The Reluctant Alpha (16 page)

Burning the evil Wolves and denying them the peace and dignity of a Pack funeral.

Now two of the Wolves had returned, telling them they were there to look after the Pack until something more permanent could be arranged. Telling them they had nothing to fear from them and to come and talk to them about any concerns they may have.

Shelly’s eyes were drawn, time and again, to one of them, her inner beast yipping loudly in her head.
“Be quiet!”
she told it time and again as she began to think her life may be going to get better.

Anything was better than what she’d endured these past years. Dupont allowing his men to do whatever the hell they wanted, to whoever the hell they wanted. She’d withstood unspeakable acts carried out on her by his men, especially Silas, Quincy and Pascall. Those three were devils incarnate and she hoped wherever they were that they were being punished for all their evil deeds.

She jumped as the other one raised his voice; loud noises scaring the shit out of her nowadays. Her friend, Tina, placed a hand on her arm, “It’s okay, Shell, they’re the good guys. Or I think so anyway.”

Shelly nodded and answered, “I hope so, Tink.”

“Me too,” Tina whispered, touching the fading bruises on her face that Dupont’s men had put there just the night before.

~
Chapter 1
4
~

Rebecca sat reading on one of the sofas in front of the fire, her legs pulled up underneath her as she tried to escape inside the words of the book. She was finding it a little difficult and thought it was, perhaps, the reading material. Definitely not her usual read but one of her friends had pushed it into her hands and told her she just
had
to read it.

She usually preferred Sci-Fi or sometimes a good romance but this was rather
different
to either of those. The scene she was reading was hot, no mistaking that, but she couldn’t make up her mind whether she liked it or hated it.

A low rumble of laughter making her jump, her head turning to see Jacob standing behind her. His eyes on the book in front, obviously reading over her shoulder. She couldn’t stop the blush that appeared on her face, snapping the book shut quickly. “You always sneak up on people like that?”

Jacob smirked, “Nope, no sneaking was involved but you were immersed in your story.”

Rebecca snapped, embarrassed at being caught reading the book. “I wasn’t, I was just flicking through it to see what all the hype’s about.”

Jacob walked around and stopped in front of the blazing fire. “I see. So what’s your opinion?”

She placed the book back into her bag, hiding it from view. “Not decided yet. Can’t make up my mind about it at all.”

“So you’re not in love with Mr. Grey?” Jacob cocked his head to the side, his eyes seeming to penetrate her soul.

“No, definitely not,” Rebecca spoke quickly, the large Wolf’s eyes twinkling as he responded to her.

“You’re in the minority then.” Jacob kept staring, a slight smile on his face. “From what I hear, women have been mad for this book for quite a few years. You’re late to the party, Rebecca.”

She felt herself squirming under his gaze. “A friend gave me it. It’s not my normal kinda book.”

Jacob grinned, his eyes burning into hers and she couldn’t break the connection. “So you don’t yearn for what’s done in that?” he nodded toward her bag where she’d hidden the book.

“Never tried it. Why? Do you?” Rebecca’s hand flew to her mouth.
Shit! Why did I just say that!

Soft laughter rumbled from Jacob as he fingered the black tie he wore beneath his smart suit. “I’m open to most things, Rebecca. However, I am no Mr. Grey. I’m better. Perhaps you’ll find that out.”

Rebecca gasped at his brazenness, his absolute confidence in his bedroom abilities. “Perhaps, perhaps not.”

“I would prefer the first.” Jacob walked forward, stretching out his hand to her. “Are you ready?”

Rebecca took his hand as he pulled her up to stand very close to his hard body. “What?” she exclaimed, as he gazed down into her upturned face.

“Don’t panic, Rebecca.” One of his fingers ran down the side of her face causing her to shiver, “I’m talking about the funeral. It’s due to start. I came to get you and escort you to the ceremony.”

She knew she was flustered, this Wolf apparently affecting her in ways she had no control over and her heart sped up dramatically as she fought to get words out. Finally her brain and mouth worked together, though her words were breathless as she murmured, “Oh, yes, sorry. I’m ready and you’re looking smart in your suit. I didn’t know Wolves did the whole suit thing for funerals.”

Jacob raised an eyebrow as he moved them towards the door, his hand at the base of her back causing her skin to tingle, even though they weren’t touching her. “We may be Wolves but we’re not Neanderthals, Becca.”

