Chapter 9: Chapter Nine

Clint peered round the room at the guards he’d now be working with full time. Ryan grinned at him from the opposite side of the table. Alpha Babcock had just announced the new positions. As expected, the other guards appeared to be pleased with Kurt and Clint assuming new roles. Clint had even more in store for them. He was going to make certain the men and women under his command were the strongest and bravest.

Kurt rose and shook hands with Alpha Babcock, then turned to the rest of the shifters. There was a mix of male and female guards, the only ones missing currently watching the property. Kurt and he would meet with them later.

“Priority one is going to be cleaning up the town,” Kurt stated. “With Perry Costa and his men in custody, the sheriff’s department has their hands full. Plus, don’t forget that we’re still looking for one of the deputies.”

“Here’s a picture of Bobby Gibson,” Clint said. He stood and passed the photo around. “Those of you who hang around town will probably recognize him. He was directly involved with Perry’s men.” He wouldn’t allow Bobby to remain free after betraying those who had cared and trusted him. Plus Bobby was a threat to Sara. Clint couldn’t allow anything or anyone to remain a danger to her.

“We’re setting up a rotation to search the woods and in town. When you’re not looking for Gibson, you’ll be here at the compound on guard duty or in training. We all know that Dan Carter is setting up a church less than twenty miles away. That’s too close for my comfort,” Kurt stated. “We’re currently looking at identifying all the members of the church so we can be on the lookout for them. We made a promise to this town to always protect them and we will.”

One of the guards raised his hand.

“Yes, Bennet?” Kurt asked.

“Are we all in danger of being kidnapped?” Bennet asked.

Clint and Kurt exchanged a look. This was what they’d hoped to avoid. It would be hard for the newer guards to concentrate on their jobs if they were worried about Carter’s plans. Bennet had only been at the compound for four months. Clint would have been happier with more experienced guards than what they had. At the moment, half the compounds guards were seasoned, but the remaining needed a lot of training. Which was Clint’s job.

“I can’t answer that,” Kurt said. “It’s possible that we are all targets. We still have a job to do, though. Plus, working in teams will ensure everyone remains safe. You have to remember the original plan was to make Clint and I vulnerable. It won’t be the same this time.”

“Okay.” Bennet nodded but looked nervous.

Clint walked around the table to join Kurt. “Part of your duties here will be to train more. I’ll oversee this aspect. If you’d like more one-on-one classes, I’ll be happy to oblige. I will also be bringing in some friends of mine who specialize.”

“That’s great.” Ryan spoke up. “I, for one, would love to expand my skills.”

Several others were agreeing, both vocally and with nods.

Clint was pleased. He’d spoken earlier that morning with his friends Mike and RJ who’d come to assist him. They were both highly trained military men and had been more than happy to help. “I’ll post the schedule tomorrow.”

Alpha Babcock stood. “There’s going to be a lot of changes coming up in the next few months. Dan Carter and people like him are a real threat. But don’t forget that not all humans are like them. The majority of the people you come across will accept you. Don’t lose focus and don’t let fear dictate your relationships.”

“I agree,” Kurt said. “These are our humans. Let’s keep them safe.”

The short meeting adjourned, Clint was hopeful the men and women who’d be working under him would approach the next few months with an open mind. Sara was one of the humans who needed protecting. She’d always been kind and welcoming to the shifters from the compound. She and the other residents deserved respect.

“I can’t tell you two how happy I am that you’ve accepted our offer,” Alpha Babcock stated. He shook first Kurt’s hand then Clint’s.

“It’s a pleasure,” Kurt replied. “This is a good place to make a home.”

Plus the money wasn’t bad, either. Clint had always been paid well doing jobs for the Council. When he’d arrived that morning, Kurt had handed him a written offer from the Council. Double the salary he’d been making, plus money for living expenses. Later that day, he and Kurt were going to look at houses in the area. They also had the choice to stay at the compound if they wanted. It had been Kurt’s idea to at least see what their options were.

Alpha Babcock exited the room and Clint turned to his friend.

“Are you ready to look at houses?” Kurt asked.

“Yep.” Clint headed for the door.

