Chapter 7: Chapter Six

It had been a hard afternoon, but Becca knew the calls she’d made had been necessary. Sometimes having to be the one to remain calm and the one others looked at for answers was the hardest part of being the Alpha’s daughter. Several years ago, she’d been held to a higher standard than other teens. She was the Alpha’s daughter—the Pack’s daughter—so what she did mattered. Everyone she spoke to asked about her cottage.

They’d also offered help. From construction supplies to labor, her Pack was showing their strength. They helped one another. Why Owen would betray them confused her.

Becca still remembered when Owen had come to the Pack. He’d petitioned to join and her father had given him a year’s trial period. Owen had seemed to bloom from a lonely young guy to a man. The training with the police force had seemed to help Owen find a purpose.

She wouldn’t say they were close friends, but she’d counted on Owen to protect her and the entire Pack. The betrayal stung. Becca couldn’t even imagine how her father felt.

But thinking about Owen wasn’t getting her any answers or helping her anxiety. She stood from the couch, stretching her arms over her head.

Becca glanced at her watch—almost dinner time. She hoped the teams that had headed out to search for Owen had had some luck. Becca was honestly scared now that they’d learnt Preacher Carter and his followers were involved. No knowing what Carter wanted terrified her. Her family had been targeted and the Pack needed to be careful. There’d been several humans who’d spoken out against shifters, but Carter’s words had power to put them in real danger. He had enough followers to put up a fight. Carter wanted to gather all the shifters and corral them. Sometimes Carter claimed shifters needed to be destroyed while on other occasions he suggested putting them in prisons. No matter what Carter said, the future wouldn’t be good for shifters if he got his way.

All the work the council and other shifter leaders had done before the announcement revealing their presence had been to avoid the reaction Carter was stoking.

The man made her sick.

She left the living room that she had taken over to get her calls made and walked to her dad’s office. The door was closed, so she knocked until she heard his command to enter. He glanced up at her when she walked in and, although he looked tired, he smiled at her.

“How’s it going, Dad?” She moved around the desk to hug him.

He sighed. “Better now.”

She grinned at him before taking a seat in the chair in front of him. “Did you talk to the council?”

“Yes, and they are very worried about what Carter and his congregation’s connection means. And why we were targeted when there are bigger and more public Packs out there.”

“Do they have a theory?” she asked.

If anyone could figure it out, it had to be the council, eight powerful, dominant wolves who at one time had been Alphas of their own territories. The experience and knowledge that the council brought to the Packs was undeniable. The wolves were lucky to have them. The several shifter species had different ways to support and govern themselves. It was one of the reasons they had received such support from the world’s leaders. They had existed in secret for so long because they followed the laws of their species.

The felines followed a royal line, the bears and most water species had a dominance order, and the birds were fashioned after the military. Most, however, had a small group of leaders. Like the wolves’ Alpha council.

“Their fear is that as we’re the Pack closest to the council, they may be the ultimate target,” her dad informed her.

She couldn’t contain her gasp. “They wouldn’t really go after the council, would they? Beside it’s not common knowledge where they’re located.”

Her dad’s shoulders drooped. “It’s not impossible to discover the whereabouts of the council compound. Carter had a lot of resources at his disposal. I believe they would target our leaders to hurt all shifters. The council has already gotten involved by asking for help for us. That’s why Mike is here.”

“So, if something were to happen to Mike?” She wasn’t able to finish the thought. “Oh, God!”

He nodded. “I know. I sent Kenny to find Mike and Todd and get them back here. We need to come up with a better plan than randomly searching through the woods. Plus, they need back up.”

Becca’s pulse picked up and her wolf scratched to get out and protect Mike. She fisted her hands and took deep breaths, trying to calm herself.

A hand gripped hers and she opened her eyes to see her dad kneeling in front of her.

“Calm down, sweetie. It will be okay,” he soothed her.

It took several minutes, but she got herself under control.

“Good girl,” he praised. “You really like this guy?”

“I do. I met him when Nikki mated with RJ. There was something about him that called to me.”

He smiled. “I think his dominance might have something to do with that. He’s trustworthy, as well. And he came to help out a Pack that he didn’t even know.”

