Chapter Three

“Drive with me,” Austin asked softly while carrying Kiley’s bags for her into the parking garage. He didn’t want her to feel he was demanding it—he only wanted her close. He had a feeling that as soon as Kiley was alone, she’d start thinking anything between the two of them wouldn’t work. He needed a chance to convince her differently, but time wasn’t on his side.

She stopped walking but didn’t pull away, which was an improvement.

“I can’t,” she whispered. “Please understand, Austin. I can’t be without a way to leave. I’m not saying I will leave again, but I have to have a way.”

He held her cheek. Their eyes locked and Austin saw the emotions there, saw how important this one thing was to her. It had more to do with Riker’s influence on her life than anything else. Fuck, he wished he’d been the one to find Riker. Instead of the old Alpha being delivered to the Council, Austin would have ended his existence. Now it was too late. Riker would never see the light of day again, but that also meant Austin couldn’t get his hands on him. All he could do was try to repair the damage Riker had inflicted on Kiley and those in his Pack.

“Okay, no problem.” He’d give her what she needed.

Her relief was so noticeable she actually shook with it.

“Thank you,” she told him with a smile and pushed up against him.

Austin bent his head, unable to resist her luscious lips, and sealed his mouth over hers. Kiley responded quickly, wrapping her arms around his neck and opening to him. He held in a groan as he pulled her body flush with his. It felt so wonderful to hold her. The sudden squeal of tires broke the moment and he pulled away in time to see a big, dark SUV racing toward them.

Instincts kicked in. He threw her bags between two cars, pushed her after them and jumped to cover her body with his.

Metal scraped metal when the SUV hit one of the parked cars. Kiley screamed and his wolf howled inside at her fear. Austin leapt to his feet as the SUV reversed. He couldn’t see inside the dark interior, but he’d smelled shifter. He grabbed hold of Kiley’s arms and yanked her up.

“Go around the front and get into your car!” he ordered.

Without hesitation, she scrambled to comply. She grabbed the bags at her feet and darted in front of the car that had shielded them. Austin stepped out into the parking lot the second the SUV lurched forward, as if taunting him.

Austin smiled grimly. He’d always been a pretty easygoing guy, but threaten an innocent, and he felt like feeding someone their own balls. After he’d ripped them off. He narrowed his eyes and waited. The vehicle sat only about fifteen yards from him. Whoever was inside would clearly see his challenge. From the corner of his eye, he glimpsed movement and knew it was Kiley. He couldn’t look at her, but as soon as they were safe, he’d give her a piece of his mind.

The attacker gunned the engine of the vehicle again.

Kiley moved farther into view and he saw her aiming a gun at the back passenger window.

“Kiley.” He growled her name. They needed whoever was inside alive so they had a chance to get information out of them.

He didn’t get time to come up with a plan, though. The SUV sped in reverse and was out of sight in seconds. His first instinct was to follow, but he needed to make sure Kiley was unharmed first.

He hurried over to her and grabbed her wrist. “Where did you get that?”

“My apartment,” she said.

She stared after the SUV and, by the way she rocked on the balls of her feet, Kiley wanted to follow. No way was he allowing that.

“Stay,” he ordered and tightened his grip just to make sure she complied. He punched the first Speed Dial with his thumb. As soon as Colt answered, Austin barked out orders. “Get to Kiley’s apartment ASAP! Bring plenty of help. Leave Tyler at the house and make sure Jesse is guarded.”

Colt’s calm voice assured Austin he was already on his way and everything would be handled. He didn’t ask any questions and Austin was glad. He needed his Beta by his side. Colt would be able to keep him calm so he didn’t totally screw up things with Kiley. Even then, with his blood pumping hard, fueled by adrenaline, he recognized the Alpha wolf wanting to take over. Kiley stared at the hand he had wrapped around her wrist and he loosened his hold but didn’t let go of her completely.

