Trace's Temptation (RARE Series, #3) (16 page)

G
laring at the paperwork on his desk, Chase tried to get control of his anger.  It was hard to do when right now all he wanted to do was to pick up his huge desk and heave it through the window. 

Clenching his hands into tight fists, he fought to control his breathing and calm himself.  Hearing a noise at the door, he glanced up and bared his fangs at the intrusion.  Slade, Chase’s head enforcer, held his hands up and slowly backed away.  “You called me, Chase,” he reminded his Alpha.  “You want me to come back later?”

Shaking his head, Chase tried again to control his ragged breathing.  “I need you to go over to the hospital and show Trace and his family to their new apartments.  I’m giving them the ones on the south end right across from each other.”

“Shit, you keep bringing in strays and we are going to run out of room,” Slade joked lightly.

Lifting his head, Chase snarled, “Then we will build another damn building.  Now get out!”

Eyes widening, Slade quickly turned and left, shutting the door behind him. 

Chase pushed his chair back and stood.  He fought, unsuccessfully, to push down the darkness that threatened to consume him.  The father of Angel’s children was alive.  The man that his mate had once loved, possibly still loved.  

Chase had waited months for Angel to realize they would be better together.  That he would love and support her the way every mate deserved.  But she’d refused him, again and again.  Now he wondered if it was because of this other man.  He wondered if she would ever truly be his.

Not able to control himself any longer, Chase knew he had to get out of the building now before he endangered one of his pack members.  Quickly stripping off his clothes, he shifted into his huge black wolf.  Letting out a howl of pure rage and pain, he flew through the large window in his office, breaking the glass and landing on the ground outside.  After shaking the glass out of his fur, he howled again as he he took off across the land and into the woods at a run.  Reaching the outside borders of his land, he kept going, deeper into the woods and up the mountain side on the back of his property, running until he could run no more.  Stopping finally, he lay on the ground, his head on his paws.  He couldn’t go back to the compound yet.  Soon, but not yet. 

~

H
earing the sound of her mate in pain, Angel stopped the SUV on the way through the gates of the compound.  Jumping out of the vehicle, she ran quickly toward the office building.  The sound of glass breaking had several people following her.  She ran faster when she heard Chase howl again.  Clearing the corner of the building, she stopped as she watched him tearing off across the terrain.  He was gorgeous and majestic and full of so much anguish that it brought her to her knees.  Letting out a soft cry, she wrapped her arms tightly around herself and let his agony wash over her. 

She was causing him this pain.  She could feel it.  When she tried to connect with him, he blocked her.  Shocked, she slowly staggered to her feet.  Ignoring the concerned gazes of the people around her, she stumbled back to the SUV, crawling in and slamming the door shut.  Leaving the compound, Angel went straight home.  Pulling out a bottle of wine, she went straight to the bathroom.  After filling her large tub with water, she tossed in some bath salts.  Turning her radio on high, she climbed in the scalding hot water.  As George Straight crooned in the background, Angel screamed loudly at the injustice that life was throwing her way lately. 

Yanking the cork out of the bottle of wine, she took a large drink, not bothering with a glass.  Taking another drink she thought about how screwed up her life was.  She’d met her mate, but refused to claim him.  She’d finally gotten her daughter back, only to push her out of her life today.  She’d found out the son she’d been told had died 24 years ago, was really alive.  Now she was being told, the man she’d trusted so many years ago, one she thought had betrayed her, was also still alive.  Not only was he alive, but he was being tortured and experimented on by a sadistic son of a bitch that had orchestrated all of the hell in her life.  And to top it off, Chase was gone.  Her mate was gone, and she was alone, once again. 

Resting her head back against the top of the bathtub, Angel let the tears flow.  After taking another drink of her wine, she threw the bottle across the bathroom, smashing it against the far wall.  Shattered, she thought as she stared at it.  Just like her life.

J
ade’s heart was breaking for her Alpha.  She’d not only heard his gut wrenching pain, but she’d also felt it bone deep.  And now she understood what it was about.  She wanted to kick herself for telling Chase about her father the way she had.  She hadn’t been thinking about how he would feel when he found out Angel’s old flame was still alive.  She’d only been thinking about herself and what would happen if she was removed from the White River Compound. 