“So, you like him?”

“Are you asking my approval?” He raised an eyebrow.

Am I? “No, not really. I guess I’m wondering if you think this is a bad idea? That I’m getting ahead of myself.”

“Who cares if you are?” he asked. “You’re allowed to follow your heart, even if it means being disappointed in the end. We all go through this uncertainness.”

“Did you with Mom?”

“I wasn’t sure I wanted to settle down. But your mother was a force of nature. She rolled into town and swept me up. I didn’t stand a chance.”

Becca smiled. She was lucky that her dad didn’t mind talking about her mom. The pain he felt by her death would never go away, but Becca needed to talk about her sometimes. “I didn’t think I’d ever see him again. Or maybe if we were both visiting Nikki and RJ at the same time, we might have. I didn’t expect him to come here.”

“I spoke to Nikki’s brother before he asked Mike to help. Brandon was under the impression that Mike needed something to keep him busy.”

“Yeah, I can’t see him doing well being bored.”

“Sounds like someone else I know.” Her father stared down at her.

So Mike and I do have a lot in common. That has to count for something.

The phone on the desk rang, and her dad rose to answer it. “Hello?”

Kenny’s panicked voice came over the line. Becca jumped up, overhearing her friend’s fear. “Alpha! I found Todd’s vehicle, but there’s no sign of him or Mike. I’ve got Ryan and Adam out here, but the scent is at least a couple hours old. There…there are signs of struggle.”

Her dad’s eyes met hers. “Where?” he demanded.

Kenny gave him directions while her dad scribbled down the information.

“Find Kurt and have him help you search. I’ll send more of the Pack. We’ll find them.” He was hanging up as she raced to the door.

“No.”

She whirled around. “What?”

“You’re not going,” he said. He already had the phone back in his hand.

“I am,” she argued.

He didn’t respond, instead barking out orders for more guards around the house and everyone else available to get to Todd and Mike’s last location.

Becca began to pace as she waited. She didn’t like being put on the back burner, but her father did have to organize a rescue. When finally her dad gave her his attention, his lips were set in a firm line.

“I need you to stay here,” he said.

“Why?” Becca threw her hands up. “I could help.”

“Because this could be a ploy to get to you.”

“I don’t care,” she declared.

“Well, I do.”

“You can’t actually stop me,” she claimed. Becca was itching to run out. She needed to do something to help.

“I can. I’ll have the guards lock you in if I have to.”

“You wouldn’t!” Becca knew her father was protective, but this was too much.

He grunted. That wasn’t a good sign.

“Please, Dad.”

“I’ll make you a deal.” He waited for her nod. “Let the others go out first. Give them a couple of hours. If they haven’t found them, you can join the search.”

Becca glanced at her watch. “Two hours. After that, I go.”

“Fine,” he agreed.

Okay, so she had to hope the others came through. She could do that. And if Todd and Mike weren’t found, she’d tear the town apart looking for them.

* * * *

Becca paced in front of the window in her dad’s office. For over two hours, Kenny had led the group looking for Todd and Mike. Mike’s scent covered a wide area, so Becca figured he had been in his wolf form at some point. Todd’s scent was only located close to his SUV.

Now the teams were about to spread out to expand their search. Becca was done with waiting. “I’ll meet up with Kenny.”

“I don’t like you going out there,” her father replied. “There’s too much ground to cover. You’ll be vulnerable.”

“Whoever took Mike and Todd have already had them for two hours! I’m not waiting any longer.” She stomped to the door. Yanking it open, she almost plowed into the guard who’d been about to knock.

“Ugh.” He stumbled. “I have a couple of shifters at the door asking for Mike or you, Becca,” the guard said.

She glanced over her shoulder at her father. Why would anyone be asking for her?

“What’re their names?” her dad demanded.

“RJ Cross and Nikki Stratton,” the guard replied.

Becca cried out and raced from the room. Her dad called her name, but she was almost to the door by the time footsteps sounded behind her. She yanked the door open and launched herself at her friend.

Nikki caught her and laughed. As they hugged, the anxiety of the last few hours caught up with Becca. She sobbed onto her friend’s shoulder, reliving the entire ordeal starting with the first fire. Finally, there was someone around she didn’t have to be strong with.

