Page 60 of Breathe Again

“I had an obstructed view of them from the rock I was on. There were at least six,” I added. Cole looked at me and smiled proudly. I beamed back at his silent praise.

“They’re moving in for the prisoners, then mentioned something about Collier Pack being theirs for the taking. I think you were right, Silas. They’re going after Thomas.”

I gasped.

“If they’re after the Pack, they’re after you, too. You know what has to be done. This is Thomas’s day. We can’t hide him, but we can fully secure you,” the man said.

My stomach flipped at the implication. What was this man talking about? I turned questioning eyes toward Cole. He put an arm around me and pulled me close to him. I didn’t want to be comforted. I wanted to know what the hell was going on.

“I know what’s expected and what I have to do,” Cole told him through gritted teeth.

I didn’t like the tone of his voice or the frustration rolling off him in waves. I noticed James take a half step back and realized I wasn’t the only one feeling it.

“My men will clear out the den you stumbled across. By the way, how did you find them? I’ve had patrols walking the borders since sunset with absolutely no signs of intruders,” Silas questioned.

“Elizabeth and I were out for a run and stumbled across them,” he confessed.

“It’s on the edge of our border and rarely does anyone go there, which is why I like to run through those woods. It’s possible they could have set up days ago even, but also remember that Larkens were Colliers first. Their scent is only subtly different from our Pack scent, so if you don’t have trackers familiar with both packs, they probably wouldn’t even notice the difference,” I told him.

“Dammit, why didn’t someone mention that little fact sooner?” Silas cursed. “I’m sending my best tracker over there. He’ll identify the differences and run the full perimeter for any other breeches.” He was still grumbling something about those assholes getting through on his watch and heads about to roll, when the line disconnected.

I turned to my mate. “What did you mean you know what you have to do? We all know whatever it is you aren’t happy about it.”

Cole sighed and looked over at Wyatt and James suspiciously.

“I’ll vouch for them personally, now tell me,” I said.

Cole shook his head and spoke through our bond.Sorry, sweetheart, no one can know about this, it’s top secret. We’re required to stand by for the Alpha induction as part of the family, but the second it’s over, you and I are taking Kyle’s boys and disappearing to a safe house that’s been arranged. I was coming home to tell you when we decided to go for a run.

“Why?” I demanded, trying not to freak out.

Wyatt and James shared a look. “Uh, Lizzy? You okay?”

“I’m fine,” I told them before turning back to Cole, arms crossed over my chest. “Now explain.”

He sighed.The lineage for Collier has to be protected. As second, that’s me. Thomas can’t exactly go into hiding in the middle of his ceremony. So, as second, I have to be protected. As Beta of Westin, it’s my job to protect that line as well. Kyle can’t leave without being disrespectful and potentially causing even more inter-pack turmoil, so that means protecting his sons. They know I won’t go into hiding without you. They didn’t even ask, so it’s become our responsibility to protect the future of both Packs.

“But, but, but that means they think Thomas could get hurt!”

“You heard them. How else do you think they plan on taking Collier? They know Thomas would never just concede his right as Alpha,” Cole said.

“Look, I don’t know what’s going on here,” James said. “But Wyatt and I get off at six. I’m assuming the part you weren’t saying aloud—which is super creepy by the way. I mean, didn’t you two just complete your mating?—Anyway, I can put two and two together and we’d like to help. If you need to sneak out, we’re good at distractions.”

“And if Thomas is in trouble, they’re gonna have to get through us first. This Silas guy may be running point on security, but I’m calling in the rest of the Six Pack. No one is getting to our boy,” Wyatt said, with such venom that it made me shudder.

“Thank you,” I told them. I’d always seen Thomas and his friends as little kids, but it was suddenly very clear they’d all grown up on me and I couldn’t think of a better crew to have my brother’s back.

The Six Pack, as they called themselves, was comprised of Thomas and his five closest friends. They’d gotten the name during their high school football days when they’d begun obsessively working out and turning the eyes of every eligible female within five packs. They’d remained close through thick and thin. They were Thomas’s brothers he never had, and I felt better knowing they had his back.

“That’s good. We can use all the help we can get,” Cole said.

“Kyle’s definitely gone above and beyond to secure this place, or was that your doing?” James asked.

“Those are Kyle’s guys. Just met Silas myself this morning. There’s nothing Kyle won’t do to protect his Pack, and he’ll do everything in his power to protect Collier for Maddie, and for Elizabeth and me. He’s very passionate about those he cares about,” Cole confessed.

“He’s a good ally for Thomas, for all of us,” Wyatt admitted.

“Don’t forget Kelsey’s here, too. She’s famous for her kick-ass skills, and I’m not so sure the Larkens would have even heard about her. I was a little nervous about meeting a witch, but she’s great. If those Larkens do come, they won’t know what hit them with her around,” I said.

---