Chapter Seven

Mike had heard the fast-moving Pack getting close to his location and had braced himself for attack. He used every ounce of stealth he had to cross over his trail to come up behind them. When they stopped, he crouched then moved closer.

He needed to get help, but he didn’t want to leave Todd. He’d heard Todd’s shout, the warning, before the sound of struggle had reached him. Todd had warned him off, but Mike couldn’t leave the man to fend for himself. Now, he wasn’t sure if he had been spotted or not.

The sun was starting to set and he knew Becca would be going crazy now that so much time had passed and he and Todd had not checked in. His first instinct when following the men who had taken Todd had been to cover his scent. It was something he had been taught back in the military.

He hoped that wouldn’t keep anyone from looking for them.

Mike wished he could contact Kenny, or Kurt and his men, and especially Becca, but he knew he couldn’t take the chance of them moving Todd, and him not knowing where they went.

As he’d followed the van, he’d expected them to head to the cabin that was under surveillance. They hadn’t—instead, they had gone south and ended up at an old metal building that was almost falling down. They’d carried Todd out of the van and inside. Mike wanted to get a closer look but needed the cover of night to be sure he wasn’t seen.

Now, there were wolves close to his location.

He knew they wouldn’t be there for him and Todd. Not yet, anyway. Even as good as Kurt and his men probably were, they wouldn’t be able to follow the clues. Only someone who’d been trained could do that.

He was hoping Becca would be worried enough to contact Nikki and RJ. RJ would know what he was doing. Mike figured they would be there early the next afternoon. He had to make sure Todd stayed okay for that long.

He crawled on his belly until he could see the first of the Pack.

A twig crunched under his paw and he froze.

A head popped up and he met the frightened gaze of another shifter. She wiggled and looked ready to pounce. He lowered his head, staring her down. Becca, he wanted to howl in relief. How in the hell had she gotten all the way out here, though? Was she a prisoner of the other wolves? He was not going to let them harm her.

She whined, which drew the attention of the Pack. Mike prepared himself to attack.

One of the big males noticed him and placed his body over hers. Mike couldn’t tell who it was, but he didn’t like it at all. She squirmed under the weight and whined while the male bared his teeth at him.

Mike growled deep in his throat.

“Stop!” The sharp order was quiet but still commanding.

Mike froze and glanced at the speaker. His mouth dropped. A naked RJ Cross stood between him and the other wolves.

Damn, guess I’m rescued after all.

He called forward his human side and, once he was no longer a wolf again, he stood to his full height. The male had moved off Becca, who had started to change back herself. The others followed suit. Once Becca was standing in front of him, he opened his arms and she rushed to him. He wrapped his arms around her while she buried her face in his chest.

She pulled away and peered up at him. “Are you okay?”

He nodded and kissed her forehead. “I’m fine.” His voice was still rough from his previous form. He looked over at the others. RJ and Nikki stood with smiles on their faces watching them. Kenny and Clint were there, and Kurt, the male who had covered Nikki in protection, looked embarrassed.

With his arm still wrapped around Becca’s shoulder, he walked over to the group.

RJ clasped hands with him while pulling him away from Becca and into a hug. “Good to see you, man.”

Mike grinned. “That was quick. I didn’t expect anyone to contact you so soon after I went missing. I figured you’d be here in the afternoon tomorrow.”

RJ chuckled. “We were already here. Nikki got home about the time you left your message. There was a flight right away, so we had to scramble to get on it. I didn’t have a chance to call. Arrived in town to find out that you’d done a disappearing act.”

Mike punched RJ’s shoulder. “Good timing. It’s good to see you all. Truly.”

He shook RJ’s hand again, kissed Nikki’s cheek and moved to shake with Clint and Kurt. Kurt looked surprised but relieved. Then he walked over to Kenny and lowered his voice even more. “Todd’s not hurt. I think they knocked him out or something, but I didn’t see or smell any blood. Haven’t heard anything since they went inside, so I think he’s still probably out.”

