Chapter Seven

RJ felt the excitement in the air. The Alpha ceremony would start soon and the Pack was in full celebration. Cameron, Dylan and Brandon stood in the middle of the clearing, preparing for the circle. Justin and Ben were working the crowd like pros and Nikki was in the middle of a group of women around her age. They laughed and squealed and he couldn’t hold in a smile as she shook her hips and danced away, laughing. He caught her eye and the look in hers changed, moving from happy to heated with passion. He jerked his head to the edge of the crowd and she nodded.

The pre-gathering had gone off with no problems. Samson hadn’t even shown up. The closer the time to begin came, the more RJ relaxed.

Maybe our efforts have actually been enough.

“How’re things going?” he asked Nikki when she reached him.

“Good,” she replied with a smile. “Everyone I’ve talked to seems ready and willing to accept whoever Cameron puts in place. Dylan has some of the older ladies eating out of his hand already and the younger ones”—she laughed—“are asking if he’s mated.”

“Dear God!” RJ said then groaned, not sure if his earlier thoughts of his brother taking a mate had been wise. As much as he wanted his brother happy, he wasn’t looking forward to some of the women trying to win his brother over. There’d probably be females all over the place, always dropping by the house. RJ was going to need to stay at his small apartment over the shop if that happened.

“I know.” She sounded gleeful. “It’s going to be so much fun to watch.”

The way she spoke, it sounded like Nikki planned to be around. They hadn’t yet talked about their future and RJ hoped she was, but the ceremony was taking everyone’s focus. Eventually the two of them were going to have to discuss what was going on between them.

RJ wanted to explore their relationship further. Nikki appeared to want the same.

Something in his gut screamed at him that things wouldn’t be simple, though.

“What’s wrong?” Nikki placed her palm on his elbow, drawing his attention from his thoughts.

RJ shook his head. Now was not the time. This was his brother’s day. RJ would have tomorrow with Nikki. “Nothing,” he said. “Just thinking.”

Nikki narrowed her eyes.

“Nikki!”

They both turned as a couple of teenagers came running up.

“Casey! Erin!” Nikki cried, opening her arms for the girls. “Wow, you’ve grown up so much!”

Nikki almost fell over from the force of the hugs she received. RJ placed a careful hand on her lower back to help steady her without getting in the way.

“Oh, my God!” the peppy blonde said. “I can’t believe you’re here. It’s been forever!”

Nikki grinned and patted the girls. “Well, I couldn’t miss this. Tonight is a big deal for the Pack.”

“I know, right?” the redhead stated. “Isn’t the new Alpha hot?”

“He’s not bad,” Nikki responded. “Have you met his brother?”

Both girls paled as RJ stepped forward.

“Oh, my God! You’re the biker!” the blonde said.

RJ laughed. “I am.”

“This is Casey,” Nikki said, running her hand over the long blonde hair. “And Erin.” She nodded to the redhead. “I babysat them when I was in high school.”

“She was the best!” Erin declared. “We got to write and act out plays and skits. My mom still says it’s your fault I want to be an actress.”

RJ grinned but felt a little tinge in his heart. He wanted to be a part of Nikki’s past. It was ridiculous, really. How could he feel jealous of a babysitting job? Still, RJ felt that strong a connection to her.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Pack members.” Cameron’s voice rose above the crowd. “It’s time.”

“Go find your parents,” Nikki ordered the teens. “We’ll catch up later. Make sure you stay close to them, no matter what.”

“We will!” Erin promised while dragging her sister away.

“It’ll be okay,” RJ had to try to assure her. He shouldn’t make that promise, but he hated seeing how she’d tensed up.

“This is it,” Nikki whispered. “If Samson or anyone is going to challenge it’ll be now.” She peered around the clearing. “There are so many innocent people here.”

“Justin, Ben and Mike will get them all away if there are any problems,” he reminded her.

“What about Dylan?” she asked.

“He can take care of himself,” RJ said. “Dylan is meant to be Alpha. I have no doubt in his abilities.”

