Sanctuary (A Hunted Novel Book 1) (26 page)

Tess shuddered, wondering what had become of the missing men. That’s a question she wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer to. In a way, it was nice to know that Eden, Xander, and Callum lived, but what was happening to them? Was death better than torture? She sighed heavily. As long as they were alive they were fighting. Anyone who fought for their life was worth saving.

“You okay, sis?” Theodore asked, leaning onto the back of her seat.

She twisted and smiled, meeting her older brother’s eyes. “Yeah. Tired. It’s been a long few days,” she answered honestly. She could sleep for a week if allowed. There wasn’t time for rest. An attack on Sanctuary was imminent. They had to prepare for that. Unless of course they would flee.
I’m tired of running. It’s time we stand our ground.

“Me too,” Theodore admitted. “Your time couldn’t have been too bad. You met your mate.”

Tess smiled. He was right. Who would have thought that the worst possible tragedy would have led to her finding Nate. It was bittersweet.
I wish Mom and Dad were here too.
Her heart clenched at the thought. She closed her eyes and fought back the tears pricking the back of her eyes. They were really gone.

“I’m glad you found each other. That you have someone who took care of you. Mom and Dad would’ve been happy for you.” Theodore squeezed her shoulder comfortingly.

“Thanks.”

Tess followed her brother’s gaze as he looked at Thomas. Her other brother slept soundly, his head resting against the darkened glass window.

“He hasn’t stopped moving since that night. We followed your trail to Tennessee and then it stopped, so we went to Ohio. Audrey’s scent was all over. I’ve never seen him so terrified. Thomas was hell bent on finding you, Audrey and Thea,” Theodore spoke.

“I’ve been looking too. There was no one in Ohio. It was designed as a safe house. The hideaway is an underground bunker. Not that it matters now, hunters found it,” Tess grumbled.

“It kept you safe for a bit,” Theodore argued. “That’s what the place was designed for. Besides, if you hadn’t of been there the other day, we would’ve never tracked you to the cabin, and who knows what would’ve happened then.”

Tess grimaced at the thought. It could've been bad. Ray would have sent them off to be experimented on and God knows what else.

“Are we here?” Theodore asked as the van turned down a dirt road.

Tess nodded her head, watching as Thomas jolted awake. He rubbed his eyes and stared out the window.

Tess turned back in her seat, meeting Patrice’s gaze. The elder wolf narrowed her eyes, glaring a long moment before whipping her head back around to give Nate instructions.

Looks like she still doesn’t like me. I wonder what else I’ll have to do to get in her good graces? If saving her tail, literally, doesn’t do the trick, I’m not sure what will.

She didn’t need Patrice to like her, but it would be nice. Patrice was Nate’s mother, and hopefully, if they were allowed to stay, an imperative part of their lives. For Nate’s sake, it was important to get along with Patrice. The only thing she could do was give it her best. Everything else was up to Patrice.

The van rolled to a stop, and Theodore popped out of his seat, maneuvering to the sliding door. Nate turned off the van and he and his mom stepped out to greet the welcoming party that was filing out of Sanctuary.

The shifters, most of them wolves, pointed and stared at Tess and her family. A few turned their lips up in disgust, and though she couldn’t hear the words, she could tell there was a heated debate taking place amongst Patrice, Nate, and a few of the older shifters.

“They seem like a friendly bunch,” Theodore commented as he looked back at the other werecats in the van. “Remember we are guests here. Behave accordingly.” Without waiting for questions, he ducked out of the van, taking a few steps toward Patrice.

Tess stayed in her seat as the rest of the werecats filed out of the cramped van. Watching through the windshield, she observed the way Patrice carried herself as she spoke to a few other people. She stood tall, fixing her angry glare on anyone who seemed to be challenging her. It was probably members of the council though Tess couldn’t be sure. Charles and Patrice were the only council members she’d formally met.

“You coming?” Thomas asked.

Tess looked around; she was the last one in the van. She bobbed her head up and down and climbed out of the seat.

“First chance we get, will you take me to see Audrey?” Thomas asked.

“Of course,” Tess grinned, linking her arm with her brother’s.

“I need to see she is okay with my own eyes,” he whispered.

