Chapter Nine

Emily was wrapped around him, her head cushioned on his shoulder and her hand resting on his chest, one long, slim leg thrown between his, as she slept peacefully.

He should also be asleep but he couldn’t seem to stop staring at her. If he needed further proof that she was different from any of his other lovers, he realized that he’d never actually slept all night with a woman before. He hadn’t even thought about not remaining in bed with her. Cain wanted to be with Emily every minute he could. Before, he’d been panicked after sex and had left as soon as he’d been able. He hadn’t meant to be an ass to the women he slept with but he also hadn’t wanted any attachments. For the first time, he wasn’t feeling the need to run. Instead, now, he felt proud and protective. For the first time in years, the wolf inside him was so sated and tranquil that he was tempted to shift just to make sure he was still himself. Oh, he knew he was just being irrational, but how this girl had changed him was astounding. Cain was in love, with Emily, and she loved him back.

He stroked a hand down her arm to her waist. She probably needed her rest, but just watching her had him desperate to take her again. Cain leaned down and ran his tongue over the shell of her ear.

His cell phone rang and he froze like he’d been caught doing something wrong. He shook his head at his own silliness. As he strained to reach his pants, which were still hanging off the side, Emily rolled over before rubbing her face against his chest while moaning. They hadn’t gotten much sleep and after the stress of the day she had to be as tired as he was.

It was six in the morning, she really wasn’t a morning person in normal circumstance, and she’d been dealing with a lot. A soft whimper escaped her next. It was cute and another reminder that he would have to make sure he didn’t disturb her in the future when he received late-night calls. It happened often. Something wrong with one of the guards, suspicious activity that never seemed to come to anything, or a question about the next day’s schedule.

In the past, he’d accepted that it was his responsibility to be available twenty-four-seven, but maybe he needed to train one of the others to help him out.

He hated that he had to roll her off him since he couldn’t actually reach the phone. Luckily, the stupid thing stopped making noise so when he pulled the covers over her shoulders and kissed her cheek she didn’t stir again.

Cain climbed out of the bed, grabbing his jeans at the same time before he strolled out of the room.

His cell began ringing once again.

He took his cell phone out of his pocket and saw his dad’s office number. He stiffened. Why would his father be calling him so early when he had to know Cain was with Emily?

His stomach clenched but he answered his father’s call. “Hello?” he said quietly.

“Good morning, son,” Lamont greeted.

“Morning,” Cain replied. “What’s up? Not that I mind the call but it’s pretty early and I didn’t get much sleep.”

“I know,” Lamont said. “And I’m sorry about that but I need you to pack a bag.”

His breath caught. Was his dad kicking him out of the Pack? He’d known he’d messed up royally with Emily the day before but after she’d forgiven him he hadn’t even thought about the punishment that would come from his Alpha. “Sir?”

“Stop thinking whatever you have in that brain of yours!” Lamont snapped.

The sharp biting tone was enough to snap Cain from his panic. “Sorry.”

“We’ll deal with your situation with Emily after you return from Colorado,” Lamont told him.

“I just got back from there,” Cain complained. He did not want to leave Emily. No, he couldn’t.

“I wish I didn’t have to ask you. I’m working on some things on my end that Tony is helping me with but there has been a meeting called because of another attack,” Lamont explained. “You have to be there and represent us.”

“How many attacks does this make now?” Cain asked. He dropped down onto the couch. “This is stupid. We have to stop him!”

“Yes,” Lamont said. “This call couldn’t have come at a worse time for you but, Cain, I need you to go.”

“There’s more, isn’t there?”

Lamont was quiet for a moment. “The girl didn’t make it. She died.”

“Oh God!” Cain gasped. The attacks were bad enough, but having killed a female? Fuck, he wanted to get his hands on this guy. His right hand ached and he realized that he was clenching his fist so hard that it was turning white.

“I wouldn’t ask you to leave if it wasn’t of the utmost importance. I know you don’t want to be separated from Emily, especially now, but she’ll be safest when this shifter is caught.”

“I understand. I will go,” Cain promised. “Emily will understand.”

“That’s what I thought too,” Lamont agreed. “She is just as concerned about the attacks and she is going to make a great mate for you.”

“We need to talk to you about that,” Cain told him. Actually, first he needed to get Emily to tell him when she wanted the ceremony to take place. They had a lot of things to decide before they could move forward. She was still in school and he had a very stressful and demanding job. A position that he couldn’t, and wouldn’t, ever give up. But he could learn to put Emily before work, couldn’t he?

“Cain, are you even listening to me?” Lamont demanded.

Fuck! If he didn’t get his thoughts where they needed to be, another woman was going to be attacked or even killed. “Sorry.”

“Just come up to the main house so I can fill you in. Adam is already on his way here and you need to leave in a couple of hours,” Lamont said.

“On my way,” Cain said before disconnecting the call. He dropped the cell onto the cushions before burying his face in his hands. Fingers gripped his shoulders.

“Shit!” He almost knocked Emily back when he jumped, not expecting her touch. “Sorry, sorry.” He grabbed her wrist and pulled her onto his lap. “You okay.”

“Yeah, there was another attack?” she asked him.

