Chapter Five

Austin lifted his head from the pillow at the soft knock on his bedroom door. Beside him, Kiley remained sound asleep. The rest of the day had been fairly calm, considering how the morning had started. They’d kept Jesse inside, which had not made the little girl happy, but they had to keep her safe. Everyone had turned in early so Tony, Cain and Lamont could leave at dawn. A glance at the nightstand clock showed Austin that it was still the middle of the night.

He climbed carefully off the bed. He smelled Colt in the hall and sensed his Beta’s frustration. Something else must have happened. Austin opened up but put his finger to his lips so Colt would wait. Silently, he closed the door and gestured farther down the hall. Colt didn’t even blink at his Alpha being naked in front of him. They shared a cabin at home and ran together in wolf form often, so they’d seen each other nude more than a time or two. Still, some of Colt’s unease left, to be replaced with amusement. Austin didn’t mind. He was proud of his time with Kiley. It didn’t bother him in the least if others knew what they had been doing. He enjoyed having Kiley’s scent all over him.

“We found an abandoned SUV just inside the city limits. It carried the same scent as Tony’s attacker, but it’s different from the one Kiley found behind the house,” Colt told him.

“You think he left town?” Austin asked, although he knew the answer.

“Wouldn’t make sense for him to leave. I think he wants us to think that.” Colt confirmed Austin’s suspicion.

Austin nodded. “I agree.”

“We found a cheap motel a couple miles down the road. We think he stayed there for a couple of weeks. He would have been there when we arrived—”

“Someone knew about the meetings as soon as we scheduled them. They’ve been watching us for a while.”

“I think it’s because of Tony. Tony said he felt he’d been followed a few times, going from Pack to Pack. He could never pinpoint exactly where or who, just more of a feeling,” Colt continued. “He’s going to be the most public figure, the face of shifters, and someone doesn’t want him to be that.”

“We need to get him out of town.”

“Lamont is already on it. The Council is sending two guards down to escort Tony back home. From there, the Council will contact him on the next steps.”

It made sense to get Tony out of there, but Austin worried that would be real work. “He’ll only be followed again. Tyler’s Pack will be safe, but Tony’s won’t be.”

“I know,” Colt agreed. “I tried to talk to Tony about it, but he says they have precautions in their territory that aren’t set up here. He wouldn’t give me details, but he seems to believe he’ll be safer.”

“You don’t agree?”

“I think he’d be safer if we caught the shifters after him,” Colt said.

Austin studied his Beta. Colt was good at his job, but they were much more than just Alpha and second. Colt was his brother in everything but blood. The emotions Colt tried to hide were bleeding through, though, and Austin didn’t know how to help his best friend. “Does he feel the same way about you?” Austin asked gently.

Colt lowered his head. “I don’t know.”

Fuck, Colt’s bisexuality had never been a big deal to him, but it had caused issues previously with lovers. For some reason, the partners who Colt chose believed because he was attracted to both men and women, Colt had commitment issues or was a slut. That couldn’t have been further from the truth, however. Colt loved with all his heart and even though he’d been hurt time and time again, he was open to finding real love. If Tony couldn’t or wouldn’t give Colt what he deserved, he wasn’t good enough for his best friend. “Colt—”

“I know.” Colt held up his hand. “But I’m in love with him. And I can’t let him leave here without doing everything I can to protect him.”

Austin sighed. Once Colt had made up his mind about something, there was no changing it. “Let me get dressed and we’ll head out and see what we can hunt up.”

Colt snapped his head up. “No! I mean, I want permission to go, but I don’t want to take you away from Kiley.”

“She’ll understand. And you’re not going alone. Ten minutes, and I’ll meet you out by the truck.”

“Thanks, Austin.” Colt gripped his shoulder.

“Ten minutes.” Austin turned away and strolled to his room. Hopefully, he wouldn’t wake Kiley and would be able to sneak out again. He pushed the door open slowly and crept inside.

“Why are you sneaking in?”