Her own eyebrow raised. “My name is Rebecca.”

“I think I prefer my own name for you. Just between the two of us.” Jacob led her down the stairs and around the back of the cabin. “It’s more relaxed and friendly. Don’t you think, Becca?”

She couldn’t answer, not a word passed her lips as his other arm snaked across his body to take her hand in his. Such a large, powerful hand holding her tiny, green painted nails, hand. His thumb was moving in soft little circles over her skin and she thought, for just a moment, he was using some kind of magic on her because she absolutely
never
reacted to men like this. What the hell was going on?

“Are you okay?” he whispered into her ear, leaning down so his breath caressed the skin on her neck.

She only just managed to get out one word, “Fine.”

“Yes, you are. Mighty fine,” Jacob chuckled as they arrived at a clearing in the forest where the entire Pack were assembled.

Rebecca saw Cam at the front, standing before a freshly dug grave with the wrapped body of Fearghas to the side. She stared at the new Alpha, seeing the tension in every muscle of his taut body and the lines at the sides of his eyes. She was certain she’d never seen him like this.

He was always so calm and in control, nothing fazing him, the epitome of cool, calm, and collected. Not so today. His power was still on show. Clear for everyone present to feel as he coughed, clearing his throat before raising his arms to quieten the Pack.

Jacob’s hands stayed glued to her, making it difficult to concentrate at first. However, as soon as Cam’s powerful voice rang out in the clearing, appearing to be reverberated back at them from the trees around them. It wasn’t long until she felt tears in her eyes as she listened to his impassioned declaration.

“You’ve lost your Alpha. An Alpha that was good, strong, just and true.” Cam took a deep breath, raising his voice, “An Alpha that would do anything, anything at all, to protect each and every one of you. An Alpha that worked tirelessly to ensure the Pack was successful in its endeavors. An Alpha that lay down his very life for each and every one of you!”

Rebecca could feel the sorrow and grief in the air surrounding them, Marie’s sobs rending the silence. She reached for Jacob’s hand, holding it tight as she fought the tears that threatened to break free.
“I don’t cry!”
she thought as she imagined her mascara streaking down her face. Definitely not a good look.

Jacob apparently had abilities she wasn’t aware of…mind reading… as he whispered. “It’s a funeral, Becca, it’s perfectly acceptable to cry.”

She shook her head and said, “I don’t do tears.”

“A woman who doesn’t cry?” Jacob asked, his tone a little surprised. “You intrigue me more and more, Witch.”

Cam’s voice broke her attention from Jacob, her heart again speeding up at the Wolf’s lustful look.

“We unite in our grief with Marie. Her anguish and sorrow is
our
anguish and sorrow. We unite in our pledge to help her through this torturous time. We, as the Highland Clan Pack, will help and support Marie and Fergie as they grieve for a much loved mate and father. There will be united love for them and we
will
get them through this.”

The roar of affirmation from the Pack brought even more tears to her eyes. Jacob pressing a clean, crisp white hankie into her hand. She took it gratefully, dabbing gently at her eyes.

Cam’s voice continued, “The Pack gives me great honor by accepting me as Alpha. I promise I will do my best for all of you. With your help we will make the Highland Clan Pack the strongest Pack known within the Wolf community. We will grow strong together, we will prosper together, and we will become the best damn Pack that we’ll be turning other Wolves away as they clamber to join us. Together we will survive!”

Even Jacob roared this time, Rebecca looking up to see the strong Wolf beside her. His large frame filled with muscular strength and beauty as he joined in with the Pack. Her eyes widened as she looked at him, not usually going for the large musclebound type. Jacob was different though, but, she had no idea why. All she did know was he affected her in ways no other man ever had. Her mind wandering to ponder how his lips would feel against hers, her tongue licking her lips at the thought.

His eyes snapped to hers, the look almost feral as he looked at her lips before rising to lock onto her eyes. “You and I will be spending some time together later, Rebecca. After the hunt, I’ll be looking for you.”

His words weren’t a suggestion, weren’t a question. They were a statement of fact and her thighs clenched together of their own volition.
What the hell! Why did he affect her so?

Cam started to strip off his bespoke suit, “As we lay to rest your Alpha, we will honor him in the only way we can. As Wolves!”

