Pack Beta

Kayla Webb raced past another alleyway without slowing down. She could hear her best friend Randy at her heels breathing heavily and fighting to stay with her.

She wasn’t sure how they’d ended up running for their lives through the deserted streets of Lubbock, Texas. All she was certain of was that they had to get away.

Ahead she saw what she was looking for. Slowing only slightly, she motioned Randy to the right. Together they made the turn, bringing them to the opening of an old, abandoned building. Kayla slipped through the small gap first before reaching out to grab Randy’s hand.

Her friend clutched her as they collapsed on the cold, dirty concrete floor.

“Do you think we lost them?” Randy managed, panting.

Kayla held up her right hand to have Randy quieten down as she strained to pick up any sound of their pursuers. Taking a chance, she peeked around the opening to look out into the night. “I think so,” she whispered.

Wiping the sweat from her face as she leaned her head back, Kayla tried to calm her breathing. She wouldn’t have thought she was so out of shape but a chase for over a dozen blocks had her feeling sick. Plus she wasn’t sure she could stand if need be. Her legs shook and her muscles cramped.

“What the hell was that all about?” Randy asked as he twisted to try to look out into the alley.

“I don’t know, but they sure know who we are,” she said. “That wasn’t a random mugging. Did you see how they immediately zeroed in on the two of us? How they expected us to run?”

Leaving a restaurant together, Kayla and Randy had been headed to her truck when three men had stepped out of the shadows and advanced on them.

Her wolf had sensed the threat, making it difficult to stop from shifting. She’d managed to hold her wolf back and grabbed Randy’s arm, pulling him to a stop. They had been too far from her vehicle. She would have chanced a sprint across the parking lot until she had spotted movement in that direction too.

Three more men had blocked her and Randy from their escape. They’d had no choice but to run—and run fast.

There was no way that anyone, even six large men, should have been able to keep up with two shifters. It should have been an easy escape. Instead, Kayla had barely been able to lead Randy to safety.

If she could call an old building that was about to collapse safe. She’d attended a party—an illegal party—there almost ten years ago. The structure hadn’t been stable then. It was in even worse shape now.

“We can’t stay here long,” she said.

“We can’t go back to the restaurant.”

Randy had a point.

“I have a friend who lives a couple blocks from here.”

“We’re in the middle of an industrial zone,” Randy argued.

“He’s a metal artist,” she explained. “He converted one of these old warehouses into a studio with a loft. If we can get to him, we can at least think about our next move.”

“Okay, let’s do it.”

Standing, she reached down to help Randy to his feet. “Is your leg okay?”

He shrugged. Damn, she hoped he could make it as far as Justin’s place. She would carry him if she had to, but that would slow them way down.

“I’ll make it,” he said.

She wanted to hug him, promising that everything was going to be all right, but she couldn’t. Also, just because Randy had an old injury and limped a little didn’t mean he would put up with her coddling him.

“Stay close,” Kayla warned.

Stepping through the opening, she paused long enough to insure no one was around. She picked up on the scents of trash, rotted food and vomit. Those were the only smells, though. No humans around.

As quietly as possible, she crept away from the building. Keeping to the shadows instead of using speed, she hoped their stealth would prevent them from being discovered.

Randy’s presence at her back provided a solid reassurance as they carefully maneuvered in the dark. Justin’s building was part of an area that the city had once tried to bring back to life. The plan had never really gotten off the ground but Justin had told her he was happy about it.

He enjoyed the privacy of the area. If he was up all night working with a welding machine or other tools, he had no neighbors to worry about disturbing. She didn’t get it herself but she had no reason to judge him.

As the structures in the area started to become familiar, she found herself calming. If they could just get off the streets, she knew they could regroup as they tried to figure out what was going on.

Coming up on the backside of Justin’s building, Kayla could have wept with relief. She pressed herself up against the wall, drawing in long, deep breaths. She motioned to Randy to do the same. While Justin didn’t normally like surprise visits, she hoped he would make an exception this one time.

“Um, my friend can be a little weird sometimes,” she told Randy.

He snorted. “Well, he is a friend of yours, so that’s to be expected, right?”

It seemed so strange to smile at a time like this but she found herself grinning over at Randy anyway. “I guess so. I mean, I am friends with you,” she teased.

“Exactly.”

Shaking her head, she patted his arm. “We’ll have to make a run for it, just in case the pursuers remained close by. The stairs lead up to the front but it’s three flights. They’re all outside and the door is sturdy metal, solid, so we can’t break in to his place. Keep an eye out.”