He needed to get himself together before the others arrived. He still had the scent of the shifter who had come after them. Austin hadn’t been able to see behind the blackened window, but his nose had told him all he’d needed to know. The scent of the ones who would now become the prey for putting Kiley at risk, just when he was getting his chance to be with her.

Austin shoved his phone into his pocket after Colt had disconnected.

“Are you okay?” he asked, running his gaze over her to make sure she hadn’t sustained any injuries when he’d pushed her to the ground.

“Yes, you?” She looked at him with wide eyes.

“The adrenaline is waning,” he noted. Kiley tilted to the side and he reached out to steady her.

She nodded. “Think so.”

“It’s okay,” he murmured, pulling her close. “I’ve got you.” Austin led Kiley to the driver’s side of her vehicle for her to sit and catch her breath.

Kiley had been brave and, even though he wished she’d let him handle the attack, he was proud she’d stood up for herself. The unknown shifters could have been after either of them and he hated not knowing what was going on.

“Just relax,” he said, opening the door and gently helping her inside. Austin took her face between his hands and kissed her softly on her lips.

Her eyes were cloudy with confusion. “You’re not hurt, right?” she asked.

“I’m not hurt,” he assured her. “Help is on the way and then we’ll get back to the Alpha house.”

She nodded, absently rubbing at her right knee. Austin carefully pushed her hand away and saw a rip in her jeans. He smelled the blood under the material, along with dirt and grit.

Austin ground his teeth to hold in the wolf. She had been hurt.

“I need to check on Jesse,” she said quietly.

“Okay,” he agreed. “You do that. I’m going to see if I can pick up any more scents.”

Kiley pulled out her cell and Austin walked away to give her privacy and to do what he’d said he would. Find the shifters who had attacked.

Kiley watched from the front of her SUV while Austin ordered his men around, making sure they got everything they needed from the scene. He’d been pissed when Tyler had shown up with Colt and Dominic. Kiley saw it in the way he’d glared at the other Alpha while he watched his men. She would have been amused by the obvious over-protectiveness if she hadn’t been so shaken up.

Even when they’d asked her to guard Jesse, she hadn’t taken the threat seriously. Who’d attack two Alphas surrounded by Pack? Kiley’d thought she’d be a glorified babysitter while the Alphas held the meetings. Now she knew differently. Someone, shifters, had tried to run them down. She was anxious to return to the house and see Jesse to make sure the young girl was indeed safe.

If she concentrated on keeping Jesse unharmed, that would also give her time to think on what she was going to do about Austin. All her plans and ideas had flown out of the window when he’d been in danger. All she’d been able to could think was that she had to protect him. Austin had thought she’d been shaking because of adrenaline, but the truth was she’d been scared for him.

“Shit,” she muttered. How had everything gotten so messed up? Kiley was barely getting her head wrapped around realizing she’d bonded with Tyler and the others. Now she had real strong feeling for an Alpha shifter. Hell, she was halfway in love with him and she didn’t even know him.

Austin walked over to her and she had to look away since her emotions were so close to the surface. He’d put himself in danger to protect her. No one had ever done that for her. It had brought up too many feelings for her to be able to easily separate and process. Feelings she had spent a long time trying to bury.

Austin stroked her cheek and lifted her face with a soft finger to place an even softer kiss on her lips. The tender gesture was too much and she had to pull away and drop her chin to hide the tears that wanted to fall. He was so damn sweet.

“Gray and Tony are on their way. They were across town when we called. The minute they get here, we’ll head to Tyler’s.”

Kiley started to relax against him as he gently rubbed circles on the small of her back. “Okay,” she managed to whisper.

She allowed him to hold her until Tyler walked over. Then her instinct to show no weakness in front of others kicked in and she pulled away. Austin let go of her with a heavy sigh. Luckily, Tyler forestalled anything Austin would have said.

“How are you doing, kid?” Tyler asked.

