Pack Territory

The wind blew so hard Adam White could feel it rustling his fur even as he stood still. He ignored the strong breeze to remain staring down on his territory. Adam felt the deep connection to the land and knew he’d do anything to bring his Pack back together.

The stress of an attack several months ago that had almost killed one of the female members had finally begun to ease. His father, the Alpha at the time, hadn’t recovered and Adam feared he never would. Christian had always been a wonderful father and leader, but Adam had had to step into the position.

Adam was terrified.

Since it wasn’t a full moon, Adam didn’t have anyone to currently watch over, but he still felt the pressure of knowing every member of the Pack was relying on him in one way or another. He’d barely turned twenty-eight and already he was responsible for so much.

There didn’t seem to be any break coming soon. He had some hard decisions to make, the first being a Pack Beta or Enforcer. Every Pack had a second in command. Whether they chose a Beta who would be the liaison between Pack member and Alpha, or an Enforcer who played a more hands-on role as protector remained up to each Alpha. Christian had led with a Beta, but as the man wanted to ready to retire, Adam would need to make up his own mind.

No one knew yet but Adam was leaning more toward having an Enforcer. His best friend, Cain, served as Enforcer for one of the largest Packs and Adam liked the confidence that Pack had in the inner circle. After the attack on Mindy, there had been no question that his Pack needed to feel safe again. Adam truly believed that an Enforcer would benefit them the most.

Adam wanted to have an open door to his Pack. They weren’t even a third of the size of Cain’s, but the protection of every member would be his top priority. It was going to be hard to tell his father, though. Christian barely came out of his room and only spoke to a few people.

Luckily Christian’s oldest friend, Logan, was visiting for a while. Logan currently served as the Beta for the largest Pack in Texas so it was pretty special that Logan and Gage, the Alpha, were giving Logan time to help Christian.

Hopefully there could be help for his father.

Every night when Adam laid down his head, he worried his father would decide to end his existence. It was that fear that kept him from turning to his dad when he needed him the most. He could call Cain, but his best friend was trying to sort out a new relationship and Adam didn’t want to bother him. That left him on his own to figure out things. The only other people he stayed close to were Pack. That wasn’t to say he wasn’t getting assistance from other Alphas or the Council. Adam spent more time on the phone than he’d ever thought he would. Most people had advice or recommendations, but the choice fell to him.

From high on a ridge, he could see the entire expanse of his territory and it filled him. Yes, becoming the Alphas was full of complications, but he wouldn’t want anyone else to take over.

The land, people and trouble belonged to him.

He threw back his head and howled. Calling out to his Pack that he stood there watching over them. They were safe.

A few of his Pack must have been in their wolf form as well, since he was greeted by answering cries.

Adam took a step and slowly started his way back home.

The ridge led him into the small forest that they sped through as a Pack on full-moon runs.

Contrary to popular beliefs, they weren’t werewolves. They also didn’t have to transform during the full moon. Shifters, they could call on the change whenever they wanted. But Adam still loved to run through the woods with the Pack. It was tradition, not a need. He felt the importance of keeping the familiar customs and rituals.

It was cooler under the canopy of the trees, but Adam didn’t mind. He’d raced through earlier, tiring himself out so he’d be able to sleep better when he went to bed. The late nights and early mornings were made more difficult because he couldn’t sleep.

As he trotted along, he made sure to keep his senses open. The guards were on duty, stationed all around, but Adam knew they couldn’t have too many out watching. Until Adam was sure that every member of his Pack was safe, he would continue to double the protection around his territory.

He didn’t come across anyone while making his way to the tree where he’d stashed his clothes.

In the old days, he would have walked naked through the house, up to his room, but as the Alpha, he was trying to learn that he wasn’t just another Pack member anymore.

His belongings were right where he’d left them and Adam quickly pulled on his faded jeans and T-shirt before picking up his phone. Four missed calls.

Jeez, he’d only been gone an hour.

Adam listened to the voicemails as he headed up the hill to the back door of the Alpha house. His house now.

When he’d turned twenty-one, Adam had moved into a cabin in the territory, but he now lived back in his old room. He loved the space, set up like a small apartment, but it also meant he was constantly surrounded by people.

Nothing too pressing in the calls. One of the members needed to speak to him, his sister was checking in and there were two calls from friends asking when they’d see him. Adam snorted. Not for a while. Since they were humans, he couldn’t actually tell them what was going on, so he’d used the excuse his dad was sick. Which wasn’t a total lie.

Opening the sliding glass door to enter the house, Adam took a deep breath. He smiled at the smell of cakes and cookies. His sister was getting a head-start on the baking for the next day. She always cooked enough food for an army, and his mouth watered in anticipation. If he didn’t have the self-control he did, Adam would weigh five hundred pounds. Laura was truly talented in the kitchen. She’d never left the main house, instead staying with their father and now him. Adam hoped she’d meet someone to mate with one day, but he enjoyed having her close.

He took another breath and found the man he was searching for. His father and former Pack Alpha was in his room. Adam wasn’t surprised. Hopefully Christian remained in his human form, because the amount of time his father stayed shifted was really worrying him. Adam had tried to talk to his dad, but Christian still carried around so much guilt. Mindy hadn’t been the only female hurt in the recent attacks. She had been just the only one from their Pack.

The only person who seemed to be able reach Christian at all was Logan. Adam selfishly hoped Logan wouldn’t have to hurry home to his own Alpha any time soon.

Adam thought about stopping by the kitchen to see Laura, but he knew someone was waiting to talk to him, so headed to his office instead.

Opening the door to the Alpha’s workplace, Adam then stepped inside and flipped on the light. He had taken his new position only two months before and hadn’t changed anything in the office or the house. He didn’t know if he even wanted to, though several friends had suggested it would help the transition if he properly claimed the space and made it his own.