“You’re sure?” Kurt questioned. “At the rate you’re going with Sara, it won’t be too long before you live together.

Clint grinned. “As soon as I can manage it.”

“Then why are we looking at houses?” Kurt asked. “I didn’t think about it this morning, but really it doesn’t make sense. I can stay here.”

He was quick to shake his head. “This isn’t about a house, and you know it,” Clint said. “This is where we’ll spend our free time. Eventually raising a family. You can’t do that from the compound.”

“Then I should get my own place,” Kurt said. “You can stay with me until Sara finally takes your sorry ass in.”

Clint ignored Kurt’s joking. “No, we’ll be able to afford a nicer place together. Plus, I have to approve of it. I can’t let my pups hang around some rundown shack.”

“Pups now?” Kurt teased. “We’re talking about pups?”

“We’re talking about whatever Sara lets me have.”

Kurt pulled his keys from his pocket as he caught up to Clint. “At least you admit it. I always knew it would be a special woman who caught you. Sara’s perfect for you.”

“I agree,” Clint stated. “Now, let’s go find a place that I can woo her at.”

“Oh, God!” Kurt complained. “Don’t ever say those words again.”

“What? I heard wooing is back in style.”

He ducked his head when Kurt took a swipe at him. They were laughing as they exited the large compound. Clint peered around from the large steps leading to the entrance. The land surrounding him flourished with life and sacrifices of the shifters who had come before him.

All members of a Pack had a special connection to the territory that accepted them. Alphas even more so. But this property, the land that surrounded it, was magical. Having an entire Council of Alphas supporting the territory had power coursing through each blade of grass, among every other touch of nature. Clint had never felt that influence before.

Something had changed when Alpha Babcock had taken him and Kurt into the Pack.

Clint shuddered as he stood, connecting the gift of the territory.

His blood pumped. Inside, he could feel his wolf gaining strength, and each heightened sense seemed to expand. “Wow,” he murmured.

“I had no idea…” Kurt said.

So, his best friend was feeling the same sense of awe as him. Clint couldn’t take his gaze from the scenery to glance at Kurt, though. Instead, he kept his eyes locked on the sway of the limbs on the large old trees that surrounded him.

The energy pulsing inside him almost forced a shift. He didn’t know if he could stop the transformation from happening.

“I think we’re going to have to put off our house hunting for right now,” Kurt said. “We have to run.”

“Thank God!” Clint was already pulling his shirt over his head.

Once he’d dropped all articles of clothing to the ground, the transformation took root.

He was used to shifting often, but this change was different. While there was never pain for him as he transformed, he knew it was faster. Clint circled, not quite certain how different this shift was. Was he bigger? He felt like he was at least taller.

Clint turned to find Kurt and couldn’t believe his eyes. Fuck! Oh, yeah, their transformation had been affected. Kurt was huge! His best friend was peering back at him, looking as shocked.

With a nudge, Clint urged Kurt to move. He needed to run. The land around him was calling to some part of Clint that he’d never felt before. Kurt raised his head and howled. Instinct had Clint adding his voice.

Once their howls trailed off, Kurt ran. Clint stumbled to follow, his feet sliding on the stone steps, until he jumped onto the grass. His nails dug into the dirt before he launched himself after his friend.

The breeze ruffled the fur on his back. It was almost like the wind was pushing him forward, toward something. He could see Kurt’s large body ahead of him so he hurried to catch up. Under the canopy of the full leaves, the light darkened, even though it was only midmorning. The air was fresher, as well. Instead of the stench of iron, metal and concrete, there was nothing but life and energy that he could pick up.

This was amazing.

Clint had made this same run many times in the last few months, but never had he experienced the feeling of belonging as he did now.

It was almost like the land had been waiting for them.

For the first time in many years, Clint allowed the human side of his mind to drift, which let the animal instinct take over. He was still aware of everything around him, but he’d given the wolf full rein.

Instead of seeing the broken limbs of trees or fallen foliage, Clint noticed the ruts in the dirt made by smaller animals. Made by prey. His mouth watered as he imagined finding a rabbit or something similar. He was a hunter, after all.

Movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention and he paused. Clint dropped to his belly and rested his chin on his paws. He didn’t even twitch a muscle. With the patience of a hunter, he waited.

There was only the sound of smaller critters scurrying about, the birds above his head and the gentle sway of the branches. It was so peaceful that now the adrenaline was leaving him that he could have napped. But that wasn’t what he wanted. Concentrating on his prey, he caught the scent of the rabbit.

It was coming right for him.

He positioned his legs under his heavy body in preparation.

Clint held in a growl. He so wanted to play, to chase, to catch.

As the little animal hopped forward, it wasn’t aware of the predator in wait. Clint lifted his ass end even gave a little wiggle. Just as he prepared to pounce, Kurt leapt in front of him, scaring off Clint’s prize.

Clint grunted in disappointment, the human part taking over again, allowing his wolf instincts to fade. Which was a good thing, since his wolf part might have been stupid enough to attack Kurt. The loss of prey was maddening.

Clint shook his massive head and blinked. Oh, shit, he’d almost caught a rabbit. Ugh, it wasn’t like he’d never had to survive on his wolf hunting before, but Clint didn’t enjoy it. He preferred to eat the human way.

Rumbling, Kurt lowered his head to Clint’s from where he crouched. Yeah, if Clint had to guess, he’d say Kurt had been aware Clint had given his wolf free range. His best friend was also aware that the human part of Clint did not want to munch down on any critters.

He bumped his forehead against Kurt’s before grinning. Or as much as he could, transformed into a wolf. Kurt nudged him back, then looked over his shoulder. It was time to run again. Then they would have to shift back and get on with their day. Clint rose back to his feet, then stretched out his back. Kurt glanced at him before taking off once again. This time, Clint followed behind, not letting himself get caught up in his wolf.

* * * *

It was after lunch when Clint and Kurt showed up at her shop. Sara finished making three caramel salted mochas before looking up at the two shifters.

“Angie!” she called. “Your order is ready.”

The pixie-looking blonde teenager bounced up to the counter, then took the drinks. Sara waited until Angie and her two friends had exited the shop before going around the counter and straight into Clint’s arms. She’d already let Cecil go for the day since she’d be closing up soon.

“Hey,” Clint greeted her with warmth. His embrace was tight but comfortable.

“You smell like fresh grass,” she commented.

He chuckled. “I bet I do. I probably should have showered before coming.”

“Oh, no,” she told him. “I like it.” Sara pulled back and peer up at him. “Did you shift?”

“You could say that,” Kurt replied.

Clint smiled. “We were accepted into the Alpha Pack today. It was amazing. I’ve never felt so much power before.”

Now that she was looking at him, Clint appeared a little different to her. She raised her hand to brush the skin under his eyes. “The lines are gone.”

“I know,” Clint said. “We realized it earlier after our run, but none of the Alphas were around to ask. Kurt’s going to check back with them after we’re done for the day.”

“Oh? And what’s the plan for today?” she asked.

“House hunting.” With a happy smile, Clint nodded. “You know, so we have a place to live.”

It was on the tip of Sara’s tongue to tell him that he already had a place. There was plenty of room for Kurt at her house, as well. But it was too soon. Shit, it hadn’t even been a week since they’d first gotten together. Why did it seem like so much longer?

The flirting and getting to know each other had taken months since Clint had gotten to Lovington, but their relationship still hadn’t been going long. She couldn’t invite Clint to move in already. Even if it was what she wanted.

“What kind of place are you looking for?” she asked.

“A house.” Kurt spoke up. “Something that isn’t too far from the compound, but not in the middle of town, either.”

“Or you,” Clint added.

She grinned. “I know the place. That is, if you don’t mind putting in some work.”

Clint and Kurt exchanged glances. They both shook their heads.

“That would be great,” Kurt said. “Give me something to do in my free time.”

Clint snorted. “Because we’re going to have so much of that?”

“I need a project,” Kurt commented.

“At least take a look at it before you decide,” Sara said. “If you don’t like the old Meadows’ place, there are plenty of more houses I can show you. Although they’re closer to town.”

Kurt shrugged. “Sounds good to me.”