Kiley rolled her eyes but laughed, which was no doubt the reaction he wanted. He gave everyone stupid little nicknames. The first time he’d called her kid, she had reminded him he was only about three years older than her.

He’d responded that it didn’t matter because when Kiley hung out with Jesse, it was as though she was a kid herself again. She’d thought long and hard about that and had eventually agreed. When she was with Jesse, she did feel ten, fifteen years younger, getting to do all the things she had never done while a child. She enjoyed playing games, swimming and spending time with the little cub. It had even made her think about having her own kids one day. She had been almost certain she wouldn’t, but now the possibility was there. She wondered if Austin wanted children.

She didn’t realize she’d gone off into her own thoughts until Austin pressed harder on her back and she glanced up to see matching looks of concern on his and Tyler’s faces.

“Sorry,” she mumbled. “I’m fine. Really.”

Tyler nodded while Austin stared at her as though he wasn’t buying it.

“I promise, Austin. I was thinking…”

“You’d tell me…” he asked, dropping his voice low so only she heard. “You’d tell me if you weren’t okay?”

“Yes,” she assured him.

He took a deep breath and she watched the play of his muscles over his stomach. A stomach she wanted to spend hours licking and tasting. She wanted to have him all around her. Surrounding her, filling her, consuming her. She felt flushed, hot and needy. She smelled him—rich, sweet and woodsy.

Austin chuckled and she gasped, caught once again lost in her own thoughts. Except this time, she’d been busted fantasizing about Austin. But when he turned his body into hers, discreetly rubbing his erection against her thigh, she knew she wasn’t the only one longing to reconnect in the way they had earlier.

“Austin.” She whispered his name with need.

Tyler’s phone rang and he stepped away, which relieved her.

“I want you,” Austin told her, sliding his hands up her thighs.

She wanted to squirm and beg. That was a new feeling and she didn’t know what to do about it. Her instincts told her to grab hold of Austin and pull him in close. Kiley clutched the nape of his neck and tugged until their mouths were only a breath apart. She closed her eyes, taking his mouth with hers.

Kiley growled when their lips pressed together, nipping to demand entrance. He opened for her and she swept her tongue inside, tasting him. Spicy and strong, Austin was the best-tasting man she’d ever had the pleasure of savoring. Kiley was leaning into him when Tyler’s curse broke through the fog in her mind.

“What’s wrong?” Austin spun around to face Tyler while blocking her from any threat that might be near.

“Tony was shot,” Tyler told them, still holding the phone up to his ear.

She gasped, unable to hold it in, even as she brought up her hands to grip the back of Austin’s shirt.

“Yes, Gray,” Tyler said into his cell. “We’ll be right there.”

Tyler disconnected the call before facing them. “They were on the way here when a black SUV pulled up beside them and opened fire. Tony was in the passenger seat and was hit.”

“Let’s go.”

Austin motioned for Kiley to climb over to the other seat then followed her and got behind the wheel. Tyler already had the back door opened and had jumped inside.

Kiley put her hand on her stomach when Austin sped out of the parking space to race her vehicle from the garage. Someone she knew had been shot and Kiley shook with fear.

In all honesty, she had been concerned about the threats but hadn’t really thought the Pack were in real danger. Even earlier in the garage had seemed more of a warning than someone trying to kill them. No one spoke as they sped down the streets to where Gray and Tony were supposed to be. Austin took a sharp right and spotted a police car with its lights flashing behind Gray’s vehicle. Austin slammed his foot on the brakes and they slid to a stop, almost ramming the cop car.

Tyler and Austin were out of her SUV so fast they were mere blurs. Kiley was still trying to get her door open when she saw Tyler grasping Gray and yanking him close and Austin bending down and peering into the open passenger door. Kiley climbed slowly out of her vehicle and slammed the door behind her. The cop glanced at her and she recognized him—he was a member of Tyler’s Pack. That was good. At least they wouldn’t have to worry about human interference. This would need to be handled by the Pack.