Sometimes, Adam still felt as if he were playing dress-up and his father would walk back into the office and demand Adam stop messing around. Intellectually, he knew that wouldn’t happen, but he struggled with it daily. The Council, made up of former Alphas who policed the Packs, had given their blessing for him to take over. His Alpha position was official.

While Adam was growing up, his father had always been there for him and had made running the Pack look so easy. Adam had found out there was a lot that went on behind the scenes he’d never known about.

He needed help, and now that he’d decided on an Enforcer instead of a Beta, he needed to figure out who would be best for the role. There wasn’t anyone in the Pack he thought fit the bill for what he needed. He would have to bring someone in, which wouldn’t be easy. Of course, first he needed to find the man or woman.

Once he’d reached the desk, he turned on the computer and waited for it to boot up. As he did so, he fired off a text to the sentry on duty inside to send in the Pack member who needed to speak to him.

He called out for them to enter when the knock came, but it wasn’t until he saw the young woman peek around the male shifter that Adam cursed not having gone to his room and changing first. He was tired and had just wanted to find out how he could help. Of course, the minute he hadn’t follow proper procedure, Tasha Johnson would show up.

Adam had been lusting after Tasha for over a year now. The young woman didn’t seem to notice him, though. She was raising her teenage sister single-handedly, and as much as the Pack helped, Tasha seemed to prefer to do most things on her own. Which meant she worked a lot and didn’t hang around the same party crowd Adam did.

Things were changing, though, so maybe he’d be able to prove to her she could put her trust in him. Not only as an Alpha, but perhaps more. He adjusted his hard-on under the desk before he stood and smiled at her.

Tasha Johnson had followed the guard inside the Alpha house and down the hall. When they’d reached a large oak door, she’d run her sweaty palms over her jeans, as her escort had knocked. She hated to bring her family problems to the new Alpha, but she didn’t know where else to turn.

The low voice that had told them to enter sent a shiver down her spine. As the guard had opened the door, then moved out of the way, she’d peeked inside and gotten a good look at the new Pack leader. She’d stayed back at the entrance as Bryan had gone and spoke to the Alpha.

She’d known Adam for years, even though they’d never been close, and had admired him from a distance for a long time now. The fact that she was about to face him alone made her stomach flutter with nerves. He was just so good-looking and she did not want to make a fool of herself in front of him. Plus, she really did need his help.

He’d smiled and liquid arousal had pooled inside her panties. She’d shifted to relieve the pressure, certain if she didn’t calm her body, he would be able to tell. A shifter’s sense of smell was strong and, as the Alpha bonded more with the Pack, there would be no hiding anything from him.

Her attraction to the Alpha wasn’t something she should be worried about, but she couldn’t help it. In addition, she really needed to keep her mind off why she was even there. Even just for a minute. She was on the verge of freaking out.

Her entire life had been about showing her younger sister love and acceptance. Just when Tasha had begun to believe she’d done a good job raising the teen, Crystal had taken off. Now Tasha had to go to the one man she tried to avoid.

When Adam stood and motioned her in, she didn’t miss the large bulge trapped in his jeans. The sight of his package did nothing to tame her own desire. Oh, the man just oozed raw sexuality.

The guard left the office without another word and closed the door behind him. The Alpha’s scent surrounded her and Tasha struggled not to close her eyes and breathe deeply. She had serious business to discuss.

“Bryan told me that you had a family emergency and needed my help,” Adam said as he gestured for her to sit.

Weak-kneed, Tasha gladly took a seat on the worn brown leather couch and clasped her hands in her lap. She should be concentrating on getting her sister back instead of on her desire for a male. Maybe she was a terrible sister, like Crystal had accused her of being. Tears pooled in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Even if she were the worst parent figure, Crystal’s safety was her first priority. “Yes, Alpha. I need to talk you about my sister, Crystal.” Keep it formal, don’t think of him as the man I’ve been dreaming about. Should be easy enough.

He sat in the chair across from her and leaned forward. “I’m listening. Whatever you need, I’ll help. But call me Adam. There’s no need to be so formal.”

Well, there goes that plan. Crystal, think about Crystal. Where should I start? “I’m not sure if your father told you about my family when you took over the Pack.” She was so nervous she could feel sweat bead on her forehead. She hated talking about her family and sharing the pain of her past.

She saw the sympathy in his eyes when he spoke. “Why don’t you tell me?”

Tasha took a deep breath before starting, “Five years ago, my father left our family. I’m still not sure where he went, but my mother didn’t take it well. Six months after he left, she ended her existence and left Crystal with me. She was eleven.”

He nodded but didn’t comment. She appreciated him letting her get the story out quickly. The sooner she finished, the sooner she could once again bury her pain.

“I’ve tried to do the best I can, but I don’t always understand what she is going through. My sister Crystal is a…non-shifter.” Tasha waited for his reaction. Being a non-shifter was an embarrassment for her sister. Tasha only saw how wonderful her sibling was instead of whether she could shift or not, and even though she didn’t fully understand the issue, she always respected Crystal’s wishes. They hadn’t told many people, because a lot of Pack members considered non-shifters lower class.

“Go on,” he told her gently, and she didn’t hear or see anything negative from him.

“Crystal’s had a hard time lately with some of the kids from school. That’s why I think she ran away.” That and she claimed Tasha was trying to keep her away from humans but insisted the both of them attend Pack activities. But Tasha didn’t want to get into that right now. She’d only been trying to show Crystal that everyone accepted her, loved her.

“Do you have any idea where she could have gone?” he asked and Tasha just stared at him. Didn’t he want to ask questions about the non-shifter part of the story? He didn’t say anything more, instead simply waited for her reply.

“I do. I talked to her best friend and she told me that Crystal has been talking to a boy in the city over the Internet. She probably went there.” Tasha spoke quickly. “I have his name and number. I keep calling, but no one is answering. He is older and I’m worried about what he might do to her.”

Adam leaned over and placed his hand over hers. “Give me the details and I will find her. I promise you that.”

