A Ravenous Pack: Wolf's Hunger 5 Books Page 16

  “First, I’ll alert the Wolf Council about their actions. Second, I’ll have more of my men patrol to ensure no rogues encroach on our land. Third, I’ll head up a hunting party and see if I can find these . . .”

  He stopped, taking a deep breath in, his hand running through his long wavy hair. “Pardon my language, but I’m going to do my best to hunt these fuckers down and end them.”

  “End them?” she asked, eyes wide at the implication.

  “Kirsty, these are rogues who are Wolves, it’s not as simple as putting them in a cell somewhere. There’s not many places that could hold one of us, we’re very strong and vicious when cornered. If my men and I go looking for them then I assure you they won’t hold their hands up and say, ‘Yes, I’ll come with you for the Council to mete out my punishment.’ No, they’ll fight to the death to escape, and that means we’ll have to do the same to stop them continuing what they’ve been doing.”

  Her heart missed a beat. She felt it, stuttering in her chest as she thought of Kade facing a pack of rogues. Her hand flew to her throat as she shook her head. “No. Please, don’t go. I don’t want you hurt . . . or your men.”

  She added the last part hastily, trying to cover up the all-encompassing fear that had taken over her when she’d thought of Kade being in danger.

  His eyes lit up briefly before he replied. “I’ll be fine. I’m Alpha, they are rogues, they don’t stand a chance. And now that I know about them, I can’t just sit by and leave them be. It’s not what any Alpha would, or could do. It’s in our DNA, Kirsty, we have to protect those not able to protect themselves.”

  His words struck deep inside her, the truth in every syllable ringing loudly around her. This man, this Wolf, was noble, kind and good. The fact he was sexy as sin was just her cross to bear. She was under no illusion that he’d have a bevy of women at his beck and call and she was a mere human. Kirsty wouldn’t stand a chance with him. Not in a million years.

  Didn’t stop her from dreaming though or thinking about his glorious body. When he turned to bark an order to Lennox she’d glimpsed part of a celtic tattoo across his shoulder and she wondered if she’d get the opportunity to see all of it. That alone was enough to keep her mind occupied for quite some time to come.

  “As you don’t have anywhere else to go, I suggest you stay with me until we can sort things out for you.”

  She’d been so engrossed in her thoughts she almost tripped as she turned to look up at Kade. His strong arms grabbing her quickly and saving her from falling flat on her face. “Thanks. Sorry, what did you say?”

  He kept hold of her, his hands now on her shoulders as he stepped closer. Too close. Their bodies separated by . . . nothing. His thick thighs pressed against her as his eyes speared hers. “I said you should stay with me for the time being. That’s okay with you, isn’t it?”

  “With you?” she gasped, his closeness causing her mouth to dry up and her throat to almost close.

  “Yes, with me, in my cabin. There’s nowhere safer for you and Leia, of course.”

  “Your cabin?” she squeaked.

  His eyes filled with mirth, causing them to twinkle mischieviously. “Aye, my cabin.”

  Kirsty took a shallow breath, praying he couldn’t hear the way her heart thudded in her chest. “Okay.” She had agreed far too quickly. What the hell was wrong with her?

  “Glad that’s settled,” Kade replied, his eyes full of emotions she couldn’t put a name to.

  What was it about this man that affected her so? After everything that had happened to her family she should be running as fast as she could in the opposite direction from a Wolf. But no, here she was, readily agreeing to stay with him, in his home. Kirsty could not figure any of this out, especially the way her body reacted to him. Now that was just plain weird, no, beyond weird. It was the strangest thing she’d ever encountered but something, a tiny wee something, deep inside told her to trust him and to trust her feelings.

  Aye, right. As if a hunk like that would even be remotely interested in a mere human like her. So not happening, but if she could rest up for a few days and Leia could get some good nourishment inside her then she’d take it, and dang the consequences.

  “Sorry, but I have to ask, Leia, is she named after . . .”

  Kirsty nodded, cutting him off with a laugh. “Yes, that famous Princess. Sorry, I love those films and the originals are still my favorites. When Dad brought her home for me, I couldn’t resist naming her after one of my favorite characters.”

