Changed

Chapter One

“Just Rachel? Where are you? Come out, come out, wherever you are.”

Rachel Gentry jumped in alarm and ripped her gaze from the oil filter she’d been in the process of replacing. Her heart thudded in her chest, beating in a frantic rhythm. She hated it when people bypassed her office and made their way to the back of the garage. Every single time it happened it scared her out of her wits.

She swallowed down her momentary shock and counted to ten.

This time the asshole visitor was someone she knew—his voice easily recognizable. Not to mention he was the only person to call her Just Rachel. She cursed herself for not giving him a last name the first time they’d met, telling him she was, “Just Rachel” when she’d gone to his tattoo shop in search of her friend on day. He’d never forgotten and made sure to address her as such each time they saw each other.

She’d known he’d probably show up when she least expected it. He seemed to enjoy taking her off guard. Mr. Tall, Dark and Arrogant told her he’d keep coming back just yesterday, even though she’d told him to leave and not come back. The aggravating man danced to the beat of his own drum. She’d learned that the first time they met.

Declan Schroder. Damn him.

He did what he wanted, when he wanted. She could argue with him until she was blue in the face but it wouldn’t matter. Once he’d made up his mind about something the decision was set in stone. Point of fact, he’d been coming to her shop every afternoon for the last two weeks. At first he’d introduced himself—something he hadn’t bothered doing the first time they’d met. He’d been cordial—sticky sweet, even—until she’d asked him why he’d paid her a visit.

The atmosphere had changed in that moment, the air almost electric around them. He didn’t answer right away, frowning as he tried to think of what to say. It took him a minute to get going but once he did she got the picture.

Clearly.

Since her best friend Chloe had recently joined his crew, Declan indicated he wanted to make a peace offering. He’d tried to take Rachel to dinner, saying he wanted to get to know her better since she was family now. But she’d known that had been bullshit man-code. What he really wanted was to take her to home, fuck her silly and put another notch on his bedpost. She’d seen him sizing her up, his gaze raking over her from head to toe. She might as well have been naked.

He had no shame whatsoever.

Up until then she hadn’t thought he was that stupid.

There wasn’t an easy way to reject his offer. For one, Chloe had asked Rachel to give her new friends a chance. So being a bitch was off the table. Besides, Rachel wasn’t accustomed to dating. Generally she didn’t fall into the parameters of what society deemed attractive. It wasn’t that she was heinous. With her light skin, red hair and blue eyes she thought she wasn’t totally hideous. Sadly most men found her profession all kinds of wrong for a woman. They wanted flirty and sexy. Not dirty from working on engines all day in work boots, jeans and stained T-shirts. The men who had expressed an interest in the past had either been missing teeth or wanted a one-night deal, so it had been easy to tell them to fuck off.

She’d politely told Declan no, explaining that while she appreciated the offer it wasn’t a good idea to get friendly. Then he’d done something she hadn’t expected. He’d grinned and proceeded to tease her, calling her “fraidy cat”. She hadn’t understood his behavior. He’d seemed frustrated. Certainly she’d snubbed the man but it shouldn’t have bothered him. He was sexy as sin and could have any woman he wanted. Maybe it was the thrill of the hunt that had captivated him? Perhaps he’d found pleasure in stalking her day after day?

He is a werewolf after all.

For an instant her dream from the night before came rushing back, the images vivid and arousing. He’d captured her before she could bolt, holding her tight as he’d eased her to the ground. She braced for what would come next, her entire body tense. She could see the wolf inside him, could almost feel it trembling beneath Declan’s skin. His face had come so close to hers, their noses nearly touching. She’d closed her eyes, shaking as she’d waited to see what he had in store.

Then her phone had started blaring, yanking her out of the dream. Pissed and a little horny, she’d answered the call. She shouldn’t have been surprised that it had been her mother on the other end of the line—drunk and in a sour mood. Without so much as a hello her mother had started bitching about Chloe, informing her she needed to end the friendship, telling Rachel horror stories about werewolves.

She hadn’t been surprised.

Since she could walk her disgrace of a parent had told her stories of little girls who went missing and were found with their head, arms and legs missing. Her mother claimed they’d been hunted down like animals and eaten, torn limb from limb. The macabre tales had terrified her then and terrified her now. She’d listened quietly, letting her mother have her say. What she’d wanted to do was go back to sleep, wishing she could escape the hell that was her life.

