Isaiah's Haven

Chapter Four

Isaiah sauntered into Riley’s Garage at ten o’clock the next morning. It was a large brick building, kept in good repair, better than most on the street. Although it wasn’t the only place that showed signs of being well-kept. There was nothing pretty about it, but it was solid. Much like the man who’d owned it for more than twenty years.

James LeVeau Riley had raised his daughter Alex here. Isaiah wondered how he’d managed to live in a city for that long and stay sane. But then again he’d had a powerful motivation—protecting his daughter. Isaiah had learned you could do anything you set your mind to if you had the right motivation.

He rolled his shoulders and emitted a soft sigh, suppressing a yawn that threatened. He’d passed a restless night and was more than a bit on edge. Even the large breakfast he’d eaten about an hour ago hadn’t helped settle him. Of course, the two cups of coffee probably hadn’t helped, but he needed the caffeine kick.

A man in his mid to late twenties looked up from the car he was working on and frowned. “Can I help you?” As he straightened, his fingers tightened around the wrench he was holding.

“Maybe.” Isaiah kept his gaze on the man, but his peripheral vision on the wrench. He let his senses flare, but couldn’t smell much beyond the oil and grease of the garage and the sweat and soap of the man. “I’m looking for Divine.”

Suspicion grew in his eyes. “Divine hasn’t come downstairs yet.” He hesitated briefly before squaring his shoulders. He was a tall man, a little over six feet, but skinny. And certainly no match for Isaiah, even without his preternatural strength. “She doesn’t do that anymore.”

Confusion settled over him as he tried to follow the conversation. “Doesn’t do what?”

The young man’s cheeks flushed red and his lips firmed, but he didn’t give ground.

“What Leon is trying so tactfully to say is that I’m no longer in the business of entertaining men for money, Mr.…” She let the word dangle in the air.

He studied the woman who’d entered the garage from a door at the back. He knew who she was, but she wasn’t quite what he’d expected. James had described her as a bleached blonde, a bit brash, but with a big heart. He’d had a picture of a woman with too much hard living showing on her face wearing revealing clothing and too much makeup.

This woman was a brunette and she was wearing jeans, sneakers and a blue sweater that hinted at attributes beneath. It was impossible to hide a bust that large, but she was obviously doing her best.

“Isaiah,” he offered, holding out his hand.

She walked closer, her movements fluid, her hips swaying. Her eyes were cool and clinical as she studied him. There was the woman who’d spent years walking the streets, the woman who’d lost herself to drugs and alcohol before she found the inner strength to drag herself out. She took his hand and gave it a firm shake.

“Well, Isaiah, what can I do for you?”

“I need to talk to you.” He glanced at Leon. “Alone.”

Leon walked up to stand beside Divine. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

She patted his arm. “I’ll be fine.” She glanced at Isaiah. “I don’t think he’s looking to harm me. Are you?”

He shook his head, liking the feisty woman more and more with each passing minute. No wonder both Alex and James spoke fondly of her. “No, ma’am.”

She laughed, a low, throaty laugh that hinted at many years of cigarettes and booze. “Come on up. I was just having a second cup of coffee.”

Divine turned and headed toward the door at the back. He started to follow, but Leon stopped him with a hand on his arm. Isaiah glanced down at the hand and then at Leon. His cheeks were still red, but determination was etched on his face. “Don’t do anything you’ll regret.” He removed his hand and slapped the wrench into his palm. The warning was obvious. Hurt Divine and he’d come after Isaiah with the wrench.

Damn, if he wasn’t beginning to understand how James could stay here all those years. These people understood loyalty, like a pack.

“You coming?” Divine called.

He said nothing, but followed her up the stairs and into her apartment. He peered around with interest, curious to see where Alex had grown up. She talked about it often.

There wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. A living room opened into a dining and kitchen area. He assumed the bedrooms and bath were down the short hallway. He could easily see James here. He was a man who didn’t need much in the way of luxury.

On closer inspection, he could see a woman’s touch in the cushions on the sofa and a hot-pink throw tossed over a chair. A loud click yanked him from his musings and brought him back to the situation at hand.

“Who the hell are you really and what do you want?” Divine was standing behind the kitchen counter a 9mm held expertly in her hands.

Isaiah raised his hands in surrender and took a step closer. “I told you who I am.” The bullets would hurt, but they wouldn’t leave any lasting damage. He was a werewolf and would heal quickly.

She sent that thought out through the window with her next words. “I know you’re one of them. You’re not the first one to stop by to visit.” She raised her hands slightly and aimed at his heart. “The bullets in this thing are coated in silver.”

He froze, his respect for her growing in leaps and bounds. For a human female to challenge him in such a manner was astonishing. He could move quick enough to disarm her, but not without possibly taking a hit.