“Yes, and a meeting has been set up for all of us in Colorado. I have to go, Emily.”

“I know.”

“Emily.” He held her hand tight. “I want…” He shook his head. He couldn’t give her orders. “I know it didn’t work out too well last time I left, but could you please stay in the main house? In my room again.”

She nodded. “Of course. I liked sleeping in your bed. When you’re not with me at least I can smell you on the sheets.”

“And not just while I’m gone. When I get back we could move you over to stay?” He rubbed his thumb on her wrist. He felt her pulse quicken.

She smiled at him. “Are you sure? That’s a big step.”

He leaned over and kissed her. “Isn’t this where we’ve been headed? Whether we mate officially or not, we’re already bonded.”

“I know, but we still have things we need to discuss,” she said.

“You’re right,” he agreed. “I want it all with you. You are my future and no matter what obstacles we face, we’ll work things out. Moving you into my room will allow us to be together the way I need. It’ll ease my mind so I can concentrate on tracking down this fucker who is hurting people.”

“I want him stopped,” Emily said. “I also need you to come back to me in one piece. You might be used to going on dangerous jobs for the Pack but this isn’t easy on me. If something happened to you…”

“It won’t,” he promised. He caught her chin in his hand. “I’m good at what I do. I have help and people I trust at my back. But you’re in danger here. The attacks have moved onto other Pack territory. We’ve been lucky but I won’t take a chance with your safety. I’ll trust you to make sure you stay safe, and you can trust me to get this done and return to you.”

“A partnership,” she said.

“Yes,” he agreed. “The two of us are stronger together.”

“You’re right,” she said. “I’ll pack a bag. I already have some stuff in your room.”

“Bring it all,” he told her.

“But I don’t need all my stuff now. I can come back and get what I need,” she told him. “You need to get to the main house and talk to Lamont.”

He shook his head. “You’re not returning alone. We’ll take all your stuff with you so that you don’t have to leave.”

She sighed. “I’ll bring Tony with me.”

It was illogical, but he wanted to see her stuff mixed in with his before he left. He wanted that reminder that she would be there when he returned. “It will make me feel better if I knew you have everything you need.”

She looked at him suspiciously. “Cain, you’re not thinking about doing something stupid like locking me inside the main house, are you?”

“If I thought I could get away with it, I would.” He grinned. “That’s just me being honest. It wouldn’t work. You’d probably tear off my balls, but it doesn’t change the fact that every instinct I have is screaming at me to do just that. This is where our trust for each other will come in.”

“You better help me pack then,” she said, starting to stand.

Cain tightened the arm around her waist. “Give me a kiss first.”

She raised an eyebrow before leaning forward and placing a chaste kiss on his cheek.

He laughed. “Oh come on!”

“No way!” She squirmed out of his hold. “Your dad will already know what we were doing since you haven’t showered. We’re not having a quickie on the couch.”

“Fine.” He gave her the best pout he could manage.

“Yeah.” She wrinkled her nose at him. “Don’t do that. You look like Toby.”

Cain launched up off the couch and grabbed her around the waist then tossed her up over his shoulder.

“Damn it, Cain!” she squealed, smacking him on his back. “We really don’t have time for this.”

Of course she was right. Who’d’ve thought he’d be being the irresponsible one? He strolled down the hall before reaching the bedroom. He almost groaned, seeing the bed mussed from their earlier activities. He set her on her feet just inside the room then dropped his mouth over hers and gave her a hot kiss.

She was panting when he pulled back. Cain winked before he slapped her ass. “Now pack.”

“You’re an evil man,” she accused.

“So true,” he agreed. He forced himself to walk away before he tumbled her back onto the soft mattress and claimed her again. Lamont wouldn’t wait long and Cain did need to shower, pack and get something to eat before he got on the road with Adam. “I’ll grab your bathroom stuff if you’ll get your clothes and stuff in here.”

“Okay,” she said.

Cain sauntered away, his steps lighter than they should be. It would be a hard trip back to Colorado. As much as he wanted to celebrate his bonding with Emily, he had to remember that others were suffering.

As he gathered up Emily’s toiletries into her cosmetic bags, he had to wonder what the shifter responsible for the awful violence against females would be doing. Adam and Cain were certain at least that it was a male, had to be on the road constantly the way that he traveled around and showed up in different states. Was he alone or was there more than one person involved? Why or how was he choosing his victims?

There were so many questions, and Cain didn’t even know where to begin to get the answers.

Normally Cain’s job was to track down a guilty shifter and take him to the closest Pack or Council representative to face judgment. He almost always knew who he was tracking and why. This time he had no clue what to expect from his prey.

And this asshole was Cain’s prey. Cain might have promised Adam first crack at him but Cain would stay close and make certain the shifter was punished harshly.

Once he had everything bagged up that he thought Emily would need from her bathroom, he took the items onto the bed and dropped them on top of the clothes Emily had stuffed into her duffle.

“Cain?” Emily said his name quietly.

He could hear the way her heart began to beat faster, and if he wasn’t mistaken he could smell her scent begin to lace with worry. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“What’s going to happen when I go back to school?” she asked.

