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Rhea rolled over, reaching out for Mason. The sheets were cool to the touch and she pried her eyes open, blinking against the offensive light seeping in through the curtains. The bed was empty. In fact, the room was empty.
Her heart sank and she clutched the thin sheet against her bare chest. She glanced at the nightstand, staring at the illuminated red numbers. They haunted her, telling her what she could already guess from the sunlight streaming into the room—Mason was either on the verge of striking or had already begun his infiltration.
She’d overslept. Damn it, he should’ve woken her up. Her gaze narrowed as she saw a folded up paper tucked under the alarm clock. Carefully, she slipped it out and opened the parchment with trembling fingers.
Her eyes skimmed over the neat ledger and she let out a heavy sigh.
Rhea,
I’m sorry. Please forgive me, but I couldn’t put you in danger. Your tender smile has warmed my heart and awakened emotions in me I didn’t know existed. My attraction to you has amplified the past few days. I can only imagine how the other wolves in the pack will feel if they catch your scent. I can’t stand the thought of anything happening to you. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be back by midday.
Yours,
Mason
She crumpled up the paper and tossed it on the floor as angry tears flooded her eyes. He’d left without her. Why did everyone go out of their way to protect her? She wasn’t incapable. It’s because he cares, she tried to soothe herself.
She was stronger than people gave her credit for. Maybe she wasn’t as strong physically as others, but she faced several daunting challenges and came out ahead. Fighting for her life wasn’t something new to her. While other kids played and went to school, she was sickly and in and out of clinics fighting childhood cancer. Though that did not halt her pack from bribing to get what they wanted—or needed. She wasn’t weak—she was a survivor. It was time people started respecting that.
The doorknob jiggled, drawing her from her thoughts. She held her breath as the door shook. Someone’s trying to break in. She scrambled out of the bed and tossed on her shorts and tank top. Her hands tingled as she changed them into paws. She’d need a weapon if the person on the other end meant her harm.
She crept across the carpet on her tippy toes and pressed her back against the cool wall. The door squeaked as it popped open and swung. The doorknob brushed over her navel and she held her breath as a shadowy figure stepped into the room.
“Rhea?” a familiar voice called.
She exhaled loudly. “Declan. What the hell?” She stepped out from behind the door and jumped into her brother’s arms.
“Me? What are you still doing in Cancun?” He pulled back and looked her over. “Who are you with?”
Rhea groaned. Fantastic. This was not how her brothers’ were supposed to find out about Mason.
“More importantly, who do we need to kill?” Bray said as he entered the room past Declan.
“We need to help him,” Rhea insisted clasping both her brothers’ hands in each of hers as she peered out at the rest of their pack. Maybe with all seven of them here they could help Mason and Amy. And anyone else if they wanted it.
“After I kill him,” Bray said seriously.
“Stop it,” Rhea whispered as heat flooded her cheeks. One whiff of the room and her brothers knew she’d had sex. How embarrassing!
“Who needs help?” Marcia asked pushing past Declan and offering her a small smile.
Rhea let go of her brothers’ hands and dragged a hand through her snarled locks. “His name is Mason,” she began quickly filling them in on the whole story.
“I don’t like him,” Declan commented.
“He seems like a good enough guy,” Marcia shrugged.
Rhea stomped her foot annoyed. They didn’t have time for her overprotective brothers. “We need to go now. If the other pack catches his scent...” she trailed off unable to finish the sentence. What if something happened to him?
“We’ll have the element of surprise,” Astrid spoke up.
“Astrid,” Kendrick warned as he quirked his brows.
“They don’t know we’re here,” Marcia pointed out. “We can take them by surprise.”
“We’re putting ourselves in danger for someone we don’t even know,” Bray pointed out.
“I know him. Please. He’s a good guy,” Rhea pleaded.
“No guy is good enough for you,” Declan said, placing a kiss on the tip of her head.
“Why are you here anyway? I thought you left Cancun?” she wondered. If they weren’t here, she could go after Mason.
“We saw the news,” Catalina said softly as she wedged herself between Bray and Rhea.