His acute hearing picked up a squeak on the stairs and he knew they were about to have company.

He lowered his right hand to his pocket.

“Leave ’em where I can see ’em,” she ordered.

“Do what the lady said.” Leon stepped into the room, rifle at the ready.

Isaiah shook his head. The situation would be funny if it weren’t so ridiculous. “James Riley sent me. I figured I could call him and he could vouch for me.”

Her eyes widened and her hand shook slightly before she steadied it. “How is Alex?”

He smiled. “Happily mated to my brother.”

Divine frowned. “Phone her. I want to talk to Alex. But make it slow.”

Her eyes never wavered as he gingerly reached into his pocket with two fingers and drew out his phone. He dialed the number and held it to his ear, waiting impatiently for his brother to answer.

“Yeah.”

“I need to speak with the little woman.”

Joshua laughed. “Don’t let her hear you call her that or you’ll be in trouble. What do you need her for?”

Isaiah shifted slightly, keeping both Leon and Divine in sight. “Let’s just say I’m having a little trouble with the locals. They seem to think I’m one of the bad guys.”

His brother snorted. “They’re smarter than I thought.”

“Ha. Ha.” For someone who hadn’t shown much of a sense of humor his entire life, Joshua had certainly developed a warped one since he’d met Alex. “You’re not the one with a rifle and a 9mm pointed at him. With silver bullets,” he added.

Joshua gave a whoop of laughter and called for his wife. A few seconds later, Alex came on the line. “What’s wrong? Joshua is grinning like a loon but won’t tell me anything.”

Isaiah silently thanked his brother for small miracles. “I’m going to put you on speaker. Hang on.” He pressed a button and held up the phone. “You still there, Alex?”

Her voice came over the speaker load and clear. “I’m here. Now what’s this all about?”

“Is that really you, Alex?” Divine’s voice quavered and her eyes filled with tears. “I’ve been so worried about you and your dad.”

“Divine?”

“Yeah.” Divine swiped at her eyes with the back of her left hand, but kept the gun in her right. “Who is this guy?”

“He’s my brother-in-law. He looks mean, but he’s really a great guy.”

Isaiah wondered if he shouldn’t tuck his tail between his legs and just make a run for it. Between his brother and Alex his tough reputation was in tatters.

“Yeah? He does look mean. The way he moves reminded me of James. How is he?”

“Dad is good. He’s enjoying being back home.”

“So you’re not coming back.” Sadness tinged Divine’s voice.

Alex’s tone softened. “No, we’re not coming back. I’ll be back for a visit, but not until some of the heat dies down.”

“Tell James that we had another one of those hunters down here, but Otto and his sons sent him packing.” She paused and bit her bottom lip. “We also had one of them werewolves here. They were looking for you and wouldn’t leave.”

“What happened? You weren’t hurt, were you, Divine?” Isaiah could hear Alex’s concern in every word. He could also hear the love and respect that each woman had for the other.

“We took care of it.” Her words were tough, but Divine paled slightly. It was then he knew she’d had a part in killing the wolf. She straightened her shoulders and continued. “Tell James the garage is still here if he wants it. I took his advice and Leon is working down there now. He doesn’t have the same touch with cars that your father does, but he’s good.”

“The building is yours now, Divine.” Alex brought the conversation around to his reason for being there. “Isaiah’s there to pack up all our stuff and drive it back home.” There was a pregnant pause. “I really can’t tell you where, Divine. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She laid the 9mm back into a kitchen drawer and shut it. Off to his left, Leon slowly lowered the rifle he was holding and disappeared out through the door. Isaiah heard his muffled footsteps on the stairs as he went back down to the garage. “It’s probably better that way.”

“I miss you.”

Divine sniffed. “I miss you too, but don’t you start bawling on me. I changed my hair color. You wouldn’t recognize me now. I decided that brunettes have more fun than blondes.”

Isaiah clicked the button to take Alex off speakerphone and held out the phone to Divine. “Here.”

The older woman hurried over and took the phone before scurrying back to the kitchen to talk. Knowing they might be a while, he wandered over to one of the windows. He could see part of the city from here.

He wondered what Meredith was doing this morning. Had she slept as poorly as he had or had she forgotten him the moment he’d left? She was on the other side of the city, but she was probably up and about, doing whatever it was needed doing. He had no idea of the amount of work that went into running a club. There were probably an enormous number of things to take care of on a daily basis. Everything from cleaning to ordering supplies for the kitchen and booking acts. Not to mention the paperwork.

He closed his eyes and pictured her in his mind. What would she be wearing this morning? Not the skin-hugging, sparkling dress that fit her like a glove. Jeans maybe. Or perhaps black dress pants. Something classy, yet casual. That was more likely. His heart beat heavily, his jeans grew uncomfortably snug and his fangs tingled.

