Chapter 8: Chapter Eight

Kiley closed the door quietly behind her before tiptoeing through the house until she reached the spacious kitchen. God, she loved that room. It made her want to find some old recipe books and learn to cook the way she saw on old television shows and movies. She might have no skills in the kitchen, but Kiley made one awesome cup of coffee, so she’d have to start there.

She’d watched Ginger the previous day, so she knew where everything lived. Within a few minutes, she had a pot brewing and stood peering out of the small kitchen window over the sink. It really was a beautiful territory. So different from the one she’d grown up in.

In the distance, the mountain peaks were visible and appeared much closer than they really were. The snow-tipped tops looked appealing even though she had no interest in ever being around the cold. She hated being cold. But if she had the chance to investigate this little piece of heaven Austin had found, she would. Everything shone so brightly there. The green grass and the blue of the sky. No skyscrapers or buildings crammed all together. Here, it seemed the population was spread out and no one would intrude.

Did that mean they were safe, though?

There were no gates or barriers to keep anyone away from Austin or his Pack. Kiley had hated the compound and all the security, but what if that was the only way to live? Even though Austin wasn’t planning on his Pack becoming public, what if they were exposed?

So many questions.

If she was to keep her old Pack mates safe, Kiley needed to know more. Get mixed up with Austin’s business. She didn’t think he’d mind. But that would put her dangerously close to the Pack and getting overly involved in their lives.

Maybe that was what she needed to do, though. She’d already promised herself she’d try with Austin, at least attempt a real relationship, so why not vow to do everything possible for the Pack, no matter the consequences?

The coffee pot gurgled, pulling her out of her thoughts. She made herself a mug to carry to the deck. Kiley slid open the glass then stepped out into the cool early morning air.

Dew still glistened on the porch railing and along the flowers in the beds. The aroma of freshness and foliage smelled sweet. Would she be able to pick up fragrance for miles with the openness of the territory? Kiley was tempted to shift and see, but since she didn’t know the area well, she’d have to wait.

She pattered down the wood steps that led from the deck. Even though she enjoyed Austin’s company, Kiley was glad to get these few minutes to herself. There was something about being in nature alone early in the morning that made her feel calm and relaxed. It’d been so long since she’d felt this peace she wanted to enjoy every minute of it.

Kiley plopped down in the middle of the grass, ignoring the dampness seeping into her pajama bottoms. Her coffee sloshed over, but she righted her cup before she spilled much. Licking the rim of her mug, Kiley hummed in appreciation of the strong brew. She loved a good cup of coffee and it appeared Austin bought the best.

“Okay,” she murmured to herself, closing her eyes. “Try to connect.” It might not work. There was a chance she wouldn’t be able to bond to any territory again, but she needed to know.

Clearing her mind, Kiley hummed, using her enhanced senses to map the area around her. Quiet shuffling came from small animals heading that way from the north, a family of wild rabbits looking for food. The screech of a hawk high above her scouting for prey was new. All of the sounds combined with the scents began lulling her into the trance she sought.

The colors grew even brighter, and although she knew it wasn’t possible, Kiley felt as though she could see through the thick trees into the heart of the forest. Just outlines of what she sensed. It was a bond to the land that allowed her to put a picture to the sounds. Kiley set her cup down on the grass before flopping onto her back. She kept her eyes closed, the world moving around her. It represented everything she’d been searching for. Running her hand along the soft blades of grass brought the realization she could, indeed, bond with the land there.

She didn’t know how long she lay there, communing with nature, before she became aware of another presence. Kiley opened her eyes then swung her head to smile at Austin, who sat cross-legged a few feet away, drinking his own mug of coffee.

“Did it work?” he asked.

They both knew it had. Kiley nodded, anyway.

“How did it feel?”

“Wonderful,” she confessed.

Austin grinned. He turned his gaze toward the tree line. “I’d hoped you try, but I didn’t expect it your first morning here.” He wasn’t looking at her, but Kiley knew she had his full attention.

“I’m worried about the threats from the felines,” she said. “Has Colt called with any more information?”

“No, but he will. We both know Cain is going to get what intel he can out of them.”

