AMAZON KINDLE VERSION A Siberian Werewolf In London EDITED 3 9 2012 (22 page)

Many of the pack members decided to leave England and find another place to live. But there were a few who stayed for one reason or another. Now there were only ten lycans left in the pack. One older couple tried to help the younger members and soften the Alpha’s rule. Two Betas enjoyed living on the Alpha’s estate and bullying the rest of the pack members. There were three single males who tried to stay out of the Alpha’s way and Carly’s parents. Carly’s father was the Alpha’s younger brother.

Carly’s mother explained how the Alpha withdrew pack support to punish pack members. The male children whose parents were killed were left on the doorsteps of orphanages. According to rumors, some were sold to a zoo or circus while in their wolf form and would never be able to turn back into their human form. She put her face in her hands.

“We thought we were safe. We thought that because my mate was his heir, the Alpha wouldn’t hurt us. But he imprisoned my husband at the estate and told me to retrieve Carly and bring her to him. He knows we don’t want that. We want Carly to have a normal life and find her heartmate as we did. But he is determined to mate her, whether she belongs with him or not. He plans to raise her and touch her. Oh God, he’s going to rape my baby. Please save her. Take her far away. You can’t help us, but you can save Carly.”

“You said the Alpha has two Betas. If forced, would they fight for him?”

“I don’t think so. They aren’t very smart. They like to use their muscle to hurt others. But they are loyal only to get themselves easy lives.”

Grigori thought she might be wrong. If these men realized Grigori wouldn’t continue their support, they might be forced to fight for their Alpha. If only he had found them sooner. How many other lycans were out there in the world, alone without a pack? Lycans were pack animals. They needed to live in a group. But then he remembered how happy he had been at breakfast. It was possible to live in small family packs and be happy.

“Does the Alpha still uphold pack law? If he was challenged, would he fight honorably?”

“No, he is quite mad. He thinks he is entitled to the Alpha position. He will do everything in his power to keep the title.”

“These young single men, what is their position in the pack? Would they fight with their Alpha or would they support a challenger?”

“They have no love for the Alpha. If they respected the challenger, they would support him.”

“How long do you think the Alpha will wait for your return? Does he know you saw the ad in the paper?”

“No, but he is getting impatient. He threatened to kill my husband again this morning.”

A plan began to form in Grigori’s mind. If he worked things right, this pack might be saved.

“I think we will move on the Alpha this evening. Why don’t we go out back and see Carly. My mate is resting upstairs, but when she awakes, she will be happy to meet you. Carly is such a sweet child. We are both very fond of her,” Grigori said, leading the woman through the house and to the backyard. Children’s laughter could be heard coming from outside, and the woman’s mood visibly brightened.

This was the final step toward never returning to the Siberian pack, his homeland, the home of his ancestors. Grigori felt sadness, but somewhere along this journey of discovery, his allegiance had shifted to his mate and the people here in England. He could do far more good by staying than by ignoring these people, his people.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Melisande awoke and took stock of her physical condition. The earlier pain was gone, and her stomach rumbled, letting her know she was hungry. That was a good sign. Things were returning to normal. She sighed and stretched before slowly sitting up in bed. Still no pain. Things looked good.

She glanced around, expecting to see Grigori lounging somewhere close by. But the room lay empty.

I am never far from you, lyubov moya,
came his
mind touch.
We have company, please come and join us.

Company? Who could be here? Was it Inspector Lewis? Suddenly Carly’s squeal of delight rang out, and her yelling echoed through the house. “Mommy, Mommy, Brencis is going to get me and tickle me.”

Mommy? Carly’s mother was here? Melisande was glad Carly was reunited with her mother. But a sudden sadness overwhelmed her, knowing the child would be leaving. She had come to love the little girl and would miss her when she left. Warmth and love flooded into her thoughts, taking the sadness away.

We will have children to love, Melika. Don’t feel sad. As the Alpha’s Mate, you will have many children to love.

Melisande enjoyed the feelings washing over her. Thinking of having children with Grigori lightened her previous mood. She pictured them—a little boy with brown hair like his father and a little girl to wrap him around her little finger. Wait a minute? Alpha’s Mate? Did that mean Grigori was going to fight the current Alpha? Flinging the covers back, Melisande rushed into the bathroom to dress. She needed to get downstairs and find out what was going on.

She hurriedly dressed, and as she walked down the stairs, Grigori came out of the living room to meet her, his look tender as he scrutinized her. “You are feeling better?” he asked as she reached the bottom step and he pulled her into his embrace. Melisande returned his hug, enjoying the feelings of love coming through his touch and the mating bond. “Much better.”

At that moment, Melisande's stomach gave a loud growl. Grigori pulled back and looked down at her. “Let’s get you something to eat, and then you can meet our company.”

“Shouldn’t we take care of the company first?” she asked, hesitating.

“You need nourishment. Our company will be joining us for dinner and already enjoyed a large lunch. They can wait a moment. Rosie was released from the hospital and is working her magic in the kitchen. I suggested she take the night off, but she wouldn’t hear of it.”

“Where are the children?”

“Seth is at his job. Joe is outside with the other pups, except Carly who is in the front room with her mother. Everyone is fine, Melika. Now let’s get you some food,” Grigori said, taking her hand and leading her into the kitchen.

