what’s up with the bond? I’m afraid to use it in case it breaks.”

  “It’s distance and the fact that we’re not fully mated,” I explained, having wondered about it myself in the hours since she’d disappeared. For the longest time, it had just been silent as if she’d slept, but then it started to stretch thinner and thinner and I’d known the physical distance between us was growing.

  “Well, we’re going to fix that when I get home,” she declared and I felt myself tighten as her implication shot home. I hastily turned to face the island, hoping no one had noticed my sudden reaction. Now really wasn’t the time.

  “Please insert $.50 cents to continue speaking,” I heard over the line and Jess cursed.

  “Shit, the cup’s empty,” she muttered, confusing me. “I’m coming home, Dom,” she reassured me, speaking rapidly, “Tell Monster not to eat all the cookies.” The phone went dead right as she finished and I stared at it for a second.

  “Don’t eat all the cookies, Monster,” I repeated, glancing down at the little Cookie Monster. He gave me a wide smile, triggering my own smile as I handed the phone back to Thomas. “She’s coming home,” I told him and he nodded, relief flooding his face as he realized she really was okay.

  “Thank God,” Trent shouted, relieved laughter spilling from him. “Now, put some damn pants on so the rest of us don’t have to feel inadequate.”

  Anna snorted, amused despite her damp eyes, when Trent covered her eyes with his hand. “You do realize I’ve seen him nude more times than I can count? Caleb too,” she teased, laughing when he let out a growl.

  She’s safe, I told Caleb, leaving him to inform the Pack that still waited outside, even after so many hours. Joyous howls split the air as he let them know, accompanied by excited yips which made us laugh harder.

  Glad to hear it, brother, Caleb answered, genuine happiness in his voice. Do you need us for anything?

  No, not at the moment, I replied, regret slicing through my happiness. She’s on her way back. Her mother took her.

  Caleb chuckled, I don’t envy you. You’re in-laws or something else.

  Yeah, I agreed, forcing a chuckle. Pressure built in my chest as I sensed him running back to Pack lands. Hey, when Jess gets back, we need to talk, I told him, the words spilling out in a rush before I changed my mind. There’s something I need to tell you.

  You sound serious, he replied and I had the sensation of him slowing, focusing more on my words. Is everything okay?

  Yes, everything is okay, I echoed, not sure he’d agree when I told him the truth, but not wanting him to worry. Just need to tell you a few things.

  Alright, Caleb agreed readily, any concern he had disappearing with my words. We’d had more than a few conversations over the years, so to him this would be just one more, but I knew it could possibly be one of our last. Our connection broke as Liam thrust a pair of sweats against my chest.

  I blinked as he said, “Apparently, I’m on clothing duty.”

  “Thanks,” I responded automatically, as I pulled the loose pants up, my mind still stuck on the coming conversation with Caleb.

  “I’m glad she’s alright,” Liam added awkwardly, his feet moving nervously. “She’s nice,” he mentioned, and then his eyes widened when it occurred to him I might misconstrue what he said. “She’s nice as your mate, for you. Not for me. Not that I think she’d ever go for me,” he added as I continued to stare at him. “She’s totally in love with you, everyone knows that.”

  “Stop while you’re ahead, Liam,” Trent advised, bumping his shoulder companionably. “Let’s clear out, maybe catch a few winks before Jess makes it back.” He lifted an eyebrow at me questioningly.

  I shrugged, “She said something about convincing her mother she wasn’t being brainwashed. I’m not sure when she’ll be back.”

  “Ah, great,” Trent sighed. “Definitely going to get some sleep then. Call if you need me,” he called, towing Liam with him.

  “Take Monster,” I ordered and he paused, his shoulders slumping forward at the command.

  “You’re killing me,” he joked, but he went to the couch where Monster had finally passed out and picked him up. The boy didn’t budge, not even when he draped him over his shoulder fireman style.

&nbs
p; “Can I talk to you, Trent?” Anna asked, her hand fiddling with the belt on the robe she still wore.

  “Only if you get dressed,” he replied, completely serious as he scanned her attire.

  She frowned, glancing down. “I’m covered completely.”

  “It’s the idea,” Trent answered, spinning around and going to the door. She chased after him, almost tripping on the robe’s hem, and Liam gave a long suffering sigh as he followed after them.

  “Can I go check on Leah?” He pleaded, glancing over his shoulder at me. I shook my head regretfully.