Tasha could feel tears threaten to fall in relief. “Thank you, Adam. Thank you.”

He squeezed her hand before releasing it. “That is what I am here for. Do you have the information with you?”

Tasha nodded and dug in her purse for her small notebook. Her hand still tingled from where Adam had touched her. “I wrote it all down.” She tore out a page and handed it to him, hoping he didn’t notice her hands shaking.

“I’ll work on this and keep you in the loop on what I find out,” he told her as he stood. “I know realize it’s useless to tell you not to worry, but I hope you know you can trust me.”

“I do,” she assured him. She wasn’t lying. Even if Adam hadn’t been the Alpha, there was a good chance Christian would have charged his son to handle this, anyway. She wasn’t sure who Adam would send, but she understood knew he would keep his word about finding Crystal.

“I’m glad,” Adam said. “Why don’t you head home in case she calls? Let me know if you hear from her.”

She nodded as he held out his hand and helped her to her feet.

An electric current ran between them and she gasped in surprise. Adam seemed stunned for an instant before he grinned at her. That wicked look on his face had Tasha longing to reach out and grab hold of him.

It wasn’t just the fact she found him attractive, making her want the strength of his arms around her. She was tired and heartbroken. It was hard raising a teenager, even with help from her friends and adopted family. That was what the Pack meant to her. Honorary aunts, uncles, cousins and more.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Adam said, pulling her close.

Tasha allowed him to comfort her and it felt so right. He wrapped his strong arms around her shoulders and she buried her face in his chest. This time, she couldn’t hold the tears at bay. She sobbed into his shirt and let go of all her worry.

He rubbed her back and murmured, “It’s okay. We’ll find her. I did some pretty shitty things when I was her age. You raised her well and she knows right from wrong.”

Oh, God! She had needed to hear the words.

Once she felt as though she had control again, she patted his chest before pulling away. The expression on his face was so soft and caring she almost started crying again. How had the two of them fought this connection that was so obvious?

“I’ll walk you out,” Adam told her as he stepped away.

“Okay,” she agreed.

He placed his hand on her lower back and she jolted. Yes, the attraction was there and strong. They didn’t speak as they left the office and strolled down the hall toward the front door. Tasha noticed that nothing had been changed inside the Alpha house and she was surprised. It was quite normal for a new Alpha to at least make small modifications so the Pack accepted the transition of power. It had only been a couple of months since Christian had stepped down, but Adam needed to take control.

Not that Tasha felt she should voice her thoughts just yet. There was always more than what appeared on the surface when it came to Alphas, and if the dark circles under Adam’s beautiful eyes were any indication, this new Alpha was struggled with something.

She hated to add to his stress, but some things couldn’t be helped. It did comfort her that even if he were going through his own troubles, he was willing to give his time and attention to her needs.

She had no doubt that Adam would make a wonderful Alpha.

He opened the front door for her and she paused to look up at him. “I know that you have other things to worry about—”

“No,” he interrupted. “You don’t need to concern yourself about that. We concentrate on your sister.”

Tasha reached down and gripped his hand. She didn’t need to say anything else. Her touch showed her appreciation and since she was barely hanging on to her emotions, it would be best to remain silent.

She released him before walking out of the door then jogging down the stairs. Her old car sat in front of the large Alpha house, standing out as a reminder that she didn’t fit in there. She wasn’t fancy or knock-out gorgeous. She was kind of plain and men didn’t usually pay her too much attention. But she felt his.

The entire time she moved away from him, she could sense his gaze on her. It felt good to hold the interest of such a gorgeous and powerful shifter. If she put a little more wiggle in her hips, who could blame her?

It wasn’t until she climbed behind the wheel that she glanced up toward the house. Adam was still there, leaning against the door frame, and his hot gaze bore into her. She shivered. Maybe she would have something to thank her sister for once she’d dragged her hormonal teenage butt back.

Tasha pushed the key in the ignition, then started her car. She’d given the information she had to the Alpha, but that didn’t mean that she was going to lay it all at his feet. If she didn’t hear from Crystal tonight, she would head into the city herself.

Adam waited until the brake lights on Tasha’s car were out of sight before he closed the front door. A missing teenager was not what the Pack needed. Not only was there a chance of the young girl getting really hurt but she belonged to his Pack and he’d vowed to keep them safe.

He turned toward his office to begin researching the name and number that Tasha had provided. She hadn’t told him how old the guy who Crystal had been talking to was and Adam wanted as much information as possible.

Halfway to his workspace, he spotted the figure leaning against the wall. Adam frowned and hurried his pace.

“Is my dad okay?” he asked Logan.

“He’s fine,” Logan assured him. He grinned before clasping Adam on the shoulder. “I did want to talk to you if you have a minute.”

“Sure.” Adam waved Logan toward his office.

“Everything okay?” Logan asked, walking in front of him.

Adam followed and closed the door behind them. He didn’t want anyone else to hear about Pack business. He trusted and respected Logan.

Logan and Christian had been friends Adam’s entire life, so even though they’d lived in different Packs, Logan had always been around. He was like an uncle to Adam.

“One of our teenagers took off to the city to meet up with an older boy,” Adam told him.

Logan chuckled. “Sometimes I don’t know how we make it from about fifteen to nineteen.”

Adam nodded his agreement as he headed toward the small bar in the corner of the room. “Drink?”

“Whatever you’re having is fine,” Logan said.

“Whiskey?” Adam offered.

“Yeah,” Logan answered. Instead of sitting, he prowled around while Adam fixed the drinks. Logan might seem fine, but it was obvious to Adam something was on the older shifter’s mind.

Adam finished pouring the liquor, then picked up both glasses. He handed one to Logan. “What’s up?” He couldn’t help but be worried about his dad.

“Let’s sit,” Logan suggested.