She didn’t sound angry, merely sleepy.

“Colt needed to talk to me,” he explained.

“Then come to bed,” she said, rolling over.

The soft rustle of the sheets reminded him of what they’d done under them hours ago. His cock began to harden, but he ignored it.

“I can’t. I have to help Colt with something.”

More movement from the bed, then she switched on the lamp. “What’s going on?” she asked.

“They found the SUV and the motel where the shifter who was around when Tony got shot has been staying,” Austin explained, reaching down to pick up his discarded jeans. “Colt wants to do some more hunting for the suspect and I don’t want him to go alone.”

“Austin?”

“Hmm?” He needed to find his shirt and his shoes. He should have a backpack somewhere, too.

“Austin!”

He whirled around. “What?”

“Why were you standing in the hall naked?”

Austin looked at her in surprise. “Because, darling, Colt knocked on the door and I didn’t want to waste time having to dress then undress again to get back in bed with you.”

“That’s a good answer,” she said. “Now what’s going on?”

He chuckled. As he walked to the bed where his very rumpled and beautiful lover lay, all Austin really wanted to do was climb in with her again. But he wouldn’t leave Colt out on his own. “Colt wants to go and try to find the shifters from earlier. Cain called off the search and they’re leaving in the morning after the Council guards get here, when they’ll escort Tony home safely.”

“Colt can’t go by himself.” She rubbed at her eyes. “That’s not safe.”

Fuck, she was adorable. “That’s why I’m getting dressed.”

“Oh.” Kiley shook her head. “Of course.” She pushed the covers off before standing.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting dressed. Neither you nor Colt know the city. I’ll be helpful.”

While she had a point, Austin didn’t want her anywhere near the threat. “Uh…”

“I’m going with you,” she said. “Don’t even try to argue.”

He blew out a breath, calculating his chances of not starting a fight.

“I’m going,” she said, more firmly.

Austin watched her quickly pull on her clothes. He wanted to protect Kiley. She’d been through so much in her life, but on the other hand, she was strong. “Just don’t get hurt,” he ordered, strolling to her. He grasped her chin. “Remember this body belongs to me.”

She rolled her eyes in response. “Sure, and Austin?”

“Yeah, babe?”

“Next time put some damn clothes on.”

“You got it.” He kissed her once more, fast but hard, then resumed collecting his own belongings.

They moved quickly until they were sneaking out of the front door. Austin knew he’d be able to tell Tyler what they were doing, but he didn’t want to worry his friend. This was to help Colt and Tony. If they didn’t return with a better lead on the shifters, he’d confess what they had done. If they were able to actually capture at least one of the shifters, then Tony would be safer.

“Hey, Kiley,” Colt greeted her softly. “Thanks for coming.”

“I’m happy to help,” she told him. “Where’s the last place you caught the scent?”

“We found the vehicle at the edge of the county line. The scent circles the vehicles and goes out for miles.”

“They backtracked,” Kiley guessed.

“Can we discuss this in the vehicle?” Tony asked, joining them. “I don’t know how long we have until Cain realizes I’m not asleep.”

“What are you doing here?” Colt asked, racing to Tony’s side. “You should be resting.”

Tony snorted. “I’m rested enough. I’m okay, really.”

Not wanting to intrude, Austin grasped Kiley’s elbow and led her to the passenger side of the black SUV. She didn’t resist and in fact smiled at him before climbing in and closing the door. He walked around to get behind the wheel as Colt and Tony continued to talk. He couldn’t not hear what they were saying, but at least giving them the illusion of privacy was respectful.

It was only a few minutes until Colt and Tony were getting into the back seat. Austin didn’t waste any time starting the vehicle and reversing out of the drive. “Where to?”

“Not far,” Kiley answered.

“Do you know something?” Colt leaned forward between the seats.