Kenny relaxed a bit. “Thanks, man.”

Mike waved everyone over into a circle. First, they needed to figure out a plan then he could relax and rest. He was fucking tired. “Okay, I’m pretty sure that the other cabin of humans was a distraction. From what I’ve seen, there are eight men here—all humans—along with two wolves who are helping.”

“Two?” Kenny questioned.

Mike nodded. “Sorry, man, but it’s the young guard from the house. I forget his name. Black hair, black goatee, with the big nose?”

“Barry?” Becca gasped. “No way Barry is involved.”

“He is,” Mike guaranteed her. “He drove up to Todd and rolled his window down. Todd was suspicious and kept his distance. He got hit with a dart from the back seat. Owen.”

Kenny cursed and balled his hands into fists. “I’ll take them apart.”

Kurt patted his brother’s shoulder. “I’ll help.”

Mike nodded with approval. The brothers had bonded in his absence. “And right after they took Todd in, Dan Carter left and hasn’t been back.” That was important information to have. When they got Todd back they would know for sure who was leading the assault on the Pack.

“So he is involved,” Kurt confirmed. “These have to be his followers then.”

“Yeah, I think they are using the group we found as a cover. Owen would know we were watching them. No one knew about this group. Or why they are here.”

“The council,” Becca said. “They’re the target. My father believes that’s why Owen went after Todd and Mike. The council sent Mike here. Maybe they thought Mike would lead them to their compound.”

Mike dropped his head into his hands. “What a fucking mess,” he mumbled.

“So, what’s the plan?” Kenny looked back at the building that held his man.

Kurt grinned and rubbed his hands together. “Wait the couple hours till dark and hit them hard,” he suggested.

RJ laughed. “Love it.”

Nikki rolled her eyes, but she was also smiling. “They just want to fight.”

RJ stuck his bottom lip out in the worst pout ever. “It’s been so long, baby. You never let me have fun anymore. Plllllease!”

Nikki waved him off. “Fine. If you all can’t take eight humans and two wolves, I don’t know that I want you as my mate, anyway.”

RJ wrinkled his nose at her. “What are you going to be doing?”

Mike loved the easy banter between the two. He peeked down at Becca, who still held his hand. She didn’t seem to want to let go. He approved.

Nikki scoffed. “Isn’t it obvious? While you guys are acting all macho and distracting everyone, me and Becca are going to rescue Todd.”

Clint chuckled. “I think I like you all.”

Everyone laughed at that.

“I guess now all we can do is wait,” Kenny said and looked over his shoulder at the building in worry.

“Then we’ll kick their asses,” Kurt promised his brother. “I’ll let you have the first punch.”

Kenny sighed and Kurt patted his arm. Kenny moved over so he could watch the building while sitting back against a tree. Kurt and Clint settled several yards away keeping an eye out, too.

RJ tilted his head behind them and Mike nodded. He squeezed Becca and followed his friend farther into the brush. Becca and Nikki walked over to a fallen log where they huddled together. It was hard to tear his gaze from Becca.

“Come on,” RJ urged.

Mike turned to follow his friend. Once they were far enough away from the others, RJ stopped. From this distance, if they whispered, they wouldn’t be overheard.

“So…you and Becca, huh?”

Mike nodded. “It was unexpected,” he admitted. “It’s good, though.”

“Is it serious?” RJ asked and crossed his arms over his chest. “You’ll consider moving here, becoming part of her Pack, and stop traveling?”

Mike was confused. He’d thought RJ would be happy for him. “Maybe. Why?”

RJ sighed. “Sorry, man. I’m happy for you, it’s…”

“What?” Mike snapped, pissed his friend would have a problem with Becca when he had always supported him and Nikki. Sure, Mike gave RJ a difficult time about how fast and hard his friend had fallen for Nikki, but it was done with love.

“Kurt’s in love with her,” RJ told him. “I don’t think anything is going on between them, but it’s obvious he has feelings for her. I don’t want to see you hurt. We don’t know much about her, if you think about it.”

