Chapter Ten

Max grunted as he rolled away from his Alpha. The training that he was enduring wasn’t just mental or social. He also had to tap into his wolf’s dominant fighting urges to protect the Pack.

It turned out that Max had the ability to draw from his wolf even more than he’d imagined. Shawn had explained that as he came to accept his position, not only would his connection with his wolf be stronger, but with the territory as well.

He slowly rose to his feet before he faced off against his Alpha again. Max nodded before taking his fighting stance again. This time he closed his eyes then breathed deeply. Someone had cut the lawn recently—Max smelled the moist soil beneath the short blades of grass. If he could just connect with the land…

“You’re still holding back,” Shawn said. “You have to embrace your strengths.”

“I am,” he argued. “I have been,” He was stronger, faster and more determined. There was still something missing though.

“More,” Shawn demanded. “Use more of your instincts.”

Sweat dripped from his forehead and he wiped it away. He would not stop before his Alpha. “Bring it.”

With his eyes still closed he still felt the air around him move as Shawn attacked. Max dodged the first blow then ducked a second. He was on the defense and had to turn things around. He dropped to his knees before lunging at his Alpha. He caught Shawn around the waist and took him down.

Max grinned down at his Alpha. “Like that?”

“Not bad,” Shawn said. “There’s just one more thing.”

“What?” He went flying through the air, only to land on his back again. His breath whooshed out of him. Max groaned.

Shawn stood over him and grinned. “Again?” He offered his hand to Max to help him up.

Max allowed Shawn to pull him to his feet.

“How about you take a break from kicking my boyfriend’s ass and have a drink?” Cassie called.

Max straightened and turned to find Cassie sitting on the porch. He’d been so focused on the Alpha he hadn’t realized she’d come out of her studio. She’d been locked inside for a few days, starting a new series. Cassie wouldn’t tell him what she was working on, but he was certain it would be fabulous.

“How long have you been sitting there?” he asked.

Shawn laughed. “Enough to witness your last two failures.”

Max looked over at him. Of course, Shawn had known she was there. He’d had years of practice at this. Before he’d started his training, Max had believed the hardest part was getting the Pack to accept him. He now realized that there was so much more to leading then settling feuds between two Pack members. He had so much to learn. Max growled low in the back of his throat with frustration.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself,” Shawn said, slapping him on the back. “You’re doing better than I did at three days.”

“Really?”

Shawn nodded. “Yes.”

That made him feel better.

“Of course, I was thirteen.”

Max laughed. His Alpha had a wicked sense of humor that Max hadn’t known about. Not only was he being trained, but he also was learning more about his Alpha. If possible, he not only respected the man more but liked him more as well.

“I have ice water,” Cassie teased. She picked up one of the bottles and waved it at him.

Oh yeah, Max so wanted a drink of that. He strolled forward with Shawn on his heels. Cassie handed him the bottle before passing one over to Shawn. Max took a chair next to Cassie and leaned back. It was hot out even though the sun had barely been up for a couple of hours. A beer would be better but drinking before eight in the morning wasn’t a good idea.

“Taking a break?” Chase questioned. He walked up the steps of the porch before leaning back against the rail.

Max grinned at his brother. “We’ve been up for hours. Did you just crawl your ass out of bed?”

Chase chuckled. “I’ll have you know I opened the diner this morning.”

“And you didn’t bring us any pie?” Max complained. “That’s just not right.”

“Sorry.” Chase held his hands up. “All out.”

“Damn.”

“What brings you by?” Shawn asked. “Not that I’m not happy to see you. But, like Max said, you didn’t even bring us pie.”

Chase laughed. “One-track minds.”

“Well,” Max said with a shrug, “training’s hard.”

“Come by for lunch,” Chase offered. “All of you, I’ll make sure to have a fresh pie for you.”

Max exchanged a look his Alpha. It was time he went into town more often. Max was going to have to bond with his pack mates. “Sounds good.”

Chase appeared surprised the grinned. “I did have a reason for coming over.”

“What’s wrong?” Max asked.

“There might be trouble in Lubbock,” Chase told him. “Reports of the Church gearing up for another demonstration have reached the Council. They want to know if we have any people there.”

Shawn glanced over at Max. “It’s time for you to learn the least fun part of this job. How to keep the Pack safe.”

“We have Pack there?” Max asked.

“Yes,” Shawn answered. “A lot of the Pack attend the university there. Some of the parents moved to be closer to them. It’s become more common in the last several years. We’re funding as many of our young people that want to get a higher education.”

Max had assumed that most of the Pack had stayed around the canyon. He should have asked more questions, gotten to know his Pack mates better. “That’s great. Paying for the kids’ college.”

“It’s a different world than when we were growing up,” Chase said. “The kids don’t want to stay around here and just live with the Pack. They want to travel, work and see things.”

Max could understand that. He’d joined the military and had gotten to see places most people didn’t. That was what he had wanted. He could really appreciate the fact that Shawn was making it possible for the kids in the Pack to grow and have real futures. “I… I like that.”

