Juan (The Juarez Pack Book 1) Read online

  Some of these businesses she kept others she sold as soon as they were turning a profit. Her management team wasn’t just an odd collection of pretty faces and relatives, they really knew their jobs and were good at them. It added a facet to his mate’s personality because not everyone could run a large enterprise like hers. Even though she’d been physically distant from the business, she seemed to be aware of most of what was going on. It showed him his mate wasn’t just a gorgeous female, she had a head for business.

  Lunch saved him from the boredom but he wasn’t looking forward to returning to the room after lunch. “So Juan, I’ve heard you’re in line to be the pack alpha one day,” Kyler mentioned.

  “It’s true that I’m the oldest son and my father is head of the pack,” Juan agreed.

  “Pack hierarchy fascinates me. It’s so different from our way of doing things,” he declared.

  “Really? I thought Simon was in a position that was originally inherited due to his royal blood, but he had to fight those considered worthy by position which is earned through fights?” Juan asked.

  “Well, that is true but if defeated, he loses his position,” Kyler explained.

  “That’s true in our world too. We limit those who can battle the alpha to those who have earned high positions so the alpha doesn’t spend all his time fighting whoever chooses to show up. Sounds like vampires do that too,” Juan observed.

  Kyler smiled and said, “Sounds like we might be more alike than I thought.”

  The vampire was at least a millennium old. Juan could tell by the power that radiated from him and the scent he exuded. Being able to tell how old a vampire was could save your life. Pick a fight with one like Kyler and you had better be an old seasoned alpha, it would still be the fight of your life. Luckily, Kyler seemed mellow and not one of the wolf hating vamps.

  Lunch was catered by one of the nearby restaurants and it was a selection of barbecue and served buffet style. It was messy but good and Juan was surprised that Kyler ate like a human. He’d heard vamps didn’t really need to eat food but apparently some liked to and it did help him fit in with the group.

  “I’m going to let you go after lunch,” Amee whispered in his ear. “I can see this doesn’t hold your interest. Maybe you could cook up something for supper?”

  Relief hit him until he remembered she needed protection. “Who’ll guard you?”

  Kyler stiffened and said, “I guess I’m chopped liver now.”

  “I didn’t mean to insult you but you’re here to work not to guard against a threat,” Juan pointed out.

  “So the rumors of Los Lobos are true and they’re after out Amee?” Kyler asked.

  “My Amee, and yes they’re after her. I can’t verify the rumors since I don’t know what you’ve heard,” Juan observed.

  “Only that they’re a growing threat that has been slaving and doing other illegal activities and they’re attacking packs in this country,” Kyler listed.

  Juan looked at Kyler intently regretting his inexperience with vampires. He was a big bastard, as big as Juan himself and he would bet money he knew how to fight. His copper colored locks were secured at the nape of his neck with just a few curls escaping. His brown eyes showed no guile but the supernatural power of his inner vamp showed in them. His skin was tanned, proving the old superstitions about vamps and the sun weren’t true. Everything about him seemed open and honest especially his protective attitude toward Amee and her cousins. It was odd that there seemed to be no sexual interest from him since all the females were attractive but Amee seemed to bring out the protective uncle instincts in most men she had known for a long time.

  “Do I pass muster? My only concern is for the white wolves as I know many and knew them before anyone knew who and what they were,” Kyler informed.

  “Ah,” Juan said understanding finally. “You know Roc. Why didn’t you say so?”

  “I didn’t think I had to since I know Amee,” he observed.

  “Apologies, if I’m overprotective it’s with good reason. They caught her once and now that ass that leads them is obsessed with her,” Juan explained.

  “Bartose? He’s an old wolf who I’d thought long dead. He has contacts that might surprise you even in this supposedly new council. Sometimes it’s hard to get all the rot cut away from an apple,” Kyler observed.

