Chapter 156

Michael POV

A trickle of blood streaked down my chest. Otherwise, I was unharmed. I watched as Malik slowly shifted to human form, his breaths a little ragged as he lay in the dirt. I heard the crack as ribs broke when I threw him down. He moaned and rolled onto his side, his right arm crossing over his body to grasp at his fractured ribs. "Fuck," he moaned. "You're a strong fucker."

I looked up as two wolves came crashing through the underbrush to stand next to Malik, sniffing him and then looking up at us. I recognized Shawna's brother immediately. He shifted into his human form, covering his genitals with his hands. "Let me get some pants, my sister doesn't want to look at my junk." He moved behind one of the trees, digging through what I assumed was a hiding place for clothing. Most packs had these. He came out with a pair of shorts that didn't look like they fit him, stretched tight across his thighs. "Sorry," he laughed.

"He broke my ribs," Malik gasped as he sat up.

"You deserved it," Shawna spit out. "I can't believe you tried to attack him," she said, pointing at Michael and then looking over at her brother. "Did you see it?"

"No," he shook his head. "But I believe you. Jarod said Malik didn't show up for dinner and his mate was worried when he blocked her out. He knew you were leaving today and asked me to check up on you. I had an idea about where you were since I saw you earlier. I smelled the blood," he nodded towards me. The scratch was already healing and in no time, it would be like it wasn't there at all.

"Sorry about that Alpha. We will deal with him. I've already informed the Alpha of his little stunt. You two travel safe."

"Ben," Shawna said quietly. "I don't understand what's going on with him," she pointed at Malik.

"We will take care of it sis and I will see you tomorrow," he pulled her in for a hug. "And thank you for mom. Cassidy was so happy last night."

Ben walked over and helped Malik stand. "Man, you are acting like a fool over my sister. She's not your mate, you have one. The Alpha is down right pissed." Malik looked at the ground.

"She was supposed to be mine," he mumbled, still holding onto his ribs.

"Well she's not. Get over it," Ben tugged him into the woods, waving at us as they walked off. The other wolf had just sat in wolf form the entire time, watching. Now he trotted off behind them, looking left to right as they trudged up the mountainside.

"I'm so sorry," Shawna cried as she traced a finger down my scratched chest.

"It's healed already," I told her with a smile. "I heal faster than most, Alpha advantage." I waggled my eyebrows at her. "Now lets get out of these woods, find us a place to sleep tonight and a hot meal. What do you say?"

Shawna nodded, looking sheepish and upset still. "Should I carry you?" I offered.

"What? No." She swatted my arm and then leaned over and picked up my shirt and handed it to me. "But you should put this on before I decide to make you take the rest off."

"Here, in the middle of the trail?" I laughed. "Wow, your hormones are raging aren't they? I like this pregnant version." She swatted my arm again.

"You better like every version," she snorted and started walking down the trail, not waiting for me to finish putting on my shirt or pack. I watched her cute little butt walk down the trail with a smile on my face. This woman drove me crazy. With one last look over my shoulder, just to be sure they were really gone, I followed behind my mate and down the trail.

We didnt' stop the rest of the way down, even though I was sure she was tired. Shawna was on a mission to get as far away as possible. Either that or she was hungry and wanted a shower. Probably all three. We passed the two guards at the parking area, they simply nodded at us, rifles strapped to their backs. They too looked like mountain men, with long unkept beards. One was clearly older, his beard a thick grey and creases around his eyes. He gave a smile as Shawna turned with hands on her hips and told me to hurry my ass up. I tossed her over my shoulder and placed her softly into the passenger side of the truck, removing her pack in the same motion. She gasped in surprise and didn't say a word. I tossed our bags into the back seat of the quad cab and climbed in. She was alreayd buckled and looking at me expectantly. "You really are ready to go," I laughed as I started the truck.

"Yes, fast and far. Plus, I really want a steak right now. Rare." I laughed and threw the truck in gear, making a U-turn and following the narrow dirt road out of the woods and to the main road. I made a right and headed towards the distant lights of the nearest town. An hour later, I pulled into a small bed and breakfast. Shawna was passed out, her head resting on the window. I let her sleep and went inside to inquire about a room. They had one left, with a queen sized bed.

The woman at the counter sized me up. "You will hang off the end of it unfortunately. My King size room is already rented out, sorry."

"It's fine ma'am. I just need to make sure my wife is comfortable. I'm used to being to big for the beds." I smiled and she gave me a weary glance.

"Okay then," I handed her my card and she went through the motions of checking us in, then handed me my card and the room key back. "We serve a light breakfast in the morning, starting at six and ending at nine. Will you be dining with us?"

"I'm not sure, but I think so." I started to walk out. "Oh is there a steak house nearby?" I had my hand on the door handle ready to walk out, but waited for her reply.

"Yep, Wolveshead Lodge, two miles up the road," she pointed towards town.

I chuckled, but of course. "Thank you ma'am."

I climbed into the truck and drove the two miles up the road, Shawna still asleep in the passenger seat. When we pulled up outside the steakhouse, I had to laugh again. Talk about hiding in plane sight. "Shawna, wake up." I kissed her cheek. "We're about to get you that steak," I told her.

Shawna opened her eyes and stretched, then looked out the window. "You've got to be kidding me," she laughed. "Of all the places we could eat, but okay."

I climbed out and went around to open her door. "What do you mean of all the places?" I asked as we walked in.

"Malik's parents own this place. I used to work here as a teen, waiting tables. The food is good though, so no complaints there. Just don't be caught off guard in here, everyone who works here is a wolf." So much for anonymity.