Mike blew out a breath. “I know all about Kurt’s feelings for her.”

RJ lifted an eyebrow. “You do? And he’s still standing?”

Mike nodded and glanced at the man in question. Kurt was speaking with Clint and not paying attention to them. Even though there had been jealousy before, Mike felt more settled than he’d been since the day they all exited the military. He only hoped that this wasn’t a passing attraction that Becca would soon regret. He was putting a lot of faith into a relationship that had only begun a few days ago. “I trust her.”

“Enough to take a chance she might still have feelings for him?”

“They dated a few years ago, were even going to mate,” he explained. “Kurt broke it off and rejoined the military, giving Becca the freedom she needed. He sacrificed his own happiness to give her a chance at a real future. One she actually wanted.”

RJ gasped. “Shit. He’s a good guy. That complicates things.”

Mike shrugged. “Not really. It didn’t work out between them. He left and she hasn’t seen him since. It’s my arms that she runs to.”

“You’re certain?”

“She doesn’t love him anymore. I don’t know if she would have even gone through with the mating. But I know how she feels about me. I’m not worried.”

RJ slapped his back. “Well, then, damn, man, I’m thrilled for you. Becca is a great girl.”

Mike knew he was grinning from ear to ear. That was the reaction that he’d expected. “I know.”

“I can’t wait to tell everyone!” RJ told him. He was bouncing on his toes. “Casey owes me a hundred bucks.”

“What was the bet?” Mike wasn’t even upset that his friends had been betting on him. He was used to their antics.

“I said that you’d find a girl and would be joining her Pack within a year. That was two months ago.”

“What was Casey’s take?”

“You’d be too stubborn to admit the attraction and it would take at least two years.”

“You realize that I haven’t joined a Pack, right?” Mike asked.

“It’s a matter of time,” RJ told him. “I know how you operate. You wouldn’t be allowing everyone to know your business if you didn’t care for her.”

Mike grunted.

RJ motioned over to where Nikki and Becca were sitting close together with their heads bent so they could talk. “How much you want to bet they’re talking about you?”

Mike punched RJ’s arm. “Not taking that bet. I’m not a sucker. And you have a gambling problem.”

“Only if I lost,” RJ stated. “I don’t lose.”

He could only roll his eyes. “I’m going to talk to Becca and relax. It’s been a long fucking day.”

They walked back over to the girls. Mike sat behind Becca then pulled her close. She was shivering.

“Are you cold?” he asked rubbing his hands up and down her arms. “Maybe you should shift back.”

He didn’t mind his nakedness, but Becca might not be as comfortable. They should have brought clothes with them. Had no one been thinking?

She peered over her shoulder at him. “Not cold,” she said with a wink. “Not now, anyway.”

Mike chuckled. “Well, we don’t have time for that,” he told her, catching her meaning. “I guess I’ll just have to sit here with you.”

She leaned back against him. “It’s okay. As long as you hold me.”

Mike settled in for the wait. While the others kept watch, he could unwind. RJ would never allow Nikki to be put in danger, so Mike felt safe. Slowly the sun disappeared, dropping the temperature with it.

“Why don’t you shift?” he said. “Then you can crawl in my lap and keep me warm.”

“Okay,” Becca agreed. She started the transformation. Nikki rose as well, following suit. Mike glanced at RJ. His friend never took his eyes from his mate. Was that what being in love would do to him? As much as Mike teased RJ, he was jealous that his best buddy had found such happiness. While Mike floundered with what to do next, RJ had his family, his mate and his tattoo shop. Maybe he should give his own family more time. Mike only went home when summoned by his parents. He didn’t connect with them. After being in the worst possible situations, formal dinners and polite conversation bored him.

He couldn’t put on a tux or thousand-dollar suit when he preferred fatigues or faded jeans. Back home, Mike was always judged for how he dressed and spoke. No one wanted to spend time with him. Not even his parents. If he wasn’t there to reflect well on him, they preferred he didn’t show up.