Jade wanted to follow Chase.  She needed to explain to him that what happened between her father and Angel years ago, the love they may have felt for each other, was nothing compared to what Chase and Angel could have now.  They were mates, and the bond between mates was never broken.  When she tried to go to him, though, Trace stopped her.  “You need to let him be for a while,” he said.  “Chase left on purpose.  He could hurt someone in his condition.”

“He’s right,” a voice interrupted when she would have protested.  “I don’t know what happened, but Chase isn’t thinking clearly right now.  He’s letting his emotions get the best of him and he could easily hurt someone.  The best thing he could have done is leave.  He will be back when he’s ready.”

Looking over, Jade took in the tall, dark haired, muscular man standing in the doorway of the waiting room where she and Trace were still sitting.  They’d been there for a full hour, but she knew Doc Josie was trying to take care of several patients at once.  Sophia and Starr were the less injured of them all, so they would be seen last.

“Hey Slade,” Trace said as he got up and bumped fists with the man.  “What’s going on?”

“Chase sent me to show you and your mate your new digs,” Slade said with a grin.  “He said you have a mother and sister, too?” he questioned with a glance around the room.

“They’re in with Doc Josie,” Trace responded, gesturing towards the first room.  “I thought they would be done by now.” 

Suddenly, the door opened and Sophia and Starr emerged with Doc Josie.  Smiling, Josie told them goodbye and went into the room next to theirs.  Smiling, his mother came over and gently hugged Trace.  “She said we are fine,” Sophia told them. 

“Just like we tried to tell you,” Starr grumbled. 

Trace grinned and introduced them to Slade.  “Slade is going to show us to our new homes for the time being,” he said.

“New homes?”  Sophia asked hopefully.  “We are going to live by you?” 

“Right across from him, actually,” Slade laughed.  “You can drive each other crazy like family is supposed to.”

Happiness filling Sophia’s eyes, she turned to Jade.  “This means so much to me.”  Gently taking hold of Jade’s hand, Sophia said, “Welcome to my family, Jade.  I am so happy to meet you.”

“Thank you,” Jade said, lightly squeezing Sophia’s fingers.

“I will never forget what you did for me, Jade,” Sophia told her, tears shining in her eyes.  “Thank you for protecting me from Philip.”

“I will always protect you,” Jade vowed.  “Both of you,” she said including Starr.

Smiling, Trace pulled Jade close, kissing her softly.  “We better find our new homes so we can get some rest.  I think we all need it.”  Jade shivered at the heat in his gaze, blushing when Slade laughed. 

Motioning for them to follow him, Slade left the waiting area.  As he stepped toward the doors, Slade stopped suddenly.  Cocking his head to the side, he breathed in deeply, his eyes widening in surprise.

“What is it?” Trace asked, stepping in front of Jade to protect her.  Not answering, Slade moved quickly past him and down the hall before stopping in front of Gypsy’s door.  Resting a hand lightly on the doorjamb, he watched her sleep.

“Stay here with your family, Trace,” Jade said as she stepped around him.  When he would have protested, Jade shook her head.  “I will be fine, but you need to stay here for now.  Please.”  Reluctantly, Trace let her go, but continued to stand in the doorway of the waiting room watching.

Jade quietly approached Slade, stopping just behind him.  “What happened to her,” he growled, taking in Gypsy’s broken arm and bruised features.

“She was held by Trace’s father, a Colombian drug lord, in horrible conditions for months,” Jade told Slade softly as she moved to stand next to him.  “She and Trace were both starved and beaten repeatedly.  She’s been through a lot and has lost her memory.  Personally, I think she is suppressing it so she doesn’t have to remember everything she has endured.”  As Slade’s hand tightened on the jamb, she went on, “If she is who I think she is to you, Slade, please, give her time.  She will remember.  Gypsy is a fighter.  She fought for my mate.  If it wasn’t for her courage, he might not be here today.”

Slowly Slade entered the room and made his way to Gypsy’s bedside.  Reaching out, he rested a gentle hand on her head, before slowly sliding it down her long dark hair.  Gypsy’s eyes fluttered open and came to rest on Slade’s face.  At first fear filled her gaze, but then her eyes widened and she asked quietly, “Do I know you?”

“No,” Slade told her, shaking his head.  “Not yet.”  Softly tracing a finger down her cheek he whispered, “Get some rest, Gypsy.”