  “I think Princess suits you more than her,” Kade said, his voice dropping low, seductive, and she wasn’t sure if he were joking or not.

  “Och, I’m no Princess, I’m happier in jeans and boots than a dress and tiara.” She tried to joke away his comment, walking faster but was relieved when he spoke again, his voice returning to normal. Well, normal for him. It still sounded husky and sexy to her ears.

  “Leia is coming back. I think she’s tired herself out and just as well because we’re nearly home.”

  Kirsty looked around and up, noticing the sun had moved across the sky. They must have been walking for hours, Leia bursting through the trees and rushing toward them. Her tongue hung out the side of her mouth as she stopped in front of them, Kirsty dropped down to wrap her arms around her. It was the longest time they’d been apart since she’d been given her as a pup.

  “Hey, girl, did you have fun?”

  Leia yipped, her tail wagging furiously as Kade chuckled. “I think she did. This is a great place for her, she has so much land she can run around on, and I’ll instruct the Pack to keep watch over her. She’ll be safe so you don’t need to worry.”

  Kirsty couldn’t argue with him, she could see with her own eyes how happy Leia was. Her dog’s eyes were shining as she pounced around playfully, tail wagging nineteen to the dozen, excited yips emphasizing her mood. “Okay. I think she’ll be fine with that but I’ll be the one having a problem. We’ve never been apart since she was a puppy, and lately she’s been by my side twenty-four-seven.”

  “Don’t worry,” Kade said, helping her up. “I’ll keep you entertained.”

  The look on his face had her blushing, again, and she wondered at the obvious hidden meaning in his words. Had she let herself in for more than she could handle? Hell, Kade MacKenzie was probably more than any girl could handle and she’d agreed to stay with him.

  She must be mad.

  Kade found the walk back to camp difficult for so many reasons. He wanted to tell Kirsty that his parents had also been killed by rogues, but he thought that would scare her so he kept quiet. Then when he had called her Princess, he’d been deadly serious but saw her shock as if she hadn’t believed a word.

  The absolute worst part was his Wolf howling in his head, demanding he mark her and make Kirsty theirs. Aye, like that was happening anytime soon.

  She had gone through a horrendous ordeal because of rogues, losing her parents, being hunted down by them and having to shoot them at close range. Damn. Kade wondered just how long it would take to get close to her and if he would be able to control his beast in the meantime.

  A soft rumble from Lennox, and Kade eyed his Beta whose Wolf stared intently at him. His expression saying it all as they entered camp, and Fraser rushed to meet them with a group of concerned Wolves at his back.

  “Alpha, is it true? Rogues came onto our land?” Fraser asked, his face pinched with worry and his tone sharp and shrill.

  “There’s no cause for alarm,” Kade replied calmly. “They’ve been dealt with and we’ll be putting more guards in place to keep everyone safe.”

  For once, when he spoke, not all eyes were focused on him, everyone openly staring at Kirsty. She looked around, noticed, and he groaned inwardly. The next few moments could be crucial to her standing within the Pack, and she had no clue. He had been an idiot. He should have warned her, but how could he?

  He couldn’t very well blurt out, “By the way you’re my mate so when we get b
ack to camp you need to look strong and capable. Don’t look weak or they’ll never accept you.” Aye, that would have gone down about as well as a freaking lead balloon.

  He held his breath, noticing Lennox’s beast sidling up beside her, standing guard as Kirsty snuck a quick glance at him. Kade smiled as he introduced her. He waved the shotgun around dramatically. “This is Kirsty, she was being hunted by the rogues but I have to say she had things pretty much under control by the time we arrived. She’d already killed two of them and looked ready to take on the rest.”

  She raised an eyebrow at his version of events but didn’t call him out on it. Instead, she lifted her head, straightened her shoulders and cocked her head to the side as she stared at the crowd. Kirsty’s lips tugged up at the side as she shrugged. “I don’t know about that. I mean, what girl doesn’t want to be rescued by an Alpha and his big strong Wolves?”

