SPENCER
We drove for hours, and it was getting dark when we arrived in Brentwood.
I eyed the handsome properties as we drove through that small city until we came out on Route 65 and stopped at a two-story, brick-wall hotel, illuminated by cozy yellow lights standing by the road.
“Let’s get the rooms, then we can have dinner,” Alister suggested as we all got out of the cars.
He pulled out Mom’s bag with essentials from the trunk and, chatting, they headed toward the entrance.
“Something is definitely going on there,” I said, looking after the two of them. “I’m not surprised. He’s a smart and handsome man, and that charming smirk of his seems to be working.”
“Yeah,” Finn nodded. “But don’t worry, he’ll behave.”
“Oh, I’m not worried. Mom can take care of herself. Though he does have something cunning in his look. But to be honest, I’m glad she enjoys his company. She never had time for herself.”
“Alister thinks she doesn’t see him that way . . . you know, as her match.”
I chortled. “He actually talked to you about her?”
“Only after I gave him a warning. But it looks like I didn’t have to. He does seem different around Clare.”
“Come on, guys,” called James. “Let’s do this and go eat. I’m starving.”
“Me too.” Finn threw his arm around my shoulders and pulled me toward the hotel.
* * *
The hotel didn’t have a restaurant, but there was a steakhouse nearby and it took us only a few minutes to get there.
We walked in and I stopped for a second, eyeing the interior, which had a lot of cowboy implements hanging around, and the chandeliers were in the form of deer antlers. We found ourselves a round table with six chairs.
“The food must be good here.” James put down his phone, “I just checked. The rating for this place is four and five stars.”
“Seriously?” Liam rolled his eyes. “That’s what you were doing?”
“What?” James shrugged. “I was curious.”
“While we’re waiting, let’s look at this.” Alister pulled two folded papers out of his pocket. “Here.” He unfolded them on the table and put them next to each other. It was the map. “I marked the most secure places where you,” he looked at Clare, “and Spencer could get through. But,” he heaved a breath, “I have to say, I agree with Finn. This plan is too risky. You barely escaped the first time.”
“No. It wouldn’t be the same,” said Mom. “They found Spencer's clothes the first time.”
“I know they did. But we don’t know what gave you away and why they came looking.”
“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.”
“Fuck.” My teeth clenched.
James ran his fingers up his shaved temples and into his mane on top. Liam reached for the six-pack and pulled out a bottle.
Finn, are the guys back yet?Spencer linked to me.
Yes.
How did it go?
Everything is fine,I lied. There was no point in telling her the truth now. She can start worrying about it tomorrow. How’s Clare?
She was talking to me and then she passed out in the middle of the sentence. I think she’s drunk.
I chuckled. I think you’re right.
She got drunk with Alister?
Yeah. You need to get some sleep too. It’s late.
It is. My eyes are already closed. I love you.
I imagined her in bed with her eyes closed, and I hated that I couldn’t be with her right now.
I love you too.
“Finn?” Liam stopped to look at me. “What is it?”
“Nothing. It’s Spencer. She was asking if you’re back.”
“Did you tell her—”
“Of course not. There’s nothing she can do right now.”
“No, there isn’t,” said Alister. “And there is nothing she can do tomorrow either. With the whole pack on watch, we can’t send the two of them there alone, unprotected, cloaking spell or not. We need a new plan.”
“I think we should get some sleep first.” Liam grabbed another bottle of beer. “Don’t worry,” he clapped my shoulder on his way out. “We’ll come up with something.”
Yawning, James headed to the door too. “See you in the morning.”
As the door closed behind them, Alister and I exchanged a glance.
“Any thoughts?” I asked.
“No. All I know is we can’t do it without them. We just need to find a better way to protect them, or turn the fire on us, and who knows, maybe we'll manage to take down the pack's guard from Aaron's place.”
“Yeah,” I heaved a breath. “But Liam is right. We should sleep on it.”
* * *
The next morning, we shared the news with Clare and Spencer as we gathered in their room.
“We don’t have much time left,” said Clare. “The full moon is coming, and if we don’t get the relics before that, we’re doomed.”
“We’ve talked about creating a diversion before,” said Alister. “We need to distract them, lure them away from Aaron’s place, and give you as much time as we can.”
Spencer heaved a breath.
“How are you going to do it?” she asked.
“The easiest way.” Standing his feet shoulder-width apart, Alister folded his arms over his chest. “All we need to do is show up, and the moment they sniff us out, take off and let them chase us.”
“When you say take off, do you mean like before? Get in the cars and drive away?”
“No. Like I said, we have to keep them busy as long as we can. If we drive away, they might not follow. This time, we’ll have to shift and get into a fight if we have to.”
“Alister, that’s too risky. Who knows how many you’ll have to fight?”
“That’s not the problem,” I shook my head. “The problem is if they recognize even one of us and realize that the marked ones have been protecting Spencer this entire time, they might figure out what’s going on and what we’re after.”
“And that’s why we’ll have to shift before we let them see us,” said Alister. “You’re right, some of them may recognize us in human form, but they don’t know our wolves. Well, they might know mine. I had a few encounters with some of them, mostly the oldest ones. But they don’t know yours or Liam’s. And definitely not James’s.”
Liam, James, and I exchanged glances.
Liam frowned. “Then, just in case, you’re not coming.”
“I thought you might say that. But you’ll need my help.”
“No. I agree with Liam,” I gazed at Alister. “If they find out who you are, it would be enough to figure out the rest. You can back up Clare and Spencer.”
Alister scoffed. “You want me to sit in the car and wait while the rest of you . . .” He rolled his eyes. “I’m the strongest among you. You need me.”
“I’m with Alister on this.” Spencer, who was sitting on her bed, got up. “You are the ones who need backup.”
“No.” I shook my head again. “Alister, you know I’m right.”
“Yeah.” He dropped his hands. “Okay. And yes, Clare and Spencer do need someone to watch their backs.”
“Then it’s decided. Tonight.” I glanced at Spencer. “And it might be our only chance. If we fail, we will make them even more suspicious, and Aaron might contact other alphas.”
Alister heaved a breath. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
* * *
At 7 p.m., we all came down to the parking lot. I wished I could change places with Alister so I could be there for Spencer if she needed me; to protect her myself if something goes wrong. But I couldn’t go with her, and the fear for her safety squeezed my stomach. I took her hand and pulled her aside.
“Spencer, you can’t get close to Eric. He knows your scent, and elixir or no elixir, he’ll be able to sniff you out.” I looked into her glowing blue eyes. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I do, I promise. And I want you to promise me the same. If there’ll be too many to fight, just run. Okay?”
I nodded. She stretched up to my face and kissed me on the lips.
I watched her get into Alister’s car. Alister waited for us to take off, and as Liam, James, and I hit the road, he followed.