“Just let me close up,” she told them. “Do you want a drink while you wait?”

“No,” Clint said. “We’ll help.”

“If you could put the chairs on top of the tables, I’ll sweep,” she directed. Sara made her way back behind the counter and began to clean up the blender area after that last order. Cecil had already done almost everything else, so it shouldn’t take longer than fifteen minutes to finish up.

“Where’s the broom?” Clint asked as he stepped up to the bar.

“Behind the door.” Sara pointed. Kurt already had half the chairs picked up.

Working as a team, it took only ten minutes before she was carrying the cash drawer to her office. She could do the deposit the next day. Right now, she was excited to show Kurt and Clint the old Meadow house. Ralph and Kristen Meadow had left town when the shifters had announced their presence. Unbeknownst to them, their daughter had mated with a cougar shifter. Once Susan Meadow had informed her parents of her new family, they’d moved to be closer, leaving a beautiful home less than a mile from Sara.

She entered the office, leaving Kurt and Clint to wait up front. Or at least she’d thought until Clint stepped up behind her. He placed his hands on her hips, then drew her back. His erection brushed against her ass.

“You wanting something other than to look at houses?” she asked. It was near impossible not to wiggle in a tease, so she didn’t.

Clint tightened his fingers. “Kurt stepped out to give us a few minutes. He’s going to make sure none of Carter’s men are still around.”

“Ohhhhh.” Sara placed the drawer on her desk before turning to face Clint. “Just a few minutes.”

Clint lifted her until she sat on her desk. “That’s all we need. I want you too much.”

She loved the way Clint needed her. And he was so honest about it. No playing games. Clint told her what he wanted. Sara pressed her hands against the thin cotton of his T-shirt. Beneath her palms, she could feel his heart racing.

He slid his hands up her thighs until she was spread. Too bad she still wore her jeans. “Clint.”

“Lie back,” he ordered.

“Sure.” With a wicked grin, she did as he’d said.

Clint pushed up her shirt until her breasts were revealed. With a flick of his fingers, her bra loosened. He arched up, offering her skin to his mouth. He licked his lips. “I love your body.”

That was a damn good thing in her opinion.

“Let me worship you,” he said.

“Whatever you want,” she told him. “Anything.”

“Lift up,” he said.

She complied. Clint pulled down her jeans and panties but hadn’t removed her shoes. The clothes got caught up at her ankles. Sara struggled to toe off her shoes. He laughed at her, then helped her. Once her jeans dropped to the floor, he stepped between her legs.

He was hard for her. Sara reached for his zipper, but Clint caught her hand. “Not yet.”

“Come on,” she urged. Sara lifted her hips. “Now.”

Instead of releasing her wrist, he used his free hand to trail through the slick folds covering her pussy. Sara moaned. He slipped one finger inside. “Yes!” she hissed.

Clint plunged first one digit then another inside her. As good as it felt, she wanted his cock. For him to lay claim to her body.

“I’m ready,” she practically yelled.

He chuckled before finally, finally, undoing the button of his pants. When he released his cock, Sara once again reached for him. This time, Clint allowed her to wrap her hand around his length and stroke. He filled her palm, but the heat that seared into her flesh called to her.

“I want you to take me,” Sara said. “Right now.”

“Yes, now.” He replaced her hand with his, then moved forward until he was pressed against her.

Sara lifted her arms above her head and gripped the edge of the wooden desk. He entered her slowly until he was buried all the way inside. Clint paused as he peered down at her.

“Keep your eyes on me,” he told her.

She nodded.

He withdrew before thrusting back in. The rock of his hips started gently but quickly grew in force and speed. She strained to meet each plunge until sweat pooled on her forehead. It was hot in the office and Clint was making her burn with passion. It wasn’t until he bent over her, hands tight, and lost the control he’d been holding in that she let herself get lost in the feel of him.

Every time they met, the slap of skin echoed and their moans rose.

Sara’s orgasm had her lifting up and wrapping her arms around Clint’s shoulder. He still rode her, not slowing down, until he began to come. Sara grinned when Clint dropped down. He wasn’t quite crushing her, but she wouldn’t be able to lie there for long.

