A bonus for those who shifted forms.
Dangerous for a man who would have to rely on a shotgun for safety.
The instant they drove past the gate to the hunting grounds her senses went on full alert. She straightened in the seat, staring ahead, taking in her surroundings. With her improved vision she could see the enormous structure they approached. Receding light surrounded the cabin-like structure. It was almost dark, the sun vanishing beneath the horizon.
She thought about the full moon on the way. Excitement and apprehension sent a rush of adrenaline through her system. She could feel the wolf inside her. Each passing hour brought more of the beast to the surface. The animal wanted to break free and run through the trees, breathing in the sweet scent of pine and leaves, feeling the cold earth beneath its feet.
They drew closer and she studied numerous vehicles parked around the cabin. She recognized one in particular—the SUV Simone and her father had driven to The Wolf’s Den. Exhilaration shifted to aggression. Her heart raced, her bestial half’s howl loud in her head. This time she recognized the possessiveness—the fury—that her wolf felt. She shared the sentiment.
Jackson was hers.
She’d fight for him. Bleed for him.
Die for him.
Warm breath caressed her ear and the very man she was determined to mark as her own whispered, “Soon, Chloe.” He released her leg and covered her hand with his, edging close so only she would hear. “We’ll be alone and your wolf can come out to play. Until then…”
A powerful surge of energy traveled up her arm and she was suddenly aware Jackson wasn’t the only one speaking to her—so was his wolf. His beast brushed against hers, compelling her feral half to heed his warning.
“You listen to me. Only me.”
The wolf within her settled, going astonishingly quiet. His power was shocking, delving into her soul and taking control. She’d never experienced anything like it. The link between them was undeniable. Maybe she should have been angry at his domination but his authority gave her peace, calming her in a way she desperately needed.
“Chloe?” her grandfather inquired, turning his head to look at her. When their gazes met she recognized the concern in his eyes. “Are you okay, Bean?”
“I’m fine.” She gave him what she hoped was a confident smile. Her guardian had enough to worry about. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t comprehend what was happening to her. He was completely human, without an animal inside him to contend with. “It’s just nerves.”
He returned his focus to the road with a loud snort. She studied his hands, noting the whiteness of his knuckles as he clenched the steering wheel. He didn’t buy her excuse. Not for a second. Memories of her childhood came rushing back. Gramps had never confronted her when she’d fibbed. He hadn’t had to. The moment she’d sensed his disapproval she’d always come clean.
She stared ahead, studying the people beside the cars and trucks. As much as she wanted to tell her grandfather the truth, she couldn’t. There was no room for her past in the present. The future waited. If she wanted to prove she was worthy of Jackson, she had to rely on herself.
Starting now.
Her wolf approved of her thinking, growling softly in her mind. She recognized the beast’s intentions. The animal had something to prove to the werewolves they were about to meet—to the pack she would soon lead—and to any female who had the nerve to challenge her for a place at her mate’s side.
They had no idea what the wolf was capable of. But they would.
Both of the men in the car wanted to protect her. What they didn’t know was her wolf had every intention of protecting them.
Chloe tilted her head and peered through her lashes at Jackson. Her gums were tingling again, her skin starting to itch. She expected to find him studying her. Instead he was staring straight ahead, eyes narrowed, glaring at the building. She followed his example and did the same. Seven men stood in front of an enormous group—including Simone’s father, Wade.
“Who are they?” she asked.
“Alphas from the area,” Jackson responded, skimming his thumb over her knuckles. “Wade apparently has diarrhea mouth. He must have told them what happened last night. They know we’re coming.”
She willed her hands to stop shaking, taking deep breaths to remain calm. Her eyes swept over a man who stood out in the group. Tall. Muscular. Short curly blond hair kissed by the last rays of the sun. Their eyes met through the windshield. Bright green irises—a color she was only too familiar with—matched hers.
Oh God.
It was him.
Time slowed to a trickle. They continued toward Gavin Worthington, his form becoming larger. No wonder Jackson had identified her biological father so quickly. Chloe might as well have been looking in a mirror. Despite being male Gavin had similar facial features, all the way down to his eyes, nose and mouth.
“Do you recognize him?” Jackson asked.
“That I do.” Gramps eased off the gas, buying them more time. She ripped her gaze from Gavin when her guardian reached for the gun wedged between the door and driver’s seat. “He knows about Chloe. Look at him. He’s waiting for her.”
“He knows,” Jackson confirmed, remaining completely calm. His fingers tightened around her hand. “I think he intends to greet her properly before the packs.”
“Good thing I brought Remington along.” Chloe could identify her grandfather’s rising anger through a scent that burned like pepper in her nose. He didn’t pull the gun out but rested his fingers on the stock. “I’ll wipe that smug smile off his face.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Jackson murmured. “Looks can be deceiving.”
Chloe didn’t want to look—afraid of what she might see—but she couldn’t stop herself. She froze as soon as she redirected her gaze to the man she’d resented as a child. Jackson was right. To those around him Gavin probably appeared confident and self-assured. To her, he seemed apprehensive.
Gavin’s green eyes darted to her grandfather and his lips thinned.
“That’s right. It’s me. You piss-poor excuse for a man,” Gramps whispered, his voice a low grumble. “Time to eat a slice of humble pie.”
“This isn’t about you, Fletcher. It’s about the future of your grandchild.” Jackson kept his tone level but Chloe knew he wasn’t fucking around. “You said you could keep a level head so do it. Don’t make this harder than it already is. You’ve only got one chance to face the packs and earn their respect. Stick to the plan.”
Her grandfather didn’t reply, stopping the truck several yards from Gavin. She flipped her hand around, clinging to Jackson’s fingers. Her heart was beating so hard she thought it would burst from her chest. When Gramps put the vehicle in park and shut off the motor she peered up at the rearview mirror. The members of Jackson’s pack drove around them, placing their cars between Gavin and the truck.
Jackson released her hand and opened his door. “Remember what I said. Stay calm. Don’t fuck around.” Glancing over his shoulder, he directed quietly, “Don’t leave my side, Chloe.”
She ticked off his earlier instructions.
Maintain eye contact. Don’t show fear. Don’t back down.
And—until their mating was officially recognized—do not speak.
Her legs felt watery when she slid from the seat and her feet landed on solid ground. Jackson was there to catch her, placing his large hands on her hips. She rested her palms on his chest, waiting until she felt steady and her nerves settled. After she was confident her balance was intact, she lowered her arms.