As Gypsy drifted back to sleep, a soft smile on her lips, Jade felt hope rise in her.  Gypsy had a mate.  A strong mate who would help her get through this dark part in her life.  She was going to make it, Jade had no doubt.

Seeing Doc Josie coming their way, Jade raised a finger to her lips.  Nodding in Slade’s direction, she said, “Looks like Gypsy won’t have to go through this alone.”

Eyeing them with concern, Josie motioned for Jade to follow her.  Taking Jade to her office, Josie sat at her desk while Jade took a seat in one of the chairs in front of it.  “Is Slade Gypsy’s mate?” she asked.

Nodding, Jade smiled.  “Yes, he is”

“From what I know, Slade was married once before over 100 years ago,” Josie said frowning.  “His wife wasn’t his true mate, but he loved her and chose to marry for love instead of waiting for his fated mate.  His wife died during child birth along with the baby.  Slade was devastated.  He hasn’t shown interest in anyone since.  Hopefully after all this time, he will be willing to open his heart to Gypsy.”   

“He will,” Jade promised.  “It might take a while, but it is starting to happen already.  I can feel it.”

“Jade,” Doc Josie said hesitantly as she eyed her curiously.  “Why do you insist on being a part of RARE?  It seems to me like you would be happier doing something else.”

“Like what?” Jade questioned.  “I don’t really know anything else.  Although, I used to spend some time in the labs at the facility where I was held in Arizona.  A couple of the scientists let me help with their experiments.  I don’t really feel like that’s something I would enjoy either, though.”

“Actually,” Doc Josie began tentatively, “I have something else in mind.” 

“You do?” Josie asked hopefully. 

“I would like you to consider working here at the hospital.  “You are a very kind and caring person, and that’s what we need here.  Also, your ability to help calm others would be a big asset.”  At Jade’s surprised gasp, the doctor laughed.  “Did you think I didn’t notice what you have done for so many people in this hospital already?  I won’t pretend to fully understand how your ability works, but I would love to have you as a part of my staff.”

“I’m not an Omega wolf,” Jade said, looking Doc Josie in the eyes.  It was important that the doctor realize this, because Jade refused to pretend anymore.

“No, Jade, you aren’t,” Josie agreed.  “Omegas are submissive.  Their mere presence alone can calm an entire pack.  You simply choose the people that need you the most and help them.  And I would never call you submissive.  You have too much of your mother’s personality.  The difference is that you don’t want to be an Alpha.  Your great passion is helping others.  Not asserting your authority.”

Nodding, Jade responded, “I love to help others.  I hate to see anyone in pain.”  Crossing her arms over her chest she whispered, “I hate killing.  It hurts.”

“That’s because you are a healer, Jade, not a fighter.”  Standing, Doc Josie smiled down at her.  “You think about it and let me know.  If you are agreeable, I would like to get you enrolled in some online college classes.  It’s wonderful that you are able to help people with your gift, but I want you to better understand exactly why they feel the way they do and other methods of helping them as well.  I would like your role here to be similar to that of a counselor.”

“When would I start,” Jade asked, still in shock that the doctor wanted her to work at the hospital.  Jinx told her it was time to be the person she wanted to be.  This was what she wanted.  To be able to help others in a healing capacity was the perfect thing for her.

“As soon as possible,” Doc Josie said.  “Gypsy and Sari will both need someone to help them, as well as Rikki.  I’m not sure what is going to happen when she wakes.”

Looking down at her tightly clasped hands, Jade said, “Thank you, Doc.  Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.”  Glancing up, Jade smiled.  “I need some rest and time with my mate.  I can start the day after tomorrow.” 

“Perfect,” Josie said.  “Meet with me first thing so we can go over the patients’ charts.  I will let you know about the classes.”

As she started to leave, Jade called out, “Wait.  How will I be able to take classes?”  Tears welling up in her eyes, she whispered, “I don’t have any paperwork...”

“You leave all of that to me,” Josie assured her.  “I will make it happen.  Now, we better get back before Trace starts getting antsy.”

Leaving Josie’s office, they walked back to Gypsy’s room, but Slade was gone.  In the waiting room they found Trace talking with his mother and Starr. Spotting them, he asked.  “You ready?  Slade said he would meet us outside.”