  “No, I need to talk to you and Trent after I speak with Thomas. Stay close.” Liam’s face grew concerned and I tempered my words. “It’s not bad, just Pack business.” His eyes glowed as he straightened and gave me a sharp nod.

  I watched them exit the apartment, my hand drifting to my chest unconsciously as I rubbed the invisible mark Jess had left on me.

  “You do that a lot,” Thomas commented and I gave him a questioning glance. He pointed to my hand resting over my heart and I lowered it. “Doesn’t matter to me. I just figure you’re always ready to say the Pledge of Allegiance or something.” I grinned, appreciating his sense of humor, my grin widening as he lifted a bottle of whisky up. “I figure celebrating is in order.”

  “I’ll drink to Jess’ safe return,” I commented, wondering if alcohol would make the coming conversation any easier.

  “Do you even get drunk?” Thomas mused, pouring us each a snifter. I shook my head, accepting the glass. “Oh well, then what’s the point?”

  “Still like the taste,” I told him, lifting the glass to my lips.

  “We’ll see,” he replied, raising his glass to mine. “We’ll see.”

  One swallow and I understood what he’d meant. I coughed. “Is that whiskey or moonshine?” I asked, my eyes watering as I felt the alcohol heat me from the inside.

  “It’s my own special blend,” he said, lifting the glass to his lips again, practically daring me to do the same. “I’ve always had an exceptionally high tolerance for alcohol. So I had to get creative.”

  I took another smaller sip, and as warmth flowed through me, I felt myself relax. “You know, I’ve never been drunk, but this might do it.”

  “Figure whatever you’re about to say will go down easier with belly full of whiskey,” he informed me, the glint in his eyes reminding me of Jess.

  “I see where she gets it from,” I muttered, knocking back the rest of the glass and setting it in front of him with a thump. “Fill her up.”

  He obliged, topping off his own at the same time. “So, what’s this about? Monster or Jess?” He asked with a keen observation I recognized from Jess.

  “Both,” I answered with more honesty than I intended. I glanced down at the whisky glass, once again filled to the brim. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

  “Maybe,” he answered shortly, leaning against the island. “I’ve got a few question for you too, son.”

  Warmth that had nothing to do with the alcohol shot through me when he called me, “Son.” I braced myself and emptied the glass. I set it down with a thump as I said, “I might need to be drunk for this.”

  He chuckled, but filled the glass. “What are your intentions toward my daughter?”

  “To love her,” I replied instantly. “Forever, and ever, and ever.” I blinked at him, noticing he was a little blurry. “Is this what being drunk feels like?” I questioned, rubbing my chest once again as a light, happy feeling filled me.

  “For some,” he answered, watching me. “Good to see you’re a happy drunk.” He tipped the bottle but only filled my glass to the halfway mark. “I don’t want you dealing with a headache when Jess gets back.” I nodded in gratitude, quickly swallowing the liquid courage. “While I’m glad to know you’re going to love her forever and ever,” he paused and rolled his eyes, “And ever. What does that mean to you?”

  “I’ll keep her safe,” I said promptly and when he nodded encouragingly, I straightened. “I’ll provide her with venison, rabbit, and whatever else I can kill.” His forehead wrinkled and I hurried to continue. “I’ll listen to her. Fight for her. Bring her flowers.” I paused, thinking about Jess. “I’ll give her freedom. Support her dreams.”

  Thomas smiled, “Now, you’re getting it.”

  “I’ll be loyal to her,” I added and dropped my voice confidingly, “Otherwise, she’d chop my balls off.”

  “You’re a smart man, Dom,” Thomas agreed, lifting his glass and taking a swallow. I belatedly lifted mine and then realized it was empty. “I think you’ve had enough,” he told me and I nodded easily. “Now, what did you want to tell me?”

  I exhaled gustily. “I’ve got my own Pack,” I revealed and he looked confused. “Me, Trent, and Liam,” I detailed and his eyes widened when he caught on. “Yeah, it’s a problem. A good problem,” I hurried to add, before sighing. “I have to tell Caleb. I didn’t mean for it to happen. But now Jess wants me to initiate Monster,” Thomas made a noncommittal noise and I waved my hand, “Right? It’s a big decision. For Monster and you. Cause you have to agree since you’re his Dad.”

  “Do you want Monster in your Pack?” He asked, studying me.

  “Yes,” I nodded. “I do. He’s an amazing kid. He’s going to need guidance and that first shift is a doozy.”

