Reese Read online

  “Is he treating you right?” Dad asked looking me in the eyes to judge my honesty.

  “He is and we’ve bonded.” I admitted.

  “Are you truly a red wolf?” Mom asked. She always got right to the heart of the matter.

  “It seems that I am.”

  “I can scarcely believe it.” Dad said awestruck. “It will be a circus around here once the word gets out.”

  I knew he was right. I remember all the hoopla when the white wolves were found. I’d listened as Dad and his advisors had talked about the council sending an investigator to meet the white wolf and even live with her for a time. That had seemed like a bit of an imposition to me but she had agreed to it. I wasn’t sure if she had a choice but she’d thought she did. I wondered if I would have a choice. Mom and Dad only stayed a little while but told me to come home and see them soon.

  I wouldn’t do that until I had found my place, my position within this pack. That would probably require some battles that no one else could fight for me. It was something that would put me at odds with my mate again. I knew at least a dozen bitches that would be chomping at the leash to battle me. I thought they might get a surprise when they did. I wasn’t human and I wasn’t easy, I might just tear them a new one. The thought made me feel good because some of them had never been nice to me. Gayla was one in particular and her friend Denees. I would enjoy teaching them a lesson. There weren’t more than a handful of the females that I even tolerated and only a couple that I liked. Of those, I liked Shania the best and her cousin Joy was next. They were both great females but they weren’t like other she wolves.

  Sitting here wasn’t getting things done so I got up and started cleaning house. It wasn’t long before there was another knock at the door. It was like thinking about her had conjured her. Gayla stood there and as I opened the door to speak, she pushed her way in. She looked me up and down as though I was a lower life form. I don’t think she smelled my wolf because of the pies baking in the oven. Most wolves had a sweet tooth and would find pie distracting.

  “I’m going to make things real simple for you. You better get your human ass out of this house and leave Reese for me. If you don’t, I’m going to rip your throat out and I’ll have him anyway.” She growled trying to show her dominance. I couldn’t help it, I laughed.

  There was so much she didn’t know and she should have found out before she came here making threats. “We’ve mated so I won’t be leaving, ever. Even if I did, he has never had a lasting interest in you and he never will.”

  “You stupid little bitch!” she said as she lifted her hand to slap me.

  I caught it easily and held it motionless as she fought to slap me and then just to free herself.

  “How can you do that?” Her fear was a sickeningly sweet and sour smell.

  “It seems someone has changed and now I’m the biggest baddest female around. It’s only fitting that Reese’s mate be his match. Don’t you think?”

  “That can’t be, you’re human!”

  “Apparently I was something more and now I’m wolf. My advice would be to leave and never come back here again. Oh and Gayla?”

  “What?”

  “If you ever touch my mate again, I’ll be the one ripping your throat out, understand?”

  Had I been mean spirited, I would have laughed when she fell on the steps trying to get away from me. I might have let a little of my power loose on her. It was much less than what she deserved. I watched her morph and run as fast as she could away from me. It was possible she’d never felt power like that before. I’d rather use my energy for better and kinder things but this had needed to be done. It was my first step in claiming my position. I didn’t think Gayla would be back and I thought Reese would be glad, but I knew I would be. Normally I would have had to work my way up to Gayla but since she had come here and threatened me, I was within my rights to deal with her.

  Now I would only have to concern myself with Denees who might or might not try to challenge me. If she did I would take her out. There was no doubt in my mind that I would win. My main concern was what Reese would think and what kind of punishment he would exact if I fought.

  Chapter 8

  Family Reunion

  I’d never enjoyed administering punishment so much in my life. When I finally allowed her to cum and I came with her, it felt like it pulled up from my toes and a piece of my soul went with it. I’d never felt such a connection or so much love in my life but my dominant personality refused to give in to her. I knew I had to remain strong for her own good because she was willful and impetuous and it was my place to keep her grounded.

  I lay with her in my arms and she slept with the innocence of an angel. I still tingled from our lovemaking and I felt more relaxed than I should considering the seriousness of the situation that Megan’s sister Rachel, was in. I didn’t think Megan even knew her sister’s name yet and as far as I knew she hadn’t asked. Maybe she didn’t want to know until she met her because it would make her more real and she might lose her. It seemed her sister might be even feistier than Megan and it would not serve her well at Delane’s mercy. I didn’t think he’d kill her on purpose, but humans were such fragile things. I remembered well how Megan had been before her change and how much self-control I’d exerted. Delane had little self-control nor would he make the effort to exert the little that he had.

  One thing in our favor was that he still wasn’t sure they were red wolves and neither was Rachel because I’d asked Megan not to tell her until we knew more about her. My wolf growled in approval after all, she was a witch. Megan had told me Delane feared mating himself to a human or one that changed into a wolf beneath his stature. I was sure he would wait until he was sure. That meant he waited to hear news of Megan’s change. If we could keep things quiet, we had a chance of recovering her sister unharmed. If word got out, I couldn’t say what might happen.