Damn, he had been dreading this question. Since his first instinct was to tell her that she wasn’t going back, he slung the bag over his shoulder, then turned on his heel and stalked out of the room. “Let’s go.”

“Cain, I only have one semester to go. I need to finish school.”

He continued to the door. Why had she brought this up now? They’d been getting along so well and he was about to leave. He didn’t want to fight with her and he knew that any conversation on this subject would result in just that. They wanted, no, needed, two different things when it came to her education.

“We need to talk about this.” She followed him through the house and out of the front door.

He didn’t speak until he locked her door behind them, relieved his hands weren’t shaking. Cain took a deep breath. “We do need to talk about it. It’s one of the things we have to work out. But I don’t have an answer for you right now.” He wanted her to finish school and knew it was important to her. But that meant they would be separated from each other. He honestly didn’t know if he or his wolf could handle it.

“I shouldn’t have brought it up right now.” She sounded so upset that he couldn’t stand it. He dropped her bag before he pulled her into his arms.

“Why did you?” That wasn’t what he’d meant to ask! Shit, he knew he had made a huge mistake when she stiffened and pushed him back.

“Because it was on my mind and we’d just talked about trust and being in a partnership,” she told him.

“Okay,” he said. “I can understand that.”

She rolled her shoulders, relaxing a bit. “Well?”

“I don’t know,” he answered. “I can’t give you an answer to that question right now and I wish I could, but what we decide will change things for us.”

“So… I’m just supposed to sit back and wait for you to decide?” She huffed out a breath. “No.”

“No?” he repeated, not really sure how to respond. “What?”

“I’m going back to school,” she told him. “That is non-negotiable. Now that’s out of the way, we need to figure out how I can do that and still be with you. We do need to have a mating ceremony as well.”

“Mating…” How in the hell had he lost control of the entire conversation?

“I’d like some time to plan it, but with the semester ending soon, I’ll be off for a few months. That would be the perfect time to bond officially and maybe we can even get away together,” she said. Emily was pacing the front porch as she spoke. “Of course we’ll have to—”

“Hold on!” He didn’t mean to shout but he wasn’t even sure what they were talking about anymore. “Slow down,” he requested, much more calmly.

“Oh!” she laughed. “I was just thinking out loud. I don’t mean to overwhelm you.”

“I…” Cain glanced toward the Alpha house before peering back at her.

“Grab my bag,” she told him.

With no reason not to, Cain bent down and picked up her duffle. She slipped her hand into his free one before tugging him down the steps. He felt much better once they were headed in the direction of the main house. Like he’d somehow have more of an idea how the woman he loved had gone from angry to nervous and then excited within a few minutes’ time.

“I’m going to ask you some questions and all I want from you at this moment is to answer with a yes or no,” she said as they walked.

“Okay,” he agreed. Maybe if he kept his answers simple he could avoid upsetting her.

“Just yes or no,” she repeated. “We’ll work everything else out.”

Hadn’t he said the same thing earlier? That they’d work stuff out? Wow, this woman had him wrapped up in her spell. If there was any way to avoid this conversation he would. He had the feeling that his answers were going to be very, very important. “Go ahead with your questions.”

“Do you want to officially mate with me?”

“Of course!” he said in surprise. He’d told her that.

She narrowed her eyes at him when she turned her head. “Yes or no.”

“Fine,” he sighed. “Yes.”

“Good,” she responded. “Do you want a ceremony?”

It took everything in him not to grind his teeth in frustration. “Yes,” he answered once again.

“Do you have any issue with me finishing school other than the fact that we’d be apart?”

“No.” At least he didn’t growl that out, although it was close.

“You have men you trust here?”

He stumbled as they crossed the lush lawn toward the Alpha house. “What?”

“Honest answer.” She snapped her fingers. “Quick.”

“Yes!”

Emily nodded. “Okay.”

The front door opened before they’d even reached the stairs.

“You took longer than we expected. Lamont is waiting on you,” Tony said as he joined them.

Cain rolled his eyes at his older brother. Tony probably thought they’d been having sex. Jeez, he could only wish. Instead he felt like he’d been put through the wringer. Not that he could tell his brother that, especially with Emily still at his side. Instead, he tossed her bag at Tony’s chest. “Drop that in my room for us, please,” he said. “I’m headed to the office now.”

Tony smirked but he did nod just before disappearing back into the house.

Emily tugged on his hand, stopping him from crossing over the threshold. She leaned up on her tip-toes with her mouth just inches from his. “I’m going to make you some breakfast while you talk to the Alpha.”

“I’d appreciate it,” he said sincerely.

She brushed her lips over his. “Everything is fine here. You just go do what you need to and I’ll take care of everything else.”

Cain nodded.

Her smile was bright when she kissed him one last time before striding past him into the house. Cain stood just staring at the door. He had no idea what had happened but somehow it didn’t worry him. He’d give Emily anything he could, so the ball seemed to be in her court. Now, he could get down to business and make sure he wasn’t distracted from the task ahead.

* * * *

The drive to Colorado was long, but Cain knew when the meeting was over he had something to get home to. The sight of Emily in his robe standing at the door was one Cain would cherish during his time away. They’d showered together before he’d had to get downstairs to meet up with Adam.