The news? What was on the news?
“I’m guessing you’ve been too busy to watch,” Bray said motioning to the bed and the crumpled sheets. “There is some kidnapping ring going on. You and boy wonder were seen at the hotel and are wanted for questioning,” Bray continued.
“Yeah, the guys tried to kidnap me and Mason came to my rescue,” she reiterated. Jeez, hadn’t they listened to her earlier?
“We’re wasting time,” Marcia commented quietly. “This guy is obviously important to Rhea and it sounds like he is trying to do something honorable. I think we should stop talking and go help.”
Finally, someone’s on my side. She gave Marcia a silent thank you. Her brother’s mate had escaped a pack herself. It didn’t surprise Rhea that Astrid and Marcia were on her side. They knew what pack life was like.
“Fine. Let’s go find this guy. I’m still going to kill him,” Bray muttered shaking his head.
Catalina swatted Bray and huffed. “Stop,” she hissed.
“Let’s go,” Rhea said already heading out the door. They had to get to Mason.
***
Mason army crawled across the ground, coming to a stop behind a large tree trunk. He stared through his binoculars. If there were a silver lining to turning into a werewolf, it would be the cool eye trick thing Rhea did. He’d bet she could see everything with her shifted eyes. Me—a werewolf. It would take awhile to wrap his head around that. But if being in the Navy had taught him anything it was you had to roll with the punches. This, though, was a sucker punch straight to the gut. Enough about his woes; he had a mission to complete.
The op wasn’t going as he wanted it to. Finding the camp had been easy, but staying away from the wolves that trotted around the perimeter was proving to be difficult. The wolves traveled in threes. While he could shoot them, he risked one of them getting away and warning the others.
From what he’d seen, the animals were quick. He was a good, fast shot, but was he fast enough? His eyes drifted to the clearing in the trees above. The sun was quickly rising and he’d promised Rhea he’d be back by noon. Would she come after him if he didn’t return? Would she be pissed when she awoke and saw him already gone? Hopefully, she’d find it in her heart to forgive him. He was only looking out for her best interests. Once he got Amy and got back to her, he’d feel a lot better.
He couldn’t rush the op, but he did need to do something. The longer he sat, the more likely he would be spotted, or smelled.
A twig snapped to his left and he turned, drawing his sidearm and pointing it in the direction of the sound. Two wolves slunk toward him with their teeth bared. Leaves rustled behind him and a third wolf crept through the brush making a beeline directly for him.
Great, they’d gotten the upper hand on him. He slipped the safety off his gun and spun, taking out the one behind him to clear his six first. The wolf slumped to the ground. He twisted, aiming for the other two. One wolf lunged at him, its feet outstretched and piercing claws ready to do damage. He fired without hesitation. The wolf landed on him and drove him into the ground.
He pulled the trigger again, emptying his magazine into the animal. No way was he going to let these bastards take him out. Amy and Rhea were counting on him. Sticky warmth oozed onto his fingers as the wolf collapsed onto him. He shifted, trying to get his other clip from his back pocket before the last wolf attacked. There was no doubt more enemies would be on the way. His gun wasn’t exactly quiet.
He shoved the wolf off of him and shot to his feet. The trees whispered in the wind, but the third beast was nowhere in sight. It was either hunting him or had gone to warn the camp. Whichever the case, he needed to haul ass.
He sprinted toward the compound. He’d only have this one chance to rescue Amy and he wasn’t going to blow it.
The trees whipped by as he darted through them. His lungs and thighs burned from exertion, but he pressed on. Amy was right around the corner. He wouldn’t fail her now.
Howls erupted around him. He gripped his gun tightly with his right hand as his left went to his vest and wiggled a grenade free from its holster. To succeed, he was going to need every weapon he had.
The brush parted to his right as a pack of growling wolves busted through the foliage. Mason pulled the pin on the grenade and tossed the explosive. The weapon landed and rolled within inches of his enemy.
