Fated for the Alphas: The Complete Collection (Nine Book Paranormal Romance Box Set) (26 page)

“It doesn’t help to betray one pack for another,” Kane said. “The pack you helped will still think of you as a traitor. And no one wants a traitor in the pack.”

“There’s another reason why Sequoia would never help Shade,” Ronan said. “Did you know she was the one who scratched his face?”

“She just told me that,” Lia said.

“But do you know why?”

She shook her head.

Ronan paused, his expression sour. “Shade had her cornered. The Shadow pack has always had trouble keeping females, and they were down to just Sequoia. Shade thought it was time for him to have pups, and wanted to keep his line pure…”

Lia gasped. “His own sister?”

Ronan’s mouth was set in a grim line. “He’s not exactly the type that earns people’s loyalty. Sequoia wouldn’t betray us for him.”

For the first time, Lia felt pity for Sequoia.

“She managed to escape, and begged us for sanctuary,” Ronan said. “We couldn’t refuse her.” He sighed. “I wouldn’t repeat that story to anyone. I don’t think she wants people feeling sorry for her.”

“I understand.” Lia wouldn’t tell, but she might try to be nicer to Sequoia.

Kane paced impatiently. “We’ve established the type of wolf Shade is,” he said. “That doesn’t answer what we should do with him.”

“I’ve tried to make peace with him,” Ronan said, “but more and more I feel like I’m talking into the wind. I hope he realizes what a mistake he’s made. Do we try talking to him one more time, or do we tear up the treaty?”

“You have to ask?” Kane growled. “After what he did to Lia?”

“I don’t want war, Kane. I don’t want anyone to die.”

“Shade might not give us that option.”

Ronan stared at his palms, which had accumulated a layer of ash. “Let’s wait until tomorrow before we make any decisions. I don’t want to do anything rash.”

“I do,” Kane said, but he walked into the den without a single look toward the dark forest all around them.

“Shall we?” Ronan asked, offering Lia his arm. “It’s almost time for dinner. We’re building the bonfire inside tonight. I’ll get you a prime seat.”

Taking his arm, she let him lead her to the den. She knew he was trying to take her mind off things, trying to make her feel better, and his presence did soothe her. But Lia knew that Shade was lurking somewhere outside, too close for comfort. Her stomach roiled. Shifters were already roasting bits of venison, and though the smell was incredible, she didn’t feel hungry at all.

Her skin prickled, like Shade was watching her. Moving closer to Ronan, she told herself not to be paranoid. Her Alphas were right here, not to mention wolves like Huck and Flint. Nothing could reach her in the safety of the den.

Chapter Two

As Lia stepped into the morning light, the first thing she noticed was the two sentries on the heights, and the three around the den entrance. It seemed like a lot of guards against one wolf, but the Alphas would know better than her what security was needed.

She entered the meadow, stretching her back. Now that she had slept on things, she was more annoyed with Shade than anything. It just didn’t make sense to be scared, not when she’d slept all night with Ronan’s strong arms around her. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her, not ever, and neither would Kane. If she only had one of her Alphas, she might be more concerned. With two? Shade should be quaking hard enough to shed his coating of ash.

The air was warm, perfect if she wanted a dip in the bathing pools. Lia set out. She would go back, alone, wash off the memory of Shade’s touch and show that he didn’t scare her. She wouldn’t let him ruin one of her favorite places.

Huck, Ivy, and Duke fell into step. She looked at them, frowning. “Where are you going?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Huck said.

Lia studied him suspiciously. She didn’t know half as much as she should about the pack, but she did know that none of them were great friends.

“I’m going to the bathing pools,” she said, “if you must know.”

Duke grinned broadly. “What a coincidence. That’s exactly where we’re going.”

Lia gritted her teeth. “The Alphas told you to follow me, didn’t they?”

“They asked us to escort you, to be more precise.” Ivy wrinkled her nose. “Don’t think we like it any more than you do.”

Lia bit her tongue, trying to keep her annoyance to herself. The pack was only trying to look out for her. Still, she would have preferred the company of Lark, Dove, and Cricket. They probably wouldn’t look as sour as Ivy did.

At last, they reached the pools. There was no sign of yesterday’s excitement except for a huge, smudged footprint of ash. Scowling, Lia splashed water on it until it washed away. The footprint had put her on edge, as if Shade actually stood there, invisible. She wouldn’t tell them, but she was glad to have company.