He rolled his shoulders, but there was no way to dispel the tension growing in him. He had to see her again. Tonight.

But for now he had work to do. His family came first. Always.

“Call me anytime. You take care of yourself, Alex.”

He turned around as Divine was ending the call. She handed the phone back to him. He took it and tucked it back into his pocket.

Divine swiped at her eyes and quickly squared her shoulders. “I already packed up Alex’s apartment and gave her notice to her landlord.” Grabbing a set of keys, she headed to the door. He followed silently behind her. “All her stuff is in here.”

She unlocked a rather large storage room at end of the hall. Furniture and boxes were piled almost to the ceiling. “Otto Bykowski, who runs the bakery up the road, and his sons, helped me.” She nodded toward the downstairs. “Leon is one of his sons.

“I wasn’t quite certain what to do with James’s furniture, but I boxed up all his belongings and put them in here too.”

“You can do whatever you wish with his furniture.” James had told him to let Divine have whatever she wanted. Said she’d deserved it for all that she’d done. Isaiah had been skeptical at the time, but now he believed she more than deserved the furniture and the building. “Keep it or sell it. It’s up to you.”

Divine pointed to a gaudy purple chair in the corner. “I put that piece in here. James might not want it, but it was Alex’s favorite.”

“Thanks.”

They left the room, Divine locking up behind them.

“I’m going to watch the garage for a few days before I bring in a truck.”

Divine crossed her arms over her chest and looked thoughtful. “That’s a good idea. Listen,” she began. “If you want to be doubly safe, Otto can bring his bakery truck down some night and put it in the garage. No one would think anything of it. They’d just assume that Leon was fixing something for his dad. We could load up the truck and drive it to another location to make sure no one is watching. You could have a truck waiting and transfer their belongings to it.” She tapped her bottom lip with her finger as if thinking the logistics through. “That would work.”

Once again, Isaiah was impressed with Divine. “That’s smart.”

She gave him a wry smile. “I have my moments.”

He grinned back. “I’m sure you do.”

She gave a short laugh and winked at him. “That’s what we’ll do then.” She walked past her apartment door and down the stairs to the garage. “You let me know when you’re ready and I’ll talk to Otto.”

“You’re sure he can be trusted?” Isaiah hated depending on anyone other than his brothers.

“I trust them more than I trust you.” She turned to face him when they hit the bottom of the stairs. He glanced into the garage to make certain Leon was alone before he entered. Divine was all business now, all hint of laughter gone. “Ask James if you need reassurance.”

“I will.” He might respect Divine’s strength, but he didn’t know her. And the hunters could sometimes be persuasive—in a very violent way.

She shrugged. “Suit yourself. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

“I will.” He started to leave, got halfway across the garage and swore under his breath. He spun around on one heel. “Thank you for being a friend to Alex and James.”

She gave him a sad smile. “They’ve more than repaid it over the years.”

He gave her a curt nod and left. He moved quickly, wanting to be seen by as few people as possible. If any hunters or wolves were watching, they would see him and follow him. Which is exactly what he wanted. He was tense and could use a good fight to work off some of his aggression.

Prowling down the street, he slipped into a rundown apartment building and made his way to the roof. Settling in, he watched the day pass in the neighborhood.

On the other side of the street a man with a set of binoculars took note of the tall stranger. He yanked out his cell phone and hit a number on the speed dial.

It was answered on the first ring. “It’s Warren, boss. That guy is back.”

“Watch him,” came the quick reply.

“Will do.” Warren ended the call and settled in for the morning. Jones was relieving him at noon. Collins would take the night shift. Quinn wasn’t on watch rotation yet because he was the new guy. Macmillan didn’t care how well vouched-for the guy was. He didn’t get left alone until they were one hundred percent certain of his loyalty.

The stranger at the garage moved with a fluid grace that was common in werewolves. Maybe he was just an uncommonly graceful human, but Warren didn’t think so. There was a sense of barely controlled menace about the guy.

No, he was a werewolf and he was here for a reason. The mission was to find out what that was and who was involved. Raising his binoculars, he took another look at the doorway before lowering them. He could easily watch the entrance from here.

He wanted a smoke, but couldn’t risk someone noticing the smell. Those werewolves were wily bastards with enhanced senses. He glanced at his watch and sighed. Noon wouldn’t come fast enough.

Meredith checked her liquor order for the third time. Nothing was adding up today. She blamed that on her poor night’s sleep. And that was Isaiah’s fault.

Just the thought of his name sent a tingle down her spine and caused her sex to clench. She dropped her clipboard on the bar and tugged on her hair in frustration.

“You okay?”

She’d been so caught up in her thoughts she hadn’t noticed Benjamin coming out from the kitchen. He was wearing faded jeans and a T-shirt that should have been consigned to the scrap bin months ago. They all dressed casually when the bar was closed. All except her. As she dealt with suppliers and such, she opted to wear a pair of black dress pants and a tailored white blouse. Classic and simple.

