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“If you avoid conflict to keep the peace you start a war inside yourself.”
-Buddha-
Dominic
I’m pacing back and forth in the bit of forest, unable to sit still.
What’s gotten up your ass? Tristan’s rumble is easy enough to recognize, even before he shows up. He’s followed by Finn, whose eyes are fixed on me.
Nothing.
Yeah, right. My Irish buddy throws his thoughts on the matter, making a show of getting closer and sniffing me. You stink of anger—and Luz. What the hell happened?
I said nothing! My wolf growls, even as I step backwards. I don't want to hurt my pack, but this is beyond their comprehension. Tristan’s wary eyes follow my every moment, probably out of fear I’ll turn like the vrykolakas.
But it’s not thirst for blood that has me close to manic. It’s the need for revenge. The more I try to rein my nature in, the more I want to let loose—and find Tommy.
Who’s Tommy?
Lucas pushes in, his massive wolf body corded, tense. He tilts his head to the side, showing me his teeth in a low snarl. I asked you a question.
Finn nudges me from the side, and his unspoken plea is clear as day. Don’t start something. Answer the leader. Yet I have an issue listening to him. Instead, I push forward and get as close to Lucas as I dare.
He’s Luz’s ex. Did you know about him? About what he did?
The snarl builds up, but Lucas doesn’t make a move. That is more sign of the truth than anything else, and I reel back in shock. You knew!
Certo che sì! I smelled the fear on her the first day you brought her in our midst. I don’t know the specifics, but I know he hurt her. That’s why I agreed for her to stay... He shakes his head, then closes his jaw. She’s safe with us, Dom. Why are you intent to ruin it?
Would either of you care to share? Finn’s irritated voice crosses all our minds.
I stare at Lucas, and he glares at me. We stay like that for long moments, and I know he’s waiting for me to back down. And normally, I would... On any other day, I would break eye contact and step away, pushed by his alpha attitude and the rules of our pack.
Today, I cross every line and step closer, ignoring Finn’s whine. He hurt her and was never caught. He would have continued hurting her... That’s why she ran away. Only my promise to Luz, my loyalty to her, has me holding back on the full truth.
Through the connection linking us all, I sense my pack’s shock, then quick burst of anger—none of us can stand for a woman being hurt.
But Lucas being Lucas, he tampers his emotions down quickly. We cannot exact vengeance for something that happened before Lucrezia was with us.
My wolf demands it.
Lucas stares me down, and I know he catches my meaning. You’re not mated, so that request is useless. Stand down, Dom. I order you—as your alpha. Do not touch the human.
Then he turns away, dismissing the whole thing. We have bigger problems. I ran across another dead animal on my way here. After what I saw... I really don’t believe it’s a human doing the work.
This peaks Tristan's interest. Then what?
Un demone.
I don’t miss Lucas’ side-glance to me when he says demon, and bare my teeth in response. He ignores the disrespectful gesture, instead saying, Finn, have you and Dom found Tiny yet?
No, I’ve been...distracted. Sorry, boss. I’m surprised he’s taking the fall for this, and grateful considering how pissed off Lucas is with me already.
Go now, then. We need answers.
Finn nods, then walks over to me, prodding me with his muzzle to move back. Let’s go before you dig yourself into a deeper hole.
∞ ♦ ∞
We’re on the outskirts of town, having picked up Tiny’s scent near a motel. Finn sticks to the shadows like last time, but luckily there’s no full moon tonight. After another mile of tracking, the scent stops.
What the hell?
Finn steps out of the darkness, turning in a circle. Where did he go?
Before I can answer, a ball of fur shoots out of a bush, aiming straight for Finn’s neck. He ducks the direct hit, but they roll on the ground a few times. I wait until they stop, then lunge across the distance and slam into the attacker’s body.
Dom, wait! Finn’s plea stops me mid-hit, as I’d been about to smack the wolf over the head. Instead, I recognize the bleeding muzzle and torn ear, and back away. Tiny?
The small wolf groans, getting up to his four paws, and glances between us. What’s it to you?
Why did you attack us?
You were following me. I have to protect the pack. Can’t have intruders nearby. Tiny scratches the back of his good ear, his tongue lolling out of his mouth. It would have been comical, but I realize his mouth is like that because Jared seriously beat him up, enough to screw up his jaw.
