The Wolf's Prey Read online

  They lock eyes while still on their phone. They hang up within seconds of each other. "After we handle this, your ass will be six feet under." Lennox tells him.

  "The only thing I'll be buried six feet in is her." Andrew says, gesturing towards me. Making me gasp at his crudeness.

  Lennox throws the first punch contacting with the side of Andrews face, just below his eye. The force knocks Andrew back against his car. Andrew stands up quickly holding his jaw and working it back and forth. Lennox motions Andrew forward asking for a fight. Andrew complies and rushes forward turning into his wolf. Lennox jumps shifting in mid air, his jaws snapping at Andrew. Others start making their way to the parking lot. Some even climbing out windows to witness the fight. Teachers and students mix together trying to find a close spot. I see Jessica and her concerned face as she fights to get closer.

  I call out to her, getting her attention. She looks up and I yell, "Call dad! Now!" She nods and takes out her phone. I scan the crowd looking for Marta, finding her standing next to Beta Hightower. I watch as she tries to pull away from him and his hand tightens around her arm not allowing her to come closer. I study Beta Hightower, he looks happy about the fight.

  Of course, why wouldn't he be happy his Alpha is being attacked? He could take over without a fight. Disgusted I look back at Marta who is now beyond frightened and is pleading for he. When she tugs at her arm again and cries out in pain, I don't hesitate.

  I shift and sprint towards Beta Hightower with one purpose, to get him away from Marta.He doesn't see me and doesn't care about his treatment to Marta's arm or her tears. I plow into him as hard as I can allowing Marta to move away as he falls back. I land on top of him clawing at his body and biting the spot where is neck meets his shoulder, shacking my head tearing a chunk of his flesh from his body. His eyes are murderous as he glares at me and fear ripples through me as he shifts into his wolf. I back away from him feeling my paw throb. Completely forgetting about my early injury, I stupidly attacked. The soreness of my weak paw as I hold it slightly off the ground registers on his face and he attacks. The weight of his body forces me backward onto my back. His head lowers to my neck, his jaws snapping but before he can hurt me, his head is pulled away under Lennox's arm and his head is twisted. Snapping under the pressure, effectively killing him in one quick move. Lennox pulls the corpse of Beta Hightower's body off of me and lets it drop. Andrew comes to my side and I close my eyes when I see he's naked.

  "He attacked you?"

  I nod and still in wolf form. He rolls me over and I stand up whimpering when I put pressure on my paw. It not as bad as it was when I first broke it but I'm sure what I did wasn't the smartest thing to do. I just hope I didn't re-break it. I sit back down and Lennox comes back with a blanket still completely nude.

  "Beta Hightower was forcing me to stay near him and refused to let me help Jocelyn. He was excited you were going to be killed and he was going to take over the pack. He told me himself and when I started to struggle to get to Jocelyn he grabbed on to my arm." Marta explains, showing Andrew and Lennox her arm. Lennox bends down covering me with the blanket.

  "Looks like your Beta had bigger and better plans." Lennox states. Then looks at me, "Shift." He orders and I obey. He tightens the blanket around me as I shift to my smaller form. "How's your wrist?"

  "Its okay, just a little sore."

  "You attacked Dante for your sister?" Andrew asks, as if verifying Marta's story.

  "Yeah, he was hurting her." I answer, taking in his cut face and already swelling eye.

  "Don't ever do that again." Lennox demands pulling me into his arms and standing up. I check his face and see a couple of scratches but nothing serious. I don't think they got to more then scuffling before Lennox stopped the fight to save me.

  "Yeah." Jessica says siding with Lennox. "Sorry, to break up the lovefest but my dad said he needs to see the both of you."

  "Shit." Andrew says, walking quickly to his car and Lennox does the same.

  "What's the rush?" I question, startled by both the Alphas compliance.

  "Rachael is back. The Red Moon pack detained her and escorted her back to your dad's territory. He wants us to be here when they show up. Which, should be any minute." He places me in the car and walks around the car, getting behind the wheel and speeding back to my dads house. As we speed through town I cant help but think of riding with Jessica as we fly thorough another red light.