Tess nodded, noticing for the first time the tenseness of his jaw and the deep purple bags beneath his eyes. She could understand his unease. It was one thing to hear, but quite another to see.

Her stomach twisted. Thomas must have been worried out of his mind. She’d thought she'd had it bad, fearing for her family. But losing your mate was different. Thomas and Audrey weren’t bonded like she and Nate were, but their love was deep.
I can’t imagine the hell he’s been through.
If the roles were reversed, and it had been her separated from Nate, she would’ve gone insane.
I hope that never happens. I can’t imagine not knowing where he is.

Charles and Patrice approached their group, causing the werecats quiet mumblings to cease. Nate followed behind them, his eyes locking with Tess’.

Tess bit her lip getting lost in his cobalt eyes. Calm washed over her. Everything was going to work out. She didn’t know how yet, just that it was.

Patrice cleared her throat. “We’ve set up a wing of rooms for your group to stay in. some other members of your pride are there as well.” Patrice motioned to two wolves. “These men will show you to your quarters.”

“Excuse me,” Thomas spoke up. “I’d like to see my wife.”

“I can show him the way,” Tess offered.

Patrice pursed her lips, sending Tess another annoyed glance before sighing. “Nate and Tess will take you to her,” she addressed Thomas before returning her scrutinizing eyes to Nate and Tess. “Then I expect the both of you to return to my office. There is much to discuss.” Patrice huffed, and then spun on her heel, marching toward the compound with Charles following closely behind her.

Great.
Tess suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Giving attitude wasn’t going to win her any points.

One by one the werecats filed into Sanctuary. They walked down a long corridor before Nate led her and Thomas to the right toward the infirmary.

“Is everything okay, Tess?” Thomas asked as they broke off from the group.

“It’s fine. Cats don’t get a warm welcome here. A few of the packs of wolves here were members of the packs affected by the feud,” she explained.

“I see,” Thomas replied, giving her a grim look.

“It’ll be fine,” Nate insisted. “My mom may not be a fan of Tess’ and my relationship, but she went to bat for your pride a few minutes ago. You saved her life and mine, and she won’t forget that.”

“As long as you are sure,” Thomas pressed.

“It’s okay,” Tess patted Thomas’ back. “Worry about Audrey.” They came to a stop in front of a door. Thomas had done enough worrying the past few days. It was time for him to have a little joy. “Audrey’s in here.”

Thomas swallowed thickly and walked to the door, lifting his hand, he hesitantly knocked.

“Come in,” Audrey’s soft voice called.

Thomas twisted the knob and Audrey gasped loudly.

“Thomas,” Audrey sobbed.

Thomas rushed into the room, letting the large heavy door shut behind him.

Tess smiled to herself as her heart swelled in her chest. “I’m glad they got a happy ending,” she said out loud.

Nate wrapped his arm around her belly, pulling her against his chest. “There hasn’t been a lot of that lately.”

Tess shook her head. “We should give them some privacy.” Dread rolled through her. They had to go see Patrice now. Fantastic. “Your mom is expecting us.”

Nate placed a kiss to the top of her head and then spun her around. His hands reached up and brushed the hair from her face before he cupped her cheeks with his palms. “Whatever she has to say, it doesn’t change anything. I love you, Tess. You are my mate, and I couldn’t be happier.”

A smile slid over her features and she blinked up into his gaze. He loved her. The past week had been insane, but it had brought them together. “I love you too,” she whispered.

Nate bent his head down to capture her lips. They had each other. That’s all they needed.

***

N
ate clasped Tess’ hand tighter as they neared his mother’s office. The walk seemed to take forever, and the two of them seemed to be drawing everyone’s attention. People whispered about them under their breath as they passed. One shifter had made a few nasty remarks. So far, it appeared his mother hadn’t been exaggerating about other shifters accepting their relationship. He had no idea what his mother was going to say about he and Tess. The last time they’d spoken about Tess, it hadn’t been pleasant. He could only guess what she would say now.

It didn’t matter what she said. His mind was made up. There was no going back on it now anyway. And he wouldn’t change his decisions even if he could. Tess made him happy. For the first time in his life, he felt whole. It was all Tess’ doing.