She loved how he cared for her needs, always making her feel important and cherished. She reached up and gave his cheek a kiss as they walked hand in hand.

They entered the kitchen to see Rosie stirring a pot on the stove as she hummed a little tune. Rosie glanced up and saw them. Then she rushed over to give Melisande a big hug.

“Miss Meli, you’re okay. I couldn’t believe it when I saw Officer Kincaid shoot you with that dart, and then he turned and shot me too. It was awful. I woke up with such a headache. How are you feeling? Can I fix you some soup or tea?”

Melisande returned the hug , then looked at her mate and at Rosie. “I feel pretty good, now, Rosie. Grigori, you said I was kidnapped last night?”

“I am afraid so,
Lyubov moya
. Funenko hired Kincaid to spy on us and deliver you to him. As soon as you blacked out, I felt it through the mating bond and rushed back to find you gone. It terrified me. After finding Rosie, Brencis, and Valerii, and knowing the children were safe in bed, I headed out to find you.”

“Are you okay? Were you hurt?” Melisande asked in concern. She didn’t remember anything between the dart and waking up the first time.

Grigori went on to explain the rest of the events of the previous evening, including young Seth’s part in saving her.

“Remind me to let Seth know how much I appreciate his helping you, Grigori,” Melisande said.

“He is a good boy,” Rosie said proudly, handing Melisande a ham sandwich. “Eat. Dinner is still a couple of hours away.”

“Are you sure you feel up to all this work, Rosie?” Melisande asked in concern.

“Oh, I’m feeling fine. I’ll rest tonight while watching the children. We can rent a movie, and they’ll be quiet as a mouse.”

“Watch the children? Are we going out, Grigori?” Melisande asked.

Grigori grew still and looked worried. “I must fight the English Alpha. He is holding Carly’s father prisoner and killed other members of the pack here. Three of the single males will be joining us for dinner. Then we will go out to his estate in two cars, and I will challenge him for the position.”

“You are going to fight him?”

“That is the only way, Melika. I doubt he will give up the position voluntarily.”

“But you might be hurt or killed . . . ,” Melisande began.

“Melisande, I need you to believe I can win. Your doubt coming through the mating bond affects my concentration. Your belief will give me strength. Your love will help me to fight my hardest. I must do this, and I need you on my side.”

Melisande gasped. Was it possible her fear could infect him? “I am always on your side. I believe in you.”

“If this is too hard, you do not need to come. I would feel better knowing you are here safe. I almost lost you last night, and my heart is still quaking in terror at the thought,” Grigori admitted.

“I want to go with you to help you if I can.” Melisande didn’t think she could stand staying home with the children. She needed to see he was safe.

Grigori smiled and leaned down to kiss her nose. “There is my mate, so brave and fierce. You are a treasure I cherish.”

Melisande had taken a bite of her sandwich so she couldn’t comment. She didn’t know if she was brave or selfish. But they had just gotten rid of one threat, and now there was another one. Was life as Grigori’s mate always going to be like this?

As Grigori climbed into the back seat with Melisande and Carly’s mother, he felt resigned. The three young single wolves seemed like nice young men. They had rented a flat together and had tried to make their own little family pack. Once they met Melisande and heard how lycans mated with psychic humans, they had become hopeful. After this business was over, Grigori was going to send them to visit the pack in Siberia so they would see how a real pack lived together and supported each other. No one ever went hungry in the pack or lacked for clothing or basic necessities. These young men had been abandoned to their fates. Luckily, they were smart and resourceful and survived, hiding what they were from their human neighbors.

Once at the estate, Brencis and Valerii would take care of the two Betas with the help of the young men, and then Grigori would challenge the English Alpha for the pack. It had been a long time since Grigori had seen a fight to the death, let alone participated in one. But Grigori hoped the English Alpha was getting soft since he had two Betas to do his dirty work. Even if Grigori and the English Alpha were well matched, Grigori would fight for these people. The English Alpha was violating pack law. He must be removed.

Grigori noticed Carly’s mother was wringing her hands. Melisande sat quietly next to Grigori, her hand on his knee.

“We will save your mate. You must not worry.” Grigori tried to reassure Carly’s mother.

“I can’t believe that you are willing to challenge for the Alpha position, that you are willing to fight for us,” Carly’s mother said.

“What happened here is a crime against pack law. Surely you know that. I fight for justice, and I fight to save your daughter who is important to the future of our race. I am asking you and your pack mates to accept my leadership. Can you do that? Will your husband support me?”

“My husband never wanted to be Alpha. He is not as strong as his brother. We just want to live in peace and raise our daughter.”

“I will do everything in my power to see that happen,” Grigori said, and he meant it.

Carly’s mother directed the two cars to the estate and got the men and Melisande into the mansion. The house was richly appointed with a marble foyer and velvet drapes on the windows. A large wooden staircase led up to the private rooms in the house. When the two Betas were found in the kitchen, they were easily subdued and tied up.

When Grigori heard growling, he hurried up the stairs. He ripped off his clothes as he ran. A sharp yip worried Grigori. He hoped he wasn’t too late to save Carly’s father.

Carly’s mother cried out, “He’s killing my husband.”

As she tried to run to him, Valerii stopped her. “You must wait here, little sister. Let us save your mate.” She burst into tears, and Melisande held her as she cried.