“I’ve been thinking about where I found the tracks watching the house. None of the rotations found any sign of anyone, but we know someone got inside the territory. When I was a kid—” She squeezed her hands together and Austin placed one of his over hers in comfort. “There’s an old trail that some of us found and that we kept secret.”

“A trail?” Austin asked gently. “How young were you?”

“Five or six?” she responded. “Riker hadn’t…”

Austin lifted her palm and kissed her wrist. The support helped to settle her.

“Anyway,” she said. “It’s a tricky trail and the Alpha at the time blocked it off so no one would get hurt. Some of the teenagers would get curious and dare one another to take it, but Larry finally convinced them it was too dangerous even for that. As far as I know, most of the Pack has forgotten about it, but it would still be there. It also leads right to the section of the territory where I saw the tracks.”

“Holy shit,” Colt said.

“I should have remembered about it earlier.”

“You thought of it now,” Austin told her.

“It’s a long shot, but I thought we’d start there.”

“Any other reason you think the shifters might be there?” Tony questioned.

“The trail starts about five miles from where the SUV was abandoned.”

“It’s a solid lead,” Colt said excitedly.

“Tony, duck down,” Austin ordered. He waved at one of the guards at the gate, who motioned him through. They were used to Austin coming and going, so that shouldn’t be unusual. If the guards didn’t spot Tony, who was supposed to be under the protection of his family, their group wouldn’t get stopped.

“Take a right,” Kiley told him.

Austin followed the curve of the gravel road for several minutes before Kiley let go of his hand and pointed.

“Just up ahead you’re going to see a walking path. Pull over next to it. We’ll be on foot from there,” she said. “It would be easier if we shifted.”

Austin felt the jump in his pulse. Am I going to get to shift with Kiley? The night seemed to be getting better and better. It was going to be very interesting to see how his wolf reacted to Kiley’s. The trailhead Kiley had told him about came into view and if he hadn’t been looking for it, Austin would have passed right on by. The entire area was overgrown with weeds and roughage. Austin pulled off to the side and parked the SUV, letting his lights shine over the path.

“Someone’s been here,” Kiley said, leaning forward to stare out of the windshield. “Some of the weeds are pushed down.”

Austin squinted. She was right. “Let’s go.”

“Right behind you,” Colt said.

Kiley was already out of the vehicles and crouched over the downed vegetation before he could. “I can smell them,” she said when he stepped up beside her.

“Me, too. Smells recent, too.”

Behind them, Colt and Tony were talking quietly, but it looked as though they were getting ready to shift.

“We should do this before something else happens,” Kiley said, rising.

“Is everything going to be okay with you shifting? I know you don’t do it often,” Austin asked in a whisper.

“Sure.” She shrugged and didn’t sound convincing at all.

He took her hand in his. “Look at me,” he ordered. Austin waited until she met his gaze. “I can take Colt and Tony with me and you don’t have to go at all. I want you to be safe.”

“No. I can do this. Plus, I wasn’t kidding about the trail being dangerous. I need to show you the safest way.”

Austin didn’t like it, but he didn’t want to hold Kiley back, either. Maybe this was what she needed, even if she was scared. If she faced the demons in her past, then she’d hopefully be able to move forward with him. “Okay, you undress in the SUV and we’ll stay out here.”

She sent him an amused look.

“I know you can shift with us, but I don’t really want anyone else to see you,” Austin admitted.

“I’m pretty sure Tony and Colt only have eyes for each other.”

“Not the point,” Austin growled. He stepped forward to brush his body against hers. “Call me jealous, but this body”—he ran his hand under the hem of her shirt—“is all mine.”

She shivered but smiled. “What if I don’t want anyone to see you?”

Austin laughed. “As you recall, Colt has already seen me naked tonight.”

Kiley growled, then pushed him away. “Smartass.” But she did give him a quick peck on his check. With a wide grin, she strode over to his vehicle. She left the back door open, but he saw the outline of her pulling her shirt off.

“Ready?” he called over to Tony and Colt, who were still standing off to the side and not looking at Kiley.