He ducked to the ground as the explosion rocked the trees; debris fluttered down around him. He twisted, determined not to let anyone get the upper hand on him again. Several wolves lay unmoving on the ground. A few others hobbled away injured. Good, my plan worked.
Jumping to his feet, he plucked another grenade from his armory and darted toward the compound again. I’m coming Amy.
Movement to his left and center caused him to pause. How many wolves are there? He could run out of grenades quickly. Rhea had warned the pack might be large, but she had no idea the actual size of the pack. It didn’t matter; he was rescuing his sister. Nothing was going to stop him.
He tugged the pin free and got ready to toss the grenade to his left when three men emerged from the brush.
“Hold your fire, soldier boy,” one of them hollered. “We’re with Rhea. I’m Bray and this is Declan and Kendrick,” he quickly introduced briefly pointing as he said their names.
Rhea? Is she here?
He squinted, taking in the three newcomers. Two of them bore a striking resemblance to the beauty that had captured his intrigue.
“To your right,” Kendrick warned.
Mason chucked his grenade in the direction of the whipping branches. It detonated seconds later, kicking up a spray of dirt and crimson. He’d hit something.
“Where’s Rhea?” he asked as the three men flanked him.
“She went into the camp to get your sister. Our job is to keep the enforcers and other males occupied until they give the signal that they’re out. Think you can handle that, soldier boy?” Bray grunted.
He was not a soldier, though now was not the time to discuss the difference between the Navy and the Army. Right now, they needed to help Rhea and Amy. Wait! “You sent Rhea in by herself?” he questioned. Crap. What if something happened to her? His heart pounded against his ribs.
“No,” Declan said quietly. “She’s with Marcia, Astrid, and Catalina.”
Thank goodness she has backup.
“You know if you’re going to be one of us,” Bray started as a malicious smile tore across his face. “You’re going to have to figure out how to fight without your fancy toys. We don’t do guns or bombs.”
“Yeah. Well, when I can change into a wolf I’ll keep that in mind. Until then, I’ll keep my toys,” he retorted as he took aim. More wolves were coming.
“Please don’t shoot us,” Kendrick mumbled as he tossed his shirt on the ground and quickly stepped out of his pants.
Mason watched curiously as the three guys dropped to the ground, transitioning within seconds before his very eyes. Their bones popped and jutted out as hair erupted over their skin. He made a mental note of what each wolf looked like. Rhea would never forgive him if he shot her family by accident.
***
“This has to be it,” Rhea whispered as they crept through the abandoned camp. Not a soul was in sight. The gunfire and explosions had drawn out the entire pack, except for the females. Packs never viewed them as fighters.
Marcia nodded at her as Rhea twisted the door handle and opened the door. It squealed loudly as the metal scraped against the concrete. She grimaced at the offensive noise.
“Let’s go.” Astrid led the way, her hands balled at her sides as she crept into the room.
Women and children peered up at them as they entered. Rhea gulped as she stared at them. There were several dozen, all appearing worn and terrified. Their fear radiated from their faces in waves.
“Amy? Amy Green?” she asked nervously.
No one budged. What if she wasn’t here? What if...? She shook her head, not ready to give up so soon. Amy might be scared; after all, she was kidnapped and endured unknown acts while in her enemies’ hands.
“Amy? I’m with Mason. We’re here to help,” she offered, hoping the mention of her brother’s name would bring the girl to speak.
The room was silent for a long moment as a few eyes darted to the corner. A young girl sat on a cot. She peered up at Rhea with big blue eyes. The girl’s blonde hair was caked with dried dirt; her clothes were torn and bloodied.
“Amy?” Rhea asked slowly walking to the girl.
The young woman gulped and nodded as she slowly stood. “Mason’s here? Really?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rhea reached out and took the shaking girl’s arm and pulled her close. “We’re getting you out of here.” She glanced around the room and her heart froze. All of these women looked broken, bloodied, and beaten. They couldn’t walk out with just one and leave the rest to this fate. She shared a knowing look with Marcia, Astrid, and Catalina. It would make things hard, but they all knew it was the right thing to do. “We’re taking anyone else that wants to come. But you have to come with us right now.”