“But if the Church is there we need to help them,” Chase said. “If one of our Pack is outed it could mean trouble for all of us.”

“What do we need to do?” Max asked.

“Get word to our people in Lubbock,” Shawn said. “Maybe even send up some extra security. I’d prefer not to disrupt their lives if possible.”

“I’ll get it done,” Chase promised. “I have a couple guards who wouldn’t mind going up.”

“I want to go,” Max said. “We need to help them.”

“I’ll ask if anyone is willing is to return to the Pack. If they need help getting out, we’ll send people. Between that and the extra guards, they should be fine.”

“I should go,” Max argued. This would be his first mission to help the people he’d eventually lead.

Shawn sighed. “That’s your instincts talking, but now I need you to use your human intelligence. We’re not out—it’s important that we continue to protect the Pack here as well. With the recent brush up here your face is too recognizable.”

“Shit.” Max rose and began to pace. This was a difficult decision. He understood what his Alpha was saying, but that didn’t mean he liked it. He was a man of action.

His path was blocked by Shawn stepping in front of him. “This is part of managing the Pack. Doing what is best for everyone.”

“There hasn’t been reports of any missing Pack or threats,” Chase said. “This is more of a warning that with Jeremiah in custody in Lubbock, the Church is rallying there. We have no proof that any of us are in danger. It might be a peaceful protest.”

Max snorted. The Church for Humanity never did anything peaceful. He didn’t believe for a second that now would be any different.

“I just thought you both should know,” Chase said. “For us to get ahead of this.”

“You did well,” Shawn said. “The more information we have, the better.”

“Alex is waiting up at the main house,” Chase responded. “Do you want to fill him in?”

“Yes.” Max held his hand out to Cassie. “Coming?”

“Sure.” Cassie walked beside him as Shawn and Chase led the way. “You okay?” she asked quietly.

“Yeah,” Max responded. “I’ve been focusing on the physical part of being an Alpha, how to connect socially to the Pack. I hadn’t really thought about the tough decisions that have to be made.”

“You’re doing a good job,” Cassie whispered. “Shawn would tell you if you weren’t.”

“I feel like I’m thirteen again. Nothing I do seems to be enough. I’m awkward and slow.”

Cassie laughed. “You’re hot as hell, rolling around in the grass. I couldn’t concentrate because you were so distracting.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He linked his fingers with hers as they walked up the deck steps leading to the glass door. It was open with Shawn, Chase and Alex already inside.

“Hey,” Alex greeted.

“Good morning,” Max said. “Sorry to interrupt you so early.”

Alex waved his words away. “That’s what I’m here for.”

“What should we do first?” Max asked.

“I’ll make coffee,” Cassie offered. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before walking out of the room.

Max watched her go before he turned to his Alpha. “I’m not certain how worried I should be.”

Shawn shook his head. “Me, neither. The Church was delivered a big blow here. That makes them dangerous.”

“Yeah,” Max agreed. “A cornered animal is always more dangerous. The Church has been proven to be nothing but animals.”

“They won’t be able to get their people out of jail,” Chase said.

Max strolled to the patio door and peered out of the large sliding glass door. The quietness of the territory gave him peace, but for how long? By continuing this path, he’d have to deal with mornings like this often.

“You’re doubting yourself,” Shawn said from behind him.

Max didn’t bother to turn around. “You really think I’m strong enough for this?”

“I know you are,” Shawn stated firmly.

“But how?”

“Your first instinct is to go and protect your Pack. Unable to do that, you’re struggling with the many options, outcomes and possibilities. Now it’s time to figure out the solution.”

“I just hope I don’t screw this up and someone gets hurt,” Max said.

“I’m by your side. We’ll do this together,” Shawn said.

Max closed his eyes and prayed for the safety of his Pack in Lubbock. “First let’s get the guards headed that way? No pint in wasting time.”

Shawn patted his shoulder. “Exactly.” He turned to Chase. “Make the call.”

Chase nodded before pulling out his phone. He walked to the other side of the room as he began to talk.

“What next?” Max questioned.

“Alex, why don’t you get us a list of everyone who is living up in Lubbock,” Shawn said. “If we work together we’ll get the calls done faster. Have our people headed home and safe.”

“You got it,” Alex hurried over to his laptop.

“I know it’s not what you want to be doing but it’s the right decision. For now,” Shawn told him.

“For now?” Max asked.

“Things can change quickly,” Shawn advised. “We’ll move ahead with this plan while making sure there is a backup strategy.”

“Always be prepared,” Max stated.

“That’s right.”

Max looked over his shoulder at his Alpha. Shawn was calm and collected. How was Shawn managing to keep it together? Max felt like he was about to crumble with all the stress and possible outcomes from the new threat.

“You need to give yourself a break,” Shawn ordered. “Trust in the people who you’ve chosen to be by your side.”

At that moment Cassie walked in carrying a tray with coffee mugs and a full pot.

“And here’s your biggest supporter now,” Shawn whispered.