That couldn’t be good, but Adam walked toward the couch and sat. Logan joined him. As much as Adam wanted to press Logan, he waited. Finally, after Logan had taken a sip, he sighed before setting his drink on the table.

“I have to return home,” Logan informed him.

Damn, it wasn’t half an hour ago that Adam had been hoping Logan would be able to stay a while. “Right away?” Adam asked.

Logan rubbed his hands roughly over his face. “Yeah, my Alpha’s mate is pregnant and he’s given me as much time as he can, but he needs me back. Gage is worried about security while she’s expecting. I have to return to my job.”

“I know,” Adam said. It hurt, but Logan had already spent so much time with his dad. “I’m just worried about my father.”

“He’s doing much better,” Logan said.

“I don’t know,” Adam confessed. “He barely talks to me anymore.”

“Give him time,” Logan said. “He’s working through some issues and it’s taking him time to get his head on straight. He will, though. He loves you and your sister.”

Adam sighed. He appreciated Logan’s words, but that didn’t mean he could or would stop worrying. “I wish you didn’t have to leave.”

“That’s what I wanted to discuss,” Logan said.

Adam snapped his head over to look at him.

“I’d like to ask Christian to come back home with me. It will give him a chance to get away from everything and hopefully settle.”

He wanted to say no, scream it, even, but Adam knew Logan was probably right. His dad was going to waste away in his room if he didn’t get a change of scenery. Adam was hurt, but Logan was dead-on.

Adam rose and paced to the opposite side of the room. The blinds were open and he could see the backyard. The pool, barbecue and lawn chairs. They’d used to sit out there at night, he and his dad, never talking about much. Just enjoying each other’s company and the night coming alive around them. He missed those times. If he didn’t give his dad space to heal, he might not ever get back the most important man to him.

“Take him with you,” Adam said without turning around.

He didn’t hear Logan rise, but he wasn’t surprised when a hand clamped down on his shoulder.

“I’ll take good care of him,” Logan promised.

Adam nodded.

“Can I make another suggestion?” Logan asked quietly.

He turned, smiling. “Sure.”

“Maybe it would be a good idea for you to have a break of your own,” Logan said.

“I can’t just leave,” Adam said.

“Your dad left the territory. Went on vacation or visited other Alphas,” Logan pointed out.

“He had his inner circle in place,” Adam said.

“And until you choose your own, they’re still here,” Logan pointed out. “Let them help. Yes, most have been in the position so long they’re ready to retire, but no one is abandoning you.”

“I feel alone,” Adam confessed.

“I know,” Logan said. “It’s one of the things your dad and I argue about. He’s proud of you. Damn, boy, your father believes in you. He doesn’t see that you still need some guidance.”

“What should I do?” Adam asked. It was the first time he’d asked anyone that question.

“Go bring your teenage Pack member back,” Logan said. “That will help you see what you’re fighting for. Connect you to the Pack.”

It wasn’t a terrible idea. If he left early enough, he might only be gone a day or two. He could rely on his dad’s men. Plus, his sister was there, along with the guards. “I might just do that.”

“Good.” Logan pulled him into a quick hug, then slapped his back. “Good.”

As Logan let go of him to head for the exit, Adam was so damn grateful. “Hey, Logan,” he called.

Logan turned at the door.

“Thank you.”

“Of course.” Logan smiled. “You can call me anytime. I’m here for you, too.”

Adam let the older shifter go. It was time he made some calls so he could take care of Pack business. In addition, he’d be able to drop in and see Cain. Cain’s mate was finishing school and he was currently staying in an apartment not far from the campus.

With a plan forming, Adam headed to his desk to get the ball rolling.

It was still dark when Adam closed the door to the house and walked to his SUV. The early morning had a bite to it, but it was supposed to turn into a beautiful afternoon. He hoped that he could make the day better by bringing home a lost teenager. Logan had been right last night. Adam needed to go out and get hands-on. Plus, a small break might help him clear his head.

He’d made two important calls the night before. The first had been to his best friend. Cain had jumped at the chance to help. It seemed his friend was missing excitement, as well. Cain had opened a training center in the city for his guards and potential guards and while this kept him busy, Cain had complained he wanted to investigate something. Adam requesting his help had Cain almost giddy. Emily had even gotten on the phone and thanked Adam. It turned out Cain being so restless was driving her crazy. Adam would spend the night with his old friend as he searched for Crystal.

Cain had even pressed Adam about the decisions that he needed to make and Adam realized Cain had been worried about him. And that made Adam feel like shit. Sure, he hadn’t wanted to bother Cain, but now Cain felt as if he’d done something wrong. Adam had some reassuring to do.

The second call he’d made had been to Gage Wolf, Logan’s Alpha, to thank him. Gage had assured Adam that Christian would be safe and cared after while he was with them. Adam had believed him.

Gage had surprised Adam by asking him to bring Crystal by his house once she was home again.

Marissa, Gage’s mate, was also a non-shifter and had set up some chat rooms and communication for other non-shifters. Gage had believed Crystal would benefit from the visit, so Adam had quickly agreed.

After he’d finished his calls, he’d sat back in his chair, realizing he’d been an idiot.

Adam had the best Alphas in the country around him, ones he called friends, and he wasn’t utilizing their expertise. He’d been doing his Pack a disservice by not calling on his contacts. Adam had been worried he’d be judged an unworthy Alpha. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

He’d slept better the night before than he had in months. For the first time in what seemed like forever, he’d woken refreshed and with a positive attitude. Adam threw his overnight bag into the vehicle, turned around and ran right into Tasha.

He reached out and steadied her as she almost fell. The electricity that sparked between them was the same as it had been the night before. It was an interesting development. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his hands still clasped around her upper arms.

Her eyes were wide, but her smile was bright. “I want to come with you,” she told him and lifted a backpack to show him.