Duke and Huck almost ignored her, busy scanning the tree line for any hint of movement. Ivy plopped down on the moss, looking bored.

“Are you going to bathe today?” she asked.

Lia suppressed the urge to stick out her tongue. After all, Ivy was being nice just by accompanying her. If she tried to be pleasant as well, the effort might kill her.

Hiding a grin, Lia slid into the cool water. She soaked for a few minutes, but it wasn’t as relaxing with guards around, or with the specter of Shade. Giving up on relaxation, she scooped up some mud from the bottom and scrubbed herself. Maybe she could go to the sunny heights of the den to dry off and unwind.

Lia got out, squeezing water from her hair. She would have liked to lie on the moss and doze, but not with the three of them there, alert and watchful. It ruined the mood.

She shifted, shaking her fur. It was much easier to dry this way, plus she got droplets on Ivy, who shouted in disgust. Hoping to lose her sentries, Lia set back toward the den at a trot. Huck and Duke didn’t miss a beat. They had shifted too, and loped beside her like an honor guard. Ivy ran to catch up, snapping at her. Lia pretended not to notice.

To her relief, they fell back once the den was in sight. Before they changed their minds, Lia raced into the den and up the stairs. She just wanted to be alone.

On the heights, she shifted back, but had to bite back a curse. She forgot that there were sentries on patrol. Briar and Cage glanced at her, waved, and then continued pacing. They looked far into the valley, halting whenever they saw movement. It seemed like they were stopping for the barest ripple of grass. She wouldn’t be able to think here, let alone relax. Was it too much to ask to be alone for five minutes?

She heard footsteps on the stairs. Briar and Cage stiffened, then relaxed when they saw it was their packmates. With the barest nods, they resumed their patrol.

Lia glared at the new arrivals. Normally she would be thrilled to see Cricket, but not when followed by Flint and Violet.

“Let me guess,” Lia put her hands on her hips, “you’re here to protect me.”

“Isn’t that why we’re all here?” Flint asked innocently.

“Yeah,” Violet deadpanned, “the pack only lives to serve you.”

Lia fumed. Why couldn’t they just leave her alone? It wasn’t like Shade could sneak in and snatch her from the heights.

“Please don’t be mad,” Cricket said. “We just want to keep you safe.”

For a moment, Lia wanted to shift and run as far away as she could. But if she did, she’d probably have the whole pack on her tail. Unless… She thought about the storage room, the bolt-hole Ronan had showed her. No one would be any the wiser, at least not for a couple hours.

Lia made the mistake of looking at Cricket, who seemed like she was about to cry. Crossing the distance between them, Lia gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. She wouldn’t run. Not yet, anyway.

Briar and Cage turned. They had heard movement on the stairs before Lia had.

“Hey, Lia!” Lark emerged onto the heights. “Enjoying this beautiful day with your new babysitters?”

Lia blew a wayward strand of hair out of her face. “You know I am. Are you here to join them, make sure I’m covered from all angles? Watch over me as I eat breakfast and follow me to the bathroom?”

“Actually, I have a better idea.”

Lia suspected it would involve sitting in a dark, safe room. “What is it?”

“Let’s go hunting!”

Flint groaned. “How could you even suggest that?”

“Seriously?” Violet rolled her eyes. “You want to get her killed?”

“I wouldn’t take her by myself,” Lark said hotly. “Dove and Cricket would join us.”

“And the three of you will keep her safe from Shade?” Flint asked, incredulous.

“We’re the ones who ran him off yesterday. You’re invited to provide backup, if you think you can keep up.”

Flint crossed his arms. “Now I think you’re trying to get me killed. What do you think the Alphas are going to say when you suggest your little hunting trip?”

“Hunting trip?” Ronan stepped onto the heights, followed by Kane. “What hunting trip?”

“You’re in trouble now, Lark,” Violet crowed.

“What’s going on?” Kane’s eyes burned into them. Violet gulped.

“Lark wants to take Lia hunting.” Flint looked at the ground, as if his Alpha’s glare could hurt him.

“You can’t be serious,” Ronan said. “Today of all days.” He looked like he wanted to break something. “You were the only reason Lia came back to us yesterday. You know what you rescued her from. Why would you risk her life?”