  We pull up just as Andrew gets out of his car and Lennox parks the car. I get out following Lennox into the house. My dad greets us his face anxious and he calls for clothes to be brought to the guys. I start walking upstairs to change but Lennox stops me with one hand. I look at him then towards the blanket telling him without words I need to change and he removes his arm.

  "Don't take long." He replies, seriously.

  I smile at his need to be with me and nod. I turn back and start running up the steps, wanting to be with him just the same. I wince when I have to hold the blanket with my weak hand and open the door. I walk in and straight to the duffle bag I brought with me, I take out a white bra, underwear, dark skinny jeans and a white tank top.

  After getting dressed as fast as I can I start making my way to the first floor, more specifically my fathers office. I knock once and the door opens. Dad is standing holding the door open, he must have been pacing because Lennox and Andrew are sitting. Andrew is in the chair in front of the desk and Lennox is on the couch. I make my way over to Lennox, his hands instantly grabbing my hips and brining me onto his lap when I'm close enough.

  I smile and lean back into his chest loving his warmth. his arms go around me and he nuzzles the mark he made on my neck. I cant help but smile at his affectionate side and giggle when I feel his member start to harden.

  "Please, refrain from the groping while I'm here." Jessica's says, sitting next to us on the couch. Lennox doesn't listen and continues to kiss and nibble my ear lobe. Jessica pretends it's making her vomit and I laugh. I notice Andrew looking grumpy, yet he also look defeated. He must know that he was no match for Lennox, at least I hope he knows.

  Andrew may be a little rough around the edges, but I know he is a good man. A good man that just lost his Beta. "I'm sorry about your Beta, Andrew."

  "Don't be. I'm glad I know he had no loyalty towards me." He replies, watching the door.

  "Marta's not in trouble is she?" I ask.

  "Why would she be in trouble? Is there something you're not telling me?" Andrew questions, instantly on alert.

  "No, I just thought because she was with him. I don't know it was a stupid question." I mumble, looking at the floor. Way to basically tell him Marta knew Dante was going to challenge him.

  "I still can't believe he attacked you. I almost had a crap attack." Jessica says, seriously biting her fingernails.

  I cringe. "Gross, Jess."

  "What? Its the truth you shouldn't have done that." Jessica replies, shaking her head.

  "Sorry if I worried you." I say, patting her hand.

  "Forgiven, but if you do that ever again I'll kill you myself." she responds, winking at me.

  "When are they supposed to be here? Not that I miss the bitch." Jessica asks, looking at dad.

  Sighing and running his fingers through his hair dad looks at his watch. "Ten more minutes." He answers as Travis Jr. comes in the room looking tired. Big brother looks like he hasn't slept in days.

  "How's Brenda?" Dad asks, concerned.

  "Uncomfortable and hormonal. She was tossing and turning all night. The due date is next week, but I think it'll be any day now." He replies, tiredly. Mom comes in right after Travis Jr. and rubs his back sympathetically.

  "She'll be okay." Mom states, reassuringly.

  "I'm just ready for the baby to come already." He sighs, sitting in the chair next to Andrew.

  "Since everyone is here I have an announcement to make." Dad states, looking at everyone. "I'm stepping down as alpha the day after the challenge." He looks at Tr
avis who looks stunned by the announcement. "That gives you a year of running the pack and training for next year and any future challenges." He says to his son.

  "Are you sure?" Travis asks dad.

  "Yes, I'm fine. I'm tried and getting too old for these sleepless nights." Dad responds, looking like he'd rather step down tomorrow.

  "You'll do great." Mom tells Travis Jr., smiling encouragingly.

  "They're here." Lennox says to the room.

  Dad strides to the door and Lennox stands up setting me on the couch next to Jessica and follows after my dad, Andrew, and Travis Jr. "Stay here." Lennox demands, looking straight at me just as he leaves.

  "Do you think she's going to go mental on us all?" Jessica whispers, spookily.