“What’s to stop the Pack from being exposed?”

“Me.”

Kiley laughed. “Okay.”

“I mean it. I won’t let anything happen to those under my protection. I’ll do whatever I have to in order to protect us.”

“That’s why I wanted to try to bond with the land. You’re going to need help. You have a bigger Pack than you did when you first settled in this territory.”

“I do, but—”

“Your Beta is currently protecting the man who will be the face of all shifters,” she continued.

“Yes.”

“I won’t let you or anyone in this Pack get hurt. So, I wanted to see if the territory would accept me.”

Austin remained silent for several minutes, so Kiley picked up her mug and took a sip. She barely managed to swallow the now-cold liquid.

“Here.” Austin passed her his own coffee.

Their fingers brushed as she accepted his cup.

“You forgot one point on why you did it,” he whispered.

Kiley sipped his fresh drink. “What’s that?”

“Me.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Care to elaborate?”

“Your feelings for me,” he clarified.

He was good. Kiley might not want to admit it, but Austin was going to make her talk about it. “Maybe.”

“It’s okay,” he responded quietly. “You don’t have to tell me. You’re showing me by being here and wanting to protect our Pack.”

She stiffened at his words. “I haven’t joined your Pack.”

“No, but after you fall in love with me, you will.”

He sounded so damn certain. “We’ll see.” She was above denying what they both knew to be true.

“Yes, we will.” Austin rolled to his knees then stood. When he offered his hand to her, she slipped her palm into his. He pulled until she stood on her feet and pressed up against him. “My inner circle will be arriving soon. We should get dressed.”

“Okay,” she agreed, amused. Austin tried to hide the elation he felt, but she could easily pick up on his emotions. He was happy—delighted—by their talk. “Let’s get dressed, then decide how we’re going to protect this Pack.”

He linked their fingers together after picking up her mug. Oh, the sweetness of walking hand-in-hand, back to the house. This might be her home if she accepted what Austin offered. She wanted to. Being here was so different from being in her home territory. The strands that connected her to her people had long ago disappeared. She didn’t love them. But new ones had formed and Austin had been right. She was in love with him and that would tie her to the rest of the Pack.

Kiley hadn’t realized she’d grown chilled until she walked into the warm house. Austin led her to the kitchen, where they put their cups in the sink.

“Why don’t you take a hot shower while I make us some breakfast?”

“You cook?” she asked in surprise.

“Enough to get by. It was either Colt and I learn some basics, or driving for over an hour every time we wanted to eat.”

“Makes sense,” Kiley agreed.

“Ginger also takes pity on us. She loves to bake and we usually have some kind of goodies from her.”

Kiley laughed. “I can pour a mean bowl of cereal.”

“Sounds good,” Austin said. “Now, go shower.”

“Yes, sir.” She gave him a mock salute.

He slapped her ass in retaliation.

“Keep doing that and we’ll give your inner circle a show when they get here,” she said while wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

Austin immediately slipped his hands to her ass and lifted. Kiley hooked her legs over his hips until she felt his erection against her. She humped, causing Austin to stumble until her back hit the wall.

“Yes!” she hissed when he thrust his cock against her. “I need.”

“Me, too,” he grumbled.

He moved fast. Austin let her legs go, but the instant her feet touched the floor, he spun her around. Kiley barely had time to get her hands in front of her to keep her face from hitting as he pushed her against the hard surface.

“Hurry.” She was desperate to have him inside her.

Austin yanked down her pajama bottoms, collecting her panties along with them. She arched her back, keeping contact with the denim of his jeans.

“Hold on,” he ordered.

Kiley felt him brush his hand against her, undoing his pants before pushing them roughly down his legs. Then Austin was right there behind her, holding his cock as he positioned himself at her pussy.

“Please,” she sobbed with need.

He pushed in with one long, smooth stroke. Kiley reached behind her and gripped his hip to keep him from drawing out again, wanting to savor the feeling of fullness.

“You okay?” he whispered in her ear.

“Perfect.” Kiley dropped her head onto his shoulder.

“Mine,” he said roughly. He brought his hand around to rest it at the base of her neck. He tightened his fingers around her neck and instead of fear, arousal shot through her.