If only Dad hadn’t died. Things would have been so different.

“Just Rachel,” Declan drawled. “Here I come.”

You’re not sleeping anymore, dumbass. Her gaze darted to the side. This is real. Pay attention.

Thinking fast, she tried to decide what to do. It didn’t matter where she hid. Declan would find her. It was a part of his nature, his instincts paving the way. He could hear each beat of her heart, was able to identify her emotions by smell. Right now he’d probably locked on to her scent. In a couple of seconds he’d be right beside her, his presence so powerful she’d stare and gawk at him like a preteen who was tempted to take him out for a test drive.

Something shuffled a few feet away. Shit.

Declan moved silently but she could feel him inching closer.

She wasn’t sure if she could turn him away this time. The past few days he’d broken her down, getting beneath her skin. Each of their encounters had become more intense, the battle of wills swinging from her advantage to his. Just yesterday—after she’d politely told him to go play hide and fuck himself—he’d backed her to a wall and caged her in his arms. Heat had radiated from his body, his brown irises shifting to a vibrant gold. He’d worn a black T-shirt, flaunting the impressive tattoos that started at his wrists and wound up his arms. The ink somehow complemented his tan complexion and added to his potent charm.

There’d been nowhere to run or hide.

He’d lowered his head to kiss her, his breath whispering across her lips. She’d thought about running but he seemed to know what she’d been thinking. His hand came down, fingers snaking around the fragile bones of her hip. He hadn’t been willing to let her go, that much had been evident. Butterflies had erupted in the pit of her stomach. Her pussy had clasped, creating a rush of wetness in her between her legs. Her breasts had swelled, the lace of her bra chafing her puckered nipples.

Declan not only looked like pure sin, he practically oozed sexuality. She could see the devil under the surface, ready to burn her with a touch. She’d known then that the real thing would be so much better than her vibrator and fantasies. He was capable of doing things to her she’d only dreamed about. Her pulse had amplified in her head, her entire body going hot. She’d been willing to tread into dangerous waters for the first time, curious about what he’d do next.

So she’d edged closer, anticipation replacing hesitation.

Then a customer had waltzed in to pick up his piece of shit Buick.

Declan had moved away immediately, granting her freedom before the human with a busted radiator asked any questions. She’d been too relieved to thank Declan properly, taking advantage of his foresight. Her intrusive client had been so interested in his phone he hadn’t bothered looking up as he walked in. Very fortunate since the people in her area weren’t fond of species and races they didn’t understand. Mr. Buick would have passed out or called the police if he’d noticed a werewolf inside the room.

Declan had warned her he’d be back, making sure he had her attention before he exited the building. She’d stood there like a moron, watching him go, frozen in place. Just like that he’d put a chink in her armor. No fuss, zero muss. Soon she’d be eating out of his hand.

Why did he have to keep picking apart her defenses?

Because he knows he can, idiot.

Rachel didn’t like werewolves, with one notable exception, and that was only due to the fact she’d been friends with Chloe Bryant for years. They’d been locked together at the hip since they were children, long before Chloe had found out about her werewolf heritage. After Chloe told Rachel the truth, sharing that soon she’d change into a werewolf, Rachel hadn’t been able to turn her back on the only person she considered family.

Especially with everything Chloe had been through.

The girl had lost her mother at a young age and had never known her father—a man who had passed down his werewolf genetics to his progeny. If it hadn’t been for Jackson Donovan—a local pack Alpha and Chloe’s mate—Chloe would have faced her first shift alone. From what Rachel had gathered the first transformation for a half-breed wasn’t pleasant. Jackson’s Alpha nature had paved the way and made things much easier for Chloe. Rachel had been curious about everything that had happened—wondering how a person went from one form to another—but hadn’t asked Chloe what it had been like. She’d merely inquired about her friend’s well-being, got an answer and dropped the subject. It wasn’t her place to judge. Jackson doted on Chloe and Rachel believed her friend truly was happy. That was the most important thing.

Soft footsteps drew her attention. Rotating her head, she spied a pair of worn boots heading in her direction. Her stomach knotted, dread lining her gut. Declan was quiet as a cat. If she didn’t pay attention he’d sneak right up on her.

Ignore him. Maybe he’ll go away.

Large booted feet stopped beside the car. “Found you.”

“I wasn’t hiding,” she snapped and focused on her work.