“Yes, Alpha,” Colt said.

Austin walked over while yanking his shirt over his head. Tony turned away but began to undress too. With shifters, being naked was not unusual. Most times, shifters would remove their clothes because when they transformed, they could get tangled up in the cloth if the fabric hadn’t already ripped. Still, it was polite to give the maximum amount of perceived privacy possible.

Austin kept his gaze out to the land they were going to explore. He wanted to watch Kiley, but this wasn’t the right time. He’d make sure they got another chance to run together, but hopefully they would be alone the next time.

Once naked, Austin crouched down in the weeds and closed his eyes. He called forward his wolf to take over. The transformation rolled over him in waves and within a minute, he stood on all four paws. Austin stretched out his neck before looking around him.

In his wolf form, the world appeared so different to him.

The sounds of the area surrounding him were louder and sharper. He swiveled his ears forward to try to pick up any movement that might be close by. While the scent of shifters was fairly recent, the trace was at least a couple of hours old. There was no other evidence anyone else had been in the area.

A crunch of leaves behind him had Austin turning and he saw Tony and Colt had finished their own shifts. As an Alpha, it was easier and quicker for him to change. The longer it’d been or if the shifter tried to fight the transformation, it could become painful and last several minutes.

He trotted over to where Kiley was still inside the vehicle. Austin came around to the door slowly, trying to hear if she was having any problems. Before he’d glimpsed into the interior, something leapt out and landed on him.

They rolled and he immediately caught Kiley’s scent. Once they stopped, he hovered over her while she panted up at him. The brightness in her eyes made him feel good. The happiness coming off her surprised him. He knew she didn’t shift often because of her past with Riker, but she seemed to enjoy it. He lowered his head and licked at her muzzle.

Kiley whimpered then squirmed out from under him. Once on her feet, she darted forward and nipped his leg prior to backing off again. She wriggled her entire body. He pounced in retaliation, but she moved out of the way fast. As she jogged off, Austin followed behind.

Colt and Tony were much more subdued. Colt was lying down while Tony groomed him. It was sweet and romantic, but Austin preferred the playfulness of Kiley. She made circles, kicking up debris and dirt.

He caught her shoulder and pushed her off balance. If she could have laughed in wolf form, Austin was pretty sure she would have.

Tony rose and walked toward them with Colt by his side. Austin lifted his head and even though he would have rather played with Kiley, they needed to get to the search. He nosed her in the direction of the trail and she grew serious.

Kiley shook her entire body hard before dipping her head once and walking briskly toward the trail. Austin fell in step behind her with Colt after him and Tony last.

She made no noise stepping over broken branches and dead foliage. If they got the chance to hunt, he’d be very interested in what she’d be able to do. The way Kiley moved her body and only stopped to listen or scent spoke of former training. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know what Riker had done to her that Kiley tracked so well, but it came in handy right then.

His rear paw slipped on the crumbling soil of the ledge and he scrambled to catch himself as she lurched around and grabbed hold of his scruff. He hadn’t really been in danger of falling, but her panic had both of them breathing fast.

Austin made a sound in the back of his throat to hopefully reassure her. Kiley released her hold on him, but instead of moving away, she lowered her snout until it was under his chin. He didn’t know if she was worried she’d hurt him or if she needed comfort. Since he needed to soothe whatever was wrong, he rubbed his muzzle all over her face until she had calmed.

It was at times like these Austin wished shifters shared the mental bond or whatever other purely fictional telepathic connection movies and books gave them. All Austin could work with was what vibes she gave off and everything he picked up said Kiley was afraid.

It took all her mental strength for Kiley to back away from Austin once she’d gotten his reassurance that he was okay. God, she hated this old fucking path. Austin seemed fine, but his stumble had scared her badly. Her heart beat so hard that drowned out all other noises at that moment. His caresses helped and she took deep breaths until she was in control once again.

Colt and Tony were looking around them as if they were keeping an eye out, but she had the feeling they were giving her time to collect herself. Now she knew Austin really was uninjured, Kiley faced front again.