“What’s wrong?” Nikki asked.

Becca shook her head, unable to speak. She needed a minute to get control of herself. She took a deep breath.

“Hey.” Nikki drew her back. “What is it?”

“Mike’s missing,” she blurted out. “As well as one of my best friends.”

“What?” RJ demanded.

Nikki shushed him as a commotion at the door caught their attention. Becca’s dad and a couple of guards joined them. Becca waved in the direction of her father. “My dad, the Alpha.”

“Jim Nelson,” her dad introduced himself.

RJ grasped his hand. “Sir, RJ Cross. And I believe you’ve met my mate, Nikki Stratton.”

Nikki accepted a hug from Jim.

“Let’s bring this inside,” her dad ordered and led the way back to his office.

They filed down the hall until they’d returned to the Alpha’s office. “I wasn’t aware we were expecting company,” her dad commented.

“My fault, sir,” Nikki said. “I was in a rush to get here and didn’t have a chance to call.”

“I’m sorry, Alpha, but what is this about Mike missing?”

“I guess we could use some help,” her dad stated. “Let’s get you two caught up.”

Becca sat on the couch next to Nikki and RJ. She explained to them what they had found out so far. Once she was done, RJ slumped back and ran his hands over his face.

“Damn.” RJ rose and paced to the window.

“We’re not sure when they were taken. It looked like they got Todd by the vehicle, but Mike’s scent sort of disappears,” Alpha Nelson explained.

RJ nodded. “That doesn’t mean he was taken, though. We got good at hiding our scent in the military.”

Becca perked up. “You mean he may be out there and okay?”

RJ grinned at her. “I would bet on it. Mike’s good. One of the best in his animal form. If he was shifted when they attacked, there is no way they got the upper hand.”

“But Todd?” Becca asked. “He wouldn’t have let them get him.”

RJ held up a hand. “If he saw Todd get taken and wasn’t able to do anything about it, he’d have followed them. Until he could return for help.”

“We need to find him,” Becca said. “He may need us.”

RJ scanned the room. “I know how Mike works.” He turned his attention to her dad. “With your permission, sir.”

The Alpha nodded. “Just watch over my daughter.”

“Yes, sir,” RJ responded. “You know how to get where we’re going?”

Becca nodded at his question. “Let’s go.” She grabbed the keys to one of the Pack’s explorers.

RJ wasn’t messing around. Before they were even out the door, he was phoning someone named Casey. Becca was too distracted to even listen in.

“What’re you doing here, anyway?” she asked Nikki when they reached the SUV.

RJ climbed in the back while Nikki took the passenger side.

“Mike called RJ about needing a tracker. I already wanted to come so we decided to head down.”

Of course, Mike had been talking about one of his former unit members when he’d told her about calling in help. She hadn’t expected it to be RJ. “Well, I’m glad you came.” She started the vehicle.

Nikki patted her arm. “How’re you holding up?”

Becca laughed. “I’m thinking I need a long vacation on a beach somewhere with one of those drinks that has a little umbrella.”

“Yeah.” Nikki was already nodding. “Maybe some greased-up cabana boys to service you.”

“Yes!” Becca hissed. “What a good idea.”

“You know I can hear you,” RJ groused from the back seat. He’d hung up from his call and was scowling at them. “And Becca has Mike’s scent all over her.”

Becca froze. No one said anything until Nikki leaned over and sniffed her.

“Stop that.” Becca pushed her friend away. “That’s creepy.”

“You do smell like Mike,” Nikki commented. Then she glared toward the back seat. “You and your super nose. That’s weird.”

RJ shrugged. Becca could see him smiling though from the rearview mirror.

“Training,” RJ quipped.

That comment reminded her about what RJ had said about Mike. Maybe she was panicking for no reason. RJ was Mike’s best friend, so if he thought Mike would be okay, she had to have as much faith in her lover.

“So, Becca,” Nikki drawled. “Anything you want to talk about?”

“Nope,” Becca replied. “Not a thing.”

Nikki was peering at her from the corner of her eye. “Oh, my God! This isn’t the first time, is it? You totally hooked up with Mike when you were in town!”