As she walked closer, Austin motioned her forward. She hurried to his side and saw Tony sitting grinning at them.

“I was shot in the arm,” Tony told her. “It barely even hurts.”

Since he was pale and shaking, Kiley didn’t believe him. “Sure,” she responded. “Why don’t you get out of the car and we’ll dance right here on the side of the road. You can rumba, right?”

Austin snorted while Tony glared at her.

“Smartass,” Tony mumbled. “I hoped you’d be on my side.”

“I am,” she said, crouching down. “Someone tried to kill you, though.”

“I don’t think so,” Tony said.

Kiley felt movement behind her and swung around to see Tyler and Gray had joined them. She shifted enough so neither man was at her back.

“What do you mean?” Austin asked.

“They were shooting at the vehicle, but they could have driven right up and aimed in through my window. Instead, they took pot shots at the car and I got hit by accident,” Tony said.

“What do you think?” Austin asked Gray.

Gray shrugged.

“Oh, come on!” Tony leaned over then winced.

“Okay,” Gray said. “I agree with Tony. But the fact is you were shot.”

Tony sighed. “Cain’s going to be pissed.”

Both Austin and Tyler chuckled, but the sound had a nervous tinge to it.

“Alpha.” The cop strolled over. “We’re garnering a lot of attention. We need to move this along. Another police car might roll in to check out the scene at any time.”

“Gray, get Tony back to the house. We’ll treat his wound there,” Tyler said. “Austin and Kiley, I need you both to follow behind them and make sure they get there safely.”

“What are you going to do?” Austin asked.

“Shift and see if I can pick up a scent. They would have left someone close by to watch what we do. I’m going to try to find them first,” Tyler stated.

“Not by yourself,” Gray argued.

Tyler simply lifted an eyebrow. “I do believe I’m the Alpha here.”

“Not the only Alpha,” Austin growled. “I’ll stay. You take care of your Pack.”

“This is my responsibility,” Tyler said.

“And you’re my friend.” Austin squeezed Kiley’s shoulder before he stood and faced Tyler. “Let me do this for you. I’ll make my report and once we have the Pack settled, we’ll figure out what to do.”

Kiley rose, too. She didn’t want Austin out on his own any more than she wanted Tyler. “I can help.”

“No.” Austin whirled on her. “You need to get to the house and look after Jesse. If they are trying to scare us or give us warnings, they might try to take Jesse to get Tyler to do whatever they want. She’s in the greatest danger.”

“Shit!” Kiley spun around and raced to her car. Austin was right—taking Jesse would ensure Tyler would do anything to get her back safely. Jesse was the Alpha’s entire world.

By the time she was behind the wheel and had the car started, Tyler yanked open the other door.

“Come on,” she yelled at him.

“Dom’s got Jesse,” Tyler told her. “Calm down and follow behind Gray. We have to make sure we all get there safely.”

Kiley glanced through the windshield at Austin. “What about him?”

“Austin will be okay,” Tyler said, patting her hand. “He’s a strong wolf and he wants to help. He’ll protect all of us. Especially you.”

Kiley really didn’t want to get into a conversation about the relationship, or whatever the hell was going on, between her and Austin. “If he gets hurt—”

“He won’t,” Tyler said. “I texted Colt, Austin’s Beta, and he’s headed over here to help Austin then bring him back to us.”

Kiley sighed. Gray flashed his brake lights at her before he pulled off the side and onto the street. Austin raised his hand to her and she nodded at him. She’d see him at the house. A few hours, and they would both be behind the gates and the protection of the wolves. It would be okay.

She followed behind Gray, making sure to keep her gaze all around them in case there were any other problems. The entire drive into Pack territory was tense and silent. Tyler was also searching for trouble, keeping an eye out. When they passed through the gates, Kiley tried to relax. Her shoulders ached from driving with her hands tight on the steering column and from sitting stiffly.

“We’re home.” The relief in Tyler’s voice was evident.