She’d offered to walk him out, but Cain had just smiled and told her to stay right where she was as he grabbed his bag.

The robe had been way too big for her so she’d attempted to wrap and clench it closed, but the opening had gapped and her breasts had just been barely visible. Even thinking about it right then, he was hard.

He shifted in his seat, trying to get comfortable and calm down before Adam noticed anything. Not only would his friend be able to see his hard-on pressing against his jeans, but he’d also be able to smell his arousal. And that would be embarrassing. He glanced over at Adam and frowned.

Adam had been silent for most of the trip. They had stopped for coffee fifteen miles back and Cain had taken over the driving, but Adam still wasn’t sharing what was wrong.

The strong emotions coming off him smelled a bit like desperation and anxiety. He’d expect a little of both, but these were just too potent. Something else other than this case was bothering him. If anyone could get answers out of Adam it would be him. He was not about to let his buddy suffer alone. He’d help Adam figure out whatever the problem was. He also had a good idea where to start. He’d bet Adam just needed someone to listen to him without the worry of putting the Pack in danger.

A troubled or weak Alpha put the entire community in danger. Adam was keeping his concerns close to his chest, but Cain would offer whatever assistance he could. They both knew that Cain had no interest in becoming an Alpha and being in charge of an entire Pack.

“How’s your dad doing?” Cain asked.

Adam sighed.

“Adam?” Cain pressed.

“Still depressed and blaming himself. He won’t listen to me, to anyone, that it wasn’t his fault,” he finally said.

“Other Alphas, other territories…”

“I think what happened to Mindy reminded him of something in his past. He’s having nightmares and he’ll lock himself in his room,” Adam said.

“Oh jeez,” Cain blurted out. He hadn’t realized things were so bad for Adam and Christian. He’d been so wrapped up in his own drama that he’d let down the people who were like family to him.

He and Adam had been raised together, as Christian had served as his father’s Beta. When Christian had been given his own Pack it had broken both his and Adam’s hearts to be separated. Sure, they understood why, but it hadn’t been easy to let go of that closeness.

“I should have been there for you.” Cain felt guilty.

“Nothing you can do,” Adam assured him.

“No, I could have…”

“Left your mate alone and come keep an eye on me and my dad,” Adam finished for him.

“No!” Cain argued. “Just been more available, I guess.”

“Cain, I know if I call you day or night you’re going to answer. If I’d asked you to come down, you would have been there. It just wouldn’t have helped.”

“So what can I do now?” he asked.

Adam shook his head. “Nothing. You spent some time in Texas with Gage Wolf’s Pack, right?”

“Yeah.” Cain nodded as he glanced in the rear-view mirror before putting on his blinker. Their exit was coming up, and he changed lanes before giving his attention back to Adam. “Dad and Gage have been friends for years. That Pack is awesome.”

“My father and Logan grew up together,” Adam said. “He’s there now with him.”

“Logan’s been staying at your house?” Cain asked.

“Yeah,” Adam said. “I’m hoping with me being gone, Logan can reach him. They seemed to have an understanding that I just don’t get. Whatever is wrong, it seems that Logan knows exactly what the problem is. I think he’s just trying to come up with the solution.”

“If anyone can it would be that guy. Especially if they’re as good friends as you’ve said. That guy is fucking brilliant,” Cain said.

“I like him,” Adam said. “I just feel…comfortable around him.”

“It’s what makes him such a great Beta. Your dad does the same to me. They are just so calming to be around,” Cain agreed.

“Usually,” Adam said. “Not so much more anymore. My dad is so full of… I don’t even know how to explain it.”

“You don’t have to,” Cain told him. “Just vent, let it out, I won’t judge you, your father or anyone. Nothing you say will ever leave this car.”

Adam stared out of the window. “He wants me to take over the Pack.”

Cain jerked the wheel in surprise. He quickly corrected his steering before he realized he’d almost missed his exit. He slowed and followed the other traffic off the highway until they turned onto a much less traveled road.

“That was pretty much the reaction I had.” Adam laughed bitterly. “Except, luckily, I wasn’t in a moving vehicle, although I did drop a crystal glass.”

“You’d be a good Alpha.” Cain wanted to make sure that his friend knew he believed in him.

Adam finally looked at him. “Do you think so?”

Cain didn’t hesitate with his answer. “Yes, I do. I guess it just shocked me. Your dad’s still in his prime. He could lead the Pack for several more years. Lots more years.”

“That’s what I told him,” Adam said. “He said he’s lost the taste for it.”

Suddenly Cain was assaulted with an overwhelming sense of fear. “Adam! What is it?”

“I’m worried that when Logan leaves, Dad might want to end his existence.”

“Fuck.” Cain swerved again. He immediately hit the knob for his blinker before he started to pull over to the right, out of the way of traffic. He could not continue this conversation while trying to drive.

Once the vehicle was on the side of the road with the hazards flashing, Cain turned to his friend.

Cain knew shifters who had done that. Ended their lives or had someone do it for them. It wasn’t common, but it had happened in the past enough times that Cain had been trained in the symptoms to look out for in case one of his Pack members was in danger.