“You got it.”

Breathing deeply, Kayla mentally counted to three then took off at a full run. She leaped over several steps and rushed up the staircase. Pounding on the door, she prayed that Justin was inside.

It was early enough that if he was in town, he should still be home.

Repeatedly beating on the door, she finally sagged in relief when she heard Justin’s cursing coming from the inside.

He swung the door open, frowning. “What?”

Instead of answering, she pushed him back into the interior, allowing Randy to slip past her. She slammed the door closed, quickly turning both deadbolts.

“Kayla? What the fuck is going on?”

Leaning against the door, she took in Justin’s appearance. He hadn’t shaved, which gave his looks a dangerous edge. His mussed black hair fell around his face, framing the deep frown lines on his forehead. Dressed in only a pair of thin sweats, he looked irritated and suspicious.

“Hi.” Fuck. That was stupid thing to say. Now that she stood in front of Justin, she was at a loss for words. After all, it wasn’t everyday she raced away from attackers.

Amusement flittered briefly in his eyes as he pressed his lips together. When he crossed his arms, she sighed.

“I can explain.”

“Come on in, then,” Justin said as he turned on his heel.

Kayla followed, but only after she glanced over her shoulder at Randy, who still stood off to the side. Randy looked at Justin with a mixed expression of awe and a little bit of fear.

Well, Justin could be intimating but Randy wasn’t normally frightened either.

The narrow hall led to a large, open kitchen. Kayla had been there enough times to be comfortable in Justin’s home. The third floor consisted of the kitchen, bedroom, office and bathroom. Below, Justin used the other two levels for his art. Kayla had never been to those areas, even though she’d tried numerous times to talk Justin into giving her a peek.

Standing at the counter, Justin had his back to them as they reached the granite island. Kayla pulled out a bar stool and sat, nodding for Randy to do the same.

“Coffee?” Justin asked.

“Sure,” she replied.

Justin played his long fingers along the pot as he prepped the machine. The strong muscles in his back rippled when he reached for mugs above the sink.

They’d first become friends when she’d moved into town. Justin had been taking a business course located right next to her math class.

Something about him had called to her, resulting in a quick friendship with the reserved man. Although, at the time, Kayla had been hoping for more.

After a few dates, they both realized that the chemistry between them just wasn’t there. They’d known the relationship would never progress, so they’d remained good friends.

Once he’d got the coffee brewing, Justin turned to face them. “Who’re you?” he asked, looking at Randy.

Shit, he must be in one of his moods. The hostile edge to his tone was not what they needed after running for their lives. Justin could get rude and defensive when anything unexpected happened but he usually showed more patience than jumping his guests like this.

Randy started to laugh, cutting off her response. “Randy O’Hare,” he answered still grinning. “I’m a friend of Kayla’s.”

“The musician? Huh.”

Glancing between the two men, Kayla tried to gauge how the meeting was going but she wasn’t sure. Justin appeared just as grumpy as he normally was. However, Randy’s amused manner threw her off on what was going on between them.

“Yep, you’re the temperamental artist.”

She started to stand when Justin shocked her by laughing—a full, loud, belly laugh.

“I like you,” Justin said, as he pointed at Randy.

“My heart is all aflutter,” Randy replied but he winked at Kayla.

Relaxing back onto the stool, she knew everything would be okay. Randy and Justin were two of her best friends. They were bound to meet eventually anyway.

As he turned back to the coffee pot, Justin lowered his voice as he grew serious. “So you want to tell me what you two were running from?”

“I guess we’d better,” Kayla told Justin. While she spoke, she could see Justin listening carefully by the way his features changed, tightened with worry then relaxed with relief. It was a short story, although by the time she was done, her stomach had soured.

She sat blowing on her coffee as she waited for Justin to say something, anything.

“You both are all right?” he finally asked.

“Yeah, sure,” she said, exchanging glances with Randy.

“Did you hear them say anything?” Justin inquired.

“No, they just went after us,” she replied.

“Uh, I did.” Randy waved his hand.

“When?” Kayla asked.

“What?” Justin looked at him intently.

Running his gaze from her to Justin, he sighed heavily. “Just as we exited the restaurant, I heard a voice say ‘get the wolves’. I didn’t see who said it, though. I didn’t have time to really think about it.”