Adam looked from the backpack to the woman several times. He really shouldn’t be surprised. Everything he’d seen and learned about Tasha had shown she was very involved when it came to her sister. He just didn’t know how he would concentrate on finding Crystal and making the decisions he needed with Tasha with him. Fuck, he ached for her. Pursuing her wouldn’t be proper as he was now the Alpha and Adam wished he’d tried to get to know her better earlier. “How’d you even know I would be going?”

She rolled her eyes but finally answered. “I guessed. Well, I guessed someone would and I want to help find my sister.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Adam said. “You need to be here if she comes home. Plus, it could be dangerous.” Adam meant every word he said but left out the part where it would be easier for him as well.

“She’s an angry and scared teenage girl. You might be her Alpha, but she doesn’t really know you,” Tasha said. “What are you going to do if she refuses to come with you? Throw her over your shoulder and carry her to the car? That won’t look suspicious.”

She was right. If Crystal was feeling confused enough to travel and stay with a man she didn’t know, Adam being her Alpha wasn’t going to matter much. If he took Tasha with him, at least she would be there to help him handle the teenager. He studied her, wondering how long they would keep playing with fire. Sooner or later, one of them was going to ignite. The attraction between them was burning. He sighed, knowing he didn’t have any other choice. Plus, he could take the opportunity to talk to her about taking Crystal to see Marissa.

He picked up the bag she’d dropped. “Get in the car.” Adam hoped he didn’t regret his choice. He would still need to use the time to think about the Pack. An interesting email had come in the night before that had offered a solution. Adam knew if he went with his gut and decided to go in the direction he was leaning, a lot of people wouldn’t be happy. Cain being one of them. But Adam had to do what was best for his Pack. He’d already decided to speak with Gage about his options. Hopefully Gage would be able to remain unbiased, unlike Cain. There were just some things that Cain was too stubborn to even consider. “We need to leave,” he told Tasha, shaking away his thoughts. It was time to get on the road. He had leisure on the long drive to go over his options.

Tasha didn’t gloat. Rather, she just nodded, turned and opened the passenger door. He appreciated that. He could also use the hours they’d be stuck together in the vehicle to learn more about the intriguing woman. It would be a form of torture, knowing he couldn’t have her, but Adam still wanted to know every detail of Tasha’s life.

He tossed Tasha’s bag next to his, then slammed the hatch closed before taking a deep breath of his territory, using the scent to calm him. He’d be home soon and hopefully have a better idea of how to lead.

* * * *

“Tasha?”

Tasha snapped her head around and he realized she had drifted off. He hated to wake her, but they’d reached their first destination. He grinned at her as she blinked sleepily at him. They’d talked for the first hour about the Pack, her job, Crystal, common friends, and it had been nice. The easy banter between them had been lively and fun. Tasha was quick-witted and hilarious. She was also adorable, especially as she blushed.

“I can’t believe I fell asleep,” she said.

He chuckled. It hadn’t been a problem for him. Adam had enjoyed sneaking peeks at her. Even more when her shirt had risen to show her flat, tan stomach. He’d itched to put his hands on her but had resisted. She might have been receptive, but he had to remember his place.

Tasha didn’t seem to be on the same page, though. She leaned toward him and poked his arm. “Are you laughing at me?”

“Of course not,” he lied.

She harrumphed at him. “Don’t forget, Alpha, I can find out where you sleep at night.”

That sounded too good to him. “Oh, yeah?” he taunted.

“Yep,” she said. “I’ll post a video of you snoring and drooling.”

He laughed loudly. She was delightful. “How do you know I snore and drool?”

Tasha narrowed her eyes. “You seem the type.”

He’d give anything to show her how wrong she was. He’d never been accused of snoring and wasn’t too worried that he drooled, either. “You have an evil streak in you.”

The grin that spread across her face was wicked. “You have no idea.”

They both jumped when a loud knock came on the passenger window. Adam had been so lost in Tasha that he hadn’t been paying attention to his surroundings. That could be dangerous and was another reason he needed to steer clear of his feelings for Tasha.

“What the hell?” Tasha muttered.

Adam groaned and unbuckled his seatbelt. “That’s my friend, Cain.” Cain grinned at them as he leaned to peer inside the vehicle. Adam knew his friend would be teasing him later. At least Cain would behave in front of Tasha. Well, Adam hoped he would. Sometimes he couldn’t be sure what Cain was going to do. “We’d better get out before he decides to join us in here.”

Tasha unbuckled her seatbelt as Adam did the same before they exited the SUV. Cain held open Tasha’s door and it was obvious that he was picking up on the attraction between them. Yep, Cain smiled wide and winked at him before he held out his hand to Tasha.

“Hey, there,” Cain said. “I wasn’t aware Adam was bringing anyone with him. He’s been holding out on me.”

Tasha shook his hand, then shrugged. “He didn’t know. I sort of pressured him into letting me tag along.”

Cain laughed. “I’m sure you had to twist him arm.”

“Cain,” Adam growled in warning.

“What?” Cain blinked innocently at him, but Adam wasn’t buying it. Tasha obviously agreed, since she looked over her shoulder at him and shrugged again.

“Just ignore him,” Adam told her. “He’s barely house-trained.”

“Ha!” Cain pointed at him. “I’m going to tell Emily you said that. My mate’s going to hurt you, again.”

Adam glared at Cain, but his friend only continued to bounce on the balls of his feet and grin. Adam had unwisely offered to teach Cain’s mate some self-defense after the attacks a couple of months ago. Adam should have been worried when Cain had been a little too excited. It turned out that Emily had been training with Cain since she’d been a young girl and she could take down both male and female shifters without any problems. Adam had ended up flat on the mat several times before he realized he’d been played.

“I have no idea why I’m friends with you,” Adam complained.

“Because I bring excitement to your life,” Cain replied easily.

“Here,” Adam said as he came around the vehicle. “Let me introduce you to more civilized people. Cain, get our bags.”

“Yes, your majesty,” Cain said with a bow.