“Maybe he won’t,” Cain offered, not knowing what else to say.

“I guess we’ll find out soon. Logan got word that his Alpha is expecting his first child. He’ll need to return to guard over them. Gage won’t want anyone else near Marissa. He’s overly protective on an average day, but this is going to send him spiraling out of control.”

Cain smiled. Marissa Boyd and Gage were having a baby. That was awesome news. He was glad to hear that Marissa was still happy in her new home. Gage’s mate was one of the few weres who couldn’t shift and had recently come across her old Pack that had abused her terribly. Marissa had ended up changing a lot of people’s beliefs on non-shifters.

Thinking of Gage having a child made him think of Emily. She would be a great mother. The way she was with Toby was proof of that.

It was something they needed to discuss. He could picture their children running around playing while he held her in his arms. Not right away, but he actually wanted to think about it.

Emily was changing him, for the better, and Cain hoped he wouldn’t screw things up completely.

Just as things were coming together for him, his best friend’s life was falling apart. Cain wanted to help but he wasn’t sure what he could do. Adam was a smart, kind and strong man and he would be a great Alpha, but Cain hadn’t thought his father was doing so badly.

“What can I do to help?” Cain asked.

Adam looked over at him. “Actually, just talking this out with you is helping,” Adam said. “I’m just so overwhelmed.”

Cain nodded. “So let’s break it out. Here.” He reached into the glove box for a notebook and pen. “Take this and write down what needs to be done. The Beta is helping you?”

“Yes,” Adam said. “Luckily our Pack isn’t as big as yours, so everyone is doing what they can to help each other, but this isn’t how it is supposed to go. Our family should be taking care of business so the rest of the Pack can enjoy their lives and not worry. We’re never going to be able to help Mindy and move on if the Alpha and inner circle are falling apart.”

“So do it,” Cain said.

“What?”

“Your dad wants you to take over the Pack because he is unable to handle it right now for whatever reason. He might recover or could get worse, but this isn’t just about him. It sounds to me like you want to fix things, so do it,” Cain said.

“I can’t help him,” Adam said. “So maybe I can do something good for the rest of the Pack.”

Cain patted him on the shoulder. “Exactly.”

“It’s not as easy as it sounds,” Adam told him. “I’ve been running things for several weeks now but things I need his decisions on aren’t getting done.”

“Then decide,” Cain told him.

“I can’t!” Adam threw up his hands. “I’m not the Alpha even if he wants me to be. The Council would have to approve the transfer and that takes time.”

“You’re thinking too much. You need to make sure the Pack is running well, help Mindy and protect everyone. Just make those decisions that are needed and get things happening. If your dad wants the Pack again he can take back over, and at least no one else will be hurt. If he formally requests retirement than you already have things set up the way you want,” Cain advised.

“I’m worried that he’ll think he’s not needed. There’s no telling what he’ll do then,” Adam said.

Cain understood what the issue really was. Adam was capable, but he was holding back out of fear that his dad would end his existence knowing the Pack was safe. He had no idea how he would feel if this were happening to him. “Adam, you need to do your best for the Pack. Your father is a great man and while he’s struggling now, that won’t last. He’ll get past this and everything will work out.”

“I hope so,” Adam said. “You’re right, though, I do need to step up.”

“Good.” Cain straightened so he could get them back on the road. “Now let’s talk about this meeting.”

Adam sighed. “Yeah, even that has to be better than everything going on in my head.”

Cain flipped on the turn signal to return them to the highway. Once traffic was clear, he pulled out. “I’m not sure how I feel about Riker.” The Colorado Alpha was not a nice guy. He was often too harsh with his Pack, and Cain didn’t like that.

“I don’t like him,” Adam told him. “My dad says that he’s very old-school and believes that all Pack members have to fight to get high positions. He pits them against each other so there’s a lack of trust and closeness. It’s a good thing his Pack is smaller, like mine. Can you imagine if he had as many members as yours?”

“It wouldn’t be good,” Cain agreed. “Do you think he’s involved in this? He didn’t appear very sympathetic when it was one of his own Pack.”

“We went around the entire property searching for the scent of the attackers. Wouldn’t we have picked up on something?” Adam asked.

“Yeah,” Cain said. “You have a point.”

“Of course that doesn’t mean he didn’t set it up,” Adam added. “If he used someone outside his Pack, maybe even a rogue. He did get our attention and now one of the largest gatherings of all the Packs is on his territory.”

“I asked Lamont why we were meeting there and he wasn’t sure whose suggestion it was, but I can imagine Riker insisted. The others would agree just to get it over and done with. We’ve got to catch this guy.”

“It could be dangerous,” Adam said. “If he is involved and we’re all on his land.”

“He can’t make a move against all of us. Our Alphas would hunt him down, but I do agree that we need to be careful. I don’t trust him,” Cain said.

“After the meeting, I’d like to sniff around,” Adam told him.

“Okay,” Cain replied. “I’ll see what I can do to cover for you. Just don’t get caught.”

Adam scoffed. “Come on, I was taught by the best.”

“I am the best,” Cain said smugly. He laughed as Adam grinned.