The filter had been turned too tight the last time the oil had been changed. She couldn’t get it free. Tilting to the side, she put all her strength into her arms. That would be the ultimate shame—her lack of ability in the garage with Declan around to observe the failing. To her embarrassment, the damn thing refused to budge.

Please, not now. Come loose, you piece of crap!

He kneeled and leaned over, his head appearing beside the elevated tire. “Need any help?”

“No.” She exhaled, gripping the filter.

She gave it another go, straining with all her might. Her shoulders protested, her wrists aching. This was why she hated her garage. Limited funds meant limited supplies. She didn’t have racks to lift automobiles, meaning she had to get on the ground and do things the old-fashioned way. That meant anyone could venture into the shop and bother her at will.

He managed to flip around and wedge his body beside hers. “Let me do it.”

“Go away!” She planted her elbow in his ribs, keeping her hands on the filter. His subsequent grunt was music to her ears. “Can’t you see I’m busy?”

“Stubborn female,” he retorted, reaching over her head.

They fought for control of the cylinder, fingers rubbing together. Depending on what she’d been doing in the garage her hands could look like they’d been soaked in battery acid or stained with tar. Today her cuticles were crusted with oil and dirt, the tips black with grime. It would take a solid ten minutes of scrubbing to get them clean. His nails, by comparison, were immaculate except for the areas she’d touched. Perfectly neat and tidy.

Wasn’t the woman was supposed to be the pretty one?

“Just Rachel.” He slid his other hand up, cuffing her wrist tightly with his fingers. “I’m trying to be polite, but you’re starting to piss me off. Let go and move your hands. I’m not asking again.”

“Don’t call me that.”

He turned his head, looking at her. “Why?”

Keeping her eyes forward, staring at their interwoven hands, she tried to decide how to respond. Anyone with a reliable set of ears could hear the way he rolled the words off his tongue. He might as well have been calling her Honey pie, Sugar Cakes or Baby Doll.

“You say it like an endearment.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“You get me about as hot as the Artic. That’s what’s wrong with it.” The enormous lie breezed from her mouth. The man was like a rash that constantly aggravated her. “I’m not your Boo-Boo and you sure as shit aren’t my Teddy Bear.”

“Hmm,” he hummed, drawing out the sound. “We’ll see.”

He tugged on her wrist and her fingers slid from the filter. In a blink he worked his fingers under hers and grasped the blasted thing. It loosened with the first turn of his wrist, coming free without a problem. She had to look at him as he handed it over, a smile tugging at the corners of his full lips. His irises were gold, the pupils dilated. She could smell the faint and appealing aroma of the aftershave he’d splashed over his bristle-free face.

“You’re welcome,” he whispered, studying her.

She couldn’t think when he stared at her like that—her mind stripped of rational thought. He’d just said something but the words didn’t compute. Why was it suddenly so hard to breathe? When did the room get so warm? What did he want? Did it really matter? There was only Declan with his squared jaw, smooth nose and piercing eyes. With a swift perusal she decided she liked him with a little stubble on his face.

“I like it when you look at me that way,” he said, breaking her out of her stupor. Still she maintained eye contact, lost in the intensity of his gaze. “I like it when you’re not afraid.”

There it was. A reminder of why she had to keep him at a distance.

They were nothing alike. They weren’t even the same species. He slept all day and stayed up all night. She went to bed early and got up at the break of dawn. His idea of a good time was running around on four legs in the woods with his pack. Her perfect evening consisted of a bubble bath and cup of hot chocolate.

“Afraid?” The utterance came out as a squeak and she wanted to slap herself. She cleared her throat, determined to sound confident. “I’m not afraid of you. I just don’t like you.”

“You’re a horrible liar,” he murmured, his winsome smile intact.

No argument there. She couldn’t lie to save her life. But she’d never admit it. Not to him.

“Whatever.” Severing eye contact, she glared at the filter and informed him, “I worked it loose. That’s the only reason you got it off. Feel free to leave now.”

Worming closer, his shoulder bumped hers. “Where’s my thank-you?”

Her eyes shot up, growing wide to see his face was only a couple of inches away. The speed at which he moved did frighten her. She’d been told werewolves were fast but did they move at the speed of light? Declan could be there one minute and gone the next. In all her life Rachel had never seen anything like it. Now he was right there, resting directly beside her. His body temperature ran hotter, a wave of warmth sailing toward her. Autumn was almost gone, winter taking its place.

She wondered if an oral acknowledgment would suffice. “Thank you?”