  Juan found himself wanting to trust this vamp who seemed to know things that would help him keep Amee safe. Those things sounded like they might help the wolves as a whole too. Rot could hide under a clean looking surface and by the time you realized you’d overlooked it, it might be too late. Juan wasn’t a philosopher like Kyler seemed to be, but he could appreciate a lesson in any form a teacher preferred to give it. Since he and Amee were scheduled to see the white wolf, Ariel and her family tomorrow, he would just pass on the message- the council was still corrupt, or at least some of it was. Juan wondered if Kyler knew the white wolves so well why he hadn’t told them that nugget himself.

  Maybe it was a vampire thing. Seers often spoke in riddles, maybe vampires didn’t give information directly or clearly. Juan needed to learn more about vampires since their worlds were encroaching heavily on each other with Chief’s actions and the alliance made to stop him. There were also personal reasons since Amee had vampires in her family, not all by marriage.

  “Just send one of your guys to guard the door,” Amee suggested. She was right, he didn’t have to do this himself and the meeting wasn’t his thing. It was a lot of dry numbers and forecasts for businesses he knew nothing about.

  Juan felt guilty about leaving, but not guilty enough to stay. Ryker would be a good replacement for him or the rest of the day. Inside he was laughing at the thought of Ryker stuck in the meeting or outside the door for the rest of the day. Being a big brother could be so much fun sometimes. Juan kissed his mate before he left and hurried upstairs to send Ryker to what would be like a punishment for not being born first. That’s the way his little brother always looked at it anyway. Juan was in charge because he was oldest and Ryker had to obey because he was younger.

  Stepping into their rooms, Juan saw Ryker and Tony were playing cards. “What’s up Bro?” Ryker asked. “The meeting let out early?”

  “I’m glad you asked. I’m assigning you to security for the rest of the day. You can stay in the room with them or guard the door,” he instructed.

  “Why me?” Ryker asked. “Never mind, because I’m the youngest. This sucks, Juan.” Ryker stomped downstairs to begin his assignment.

  “Damn, poor pup,” Tony observed.

  Juan said, “You can always take his place.”

  “Hell no. I like it in here,” Tony decided.

  “Smart move. They almost put me to sleep but I made it to lunch,” Juan admitted. “Tomorrow will be better. We’ll be going to see Amee’s family.”

  “I enjoyed our last visit. So many females and all the cool stuff we got to do,” Tony remembered.

  “Just don’t piss off any of the females this time.”

  “It’s not my fault she fell for me. I’m a hard male to resist.”

  “Where’s Jorte at?”

  “He’s hanging out at the water park with a couple of blondes. We drew straws and he got lucky. Ryker and I got stuck on call while he gotta go play.”

  “I hope he gets back early since I need him at his best tomorrow.”

  “You know Hot Rod.”

  “Yeah, that’s the problem.”

  They continued to hang out watching movies and playing cards until Juan realized how late it was. “Damn, I need to get supper cooked. You’ll have to help me.”

  “Dude, I can’t cook.”

  “Fine I’ll just give you tasks to do. Go get the biggest pot out, fill it with water and put it on the stove. Don’t forget to turn the burner on high. I’ll adjust it in a minute.”

  Tony hurried to do as he bid him and he got busy fixing what needed to be cooked first. Once he began cooking, he just got into a zone and
everything else faded away. Once Tony had done all he could in the kitchen to help, he had him set the table. By then he had everything done and he was just waiting for the food to cook.

  Ryker escorted Amee in just a few minutes before the meal was ready. Tony gave Amee a wine glass full of bubbly deep red liquid. “I can’t drink this, remember the babies?”

  “I bought you some sparkling grape juice because I noticed you were missing the wine. I know it’s not the same but I hoped you would like it,” Juan explained.

  “That’s so sweet and I love it,” Amee said smiling. “What did you cook for me?”

  Juan answered, “Just a minute then you can see to appreciate it.”

  He went into the kitchen and fixed everyone a bowl of salad that Tony moved to the table, then he fixed a plate for Amee and carried it to her. When he set it down she laughed. “I love spaghetti and meatballs.”

  He watched as she took a bite. “This is wonderful,” she enthused.