“I’m fine.” She offered him a smile, but his blue eyes, so much like her own, still looked concerned. “I didn’t sleep well last night,” she offered, hoping he’d leave it at that.

“I’m not surprised.” His gaze went to the front windows and he peered out at the busy street. “We’re all a little tense and will be until we’re sure this Striker guy is gone for good.” He stopped behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, his fingers digging at the knot of muscles there.

She groaned as he worked on a particularly tense spot. “I don’t think we’ve seen the last of him.” That was what had kept her awake most of the night. She vacillated between never wanting to see him again and desperately wanting to see him. It was no wonder she couldn’t sleep. Her thoughts had circled round and round until she’d wanted to scream in frustration.

Of course, the arousal heating her skin, making her body pulse and tingle, hadn’t helped either. She stepped away from her son, not wanting him to become aware of the heat coursing through her body.

His gaze narrowed, but he thankfully said nothing.

“It was quiet last night.” She picked up the clipboard and held it in front of her breasts. She should have worn a sweater instead of a blouse. Her nipples were plainly showing through her bra and the thin material.

“Yeah.” Benjamin raked his fingers through his shoulder-length black hair.

He kept it tied back with a leather cord when he was working, but otherwise he let it flow free. It was straight like hers. Both her boys took after her more than their father. That had always been a sore spot for Maxwell.

“Listen, Mom,” he began. He stopped and paused, glancing out the window again. “I know this time of year is hard for you.”

Oh, God. The last thing she wanted to talk about with her son was the fact she was going into heat. But she’d always prided herself on being honest and straightforward with them. It was a biological fact of their species. And there were two women in this pack so they needed to be aware of it. But still.

Thankfully, Neema had Teague to help her get through it when it was her time. Heck, they enjoyed it. And why wouldn’t they? They loved one another. She’d never had that. Never known what it was like to be with a male who loved her. Maxwell had wanted her. But he hadn’t loved her. Nor had she loved him. That made all the difference.

Benjamin was waiting and looking more than a little disconcerted. She laughed to try to ease his tension. “That’s an understatement,” she answered wryly. As she hoped, he grinned and some of the discomfort left him.

“It’s a fact of life and we’ve dealt with it before,” she reminded him.

“Not with an eligible male wolf sniffing around.”

Meredith tensed and glared at her son. “So that’s what this is all about. You’re afraid I’ll let my hormones rule my judgment.”

He shook his head. “No. Yes. No.”

She straightened her shoulders and met her son’s gaze head on. “Which is it?”

“I don’t know,” he blurted out. “I love you and I’m worried. You didn’t see the way that guy was looking at you last night.”

What was left unsaid was the way she’d looked right back at Isaiah. Her sons were very intelligent, astute men. And so were the rest of the pack. There could have been no mistaking the spike in her arousal around Isaiah.

“I’ll handle it.” She was alpha. It was her job to handle the tough situations. She’d been doing it for years.

Benjamin brushed a lock of hair over her shoulder and offered her a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I hope so.”

He plucked the clipboard from her hands. “Let me finish that. Why don’t you go and take a nap. Otherwise you’re going to be beat by the end of tonight.”

Meredith didn’t argue with him. She skirted past the tables with the chairs piled on top, ignored the clang of pots and pans coming from the kitchen, and hurried by the office where Kevin was hard at work.

Her apartment, which was usually her haven, seemed stifling today. She longed to shift, to run. But that was impossible, especially now with the pack on high-alert.

Still, she could shift. She hurried into her bedroom and kicked off her shoes. Slipping out of her clothing, she tossed them onto the chair in the corner. She closed her eyes and embraced her female wolf.

Her skin rippled and tingled and she fell forward, her hands touching the floor. Bones cracked as her limbs reformed. Her jaw elongated as black hair grew from her skin, covering her body in a thick pelt.

Meredith glanced into her floor-length mirror, studying the large black wolf that stared back. She was still in there, but the wolf, with her instinct to run, was at the forefront. It took all her control to keep the wolf from racing to the front door and clawing at it until she was free.

The bed beckoned, but she couldn’t bear the thought of lying there. Not where she’d spent the night thinking of him. Padding out to the kitchen, she lay in a beam of sunshine, soaking up the warmth. Exhaustion beat at her and she closed her eyes, curling her body until she was comfortable.

The wolf’s thoughts pushed her own to the background, allowing her to focus solely on the physical. The wolf was physically aroused, felt the call, the lure of the male werewolf she’d met last night. But he wasn’t here now. Eventually, she settled enough to drop into a light doze.

Her last thought before she gave into sleep was that she hadn’t seen the last of Isaiah Striker.