“I wouldn’t. Ever.” Lark’s face was solemn. “Shade won’t try that trick again. He’s lost the element of surprise and he knows it. Now that we’re ready, the only way he can take Lia is with an all-out war. He doesn’t want that any more than we do. He’ll back off. But you can’t keep Lia bottled up forever. Life must go on.”

Ronan grimaced. “And why does it need to be a hunt?”

“Lia’s never had a successful hunt. She deserves one.”

“She can have one,” Kane said. “Later.”

Lark turned to Lia. “Tell me you aren’t itching to get out of here, to take to all fours and sprint through the forest.” She looked back at the Alphas. “I can see it in her eyes. If you don’t give her this, she’s going to make a break for it and go off on her own. Besides, we can show her how to actually hunt.”

Flint bared his teeth. “That’s a pretty bold claim coming from someone who eats more meat than she brings down.”

“You can say that about me, but not about Dove and Cricket. They’re two of our best hunters, in case you’ve forgotten. They can teach Lia how
she
should hunt. Not with power and strength like you boys, but with speed and cunning. We’ll get Lia her first kill.”

As Lark spoke, Lia imagined a buck running before her, fleeing for its life. Her wolf hungered for meat. She was thirsty for the taste of blood. She wanted to bring the buck down.

“Lia?” Ronan asked, snapping her back to the present. “Are you set on going?”

“I want to hunt,” she said quietly.
We need to hunt
, her wolf added.

“I can’t allow it,” Ronan said. “You don’t have enough control, and I don’t want you going any farther south than the den. If you lose yourself, there’s no telling where you’ll end up. And Shade could be anywhere.”

Kane bristled. “You’re saying our mate should be afraid to travel within our territory? That we can’t defend her, or our borders? I’m not afraid of an insolent pup like Shade.”

“I’m not afraid either,” Ronan said. “But that doesn’t mean we should take any chances.”

“Oh,” Kane said, “I see. You want to be safe. We should keep our mate from hunting, make sure she doesn’t learn how to be a wolf. Those are too dangerous. We should all keep to the den, and forfeit our southern land. If Shade wants it, he can have it. As long as we’re
safe
.” He practically spat the last word.

“Don’t push this, Kane. I don’t like it.”

“And I don’t like giving in to cowards and bullies. Besides, we can send wolves to guard her. Orion, Huck. Flint, you’ll go as well, won’t you?”

Flint nodded.

“We can even go, if that suits you. Or is it not safe to leave the den?” Kane stared his brother down.

Lia cleared her throat, cutting the tension. “Lark, Dove, and Cricket drove Shade away last time. They can protect me again.”

“If you have to go, you’ll have guards,” Ronan said. “That’s final.”

Lia opened her mouth to protest, but Lark stepped on her foot.

“I agree, Alpha,” Lark said. “Guards would be wise.”

Ronan sighed. “Probably the only wise move on my part. You have one hour, no longer. Then you need to be back here, whether your hunt is successful or not.”

“Then we’d better move fast.” Lark winked at Lia, taking her arm. “Let’s go.”

“You’re really fine with having guards?” Lia murmured as they walked down the stairs.

“Think about it, Lia. They’re sending the strongest members of the pack to protect us, not the swiftest.”

A wide grin spread across Lia’s face. It was going to be a fine hunt.

At the bottom of the stairs, Ronan pulled her aside. “We won’t hover, or follow you, as long as you stick with your escort. Please don’t run off alone. At the first howl, the first hint that something’s wrong, Kane and I will come running. And then there will be no more hunting trips.”

“All right,” Lia said, trying to look innocent.

“Please, Lia. Stay safe. For me.” He gripped her hands, and she felt guilty for a moment. Then the bloodlust of her wolf swelled, and any guilt was blotted out. It was time to go running with Lark.

Flint went to fetch Huck and Orion, while Cricket found Dove. They met at the den entrance, where Ronan lectured the guards on what he expected while Kane glared in the background. Lia thought they’d keep them there until the sun went down, but at last the Alphas let them go.

They set out through the meadow. Lia’s wolf was so eager to be loosed that it was the easiest shift yet. They behaved through the meadow, taking it at a trot. She was sure the Alphas were on the heights by now, watching them and fretting. Lia let her tongue loll over white teeth. No one needed to fret over her. Let Shade come. She was a wolf now. She would take care of him herself.

The meadow gave way to forest. Behind her, the male wolves were right on her heels. Too close. Lark looked back, a merry glint in her eyes. They wouldn’t be there for long.