Adam ignored him, again. He could see Emily and Tony, Cain’s older brother, waiting at the front of the apartment building so he placed his hand on the small of Tasha’s back and led her forward.

He greeted Emily with a kiss on her cheek and shook hands with Tony. While Adam wasn’t as close to him as he was to Cain, he had a lot of respect for Tony—everyone did. They both greeted Tasha warmly and he was pleased that neither was in the same playful mood as Cain. They could both be just as bad. Must be something in that Pack’s water.

“Glad you could make it,” Emily told him. “Cain’s missed you.”

He nodded in acceptance. He still felt bad that he hadn’t been confiding in his best friend. He turned to Cain’s brother. “I didn’t know you were in town,” he said. “It’s good to see you.”

Tony clapped a hand on Adam’s back, then turned to lead the way inside as he answered. “Had a meeting earlier with the Alpha Council and our friendly government officials.”

Well, that explained it. Recently, the Council had decided to come out of hiding and let the public know that shifters really did exist. The government was helping the paranormals come out to the world and it so happened that there were some powerful shifters in place already. Adam wasn’t sure what he thought about the news. To him, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. While he’d love to stop hiding his true self, he also worried how humans would react to knowing that shifters were all around them. Scared people could end up being dangerous.

“The government?” Tasha asked.

Tony glanced back over his shoulder at Tasha before darting a look at him. Adam hadn’t revealed to his Pack what was going on yet.

One of the reasons he was so concerned about getting his inner circle in place was because of the chance of the Pack being exposed. It wasn’t a worry he wanted others to have to deal with so soon.

Tasha hadn’t missed the look from Tony.

“You don’t have to tell me,” she assured them.

That helped Adam make up his mind and he nodded his approval of telling her. This might be a chance for him to see how a member of his Pack would feel about the situation. Tasha was a smart girl and he was curious how she’d react.

The elevator doors opened and they stepped inside. “The Council is considering making the shifter population public to the world. They want to come out of hiding.”

Tasha gasped. “You’re kidding!”

“No,” Adam said. “They are very serious and have actually been thinking about this for years. It was just recently that they asked each Alpha for their opinions.”

“What did you say?” Tasha asked.

Adam couldn’t tell what she thought, other than being shocked. “I haven’t said anything. It’s still not one-hundred percent certain and I need time to think about it.”

Tasha nodded. “Makes sense.” She turned to Tony. “Do you suppose we’ll actually do it?”

“Probably,” Tony answered. “A lot of accidental deaths could be avoided when we’re in our shifter form if we could come out.”

“Tony here will be the face of the Packs. When it comes out to the public that shifters exist, he’ll stand in front of the world and let them see we’re as normal as them,” Cain said.

The elevator dinged before the doors opened. Adam motioned the others out ahead of him.

“Normal?” Adam teased. “I don’t know anyone that’s normal.” He didn’t want Tasha to start worrying about what might or might not happen so he tried to ease them out of the conversation.

Emily and Tasha laughed while Cain reached out and smacked his shoulder.

Adam grinned up at his friend. Damn, he’d really missed screwing around with Cain and not having so many responsibilities. Speaking of, he needed to get them back on track. “Did you get any more information for me?” he asked Cain.

“Sure did,” Cain said as they walked down a small hallway to an open door. “Let’s go in and sit.”

Adam hoped that Cain wasn’t going to give them bad news. He placed his hand on the small of Tasha’s back again, this time for support.

The apartment they were led into was big and cluttered, although clean. Right away he felt comfortable. Adam knew it wasn’t the place that Emily had rented on her own. Instead, when Cain had moved to the city to be with her, they had leased this space together. They had a house back home with the Pack so this was just a temporary residence. Still, he liked the way it reflected both Cain and Emily.

Adam sat on the plush couch, pleased when Tasha dropped down close to him. Tony sat in one of the chairs across from them and Cain took the other. Emily settled next to her mate on the arm of the seat.

“No one was at the apartment last night when I went by,” Cain told the group. “But when I talked to some of the neighbors, they gave me the names of a couple of clubs he likes to frequent.”

“Crystal’s too young to get into any of the clubs here,” Tasha argued.

“I have a feeling the places this guy goes to aren’t that interested in checking IDs,” Cain told her. “I also asked Tony to dig a little deeper for us.”

Tony cleared his throat. “Mike Lawson has a minor criminal background. Mostly petty theft and some drug charges, but it was enough to reinforce that we need to get Crystal back as soon as possible.”

“This isn’t good.” Tasha dropped her head.

“There wasn’t anything domestic or against women, so I think she’s safe there, but I’d hate to see her get mixed up with the drug crowd,” Tony said.

“I want to say that she’d never touch drugs, but I never thought she’d run away, either,” Tasha confessed.

Adam reached over and held her hand. “We’ll find her.”

Tasha nodded. “We have to.”

“One of the bars opens early,” Cain said. “We should get changed and see if we find her there. If not, we’ll hit some of the other places before circling back around.”

“Changed?” Adam asked. He didn’t think Cain was suggesting they shift and run around in the city.

Cain grinned. “We’re going clubbing, baby. We need to blend in so no one asks too many questions. We don’t want Mike tipped off we’re looking for him.”

Adam glanced at Tasha.

“It makes sense,” Tasha said. “But I didn’t bring any clothes that would really fit in with going to bars.”

Emily jumped up. “You look about the same size as me. I’ll loan you some and we’ll get ready while the guys catch up.”

Cain rose, as well. “You’re not going,” he said to his mate.

Emily had already taken a few steps away from him, but at his words she whirled on Cain. “I’m sorry, what?”

Adam placed his hand on Tasha’s knee to keep her in place. He could see the upcoming conversation turning ugly really quickly.

“You’re not going,” Cain repeated.

“Yes, I am,” Emily snapped right back. “We’re looking for a teenage girl and I want to help.”

“No.” Cain crossed his arms over his chest.