“The only thing you heard them say was to get the wolves?” Justin pressed.

“Yes.”

Kayla tried to go back in her mind but she couldn’t recall hearing the men speak. But if Randy said he did, she believed him.

“Stay here. I have to make a phone call.”

Stunned silence filled the kitchen as she watched Justin flee.

“He’s kind of…”

“Intense?” she offered.

“Yeah.”

Nodding she placed her hand over his on the counter. “I don’t trust anyone for something like this other than you and Justin.”

“I can’t scent him.”

In the time she’d known Justin, she had never been able to get a trace off him either. Normally when she was around a shifter, their unique fragrance was a connection to their animal. Humans tended to have a more chemical or fabricated odor. Justin had neither. There was no smell whatsoever.

At first it had bothered her but she eventually got used to it. For thousands of years nature had shown that there were always exceptions to the rule. Over time, Kayla had chalked up Justin’s unusual non-scent to just being a part of him.

“I know. I never figured that out.” She shrugged to show Randy it didn’t bother her.

Randy hummed but didn’t say anything more on the subject. She suspected he wouldn’t let it go, but they had a bigger issue at the moment. Justin’s low voice traveled through the building but even with her superior hearing, she couldn’t make out the words.

Since she couldn’t eavesdrop on his conversation and not wanting to dwell on what happened earlier, she thought about Randy’s words. Justin was more than he appeared—she knew that for sure. Justin had known right away that she was a shifter. Kayla hadn’t realized that she had given any signs to her true nature but obviously, she had. Justin had asked her before they were ever intimate. The way he’d asked had made it easy for her to be honest.

Luckily, he’d accepted her shifter half.

Justin reentered the kitchen, causing Kayla to snap out of her thoughts.

“I think it would best if both of you stayed here tonight.”

“What? Why?” Kayla questioned. Sure, she had come to Justin for help but she hadn’t planned to hide.

“There have been rumors for the last few months about a group targeting shifters. I’ve only heard bits and pieces but from what I’ve put together, if you’re being stalked, there is a real danger.”

“That’s crazy!” Randy slid off his chair. “How would these guys even know what we are?”

“I don’t know,” Justin responded. “How would they?”

Shaking his head, Randy stood, trembling, revealing his upset. “I’ve got a family here, a younger brother. I need to go check on them.”

“Give me their address. I’ll send someone discreetly to watch over them. The first thing we need to do is figure out why you two were chosen.”

“Who are you, really?” Randy asked, his voice dropping dangerously low.

Kayla stepped in front of Randy. “He’s my friend.” She waited until Randy met her gaze. Randy’s eyes were already glowing, the wolf inside striving for release. “You need to calm down.”

“Calm down!” Randy hollered. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Hey! I’m only trying to help,” Justin interrupted.

“Really?” Randy swept his arm, grabbing a hold of Kayla and yanking her behind him. “I haven’t heard anything about this group or other shifters being attacked. How is it you have?”

This was getting out of hand fast. Kayla knew the best course of action was to get both men under control but that require settling them down. “Stop, both of you!” she yelled drawing their attention. “This isn’t helping.”

“Randy, sit and drink your coffee. Justin, start explaining.”

For several tense minutes, the two men stared at each another in challenge. Finally, Randy sighed before placing his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll hear him out. But I make no promises.”

“Fine,” she conceded.

As Randy dropped back onto the bar stool, she faced Justin. “You’re not just an artist, are you?”

If she was being honest, she was a little hurt. She’d been friends with Justin for over twelve years. The first person she could say she had connected with when she’d first arrived in town. If he was hiding something major from her…she just didn’t know if she would ever be able to forgive him.

“Actually, I am.”

Randy snorted.

Giving Randy a furious glare, Justin took a step toward him.

Holding up her hand, she caught Justin’s attention again. “Don’t.”

A small growl escaped Justin as he spun around to begin pacing the length of the kitchen. Kayla relaxed her shoulders, rolling them and moving her neck from side to side. They didn’t have time for Randy and Justin to keep going alpha on each other.

Kayla sat back down closely watching Justin’s measured steps as he paced. Picking up her cooling coffee, she took a sip. The strong bold brew tasted like heaven.

She took a larger drink, enjoying the bitterness. Damn, that was good.

“Okay,” Justin said, coming up to stop in front of her. He placed his hand on the island. “I’ll tell you what I can but this isn’t my story to share. There are people…family that could be hurt if any of this information gets out.”