It might have only been something small, but at least Adam had a smile on his face. If Cain had a chance, he’d get a hold of Tony and see what his brother could do to help. Tony was heading to California to the Council property, but Tony always had time for him. He’d also make sure that his brother kept what was going on with Adam’s father under wraps for now. He didn’t want the Council to get involved yet. Christian could still pull through.

“Thanks,” Adam told him quietly.

Cain only nodded. No other words needed to be said between the two friends.

* * * *

The moment he walked into the meeting, Cain knew that it wasn’t like the others he had attended before. That in itself wasn’t a shock, since the assembly had been arranged as a result of such horrible violence. What was troubling him was the way the different Packs’ representatives were all edgy and looking at each other with suspicion. If they turned on one another they wouldn’t get anything done.

As he and Adam strolled closer to the large conference table, he dipped his head respectfully at the other shifters in the room. Riker wasn’t there yet and as far as Cain knew he would be the only Alpha attending.

It was unusual for Alphas to leave their territory, especially during a time in which they were needed to protect their Pack. He spotted Sam, Gage Wolf’s third-in-command, and sat next to him.

“Sam,” he greeted his friend quietly.

“Hey, Cain, Adam,” Sam returned with a nod. “Glad to see you both here.” Sam glanced around the room and the smell of unease was flooding off him.

Sam was a guard who had recently been promoted and spent most of his time looking after the Alpha mate of his Pack, Marissa. Cain didn’t think Sam had ever attended a summit for the Packs. But with Logan off territory it would fall on Sam to attend and report back to Gage.

Cain clamped his hand down on Sam’s shoulder and squeezed. He leaned closer and in a low voice said, “Just stay calm and don’t get involved in other Packs’ business,” Cain advised. “Sit back and listen, pay attention to the others, but don’t bring their interest to you.”

Sam nodded before he relaxed. “Thanks.”

“Sure,” Cain said. “I’ve been there. I remember my first summit by myself.”

“I hope it was under better circumstances,” Sam whispered.

“It was,” Cain told him. “But I was still scared shitless I would disrespect the wrong wolf and start a Pack war.”

“Yeah,” Sam said. “Gage already has enough on his plate and I don’t want to add to it.”

“Don’t worry, Adam and I have your back. Everything will be okay.”

The room filled up quickly, and finally Riker walked in. He went directly to the head of the table and sat. Since he was the highest rank, he would run the summit.

There were nine territories being represented but twelve seats taken. While Riker was representing his own Pack, he would also be allowed to have one of his men at his side to help run the meeting but also look out for their interests. Larry had walked in behind Riker. Cain didn’t know much about Larry. He would have had to fight well to be so high in the Pack, but Cain didn’t know anything about his personality. The fact that Larry belonged to Riker’s Pack at all made Cain suspicious of him. An Alpha could tell dominance inside a wolf without the need for violence. Cain didn’t respect a bully and that was how he thought about the entire Riker Pack. This was only one of the reasons that Riker’s reputation was that of running an old-school Pack. Wolves were used to violence, and Riker seemed to encourage it.

In the last two chairs sat two shifters that Cain didn’t know, but he could feel their power. Both men were built and extremely intimidating, even to him. One had dark brown hair and to the left of him was a slightly smaller light-haired guy. They had to be the representatives from the Council, and Cain was happy to see them there.

Cain’s doubt and unease about Riker was still bothering him, and the only ones present who would be able to question or take on the Alpha without causing issues for their home Pack would be the Council guys.

“Let’s get this summit started,” Riker said. “First, I’ll go over what we know, then we’ll open with suggestions on how to catch the person responsible for the attacks. We need to outline what all of you are doing in your own territories to keep the members safe and where you are investigating. There is no point in duplicating research when we can better spend our time elsewhere.”

Cain leaned back as he listened to Riker update everyone.

The survivors had all given the same description. The attacker was out to cause as much pain and humiliation as possible. After he sexually attacked the girls, he would beat them with his fists. The beatings had rapidly gotten worse until the last victim hadn’t lived through it.

Cain peered around, taking in the reactions of the others, until he met Larry’s gaze. Cain took an immediate dislike to the man. There was no compassion in Larry’s eyes as Riker spoke about the results of Mindy’s attack. Adam was gripping the edge of the table and his fingers were turning white. Not moving his eyes, Cain leaned against Adam so to offer him some comfort without anyone else picking up on it.

He would have liked to excuse Adam from this part, but that would show weakness that the Packs couldn’t afford. Adam took a deep breath before releasing his hold then leaning back.

Larry was still staring back at him.

Sam shifted beside him, and Cain noticed he was also staring at Larry. Sam tilted his head, and Cain got the impression he was scenting him. Larry’s attention went to Sam before he sneered. Larry had obviously picked up on what Sam was doing as well, but instead of appearing irate he sent them a smirk.

Sam sat back in his chair as if nothing was up. Cain had to give Sam credit. Larry was more dominant than the younger guard, but if he was scared or worried he wasn’t giving off any vibes like that.

It was taking all his control not to wipe that expression off Larry’s face, so he looked back at Riker and began to pay better attention to what the Alpha was saying. Cain wasn’t about to share what little they’d been able to find out. He didn’t know who was involved and if they had a connection to anyone in the room. It became obvious that several of the others felt the same way when Riker asked for updates and no one spoke up.

