Page 20 of Deadly Ties

To my surprise, it makes Kelly laugh. He also hooks a trembling arm over her neck, drawing his face up to her silvery ruff. His voice is a cracked whisper as he says into her ear, “Whatever the fuck happens, this is worth it. Thank you.”

My wolf purrs, but then she nudges him up to his knees, closer to the fence. He bites back a groan, but there’s only determination in his face now. My wolf clearly isn’t going to go over until he does, and he shakes his head, like he can’t believe he’s about to do this. “Here goes nothing.”

It’s more of a stagger than a leap, but instead of aiming for the middle of the fence, he hurls himself over the top. It would be an elegant escape if his arms could hold him, but he immediately loses his grip, sliding roughly down the other side. When he hits the ground, his legs give way, sending him to his hands and knees. A painful groan rips out of him, and he falls onto his face like he doesn’t plan on moving any time soon. But my wolf is already flying through the air, landing perfectly at his side. Kelly might be half-starved, but he’s a big guy. Doesn’t stop my wolf from shoving her snout under his chest to force him upwards, back to his feet. He groans again, but she lifts her head, giving him something to prop himself against.

He grabs her scruff, rubbing his face against the silvery fur. “You going to carry me, Angel?”

Anywhere.

I can feel the promise vibrate through her, and I want to ask her to wait, to make sure Arben doesn’t need us, but she’s already heading for the trees. Kelly swallows another groan, leaning heavily on her head as he stumbles at her side. I realize she’s purring, her scent wrapping around him as we push through the trees. And Kelly seems to be sucking it in, his shoulders lifting a little like he’s breathing in her strength.

Mate.

If I had the use of my legs, I’d definitely have stumbled at that. But even with the word echoing between us, she gives me nothing more, her whole focus on the dark woods.

And then the road is in front of us, the limousine we arrived in idling on the verge. The back door pops open as we stumble towards it, and then Ferrier is peering out at us. His eyes widen as he takes in Kelly, but there’s only pride in his face as he greets my wolf. She doesn’t hesitate, leaping into the back seat and giving his hand a welcoming lick.

“Mr. Prior, isn’t it?” Ferrier’s voice is warm and soothing as Kelly stares at him, his hands knotted into fists. “I’m the Alpha of Boston, and Elvana’s father. I promise, you’re safe with us.”

“My pack,” Kelly rasps, staring around wildly. “You said they’re here.”

“They’re right behind us, making sure you get away safe.”

Kelly’s now peering back the way we’ve come and my wolf doesn’t hesitate; thrusting me back through her skin so I’m suddenly sitting between them, stark naked with bloody sequins and bits of forest dirt stuck to my skin.

Well, crap.

Ferrier instantly passes me his tuxedo jacket, and I give him a grateful smile. “It’s okay, Kelly,” I say as I cover myself. “This is Lucas Ferrier. He’s really is the Alpha of Boston, and… my dad.”

I ignore the grin that splits Ferrier’s face, watching as Kelly grips the edge of the open door, shifting uneasily from foot to foot. But he’s clearly at the end of his strength, and he gives a half-defeated shrug before crawling into the back of the car. “Guess that has to be good enough for me, then.”

I open my mouth to reassure him, but then his eyes roll back in his head and he faints, his head planted firmly on my thighs. I look up at Ferrier, not sure what to do about the unconscious guy in my lap, but he just gives me a proud smile. “Well done, Elvana. Let’s get him home, shall we?”

Kelly

I wake to crisp sheets – Egyptian cotton – and a light, floral scent that barely gets past the grime in my nose. I’m in a deep nest, the bedding fresh beneath my own stench, the room all curved edges and soft lighting. Heavy drapes cover the windows, and I can see an ensuite off to the left. There’s the faint hum of recycled air coming from the domed ceiling overhead, and the temperature would be perfect if my skin wasn’t feverishly hot. But I ignore that problem for a moment, and carefully prop myself up on an elbow. I’m naked to the waist, my dirty, ragged shorts still clinging to my hips, and my torso is splattered in blood and grime. I itch. And stink. But it’s reassuring to know no one has touched me since I flaked out like a swoony bitch in Angel’s lap.

I quickly scan the room for some sigh of her, but I’m definitely alone.

Which gets me rolling to the edge of the nest, my feet sinking into the thick, pale carpet as I study myself and try not to puke.

Fuck me. I was once on my way to being a stocky rugby player, but my thigh muscles are now so wasted, Angel’s little hands could probably wrap around them with room to spare. I’ve still got washboard abs, but that’s only because there’s not an inch of fat to cushion my six-foot frame. My hip bones rival a catwalk model’s, but my ankles and elbows stick out like doorknobs. I’m malnourished, dehydrated, and from the throbbing on my scalp, probably fighting a blood infection. I’m a fucking wreck, but that’s just the view from the outside. Under my skin, shit is a whole lot worse.

“Bloody hell,” I mutter aloud, forcing myself upright and staggering towards the door. But I haven’t even made it halfway when it pops open and Angel peeks in. Just her head, with all that silver and caramel hair, and a pair of bright, golden eyes. Her pretty pink lips turn up in a smile and the relief that pours through my body is so strong, I have to lock my knees so I don’t end up on my bony ass for a second time. “Angel. Where the hell am I?”

She smiles – maybe at the pet name, or the fact I didn’t croak it in her pristine bed – and slips inside, carefully closing the door behind her. When she flicks the lock, I instantly relax, and she gives me an understanding look. “It’s okay,” she says in a soothing voice. “You’re safe. This is my dad’s place, and we’re deep in his territory. No one can get to you here.”

“Your dad… He’s the Alpha of Boston?” I have a hazy memory of a big, good-looking guy with silver hair and Angel’s eyes sitting in the back of a limousine. I didn’t get a bad vibe from him, but I’d been moments from passing out in his daughter’s lap. Things probably went downhill right after that. “I should get out of here. I’ve got a pack looking for me. We haven’t… I’ve been gone a long time.”

“I know,” she tells me, and even though she’s still using that soothing voice, I sense some cracks. Oh, yeah. She knows the guys. Well enough to have their scent on her, and for something strange to flick through those cat-like eyes. “I’ll get you a phone to call them, but you should rest up a bit before you go anywhere. I’m getting food and meds brought up, and then I thought you might like a bath.”

Which all sounds like heaven, except she’s looking at my wasted, grime-streaked body with real concern in her eyes. While she stands in front of me in a pale yellow dress that skims her perfect curves and makes me think of daffodils and winter sunlight.

I can feel the red flush burning in my cheeks, especially when her soft hand lands on my knobby elbow and she gently guides me back to the bed. I’m not the kind of guy who lets other people lead him around, but I can’t stop my feet from following her. Right up until I reach the nest and realize the sheets are caked in blood and grime. “Shit. I’m sorry. Your bed…”

“It’s not mine,” she says with another soothing smile. “I don’t live here. Well, not right now. It’s a long story, but this room is for you. You’re not putting anyone out.”

It’s an omega suite, and even houses belonging to filthy rich alphas don’t have those just sitting around. But I’m too tired and embarrassed to push her. “Okay. But I’ll change the sheets when I’m done.”

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