Page 11 of Mates & Mercenaries

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It'sweird to see my home in the rearview mirror and have no idea when I will be back. I have spent so much time in that place. The only time I’ve really escaped and experienced any freedom is when I have snuck out, like the other night when I went clubbing.

But now it seems like I’m about to have all the adventures I want. All the freedom I want. Sure, I’ll be watched by the wolves, but I don’t think they are going to be as harsh as Dad. I’m sure I will actually be allowed a bit of time and space to be myself for a change.

“Are you okay?” Sam asks me quietly as we turn the corner and leave my old life behind. It might not be forever, but it really does feel that way. “I know this is weird.”

“It’s okay.” I smile thinly back at him. “I don’t really want to be there at the moment. I don’t know what’s going on with the mob rivalry, and I don’t want to find out. Thank you, to all of you, for taking me away from all of that. To this safe house. I think it’ll be good for me.”

“I hope so,” he replies. “I feel better knowing that we can keep you safe—I’m sure we all do—and your father seems happier with it as well. He seems very concerned about you and your safety.”

“Yeah, but the only reason I’m in trouble is because of him.” I sigh heavily. “Not that it matters. I just want all of this drama to be over and done with.”

Sam instinctively reaches out and laces his fingers through mine. The sensation of his hand in mine sends electricity shooting up my arm. We’ve flirted before, but this feels much more intense, more powerful. It feels much sweeter.

I lean against Rex and rest my head on his broad shoulder for some more comfort. I don’t know if I’m just testing the waters or if it just feels like the natural thing to do, but neither of the men seem irritated about me connecting with the other. If anything, Sam grips my hand a little tighter, and Rex snuggles against me.

This is going to be a whole lot of fun, I can just feel it in my bones.

Creed catches sight of me in the rearview mirror and smiles. He’s driving, so he doesn’t show much of a reaction, but the grin warms up my chest and makes me feel good. It was scary watching his wolf tear that man apart in such a brutal way, but I get the sense he only overreacted that way because of me. He wanted to protect me and keep me safe. Creed saved my life.

I killed as well, and I think that bonds us in an unexpected way. I grin back at him, my heart singing with excitement. I was planning on getting some sleep on this drive, but now I’m not sure that I will be able to. I’m all tingling and buzzing, on edge, and anticipation surging through my veins because I have no idea what’s going to happen next.

6

CLAY

Itake the last shift of driving, so I’m the one behind the wheel when we finally pull up to the prairie. The early morning sunshine is trying to peak through the clouds, lighting up the cabin even in the thick surrounding trees. It’s been a while since we’ve needed to visit the safe house, and it looks different.

Maybe it’s because the situation is different. Because we have Skylar with us now and we have to do everything in our power to keep her alive and safe. While also finding out who wants to hurt her. I half wonder if Creed might have signed us up for a little too much.

“Here we are,” I whisper quietly, because everyone else has been drifting in and out of sleep along the way. Skylar has slept for the longest, though, and I can hardly blame her. After everything that happened, she must be absolutely exhausted. I feel sorry for her, and I take a lot of the blame on my own shoulders because we should have seen this coming.Ishould have seen this coming. They fooled us with the catering uniforms, and it hurts.

Skylar seems like a wonderful person who doesn’t deserve any of this. She shouldn’t have been forced to fight for her own life in her home. Home is supposed to be a safe place for everyone.

I turn around to see Rex already scooping Skylar up in his arms as if she weighs little more than a feather to take her sleeping body inside. Why does this make me feel weirdly jealous of him? I don’t know Skylar, I don’t have any claim over her, so I can’t really explain it. It’s more like a magnetic tug that has seemingly come from nowhere. I drag my eyes away from Rex and Skylar to try to turn these feelings off.

We head inside the house and busy ourselves while Rex lays Skylar down. Since we haven’t been here for a while, there is a lot that needs doing, including a shopping trip. Without food in the fridge, this isn’t going to be fun for any of us.

“I will go to the store,” Rex offers.

“And I will go and make sure all the security cameras are turned on,” Sam adds, happy to snap into action. “We need to have eyes and ears everywhere.”

“Speaking of which, Clay, will you do scout out the area to check that we haven’t been followed? I didn’t see anyone as we were driving, but I would rather be thorough. Just like we were when we were in country together. That’s how we’re going to treat this.”

I nod curtly. That makes sense. We have all survived on little sleep before, taking turns to keep watch, and keeping up patrol around the land. I think Creed is right, this is a good way to tackle it all. I’m glad we have him to guide us in the right direction.

“I will stay here and sort out the weapons,” Creed continues. “Make sure we have everything we need while we’re here. I will also keep an eye on Skylar.”

We all head our separate ways to complete our tasks. Once I’m outside, I let my wolf free. My wolf eyes are much more observant than my human ones, and my ears and nose are a million times better. If anyone has been in this area, I will find them.

I run fast, enjoying the exercise and the freedom after being trapped in a car for way too long. I need to stretch my legs, so I travel further around the perimeter than I’m sure I should. Although I know Creed would happily tell me that we can’t be too careful.

There isn’t anyone for miles. It doesn’t seem like anyone has even crossed this area for what feels like forever. Good, because that means any new scents will really stand out. Any one of us will be able to pick them up and get rid of any threats before they come anywhere near Skylar. Nothing is more important to any of us right now than making sure she is safe.

When I get back to the cabin, I notice that Rex and Sam haven’t returned yet. I can hear Creed in the weapons room, presumably getting everything out since who knows what will happen. So, without really thinking about what I’m doing, I head to Skylar’s room. I just want to check that she’s still sleeping and doing okay. Honestly, I think there will be a bit of a breakdown at some point because she must be struggling with all of this. It can’t be easy to have to be taken away from her family because of some psycho who wants her hurt.

“Oh wow, you’re awake.” I lean against the doorframe and shoot her a smile. She’s lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I definitely don’t think she’s been awake for long. “Rex carried you in from the car when we first arrived.”

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