And is that a sign of their protecting you? He notices my gaze is set on his bleeding flank, and looks away.
A misunderstanding.
I’m about to shake some sense into him, but Finn throws me a warning glare and steps closer, bowing his head in submission, appearing as harmless as possible. Tiny, we want nothing to do with your pack and we definitely don’t want to harm you.
His eyes dart between us, then he stills. So...what, then?
We need information. The other night, when Jared was beating you up... Was it because you knew something? Maybe about a creature running loose around here, killing animals?
Tiny gulps audibly at that, and starts crawling backwards. I know nothing about that!
He turns tail to run, but I jump over and land behind him, blocking his path. Tiny, we don’t want to hurt you. But we need this information.
His head moves from side to side, the pitiful torn ear flopping in the breeze. I can’t say nothing! Please!
My gaze shifts over his head to Finn, completely disarmed at this poor thing’s dilemma. You’re calmer, want to take over? I’m obviously scaring him shitless.
Finn nods and steps closer. Tiny, how about a trade?
He whirls back to Finn, but continues glancing over his shoulder at me, plainly not trusting me at his back. What kind of trade?
Answer a few of our questions, and I’ll personally escort you out of town. You can leave the Reapers, find a better pack.
Run...away? There’s so much hope in his tone that it leaves me wondering how old Tiny really is.
Yeah, mate. Not all packs are filled with wankers like yours. Sure, they’ll be cross you took off, but you’re not important enough on the food chain for them to chase after you.
Tiny gulps again, and his voice is even quieter this time. You promise you’ll help me get out?
I will personally, I give you my word. In that moment, I realize why Finn had such high statistics of getting confessions. There’s nothing his gentle tone wouldn’t get him, short of the truth.
Another glance over his shoulder, then Tiny nods. O-okay. What do you want to know?
Whatever you know about the creatures.
Tiny shifts, then scratches the back of his ear again. Jared’s scared. He’s been losing pack members to it.
Finn’s gaze moves to mine, then back to Tiny. What do you mean?
We’ve found three of our guys dead, killed like the corpses of the other animals. At first, Jared thought it was you guys, trying to clean up shop. But once he started losing his tougher, most loyal guys, he’s come to realize there’s too few of you to pull it off. He thinks it’s a rival pack.
No way in hell.
Tiny jumps at my assertion, eyes darting around everywhere in panic. I swear it’s the truth!
Easy, lad. You did all right. Finn throws me a look meant to shut me up. What else?
W-what d-do you mean?
That’s not all. The deal was you tell us everything. Though he sounds calm, Finn’s voice firms up enough to flatten Tiny’s remaining ear on the back of his head.
I did! I promise I did!
Finn shakes his head, and I make sure I’m placed in a good position in case Tiny gets it in his head to run. No. You told us everything except why Jared was trying to beat you up. What do you know?
Tiny’s head moves everywhere, then a pitiful whimper escapes him. Don’t make me say this, man. Please.
We can get you out of here, I vow it. But you need to tell us everything.
The little wolf paces to the side, then back, and finally bows his head. I saw them. The... The creature and a...a wolf. Talking about...sharing. And the wolf, it was one of ours.
A Reaper?
I...I can’t tell for sure, I swear that’s the truth. But I told Jared after he beat me up... Said Aiden told him I was hiding something and... He sniffles, and I shake my head. This wolf’s a cub, not a damn soldier. Jared still wonders if you’re involved, but mainly he’s trying to keep us from being killed.
Finn nods then, and steps closer to Tiny. All right, mate. You did good. Let’s get you out of here while we can, shall we?
With a last nervous glance to me, Tiny follows Finn into the bushes and on the path out of town. I hear the echo of his thoughts before he disappears. I’ll have him somewhere safe, then I’ll meet up with Lucas and debrief him. Stay on your guard.
You too.
With one last scan of the area, I head back to the shop. After what I just heard, there’s no way I want Luz alone.
Lucrezia
I jerk away from Tommy’s hold, not in the mood to deal with his crap. Not even five minutes ago, I headed out to grab a late lunch—more like dinner, since the sun is close to setting—and this prick was waiting for me at the corner of the street. Before I could even see him, he grabbed my hand and dragged me to a more secluded spot.