  Kade watched as the women in the crowd nodded, some giggling like schoolgirls as the men’s chests puffed out. He was taken aback at her words, tone, and body language, each of them portraying a capable and strong woman with a wicked sense of humor. Hell, even he was grinning as she turned and winked up at him.

  “Kirsty will be staying with us and so will Leia.” Kade reached down and patted the Shepherd’s head as she sat patiently beside her owner. “This is important, please ensure Leia is able to roam free but you must make sure she’s safe at all times. Understood?”

  Everyone nodded; some of the younger kids itching to come forward but wary of the dog’s imposing size. “She’s friendly and won’t harm anyone, unless there’s a threat to Kirsty. In that situation, she’ll rip a throat out in a second.”

  Again, Kirsty looked at him, covering her surprise at his words expertly as he motioned some of the wee bairns forward. “Aye, it’s okay to come play with her. In fact, could you take her and see if you can find the rabbits I told Dara to bring back for her? She’s in need of a good feed and I’m sure you’ll be able to teach her how to tackle her first fully raw prey? Am I right?”

  Jimmy Middleton stepped forward, the almost eleven-year-old patting his chest. “I can teach her, Alpha.”

  “Thanks, laddie, I’m sure Leia and you will get on just fine.”

  Jimmy petted Leia for a moment before leaning down and hugging her tight. “Come on, lass, I’ve got some food fer ye.”

  And off they went, Leia yipping and prancing about while Jimmy led the gaggle of excited bairns as they rushed away. Kirsty watched nervously as her dog disappeared. Kade closed the distance between them. “She’ll be fine. I promise they’ll look after her and trust me, she’ll find you when she wants to. Your scent is unique, and she’ll always be able to hone in on your whereabouts, especially here.”

  “Thanks, I guess I’m just not used to not having her right here—” Kirsty’s hand hit her thigh before she frowned at him. “Why especially here?”

  “Because you’re the only full human in the camp, and trust me, Princess, your aroma is like nothing else on Mother Earth’s planet.”

  He watched as her eyes widened, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks before she tore her eyes away asking. “Full human?”

  “Yes, we have some . . . unique people here but we can discuss that later, over dinner.”

  His acute hearing caught the murmurs as they spread throughout the assembled crowd. Some people were catching on about just who Kirsty was but he didn’t want her hearing it from anyone but him, so he gently took her elbow before addressing the Pack. “Lennox and Dara will put in place some extra measures for now, but I’ll be leading a hunting party tomorrow to ensure our land is clear of rogues. I’ll also contact the Council and alert them to the atrocious acts they’ve committed, but I will not be waiting for any Enforcers. I’ll be hunting these rogues down myself and taking care of them personally. Liaise with the Betas and be ready to leave at dawn.”

  Kade nodded at Fraser before leading Kirsty away, heading toward his cabin. He had never been nervous in his life but right now, his insides churned like the river in full flow of a salmon run. What if she didn’t like his home? His people, his camp, his way of life? Bugger it, he felt as nervous as he’d been on the night of his very first transformation. Not even losing his virginity had been this nerve-wracking, his long strides slowing as members of the Pack interrupted them, welcoming Kirsty and giving him quick knowing glances.

  She was oblivious as they made their way through the camp, finally arriving at his home. Set back from the rest of the camp, nearest to the road leading into their glen, his pride and joys parked outside. His brand-new Jaguar F-Type and his cherished vintage Norton Commando bike, one he, Lennox and Dara had rebuilt together. Its chrome sparkled as the last of the sun caught the silver that stood out against the scarlet red of the tank.

  “Wow, you’ve got a Norton?” Kirsty whistled, stopping to give it the once over. “My granddad used to have one and he’d take me out when I was little. He’d make me loop my hands in his belt to hold on and I wasn’t allowed to tell Mum ‘cause she’d have a fit. I’d wear his helmet and it was far too big for me but it was the only one he had and he’d refuse to allow me to ride with him unless I wore it.”

  She shook her head, a faraway look on her face as her fingers trailed along the saddle. “My nan kept that damn thing for years after he died. She couldn’t bear to part with it, not until she got sick and had to move in with us. She had to get rid of many things then and the bike was one of them. I can still remember how I felt when he would take me out. It was magical.”