“That was good,” he panted.

“Good,” she agreed. “You can say that again.”

Clint chuckled. “And again and again.”

Sara shook her head. “Not here, though. You’re crushing my ribs.”

With a groan he pushed up, hovering over her. “Better?”

“Move!” She shoved at his chest until he backed away. “I don’t want Kurt to walk in and find both of us naked.”

“Like he’d even try,” Clint said. “He knows what we’re doing.”

“Oh, really?” She lifted a brow. “So you told your friend that you were following me back to my office so we can have hot monkey sex on my desk?”

“Monkey sex?” Clint asked. “I don’t have sex like a monkey.” He sounded put out.

Giggling, she managed to roll off the desk. Her jeans had gotten kicked across the room. She stomped over to them, already feeling the exhaustion of the day. She’d worked a full shift, then Clint had totally rocked her world. All she wanted to do was crawl into bed and take a nap. Maybe she could talk Clint into joining her after they looked at the Meadows’ house.

* * * *

Clint had let Kurt drive and Sara sit in the passenger side, so he was the last to look at the house. But the way that Kurt gasped and Sara giggled had him peering through the seats ahead of them.

The light-blue structure looked down at them from a small hill. It would be the perfect location to see if anyone was coming from all directions. Easily defendable.

“This is it?” Kurt asked.

Clint could already hear the interest in Kurt’s tone. It was a good-looking house. As they got closer, Clint could see that repairs were, in fact, needed. The porch railing sat at an angle. Several of the steps had holes in them.

“The inside is in good shape. A year before the Meadows moved, Ralph suffered a heart attack. Most of us stopped by and helped as we could. Cooking, mowing the yard, things like that,” Sara said.

“That’s nice of everyone,” Clint told her.

“Community,” Sara said. “Ralph got better. By the time he’d started working on the house, the shifters announced their presence. Then their daughter came home and told them about mating with a shifter. They immediately packed up to join her and her new family.”

“So they support shifters,” Kurt said. “That means they shouldn’t have a problem with selling their house to us.”

“Come on,” Sara said. “I know where the key is.” She pushed open her door.

“What do you think?” Clint asked.

“I love it.”

“You haven’t even seen the inside yet,” Clint pointed out.

Kurt laughed. “I can’t explain it. I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be.”

“Then let’s take a look.” Clint clasped Kurt’s shoulder, then climbed out of the back seat. Sara stood in front of the vehicle, waiting on them. He joined her before pulling her against his side.

Looking up at the house, Clint could admit that it was nice, but he wasn’t feeling whatever Kurt was. He wanted a home, but Clint already knew where he wanted to end up. This was only a stop for him.

“Kurt already loves it,” Sara said. She watched his best friend prowl around the yard. “What do you think?”

He shrugged. “It’s nice.”

Sara turned in his arms. “But you’re going to live here?”

“It’s better than staying at the compound. And this is closer to you.”

“Yes, it is,” she agreed.

“So, I’ll still get to spend my free time with you.”

“That you’re not going to have a lot of.” She repeated his earlier words.

“With Carter’s churches growing and the threat to the town, there’s a lot going on. I’m also starting a more intense training schedule for the guards.”

“But you’ll be here,” Sara said. “In Lovington.”

“I don’t plan to go anywhere. If I do get sent to help another Pack, then I have someone to return to.”

“Oh, you better return to me.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’ll hunt you down if you don’t.”

“Hunt me down?” he asked. It was funny that she’d used those words. He was the known hunter, after all.

“Let’s see the rest.” Kurt joined them.

“Follow me.” Sara started toward the house.

“Watch the steps!” Clint hollered. He rushed up to take her arm.

“It’s fine,” she told him.

“No.” He pulled her back. “Let me go first.”

She was frowning at him but allowed Clint to hold her arm as they made their way to the front door. Sara stopped to bend down and move a planter where a key was hidden.

“Really?” Clint asked dubiously.

She laughed. “Everyone knows it’s there.”

He huffed out a breath but took the key from her before handing it over to Kurt. “Well, go ahead.”