“That’s not what I had in mind.” Another shift of his shoulders brought him closer.

“You shouldn’t do things for people because you expect something in return.” The inner shrew was back, riding her hard. The nagging inner voice told her not to trust Declan, aware he wasn’t being totally honest with her. Mesmerized, she watched his irises change, the color darkening a shade along the edges. “I don’t recall asking for your help.”

“When it comes to you there’s no need to ask.” The statement sounded point of fact, without any room for argument. “If I see you need something, I do it. End of story.”

Something dawned on her, the mere idea like a bitch-slap to her confidence. “Did Chloe send you to watch me? Or did Jackson put you up to this? He did, didn’t he? If so, don’t bother. Believe me when I say I can take care of myself.”

“You’re afraid of me but you do like me, Just Rachel,” he kept on, ignoring her outburst. “Good thing because I like you too. I like you so much it hurts. But I’ll be easy with you until you’re ready for more. You’ll find nothing but pleasure with me. You’ll see.”

I’ll see? He’s that confident? What an ass.

Indignation fled, chased away when his fingers feathered across her jaw. For a werewolf, the man had a soft touch. He never looked away, drinking her in, his thumb moving around to caress her cheek. His attention drifted to her mouth. He licked his lower lip, as though he was imagining how she’d taste. No man had ever stared at her so intently, seeing nothing else in the room.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured and inhaled softly, nostrils flaring. Her heart fluttered and raced, the fire in her belly raging all the hotter. Her vaginal walls flexed, soaking her already damp panties. His gaze swept from her lips to her eyes. “Fuck, you smell sweet, baby. I can’t wait for a taste. Come here.”

There was so much hunger etched in his features. His jaw had drawn tight, his brows pulling together. His hand went to her nape, cupping the back of her head. He urged her toward him, using steady but tender pressure. His golden irises brightened, becoming a stunning shade of lemon yellow, emitting a strange glow.

Logic surfaced, screaming in her head. He’s not human. He’ll hurt you.

She considered pulling away, uneasy at the sensations that lured her from reality. Her mind told her to run while her body begged her to stay. Never in her life had she been this wet, her pussy so slick with her arousal, her panties clinging to her labia. The cotton over her clit was no longer soft but uncomfortable. The material glided over the bundle of nerves but it didn’t provide any kind of pressure. It wasn’t enough. She wanted more.

“Declan.” Was that her voice? It couldn’t be. When had it gotten so deep?

“I’m right here you sweet, beautiful girl.”

The first brush of his lips was easy and light. Their mouths touched, his head going left then right. She closed her eyes, sighing as he nuzzled her nose. Without thinking she softened beneath his touch, shoulders relaxing. He smelled so amazing, like wood, forest and a dash of fresh summer rain.

“That’s right.” With a flick of his thumb he lifted her chin and angled her face. “Just like that. Open that pretty little mouth for me.”

Her lips parted as she sighed, giving him what he wanted. He went straight for his target, claiming her mouth in a searing kiss. The first contact felt right, an invisible spark drawing new life. She gasped when tingles erupted over her skin, spreading through her torso. His tongue darted out, sliding past her lips with practiced ease. He tasted perfect—hot, warm and male.

Unlike the few lovers from her past, he wasn’t the least bit timid. He took full control, dominating her mouth, the thrusts of his tongue wild and forceful. The fingers he’d placed at the back of her head tightened and tugged on her hair. She reached blindly for him, going for the hand he’d wrapped around her neck. Clutching at his wrist, she sank her nails into his skin. His forearm brushed her nipple and she arched her back, wanting him to do it again. A tremor racked her, the pulsing in her stomach winding its way to her sex.

Holy shit.

This was what she’d been missing. She’d told herself she didn’t need it but she’d been wrong. No one had kissed her like this, exciting her so much she knew she’d come with a simple caress over her clit. She moaned, flicking her tongue against his. He growled, coming closer. Their tongues glided together, moved away and returned. The man certainly knew how to use his mouth. What sort of things could he do when he went down? Did he have the same expertise?

It felt like she was drowning, sucked deep into the undertow. Not that she cared.

She never wanted this to stop.

Surrendering completely, she let herself go.

Fucking-A.