  Now that Amee was taken care of, he fixed a plate for everyone else. Normally he would tell them to get their own food, but Amee might want seconds and he knew they would leave empty pots of they filled their own plates. They ate like ravenous wolves.

  The atmosphere was relaxed and he could tell Amee was happy with the way the meeting had gone. “So did you accomplish all that you intended?” he asked.

  “Yes, I should be set until after the babies are born. I’ll work from my computer of course, but no more meetings should be required for a while.”

  Juan was relieved to hear that and glad she was satisfied. He didn’t want her worried or stressed out in her condition. They enjoyed a nice relaxed meal and the guys cleaned up afterward so he and Amee could have some time alone. It was something he never got enough of and he thought she felt the same. The second the bedroom door was closed, Juan’s clothing flew in all directions. Stepping up to his mate, he helped her remove her clothing much more carefully than he had his. His mouth watered with every inch of skin bared to his eyes and his hands. She glowed with good health now that she’d had time to recover from her ordeal and she’d never been more beautiful.

  Amee got in bed on her hands and knees looking over her shoulder at him tempting him. He climbed on the bed behind her positioning himself with his legs between hers and his arm below her belly holding her steady. The crown of his cock rested at her entrance and he slowly slid in feeling her channel grasp at each inch until he was fully seated. Her warmth wrapped around him as her channel massaged him but his need wouldn’t allow him to stay still any longer. Slowly he pulled his length almost all the way out before sliding back in to the hilt. His thrusts slowly sped up until he was riding the edge of his need. One hand moved to her thigh and he burrowed in until he found her little nubbin.

  Worrying her clit, he pushed her closer to release so they would climax together. Her scream caught him by surprise and her vise like hold on his cock squeezed his seed right out of him. Jerking into her, he filled her full of his essence until there was nothing left to give. Even in the cool of the room they were both covered with sweat.

  “Let’s take a shower, Sweetheart,” Juan suggested.

  Amee nodded and he led the way to the bathroom. Turning on the water and setting the temperature, he stepped under the spray before pulling her in with him. His mate looked tired so he washed her then himself before getting out to dry off. It had been a busy day, but her tiredness concerned him. Seeing the pack doctor tomorrow would help set his mind at ease. Once they were back in bed, he rubbed her tummy in soft comforting strokes until she fell asleep. Watching her sleep, his mind went over old worries not allowing him to sleep as easily as she had. Snuggling up to her, he tried to concentrate on the sweet scent of his mate and the lovely heat from her body that soaked into his. Sleep finally caught up with him as he started remembering every moment of their love making from earlier.

  Juan woke first in the morning and watched as Amee continued to sleep peacefully. Leaving her to rest, he dressed and cooked breakfast. Once the table was set and the meal ready, he went to wake his sleepy mate. Examining her closely, he noted she looked tired and not as rested as he’d hoped.

  “How do you feel?” he asked.

  “A bit tired, but that isn’t unusual for a pregnant woman,” she explained.

  “But is it usual for a pregnant she-wolf?”

  “I smell bacon and coffee. Let me get dressed so I can eat before that pack of wolves you call friends eat it all.”

  “I fixed your plate and none of them have a death wish so they’ll leave it be.”

  “Well, maybe I’m starved and need to eat as quickly as possible.”

  “I like it when you eat a good meal so make sure to finish all the food on your plate.”

  Amee dressed and followed him out to the dining room where the only food left was what was on her plate. Juan scowled at his team. His mate hadn’t been far off on her opinion of what could happen. Thankfully he’d fixed her plate and let them know it was for her and no one else. It was a shame however that he hadn’t thought to fix a plate for himself. Grabbing a bottle of OJ and a banana he sat down and watched his mate finish her meal.

  Ryker and Tony led the way to the SUV while Jorte followed behind Amee and Juan. Amee sat shotgun because it was hard for her to get in and out of the back seats and he drove. It didn’t matter to him where his team sat as long as they were back there somewhere. The GPS was set and they headed down the road toward Blake’s pack lands. The area was lovely, nestled between lakes with the small Ozark Mountains all around them. Much of the area was wooded and the population low along the road they drove. Work had been done to improve some of the road along the way but they got to the impossibly curvy narrow highway soon enough.