They gotten at least halfway down the trail and she had to get them through the rest of the way. Up ahead was the most dangerous terrain. It was a good thing their shifter sight was better than their human, because they were going to need it.

Kiley stepped forward carefully.

There was no light around them and the trees in the area blocked any illumination they would have gotten from the moon. While it wasn’t pitch-black, it was close enough. A shiver racked her body, but she wasn’t going to wuss out now.

As Kiley led the way, she had to watch the broken rocks to make sure no one cut their paws open.

It was slow going and had to have taken more than half an hour, but climbing higher and higher, she was beyond relieved. Up here, at least some of the moon beams shone. Kiley stepped to the side when Austin, Colt and Tony finished the trek. The view from the top was beautiful.

Austin’s hard body pressed up against her and she leaned into his solid form. It felt good they’d made it that far and the danger was behind them. Of course, if they returned down the same way, they’d be in trouble. Maybe she’d convince Austin to run to the house instead and they could take another vehicle to pick up his. Yeah, that would be best. She did not want to set foot on that path again.

While Austin peered around the territory, Kiley took the opportunity to scout the closest area. She already knew how beautiful it was up there, but she felt no connection to it. The territory might be a part of her, but she didn’t love it.

Maybe that was what was wrong with her.

Her inability to bond with the land and people had kept her from feeling at home in the place. She’d suffered too much trauma there. It saddened her to realize she wasn’t going to make a home there ever again. In the back of her mind, she’d thought one day she’d be healed and would return to the Pack. It was one reason why she did the small jobs for Tyler and hung around the others. Why she’d taken the chance to get to know little Jesse. But now she suspected her future didn’t lie in this territory.

Kiley jumped when Austin pushed his nose against her side. She’d been so lost in thought she hadn’t realized he’d joined her. She wanted to turn into his warm body and weep, but she wouldn’t. It wasn’t his responsibility to take care of her. He barely knew her. While the connection between them was powerful, Kiley had nothing to offer him. She didn’t even have a past she’d be able to tell him about. Kiley wouldn’t, anyway.

He nudged her again and she was glad to be in her wolf form. Kiley couldn’t talk and that probably saved her from making a fool of herself.

Colt trotted over to them and Kiley motioned her head to indicate they should be going. They needed to track down the shifters who had left the scent ahead of them. Colt nodded, turning around to get Tony while Austin still watched her. She knew he had a lot of questions after probably picking up on her emotions, but that needed to wait.

Once Colt and Tony rejoined them, Kiley attempted to lead off again, but Austin easily brushed her aside to get up front. Yeah, she was surprised he’d let her go first so long to begin with, so she wasn’t shocked. She fell in step behind him and watched him stalk through the forest, all broad shoulders and long, lean body. He was a very handsome wolf, with his light fur and smooth muscles. Kiley had seen a few Alphas, but none of them had had Austin’s gorgeous looks. Even though Tyler was a very good-looking man, Austin was the one who she thought of as perfect.

She watched his strong back, meaning when he paused, Kiley almost ran into him.

It was quiet, so she didn’t know if he’d spotted something, but she didn’t want to move and ruin whatever he was up to. Behind her, both Colt and Tony had frozen, too. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw them look around. Austin lowered his body to the ground slowly and they all followed suit. Kiley still couldn’t determine what was up.

As she lay on the cool damp ground, she took a deep breath and realized the scents they’d been following had intensified. And were only a couple of minutes old.

They’d caught up with the felines.

Great, now what are we going to do? Kiley realized they hadn’t made a plan on how to deal with the felines. Austin turned his head and their gazes met. He was planning something and she couldn’t read what he wanted. He started to crawl backward until he was at her side. Then his body shimmied and he transformed to human once more.

Kiley watched him, mesmerized. He shifted so seamlessly. It had taken her several minutes to become a wolf. She wasn’t sure she’d make the change so soon after her first one.