She couldn’t help squirming.

“Like that?”

“Yes.”

Austin began a lazy thrust and withdrawal while keeping his hand in place. Kiley sensed a connection to him in a way she’d never experienced before. She’d swear she felt every beat of his heart.

Emotions flooded her until Kiley grew overwhelmed. Austin took her past where she’d ever thought was possible. His cock filled her again and again, slow and steady at first, until she clawed at the wall, screaming at him for more.

She orgasmed so hard her knees went week. Austin let go of her neck to catch her around the waist. He held her upright as he plunged deep until he, too, climaxed.

The ground rushed up to meet her fall, but instead of landing, Austin’s body was between her and the hard floor. Kiley rested her head on his chest as they lay on the tiles, trying to recover.

Austin wanted nothing more than to savor having Kiley in his arms. What they’d experienced was indescribable. She’d given in to him fully, allowing him to control every part of her. Power and adrenaline coursed through him and he knew it was because of Kiley.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

She laughed. “Not at all. I feel wonderful.”

Well, that was a ringing endorsement if he’d ever heard one. “We’d better hurry if we don’t want to be discovered by my inner circle. Ginger should be walking in at any minute.”

“Ugh.” She rolled off him until she was on her hands and knees by his side. “She probably doesn’t even knock.”

“Nope.” He grinned, folding his arms behind his head. He didn’t miss the once-over she gave him. Austin had barely gotten his jeans to his knees before he’d had to be inside her. Now his pants were uncomfortably twisted around his body and the tile was cold against his ass.

“Keep lying there all cocky,” Kiley said with a frown. “Show your Pack your best assets.”

He laughed. “I forgot how much you don’t like when others see me naked.”

She huffed, climbing to her feet. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Keep making jokes.”

Austin watched her sauntering out of the room. Only after he’d heard the bedroom door close did he climb to his feet. As he straightened his clothes and got them refastened, the back door opened.

“Is it safe to come in?” Ginger called.

Austin strolled to the sink and washed his hands. “Yes.”

The sliding glass door closed with footsteps heading in his direction.

“It smells like sex in here,” Ginger said, joining him.

“I’m sure it does.” He refused to be embarrassed, even if it had been his sister who had almost caught him and Kiley passed out on the floor.

“Are you marking your territory?” she asked quietly.

Austin shut off the tabs of the faucet. Had he been? That hadn’t been his intention. However, now Ginger had brought up the subject, he had to admit he wouldn’t mind if his inner circle realized he’d laid a claim to Kiley. They might not be mated, but Kiley was his.

Ginger placed her hand on his shoulder and leaned in to him. “I’m so happy for you,” she whispered.

He grabbed one of the towels off a rack and dried his hands, then pulled his sister into his arms. They’d been a team, the two of them, for a long time. She would always be there for him, but he wanted to make sure she understood he felt the same way. Austin placed a kiss on the top of her head. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

She squeezed him hard. “Of course you have.”

“I couldn’t take care of this Pack without you.” He grasped her shoulders to push her back enough to peer down at her. “You do so much more than you have to.”

Ginger shook her head. “I was there. In Riker’s territory, when those girls were attacked and the Packs got together to discuss how to figure out the party responsible.”

“I know,” he tried to soothe her.

“I could have found Kiley or helped the Pack then. Being around Riker felt plain wrong, but I didn’t see what he was doing,” Ginger said. “I failed them.”

“You didn’t,” he reassured her. “I’d heard rumors for years about how bad Riker was, but I never asked any questions or brought it up to the Council. Tyler didn’t, either. Instead of looking out for all shifters, I only worried about my Pack. I could have saved Kiley and the others, too.”

“Cain was there.”

Austin looked up and Ginger spun around to where Kiley stood in the doorway. “What?” he asked.

Kiley shrugged. “I was pointing out that Cain also attended the same meeting Ginger did. So did Cain’s best friend, Adam White, who is also an Alpha now. Should I blame them?”

“No,” Austin responded, knowing where she was going with her comments.

Kiley strode forward until she stood in front of his sister. “Ginger?”

“I know it’s silly,” Ginger said. “I just feel I’d have saved all of you months of torment.”