“We need to work together,” Riker stated loudly.

“With respect, sir,” Sam said beside him, “maybe if you start, it’ll help pave the way.”

Cain could have fallen out of his seat at Sam. It was one thing to suspect an Alpha or Pack but to openly ask wasn’t something he would have done. Damn, maybe he had underestimated the young guard.

Riker glared at Sam then peered around the room as if he was daring anyone to agree with him. Cain was about to do just that when the light-haired stranger stood.

“My name is Clint Price and I am one of the Alpha Council representatives. This is my partner Kurt Moore. We’re here to ensure cooperation between the Packs and to assist in any way possible in locating the suspect. We don’t work solely for the Council but were tasked to them temporarily from our own Packs. This means we want to find this monster and get home. So you are going to share information so we can hunt this asshole down.”

Clint took the time to meet each shifter’s eye at the table before he sat back down.

“What if we don’t have anything to share?” a female shifter asked.

Cain glanced over at her. He didn’t recognize her.

“You’re Ginger Winters?” Kurt questioned.

“Yes, my brother is the Alpha of the territory closest to this one. We’re concerned about our own Pack but we don’t know anything and from what I understand no one else does either.”

Kurt nodded. “Which is the purpose of this summit. So the Packs that don’t have all the information about the attacks can go back to their territory and make sure they are protected.” He glanced around the table. “But some of you are investigating.”

Cain sighed. He wasn’t going to give away everything Lamont had updated him with that morning but he could give them something so maybe someone else would share. “Right now, we’re looking into rogue shifters that were kicked out of their Packs and might have exhibited behavior that matches the attacks.”

Several people leaned forward.

“Have you got any leads?” Kurt asked.

“No.” Cain shook his head. “But it’s somewhere to start. It’s hard to believe that this guy has never done something like this before. The attacks are so violent but he’s not leaving evidence behind. He either knows what he’s doing or he has learned from his mistakes in the past. This can’t be the first time he’s attacked someone or had the urge. He might be escalating from wherever or whatever he’s done before but if we look close enough there has to be a connection.”

Kurt nodded. “I agree.”

“I have the sheriff looking at arrests of sexual assaults of this nature also,” Larry spoke up.

Cain snapped his head to Larry, surprised.

“He’s human, so I can’t tell him why, but he owes the Pack some favors so he’ll get what he can,” Larry added.

That was smart. Cain didn’t know if his Alpha was doing the same, but it was worth bringing up.

“We were also looking at rogues,” an older, weathered-looking man said. “Someone who had approached different Packs trying to get in. My Alpha is working with the other Alphas on this. We think he’s targeting Pack members from specific territories.”

Cain finally recognized the older shifter from a small Pack in Oklahoma.

That seemed to have opened up communication as talk finally got underway with ideas and suggestions on how to find the suspect.

* * * *

Adam got his chance to shift at the end of the meeting when he excused himself to go to the restroom. When Adam caught his eye, Cain knew his friend was making his move.

“We’re about done here,” Cain said loudly enough that those around him would hear. That way they wouldn’t question Adam not returning.

It was hard to keep his mind off what Adam was doing while the others stood and spoke their goodbyes. He did keep his gaze on Riker and Larry, though. He didn’t want either one of them catching Adam.

Sam seemed to slip away and Cain saw a red-headed woman approaching.

“Ginger.” She offered her hand.

“Cain,” he greeted, shaking her hand, but then released her quickly. “Your Pack is close?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “We’re smaller than most of the others but we like it that way.” She dropped her eyes and looked him up and down.

He could pick up the attraction and if he didn’t have Emily he would have been tempted to take her up on the offer she was giving him with her body language. She leaned closer before trailing her finger over his shoulder. “Are you staying here? Maybe we could get together later?”

He smiled. “A week ago, I would have been more than happy to, but I’m with someone.”

She stuck out her pretty bottom lip but nodded. “I can’t change your mind? A week isn’t that long to have made a lifelong commitment.” As she shifted on her feet, her breasts rubbed against his chest.

“I have to get home to my mate,” he told her. “It’s new, so we haven’t been together long, but it is that serious.”

Ginger laughed. “Well, it figures. A good-looking guy like you can’t be single. Sorry I hit on you. I didn’t see a mark.”

“It’s okay,” Cain assured her. “We’ll be having a ceremony soon.”

She had backed off, giving him the proper distance, and he was glad she didn’t push it. Ginger was a beautiful woman, but Emily was the only one he wanted. The only one he had ever wanted.

“I better go,” Ginger said then sent him another beautiful smile. “But good luck with your mate. And congratulations!”

“Thank you.” He grinned as she walked away.

The room had almost cleared out completely. Only the two Council representatives, Riker and Larry, remained. He sauntered out of the room and toward where he’d parked. He hoped Adam was about done running around because they didn’t have much time.

The front door was open so he strolled through and began to search for Adam. His friend was leaning up against the car talking with Sam.