Tony leaned back in his chair and glanced over at Adam, shaking his head. They both knew that Cain was too overprotective of Emily and that she often rebelled.

“Who’s going to stop me?” she taunted. “You?”

“You know damn well I will,” Cain said.

“You’ll try,” Emily said. “But as the man I love, you’ll always realize that if you do, you’re going to be sleeping on the couch for several days.”

“Whatever,” Cain scoffed.

Shit, Adam couldn’t believe Cain was being so dumb. They all knew that Emily could take care of herself and he was just being pigheaded.

Emily fisted her hand on her hips. “Excuse me? I know I didn’t hear you right.”

“You are not going out, to a bar, with people who very well could be criminals,” Cain stated firmly.

“Because I might get hurt?” she mocked. “The little woman should stay home, barefoot, making your dinner?”

“You know damn well that’s not what I mean.” Cain threw up his hands in frustration.

“And you know that it would be helpful having me come along,” Emily argued. “I can also take care of myself. You taught me that, as well.”

Cain deflated. “Nothing can ever happen to you. Ever. I love you too much and it would destroy me.”

“I know.” Emily shuffled toward her mate. “I love you, too. But you can’t keep me locked up in a tower because you’re worried. I still have to live my life and if I can help, I’m going to.”

“Fine.” Cain wrapped his arm around her waist. “But if anyone touches even one hair on your head, I will rip their throat out.”

She nodded before kissing him long and deeply.

Tasha squirmed in her seat as Cain immediately yanked Emily closer and the kiss turned dirty and hot. Adam looked away from the couple. He was embarrassed to be watching, but he was also jealous.

Cain and Emily belonged together. It was as obvious to him as anything else in the world. He wanted that kind of love and devotion. He just didn’t think it was possible.

He glanced over at Tasha and found her gaze on him. He bet she would be a great kisser.

“Okay,” Tony said loudly. “We don’t really need a show.”

Cain groaned but pulled back. Emily glanced around as though she’d forgotten they were even in the room. She blushed prettily.

“Yes, well,” Emily smoothed down her shirt before turning to Crystal. “Shall we?”

Adam waited until the ladies had left the room before he winked at Tony and turned on his friend. “I have to say I never thought I’d see you like this,” Adam teased with a grin.

Cain sat back down and crossed his big arms over his chest. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Adam held up his hands in a mock surrender. “Nothing, man, you just seem to be so…so…” He struggled for the right word.

“Whipped!” Tony added when Adam trailed off.

Cain’s eyes narrowed and Adam leaned back to get out of the line of fire. Then the big Enforcer surprised him by smiling. “Just wait,” he said, still grinning. “Just wait until you meet your mates. I am going to remember every time you teased me and it’s going to be ten times worse.”

Tony groaned, but Adam looked toward the hallway where the women had disappeared.

He heard Cain and Tony laughing and glanced back at them. “What?”

“Got it bad, man,” Cain said.

“No,” Adam said. “It’s not like that.”

“Why not?” Tony asked.

Adam sighed. He really did not want to have this conversation, but he had known it was coming. Maybe it would be better to just get it out of the way. “She’s a member of my Pack.”

“And?” Cain pressed.

“It wouldn’t be right,” Adam said.

Cain shook his head, but it was Tony who drew Adam’s attention. Tony leaned forward to brace his elbows on his knees, looking at Adam. “Do you really believe that?” Tony asked. “That you can’t date someone from your Pack?”

“I don’t know,” Adam said with a shrug. “I don’t want Tasha or anyone to feel that they have to be with me because I’m their Alpha. It’s not right.”

“I would normally agree with you,” Tony said. “Except for a few important points.”

Adam sat up straighter. He was really interested in Tony’s perspective.

“You are not the type of man or shifter who’d ever take advantage of someone,” Tony said. “You are harder on yourself than anyone else. There is no one who is more honest or thoughtful in your entire Pack. There is a reason you were chosen to lead and it had nothing to do with your father being the previous Alpha.”

Adam nodded. He wanted to believe his friends, but it wasn’t that easy.

“You also deserve to be happy,” Cain added.

Adam glanced at him.

“What?” Cain said defensively. “I notice shit. You are wearing yourself down to the bone, so worried you’re going to screw up. If it was up to you, there wouldn’t be anyone in your life because you think you need to give the Pack one-hundred percent of your attention.”

“I do,” Adam replied.

“No,” Tony objected. “That will lead you to burning out and eventually resenting your Pack. You need to find a way to balance what’s best for them and you.”

“And you think the answer is a woman?” Adam said, dismissively.

“No,” Cain responded with a growl. “We think the answer is you being happy. Tasha makes you happy. It’s obvious to us and we’ve been with the two of you for less than an hour.”

“I think it’s pretty fucked up that you think I’m happy when a teenage girl is missing,” Adam snapped. He didn’t know why he was getting so irritated, but Cain and Tony needed to back off.

Cain chuckled and Adam scowled at him.

“That right there,” Cain said as he pointed at Adam, “is a reaction that would have come from me.”

“And often did,” Tony agreed.

Cain laughed. “And why was I such an asshole?”

“Because you were denying your feelings for Emily,” Adam conceded.

“Right,” Cain praised. “No one is saying that you are happy that one of your Pack members is missing. What we are telling you is that you are comfortable with Tasha and she makes you smile.”

“Which is perfectly okay,” Tony said. “Even if she’s in your Pack.”

Adam sighed. “If I promise to think about what you’ve said, can you just stop?”

“Yep,” Cain agreed, then bounced up. “Now let’s go find you some slutty jeans and doll you up.”

“Christ,” Adam muttered as he followed Cain. He really needed more mature friends. When Cain peered back over his shoulder, Adam just shook his head. Who was Adam kidding? He had the best buds in the entire world. Antics and all. He was a very lucky man.

* * * *

Adam winced as the loud music assaulted his ears. This was the third club they’d visited and he was getting tired of the crowds and music.