Nikki blew out a deep breath. “I hope you’re right.”

He did, too. Sure, he believed in his older brother, but RJ also never wanted to see Dylan hurt. Any challenge, even one Dylan won, would take a toll on him. RJ wouldn’t be able to help, either. All challenges were one on one.

“Please join me at the circle as we welcome our new Pack members and begin the Alpha ceremony,” Cameron invited.

“Come on.” It was going to happen. Dylan would be marked as the Alpha. RJ led Nikki around and through the crowd until they stood next to the circle beside Brandon, Justin and Ben. Dylan kneeled in the middle of the circle with his head bent.

“Woodrow Wilson once said, ‘The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people’. I have tried to listen to each member of this Pack and always advise with all of your best interests in my heart. My time has passed and another’s has begun.”

RJ looked at his brother with pride almost bursting from his chest. Nikki slipped her hand into his and gave it a squeeze. The feelings of happiness threatened to overwhelm him.

“I know in my heart that my replacement will be able to lead the Pack in the right direction and protect you as the shifter world moves forward with plans on going public.”

There was a stirring behind Cameron, but RJ’s view was blocked.

“The future of the Pack will rest on the shoulders of this man. I want each—”

“Excuse me, Alpha Cameron!” someone shouted from the crowd.

No, fuck! RJ strained to see around the people in front of him. Pack members shuffled around while Samson led a small group forward to stand at the edge of the circle across from them. Samson was backed by some of the elders and their families and a half-dozen men he’d never seen.

There was a gasp in the crowd and he heard the murmur of words like ‘feline’, ‘cats’ and ‘shifters’.

RJ searched for Mike and saw him moving forward. Dylan rose as Brandon stepped to his side, showing his support for the new Alpha. Justin and Ben had begun to already push several of the Pack away. There was going to be trouble and everyone knew it. RJ glanced down at Nikki’s pale face.

“You and Ben go with Mike,” he whispered to her, waving a hand at the man.

“RJ, no!” She gripped his hand tighter.

“Please.”

Mike arrived to pull Nikki back. She fought, but a glare from Brandon had her grumbling but going into the crowd. RJ didn’t want her too far from him, but he trusted Mike to ensure her safety. After Samson’s actions in front of the diner, he didn’t trust the asshole not to go for Nikki.

RJ made his way to his brother and the others in the circle.

“What is the meaning of this, Samson?” Cameron demanded and faced the other man. RJ, Brandon, Justin, Max and a few others fanned out behind him and Dylan.

“You have your pick for the future and we have ours.” Samson motioned to one of the big strangers next to him.

Samson’s father was grinning widely, almost bouncing as well. RJ wondered, not for the first time, what in the hell was wrong with that family. They couldn’t actually expect to have approval for a different species to lead the Pack. That was insane.

“You have no authority to choose the next leader. I am Alpha and the choice is mine,” Cameron stated, bracing his feet apart and standing to his full height. While aged, the man was still a powerful force.

“You just said you listen to your Pack,” Samson challenged. “Your Pack has a different vision than you.”

Cameron took his time peering around his Pack. All of the Pack members who had already been at the ceremony had separated from Samson, leaving a wide area between them. “I believe the majority of the Pack respects my wishes.”

“But not all. This is a Pack decision, one that will affect us for many years.” One of the elders spoke up from behind Samson.

“So, instead of following my choice, you bring forward a man, a feline shifter we know nothing about?” Cameron inquired with a nasty twist of his lips.

“Fred been in charge of his small group of felines for several years,” Samson argued. “He is just as qualified as Dylan Cross.”

There was more rumbling in the crowd, but Cameron held up a hand.

“What exactly do you suggest?” the Alpha asked.

“Simple. A challenge. Dylan and Fred. Winner takes Alpha position.”

RJ went to step forward, having heard enough. There was no way he was going to let his brother fight some feline they knew nothing about. Dylan shook his head at him. RJ was going to ignore his brother when Brandon gripped his shoulder.