“It’s not your fault,” Kiley told Ginger. “It’s not anyone’s fault, except for Riker and his men who hurt us.”

Ginger nodded but didn’t seem too satisfied.

“Adam’s White new Enforcer is Riker’s old Enforcer. Larry spent years stepping in front of other members of the Pack, so he took the brunt of Riker’s anger. If you don’t believe me that there was nothing you could have done, talk to him. He’s one of the bravest, kindest men who I know and he’s had a hard time moving past what happened. But he did what he could. Just like you didn’t know what was happening and cannot take the blame onto yourself. If you try, you’ll fall apart, and that’s not going to help anyone right now.”

Ginger glanced over her shoulder at him before turning to Kiley and grabbing her into a fierce hug.

That was what they needed from Kiley. She would be able to not only help her old Pack mates, but also show his Pack what the newest members could do to assist in everyone’s healing.

Ginger laughed, pushing Kiley away. “Okay,” she said. “Enough of that talk. We have to get ready for the meeting.”

Austin stepped around his sister to address Kiley. “I thought you were going to shower?”

“I am,” Kiley responded. “I couldn’t find any towels.”

“I’ll show you.” Ginger linked arms with Kiley and led her from the kitchen.

Austin knew he was grinning but didn’t even care. His sister and lover were getting along famously. He couldn’t have hoped for a better interaction between them. Austin went about making a fresh pot of coffee. Once he had it brewing, he pulled out eggs, bacon, sausage and a can of biscuits.

Breakfast was his favorite meal and he longed to cook for Kiley. Other than grilling out, he also didn’t make any other food. But he knew he’d be able to impress her this once and he planned to make a spread that would have her drooling.

He hummed, pulling out skillets and pans. Ginger joined him and took over making the biscuits as he cracked eggs.

It took fifteen minutes for Austin to set the dishes on the table. He’d heard the shower turn off and knew Kiley would be down soon, just as the first of his inner circle arrived. He’d made enough for everyone so they could discuss their plans while they ate.

“Brick is here,” Austin said, sensing his head guard on the porch.

The loud banging came less than a minute later.

“I bet Sophie and John are with him,” Ginger said. “I’ll go let them in.”

Ginger started out of the room, but Austin heard the front door open before she was gone. Austin threw down the towel he held and ran forward. He rushed past Ginger in time to see Brick go flying through the living room. His head guard landed with a loud crash and grunt.

“Shit!” Sophie ran to the side of her six-foot-two, two-hundred-and-fifty-pound mate.

Austin stared at Kiley in shock.

She still crouched in a defensive position. Austin shook his head then stalked forward to gather her up.

“Are you okay?” he asked her.

Kiley nodded.

“I’m okay, too,” Brick called from the floor where Sophie was helping him sit up. “If anyone cares.”

“You probably shouldn’t have tried to grab the new chick,” John said, entering the house then closing the door behind him.

“I was excited!” Brick said.

“You really should have known better,” Sophie told Brick, rubbing his back.

“Did I miss something?” Kiley whispered. “Why did the big guy try to grab me?”

“I knew your mom,” Brick said. “She was my aunt’s best friend.”

“Oh.” Kiley glanced up at Austin, frowning. “Sorry.”

Austin didn’t really know how to respond. Kiley had taken down his most experienced guard and wasn’t even out of breath.

“You’ve got to show me that move,” Ginger said.

“Me, too!” Sophie agreed.

Kiley grinned. “Sure.”

“Well.” Austin waved his hand. “If Brick can get up, why don’t we go into the kitchen and eat some of the food I’ve been slaving away making for you all?”

John snorted. “Since you usually only provide us with a cup of coffee, I’m inclined to think the food isn’t to impress us.”

Austin smacked John playfully in the back of the head as he escorted Kiley to the kitchen. John laughed before following. Ginger was ahead of them and sat in her usual seat. It wasn’t long until Brick and Sophie joined them.

“Here.” Austin pulled out a chair for Kiley. “Let me introduce everyone. You met Brick, who is the head guard and in charge of all the security for the Pack. His mate, Sophie, is in charge of education and has a Masters in early childhood development that helps us care for the pups. John here is the Pack doctor.”