“Look man,” Randy interrupted. “I’m sorry I lost my cool. It’s been a hard night. All I can think about is what if those men had gone after my brother or mom. There is no way they’d be able to escape as we did. But we wouldn’t put anyone else at risk. Whatever you tell us stays in this kitchen.”

“Thanks. For hundreds of years and long before the shifters came out publicly, there was—and still is—a group that operates behind the scenes. They protect nonhumans. They’ve always worked in the shadows. Very few people know about them.”

“You do,” Kayla pointed out.

“There has been a member in my family involved with this organization going back as far as my great-great-great-grandfather.”

“What do they do?” Kayla questioned. She really didn’t like where this was going.”

Justin looked up, steadily meeting her gaze. “Whatever they have to.”

“This latest arrest makes it appear to this reporter, that the Church for Humanity is now finished. With its leaders accused of kidnapping, attempted murder and terroristic threats, the doors have closed on the religious faction.”

Grinning, Chase Lawson clicked the television off. The Wolf Council had come through, once again ridding the Packs of the latest danger to them.

He had to give the council credit. It had been a long investigation but finally, after a year, all five divisions of the Church for Humanity were now shut down.

Hearing a shout, he strolled to his office window to look out. Alpha Shawn stood hands on hips as Chase’s brother, Max, remained beside him in deep concentration as he stared out over at the property.

Pride washed over Chase as he watched the scene play out in front of him. Max was in full Alpha training and Shawn was not going easy on him.

Although Max was one of the rare non-shifters, Shawn believed Max would make the best replacement as Alpha, should something happen to the leader.

Chase agreed. In the time that Max had been home, he’d changed. Instead of the lost and angry military man Chase had worried about, Max was open, more confident. A lot of his personal alteration had come from Max’s mate, Cassandra Wilson.

He hadn’t known when he’d asked Max to watch over her that the two would form such a tight bond.

Chase had always been close with the Wilson family, as Cassie’s older brother Alex was Chase’s best friend. So when Cassie had been in trouble he, of course, would have done anything in his power to help.

He’d never imagined that Cassie would be the one who would save Max and the rest of his family.

Slowly, they had been losing Max to his demons. It had been all Chase could do to hold on to his brother. Nothing he’d tried had worked to return Max to the man he once was.

The next day, Max met Cassie. Finally, he’d found a reason to let go of his past.

Chase was happy for his brother, although there was a small seed of jealousy inside him as well. Chase was so busy with his restaurant and Pack duties that he’d never regretted not finding a mate—until he saw how happy Max was with Cassie.

Neither held positions with the Pack structure, but both were instrumental in insuring the Pack’s happiness and survival. If they could make it work, maybe it was time to concentrate on his own needs.

Then again, with the threats against them, in addition to the newly proposed legislation to require all shifters to register into a database, Chase knew he wouldn’t actually change anything any time soon.

A lot had been changing in the last few months. Even though Chase’s Pack wasn’t public to the world, they still had had to be careful. Already the Church for Humanity had targeted them. The entire population of Canyon, Texas needed to be ready to defend their homes against any other danger.

Staying hidden hadn’t actually worked out as he’d imagined.

When the shifters around the world united, deciding to come out to the public, it was left to every Alpha to decide if they would be open or remain hidden.

Chase’s entire Pack still lived in secret.

The past several months had put that secrecy at jeopardy and it was why the representatives from the Wolf Council were in town. Chase’s Pack couldn’t aid in their endeavor without revealing themselves, so they’d only played a minor role.

Still, Chase was proud of everyone, especially his brother and Cassie. Pushing himself away from the window, Chase sat back at his desk again. He had a little more work to do before he could head to the town diner that he owned.

Luckily, he had a good staff that was covering the place well as he took care of his Pack duties. Sue Ellen had worked for him for years as the head server. He was going to have to reward her for really stepping up.

He’d been considering promoting her to manager and hiring another waitress to take her place. That way, he could insure that as Beta, he was available to the Pack.

As Beta, it was his responsibility to make sure that everything ran smoothly for his Alpha. When someone needed advice or help but the problem didn’t actually require the Alpha, Chase was there.

That left Shawn the opportunity to take care of serious matters, as well as spending time with his people.

Unlike a Beta who was also an Enforcer, Chase didn’t discipline any members, so he had a good relationship with all of them. Some even came to him for his counsel, not even wanting to see the Alpha.