  Delane was using rogues to help him which was a dangerous thing at best and a fatal mistake at the worst. It could be fatal not just for him but for Rachel who would attract those wolves without even trying. If they killed Delane, she would be fair game and the fight for her would commence, winner take all. By the time the battle was done the winner would be so far gone in blood lust that they would no longer have any control at all. Rogues were already crazy, blood lust would rip any remnant of sanity from their minds and they would turn loose in an orgy of killing, rape and other debauchery that only death would end.

  Using rogues showed how far Delane’s mind was gone too. Maybe he was even rogue himself, he’d never been far from it before. Only his desire to take his father’s place and his belief that he would had kept him in line. That was gone now, along with any other hopes and dreams he had and I was certain he believed mating a red wolf would bring it all back to him. The sad thing was that it might if he managed it. Even the council would turn a blind eye to how the mating had occurred if it was successful. White wolves numbered in the thousands, red wolves, at this time only numbered two verified females.

  It was a sobering thought and I hoped those few who knew about Megan would keep the secret. She shifted restlessly in my arms and I wondered what she dreamed about. Perhaps it was what we had discovered at her sister’s house. It had been a gruesome scene that I hadn’t wanted her to see. I knew I might have some bad dreams about it too but it would just mix in with all my other bad memories. My dreams had been much sweeter since Megan had come into my life. I tried to meditate to calm my mind because I knew I needed some rest to think clearly and deal with this crisis. It must have worked because I woke hours later to an empty bed and I wondered where she had gone. It was usually me that left her sleeping while I went off to see to business.

  I got ready and went downstairs hearing voices drift up to me before I made it down. I could pick up bits of conversation and identify the speakers. Wolf hearing blew away human and witch senses and I would argue it was better than vampire or any other supernatural with better than human s
enses. Vamps always thought everything they had was the best. I would admit their speed was slightly better depending on if they had fed recently and well. I shivered slightly, I couldn’t stand vamps in general although I did have a few I considered friends.

  One of those I trusted was Chance, his last name changed from time to time so I didn’t bother to keep up with it. He was in the service of the top vamp on the continent. I’d had the pleasure of meeting Simon a couple of times and what I noticed most was an innate sadness. Rumor was he’d given up his soul mate because she was human and he’d never gotten over it. Chance had told me not long ago that Simon had finally claimed her because she’d turned out to be a white wolf and they even had a kid now. All those years wasted but at least I hadn’t done that. I had my soul mate and she had turned out to be a red wolf. Sometimes the goddess rewarded those who were brave enough to take the gifts they were given.

  I walked into the kitchen and was rewarded with complete silence and all eyes were on me. “So what gives?” I asked looking at each one in turn.

  “Henley has a clue about where my sister might be.” Megan informed.

  “Why didn’t you wake me up?” I asked curious.

  “Henley just got here and he wanted to eat first. He’s been up all night.” She explained.

  I’d let it go this time but action needed to be taken right away. It had looked and sounded like a planning session was underway and I’d been left out. “Carry on!” I instructed as I got a plate and filled it high. If we found Delane we would be fighting and I would need my strength. Blueberry pancakes, bacon and scrambled cheesy eggs, yum! My good mood was now restored. My mate could cook like no other. I sat down filling my face as I listened to them go over the information for my benefit.

  Henley explains, “It’s not my best source but right now it’s my only lead.” I notice Stan was quiet and he has an odd look on his face. “There’s a cave no more than three miles from here and only yards from the creek that Delane is rumored to be staying in.”

  Now I knew the source of Stan’s discomfort. It was our cave, I mean literally our cave. That fucking Delane was messing with us by staying in the cave Stan and I had raised ourselves in. When we had been discharged from the military, we had come home and purchased the cave and the land around it. It was the last place I would have looked for the slimy coward. There was going to be a battle today and I knew only one of us would walk away and it wouldn’t be Delane. He’d disturbed the sanctity of a place that held powerful memories for Stan and me. I wouldn’t let that insult go unpunished.

  “We’ll move out as soon as everyone is dressed. I know you want to go Megan, but it’s too dangerous.” I said softly.

  I was almost certain that she carried my young after last night. Her scent was different but it was too soon to be sure. All heads swung in her direction and I’m sure they expected fireworks. I hoped she’d learned the lesson I had long ago about picking your battles. She would get nowhere with me on this one. She should conserve her strength for another time when she had some hope of winning. I suspected some of the males were disappointed and had wanted to see how I handled my mate if she became recalcitrant. I was glad for both our sake that she gave in gracefully. I didn’t want to bully her, but it was important that she realized I was alpha and she was my mate. When the final decision was made, it would be mine. My males hurried up to dress and arm themselves while Stan, my second, got the rest of our males so we wouldn’t be outnumbered. There was no point in taking any chances.

  We loaded into my SUV and several others followed loaded with wolves as we pulled out the drive heading straight for the cave or as straight as the roads would allow. It was close as the crow flies but sticking to roads added two miles. I was determined to take down this cur and teach him that you don’t mess with the overseer. It was something the others in town had learned long ago. There was plenty of reasons for my reputation and while the hard fucking of many females may have been crossed off my list with my mating, the vicious fighting and lethal judging was still on there.