Cain spotted Brent Simpson and waved. He hadn’t gotten to talk to Brent at the meeting but it appeared Brent was in a hurry as he quickly returned the wave but continued getting into his SUV. He’d only met the man once, when Cain had made his first and only trip to New Mexico. Brent had been the one to show him around, and although Cain wouldn’t say they were friends, Brent was a nice enough guy. Cain would have liked to pull him aside and see if he had any information that he hadn’t shared.

With the urgency of getting all the intel back to their Packs, Cain could understand why Brent was in a hurry.

As he reached Adam and Sam, he could hear them talking about Adam’s little side visit. Obviously Sam had picked up on what they were up to.

“Anything?” he asked Adam.

“I didn’t pick up the scent of the attacker anywhere around or close to the house. I don’t think he’s a member here,” Adam said. “Or at least staying here.”

“Damn.” Cain ran his hand over his face. He was tired and if they didn’t get a lead quickly someone else might be hurt or killed. “We need to end this fast.” He glanced over at Sam. “Did you get anything from scenting Larry?”

Sam smiled but shook his head. “No. There is something about him, though. Although there was a strange scent in there and I at first thought it was coming from him. But I couldn’t locate it. It was like it was some kind of cologne.”

“What kind of smell?” Adam asked.

“Just a sharp pine and sweet scent. It was weird,” Sam said.

Cain had to agree. He’d smelt the same strange scent but hadn’t thought anything about it at the time. Most shifters didn’t wear any type of perfume or fragrance since they had such strong noses. Still, it wasn’t unheard of.

“So someone could have been trying to hide their scent? The attacker, maybe?”

“Son of a bitch.” Adam growled. “And we let him go?”

Cain put his hand on Adam’s shoulder to calm him. “We don’t know that it was. But it gives us an idea. We do know who was at the meeting, and that gives us a place to start.”

Adam shrugged off his hand. His eyes brightened. Cain grabbed the back of his neck. “Relax, Adam, this is good news. We’ll get him.”

“Before he goes for the next girl?” Adam snapped.

Sam moved restlessly, and Cain knew he could tell how close Adam was to shifting. “Yes, if he is here he’s not out stalking his next victim,” he told his old friend.

“You’re right.” Adam took several deep breaths before nodding. “Sorry.”

Sam slapped him on the back. “Had me worried there for a second. Well, I’ve got to run. I want to call Gage and fill him in.”

“Tell him we said hi,” Cain told him. “Oh, and congratulations on the baby!”

“Baby,” Sam said with a shake of his head. “I had no idea how Marissa getting pregnant was going to affect me. She’s driving Gage crazy with all her cravings, so in turn he’s driving me crazy, sending me after things. I have instructions to stop on my way home and pick up a list a mile long. I tell you, I don’t think I want children after seeing this.”

Cain laughed and slapped Sam on the shoulder before strolling to the driver side of the car. “You okay?” he asked Adam.

“Yeah,” Adam said while opening the passenger door. “I just want to get this guy. Let’s get on the road so we can make our own phone calls.”

Sounded like a plan to him. The sooner they left, the sooner he’d be back with Emily in his arms.

The meeting hadn’t been as much of a waste of time as he’d expected it would be. The Packs that had been directly involved were all working hard to discover who was responsible and now they had better organization. He actually felt like they were finally making progress.

He started his vehicle before putting it in gear. As he began to pull out of the drive, he spotted Larry and Riker walking out of the front door. Cain still didn’t like either man but at least they were trying to find the attackers. Or they had at least provided some ideas.

Larry glanced up as they drove past.

Cain didn’t look away as his gaze once again met Larry’s. He still had an uneasy feeling about the guy. To him, anyone who rose up as far as Larry had in Riker’s Pack had to have some bad in him. To fight for dominance was something that almost no shifter did anymore. It seemed like the members in Riker’s Pack thrived in that environment, though.

There was already so much pain in the world. Cain wanted to make it where none of his fellow Pack members ever had to witness it. Cain and Larry held the same positions in their Packs, but Cain was relieved that he was nothing like the other shifter.

He might be an asshole, but Cain truly loved his family and those he was charged with taking care of. There was no way he’d be worth Emily’s love if he was the kind of Enforcer that beat others to show his strength.

Emily deserved to be cherished and loved. Cain was going to have to make sure she got all that and more. And he knew that she deserved to finish school and be able to contribute to the Pack using her education like she’d always wanted.

That meant he would either have to let her go back to campus alone or work out a way to split his time between her and their home. Since he couldn’t even imagine only seeing her every few months, Cain was figuring a way to work things out. He’d already decided to give some of his top guards more responsibility, but maybe he needed to do more.

Lamont would support whatever decision he made, so he didn’t have to worry about his Alpha being upset. Still, as soon as they caught the attacker, Emily would need to return to campus, and Cain was going with her. She had one more semester and it would start in a few short weeks.

Of course, if they didn’t catch this guy then Emily would have to stay longer. Maybe put off returning to school until the next year. No, he couldn’t allow that. If he found anything to lead them to a suspect he would get the guy. If there was another attack and he could have prevented it he would never forgive himself. He would have to take Emily back to the apartment and her classes. No matter how tempted he was to keep her away from everyone else in the world.