“What?” she squeaked. “That’s crazy.” Damn, how had Nikki figured that out?

RJ barked out a laugh. “I told you!”

Nikki didn’t respond to her mate, though. She was now staring at Becca. “You did!”

Becca sighed. There was no fighting admitting the truth, especially now that she and Mike had been so open about their relationship since he’d arrived. “Okay, yes. I didn’t think I’d ever see him again. It was a surprise, but there is something between us.”

RJ clapped his hands together. “This makes me so happy!”

Becca was almost used to RJ’s childlike enthusiasm, almost. “Why’s that?”

“You have no idea how long Mike has been giving me shit about Nikki. I finally get to give it back,” RJ stated.

“I don’t think Mike’s quite as…in love as you are,” Nikki teased.

“Whipped, you mean?” Becca taunted.

RJ growled. “Just for that, I’m not going to share any of Mike’s embarrassing stories.”

“Oh, come on!” Becca protested. “I was kidding.”

RJ crossed his arms over his chest.

Becca looked over at Nikki. “Help me wear him down.”

Nikki nodded.

“But we’re here now, so it’ll have to wait,” Becca said. She pulled up and parked next to another vehicle. Kurt was already waiting when they pulled up next to Todd’s SUV.

Becca jumped out and ran over to him. “Any word?” she asked.

Kurt shook his head. “No, I’m sorry.”

Becca’s shoulders slumped. Damn it, they needed to find Todd and Mike quickly. Nikki came up beside her and threw her arm around Becca’s neck. “We’ll find them.”

“We damn sure will,” Kenny muttered, joining them with RJ.

“RJ Cross.” RJ held his hand out to Kurt.

“Kurt Moore. I’ve heard good things about you,” Kurt greeted.

RJ raised an eyebrow.

“We have mutual friends and mutual training,” Kurt shared. “Casey.”

“Ah, well, then we’re happy to have you along. I want to take a quick look before we all go out,” RJ said.

Kurt jerked his head to the side and the two men walked off. RJ was only a few feet away when he started to pull his shirt over his head. Becca looked away. It didn’t seem right to see Mike’s friend in the buff. Even under the circumstances. RJ was an attractive man although she preferred the sleekness of Mike’s body.

“Let’s look around,” Nikki suggested and started toward Todd’s ride.

Becca peeked into the window. Mike’s clothes were still locked inside. He had been in shifted form. Hopefully whoever attacked hadn’t captured him. If Carter was involved, there was no telling what he’d do to a wolf. The preacher didn’t see them as human at all. A shifter might be killed without questions asked. Her stomach rolled in despair.

Kenny was pacing in front of the spot where Todd had been taken. Every couple of minutes he breathed in deeply. She strolled over to him.

“This doesn’t make sense,” Kenny murmured. “If Todd was looking out for Mike, why would he let anyone get this close to him?”

Becca had the same question. “It had to be someone he knew,” she guessed. “Maybe he thought they were here to help?”

Kenny shook his head. “He knew the possibility of someone from the Pack being involved.”

Becca placed her hand in his. “Todd’s strong. He’ll make it through this. They haven’t killed anyone yet.”

“Yes,” Kenny spat. “Shit, this is all my fault.”

“No, it’s not.”

“He’s put up with so much. Waiting on me when I had to take my position with the Pack. Having to hide our relationship. I love him.”

Becca had known how Kenny felt but was glad he had finally said it out loud. “He knows that,” she assured him.

“I hope so,” Kenny whispered. He straightened his shoulders when RJ, in wolf form, came back with Kurt.

“This way.” Kurt waved them over. The three of them hurried to him. “Clint’s already in wolf form ahead of us. We’ll shift and let RJ see if he can figure out where Mike would have gone. I think his theory that he followed the others makes sense. And shifted, he wouldn’t have the ability to get help unless he backtracks here.”

“Let’s go then,” Kenny demanded and started forward.

Kurt grabbed his shoulder. “I know this is hard for you, but we will find him.”

Kenny jerked away and squinted at him. “What do you mean?”

Kurt shrugged. “Do you think I don’t know about your and Todd’s relationship?”

Kenny paled and stepped back farther.