Becca whined before pawing his leg, no doubt picking up on his distressing thoughts. Mike pulled her into his lap then began to stroke her soft fur. Mike chuckled. He’d never quite spent his downtime during a mission like this.

As the night came alive around them, the excitement started to fill the air. Becca tried to remain calm. She wasn’t used to being in the middle of whatever the hell this was. She took photos for a living. Becca hid behind the lens, watching the world move one click at a time.

Mike stayed relaxed, holding her to his body.

He seemed to be lost in thought at times while stroking her hair. Becca wished she could see into his head. Mike didn’t come across as being big on talking. In her experience, most men weren’t especially if they were as dominant as Mike. Still, there was something that made her want to push him until he shared what was on his mind.

However, this wasn’t the time. Not when they could be attacked at any moment. Or when Todd’s life was at risk.

The moon still hung low when they heard a shout from inside the building.

Kenny jumped up and the only reason he didn’t charge inside was because Kurt was able to grab him and hold him back. Mike leapt to his feet, blocking Becca from seeing the building. While she appreciated not be in the direct line of risk, Becca still wanted to see what was happening. She peered around Mike’s hip.

“Let me go,” Kenny growled. He fought his brother’s hold, but Becca didn’t think it would do him any good. Kurt had bulked up while he’d been gone and Kenny looked half his size.

“Just hold on,” Kurt responded. “We can’t go rushing in there. We have to get Todd out of there safely. That’s the reason we’re all here. To ensure that he’s not hurt.”

Kenny shook, but he nodded.

“Mike, Clint and I will shift. Mike and I will circle around and take the back and east side. Clint will cover the west side and Kenny and Kurt go right through the front door,” RJ ordered.

Clint cracked his knuckles. “Do we get to kill them?” he asked with a little too much glee. Becca didn’t know what to think about that. These guys might be a little crazy.

Kurt smacked the back of Clint’s head. “No, not unless we have to.”

Clint frowned. “Fine.”

“Once the coast is clear, the women move in and get Todd out,” RJ finished. “Go ahead and shift back, ladies.”

Nikki started hers first, so Becca hurried to follow suit. Mike helped her to her feet once she was human again.

“Ready?” RJ asked.

“Yeah,” Becca agreed. Nikki nodded.

“Let’s go then.” RJ started to shift.

“Be careful,” Mike said to Becca before giving her one last kiss.

“You, too,” she said with a small smile.

He drew back before transforming. Mike’s change was seamless. She’d never seen anything like it, except for her father. As Alpha, he was the most powerful shifter. Damn. Becca was impressed.

Mike followed behind RJ. They approached at a distance, circling the old metal building. He could hear talking inside. Todd was cussing someone out. Mike wanted to laugh. He bet Carter’s followers’ ears were burning. Todd had some very colorful words in his vocabulary.

Once they were in position, a low whistle sounded. Kurt and Kenny were ready to enter.

Mike’s muscles bunched as he prepared himself. It had been a while since he’d any action. It was wrong, but Mike was actually excited. He didn’t want Todd in jeopardy, but this was fun. RJ’s scent drifted from where they’d separated, so it was like old times.

There was a shout and bang as the front door was kicked open. It happened fast. Right after Kenny and Kurt made entry inside, the back door flew open and three humans ran out. RJ launched himself at them and Mike ran to help. A curse from the side of the house drew his attention as another man ran out of the back.

Mike snapped his jaw at the new man still on top of the one he’d stopped from escaping. The young, barely legal man held his hands up and froze. “Please, please don’t hurt me.”

He trembled and Mike smelled his fear. Mike growled and the kid pissed himself. Oh, shit, it smelt rank. Mike sneezed.

Clint came around the corner, dragging two men with him. The young man saw that and started to yell, “Please! We didn’t want to do this!”

RJ crouched over the two men he had caught and snarled.

Mike nosed one closer to RJ then shifted back to human form.