His wolf howled in his head, brushing its fur against the inside of his skin. It had finally gotten a taste of its mate, basking in Rachel’s sweetness and scent. Declan had known his female would be like this. Her fuck-with-me-and-die attitude was all for show. He’d seen right through it to the woman who kept people at a distance. She yearned for closeness, needing to be kissed, touched and loved beyond measure. He’d give her that and so much more.

Finally after weeks of dreamsharing he was touching her in reality. Not that the dreams hadn’t been exciting. He’d chased her for what seemed like forever—until last night. He’d caught her, ready to show her what she’d been missing. He’d howled in frustration when she’d vanished, ripped away from his arms as she’d woken from sleep.

So that afternoon as he’d driven to her garage he’d decided the wait was over.

With a sweeping motion, he brushed his arm over her breast. She arched up, groaning into his mouth. He couldn’t wait to tear off her clothes and put his mouth all over her. His nose tingled, the scent of her arousal making his straining cock jerk. He didn’t have to touch her to know her cunt was drenched. She smelled good enough to eat. Once he put his head between her legs he wasn’t going to rush. He wanted to take his time, listen to her low whimpers and soft cries as he lapped at her slit like candy.

His gums tingled, his fangs wanting to drop. The wolf wanted to take the next step, ready to seal the deal. The agonizing feeling took him out of the moment, reminding him he was racing against the clock. Jackson had asked Declan to woo Rachel before he did the most extreme thing possible—biting the female and changing her. Once done Rachel wouldn’t want anyone else. They were meant for each other even though she didn’t know it yet. As a human, she could cast aside his advances. As a werewolf she’d need what only her male could provide.

Back the fuck off. He tried to fight the animal within. It’s not time.

If he was lucky Rachel would take him into her bed. He couldn’t wait to see her red hair covering the pillows, her lithe form writhing in bliss. He’d bury his face between her legs, licking up and down her crease, drowning in her taste. When she was ready to let go he’d suck on her clit and send her over the edge. He shuddered, imagining her doing the same to him. He visualized how she’d look with his cock between her rosy lips, her blue eyes gazing up. He’d be lucky if he didn’t come down her throat, turned on by the mere thought.

The night would be fucking perfect. He’d make certain of it.

Afterward they could discuss the situation. Maybe with time she’d welcome the change. He didn’t want to force it on her but his nature demanded she accept what was meant to be. Once she’d been bitten she’d stop aging, no longer susceptible to disease or the dangers humans faced. They’d be together—a mated couple forever. She’d be a part of him and a part of the pack. She’d never have to face the world alone again.

“Rach?” a familiar, feminine voice called out. “You back there?”

Rachel froze, her body tightening up. The scent of her arousal mixed with the strong peppery smell of fear and anxiety. She tore her mouth from his and squirmed from his grasp. He let her go, gritting his teeth. He watched, furious at the interruption as she shimmied from beneath the car. Her cheeks flamed red and she refused to look at him, as though she’d been caught making out in the back of a car by a curious police officer.

Fucking great.

“Gimme a sec, Chloe!” Rachel screamed, sounding calmer than she looked. “I’ll be right there.”

Damn it. Declan had promised Jackson he’d pursue Rachel but keep Chloe out of it. His Alpha’s mate had been trying to reconcile with her father and didn’t need additional shit to worry about. So far he’d managed to stay off Chloe’s radar but if she saw him she’d start asking questions. He’d known Rachel wouldn’t say anything since she’d have to admit she’d been talking to a werewolf—hell, she’d been making out with one. Now they were both trapped, unable to hide if Chloe walked into the back and saw them together.

He followed Rachel, sliding from beneath the vehicle. She whipped around and glared at him, narrowing her eyes. “The back door is unlocked,” she whispered. “Go out that way.”

“This isn’t over,” he warned, staring her in the eye. “I’ll be paying you a visit tonight. Don’t bother locking your door. It won’t keep me out. We’re finishing what we started.”

Rachel went from pissed to horrified. “Don’t you dare,” she seethed. “Chloe’s coming over tonight. She’ll flip if you show up.”

“Then I’ll wait until she leaves.” He rushed across the distance, brushing off the slaps she delivered to his chest. Yanking her to him, he kissed her quick and hard. Then he lifted his head, meeting her gaze. “I mean it, Just Rachel. When Chloe goes, I’ll be paying you a visit.”

“Rach?” Chloe’s voice sounded closer.

Fuck a duck.