“You’re an idiot, you know that?” Something about telling Dom seems to have released all the anger I feel at his attack, and rather than fear Tommy’s presence it makes me want to bash his head in.
“You better watch what you’re saying, princess.” His eyes glitter and I’m pretty sure a muscle’s ticking in his jaw. “There’s no one around to save you now.”
“Fuck you.” Rather than step backwards, I move closer and shove him away. “I am done being afraid of you, dumbass.”
“Well, well, the human speaks with intelligence. What a surprise.”
I whirl around, and my eyes fall on Jared—and he’s not alone. Two other guys just as bulky and scary-looking flank him on each side.
“Jared, remember?” He grins, as if I needed the reminder.
I offer a weak smile. His cold glare settles on Tommy behind me. “Well what do you know? Two mutts in the same day.”
I frown at his words. Who the hell is he calling a mutt?
The two guys flanking him chuckle, but their inexpressive stares only make me shiver. I realize my precarious position all too soon – I’m stuck between my ex who almost raped me and a trio of thugs, with no backup and away from the public eye.
I should have eaten lunch at the office.
Despite the dangerous—understatement of the year!—situation I find myself in, and the fact I know none of the guys are at the office, I raise my chin. “What do you want?”
Tommy, idiot that he is, chooses that moment to side-step me and get in Jared’s face. “I was here first, buddy. Get in line.”
Jared looks at him like he’s an insect he’s ready to squash, not that Tommy clues in. He shoves the leader, and I hold back a gasp.
His acolytes move as if to hit Tommy, but Jared waves them off. He stalks towards Tommy, his jaw set and eyes glaring. Rather than back away, Tommy widens his stance. Next thing I know, Jared’s fist slams into his face so hard I hear a crack.
Tommy falls backwards, landing in a pile of garbage. His nose is bleeding, and a part of me can’t help feeling a little satisfaction.
“You inconsequential little shit.” Jared towers over him, apparently very ready to continue. “You dare put your hands on me? Do you even know who runs this town?”
Tommy’s answer is an unintelligent garble if words, not that it stops Jared. He lifts his heavy booted leg and slams it down Tommy’s stomach with force.
My ex bends in two, his entire face contorting in pain. Jared smirks, then follows it up with a kick. No matter how Tommy tries to move, Jared’s foot is there, unforgiving.
“Stop it!” The scream escapes me and I move between them, pushing Jared away.
He didn’t expect my movement, as I actually manage to unbalance him. Then the same superior gaze lands on me. “Take a turn, little girl. This won't take long, then you can have all my attention.”
I gulp past my terror, widening my stance like I learned in my self-defense classes. It’s not obvious, only a shifting of the hips, but it’s enough to ground me in case he tries to take a swing at me.
“What is your problem?”
Jared laughs, and again the noise makes me shiver. “This guy was bothering you. I figured a little quid pro quo, I scratch your back you scratch mine.” Another laugh, this one darker. “Of course, we can start the scratching now.”
He moves towards me, and I prepare myself for impact.
“We have it handled.”
Lucas’ voice is the salvation I hadn’t dared hope for. I sneak a glance past my shoulder, where he conveniently appeared with Tristan. “Leave us, Jared.”
Something akin to a growl leaves the other man, and I take a step backwards towards Lucas. Jared’s flash of teeth tells me he saw it, and a shiver runs down my spine. “We’ll finish this another time.”
I feel Lucas’ presence behind me, hard and unyielding. “No, you won’t. She’s with us, Jared. Off limits. Surely your thick head gets that.”
Jared snarls at him, baring his teeth. Something about it makes me want to run for cover, but without a glance my way or Tommy’s he pushes past Lucas and Tristan, and disappears around the corner with his two guys.
Once he’s gone, I focus on Lucas, whose glare is set on Tommy. “Need any help, cara?”
It’s the first I hear him use the endearment, but it’s too little, too late. “I have it handled.” I face my ex one last time, gaze narrowed on his pitifully beat-up form. “Get lost, Tommy, while you still can.”