No one moved and Rhea held her breath. Even if they didn’t speak English, she was certain they understood the gist of what she was saying. What if they are too scared to come?
“Celia,” Amy croaked, reaching a wobbling hand out to the young girl who had been sitting next to her.
Astrid brushed past them and knelt beside Celia. “Come with us. You’ll be safe. Free.”
Slowly, the girl stood up. Astrid wrapped an arm around her and started for the door.
Rhea held her breath as she looked around the room. Surely someone else would come, right? Or are they too terrified? Deserters were hunted down. As women, they’d be raped and tortured, but never killed. It was dangerous. It was a risk. But it was worth it.
“We’ve got movement coming this way,” Catalina advised as she peered out the door. “We need to go.”
“I know you’re scared. The repercussions for leaving are horrendous, but if we make it, you’ll be thankful you left,” Rhea started. “We came from a pack, too. Life is better out in the human world. We can show you, but you have to come right now,” she pleaded as she searched the room. They had to save more. Please. Somebody stand up.
Rhea held her breath. They were asking a lot, but offering so much more. If only they could help them to see that. Desperation filled her. They had to run, but they were leaving behind so many innocents.
“Three wolves are heading in this direction,” Catalina announced, wedging the door, so it was only partially open.
“We have to go. Come with us,” Marcia said as she glanced around the room.
Rhea led Amy to the door. The young woman hobbled, leaning against Rhea for support. Is she injured? Could she run?
Astrid passed Celia to Catalina and turned to Marcia. “Marcia and I will shift and provide cover. You two help them out.”
“Wait.” Another woman stood up followed by two others. “We’ll come too.”
Rhea smiled. Five out of a few dozen wasn’t good by any means, but they could only help those who wanted to help themselves.
“Ready?” Astrid asked as she slipped out of her clothes and handed them to Catalina to put in her sack.
“Let’s go,” Marcia said as she crouched on the ground, preparing to shift.
Astrid and Marcia pushed out the door first in their wolf form. The enemy wolves quickly bore down on them. Marcia and Astrid reeled up on their heels taking the beasts head on.
Two other men exited the woods and charged toward them. Rhea released Amy and balled her fists at her side. Werewolf men thought women were weak. She’d show them.
The man chuckled and came to a halt a few feet before Rhea and Catalina. The girls they were attempting to rescue huddled behind them.
“Fresh meat,” the man replied. “You smell wonderful,” he commented, leveling his gaze on Rhea.
Rhea shuddered. She was in heat. God only knew what they’d do to her if they captured her. No, that’s not an option. She wasn’t going down without putting up one hell of a fight.
Her nails dug into her palms as she let rage fill her. How dare these monsters abduct women and force them into this lifestyle? It was bad enough they treated their own pack members so cruelly, but to drag innocent people in was horrible.
She narrowed her eyes, focusing on her target. The man sauntered toward her clearly not seeing her as a threat. I’ll show him.
Rhea let him get a little closer before she released her right fist. It sailed into his jaw, catching him completely off guard. Pain ricocheted through her arm, but she ignored it as she threw another punch. I’ll show you to underestimate me.
The man sputtered and reeled back from her strike. I’m not through with you yet! She struck out with her foot, connecting the top of it with his groin. The man doubled over in pain, gasping as he fell to his knees. She craned her leg back and delivered a roundhouse to his temple. The guy slumped to the ground and she backed up, turning to her charges.
Catalina, Astrid, and Marcia circled in and, together, they raced into the woods toward freedom.
***
Mason paced anxiously. They’d successfully led the wolves away from the camp and had taken other wolves out as well. Then they’d gone to the rendezvous point after getting the text they were on their way with a few women in tow—including Amy.
Now they had to wait. And it was killing him. It had been ten minutes. Ten long, excruciating minutes and they still weren’t there. What if they were captured? What if he lost Amy and Rhea?
He peered over at Bray and Declan. They seemed on edge too. Both impatiently tapped their feet as they stared vacantly at the woods. The only one who seemed collected was Kendrick.