The wolf snarled in his head when he let Rachel go. It didn’t want him to leave—fuck, he didn’t want to leave either—but it was for the best. There wasn’t a lot of time left. If he didn’t claim Rachel soon he’d slowly start losing control. God help her if that happened. He wouldn’t be able to take her like a lover. Rather he’d fuck her like the animal he was, forcing her to bend to his will. She’d never forgive him for it and he wouldn’t blame her. Wolves considered the first union between mated couples an omen of things to come. If they started off on the wrong foot everything would turn to shit.

“I’m on my way!” Rachel yelled and shot him one final look, ordering between clenched teeth, “Get out of here already. Hurry up!”

He loathed the distance between them with each step he took, heading for the door she’d indicated he should leave through. She’d been right there with him on the ground, ready to receive what he had to offer. He’d scented the sweetness of her cunt, watched as her eyes drifted closed in ecstasy. His cock remained hard as a fucking baseball bat. Reaching down, he shifted the damn thing to get comfortable. By now he was used to it. All he had to do was think about Rachel and his dick functioned on autopilot, becoming so stiff he had to stroke himself off several times a day.

Exiting the garage, he strode around the side of the building. The sky had gone dark, the evening overtaking the day. Trying to maintain a low profile, he’d parked a few blocks away. Apparently that hadn’t mattered. He paused when he saw Jackson standing beside the ‘67 Ford Mustang he’d recently started renovating. The Alpha had a grim smile on his face. The son of a bitch had known Declan was inside the garage the whole time.

With no other choice, Declan walked the distance to the Alpha. There wasn’t any use in trying to hide what had happened. Sooner or later Jackson would call for details. So far Declan had told Jackson the truth—he hadn’t gotten anywhere with the dreams and Rachel kept brushing him off when he visited her shop. Now he had to balls-up and grow a fucking set.

“How’d it go?” Jackson asked, glancing down at Declan’s crotch. “Not good, I take it.”

“Actually it was going perfectly until your mate showed up,” Declan growled. When Jackson’s lips thinned he informed the man, “Don’t worry, Chloe didn’t see anything. And believe me, Rachel wasn’t complaining. I could have taken things further if we hadn’t been interrupted.”

Jackson shrugged his broad shoulders. “It’s movie night. I’m surprised Rachel didn’t mention it.”

She did mention it, after Chloe showed up. “She was preoccupied.”

“I bet she was.” Jackson glanced around, nostrils flaring. Tension filled the air, the streetlight shining across one side of his face. After several seconds he relaxed and looked at Declan. “Are you calling it a night?”

“I’m not sure.” Declan sensed Jackson’s restlessness. After Declan had made his intention to claim Rachel known, he’d been forced to step down as Beta temporarily. He hadn’t been able to keep up with as much as he normally would have. He’d even had to cancel all his appointments at The Wolf’s Den, the tattoo shop Jackson owned. “Why?”

“After Gavin denounced Desiree as his Lupa, the bitch asked the other packs for sanctuary. She claimed she couldn’t return home shamed and disgraced. Ward Wilson agreed to let her join his pack until she found somewhere to go. Rumor has it she’s settled in and doesn’t want to leave. She’s also been cozying up to Simone.”

Oh shit.

Desiree Benson had been mated to Chloe’s father. Gavin Worthington—a prominent Alpha in the area—had decided it was time to cut her loose. Their arranged mating hadn’t gone smoothly. Everyone knew Gavin and Desiree loathed one another, which was why Gavin had searched for love elsewhere and discovered his mate—a human. Despite his feelings, he hadn’t told the pack. He’d been too afraid of the repercussions and what Desiree would do if she found out about his lover and the child created by their union. Desiree and Gavin didn’t have children, meaning Chloe and her mother would inherit everything Gavin owned.

While shitty on Gavin’s part—considering Chloe hadn’t known she carried the werewolf trait and would eventually shift without understanding what was happening to her—the Alpha’s concerns had been understandable. He’d done what he thought was best, leaving his lover and unborn child. After Chloe’s birth, her mother had withered to nothing and died of a broken heart. Chloe had grown up trying to come to terms with the loss of her parent, raised by her grandparents who had an idea the child in their care might be more than they’d bargained for. They’d known Chloe’s father was a werewolf, having seen him when he’d come to their home to beg Chloe’s mother not to contact him anymore.

Simone, on the other hand, was a power hungry bitch who’d tried to force Jackson to agree to an arranged mating. Her father, Ward Wilson, had put his daughter in her place when he’d learned about Chloe, ordering his child to leave Jackson alone. Due to that Simone loathed Chloe with a passion. She’d made it clear she wanted to tear into Jackson’s mate more than anything. Given the chance she’d do it too.

