“I suppose we should start by introducing ourselves. I’m Petrus Hadley.”
Nick could see that Hadley expected some sort of reaction, so he didn’t give him one. “Nick Axton.”
Hadley went into deep thought for a moment. “Nick Axton, Alpha of the Ryland Pack?”
“Previous Alpha of the Ryland Pack. I’m no longer Alpha or part of the pack.”
“You’ve joined another?”
“No.”
“A Pack Alpha’s turned lone wolf? I have to ask myself why an alpha as powerful as you would live without a pack. You’re too powerful for anyone to have forced you out, so you must have left of your own accord.” Hadley shook his head. “I don’t get it.”
“You don’t need to. It’s not your concern.”
Hadley stepped forward. “This is my turf. Therefore, any of your business—”
“Is mine and mine alone,” Nick firmly stated. His wolf growled his agreement.
A minute of complete silence passed. “There are only two things that make men do stupid things—women and greed. After spotting you with a redhead, I’m guessing that in your case, it’s a woman. I’m also guessing that while you’re here, you won’t involve yourself in pack business.” That was more of a pressing suggestion than a query.
“As I said, I’ve no interest in you and your pack.”
“Good. If things remain that way, you and I won’t have a problem. But if they don’t…What’s your redhead’s name, by the way?”
Son of a bitch. Nick stepped forward. “You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were threatening my mate. But I have to be mistaken, because if that was the case, I’d have to kill you—and I’m pretty sure you’d prefer to live.”
A smile spread across Hadley’s face. “She’s your mate? Well that explains everything. And now I feel so much better.” His expression turned grave as he continued. “That’s not all that I wanted to speak to you about. I’m sure you’ve heard the ‘drug lord’ rumor and how many of my wolves abruptly vanish.”
“Rumor? You’re saying it’s untrue?”
“Although you haven’t been in town long, you may have noticed that the human extremists here are somewhat eccentric. They started the drug lord rumor in an effort to blacken my reputation. It makes me the perfect suspect each time one of my wolves goes missing.”
Hearing the pain and anger in Hadley’s voice, Nick’s skepticism began to fizzle away. “You have nothing to do with their disappearances?”
“It took me some time to figure out what was happening. The humans running this thing are very smart and very careful.”
“Running what?”
“A game preserve.”
His wolf went still. “Game preserve?”
“From what I’ve learned, they kidnap shifters, dump them in the middle of nowhere, and then track them and chase them, running them down like they’re dogs.”
Derren studied Hadley through narrowed eyes. “What about the trio of packless wolves who hang around town, the rebels? If the rumors about you are untrue, why would they leave your pack?”
“Each of them lost close ones to these humans,” replied Hadley. “The longer I went without finding the people responsible, the more the rebels began to wonder if I truly had something to do with it, so they left. I have some of my wolves keeping watch over them. Out there all alone, they’re easy prey.”
“Why haven’t you shut the preserve down?” asked Nick.
“I haven’t yet found it. As I said, these humans are smart and careful. Imagine how much money they can make from charging prejudiced and hateful humans to hunt us like that? They’ll also be very much aware of how bad the repercussions would be if their little secret was discovered—not only would they have shifters on their ass, but their own kind. Currently extremists are making out like we’re the monsters. If that place is exposed, it would pretty much cancel out their argument.”
And exposing it would therefore be the answer to the prayer of every single shifter in the world. “I’ll contact some people I know, ask them to find out what they can about this preserve and see if they can locate it.”
“People you can trust to keep it quiet? I don’t want the humans being tipped off that we know. It would give them the time to pack up and run.”
“Yes, people I can trust. Keep me updated on what you know, and I’ll do the same.”
Hadley considered that for a minute, studying Nick and Derren intently. Then he nodded. “You should be careful. You may be powerful, but you’re easy prey without a pack, just like your friend here. If your mate is a shifter, she’ll be in similar danger. I’d feel uncomfortable leaving you unprotected, given that you’re on my territory.”