  I roll my eyes and mom tells her to stop. I'm more nervous about the red wolf pack coming here then Rachel. They never leave their territory and I heard its almost impenetrable if your an outsider and don't know where to go. The land is full of mountains and ravines many people have died trying to attack the pack after finding the land rich with oil. I don't know much about the Alpha or the pack other then the fact they never admit outsiders. Asking them to join their pack is more times then not rejected.

  I can hear things being discussed and more then one person is talking at once. I cant make out what is being said, but its seems to be an earnest discussion without any raised voices, which is always a good sign with werewolves.

  "What's taking so long?" Jessica grumbles.

  I shrug and look at the clock. It's only been ten minutes, but just like Jessica it feels like its taking forever. There's a light knock on the door and the twins come in with Marta right behind them.

  She smiles at me, "How are you feeling?" she asks, holding out my soft cast. "I found this on the ground."

  "I'm fine. Thanks." I reply, taking the cast and putting it back on my wrist.

  "Everyone is talking about you taking on Beta Hightower." Josh says, in awe.

  "I'm sure they are." I remark, amused.

  "What were you thinking?" He asks, shaking his head.

  "Obviously I wasn't." I reply, lifting up my injured wrist.

  "I know I shouldn't say anything, but I think we need to address the 9ft. python we all seen today." Jessica states, regrettably. Confused by her seriousness I look at her, she turns her head smirking at me. "Lennox's hung like a freaking horse."

  My mouth drops open and the room laughs. "Jessica!"

  "What? I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head. I couldn't stop staring at it and I hate to tell you this, but I swear it was starting back at me. Like this." She says, closing one eye and opening the other wide.

  "Is that supposed to be Lennox's penis?" Marta asks.

  "Well, I'm nearly as big as it." Jessica jokes.

  "It's a good likeness." Marta nods her head seriously.

  "Don't encourage her." I say to Marta.

  "Can we please not talk about Lennox's one eyed monster?" Josh asks, disgusted yet entertained.

  "Yes, lets move on from that. Have you been out to see the Red Wolf pack?" I question the boys.

  "I didn't but Jason did." Josh answers.

  "What were they like?" Jessica asks.

  "Huge, as big as Lennox." Jason says, sitting in the chair Andrew vacated earlier.

  "They're all getting along though right?" I question, interested.

  "Yeah, they want to come to some kind of agreement. I'm not sure what it involves." He responds.

  The doors open and dad walks in. "Come to the living room, everyone."

  We all stand up and follow him to the crowded room. Rachael and Wendy are sitting on the couch looking a little worn from the travel and obviously both are upset to be here. I'm aware of the others in the room, but I keep my head lowered and walk to Lennox. His arm wraps around my waist and he pulls me to his side. I look up to him, taking in his relaxed nature. As long as Lennox is relaxed and comfortable I know I don't have anything to worry about.

  "This is my daughter Jocelyn and her mate Lennox, whom you've met." I look up and over to my father noticing the big man next to him. "This is Beta Brennan Martin of the Red Wolf pack. I give a small wave and dad continues to introduce the rest of the family.

  I'm curious to know what type of agreement the two, possibly four packs have made together. "Beta Martin has brought back your sister in hopes of securing a friendship between our packs. His pack has been isolated and needs to breach out to other packs in hopes of finding mates."

  "So, basically they need new blood? Unless, they want to mate with their uncles, cousins, sister type of thing?" Jessica questions loudly. The whole room goes silent waiting for the reaction from Beta Martin. However, the stress of the day or the fact that my sister is just plain crazy gets to me and I laugh, hard. Lennox tightens his arm around me as I threaten to fall to the floor.

  I finally pull myself together and look towards Beta Martin to I apologize, "Sorry, its been a long day." I explain still finding it hard not to laugh. I notice Jessica shifting where she stands, obviously feeling uncomfortable. "Come on, it was just a joke." I state, rolling my eyes and looking around. What's the big deal?

  "Tough crowd." Jessica grumbles, making me smile.

  "There are a lot of rumors about our pack already. I really don't need anymore gossip going around." Beta Martin replies, crossing his arms.

  "Sorry." Jessica apologizes.

  I look up to Lennox who kisses my forehead and addresses Beta Martin. "I think we should discuss more details and each pack will have want different arrangements with you. Perhaps you should come to an understanding here and visit each pack individually? That way you can consult with your Alpha."