“Dylan needs to handle this,” Brandon murmured.

RJ shook his head. This is unbelievable. They have a problem with Dylan leading so they bring in a cat shifter no one even knows? Dylan’s been in town for months, getting to know his new Pack. And it didn’t matter what anyone said—RJ was not convinced that the fight would be fair.

“I accept the challenge,” Dylan stated, his voice strong and rich over the crowd.

“No!” Ben cried.

RJ agreed with his brother. “Absolutely not. How can we even ensure it would be a fair challenge? There is no one here to judge the feline,” he protested.

“It’s a good thing I made it in time, then,” another voice rose from the crowd.

RJ turned and saw the members of his military unit standing with Mike, Nikki and Ben. The Prince of the felines stepped forward. RJ knew his mouth was hanging open but holy shit! He was so fucking relieved to see his best friends.

“I believe I am able to judge the challenge fairly. I also have the ability to take down one of them if they choose to use means not approved for the challenge,” Prince Zachary announced.

Activity picked up when everyone recognized the power of the strongest cat in the world. Cameron nodded and waved the Prince forward. RJ met the gaze of his friend and the Prince’s mate, Casey Williams. He cut his glance to Nikki in silent meaning. Casey looked surprised then smiled. He nodded and placed his hand on her shoulder. RJ knew Casey would protect her.

Prince Zachary stood tall, peering out of the crowd. Samson was whispering frantically in Fred’s ear. Fred’s stance had changed and he appeared uncertain. Jesus, I’m lucky someone called in my team. RJ hadn’t wanted to bother anyone with his problems and that could have cost Dylan his life. RJ needed to do something to help protect Dylan now.

“Ten minutes to prepare,” Prince Zachary called out.

RJ walked with Mike, Brandon and Justin to Dylan and pulled him aside. There would be a challenge and he’d be damned if he was going to lose his brother. He would give the man every single piece of information he had learned over the years of fighting next to the cat species. Some of his best friends were felines, but this was a fight he wouldn’t let his brother lose. He just hoped Dylan knew what he was doing.

“Are you sure about this?” RJ asked Dylan.

“If I don’t accept, we’ll have trouble in the Pack. I can’t risk anyone else getting hurt,” Dylan responded.

Brandon sighed. “Which shows why you are the perfect choice for Alpha. I feel like an idiot for the way I acted.”

Craig, the Prince’s guard and RJ’s good friend, walked over with a smile. “Do you mind if we have a word?” he asked Dylan.

Dylan glanced at RJ, who nodded. Craig was small but deadly. The feline guard had the toughest job in the world, protecting the Prince.

“I’ll see what I can do to help,” Mike offered, walking off and taking Brandon and Justin with him. RJ wasn’t going anywhere.

“What are you doing here?” RJ asked.

“Mike called. Asked if we wanted to come see your new town and maybe hang out. He had a bad feeling,” Craig explained.

“So did I, but I didn’t expect this,” RJ replied.

Dylan snorted. “This never even crossed my mind.”

“Have you ever fought a feline?” Craig asked.

“No,” Dylan answered. “The only felines I’ve even met are you guys.”

It was a good thing that RJ had brought his team around his brothers once in a while.

“The strength of wolves comes with the Pack. Fred doesn’t care about anyone here around him. You have support and you need to use that to your advantage,” Craig stated.

“A challenge is one on one,” Dylan said.

Craig smiled. “Close your eyes.”

Dylan frowned, looking shocked. “What?”

“Trust me.” Craig nodded. “Close your eyes.”

RJ didn’t know what Craig was doing and gasped in surprise when Dylan complied.

“Concentrate on those around you,” Craig whispered. “Do you feel your Pack? Your territory?”

They were silent for several moments.

“Yes,” Dylan said with awe evident in his voice.

“You might be alone in the circle when you face off against Fred, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have the Pack behind you. They need you to be their leader. Don’t let them down.”

Dylan blinked his eyes open. “How did you know that would work?”