  Amee looked a little green and he worried that she might be sick. The trip was short enough that he had hopes they would make it with just one stop. He pulled into a gas station and got her a clear soda and some crackers. They managed to finish the trip without another emergency. They turned onto the county road, crossed a small bridge, and the road turned to dirt just before they turned into Ariel’s field. They went over a cattle guard and down a narrow driveway to her house. Pulling into a parking area and turning off the car, he hurried around to help Amee out and to the door. Knocking on the door, it wasn’t long before someone let them in and led them to Ariel.

  Ariel got up, hugged Amee, and patted her tummy. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

  “I got car sick, but I’m okay now,” Amee replied. Ariel greeted the rest of them and asked them if they wanted anything to eat or drink.

  She motioned to a young she-wolf who ran to the kitchen reappearing in no time with a tray of snacks and drinks. Juan filled up his plate and started eating because wolves needed to be fed regularly and well. By the time he was full, he became aware that his team had disappeared. Probably chasing females but he couldn’t fault them. It hadn’t been all that long ago that he’d been doing the same thing.

  “I have an appointment set up with the doctor, but he’s filling in for our usual one who is on a trip. Doctor Geldish is waiting for you as we speak. He is at the office in back,” she explained.

  “I thought your doctor had an office on the other side of the road,” Amee mentioned.

  “He does but we’ve put in a small office here for emergencies and if he’s gone, this is the one that those who fill in use. Doc gets fussy about his stuff and he says the temporary doctors mess with things. This will be more convenient anyway,” she observed.

  They walked out the back door to a building in the back that hadn’t been there last time Juan had been there. It was just another sign that this pack was growing. Faces he was sure were new were seen everywhere. Amee seemed surprised too.

  “How many pack members do you have here now?” Amee asked.

  “It changes every week. There are almost two thousand on pack land and that much or more in the surrounding area,” Ariel guessed.

  “
That’s double what you had last year. Are they all recovered rogues?” Amee wondered.

  “No, some are from other packs that aren’t very successful. Wolves just looking for a decent job so they can support their families. This downturn in the economy hit some packs hard and their alphas made poor decisions so their people are suffering,” Ariel replied.

  “I didn’t realize things were this bad,” Amee said as they walked into the office.

  “Hello, I see you brought me a patient. I’m Doctor Geldish, you must be Amee and her mate? Have a seat here and let me check you out,” he said.

  The doctor took her vital signs, pressed her stomach, and asked a lot of questions. Like if she could morph into her wolf while pregnant even though Ariel had told her she could.

  “You look pretty good but I’m going to suggest you get more rest, drink plenty of water, and take prenatal vitamins. Now born wolves don’t usual take vitamins, but we have discovered there are some residual human traits that effect recently changes females if they conceive in the first year or so. And yes, you can morph without any side effects or problems,” he explained.

  “Is she alright other than that?” Juan asked.

  “She seems to be in good health overall, just a slight iron deficiency, but the hardest part of the pregnancy is ahead of her. You need to take good care of her,” the doctor directed.

  Chapter 13

  Her Hero

  It seemed to Amee that she had spent a good deal of her time with Juan at his bedside praying for his wellbeing. Ariel was with her right now and guilt was clear in her demeanor. It wasn’t really Ariel’s fault, it was the brilliance of their enemies.

  “I just don’t know how this happened,” Ariel admitted wringing her hands. “Our regular doctor will be here soon. Amee, I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault. How could we know they’d be so committed to capturing me?” Amee asked.

  Damon came in. “I’ve found out who our prisoner is and you won’t believe it. Bartose sent his favorite son. My guess is the plan was to make her sick and pretend there was a hospital that could help her. Once Amee was enroute, she would disappear. I know it doesn’t seem like it now but it is a lucky thing Juan stepped in front of you when he saw the doctor about to give you a shot. You would have miscarried. Juan will be alright in a few hours because the effects aren’t the same on males.