Two bitches. A shared vendetta. So not fucking good.

“They’re not stupid.” At least Declan hoped they weren’t. If they attacked Chloe they’d face the judgment of the packs. “They won’t try anything.”

“I’ve had Shane watching the house and cabin.” Jackson’s irises turned gold and he growled softly. “He picked up traces of a strange wolf at both places. He wasn’t able to identify who it was.”

“Shane’s new,” Declan offered. “Maybe it’s someone he hasn’t met yet.”

After Declan had temporarily stepped down as Beta, he’d worried about giving Shane the position for that very reason. But the secretive male was strong and capable. That was the primary reason Jackson had taken the rogue wolf into the pack. Shane kept his strength under wraps but any Beta or Alpha could feel how powerful the male was. Declan knew he could defend and watch out for those under his protection.

“He’s been on runs with the packs. He knows everyone’s scents. To be safe he took me to the locations he discovered when he was guarding Chloe. The scent was faint but I was able to find it. The trespasser is someone I’ve never met and it’s a male. The fucker had a bird’s-eye view of what my mate and I do in our private time.”

“What are you thinking?” Personally Declan was inclined to think it had to be a rogue or lone wolf—those who disregarded pack rules and existed on their own. Sometimes they formed small groups but they were never permanent. By design, rogues liked to be alone and without obligation to others. Which begged the question—why would one trespass on Jackson’s property? And not just Jackson’s home but his cabin too? What did the idiot hope to gain? “What’s your plan?”

“I’m thinking it’s best not to leave Chloe alone. My plan is to keep her guarded.” Jackson growled again, the low, eerie sound making Declan’s wolf respond with anger of its own. “I can sense danger but I can’t see it. That’s why I need you to watch over Chloe tonight. Gavin wants to meet with me. He might be able to help.”

“I can do that.” Curious, he questioned, “Chloe still isn’t talking to him?”

“She’s called him a few times. He’s her father, after all.” Jackson shifted his feet and rubbed the back of his neck. “She’s not aware of what’s going on. Not yet, anyway. I’d prefer to talk to Gavin before I fill her in on what Shane found.”

Rachel and Chloe appeared at the door to the shop. Declan looked at Jackson and quickly nodded. “I’ll watch over them. Where are they going?”

“To Rachel’s shit heap,” Jackson grumbled, eyes flitting toward the house across the street. “I’ll be back to pick Chloe up at midnight. Don’t let your guard down.”

Declan considered giving Jackson shit over the description of Rachel’s home but what the man said was true. The house did look like a dump. Paint had fallen from the front of the front and sides and the roof looked ready to cave in. The grass was neatly trimmed and flowers lined the walkway but it didn’t make the residence look any better. Declan’s wolf snarled, furious at her state of living. Once they mated she’d never call a place like that home again.

“I’ll loop around the back and stay hidden. I won’t let them out of my sight.”

He took his attention from Jackson and looked at Rachel. She’d been staring at him but as soon as their gazes met she turned to Chloe. He glanced at Jackson’s mate. When Chloe spotted him a smile spread across her face. It had been a couple of weeks since he’d seen her. She probably wondered if he had come home for good.

“I’m going to go before anyone asks why I’m here,” Declan said, giving Jackson a sideways glance as he walked away.

Someone had been sniffing around. Definitely not good. He’d have to call Shane for details. If Shane had picked up an unfamiliar scent at one place Declan would brush it off as a wolf that had taken a risk and snooped on another’s territory. Knowing the unknown scent had appeared at both locations changed things. This wasn’t random. Meaning everyone had to be on alert. He wished he’d had more time to ask questions. Tomorrow he’d have to make a few calls.

Entering the cover of trees behind the garage, he switched to a steady jog. It was dark but Chloe would see him if he wasn’t careful. He decided to take cover in a tree next to the garage so he’d be able to see the front and sides of the house. Climbing up wasn’t difficult. He found a decent spot and settled in.

Jackson guided the women across the street, his arm wrapped around Chloe’s waist. The visual was like a slam to the gut, reminding Declan the night was far from over.

He hadn’t been lying to Rachel. As soon as Chloe left he’d be paying his mate a visit.

And he wasn’t leaving until he’d claimed some part of her as his own.