Kurt stared at the metal in his hand for several moments, then snatched it. Clint was a little taken back at how much this property was affecting his best friend. Kurt didn’t normally get attached like this.

He stood back, holding on to Sara, in case the interior wasn’t as sturdy as she believed. Kurt glanced back over his shoulder. Clint nodded.

“It is safe,” Sara said. “The inside’s fine.”

Kurt pushed open the door, then stepped over the threshold. Clint waited.

Sara huffed and followed. Clint didn’t release her arm but let her take a few steps. He peered around the entrance to see Kurt stopped in the middle of the entry.

“Come on.” Kurt motioned to him. “She’s right.”

Sara just laughed. He and Clint went into the house as Kurt strolled forward. The furniture had already been removed, so there were only wide-open spaces. But the floors were hardwood and still in good condition. Even the paint on the walls wasn’t bad, although eggshell was not something he’d want to live with.

“What do you think about knocking down some walls and opening this place up?” Kurt asked.

Clint looked around. Yeah, he could picture what Kurt was talking about.

“The kitchen is pretty awesome,” Sara said. He dragged him behind her and Kurt followed.

She was right. Cabinets that matched the floors, an elegant marble island in the middle and new appliances.

“How many bedrooms?” Kurt asked.

“Three or four,” she said.

“Let’s go upstairs,” Clint suggested.

“I get the master,” Kurt stated. “Since I’ll be here more, you know.”

Clint laughed. “I sure the hell hope so.”

Sara rolled her eyes. “Smooth.”

The three of them tromped across the house until they got to the stairs. Gray carpet covered each step. It was the first place of the house that had carpet. Clint led the way until he reached the top. There were five doors up there. He walked over to the first and pushed it open. A good-sized room. Next door was a closet, then a bathroom. Across the hall a smaller bedroom, then at the end was the master suite.

Kurt whistled as he made a circle around the master suite. “I like it.”

Clint stepped over to the window. There was a nice view of the woods that separated the house from the compound. “I can’t think of any reason not to make an offer,” he said. Clint turned to Sara. “They’ll rent it?”

“Sell,” Kurt said fast.

He turned to his best friend.

“I want this place,” Kurt said. “I want to own the land.”

“Sure.” Clint rubbed his hands over his face. It wasn’t going to be easy to get the structure ready, find Bobby and train. Clint didn’t think he would have much time with Sara. And that did not make him happy.

“I’ll give you their number,” Sara said. “The Meadows are good people. I bet if they accept your offer, they’ll let you go ahead and start on the updates.”

“We’ll need some help,” Clint said.

“The guards,” Kurt said. “Some of them will be more than willing to help.”

“Plus some of the town,” Sara said. “A guy I went to high school with has a painting business. He’s done the community center and school. Several residents have used him. He’s pretty good.”

“Great,” Kurt said. “If you get me the number, I’ll talk to him after I call the Meadows.”

“Okay.” Sara waved her hand. “Are you sure that you don’t want to look at any other houses?”

Clint agreed. This was the only place that they’d had seen.

“I’m certain. I want to call the owners tonight,” Kurt said.

Sara bounced on the tip of her toes. “I’m kind of excited.” She laughed.

Kurt nodded. “Me, too.”

“We can go back to my house and I’ll give you the number. I’ll also make us some lunch.”

Clint’s stomach growled.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” she joked.

“Feed me, woman!” Clint used his best caveman voice.

The smile that broke out on her face was amazing. Kurt clamped him on the shoulder. It felt good to be standing in the room with the two people who meant the most to him. It was still astounding that everything he’d ever wanted was within his reach. The fact that Kurt and Sara got along so well meant something to him. He needed them to be close.

There was still a threat to the town, though.

Kurt led the way to the front door. Clint held Sara’s hand as they exited. He wanted to keep her close until Bobby Gibson was found. In the meantime, he had guards making trips around Sara’s house just to be sure Sara wasn’t targeted.

Bobby had every reason to go after Sara now. His cover was blown in town. All he had was Carter’s men and the church. Most of the shifters thought Bobby was with Carter’s crew. Clint didn’t think so, though. He had this feeling that as soon as he let his guard down, Bobby would pop up.