It made Chase feel good. He enjoyed helping others. Just like at the diner when he fed them. It was part of a circle that he had created—to care about his fellow shifters in every way.

Opening his laptop and powering it up, Chase waited as it loaded. A knock on his office door surprised him. He hadn’t heard anyone approaching his office. He stood, making his way to the entrance then pulling open the heavy wood door. Upon seeing the two representatives of the Wolf Council, he grinned.

“Hey guys!” he greeted. “Come on in.”

Kurt Moore and Clint Price sauntered into his office. Both men carried themselves with a strong presence that screamed Alpha male. They’d arrived in town to handle the church’s threats, working in the shadows the entire time.

The men were so talented at what they did that Chase hadn’t even heard from the townsfolk about the strangers. They’d managed to hide their presence while accomplishing what they’d set out to do.

As Beta, Chase had been aware of their mission and had become friendly with them. He’d be sorry to see them leave. “Coffee?”

“Please,” Clint nodded, grinning widely.

Kurt snorted. “His mate has turned him into an addict.”

Chase had heard all about Clint’s mate, Sara Webb, who owned a coffee shop in their small town. “Well I’m sure it’s not as good as hers, but I do try.”

“Are you kidding me? I love your coffee, man,” Clint told him.

After their first meeting, Chase had noticed Clint savoring his brew. Chase had long ago cut back on the amount of caffeine that he consumed each day. So, instead of filling up on tons of coffee, he went for an expensive blend that he could enjoy a few cups of daily.

As he walked to a small cabinet, it saddened him to know his friends would probably be leaving soon. He busied himself making up two mugs instead of thinking of the loss. He remembered how both men took their drinks, so it didn’t take long to brew it and serve them.

“Looks like Max is doing well in his training,” Kurt said from his position in front of the window where Chase had been watched from earlier.

“Yeah, he’s taken to it quickly. He’s a born leader,” Chase said with pride as he passed Kurt his cup.

“You have a good Pack here,” Clint commented, accepting his own mug. “A strong Alpha with a tight inner circle. You’re going to need that in the upcoming months.”

“So it’s not over?” Chase questioned with concern. “I thought with the closing of the Church for Humanity we would be safe. “

“You are,” Kurt assured him. “From them, anyway. But there is more going on here than we first thought. There are still unexplained circumstances that have me concerned, starting with the fact that we weren’t the ones who brought down the church.”

“Wait! What? I thought…the news stated…”

“The Church for Humanity is finished. The arrests will stick. But our team and the officials we were working with weren’t responsible. Someone got there before us.”

“Who?” Chase questioned, confused. There was no pack in Lubbock where the church had opened. The college town was considered open territory. As the closest shifter collection to the large city, Alpha Shawn had made it his business to insure any shifters in that area had someone looking out for them.

“We don’t know. That’s what bothers me. We can assume that they are on our side, since they did take down the enemy, but I don’t like not knowing what is going on.” Clint rose from the couch then started to pace. “I didn’t catch another scent anywhere near us. There is no way that someone could get that close and leave no trace of being there.”

“So what do we do now?” Chase asked.

“That’s why we’re here,” Kurt informed him. “Your entire Pack needs to keep its eyes open. If you have anyone in Lubbock, that’s even better. But we need to talk to your Alpha and Max. We’ve been called away.”

“You’re leaving?” Chase jumped to his feet. “Why?”

“The Council is sending us to Missouri, where there have been three disappearances of shifters. We leave today.”

Dread trailed up Chase’s spine. Not only was there an unknown person or group but they wouldn’t even have the Council representatives to turn to.

“Hey,” Clint stepped up next to him, gripping his shoulder. “We’re still just a phone call away, plus you have resources here as well—one of them being your brother. Max’s military record is strong and the man knows how to take care of his family.”

“I know.” He did know that. But that didn’t help the fear now gripping him.

“Also, your Alpha has mentioned some of the other Pack members who have settled in the area. Ex-military, government, police—you are a strong group. We wouldn’t leave if we didn’t think you all would be okay,” Kurt added.

“We’ve always been peaceful here. I’m just worried. You’re right about our members but as you said, they are retired. They came to us to get away from things like this.”

Kurt placed his cup on the side table before he stood. “Unfortunately, I don’t think the Packs have that luxury any longer. Whether or not you came out publicly, you’re going to have to deal with this.”

Chase couldn’t respond, as he heard heavy footsteps headed in their direction. A quick sniff informed him that Shawn and Max were almost to his open door.