The kid gasped. “Oh, God!” His eye were huge. Mike stifled a laugh.

“We won’t hurt you as long as you don’t run,” Mike warned. “If you run, we will hunt you down.”

The guy nodded. “I won’t.”

Mike motioned for him to join his friends on the ground. “Everyone on the ground. Put your hands behind your neck.”

Mike made sure RJ and Clint had control of the prisoners before walking through the back door to join the rest of the team. Kurt was holding Owen and Barry down while Kenny stood over two humans with his hands on his hips.

Todd, Becca and Nikki stood by the front door with smiles on their faces.

Mike glanced over at Todd, who didn’t look injured. He appeared to be more amused than anything else.

Todd chuckled. “My heroes,” he drawled. “Did you have to wait so long to rescue me? Fuck, you were out there for hours.”

The rest of the room laughed with him.

“You knew!” Kenny accused.

“Of course I did. Mike remained close by and then I picked up on your heartbeats when you joined him.”

“Owen and Barry didn’t?” Mike asked.

Kenny peered over at the two men in question. “I don’t think they know how.”

“What do you want me to do with them?” Kurt motioned to the shifters.

“Tie them up with the others. I want to talk to them one at a time,” Mike said. He needed answers to ensure the threat to Becca was over.

Kurt exchanged a long look with him. Mike figured he wouldn’t be doing the questioning alone.

“There’s some clothes in the back room,” Todd said. “Maybe everyone could stop walking around naked?”

“We’ll go find them,” Nikki said. She grabbed Becca’s arm, drawing her from the room.

“I’ll call the Alpha and inform him we’ve found Todd and Mike. I’ll see if he wants this handled by the Pack or if he wants us to bring in the cops,” Kenny said.

Clint and Mike were pushing Owen and Barry toward the kitchen.

“What are you thinking?” RJ asked, walking over to him.

Mike had to think. He needed a plan. With a nod to the front door Mike urged RJ to follow him out. He stomped down the two rickety steps before crossing to the small patch of grass. Other than the ugly, useless building, the area was nice. He stared across to the closet cluster of trees.

“You okay?” RJ asked.

“The threat to Becca won’t be over until we take Carter and his entire organization down.”

“I agree,” RJ said.

“We have to get them to talk. No matter what it takes,” Mike stated.

“I’m not keen on torturing someone in front of Nikki.”

“Going soft?” Mike taunted.

“You’re upset, but I’m not going to let you pick a fight with me. Save that energy for the bad guys.”

Mike growled in frustration. “The humans are just scared kids. Not one of them is older than twenty-five.”

“Easier to manipulate and control.”

“True,” Mike agreed. “So, we ask Owen or Barry.”

“Owen. He’s Carter’s stepson.”

“We need to keep the girls out of it,” Mike said.

“Send them to take the humans to the Alpha.”

“You’re actually going to try to send us away?” Nikki shouted. She threw a pile of clothes at RJ’s head. “Really?”

Becca was still standing on the porch. She was staring at Mike.

“Fuck.” He rushed forward to her.

“You’re going to torture them?” she asked in a whisper.

“I’m going to question them,” Mike said. “We need to know where Carter is headed. More people could be a risk.”

Becca pushed a pair of sweats and T-shirt into his arms. “Get dressed. I don’t want anyone else seeing your bits.”

Mike bristled. “Bits?”

Her smiled was forced. “Whatever you say, dear.” She glanced over her shoulder toward the house. “They betrayed my dad. The entire Pack. I want them to suffer. Is that wrong?”

“No, baby,” Mike assured her. “Not at all.”

“I’m so angry at them.”

“I know.”

“We’ll take the humans to my dad. You do what you have to,” she said. “But you have to save a piece of them for me.”

“I will,” he promised.

She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “And don’t take too long. I’ve gotten used to sleeping beside you.”

Mike chuckled. They were going to be okay. “I’m sending Todd and Kenny with you.”

“Of course you are,” Becca said rolling her eyes.