  “He is,” Thomas agreed, smiling quietly. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to guide him through what being a shifter entails. He would benefit from your guidance I think.”

  “Thank you,” I replied, appreciation flowing through me. “I would do anything for that kid. And not just because he’s Jess’ brother.”

  “I can see that. And Jess? She wants Monster in your Pack and not the Navarre Pack. She supports this new Pack of yours?”

  “She does.” I shook my head. “She has more faith in me than anyone I’ve ever met. She thinks I’ll be a good Alpha.”

  “Jess is rarely wrong about people,” Thomas mentioned and I nodded, causing the room to spin slightly. “You might want to sit down. I don’t think I can get you off the floor.” Thomas led me to the couch where I plopped down, exhaustion overwhelming me. “I just want to know she’s safe and loved. That you will protect her and not smother the light inside of her,” he said, clasping his hands in front of him. “Be good to her, and be good for her.”

  “It’s the only thing I want,” I told him, my eyes growing heavy as I tried to keep them open. “To show her everyday how much I love her.”

  “You have my blessing, Dom,” Thomas said, his gaze steady. “For both of them. You can initiate Monster into the Pack with his understanding and you can mate Jess so long as you have her agreement.”

  I nodded, awed by the gift he was giving me. “I will guard them with my life,” I promised him and he nodded.

  “I know you will.” My eyes drifted closed and his last words barely registered. “I expect you will have too.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Jess

  “Okay, Mom, here’s the deal,” I said, hopping into the car, and barely missed sitting on the pile of snacks she’d bought. Her open mouthed stare caused me to pause. “Are you okay?”

  “You called me Mom,” she replied, stunned. I mentally reviewed what I’d said and realized she was right.

  “A slip of the tongue,” I said hastily, tacking on, “Mother.”

  “Oh, no.” She shook her head, dislodging a lock of hair she’d pulled back into a sleek ponytail. “No, you said Mom. I’ll only answer to Mom.”

  “Jesus,” I muttered under my breath, inhaling deeply. “Alright, fine, Mom,” I said, forcing the word out. She sighed happily, pointing to my lap where I’d piled the snacks so I could sit down.

  “I got snacks for our road trip.”

  “Okay, this isn’t a road trip,” I corrected. “It’s a kidnapping.”

  Her happy expression fled at my words and she frowned as she said, “We’ve discussed this. I rescued you.”

  �
��And if I had been with the Hanleys I’d get down on my knees and kiss your feet,” I replied, startling her. “But I wasn’t with the Hanleys, I was with Dad and Dom and Monster, and Trent and Anna, and a whole bunch of other people who are really worried about me.”

  Mom shook her head, her hand going to the ignition to start the car and no doubt drive us farther away from Dom and the ones I loved. I reached out, stilling her hand.

  “Please, Mom, listen to me,” I pleaded and her gaze shot to mine. “I absolutely agree with you that the Hanleys are bad. I have first hand experience, but Dom and his Pack are not bad. He’s a good man who loves me and listens to me and would lay down his life to protect me. Dad likes him. Monster likes him. His Pack would follow him to their deaths out of sheer loyalty.”

  “You’re brainwashed,” she accused, pointing a manicured nail at me. “You think he’ll take care of you when really he’s just using you.” She shook her head. “The only ones that truly matter are the ones who can shift.”

  I wanted to lash out in sheer frustration and then I saw the faint tremble of her hand. She believed what she was saying and I suddenly doubted my ability to convince her to bring me home.

  “Mom, if you truly want to save me, then take me home and let me show you.” She gave me a wary glance and I pushed harder. “You took me from my room. Or Bruce did,” I fought a shudder at the thought, deciding I wouldn’t mention it to Dom unless I wanted to watch Bruce die. “I wasn’t locked in. There were no bars on the window. I could come and go as I pleased.”

  “You haven’t been going to school,” she pointed out, her expression triumphant. I was taken aback by her knowledge, and more than a little creeped out by the fact that she must have been watching me to know that.

  “No, I graduated. Remember, I told you I graduated early. They just sent me my diploma,” I explained, choosing to overlook the stalking since she seemed to have had good, if misguided, intentions. Her expression hardened stubbornly and she shook her head. I cast around for something else that might sway her. “Look, no bruises,” I cried, stretching out my arms. “No cuts, scrapes, or wounds of any kind.”