Nodding, he walked back over to his coffee machine to get each of the new arrivals a cup. They had a lot to talk about ahead of Kurt’s and Clint’s departure.

* * * *

Marcus Webb’s house was located low into the Canyon. It took almost an hour to reach the isolated dwelling. Chase made the trek at least once a week to check on the older man.

Even though he’d dropped by only two days previously, at the encouragement of Alpha Shawn, he was headed to discuss the new information they’d received with Marcus.

It had been fifteen years since the man had moved into the Canyon to join the Pack. He’d brought along his teenage daughter after retiring from some branch of the government. Alpha Shawn might know, but Chase had never actually been told what Marcus had done prior to coming to town.

His daughter, from what Chase could remember, had been wickedly smart and very pretty. Chase didn’t know her well, owing to the Webbs staying to themselves so much. He thought maybe Marcus’ daughter had become friends with Cassie but he would have to ask his brother.

Pulling in front of the Webb house, Chase noticed the older man standing on the porch.

He was a picture to see. If Chase didn’t know that Marcus liked him, he would be a little nervous. Even though Marcus was in his late fifties, he was still one of the most intimating men Chase had ever seen. He was even bigger than their Alpha.

He always pulled his graying hair back in a long ponytail that trailed down his back. Marcus wore camo pants with a black tank top. His muscles bulged as he stood with his arms crossed and eyes narrowed at Chase.

Smiling, Chase turned off the ignition before pushing open his door. “Hey, Marcus.”

The other man nodded, still watching him closely.

Chase slowly strolled around the front of his SUV and up the sidewalk. He stopped halfway through climbing the steps.

“I would say that I’m surprised to see you so soon, but I can feel something is going on. What’s wrong?” Marcus questioned.

It had taken years to earn Marcus’ trust and to get used to the strange way the man spoke. Chase would call Marcus paranoid if he wasn’t certain the guy wouldn’t kick his ass.

“I need to talk to you. You know the raid that closed down the Church for Humanity?”

“I’ve watched the news,” Marcus replied.

“Well, it turns out that the guys who we thought were responsible for the capture weren’t the ones after all. Someone beat them to it.”

Marcus twitched his lip in the start of a smile. “Really?”

Chase got the distinct impression that Marcus wasn’t surprised by the news. Stuffing his hands in the pockets of his slacks, he eyed Marcus. “Alpha Shawn sent me over here to see if you know anything about this new group.”

“Why would I know anything?” Marcus questioned.

Chase had gotten to know him pretty well. He was certain that Marcus did indeed have information.

“Why don’t you tell me?” Chase stated, rocking back on his heels. He could play this game all day but he needed answers and Marcus was going to provide them to him. Sure that more was going on than he knew, Chase was tired of being kept in the dark. His patience snapped. “Just tell me what the hell you know!”

Marcus’ gravely chuckle had Chase holding in his own. The rare sound had Chase lifting his eyebrows in question. “So your Alpha finally decided to let you in on all the secrets? I’ve been telling him you can handle them.”

Not sure what Marcus was talking about, Chase shrugged.

“Well, come on in. I’ll grab a couple of beers. We have a lot to discuss.”

A loud crack came from behind him and it took several seconds for Chase to realize what was happening. Marcus grunted and fell forward as blood spread along his shoulders.

“Fuck!” Chase dropped to the ground. “Marcus?”

The man groaned.

Scrambling up the steps, Chase cursed under his breath. Once he reached his friend, Chase ran his hands over Marcus’ chest, making sure he didn’t touch the wound.

“Get down, you damn fool,” Marcus griped at him.

“What?”

Several more pops followed. Chase jumped as pieces of the wooden steps flew at his face.

“Shooter in the canyon. Call the Alpha.” Marcus’ voice cracked.

Damn! Shit! Fuck! He pushed his hand into his pants then yanked out his cell. He glanced over his shoulder to see if he could pinpoint the location the shots stemmed from.

“And stay low. We need to get to cover.”

Marcus could sure be demanding, even when he was bleeding out. Chase fumbled with the phone almost dropping it. He couldn’t believe what was happening.

Beside him, Marcus groaned again. Chase needed to get his shit together. Tucking his phone between his cheek and shoulder, he kneeled over Marcus. “Hang on,” he told him.

A pained grunt was his only reply.