Craig laughed grasping RJ’s shoulder. “Felines make Packs, too, although our instincts are different.” Craig glanced at him. “We made a Pack from the team.”

RJ dipped his head in agreement.

“It’s not natural, but it can be done. In battle we depend on each other. The bond is what helped us make sure everyone returned.”

“Wow,” Dylan murmured. RJ was also a little taken back. He hadn’t realized that during his time in the service he’d made his own Pack. It made sense now that it was in the open, but RJ had just followed his instincts. Knowing that the felines had felt the connection had him grinning.

“That means I consider RJ’s Pack as my own as well,” Craig said. He squeezed RJ’s hard. “We’ll discuss you not calling us later. You should have contacted us when you had Mike.”

RJ dropped his head. He expected to catch shit from all his team mates. He’d screwed up.

“He’ll be fast, but you have the link to the Pack, your family and the land. Watch his teeth. That will be how he’ll try to take you down,” Craig told Dylan.

“Got it,” Dylan said.

“Spend some time with your brothers before we start,” Craig suggested. With a hug for both of them, he then walked away.

Ben came running over and embraced Dylan. RJ turned to face both of them. Dylan grabbed the back of his head and dragged him down into the three-way hold.

RJ took a deep breath to calm himself. If Dylan was going to use his connection to the Pack in order to win, then he’d pick up RJ’s full support the entire time.

“Thank you for being here,” Dylan whispered.

Ben took both of their hands. “We’re a unit, brothers, family. You remember what you’re fighting for.”

“I will,” Dylan promised.

RJ had to clear his throat before he could speak. “We love you,” he told Dylan. “So you’d better fucking kick this feline’s ass.”

Dylan laughed.

“Does anyone know what he is?” Ben questioned.

“Tiger,” Brandon said, walking up to join them.

RJ was glad that Brandon had come in full support of his brother. He peered around until he spotted Nikki, surrounded by his team. The stark look of fear had him wanting to console her, but RJ needed to be there for his brother.

Casey leaned down to speak to her and she pressed her lips together. Finally she nodded. Oh, she was going to give his fellow soldiers a run for their money. They’d never met a female like Nikki. RJ was also going to enjoy every minute of it.

Nikki couldn’t believe all the activity around her. Parents of young children were asked to take them home and anyone who didn’t want to witness the challenge had been given permission to leave. It didn’t surprise her that most of the Pack had stayed. This would affect them all.

She wasn’t sure of the finer details of Samson’s plan, but Nikki knew it wouldn’t be good. Bringing in an unknown feline shifter to lead a Pack of wolves? It was beyond crazy. The years of drug use had to be affecting his decisions.

The arrival of the Prince of felines and RJ’s old military unit couldn’t have come at a better time. RJ had appeared just as surprised to see them, so Mike must have been the one who’d asked them there. Nikki didn’t care who’d made the decision—she was just thankful for it.

However, the immediate protective circle they’d made around her was irritating. She could be doing something right now. There were still kids and teenagers hanging around and they didn’t need to see what was going to happen. Every time she tried to pass, one of the men would politely block her path.

“If you’ll step over here with me, we’ll take our place now,” the man who had introduced himself as Casey asked.

She pressed her lips together. Nikki wanted to be at Brandon’s side, next to RJ. This was her family, too. “I don’t…”

“Please,” Casey said. “This fight is going to be vicious and it’ll be easier for your brother and RJ to watch out for additional trouble if they know you’re safe.”

“I could help,” she stated.

“Yes.” Casey grinned. “I have no doubt. Still, I’d feel better if you stood by me. My mate is going to be right in the middle of things and I’d appreciate your help in keeping an eye on him.”

She followed with a sigh to where she would still be able to see but where there was no one behind them. “Your mate is the Prince?” she asked.

Casey’s entire face lit up by his smile. “Yes. Isn’t be sexy?”

Nikki laughed. The Prince was not bad, but she preferred the roughness of RJ’s appearance. “Hmm,” she murmured, still eyeing RJ’s muscles.