  “I’ll take you out for a ride once we’ve got the rogue problem dealt with.” Kade stepped up behind her, desperate to take her in his arms and pull her back against him.

  His longing for his mate grew stronger with each passing second, his desire for her was far more potent than he realized possible. He was thankful when Skye interrupted, her quiet voice breaking the moment.

  “Kade, I’m glad you’re home safely. Dinner is almost ready.”

  Kirsty spun around looking between Skye and him and back again before her face seemed to close down. Skye’s usual nervousness meant that she did not make eye contact as Kirsty cocked her head to the side staring at his helper. What was going on?

  “Skye, this is Kirsty, she’ll be staying with me, together with her dog who is away with the kids just now. I just don’t want you to get a fright when she appears. She’s a German Shepherd and quite large but you don’t need to be scared of her. Okay?”

  “A dog?” Skye’s eyes flitted to his, fearful.

  “She’s friendly, I promise.” Kade tried to reassure her. “Now, what were you saying about dinner?”

  “It just needs another five minutes and then I can dish up,” Skye answered, her voice quieter and shaky.

  “Honestly, Leia won’t harm you.” Kade reiterated as he walked up the stairs, patting her shoulder. “She’s no threat to anyone here and neither is Kirsty. Everything is fine, Skye.”

  “If you say so, Alpha,” Skye replied so softly he knew she was on the verge of one of her panic attacks.

  “I can dish up,” he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and ushering her away. “I’ll see you tomorrow sometime. I’ll be away by dawn but Kirsty will be here, I want you to look after her for me. Can you do that?”

  “And the dog?” Skye almost whimpered, the sound obviously affecting Kirsty as she came forward.

  “Leia won’t hurt you, she’s friendly and playful, but I can be there to introduce you two and if you’re still scared I can keep her in my room, or outside. I wouldn’t want you to be upset because of me, or Leia.”

  “I’ll be here before you leave, Alpha. You can’t go out without a proper breakfast,” Skye said quickly, shooting Kirsty a quick glance before rushing off.

  “Is she okay? I’ve not upset her, have I?” Kirsty looked after Skye as she sped away.

  “No, it’s all right, she gets spooked easily.” Kade ran a hand through his hair sighing. “Long st
ory short, she was prisoner of some rogues and they treated her as only rogues would. I rescued her and she’s been here ever since. She’s still nervous around most of the Pack too, so it’s not you. Any change upsets her.”

  “Oh, I see—” Kirsty shook her head. “So she’s not your . . . well, you know? I thought you and her were . . .”

  “What? No, nothing like that.” Kade rushed to quash that thought. “I don’t have anyone special in my life. Skye keeps house for me since I lost my parents, cooks, does the shopping and takes care of things that are time consuming. It’s not that I can’t do stuff, my mother made me do my own chores from a young age, it’s that I just don’t have the time. An Alpha’s life is busy, so she keeps things in order and frees up my time to take care of the Pack.”

  “So you can cook, clean, do your own laundry?” Kirsty asked, eyebrow raised.

  “I can when the need arises,” Kade confirmed.

  “Good to know,” she said, her eyes smiling. “I don’t like guys who just order women around and expect them to do all the household stuff. Well, especially if they expect me to do it.”

  “Shouldn’t a couple be a team? Work together and do what they are good at?” Kade queried as he waved her through the door.

  “I guess, but I’m not very domesticated.” Kirsty stopped, looking around the large lounge before continuing. “I preferred helping my dad on the farm rather than my mum in the house. I’m afraid I’m not a great cook, and it’s not unheard of me putting something red in amongst a light wash and turning everything pink.”

  Kade chuckled at the thought, especially the vision of Skye’s outrage if that ever happened. “Skye’s employed by the Pack to take care of those things here, so you don’t have to worry about that happening.”

  “I just hope she’s not too scared of Leia, she seems very . . . skittish.”

  Kade placed the shotgun on top of the dresser to the side of the door. “She is. She’s been here for a few years now, and I keep hoping she’ll improve, but she’s never fully told anyone what happened to her. I guess she has demons she still has to face.”