“Protection won’t be necessary.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you, heard just who and how many shifters you’re allied with—including shifters other than wolves, which is a rare thing. The last thing I need is something happening to you and then a horde of pissed-off shifters turns up here, holding me responsible to some degree for not protecting your ass. So if it’s all the same to you, I’ll be putting some people on you in any case.” Before Nick could respond, Hadley was walking away.
When the Nazi and his wolves were out of hearing distance, Derren said, “At first I thought he might be talking shit about the preserve, but he was definitely telling the truth.”
Nick could agree with that. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Logan has something to do with it. I remember full well just how he and the other guards liked to chase and hunt the shifters back in juvie.”
“Me too,” growled Derren. “It would make sense that extremists are behind its creation, even if Logan isn’t personally involved.”
“Whatever the case, it needs to be stopped.”
“It will be. Many of the Nazi’s wolves have been lost to this preserve—no Alpha would let that alone. I’m not surprised he’s put guards on you.”
“Great,” snorted Nick. “More people following me.”
Derren grinned. “You’ve always had a natural talent for getting people’s attention.”
“Now it’s time to get my mate’s attention. Let’s just hope my little plan works.”
As Shaya once again looked at the gift Nick had sent her, she resisted the urge to groan. He hadn’t bought her flowers or chocolates—things she could have rolled her eyes at, considering how little thought and creativity would have gone into the gifts on his part. Nor had he written her a soppy poem or a lovey-dovey card—corny things she could have scoffed at. Nor had he bought her jewelry or perfume—expensive stuff that would have given her an excuse to claim he was trying to buy her. No…he’d bought her something funny, something that would make her laugh. Something that Kent was again playing with, making her want to snatch it back. So she did. “Hands off.”
“Ooh, possessive.” Kent chuckled and went back to tidying the salon, ready to close up. “I think this is hilarious.”
“What’s funny about a Public Toilet Survival Kit?” In truth, the only reason she wasn’t chuckling with him was that she was annoyed—Nick was being nice, something he most likely wasn’t experienced at. But he was trying. For her. And it was getting to her.
“I’m guessing you told him about your phobia of public toilets.”
She had only told him this morning, and already he was on top of it. There was no denying he was sharp. The gift hadn’t been the only thing to make her smile. No. Not long after the gift had arrived, she’d received a text message from him:
Ever played Simon Says naked?
She wanted to feel furious with him for sending her messages when not only had she not given him her number, but she’d made it clear that she wanted him to leave. Instead—like yesterday—she found herself trying and failing to stifle an amused smile whenever she thought of the text.
“Why are you so irritated?” Kent asked quietly, conscious of Paisley’s presence. “Your mate bought you something that would make you smile—what
’s bad about it?”
“I don’t want him to make me smile,” she said, sounding petulant. “I want to keep detesting him.”
“He’s who you ran from,” Kent said in sudden realization. “Tell me everything.”
So she did. But Kent’s reaction wasn’t what she’d anticipated. Rather than being outraged on her behalf, he was sighing dreamily. “It’s so romantic, isn’t it?”
She gaped. “How do you figure that?”
“Well obviously the rejection part wasn’t nice. But look what he’s done for you. He didn’t just give up his position of Alpha, he gave up his pack, his home—everything. Then he spent six months tracking you down and didn’t give up. He hasn’t asked you to go back to his pack, and he’s even offered to join yours. Do you have any idea how hard it would be for someone like him to be in a pack and not be Alpha? Yet he’s willing to do it. He’s practically camping outside your house, and he’s trying to make himself part of your life while still going at your pace—going completely against every alpha instinct he has. You’re not looking at things this way because you don’t want to; you don’t want to be tempted to give him a chance.”
She spluttered. “Would you?”