The door to the office was closed. He gave Tess’ hand a squeeze, trying to reassure her everything was fine. She gave him a faint smile, and he placed a chaste kiss to her lips. Time to get this over with. Lifting his hand, he knocked on the door.

Heels clicked on the floor and the door jiggled before opening. His mother peered out at them, opening the door fully, and motioning for them to enter.

“Have a seat,” she instructed.

Patrice marched across the room, taking a seat beside Charles on the opposite side of the desk. Nate scooted a chair out for Tess before taking his own seat.

Apprehension rolled through his stomach. The moment reminded him of the times his parents scolded him for doing something wrong. Only he hadn’t done anything. And he wasn’t going to take crap for a choice that made him happy.

Patrice lifted a bottled water to her lips, taking a long sip. She set the water back on the desk and twisted the lid on. Clearing her throat she began, “Did you tell Ray the truth?”

“About us being mated? Yes,” Nate answered honestly.

Patrice pursed her lips and looked away, staring down at her desk.

“A true bond?” his father asked, a hint of excitement tingeing his voice.

“Yes,” Nate confirmed.

“I’m happy for you, Son,” his father beamed. He stood up from his chair and walked around the table with his arms open. Nate rose as well, hugging his father in return. He’d expected his father to be open to the idea. Thank goodness he’d been right. It was nice to make one of his parents proud.

Charles pulled back and offered his hand to Tess. “Welcome to our family, my dear.”

Tess smiled as some of the tension left her shoulders. She shook Charles’ hand. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Charles patted the top of her hand and nodded at her. Nate relaxed back into his chair. His father was truly happy for him. Thank goodness. Maybe he could help Patrice to see reason.

Patrice cleared her throat and Charles returned to his seat, staring at his wife.

“I’ve already expressed my feelings on the matter. I see no reason to delve into them again. What’s done is done,” Patrice snipped.

“Mother,” Nate argued. Couldn’t she just wish them well? Was that really too much to ask?

“Don’t push it, Nate,” Patrice snapped.

Charles rested a hand over Patrice’s, patting it gently. “Your mother and I don’t feel the same obviously, but there is a very real concern for your safety. I believe your mother has already discussed some of the details with you?” Charles asked quietly.

“She did,” Nate replied tersely. They hadn’t received a horrible reception on the way to the office, but there had been a few snide remarks and definite staring. Despite their prejudices, no one would be foolish enough to touch him when witnesses were around. Both his parents were well respected members of the community and council. He was untouchable, at least in public.

“It wasn’t an exaggeration,” Patrice replied coolly. “There are people here who strongly object to this sort of pairing. You could be in danger. I think for now, its best that your relationship stay a secret from the council and everyone else.”

Nate opened his mouth to protest and Tess shuffled forward in her seat, but his father spoke up first.

“I know it’s not ideal,” he said, looking at him then Tess. “But Patrice is right. I believe there are citizens of Sanctuary who would attempt to kill you because of your bond.”

Nate bristled, but considered his father’s words. His dad wasn’t rash, and he was a man who spoke truthfully. If his dad believed them in danger, then he would take his word for it.

“What is it you’re suggesting?” Tess asked quietly.

“Inform your family to keep your bond quiet,” Patrice requested. “Will they do that?”

Tess bit her lip and met his mother’s gaze. Nate could feel the anger churning in Tess. It mirrored his rage. He spoke first, not wanting Tess to have to argue with the woman who already despised her. “It won’t work. People have already seen us together tonight. I’m not ashamed of our relationship. A true bond is unheard of. It should make people happy.”

“I see,” Patrice sighed. “For the time being, I think the further you are from Sanctuary the better.”

“What about my family?” Tess interrupted. “I’m not going to leave them and not know they are safe.”

Nate nodded. Tess had reunited with them a few hours ago. He needed to know they’d be safe as well. “What guarantees can you make? There are shifters here who won’t be thrilled about werecats being here.”

“It will be an issue,” Patrice started honestly as she clasped her hands together. “But they did rescue you and I, Nate. That won’t go unnoticed. Not to mention, hunters know our location. We need all the fighters we can get. If they will agree to defend the compound, I don’t see an issue with them staying.”