“There are three of them up ahead watching the house,” he whispered close to her ear. With their targets being shifters, Kiley knew he had to be careful not to be overheard. “You stay in wolf form in case you have to run them down. You know the territory better than us and where they might take off to.”

She nodded her agreement then he went to speak to Colt and Tony. Kiley listened to him explaining his plan to the two men. He and Colt would go in human form while she and Tony would stay in their animal forms. Tony was still weak and recovering so it would also be hard for him to transform again. Austin knew their limitations and was forming his plan around them.

Colt shifted before dragging forward the backpack he’d been carrying with him. Kiley hadn’t thought about it until she saw Colt pulling out clothes and passing them over to Austin. Obviously, Austin was prepared. It made Kiley wonder how many times the two had done things like this. He and Colt dressed silently and Austin came right next to her again.

“Cover this side,” he told her. “Tony will take east, Colt west, and I’ll walk up on them from the north. I’ll let them see me and we’ll find out how they react. I expect them to run.”

Once again, all she could do was nod, although she wanted to tell him to be careful. They didn’t know what these shifters were capable of and they’d already shot Tony. They might still have a weapon.

“It’s okay,” he told her, running his palm down her back. “I’ll be careful and there are four of us and three of them.”

But what about the weapons? she wanted to demand.

“If they come at you, use whatever you have to. Teeth, claws, anything you have to,” he said.

Kiley raised her paw and laid it on his knee. She would do her job and make sure their targets didn’t get away. They wouldn’t be hurting anyone else.

Austin kissed the top of her head before he snuck away. Kiley looked around her and saw that both Colt and Tony had already disappeared. No doubt getting into position. She remained low to the ground while creeping forward until she had the three felines in sight.

As unprepared as her group had been to come across the three felines, they didn’t seem to be worried about being discovered. Here they were in a Wolf Pack territory and they were sitting around a tree watching the Alpha compound, talking and laughing. They had no idea they were being stalked. How stupid were these guys?

She spotted movement, then Austin came into view.

The minute the felines saw him, they stiffened and jumped up.

Kiley prepared herself to stop them if they ran in her direction.

“Gentlemen,” Austin said clearly. “I hope you have a good excuse for being here.”

Instead of answering, the three felines ran. In three different directions.

As soon as the young blond headed in her direction, Kiley rose before stalking forward. She was still hidden, but the feline was almost to her. She leapt out and blocked his path.

He skidded to a stop almost comically. He windmilled his arms, barely keeping on his feet.

She growled and snapped at him.

“Whoa.” He held up his hands even as he took a step away.

Kiley snarled in warning. She would chase after him if she had to. Each step forward she took, he matched with one back. This close, she saw how very young he was. He couldn’t have been older than nineteen or twenty. The odor of fear wafted off him in heavy waves.

There came a loud crash and howl of pain, but Kiley didn’t take her eyes off her target. The noise had come from the direction where Tony had been, but it didn’t resemble an animal sound so she hoped Tony was okay.

“Don’t attack,” the feline told her.

Kiley didn’t plan on it unless he made her. She opened her mouth wide showing him her long canines.

“Drop down on your knees,” Austin ordered, stepping behind the kid. “Hands behind your head.”

The kid complied and Austin quickly tied the guy’s hands.

“I’m going to check on Tony then Colt. Watch him,” Austin ordered.

Kiley rumbled in response.

Austin chuckled and jogged off.

“Please,” the feline chanted. “Please, please, please.”

The words and tone were hauntingly familiar. She’d begged the same way this young man was now doing. Her heart and mind warred with each other. She wanted to show compassion, but she also knew her friends were still in danger.

She stopped snarling and instead took a guard position in front of the feline.

It seemed to take forever, but in reality, it was probably closer to twenty minutes before Austin, Colt, Tony and the other two felines were walking toward her. Kiley relaxed as Austin smiled at her then reached down to help the kid to his feet.

“Let’s head to the compound.”