“Those involved in the plot were all put to death by my father, I was still very young then. Several, like Lucas, could not be directly linked to the coup. My father was so angry, though. In retaliation he cast out many that were just related to those involved. Most of them died quickly or were taken in by other packs. Lucas was not so lucky and has lived the last hundred and fifty years as an outcast.”
“Lucas had many that spoke for him back then, even with the fear of being cast out hanging over them. They knew the pack was his life and he would never endanger the family. Father was just too angry to listen to anyone.”
“I have the power to pardon him now, though, as a way to repay him caring for you. You’ve asked me not to hurt him and I won’t. It may take time to heal if he ever does.”
Joel’s blue grey eyes focused on my face and softened a little. I felt his hands stroking up down my back. He pressed his lips softly to mine and then he pulled me close.
“How did you find me?” I whispered against his neck.
“I had your phone’s GPS tagged by our system. I also had some of my wolves watching you. Did you know there was an explosion at the restaurant you had your meeting at?” he asked.
“Yes, I remember hearing it, was anyone hurt?” I looked back into his eyes.
“There were casualties, love, although I don’t think that was the target. I believe it was meant as a distraction for the wolves I had sent to watch you. Luckily, one of my omegas saw you leave through the front door and followed you. After the explosion he saw the van driving away and had the instinct to try to follow it.”
“What’s an omega?” I found myself asking.
“Omegas are what make up most of the pack. They are the common man, you would say. He was working as a waiter at the restaurant, to help me by watching you. Omegas aren’t built for fighting or speed, which is why it took so long to find you,” he sighed. “He tried to follow the van, but it just went to fast for him, he stayed on its tail as best he could and sent us information on where to start the search.”
I snuggled into his chest, wishing I could be just a few layers closer. ‘What was wrong with me?’ I wondered. I was almost raped and here I was wishing to be naked and cuddling with a man I barely knew.
“So they kept my phone?” I asked him.
“No, they must have thrown it out when they found it. We tracked it down and then found a trail of your scent not far from there,” his voice faded off and I felt fur under my cheek.
“You found my clothes,” I surmised stroking his furry neck and cheek in what I hoped was a comforting gesture. I didn’t look up fearing what I wasn’t ready to see.
I heard Nate shift in his seat up front. The fur under my hands slowly receded back to olive toned skin.
Looking back at us Nate answered my question as Joel’s breathing became steadier.
“We tracked your scent by the clothes at first, and then used a grid pattern to look for any wolf activity in the surrounding area. We correctly assumed that since they hadn’t just killed you at the restaurant that they planned to keep you alive. We also correctly assumed they would use a place they were familiar with.”
“I was lucky,” I said quietly, “that’s what you are saying, right?”
“Yes,” said Joel taking my hand and pressing my palm to his lips. “We were all very lucky.”
We sat quietly together as the forest flew by outside. A question struck me suddenly. This one had really been making me nuts. Now that the truth was out I figured he’d tell me.
“How did you know my name? At Luna Ferus you knew my name before we talked to each other,” I said looking quizzically up at him.
“Our senses are better than yours and your dinner date wasn’t very quiet,” Joel answered laughing softly. “Are you planning to see that man again?” he asked sounding a little upset.
“No, Joel, it was a blind date. I didn’t like him. Evidently, I was interested in someone else at the restaurant,” I said feeling him relax under me.
“Good,” Joel murmured pulling me tight, “because you are mine now.”
What a strange comment. It should have bothered me. I just let my eyes close and relaxed against my hero.
I dozed languidly in Joel’s arms for the rest of the trip. His hands were soothing, rubbing my back in slow even circles. Often, I felt his lips brushing across my cheek or feathering light kisses over my lips. I was so relaxed I didn’t even wonder where he was taking me. It just felt right being with him.
I was jolted as cold air hit my face several hours later. Groggy and half awake I struggled with the strong arms I was being held in. Memories of being bound and gagged assaulted my conscious mind and suddenly I was terrified.
“Le’me go,” I screamed as I pushed on a rock solid wall of chest and flailed my legs pointlessly.
“Love, wake up, we’re home. Open your eyes,” I heard Joel’s voice and calmed slightly.
“Sir, the pack is assembled as you requested, several are unaccounted for as you suspected. What would you like us to do?” asked a man with a clip board as he approached us.
He seemed to see nothing unusual about Joel toting around a bedraggled woman dressed in men’s clothing. I felt a little uncomfortable and raised my hand up to my head to smooth my hair reflexively.
“Elizabeth, I have some pack business to attend to. This is the den, our home,” he motioned to the huge structure beside us. “Nate is going to take you to my quarters. You can take a shower if you would like, some clothes and food will be brought to you. However, for the time being you may not leave my quarters and do not go anywhere with anyone other than Nate or myself.”
He stood me on the ground then lifted my chin with his finger, “Do you understand me?”
I nodded numbly and tried to get my bearings. Where ever we were was totally unfamiliar especially in the dark of night.
“Take her upstairs, set up a protection detail, and use only Betas we’ve discussed,” Joel said to Nate before stealing a kiss from me.
The area was pitch dark except for the structure looming in front of me. It looked to be at least three stories tall. The outside was tastefully if not very subtly lighted. It looked to be the color of sandstone. Nate put a hand gently on my back steering me toward a large open door. I could hear talking coming from inside, but when we entered the spacious lobby it was empty.