  We stopped and parked just out of sight and snuck up on some guards. We took them out with ease and I had them restrained and carried back to the vehicles. There were no other guards between here and the cave entrance. He was either foolish or overly confident. I could see rogues crashed around the cave floor in sleeping bags and a few others drinking or playing cards. Poorly organized and undisciplined, they would fall easily. I could even scent Rachel faintly, but only lingering remains of Delane’s scent. I believed Delane was no longer present but her sister was. I couldn’t imagine why he would leave his prize and his mercenaries behind to be captured.

  I guess it didn’t matter there was no point in waiting. I motioned my males and they took their positions and at the signal, we all rushed in catching his males completely by surprise. Most were unable to put up a fight at all and that kept down injuries. As I worked my way to the back, the fighting became more intense and desperate. I was no longer trying to capture my enemies since they were fighting viciously and I had no desire for me or my males to be injured just to save rogues that would have to be put down anyway. Two jumped me at once but my blades dispatched them easily. This wasn’t a challenge where rules applied and certain tactics were avoided. No, this was a free for all with no rules of any kind.

  I saw Rachel trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey, her eyes flashed with fear and she recognized the danger being among the rogues held for her. I had no way to reassure her so I just redoubled my efforts to get to her. I cursed the coward Delane to a million hells for leaving this female vulnerable and unprotected in the company of so many violent rogues. He might not be here, but I would hunt him down and gladly slice his throat for what he had done. There were few between me and Rachel now but one turned with the intent of using her as a shield. I threw one knife and went through his brain killing him instantly but leaving me with only one knife. I might have attempted to retrieve it had it not been buried to the hilt in his skull.

  Stan moved to my side, I was glad he was there because we needed to get to Rachel before one of these crazy rogues hurt her. She screamed a high pitched horrific sound and I threw my last knife sending it through the skull of another rogue. They were almost all taken out but another one approached Rachel. There was no way I could make it to her in time especially with a rogue fighting me and all my weapons used up. I tried anyway but just as he stepped up preparing to carry out his nefarious intentions, a knife impaled his black heart and he slumped to the floor. I looked quickly to the side and saw that Stan had stepped up to save Megan’s sister. I dispatched my opponent as quickly as I could so I could get to Rachel as fast as possible. I wasn’t sure that Stan’s heart shot was true. The brain was the better choice and I had no concerns about my victims rising to see another day.

  I got to the rogue as he started to move and pulled out the knife and slammed it in his skull. He wouldn’t be moving again. Had Stan’s shot been centered, the rogue would have been dispatched. Instead it had only cut into the heart about half an inch which wasn’t enough to cause his demise. He was stone cold dead now. I pulled the knife out and used it to cut Rachel’s bonds. Once she was freed, I handed her to Stan to see to. She looked a little like Megan, but I didn’t have one of those moments where their resemblance slapped me in the face. The confirmation would be in the blood. Blood wouldn’t lie and it always tasted and scented true.

  Stan was helping her rub the circulation back into her limbs. He was enjoying himself too if I didn’t miss my guess. She was pretty and he deserved some harmless fun. I supervised the loading up of prisoners, taking pictures of the dead and the piling of the bodies for cremation. This many bodies and a witch would be brought in to ensure there was nothing identifiable left. I didn’t like witches but they had there uses even if they were few and far between. I went in to hurry Stan along and make sure Rachel was unhurt.

  “I suppose I should thank you for freeing me.” She started.

&nbs
p; “You don’t have to do that.” I insisted.

  “Are you going to say you’d do that for anyone?”

  “No, just family.” I replied with a smile.

  “I don’t have any wolf relations.” She stated.

  “Not that you knew of.” I answered.

  “Let’s get out of here and go somewhere for an explanation about what’s going on.” She suggested.

  “Come on.” I agreed as I led the way out past the large pile of dead rogues. I smelled magic and didn’t even have time to move before the pile of bodies exploded right before my eyes. I looked at my sister in law in disbelief. “A fucking witch?” I asked before I caught myself. I didn’t want to be turned into a frog by pissing off a witch.

  “Fucking A, I’m a witch!” she declared proudly as she glared at both of us.

  Stan’s look of bemusement was wiped off his face and he stepped back a bit. His feelings were tinged with concern now that he realized she was a witch. She was still attractive, but now it was the dangerous beauty of a predator, like a poisonous snake, that might chew you up and spit you out without the slightest remorse. That was the way of witches, they were ferocious and cared for no one but themselves. I still had a duty to bring her to my mate. Her new status as a witch had just complicated things but at least she had taken care of the bodies of the dead rogues for me. I had always been willing to admit witches were useful in their own way. They were just not to be trusted and turning your back on one could and often was fatal.

  Everyone knew a friend of a friend that had been killed, maimed, or cursed in some way by a witch. Rumor had it that they especially enjoyed messing with wolves. It made sense since everyone knew witches were cat people. I hoped I could expedite a sweet reunion were they would tearfully tell each other of their sibling love and I could take Rachel and drop kick her out at her own house. Maybe she and Megan could communicate by email and send each other Christmas cards. I’d keep Megan bred so she’d be busy with our children and wouldn’t miss her only sister. It was a plan but I suspected it was doomed to failure.