“Oh, I see,” Casey teased. “You like them big and bumpy. I prefer my sleek man.”

Nikki moved her gaze to the Prince, where he stood speaking to Cameron. The Prince was good-looking, no doubt. He was tall, with a swimmer’s build.

“Don’t be getting any ideas.” Casey wagged his finger at her. “He’s completely taken.”

“I’m being kept plenty busy as it is,” she responded with a wink.

“Oh! I’m so going to like you,” Casey stated.

She smiled, but it was quick to slide off her face when Dylan stepped up into the circle. Samson remained by Fred’s side as he took his stance across from Dylan. Nikki had really been hoping that a challenge wouldn’t take place once Brandon’s decision had been made. Samson couldn’t actually think that a feline would be able to take over as Alpha.

“This is wrong,” Ben whispered, grabbing her hand.

“I know.” She held on tight.

Cameron and Prince Zachary stood between the two fighters as the others backed off to give them room. RJ crossed his arms over his chest, directly across from Samson. She knew her man was taking that spot on purpose in case Samson tried to pull anything against the rules. That put RJ in a dangerous position. Samson sneered at RJ, but the way he darted his eyes around revealed some of his worry. That had once been Brandon’s best friend. She still remembered the times he’d shared dinner with them, helped her with her homework.

Fred was bouncing on his toes, shooting glances between the Prince and Dylan.

It was obvious that the arrival of the Prince had been a shock to them. Nikki just hoped it would keep the challenge legal and fair. Everyone knew that the Prince would have no problem bringing either man down if they cheated, but what about the damage before that?

The challenge started without any ceremony. Cameron and the Prince waited until both men had stripped and shifted then they backed out of the circle.

The tiger roared, but Dylan just lowered himself to the dirt and growled. Saliva dripped from Fred’s teeth and she shivered. Those were lethal weapons. If the tiger pierced any of Dylan’s vital spots, Dylan could be killed at once.

Nikki had never seen anything like this challenge. Dylan in wolf form was impressive. He was fully black and big. However, the tiger was huge. The feline swiped at the wolf, who just darted out of the way. Okay, so Dylan’s quick—that’s good.

The two animals came together with a clash of fangs and claws. Nikki had to close her eyes several times as the fight continued. The sound of bone-crushing hits and the sight of blood spraying was just too much to handle. Ben started to shake beside her and she wrapped both arms around his waist to hold on to him. Their guards stepped even closer to them. A good fifteen minutes of pure battle had to be wearing them out. Nikki was ready to collapse and all she was doing was watching.

Dylan bit at the tiger’s neck while the massive feline claws scraped down him. All attention was on the two fighters, so no one noticed Samson until it was too late.

Samson shifted and howled then launched himself at RJ outside the ring. RJ only had enough time to cover his face landing on the ground with the wolf on top of him.

“No!” Nikki screamed and started toward him. She was caught around the waist and lifted off her feet. She kicked, yelling to be let go. This was what she’d been afraid of.

“Don’t,” Casey ordered, holding her tight.

Nikki panicked. The other cats who had arrived with Fred started to shift and so did the wolves with RJ. Brandon, Justin, Max and even Mike. RJ still fought to hold Samson off so he could shift himself.

“Do something!” she yelled at Cameron and the Prince.

“We can’t,” Prince Zachary told her, his face revealing regret. “As long as they don’t cross into the circle, they are not interfering with the challenge.”

RJ managed to get away from Samson long enough to start stripping off his clothes. Mike lunged at Samson but was blocked by a cougar protecting the wolf.

Inside the circle, Dylan growled out a warning as another two felines tracked RJ’s shift. As soon as he was in wolf form, they attacked. The distraction worked for the felines. The tiger was able to pounce on Dylan and pin him down for several moments. Luckily, Dylan managed to avoid the powerful jaws, but only just.

Nikki didn’t know where to look. Both of her brothers, the man she loved and her future Alpha were all battling while she could only watch.

