“I think it’s because Eric sensed her presence on the road when we were cloaked before we even got to Marcus’s house. After that, he was sure she was around somewhere and that’s why he went looking for her.”
I was glad I wasn’t the only one who didn’t think our plan would work. But the problem was we still didn’t have a better one.
“Listen,” said Liam, addressing all of us, “it’s only 6:30, and James and I were thinking that instead of sitting in the room for the rest of the night, we could go check the pack’s area. It’s only half an hour's drive from here. Why waste time?”
“Check on what exactly?” asked Alister.
“To see how the security works. In Chicago, they had guards standing on the border who were pretty strict. They didn’t let Aaron’s wolves through. I wish we’d checked the area then to find out how it works, how many posts they had around their territory like that.”
“I agree,” Finn replied. “We don’t know anything for sure. And I think I should go with them.”
“No,” Liam shook his head. “You should stay with Spencer. Who knows what they’re up to?” He turned his eyes to me. “They could be tracking you right now.”
Something was telling me he was right. After Eric found my clothes in the woods, I could only imagine how pissed he was that I managed to escape. Again.
“I’m still new to all this, but it seems crazy to me. Alister, is it normal to search for a mate like that?” I asked.
“You see, usually the mates get together, except when one rejects the other. Like I’ve said before, your case is different. You never rejected Eric, and he thinks that we’re keeping you against your will. That’s why he’ll do anything to find you. The tug between mates is too strong and—”
“But I don't feel the tug.” As I said it, I sensed a splash of joy coming from Finn.
“But he does,” Alister leaned back. “And it’s too painful for him. Like his soul is split in two and half is missing.”
That must be awful. I hoped that Finn didn’t sense the spark of pity I felt for Eric.
Thankfully, our order arrived. Alister removed the map, and we changed the subject.
When we arrived at the hotel, Finn offered to pay for the rooms, but Alister didn’t let him. That’s why, after we ate, Finn insisted on paying the bill.
Stop fathering me, I heard him in my mind as he gave Alister an annoyed glance. And stop showing off.
Don’t be an idiot. Alister rolled his eyes. I’m just trying to be helpful.
I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, it just happened, probably because Finn never disconnected from me, and it looked like Alister let me in because he knew I was listening, and he wanted me to hear his reply. He smiled and winked at me. I grinned back, and noticing our wordless conversation, Finn smirked and shook his head.
“We should get going.” Liam headed to his car as we returned to the hotel.
“Don’t get too close to them,” warned Finn.
James slid into the passenger seat, shut the door, and stuck his head out the window. “We’ll just sniff around.”
“The problem is, they might be sniffing around too now that they’ve seen us close to the two other packs.”
“Well,” chuckled Liam, “like my ex-girlfriend used to say—who doesn’t take risks, doesn’t get to drink champagne. She drove a car like crazy, and she said this to me every time I told her to be careful.” Liam started the engine. “See you later.”
Back in the room, while Mom was taking shower, I laid on the bed thinking of different ways to get the relics. But I got nothing. To get the relics, we had to get into Aaron’s house. And to get into the house unnoticed, we had to use magic. That was it. That was the only way. The guys could distract the pack’s wolves, but the rest was up to me and Mom.
I wondered if I could do it alone. If I was Eric’s mate, his father wouldn’t kill me if they caught me, would he? I had a chance to survive if they didn’t know who I really was. But not Mom.
I knew Mom would never agree to this, but I gave it a try.
“Mom, if I’m Eric’s mate,” I started carefully, “he wouldn’t let anyone hurt me, right?”
“Right. Except maybe himself.” Wearing a white hotel bathrobe, she sank onto her bed.
“What do you mean? Why would he hurt his mate?”
“Spencer, he might look all cute and charming, but that doesn’t mean he would be the same after he gets what he so desperately wants. Women werewolves have no respect or authority in packs. Even though those men love their mates and couldn’t live without them, the women remain voiceless, and must obey their man.”
“So if he caught me and took me with him, he could do whatever he wants with me?”
“Pretty much. But like you said, as his mate, you will also be under his protection.”
“Even from his father?”
“He wouldn’t be able to protect you if his father finds out you’re the heir of the Great Alpha.”
“You mean Eric will let them kill me?”
“He would most definitely reject you at once. And yes, I’m afraid, they wouldn’t think twice before they ki . . .” She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry, but that’s how it is, and that’s what they are. His father might even make Eric do it himself.”
I gaped at her. “Come on, he wouldn’t do that to his son.”
“Oh, honey, you have no idea what they can do. His father will think that it would make Eric stronger, a better warrior. Teach him not to hesitate when facing danger when his time comes to make hard choices.”
I got up and started pacing. And they will do the same to my mother if they catch her.
“Spencer, I wouldn’t let that happen.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about. Mom, I think I should go alone.”
“What?” Mom scoffed, shaking her head. “Do you really believe I would let you do that?”
“Why not? They don’t know I’m the heir, and if I get caught—”
“I’m not having this conversation with you,” she got to her feet. “If you say another word, I won't let you come with me at all.”
I stared at her. She grabbed her PJs from her bag and marched back to the bathroom.
My mother was all I had. She was my only family. I’d do anything to keep her safe. But was I physically ready to fight for our lives?
I felt the urge to go for a run, and luckily, the woods were right across the highway.
Finn, would you like to go for a run?
I could feel him smile. With you, anytime.