“Hell yes, he’s devastatingly hot! He’s got such a commanding presence, hasn’t he? I’ll bet he’s just as commanding in bed. I’ve never been with an alpha before. Can I borrow him?”
Hearing herself growl, she wanted to slap herself for the knee-jerk possessive reaction. She was so mixed up right now. She had almost asked Taryn for advice when they had chatted over Skype last night, but she was too worried that Taryn would react extremely badly to finding out that Nick had tracked her down.
“What are you two whispering about?” asked an approaching Paisley, wearing her usual bitchy scowl.
“The weather,” replied Kent.
Paisley rolled her eyes. “Don’t think I don’t know that you’re talking about me behind my back. I’m not stupid.”
Shaya and Kent exchanged an amused look. “Of course you’re not,” he assured the blonde, patting her hand. “No one would ever insinuate otherwise.”
Appearing slightly mollified, she gave him a nod. As Kent went off to grab his coat, Paisley threw Shaya a look filled with utter contempt. “I don’t blame him. It’s you. Don’t think I’ll let you turn him against me. I can’t believe he’s even friends with you. His mom should have told him not to play with matchsticks.”
Oh, enough with the red hair jokes! “Don’t things like you hibernate?”
Paisley smirked. “Easy there, ginger ninja.”
“You do realize that my hair isn’t actually ginger, don’t you? It’s red. As a hairstylist, you should know the difference. No, as a person with eyes, you should know the difference.”
“Whatever you say, Agent Orange.”
Bitch. “Oops, I’ve dropped my clip by your feet.” Crouching, Shaya gently placed her hands over Paisley’s black pumps. “Spread ’em, blondie. Bet you’ve heard that a lot before.”
She gasped. “How crude!” Paisley looked about to snap when something over Shaya’s shoulder caught her attention and she smiled in admiration. “My, my, my.”
Clearly an attractive guy had just walked in. Shaya stood, turned…and gaped as Nick breezed into the salon. His eyes immediately found her, and a small smile curved his mouth. He took slow, confident steps toward her. Off-balance by his totally undivided attention, Shaya might have backed away if she hadn’t felt rooted to the spot by that unblinking stare. Her wolf, too, had frozen.
“Can I help you?” Paisley’s voice was seductive and filled with promise. She had also put on her best invitational smile, but Nick didn’t spare the bitch a glance; he continued to stare at Shaya as if no one else was of any importance. Shaya kind of liked that.
Coming to stand in front of Shaya, Nick fought back the urge to reach out, drag her to him, and take what was his. The need emanating from her wasn’t helping. Spotting his gift at her station, he grinned. “So it came.” Humor danced in her eyes, making his grin widen.
“Oh, hi,” drawled Kent as he returned to Shaya’s side, smiling widely at Nick. “I take it you’ve come to give her a ride home again. Fabulous. It’s chilly out there.” He shoved at Shaya’s back. “See you tomorrow, bright and late.”
Shaya scowled at her supposed friend. “I don’t need a ride. I’m—”
“Perfectly capable of getting yourself home,” Nick finished. “But why would you want to walk when you can be chauffeured around?” Curling an arm around her shoulders, Nick led her toward the door.
Shaya might have fought him—then again, she might not have—but the expression on Paisley’s face stopped her. There was a little too much admiration and lust there for Shaya’s liking. Although Shaya didn’t want to want Nick, she didn’t want Paisley thinking he was available either. Maybe that was petty.…Okay, it was definitely petty. But she did not like the thought of Nick with someone else, and she especially did not relish the idea of another female pursuing him.
Inside the car, Nick asked, “Well, did you like your gift?”
Shaya snorted. “It has to be the least romantic thing I’ve ever been given.”
He grinned. “It made you smile. Admit it. You like it.”
Admit it? Pfft. “You can take it back, in any case. I don’t like receiving gifts.” It always made her feel awkward.
“You better get used to it, Shay, because I plan to do it again.”