“Let me go! Let me go!” she demanded, digging her nails into Casey’s arms. She had to do something. Her entire world was being threatened and her wolf was raging inside.

“Don’t shift,” Casey ordered her. “Hold on. RJ needs all his attention. If he has to worry about you, it could cause him to get distracted.”

Nikki knew Casey was right, but she just couldn’t hold it in. Her body shook with the effort to contain her animal. It had never been so hard for her to stay human. The sounds of tearing flesh and the scent of blood were not helping at all.

RJ took a hard blow, knocking him back. Brandon leaped to cover RJ until her lover was back on his feet.

“Calm down,” Casey urged. “It will be okay. Just breathe. Deep, long breaths. RJ is trained for this. He’s faced worse odds and always comes out on top.”

“Go help,” she ordered. Her voice was deeper than normal with her wolf so close.

“Stay with me, Nikki,” Casey told her. “Close your eyes and block out everything but your breathing.”

Nikki followed his instructions. She didn’t want to be the one to put the people she loved at risk. She wouldn’t be putting just RJ in danger, but Brandon and Justin, too.

It took too long, but after a while she was able to push her animal under and felt steadier.

“Good job,” Casey praised. “Now look.”

Dylan had somehow figured out how to get the tiger off him and was taking quick bites before backing up. The tiger was starting to tire and wasn’t moving out of the way fast enough.

Samson was knocked from going after Justin, flying through the air. RJ followed, growling and stalking. RJ was just magnificent. He was almost the size of Dylan, but the muscles in his chest and shoulders were bigger.

Inside, her own wolf started to calm as she watched him, noting he was okay and that her family was still safe.

“It’s almost over,” Casey said, loosening his hold.

She had forgotten he still had a grip on her.

Inside the circle, the wolf finally managed to pin the tiger with his jaws locked onto the feline’s jugular. Dylan shook his head, biting down, and the tiger fought even harder.

“If you wish to submit, start to shift,” Prince Zachary stated, his voice no-nonsense. “Or Dylan can end your life.”

A collective gasp traveled through the Pack as the tiger transformed back to man. Dylan released his hold and backed away a few steps but stayed in wolf form. It was only a few seconds until Fred lay in the center of the circle, panting.

Oh, God, he’s done it. Dylan’s won.

“The challenge is over,” Prince Zachary declared. “Dylan Cross is the winner and new Alpha of the Pack.”

A cheer rose from the Pack, drowning out the howl of one lone wolf. Nikki turned in time to see Samson coming at her while RJ’s back was turned as he looked toward his brother. Her wolf had had enough. She ripped out of Casey’s hold and finally let her animal take control. She only managed to get out of her pants before she was on all fours and changing. Samson knocked into her and she could hear RJ and the others start forward.

She snarled at them to stay away and faced her foe. She wasn’t going to let anyone else get hurt. This was over. Dylan was the Alpha. Brandon, Justin and RJ had fought and bled for the Pack. Samson needed to know that he would never win against them.

Nikki launched herself at Samson just as the other wolf did the same toward her. They slammed together, but Nikki was smaller and quicker. She turned in the air to put him under her and as they hit the ground hard and rolled, she clamped down on his throat.

He lifted her off her feet and she was thrown back a long distance. Nikki landed with a thud but used the momentum to regain her footing. To the side, both Brandon and RJ were being held in place. Justin was yelling something, but she couldn’t make out the words. Samson’s teeth on her ankle pulled her from the crowd.

Nikki swiped her paw down his face, causing him to roar.

That was music to her ears.

Samson backed off and Nikki was relieved—she didn’t know how long she could have kept up the fight. She lowered herself into a pouncing position in case this was another trick.

He leaped and she wasn’t surprised. Only his death was going to end this.

Nikki used the power of her back legs to launch herself from the ground. The force with which she hit Samson knocked the breath from her chest. She landed in a heap with him, only just remembering to protect herself. Samson snarled, but she had a better hold. Nikki latched on to his neck with her fangs.