I turn to leave, but a scuffle behind me has me whirl around. Tristan is holding Tommy by the bicep, his knuckles white from the force he’s applying. Lucas stepped between me and my ex, and judging by his posture, Tommy had been about to lunge for me.
“Leave before I change my mind.”
I’ve heard Lucas angry before, but nothing this close to losing control. My entire being wants to be as far removed from him as possible. Whatever Tommy sees on his face, he gets the same idea because he pales and takes off like a terrorized rabbit.
My gaze shifts to Lucas, and he turns to face me. Tristan’s been quiet the entire time, and something tells me he’s only here as the backup.
As if noticing my attention, Lucas’ eyes dart to Tristan. “Meet us back at the shop. There’s something I need to talk to Lucrezia about.”
I can tell myself my pulse is racing because of the aftereffects of adrenaline after what I survived. But with Lucas’ full focus on me, it’s hard to dispute the fact I am still drawn to him.
What about Dom? I quiet the treacherous voice at the back of my head, and instead cross my arms over my chest, grabbing onto my elbows. “Thank you... for your help with this.”
Lucas stares at me for a beat, clenching his jaw. Then he inhales and runs a hand over his face, all the tension escaping him. “There’s no need for that, Lucrezia. You have our protection, no matter what.”
He glances at the garbage bags Tommy had fallen on. “Who found you first?”
“I’m sorry?”
“Did Tommy, or Jared?”
I bite my lip, and despite being near Lucas now, all I want is Dom’s arms around me. Shivers are running over me, and I don’t know if it’s a delayed effect of shock or what, but my mouth is pasty as hell.
When I don’t answer, Lucas' expression softens and he seems to realize my mental state. He steps closer, opening his arms as if to hug me, but I balk.
My body might be drawn to him, but there’s nothing familiar about those arms. Rather than comforting, I see them as restraining and step away, shaking my head without really thinking about what I’m doing. “I... I’m good, thanks. It was Tommy. I went out for lunch and he grabbed me at an intersection, dragged me here. Jared and his guys showed up when we were fighting.”
The surprise—at my rejection, I suppose—leaves his expression, replaced by fury. There's a flash of something too quick to interpret, but I can feel his agitation when he speaks next. “Did he hurt you?”
I don’t know how much, if anything, Dom told him, but I strive for evasive honesty. “No. Jared inflicted more damage on him.”
Lucas sighs, rubbing the back of his neck now. “That’s what I was afraid of. You need to stay away from him, Lucrezia—”
A spark of anger runs through me, and I speak without thinking. “It’s not like I actively seek them out, Lucas! Trust me, the last thing I want is to be around Jared and his crew. Not that he seems to care.”
Whatever he’s about to tell me gets swallowed up as his attention shifts. Another flash of annoyance crosses his expression, and it’s enough to get me curious.
I turn in the direction of his glare to see Dom entering the alleyway, his expression filled with something I can’t quite decipher. He comes to a stop, glancing between the two of us, noticing my defensive stance and Lucas’ surprise. In two strides he's by my side, and his arms wrap around me without a word.
A sense of comfort and peace surrounds me and I burrow myself in his embrace, forgetting all about Lucas and Tommy and Jared and anything else that could go wrong. Dom places his chin atop my head, squeezing tighter. “I got you.” Those words are enough to quiet my shivers, at least for the time being.
“Tristan told me what happened.” He’s not asking me to retell the story, but answering some unspoken question from Lucas.
The silence is enough to make me pull out of his hug, at least enough to peek at Lucas. He’s watching us with an unfathomable expression, then he focuses on Dom.
“Jared has a thing against you two being together. Be careful, Dom. It’d be better not to poke that particular wolf.”
Dom says nothing, and with one last glance at me Lucas takes off. It’s only then I look up at my fake boyfriend’s face. “What are we doing, Dom?”
His expression tells me nothing, instead searching mine with an intensity that brings back my shivers. He runs his hand up and down my back, then kisses the tip of my nose. “We’re doing what feels right, Luz. I’ll be anything you need me to be—friend, boyfriend, fake boyfriend. Take your pick.”
My heart squeezes at his honesty, but my mind can’t respond in a neutral way. So I bury my face in his chest, asking the only thing that makes sense. “Take me home?”
Dom kisses the top of my forehead, squeezing me. “Sure thing, draga mea.”