I chuckled. I mean a real run. Also, I could use more fighting lessons. We haven’t had one of those in a while, and I’m afraid I’ll forget everything I learned so far.
A few minutes later, both wearing sweatpants and t-shirts, we crossed the highway. We passed a church, and as we reached the trees, we dropped off our clothes. The second I shifted; my wolf darted into the alluring darkness of the woods.
It felt good. All of it. The sense of freedom, the merge with nature, chasing Finn and finally catching him and flipping him over, which he called a success.
“That was amazing,” I said, putting my clothes on when we came out of the woods. “I wish we had more time for this.”
“Now, let’s work on your combat a bit,” Finn said as we came to an open space not far from the church.
He showed me a few new tricks on how not just to block, but also to avoid a blow.
“You haven’t unlocked your full potential yet, but you’re getting better and better. Your speed, your strength.” There was pride in his voice. “Come on, let’s try the attack now. Come at me.”
Looking with my wolf eyes, I scanned the area. I noticed a two-foot-long stick on the ground next to a stump. After Finn easily blocked a few punches and kicks I threw at him, I rounded on him, grabbed the stick, and with all my might, slammed it against his feet from behind. His feet bounced from the ground, and he toppled on his back. I dashed forward, sat on top of him, and pressed the stick against his chest.
“Got ya,” I beamed.
“You did,” he breathed out with laughter, fixing his beautiful, glowing gray eyes on me. “You know, I don’t want to sound like one of those alpha douchebags, but . . .” One of his hands slid up my thigh, and the second one lay around my neck as he pulled me closer. “I don’t care who your mate is,” he whispered against my lips. “You’re mine, Spencer Marshall.”
My lips brushed against his. “I want you to say it again,” I murmured, sneaking my hand into his sweatpants, “and claim what’s yours right away.”
His hand ran down my back, then into my sweatpants, and his fingers gilded lower and deeper. My body stretched as the wave of heat from his touch ran through me. He turned me on my back and pulled my sweatpants off. I fisted the grass beneath me as I felt him inside me. A few moments later, as the eruption of pleasure rippled through our bodies, our deep moans filled the midnight silence, and my protruded claws pierced a few holes in his back.
“Sorry,” I breathed out as I stuck up my blood-covered fingers in front of his eyes.
He cracked a smile. “Sweat and blood. What can be sexier than that?”
“A nice, warm shower?” I chuckled.
“You can pierce and bite me any time,” he smiled, “if it makes you happy.” He drew his face to mine, and it changed, becoming serious. “Spencer, are you happy?” he asked quietly.
“You mean when I’m with you? Finn, my life is a mess, and having you with me is the only thing that keeps me sane,” I whispered against his warm lips, and I couldn’t stop myself from kissing them again. “Only when I’m with you am I truly happy.”
“Then I’m the luckiest wolf on earth.”
*******
FINN
Spencer and I didn’t have our phones with us, and the moment I got into the room, I picked mine from the nightstand where I left it to see if there was any news from Liam.
There was no text or call. It’s been a few hours since they left, and I thought that they might be back and sleeping in their room.
“Are they back?” I asked Alister, who sat in the armchair typing something on his phone.
“No,” he replied, still staring at the screen. He smirked as the phone buzzed and the screen lit up with a notification.
“Who are you texting?”
“Just checking on Clare. We had a few drinks, and I want to make sure she’s okay.”
I stared at him, then at the half-empty bottle of whiskey on the coffee table.
“You got her drunk? What the hell is wrong with you?”
“She needed some time off, okay? She’ll be all good in the morning.” He shrugged. “I’m sure you had some fun too, didn’t you?”
“My fun doesn’t include putting my girlfriend in a coma by filling her with a bucket of alcohol. You want to get her attention, and I get it, but your method sucks.”
The smile vanished from Alister’s face. “Listen, I already told you, I’m not going to hurt her. I just . . .” He sighed. “I really enjoy her company. I think she enjoys mine too, but she’s afraid to relax and let herself feel.”
“And for a good reason. Her daughter’s life is at stake, and this isn’t the best time to get distracted.”
“She is a grown-up woman, Finn. She makes her own decisions.” Alister turned his phone showing me the screen. “She says she had a great time.”
I regretted my temper. Until this moment, Alister’s life was all about himself. He had women with whom he had fun, but no relationships. He had no one to care for. He didn’t have much interaction with the supernatural world and meeting an interesting woman who was also a witch, and with whom he had so much in common, was a big change. He was sort of happy, and I didn’t mean to ruin it for him. He was right. Clare could decide for herself.
“I’m sorry, Alister. I shouldn’t . . .”
He got up and stepped closer.
“I understand. You’re afraid to lose her.” He put his hand on my shoulder. “You won’t. I’ll do anything in my power to protect Spencer. We all will.”
“Yeah,” I nodded. “I know.”
There was a knock on the door and Alister went to open it. Liam walked in and James followed him, carrying a six-pack. He put the six-pack on the table and sank onto the chair.
“How did it go?” I asked.
Liam pulled out a chair too and dropped into it across from James. “It’s much worse than we expected,” he said, nervously tapping his fingertips against the table. “We checked all the spots you marked on the map,” he glanced up at Alister. “And a few more. The ones you didn’t. There are wolves everywhere. It’s like—”
“—They’re expecting us,” Alister finished his words.
“Yeah,” Liam sighed. “It looks that way.”