“There,” Kendrick said shoving off the large van they would use to escape and pointing at the woods.
Mason squinted trying to make out where the man was pointing. He didn’t see anything—yet. Judging by the way the three men were talking and laughing it was them. I can’t wait to have werewolf vision.
The thought baffled him. His whole life would be turned upside down. But Amy was a werewolf, too. His sister could never go back home and he wasn’t about to leave her again. Then there was Rhea... he didn’t want to end things when they were just getting started. They had something and he wanted to find out what it was.
He could retire from the Navy. There would be paperwork and he’d have to wait for everything to go through, but it was feasible. He’d committed too much time to the Navy to abandon his post. If they were still going to Hawaii, then it wouldn’t be an issue at all. His leave of absence had gone through without a hitch. Hopefully, his retirement would too.
“Mason?” Amy’s wobbly voice drew him from his thoughts.
“Amy!” he said relieved as he raced toward his sister. Dirt caked her hair and clothes. She moved with a heavy limp, but she was here and she was alive. He embraced her tightly and cradled her head to his shoulder. Sobs racked her body as she fisted her hands on his shirt. “It’s okay. You’re safe now.” No one was going to hurt her again—he’d make sure of it. There was only one other woman he’d protect with his life.
He searched for Rhea while clutching his sister close. His eyes found her cool blue gaze. She frowned at him and crossed her arms over her chest. Clearly, she was pissed. I’ll make it up to her. I’m just glad everyone is safe.
“I hate to break up the reunion, but we’ve got a private jet waiting for us at the airport. We need to go before anyone catches up to us,” Kendrick said.
***
Mason adjusted the blanket on Amy and smoothed some matted hair out of her face. She slept soundly for the moment and he wanted to talk to Rhea. She purposely avoided him by sitting away from him in the van and on the plane.
He decided he was going to confront her and explain his actions; he stood up from his seat and sighed when two figures shot up from the row behind him. He stared at Bray and Declan. A fight would not get him in Rhea’s good graces. He needed to play his cards right.
He opened his mouth to speak, but Declan spoke first. “I would expect you show our sister the same respect you show yours.”
“Of course.” If she’d even talk to him.
“She’s a hothead, but she doesn’t hold a grudge for long,” Bray told him. “She’s pissed you left her behind, but we’re thankful you were watching out for her. Thanks for taking care of her,” Bray said offering his hand.
Mason reached out shaking Bray’s hand, then Declan’s. He wasn’t sure what brought about the sudden change of attitude, but he’d take it. “I won’t let anything happen to her,” he promised.
The two brothers parted, allowing him down the aisle. Rhea was sitting with Catalina while Marcia and Astrid were settling the other women.
“I’m going to go check on Bray,” Catalina said excusing herself.
She offered him a small smile as she brushed by him.
Mason turned to Rhea. “Can I have a seat?"
“I guess,” she huffed.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized.
“I can take care of myself,” Rhea told him quietly. “My whole life everyone’s always treated me like a weakling. You did what Bray and Declan would’ve done. I’m a big girl now. I want to be able to pick and choose my battles.”
Mason nodded. “I should have told you,” he admitted. “But then you would’ve wanted to come with me. And you don’t have training. I didn’t want to put you in danger.”
“Mason,” Rhea started dragging her hand through her hair. “It won’t happen again. I want you to train me. Train me to be like you.”
“I thought you didn’t like guns,” he grinned.
“I don’t,” she beamed. “Once you change, I doubt you’ll be so fond of them yourself. I meant teach me how to fight.”
“Then you’ll forgive me?” he asked.
Rhea made a face like she was contemplating her answer. “I’ll consider it.”
“Well, then, I’m happy to oblige.” He said wrapping an arm around her.
She nestled into his chest and he squeezed her tighter. “I’m glad you’re okay. But going out there alone was stupid—don’t do it again.”
Mason glanced around the plane. Maybe he was trading in his Navy life, but something told him he wouldn’t be going it alone ever again.