Kurt’s face fell. “Don’t—”

“I don’t… What… I mean…”

Kurt moved quickly, wrapping his hands around Kenny’s upper arms. “It’s okay. I suspected you had feeling for him before I left. I like Todd. I’m glad you found someone to love.”

Kenny’s mouth opened and closed as if he didn’t know what to say.

Kurt glanced over at Becca with raw emotion in his eyes. She swallowed hard, realizing it looked like regret.

“We should all have what you and Todd do. You’re a very lucky man. Don’t throw that away. I’ll support you both if you need me. And if anyone gives you trouble, I’ll rip their fucking head off.”

Kenny laughed before grabbing his brother and hugging him tight. “Thanks.”

Kurt patted his back. “So, let’s go get him.”

They moved quietly to the covered area, so they could shift. Kurt dropped behind to walk with Becca. She allowed everyone else to move out of hearing range.

“I’ll find him for you,” he whispered.

Becca frowned. “What’s going on, Kurt?”

Kurt shook his head. “Nothing. I want you to know I will get Mike back to you. And return Todd to my brother. I can see how much they mean to both of you.”

“It’s complicated—”

“You don’t have to tell me. In fact, it’s probably better you don’t. I’m the ex, after all.”

“I thought we agreed to be friends,” she said.

“Yeah,” Kurt agreed. “I hope we’ll be able to do that.”

“Then talk to me,” she pleaded.

Kurt stopped walking, so she did, too. “It’s weird being back here, that’s all. At one time, I thought that I’d spend the rest of my life protecting this Pack.”

“Is that what you want?”

“Look what’s been happening while I’ve been gone,” Kurt said. “Maybe if I’d–”

“No,” she corrected him. “I’ll not let you blame yourself for this.”

Kurt looked around. “I let a lot of people down when I stayed in the military. My own brother thinks I’ll turn on him because of who he loves.”

“It’s not you,” she assured him. “Kenny has always been very private. He doesn’t want to lose the respect of anyone in the Pack.”

“That’s not a concern he should have. He’s made sacrifices for his people.”

“I know. He’ll have more support than he thinks when he and Todd finally step out. Plus, they’re not as discreet as they believe. Everyone who is around them already knows.”

Kurt chuckled. “He’s grown up so much. I missed a lot.”

That was in part her fault. “You don’t have to any longer. Why not come back?”

“I can’t.”

“You can,” she argued.

“I have other responsibilities now.”

“What’s that mean?” she asked. Kurt pressed his lips together then peered over her head in the direction the others had disappeared in. Becca grabbed the front of his shirt. “What are you talking about? You got a mate and pup hiding somewhere?” Surely Kurt would have at least told his family if that was the case.

Kurt chuckled. “No, nothing like that.”

“Then?” she pressed.

“Things aren’t going as well as the council hoped. Humans are rallying together against us. I’ve been recruited to work closely with the council.”

“Oh.” Becca was disappointed. She’d been hoping that Kurt would find his way back to his family.

“I’ll make it a point to visit more often, though.”

Becca gazed at him. This wasn’t the same man she’d spent so much of her time with. He’d changed and Becca didn’t know what he was thinking any longer. She didn’t know this man. Still, something bothered her. “There’s more, isn’t there?”

He shook his head. “I’ve seen a lot of things in this world. When I joined the military, it was supposed to be to receive training to better help the Pack.”

“You excelled, though.”

“I did. Now, I don’t think that I can give it up. It’s not only what the council needs from me. I’m having trouble relating to other civilians. I’m struggling to find my place. The council’s offer is what’s best for now.”

“Then do it,” she said. “I’ll support you and I know my dad and Kenny will, as well.” Becca wondered if that was what Mike felt. Would he need something more than a Pack to protect?

“You’re still so easy to read,” Kurt commented. “I don’t think Mike is in the same boat. He’s restless, but he only needs to serve a purpose. He has a strong bond to the men he served with. Having something to do, someone to care for, and access to his friends will keep him happy.”

“Don’t you have that, as well?”

“No.” Kurt frowned. “Most of my missions were solo or with one other guy. I have Clint and he’s who I trust.”