Max rushed to Cassie and took the heavy tray from her hands. She smiled at him before Max turned and walked to set the refreshments on the coffee table.

“I got the names and numbers,” Alex held up a list he’d printed from his laptop.

“Let’s get started,” Max suggested. “I’ll feel much better once I know our people are safe from the Church.”

Cassie and Max sat beside each other on the couch as Alex passed them both a page of Pack members’ information.

He slid his finger over his phone’s home screen. He was damn well going to protect his people.

* * * *

Cassie stretched her arms over her head. After working all morning contacting members of the Pack in Lubbock she’d gone to her studio to continue working on her newest series. One that she wasn’t ready to tell anyone else about. Not even Max.

Or at least she hadn’t until she’d figured out exactly where she was headed with this new work. Now in front of her was the portraits of her Alpha and the second one of the future Alpha.

The background for both was inside the canyon. The two men stood tall surrounded by their territory.

Behind Shawn were three male wolves and three females. His inner circle. The chosen few that would give their lives for the Alpha.

Max’s portrait was different though. Cassie wasn’t sure why she saw Max differently from Shawn. Max also had three male wolves and three females but instead of behind him, Max’s inner circle were spread out by his side.

When she’d picked up her paintbrush she’d had no idea what inspiration would take her over. Now she grinned, thrilled with the outline of what would be an awesome series. She couldn’t wait to show Max.

Cassie placed her brush inside the jar she used to clean them before turning to the door. She rushed forward and yanked the door open, practically running straight into Max.

“Shit!” she exclaimed.

Max caught her by the shoulders to keep her from bumping into him. “Hey.”

“Sorry.” She brushed her hair off her forehead. “I wasn’t expecting you to be there.”

He chuckled. “I was just coming to ask if you felt like going to the diner. We didn’t make it for lunch.”

“Mmm, pie!”

“Yeah,” Max agreed. “After dinner, though. You need a good meal before you have dessert.”

She slid her arms around him. “Dessert. I like the sound of that.” Cassie lifted herself up to the tips of her toes. “Let’s have dessert first. And I’m not talking about pie.”

Max licked his lips before lowering his head. “Nope, dinner first.”

“Damn.” She smacked his chest. “You’re mean.”

“I’m just trying to take care of my girl.”

Oh hell, when Max said things like that Cassie wanted to pull him into bed and never let him leave. “I have something to show you first.” She grabbed his hand then tugged him into the studio.

Cassie led him over to the painting of Shawn first.

Max was already smiling. “That is wonderful. Shawn looks so strong. Like the perfect Alpha.” He lifted a finger before moving it toward the canvas.

“It’s still wet,” she said, grabbing his hand.

“That’s me,” Max said. “And Chase and Alex.”

“Shawn’s inner circle,” he told him.

“He’s going to love it.”

“There’s more.” She dragged him over to the next easel.

Max gasped.

“The future Alpha,” Cassie said. “And his inner circle.”

“Alex, Chase, and you.” Max took a few steps closer. “Who are the other ones?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “It’s just what I saw.”

“Thank you.” Max turned to her. He pulled Cassie to his chest. “I was having such a hard time seeing myself as the Alpha, as the leader.”

“I see it,” she whispered. “In my heart, in my head and the inspiration that consumed me. I know you’ll do great things.”

He brushed his cheek against hers. “I want to do it like you painted. With my inner circle by my side.”

Cassie reached up then drew his mouth to hers. “We’ll always have your back.”

“I love you.”

“What?” She jerked back. “Max?”

“Fuck,” he muttered. “I didn’t mean to blurt it out like that. I was going to take you to dinner then for a ride through the Canyon. I was going to be all romantic and shit.”

“I don’t care about romance,” Cassie told him. “I just want to know you mean it.” She gripped the front of his shirt. Cassie shook him. “Tell me that you really mean it.”

“Of course I do.” He covered her fists with his. “How could I not? You are the most caring, sweet, talented and beautiful person I’ve ever met.”

Cassie sniffed. She would not cry even if Max had just given her everything she’d ever wanted. Love and a future. “You love me.”

“I do.” Max nodded.

“I love you too,” she announced. “More than anything.”

“Thank God.” Max embraced her before kissing her deeply and thoroughly.

Cassie gave herself over to him. While he carried her toward her the bedroom Max wasn’t the future Alpha. He was just the man that she loved. The one that she wanted to spend the rest of her life learning about. The man who was her future.

“I’ll protect you,” he murmured as he kissed her neck. He laid her down on the mattress before straightening. “I promise to always keep your needs and those of our Pack ahead of my own.”

She stared up at him. Cassie wanted to tell him that all the declarations weren’t needed. She trusted him.

“I vow to always love you.”

Those words were all she needed to hear. “Please.” Cassie reached out for him.

Max caught her hand and brought it up to his mouth. “Yes.” He winked then covered her body with his.

They’d go to dinner, then take a ride in the canyon. But Cassie was indeed getting her dessert first.