It took too long to get Kenny, Todd, the woman, and humans on their way, RJ and Clint escorted them to Todd’s SUV where the Alpha was sending more guards to meet them.

That left Mike and Kurt alone with Owen and Barry. RJ had demanded they wait for his and Clint’s return before they got started.

Once the group had taken off, Mike stalked back inside.

Kurt had moved Owen and Barry into the living room. Barry was hogtied, lying on the floor in front of the couch. Owen, however, was secured to a chair that had been placed in the middle of the room. Kurt glanced up when Mike entered the room, closing the door behind him.

“We’re not waiting for them to get back,” Kurt guessed.

“No, we’re not.” He sauntered over to Owen. Kurt had done one fine job of making sure Owen didn’t move. He even duct-taped his mouth. “Where’d you get the rope and duct tape?”

“Back room where the clothes were. The humans were well-stocked,” Kurt said.

“Good for us,” Mike stated. He crouched in front of Owen. “We’re going to ask you a few questions. You’re going to answer each one of them. Or I start hurting you.”

Owen’s voice was muffled. He squirmed and fought his holdings.

“No,” Mike admonished. “I haven’t asked you a question yet.”

The smell of Owen’s fear was so strong that it almost knocked him down. He wouldn’t let any sympathy edge in, though. Owen could have killed Becca and him with the fire at her cottage. Plus the devastation in town.

“We’re going to start simply,” Mike said. “Where is Carter?”

Owen shook his head.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Mike ripped the duct tape from his mouth.

“Ow!” Owen spat. “Fucker.”

“That’s not the answer,” Mike told him. “Where is Carter?”

“I don’t know!” Owen shouted. “He didn’t tell me. He never tells me anything.”

“Oh, come on, Owen,” Mike said. “He’s your stepdad. He raised you as his own son. He’s been here to check on you.”

Owen snorted. “He hates me. He didn’t come to check on me. All he wanted was a way in to the Pack. For me to find out weaknesses of the Pack.”

“Was it his idea for you to join the Pack?”

Instead of answering, Owen pressed his lips into a firm line.

“Why this Pack?” Mike asked.

Owen remained quiet.

“I don’t mind making you talk,” Mike told him. He grinned. “I don’t mind.”

“I’m not talking to you.” Owen had gone pale, though.

“You know,” Kurt said, slamming his hand down on Owen’s shoulder. “This is my pack. My entire family is still part of it. Maybe I should be the one who talks to him.”

“We could take turns,” Mike suggested.

“You think there’s enough of him for both of us?” Kurt asked.

Mike glanced over his shoulder. “We still have that other guy. Maybe he feels chattier?”

“So we can kill Owen and get our info from Barry?” Kurt sounded hopeful.

“You can’t kill me! I’m a cop,” Owen sputtered.

This was too easy. Mike didn’t think he’d even have to get his hands dirty. What a shame. “No one knows you’re here, Owen. It’s you and us. You think anyone cares what happens to you? If what you say is true and Carter doesn’t care about you, then you’ve betrayed the only real family you had. The Pack would have helped you. Instead, you tried to kill the Alpha’s daughter.”

“I didn’t want to!” Owen exclaimed. “Becca was always nice to me. As soon as my stepdad found out the council sent you here, he said we had to make an example out of you. To let the council know the war was just beginning.”

“The war?” Mike repeated.

“Carter wants the shifters eradicated,” Owen said.

“Even you?” Mike asked.

“Yes,” Owen whispered. “It’s my calling to help take out every shifter in existence then myself.”

Mike exchanged a troubled look with Kurt. Holy shit, this poor kid was damaged. Mike could tell he actually believed the shit coming out of his own mouth. “What about your mom?”

“My mom?” Owen stiffened. “She doesn’t have anything to do with this.”

“What’s she say about this plan of your stepdad’s?” Mike asked.

Owen looked away. The look that flashed over his face was heartbreaking. “She says she’ll pray for me.”