“How many guards are on duty?” she asked.

“All of them,” Tyler said.

“Okay. I won’t let Jesse out of my sight.”

“I know. It’s why I asked Gray to bring you to us.”

Pride and comfort filled her. Kiley stopped her car in front of the Alpha house and gazed up at the monstrous building. “I’m glad you’re building a new house,” she whispered.

“Me, too,” he said quietly. “I want to raise Jesse in a house full of love and laughter. We’re never going to have that inside here.”

“No,” Kiley said. “Not here.”

“I had hoped that if we built a new home, you would come around more. I know Jesse misses you.”

“Hoped?” she asked, turning toward him.

Tyler smiled and grasped her hand. “I think something bigger is in store for you.”

She shook her head. “You’re talking about Austin.”

“Of course I’m talking about Austin.”

“I don’t know what’s happening between us. Or what can happen. He doesn’t even live here,” she said.

“And you’ve never found a home here,” he pointed out.

“I have a home,” she argued.

“No. You hide out in the shadows.”

His words hurt her a little. Kiley dropped her gaze to her lap. “I’ve gotten better.”

“You have. But what if you didn’t have to stay here? What if where you’re needed is with others who have been through Riker’s terror?”

“Austin’s Pack,” she said.

“Yes. There are others who fled there because they couldn’t remain in this territory. He’s a strong Alpha who will protect them and make sure they are never harmed again.”

“So, what I can do?” she asked.

“You can be the buffer between Packs,” Tyler said. “Austin’s original Pack is trying to welcome the ones from Riker’s, but your old Pack is having trouble trusting them. You can help them.”

“I can’t be a part of his Pack,” she told him. “Any Pack.”

Tyler shook his head. “I don’t believe that. I think when you find the right fit, you’ll be perfect. In the meantime, you don’t have to be a member of Austin’s Pack to help them.”

“They don’t even know who I am,” she pointed out. Riker had made damn sure no one other than his most faithful had had any clue that Kiley had been held hostage in the compound.

“They know of you,” Tyler said. “Your treatment was one of the most serious crimes Riker was convicted of.”

She shuddered. Kiley had never wanted anyone to know what had happened to her. She’d never even told Tyler everything she’d gone through. When the Alpha Council had questioned her, they’d promised Kiley that no-one else would know the details.

“Things about the trial slipped out,” Tyler said. “The Council did their best to keep things real quiet, but a lot of people were involved.”

The sense of betrayal that coursed through her was surprising. She hadn’t really known what to believe when she’d met with the Council but had hoped that they’d be able to keep Riker locked up for the rest of her life. In the assurances they’d given her, Kiley knew there was still a chance her story would get out. She’d taken the opportunity knowing that that was possible.

“It’s about starting over,” Tyler told her.

“What about Jesse?” she asked.

“She’ll understand. Plus, Austin is one of my best friends. We see each other often.”

Kiley didn’t know what to say. It was true she hadn’t really been living, but was leaving the best option? Damn, there was too much going on. “I need time to think.”

“I’ll see what I can do to help.”

The front door opened and Dom stepped out.

“We should get inside,” Kiley said.

“Promise me you’ll think about it.”

Kiley nodded. She was sure she’d think of nothing else.

Austin paced the bedroom he’d been given, thinking about everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours. He’d found Kiley again after having pretty much given up hope that he’d ever see her again. He was thirty-six years old and he had met the woman who he was supposed to spend the rest of his life with. Austin was sure of it—Kiley belonged to him.

He was exhausted. It had been a long day and he was just starting to finally process events. Tyler had been right in thinking that whoever was behind the attacks had left someone behind to watch them. Austin had tracked the feline shifter six blocks until Colt had joined him. After he’d had help, they’d stepped up the hunt to capture the feline.