How sad. A wolf shifter needed the bond they formed through the Pack. Kurt had lost that.

“Don’t be feeling sorry for me,” Kurt said. “I’ll figure it out. It’s nice to see that while I might be a little lost, things here were going okay. I’m going to take out this threat to the Pack and you. Then I’ll move on.”

“I guess we should get going,” she said.

“Yeah.” Kurt hugged her. “Your man is out there waiting.”

Becca jogged behind until they reached where everyone else had stopped. RJ stood closest to them as they approached. He was frowning at her before glaring at Kurt. She didn’t know what that had been about, so she ignored it for now. They might have held the group up for a few minutes, but she didn’t care. There was a lot going on and Mike would understand. She avoided eye contact with RJ as they all moved to a secluded spot to begin to strip.

Once in wolf form, Becca stretched her legs, happy with the release. She wiggled and pawed the ground.

Kurt’s big tan wolf came up to her and laid his head against hers. She looked into his blue eyes and saw sadness. Then he was bounding away, racing deep into the trees.

They followed as a group, keeping their senses open to the area around them.

After ten minutes, by Becca’s guess, they came upon a beautiful large white wolf. Pure white, his fur glistened in the sunlight, and Becca was impressed.

Kurt shifted back to human form at the same time as Clint did.

“Clint, any sign of them?”

Clint shook his head. “I lost his scent here. It’s so strange, since there is nothing around. No way he could have been taken without the human leaving a trail. I can’t figure it out.”

RJ sniffed the ground and huffed. In a few moments, he was in human form also.

“He’s hiding his scent. But if you know what you’re looking for, he’s also leaving clues. We’ve been through this before,” he informed him.

Becca, Nikki and Kenny were in animal form still, so she was glad when Clint asked what the rest must be wondering.

“How is that possible? I've never heard of anyone hiding their scent before. I thought we had the same training?”

RJ grinned and waved to the tree. “We learned it from the felines. It’s actually easy to master.” RJ shifted again and went over to a tree. He scratched and rubbed himself against the wood then buried his head into the grass around the base.

It seemed to take forever with RJ covering every piece of ground around him, rolling around like a kid playing.

He trotted back to the group and lay in the middle of them.

Becca drew a deep breath and yes! While she could still smell some of RJ, if she hadn’t been concentrating, she’d mostly have scented nature around them.

That was why Mike’s trail seemed so old. He was burying himself beneath what was already around.

Getting excited, she scratched at the dirt, trying to tell the others she understood.

Clint and Kurt looked at RJ in amazement. Becca wanted to laugh. RJ was showing off a bit. He also appeared to be having a good time. Still they were much closer to finding Mike, so she didn’t care.

“Damn.” Clint cleared his throat. “That’s awesome.”

RJ climbed back up to his four feet and shook. He was ready to move on. Becca agreed.

“We’ll follow you,” Kurt told RJ. Kurt and Clint shifted back one more time. If that had been Becca, she would have been too exhausted to transform that many times. Every change affected both the human and animal half of their bodies.

RJ raced ahead, so Becca stayed right on his heels, with Nikki and the others close behind. It wasn’t until they’d woven their way through miles of forest that RJ began to slow. Becca tried to be cautious as she crept forward. She didn’t have the training the men did, but she knew how to walk silently in her environment.

As wolves, they followed behind RJ. Becca could barely contain her own animal need to race forward and find the men.

They moved slowly, RJ crossing over his own scent several times, before heading north and picking up speed.

Clint stayed by Nikki and Kenny, while Becca and Kurt matched RJ’s pace.

Becca was starting to tire when RJ stopped and ducked his head. She and Kurt fell back and let him take a further lead. They wove around trees and fallen branches until an old metal shed came into view. RJ crouched and the other five took cover a few feet away. Becca lay on the ground and panted, trying to listen for any sounds of Mike or Todd.

The sound of a twig breaking had her head shooting up and she turned and looked across from her. The shadow moved and the big form headed to her. She wiggled, unsure what to do. If she made any noise to warn the others, the other wolf would hear her as well.

Her legs braced—she was ready to launch herself up.

The wolf stopped, gazing at her. Becca did let out a whimper this time.

She would have known those eyes anywhere.