Rebecca watched as three men lowered the body into the grave and started to fill it in as the Pack started to take their clothes off. Her eyes slid to the side, watching as Jacob took his jacket off and held it out to her.

“I don’t want to get this dirty.” He grinned and asked, “Would you take my clothes back to the cabin?”

Taking the jacket from him she nodded, her eyes widening as the tie and shirt were soon in her arms.
Damn, but he was one fine specimen of maleness!
As his pants lowered, together with his underwear, she fought to keep her eyes north of
that
area.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jacob asked, “You’re looking a little flushed, Becca. Are you running a temperature?”

Rebecca tried hard to keep her composure but thought she’d failed miserably as Jacob chuckled. His voice whispering, “I’ll see you soon, Becca.”

With that she heard the unmistakable sound of thousands of bones breaking, reshaping and realigning as the Pack morphed. Even Marie taking part in the hunt to honor Fearghas. Jacob’s beast was far larger than most, its silver grey fur rippling as it shook itself from head to tail. The knowledgeable eyes turning to look up at her before nudging her gently with its head. Reaching down she gently ran her fingers through the silky fur, feeling the beast quiver at her touch.

As Jacob’s Wolf moved from beneath her fingers she saw she was surrounded by massive beasts of all shapes, sizes and colors, only a few of the elders not changing or going on the hunt. Fergie was urging Angel to go but she steadfastly shook her head. Rebecca looked closely at Cam’s cousin, wondering if she could help him. She would ask Cam or Jinx about it tomorrow.

As Cam’s massive ebony Wolf howled into the night sky the rest of the Pack joined in. The haunting sound bringing tears to her eyes once again. Never had she heard anything as melancholy and evocative as when Cam turned and led the Pack away.

Rebecca watched until the last straggling Wolf disappeared into the trees, her heart sad at the Pack’s loss. Angel walking over asking, “Would you like to come back for a drink and something to eat?”

“Yes,” she nodded, “that would be lovely. Thank you.”

Angel smiled, her face friendly and welcoming. “Good, we’ve got plenty of food ready and I’ve some nice wine chilling.”

“I’ll just take Jacob’s clothes back to our cabin then I’ll come over.”

“Jacob huh, he’s rather intimidating isn’t he?” Angel’s head cocked to the side, her look a little devilish.

“You could say that.” Rebecca smiled back.

“He looks at you with
that
look. He likes you, doesn’t he?”

Rebecca blushed, turning away. “Not sure what you mean.” She started to walk away, treading carefully with her heels in the soft ground. “I’ll see you in a little while.”

She rushed away before Angel could probe her any further. Discussing the extremely handsome Wolf with anyone was definitely not on her agenda.

*****

Cam’s beast tore through the forest, the Pack spread out behind him, splitting off into smaller groups as they started to hunt. He and his Wolf were in agreement, neither of them wanting to be hunting when they should be watching over Chastity. But, Cam understood the need for the Pack to participate in the ritual hunt after they’d lost one of their own.

The hunt forging the Pack together and helping those that grieved. He could scent Marie’s Wolf nearby and although he still sensed her sorrow, her beast was helping her get through this horrendous moment in time.

However, he was going to pass the hunt onto his Beta as soon as was respectfully possible. He could feel Jacob’s desire to leave also and wondered what was going on with him, usually his PI loved nothing more than to go Wolf and hunt. Cam hoped everything was okay with his friend as they ran on, towards the elk he’d scented and was now tracking avidly.

As soon as he’d brought it down he’d pass the hunt on to Jinx and head home. Cam wondered if Jacob would make the early return journey with him. If the vibe his PI was giving off was anything to go by he thought the answer would be a resounding yes.

His Wolf slowed its pace as they drew nearer, motioning with its massive head to send several Wolves to outflank the elk and remove any chance of escape. His beast eager to finish this and return to Camp it slithered on its belly to gain a better view of the animal they hunted. There, in a small clearing, the elk stood proudly, a magnificent creature that was also dangerous and potentially deadly.

It was a bull, with gigantic antlers that could rip a Wolf to shreds. Given the chance. Cam wasn’t going to afford it the opportunity to hurt him or any of the others. A light yip and he, Jinx and Jacob’s beasts leaped forward attacking from both sides and the rear. No Wolf was foolhardy enough to attempt a frontal attack on a beast with a rack of antlers so deadly.