He kicked at her, the claws of his legs digging into her stomach, but she wasn’t letting go. The sting only enraged her further. She bit down until blood started to flow. Samson went limp in her hold and whimpered. The son of a bitch was great at starting fights, but it didn’t seem to her that he could end them very well.

“Nikki.” Dylan kneeled down next to her. “He submits to you. You need to release him.”

She shook her head, tearing more of his throat. Didn’t Dylan understand that all of this was Samson’s fault? If she let him go, then he’d attack RJ or her brother again. He wasn’t going to accept Dylan as his Alpha. Nikki’s wolf was done being the protected one. She was young and strong and could make sure no harm came to those she cared about.

“He will be taken care of,” Dylan assured her. He placed his hand on her head. “Let him go now.”

The power of her Alpha flowed through her. Nikki resisted, though. She didn’t want to release Samson. This entire mess was his fault.

“Nikki.”

RJ’s voice sounded desperate. Was he hurt? She released her hold on Samson and dropped him to the ground. Spinning she searched for RJ. He was crouched, wearing a torn pair of jeans. She limped her way over and he opened his arms.

Nikki nuzzled his bare chest before licking away the sweat and blood. He was unhurt—that was enough to calm her racing heart. His scent was one of concern for her and no longer full of fear.

“It’s okay,” he said. “It’s all over.”

She whimpered, trying to get even closer. The adrenaline was ebbing and she began to shake. Damn, she was tired. Even the thought of transforming to her human shape seemed like too much effort.

“Is she okay?”

Nikki turned her head toward Brandon. It was hard to pull herself away from RJ, but she needed to make sure Brandon was okay. Unlike RJ, Brandon was fully dressed. She dug her nose into his stomach to see if he was hiding any injuries.

“I’m fine, pup,” he said, ruffling her fur with his fingers.

It had been a long time since she’d been called a pup. Nikki had missed it. She play-growled knocking into his knees. He stumbled but didn’t fall. It wasn’t as though Nikki wanted to hurt him, but the animal side of her could use some Pack time. Well, some time that didn’t involve a challenge, fighting and blood. She pawed at his thigh.

“Behave,” Brandon ordered, but he was smiling.

“Can you shift?” RJ asked, pulling her into his arms.

She lowered herself to sit on his lap. All around them, the shifters who’d transformed were dressing and talking. Nikki didn’t see any felines or Samson any longer. She tensed, not liking that no one was on guard.

“We’ve already got them out of here. My team is helping to get them secured and to the sheriff’s department. We’re safe,” RJ soothed.

Nikki searched the faces of those around her. Brandon, Dylan, Justin, Ben, Casey and the Prince all were watching her. Okay, it’s over. She laid her head against RJ’s arm. She was tired.

“Can you shift?” RJ repeated his question.

Nikki closed her eyes and pictured her human form. When nothing happened, she whined looking at RJ.

“The wolf just needs to be in charge for a little while,” Casey said. “She held off shifting as long as she could, but when Samson attacked her the wolf broke free.” He petted her. “Nothing to worry about.”

Nikki was scared. This had never happened to her. She was stuck in her wolf form! Panic filled her as she desperately tried to force the transformation.

“Hey!” RJ grasped her snout. “Stay calm. There’s been times after a battle it’s taken me a while to transform. The more relaxed you are, the faster everything will return to normal.”

This can’t be happening. Once the challenge was over it should be time to celebrate.

“Let’s get everyone over to the house,” Dylan suggested. “The rest of the Pack has left.”

“The Alpha house,” RJ stated. “We’re going to the Alpha house.” There was a short round of applause before RJ stood with her in his arms. Nikki licked at his face. She didn’t need to be carried. She had four paws that worked just fine.

“Stop,” he said with a laugh. “Just let me hold you. It scared the shit out of me when I saw you take on Samson.”

Just like it had with her.

Nikki laid her chin on his shoulder as he strolled toward the vehicles. So much had happened in the last few hours. There was no place that she’d rather be than in RJ’s arms.