She was about to give a cocky comment when she noticed he was staring right at her mouth. Her breath seemed to get trapped in her throat, and instantly the memory of their kiss assailed her. The heated look on his face said that he was recalling it too.
Shaking off his fantasies of just how Nick could use that sensual mouth of hers, he began driving en route to Shaya’s home. “Hungry?”
Depends what kind of hunger you’re referring to. But Shaya knew what he meant—she had smelled the spicy curry the second she got in the car. He had clearly gotten takeout and was hoping they could share it together. “I told you yesterday—letting you give me a ride somewhere doesn’t mean anything.”
Nick frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“Giving me a ride and then buying me Indian food isn’t going to make me suddenly let you into my home.”
Realizing where her thoughts had taken her, he drawled, “Oh. I’m afraid you’re a little mistaken. I didn’t buy you takeout. I cooked you a meal—a meal for you, not for both of us to enjoy together.” He had no intention of pushing things, pushing her.
“You cooked me a meal?”
“You’ve been on your feet all day. I figured the last thing you’d want to do was cook at the end of it. This means you have one less thing to worry about when you get inside.”
Shaya really didn’t know what to do with that. There was no denying he had an ulterior motive—he was trying to win her over; he’d already informed her of this. But he wasn’t doing the alpha thing and being pushy, nor was he doing the mate thing and invading her personal space. He had done something sweet for her and wasn’t expecting anything in return. He was merely hoping to demonstrate that he’d meant everything he said to her, backing it up with actions.
She knew he could have no real idea just how little words meant to her. Mason had given her plenty of words, told her just how special and beautiful she was, and just how proud he was to have her as his true mate. He had given her all the words she could have wanted to hear, using her need for a connection to get what he wanted.
Only actions would make her even consider believing Nick. But she didn’t want him to give her actions; she wanted to stay mad at him and give herself every reason to keep him at a distance. So she wasn’t a happy bunny right now, knowing this big, bad, powerful, and often remote alpha was focused on having her and had done something considerate for her.
But he didn’t tell Kent you were his mate, a voice in her head reminded her. He’s not proud to have you.
&n
bsp; “You’re angry that I cooked you something?” asked Nick, sensing her mood shift. He tried examining her expression, but she was busy staring out the window. His wolf tensed, honing every sense on her.
“No. It was sweet.” And very convenient because she was an awful cook and she tended to exist on cereal, noodles, and takeouts.
“Then why are you mad at me?”
She folded her arms across her chest. “I’m not mad.”
“Yes, you are.”
“I’m not. I told you, what you did was sweet.”
Then why did she sound like she wanted to rip out his heart and use it as a mallet? “You’re mad that I did something sweet?”
“No.”
“So what’s the problem?” She didn’t answer, just continued to stare out the window. His wolf growled with impatience. “Shay, you gotta help me out here. How can I apologize if I don’t know what I’ve done?”
“I don’t want your apologies anyway.”
“Shay, tell me.”
The dominance and power in his tone made her shudder, and before she knew it, the words came flying out. “You didn’t tell Kent I was your ma—” She quickly cut off her words, annoyed with herself.
“And that pissed you off?” He didn’t understand women and probably never would. “Shay, I’m not good at this. When I was with females in the past…They weren’t relationships. I kept everything casual. Giving any kind of commitment to another female would’ve felt like cheating on my mate. I know some are open to imprinting, but I wasn’t. I wanted to find you.”
“Then I guess I’m a big disappointment to you, huh?”
Taken aback, he said, “Excuse me?”
“It’s always been obvious that you don’t think I’m good enough for you and that you look down on me.” She lurched forward as he suddenly pulled the car to a complete stop at the side of the road. “What the—”
“Would you mind repeating that?” The words rumbled out of him.
“Come on, Nick, you acted like I didn’t exist, like I was nothing to you. What I don’t understand is why, if I wasn’t good enough for you back then, I’m suddenly good enough for you now.”