In the way of the wolves, when they worked together as a Pack, they were able to take on any other shifter. The feline had been one of the large cat species, but Austin had had no doubt they’d take him down. Austin hadn’t counted on the feline having backup. Just as they had been closing in, a large black truck had shown up and the feline had leapt into the rear.

He’d gotten away, but Austin had picked up the scent.

Luckily, Tony would recover. The Pack doctor had looked him over, telling them that the bullet had gone through and Tony was going to fine. Doc Jensen had bandaged Tony up and given him some pain meds. Already, Tony’s brother and some members of his Pack were on the way. Not that Austin was surprised. Tony’s family was very close.

There was nothing else Austin could do at that moment. Not until Tony’s Pack arrived and they decided the next step. That was why Austin paced his room.

Tyler had recalled all his members into Pack territory to stay there for their own safety. Austin agreed with him and would have made the same decision in his place. The compound could be protected more easily. He’d made a call home and warned his own Pack to be on the lookout for anything strange. He needed to see to them himself, but he didn’t want to leave yet. His best friend was still in danger and he had the added complication of Kiley. Her life was here and even if she didn’t belong to Tyler’s Pack, she wouldn’t simply leave.

Austin didn’t know what to do about her. He wished he was able to go to her right then, but after dinner she’d said she’d needed to be alone and was tired. Austin didn’t want to push her, but he had whispered that he’d leave his door unlocked just in case. With the hours that had passed, she’d obviously decided against spending time with him.

Resigning himself to a night alone, he stripped off his clothes before climbing into bed. The cool sheets felt good against his skin. He switched off the lamp and settled against his pillows. He’d grown painfully hard from thinking about Kiley and he lazily stroked himself. He was getting into it, pumping his hips and tightening the hand he had curled around his sex, when there was a soft knock on his door.

He sensed Kiley in the hallway and it almost sent him over the edge. He held back, barely. Austin had started to lift himself from the bed when his door opened.

“Austin?” Kiley asked in a quiet voice.

He was thrilled. Kiley had come to him. It didn’t matter what she wanted or needed. If she only wanted to talk, that would be fine with him. Oh, he would like to do a whole lot more, but he would take anything he could get with her right now.

“Come in, Kiley,” he encouraged.

She stepped into the room and closed the door behind her. He had no problem seeing her in the dark. She stood next to the door, dressed in pajama bottoms and a tank top, hair still wet from her shower, wringing her hands together.

He reached over to turn on the lamp.

“No,” she said quickly.

He froze with his hand still in the air.

“Can I…? You said…”

Austin waited, trying to give her time to get out what she wanted to say. He hoped she wanted to spend the night in his bed after all.

She cleared her throat. “Tyler came and got Jesse. Said he wanted to put her in his bed so he could sleep. You know, having her close and all, so he’ll sleep better.”

Austin knew exactly what she meant. That was why he wanted Kiley.

“So, I thought, since Jesse’s with him, I’d come in here. That is, if you still want me to.”

Austin pressed his lips together to stop his wide grin from showing. Instead, he lifted the edge of the sheet and invited her to join him. She didn’t waste any time climbing into bed with him and cuddling into his arms. Her head resting under his chin, he held her tight against his body. He’d fallen asleep with her in this way another time and when he’d opened his eyes, she’d been gone.

As hard as it was to push those memories aside, he had to. Austin understood some of what she’d been through. He needed to be patient. Needed to give her time to come to terms with her feelings. He closed his eyes, content to have her in his bed. “Thank you for coming to me,” he whispered.

Her soft lips brushed against his collarbone. “I didn’t want to sleep alone,” she confessed softly. “Plus, I remembered how good your arms around me felt that night. It’s what scared me into leaving.”

“I know, but you never have to sleep alone again unless you want to,” he responded. And it was the truth. He’d give her time, but that didn’t mean he’d give up on her.

She sighed and her body slowly went limp against him. He lay there for a long time listening to her soft, steady breathing, happy despite everything else going on. Finally, when he was sure she wouldn’t disappear on him again, he closed his eyes.