  "I'd rather get it done from here." Beta Martin responds.

  "Yes, I agree. One pact involving the four packs will be less complicated." Dad says, agreeing with Beta Martin.

  "I don't want this to take more then a few days. I want to be back on my land as soon as possible." Lennox states, firmly.

  "You mean you want to have your "mate" on your land as quickly as possible." A big man standing by the back door corrects knowingly. I haven't noticed him, standing there, he's impossibly big. With thick defined arms, tall and an almost menacing glare. Yet, his eyes don't look unkind, just hard.

  "Alpha Thompson." Lennox greets.

  "Alpha Hall." Alpha Thompson tilts his head in acknowledgement.

  I notice my dad catching on, yet he seems confused. "Your Beta has been negotiating a pact under your request and you're here?" He questions.

  "I dont care to mediate." He answers, simply.

  "You know about Jocelyn and Lennox?" Jessica inquires.

  "I took the liberty of finding out when he was raising an army to get her back." Alpha Thompson explains.

  "Find out what?" Rachel asks, intrigued.

  "They're not entirely mated, like mom was with dad." Josh answers.

  Wendy laughs and looks at us happily. "Seems like you picked the wrong mate."

  "I picked the only sane one." Lennox retorts, earning a disgruntled, "Hey!" from Jessica.

  "Lets disuses this pact in my office." Dad, states. The Alpha's retreat to the office and I feel Wendy's hate for me. I'm sure she's killing me in a thousand different ways. Mom moves and invites everyone into the kitchen for snacks and drinks. I turn to follow when I feel claws dig into my back making me scream out in pain. Wendy doesn't stop there, the bites my neck. H Her teeth pierce my skin and I feel my blood flow from the wound, the warmth of it soaking my tank top and staining the carpet.

  I don't know if its from loss of blood or the pain that makes things go black, but I welcome it gladly.

  Alpha Lennox Hall

  After the feeling of claws pierce my back I leave the office, rushing into the living room as I feel the pain of teeth sinking into my neck. I see Rachel pulling on Wendy's fur trying to get her off Jocelyn. I join her pulling Wendy back and ending her life exactly like I did with Beta Hightower. I snap her neck a
nd throw her lifeless body against the wall.

  I pick up Jocelyn's bleeding body as we are joined by the rest of the house. "That she-wolf was pregnant." Alpha Thompson, states looking at the body.

  I have no feelings of remorse killing her, but the child will play on my conscience. A medical kit is brought to me by Jenna and I set Jocelyn on the couch stopping the bleeding from the neck is priority. I clean it and put on a clotting solution. Jenna helps me wrap the bandage around her neck and I turn her onto her stomach. Jenna and I pull away what's left of her tank top and clean the claw marks.

  When we're done I don't say a word. I take the blanket on the back of the couch and cover her before picking her up carrying her to her bedroom. I set her down gently and roll her onto her stomach. The claw marks aren't as bad as I thought they would be, but her neck wound was deep. A kill shot. My blood boils, I should have took Wendy out instead of letting her leave the pack.

  Now, I'll have the father of Wendy's baby coming after me, another fight at my doorstep when all I want to do is be with Jocelyn.

  ***********

  Let's Go

  Jocelyn's POV

  The throbbing in my neck wakes me up and I open my eyes to darkness. I can hear Lennox's steady breathing and roll over onto my back. I feel the pinch of the scabbed over claw marks as I sit up. My back is sore but my neck feels worse, Wendy definitely did a lot of damage. I turn hanging my legs over the side of the bed and stand up. I look down noticing my tee shirt and bra are gone and i cover myself modestly.

  Lennox is sleeping on a chair just in front of me with a wet wash cloth still in his hands. I smile at the picture of such a large man in a small computer chair, but need to use the bathroom too bad to stare too long. I move around Lennox making sure not disturb him. I pick up a tee shirt laying on the floor and hold it in front of me with my good hand, covering myself. I tip toe to the bathroom, shutting the door as quietly as I can and relieve myself. I'm just finishing when Lennox opens the door.