Kiley nodded to each person as Austin said their names. He couldn’t keep the pride from his voice in speaking about his inner circle. Every Alpha had the choice in who he wanted in the most trusted positions and what skills he required. Austin was lucky enough to be surrounded by loyal and trustworthy people.

“Let’s eat and we can talk about how we’re going to look after our Pack,” Austin said.

Brick was the first one to grab a spoon. He scooped up eggs and put them on Sophie’s plate, then served himself three times the amount he’d given her. The huge, blond, buff guard didn’t look like the perfect match for the five-foot-three, black-haired beauty, but Brick and Sophie had been together over ten years and had twin boys. They were the happiest couple in the Pack, if Austin was any judge. Austin had a strong desire to have the same type of relationship and he prayed he wouldn’t be disappointed.

Austin helped Kiley fill her plate and he waited until everyone had settled down before he spoke. “Colt hasn’t called back yet, but I expect to hear from him soon. Cain will get everything he can out of the felines. I spoke to our Council representative and he offered any help we might need.”

“Are they going to come after you?” Sophie asked.

“I don’t think so,” Austin said. “From what Colt has gathered, the felines are trying to stop us from announcing our presence to the humans. Since I’ve already declined, the Council thinks this group will target those who agree to go public. We should be safe.”

“Do you really believe that?” Brick asked.

“I don’t know, but we’re not going to risk it. From now on, we’ll have full shifts of guards,” Austin said. “Rotate them as much as you can to keep them fresh.”

“That would be easier to do if we had a wall or some gates. I don’t like you being so exposed.”

It was a familiar argument between them. Colt had agreed with Brick, but so far Austin had been able to avoid giving in. The threat of the felines had him rethinking his position, though. “I know,” Austin said. “But we need to plan around that.”

“You’ll finally consider it?” Brick pressed.

Austin glanced over at Kiley. He knew she liked that they weren’t surrounded by walls and held in. Being able to offer that freedom to her when she’d bonded with the land was so important to him. But he also wouldn’t have her in danger. “I’m considering it, but I want to talk to the rest of the Pack.”

Brick nodded. “In the meantime, you should stay inside unless one of the guards is with you. I put them on high alert last night, but they’ve been keeping their distance to give you privacy.”

“I’m not going to pull a guard from duty just because I feel like a walk,” Austin argued. “I can handle myself.”

“That’s not the point,” Brick growled. “If anything happens to you, we’re all in danger. We have to keep you safe.”

Austin linked his fingers with Kiley’s and grinned. “Since my lover just put you on your ass, I think the two of us can handle anything that might happen at this house. I’m more concerned about the Pack members who don’t have our training.”

Brick sighed, peering over at Sophie. “We have to protect the kids first.”

“Yes,” Sophie agreed.

Austin’s cell rang and he dug it out of his pocket. Colt’s name and picture flashed on the screen. “It’s Colt. Let me see what he can tell us.” He rose from the table as he answered, “Hey, Colt.”

“Is everything okay there?” Colt asked quickly.

“Yes,” Austin assured his Beta. “I have the inner circle here and we’re making plans for keeping everyone safe.”

Colt’s long, deep breath came over the line clearly.

He strolled to the living room and sat on the big leather couch. “What’s wrong?” Austin asked.

“Tony heard from Cain. He’s getting more information from the felines, especially the youngest one, who didn’t even want to be involved.”

“Anything we need to know?” Austin questioned.

“Yes, but first we have a bigger problem.”

Dread made Austin’s stomach clench. “What?”

“The feline Prince is missing,” Colt said. “We think he’s been kidnapped.”

“Kidnapped?” Austin repeated in disbelief. “Wasn’t he under guard?” How did the felines let this happen? A Prince of a species would be even more important than an Alpha!

“They believe the guard might have been involved.”

“They?” Austin asked. “Who is Tony talking to on the feline’s side?”

“I’m not really sure,” Colt said. “The entire thing is a fucking mess. Tony wants to go help look for the Prince, but his father is forbidding it.”

“What do you think?” Austin asked gently. He knew there was more bothering Colt.