Alpha Shawn’s line rang in his ear as Chase struggled to get his free arm under Marcus. Luckily, with his shifter strength, he was able to gently lift Marcus and crawl behind the porch’s low solid walls for protection. He didn’t know if the assailant was still out there but he didn’t want to take the chance. There was no clear route to the front door without putting themselves in the open.

“Hello?”

“Alpha! We need help. Marcus has been shot.”

“Where are you?”

“In front of his house. Taking cover on the porch.”

“Stay there. We’re on our way.”

The call ended and Chase cursed. It would take too much time for his Alpha to reach them. Marcus was bleeding heavily and Chase needed to get him help.

Crouching, he peeked over the rail.

“Don’t,” Marcus whispered.

“I have to get you out of here.”

“Wait for the Alpha,” Marcus insisted.

Chase peered down at the other man, who was too pale.

“It’ll be okay,” he promised.

“Stubborn ass,” Marcus wheezed.

Grinning at his friend, Chase shrugged. If he could make it back to his vehicle, there was a good chance he could pull close enough that the SUV would block him getting Marcus inside.

It was a risk, but one that he had to take.

He grasped Marcus’ hand in his. “Don’t you dare die on me, old man.”

“I’m too damn mean to die,” Marcus replied softly.

Chase sure the hell hoped so. Putting his plan into action, he leaped over the rail, landing back in the yard.

Immediately ducking, shots rang out as he began running and he barely managed to keep from being hit. That answered his question of whether the shooter was still there. He made a break for the passenger side, yanking the door open when he reached it.

More cracks, sounding too close for comfort, hit the opposite side of the vehicle. When they got out of this, he was going to have a serious talk with his Alpha.

Chase liked to think of himself as more of a lover than a fighter. This kind of shit should be left to his brother. Max would have probably already shifted and tracked down whoever was after him.

He stayed low, thrusting the key into the ignition before climbing into the driver seat. Relief flooded him as the engine caught and the car came to life. He grabbed the gear shift, throwing the vehicle into reverse and slammed his foot on the gas. Whipping the wheel around, he drove over bushes so he was directly in front of the stairway.

Three more bullets hit his SUV.

Chase wasn’t sure how much more damage his ride could take. Pushing the door open, he then dropped to the ground, scrambled up and back to Marcus’ side.

“Hurry, he’ll be headed toward us soon. If you’re going to get us out of here, do it quickly,” Marcus advised.

“Here we go,” Chase said as he hefted the other man to his knees.

Gritting his teeth, Marcus cursed through them. “When I get my hands on this fucker…”

“Easy,” Chase said with a smile. If anyone could lighten the situation, it was Marcus. “Calm down, killer. We can worry about that later.”

Glaring at him, Marcus huffed.

“Ready?”

He waited until Marcus nodded.

“Let’s go!” Chase half-dragged Marcus down the steps to the vehicle. Pushing the older man in through the open driver door, he followed closely, climbing over him and into the driver’s seat to avoid exposing himself to the sniper.

Since no shots struck them, Chase could only guess that Marcus was right and the assailant was coming after them. Not wasting any time, he stomped on the gas and took off.

Lying on the passenger floorboard, Marcus groaned, holding his shoulder.

“You are both incredibly brave and stupid.”

Chase nodded. “Yeah.”

Flying down the dirt road, Chase tried to spot any trouble ahead. There were too many places an attack could come from. While living deep in the canyon kept Marcus isolated and protected, it meant once someone found Marcus’ location, he or she could keep well hidden until it was time to attack.

“What the hell is going on?” Chase demanded.

“Alpha may have waited too long to fill you in,” Marcus replied.

“So why don’t you?” Chase snapped. Now that the adrenaline had started to ease, Chase had problems processing the events that led him to driving his buddy to the hospital. Even with him gripping the steering wheel, his hands still trembled and his stomach remained in knots.

The low groan that came from Marcus had him glancing over. Shit! Marcus’ head had dropped and there was no color in his face at all. Chase shifted to reach his cell.

Trying to get a hold of either his Alpha or brother, he got both of their voicemails. Hopefully Shawn and Max were close to Marcus’ house and could catch whoever was responsible for the attack.

Leaving a message telling them he was taking Marcus to the hospital, he prayed that he would get there in time.

“Hang on, Marcus,” he demanded.

There was no response. Chase glanced over to see that Marcus had passed out. If it wasn’t for the fact he could still hear Marcus’s heart beating, Chase might have driven off the road in panic.