“I can see both points of view. If whoever took the Prince got their hands on Tony, it would be devastating. The wolves and felines are sort of leading the charge in going public. We can’t let anything happen to Tony. But Tony feels responsible for the Prince, since he’s the one who brought him in,” Colt explained.

“And you’re fighting with Tony about this?” Austin asked, even though he already knew.

“Yeah. He’s pretty pissed at me.”

“Do whatever you can to keep him safe.”

“Oh, I will, whether he wants me to or not,” Colt said confidently. “First, I wanted to make sure you and our Pack are safe.”

“I promise,” Austin said. He peered through the doorway where Kiley and his Pack were still talking. “I’m going to call the Pack together this afternoon and warn everyone. After that, we’ll lock down the territory, and we’re already putting all the guards on duty. We’re safe here, you take care of things there. Is there anything I can do?”

“Not right now. Only stay safe for me. I hate not being able to be with you, but I can’t leave Tony now. I don’t see him listening to his dad much longer.”

“Don’t worry about us,” Austin said. “Concentrate on what you have to there.”

“Thanks.”

At least Colt sounded a little better than he had when Austin had first answered the phone. Colt didn’t deal well with stress and always wanted to be able to fix things. It would be interesting to see how Colt and Tony’s relationship evolved. Austin wanted Colt to be happy and he knew that would be with Tony. Which also meant he’d be losing his Beta soon. That was something he’d have to think about later, though.

“What about the Prince?” Austin asked. “Are we doing anything to help?”

“Yes, the Council is sending some representatives out and Tyler already has Gray helping. Hopefully, that will keep Tony from insisting on joining the search.”

“Well, let me know if I can do anything.”

“I will,” Colt replied. “Tony just walked into the room, so I have to go. I’ll call and update you when I know more.”

“Sounds good.”

Colt disconnected and Austin stared at the phone in his hand. He hated Colt being on his own. They always had each other’s backs, but for the first time, their needs were completely different. Colt’s place was at Tony’s side, trying to help in any way possible. Austin had a Pack to take care of. He also would not have Kiley in any kind of danger. She’d already been through so much and it was time she started to enjoy life.

He was glad he’d already decided not to take his Pack public. When he’d given his decision to Tony and the Council, they’d been understanding and kind. Austin had still felt some guilt, though. He understood why it was important to let the world know they existed and manage the information, but Austin suspected there would be a lot of fear and panic from humans. His territory would be a welcoming retreat from the pressures once the time to become public grew closer. A safe haven. And Kiley would be with him. She’d already bonded with the land, so now he only had to work on getting her to admit that she was falling in love with him. Just as he was with her.

Austin rose from the couch before strolling toward the kitchen. He still couldn’t believe the woman he’d been searching for after their one-night stand sat at his table, talking to his sister and the other shifters he was closest to. He’d known after he’d made love to her that she was meant for him. Both his human and wolf had felt the connection. He’d been looking so hard for her, certain she’d be the one to complete him. Kiley was going to be his mate. He needed to convince her of that fact.

“Everything okay?” Ginger asked, rejoining them.

“Not really,” Austin said. “The feline Prince has been kidnapped.”

Gasps and surprised sounds echoed around the room.

“I want to gather the Pack,” Austin said. “They need to know what is going on and I want everyone keeping an eye out. We’re going on lockdown.”

“I’ll call a meeting,” Brick told him.

“Let’s make it early afternoon,” Austin said. He glanced at Kiley. “We’ll have a barbecue and have them meet Kiley, as well.”

“Uh…” Kiley rubbed her arms. “We don’t have to do that.”

“We do,” Austin responded. “Even with all this going on, we need to make it a priority for the Pack to come together. We have to be strong when the shifters go public.”

“I agree,” Ginger said and the others were nodding. “We’ll eat, introduce you and let them know about the threat. Going on lockdown will keep everyone close, too, so this will be a good time if anyone does want to talk.”

Kiley sighed. “Okay, I guess it’s best sooner than later.”

Austin walked behind her chair and gripped her shoulders gently. “You’ll do great. I think this is really going to help finish the healing process.”

“I hope so.” Kiley peered up at him. “I really do.”