There hadn’t been a sign of Crystal and he was growing more and more worried. The group had split up to hit all of the clubs on the list. This was the last one on his and Tasha’s. He’d spoken to Cain and Tony and they weren’t having any better luck. Cain had assigned one of the guards, who was in the city for training, to accompany Tony so no one was alone. At least there shouldn’t be too much trouble if they did come across Mike and his group. Adam wasn’t sure what he’d do if Crystal wasn’t with the human when someone eventually found him.

Tasha pointed to the back of the club and, with a heavy sigh, he nodded. They circled the room, looking for the teenager. He tried to ignore the looks Tasha was getting from the men around them. The wolf inside him wanted to growl and threaten them, but Adam kept a tight rein on his instincts. He might be fighting his attraction to Tasha, but that didn’t give him an excuse to act territorial. She didn’t belong to him.

He ignored the small voice in his head that whispered, yet.

Whether he wanted to or not, Adam found himself thinking about what Cain and Tony had said earlier. If Tasha was interested in him, then maybe he should see where their attraction led. As long as she knew it was completely her choice, perhaps he had a chance.

When they’d almost reached the back corner, Tasha grabbed his sleeve and tugged.

“She’s here!” She pointed to the darker spot.

Adam took in the men who sat, surrounding the girl, at the table. The female had her elbows on the table and looked miserable. His heart sped up as relief washed over him. She appeared uninjured. He glanced at Tasha and saw the same look on her face.

“I can get her out of here, but if they fight me, it can turn ugly.” He pulled Tasha close to speak in her ear. He ignored the tingling in his fingertips as he brushed against her bare midriff.

“What do we do?” she asked, leaning in.

A sweet perfume scent wafted up and he grew even harder than he already was. His cock had been half-hard since he’d first seen her in the low-rise jeans and silk tank back at the apartment. Now his cock throbbed, trapped behind the zipper of his own jeans. Adam quickly needed to put some space between him and Tasha.

“I’m going to text Cain and Tony. Let’s stay over by the wall and keep an eye on her.”

Tasha nodded and moved to the back wall. It would give them a good view of the table but keep them out of Crystal’s sight. There were enough patrons that unless Crystal was searching for someone, she shouldn’t pick up on their scent.

Tasha walked in front of him as Adam typed a group message. Before he could catch up to her, a man in black leather had boxed her against the wall.

Adam felt a growl start deep in his chest and clenched his fists, trying to control his temper. Pushing through the crowd, he walked up to the two and leaned close to Tasha, pressing his body into hers.

“Hey, baby,” he said loud enough for the other man to hear.

Playing along, Tasha rubbed her body against his and ran her hands over his chest. He resisted the urge to drop a kiss onto her plump lips.

“What took you so long?” she said silkily.

Adam brushed his hand over the low-cut top she wore, feeling her hard nipples. Only after he’d made his point did he look over at the other man. “Can I help you?” He made sure his voice held just the right amount of menace and power. He was an Alpha, after all.

The big man shook his head and walked away.

Tasha leaned into Adam and laughed. “I think you scared him.”

“Good. Now keep an eye on your sister.” Adam nipped her ear and she shivered. They were playing a dangerous game, but he couldn’t help himself.

Tasha nodded as Adam moved his body more securely in front of hers, giving her just enough room to turn her head and watch the teenager. They did need to blend in and a couple getting friendly was just the right ploy to use. He leaned forward and breathed in her scent.

“Adam,” Tasha whispered.

“What is it, honey?” he murmured. Luckily, they didn’t have any trouble hearing each other with their enhanced senses. Even with the loud music, Adam could pick up the desire in her voice. The decision was being made for him. Tasha needed him and he wasn’t going to fight it.

“I want to feel your lips on me,” she said.

Adam had to hold perfectly still so he didn’t begin to thrust his hips. That might be taking things further than she wanted. Instead of kissing her as he craved to do, he sucked her earlobe into his mouth. She moaned while slipping her hands around his back to grab his ass.

“Your skin’s so soft. I’d like to mark with my mouth, with my hands, my body,” he whispered. “As soon as we get your sister to safety, I’m going to do all that and more.”

“Promise,” she demanded. “Promise me that you aren’t just toying with me.”

Adam grabbed her chin to make her look him in the eye. “I swear.”

She nodded while biting her lip.

“Now watch your sister,” he said. “No matter what I do.”

He was testing her, both of them, but it was a good reminder that they didn’t have privacy so he couldn’t be buried inside her balls-deep as he wished.

Adam ran his tongue over the shell of her ear while sliding his hand along her side. Her breathing quickened and he grinned against her neck.

Tasha obviously wasn’t going to be shown up, because she moved her hand around until she cupped his erection. “What about you?” she teased before squeezing him. “Can you keep an eye out for your friends while I’m doing this?”

Adam thrust into her hand and latched his mouth on to the side of her neck. His cock was hard enough to pound nails. This had escalated rather quickly and unexpectedly. Knowing that if she continued to touch him he would lose it, Adam captured Tasha’s wrists and moved them up over her head. She moaned again, arching her body toward him.

“You promised you wouldn’t stop,” she complained.

“I’m not,” he said. “But I also can’t fuck you against this wall.”

“But you will later?” she asked.

Adam pulled back enough to peer down at her. “I want to.”

Tasha nibbled on her bottom lip.

“What is it?”

“There’s times that I think you want me just as much as I do you,” she said. “But it’s as if you turn it off or something. You confuse you.”

Shit! He hadn’t meant to send out mixed signals. “I do want you. More than you could ever know.”

“So why…?”

“I’m struggling with my attraction to you because I’m your Alpha. I don’t want you to think you have to give me what I want just because of my position.”

Her laughter surprised him.

Adam began to loosen his hold.

“No,” she told him. “Don’t stop touching me.”

“Okay.” He tightened his grip.

“Do I seem like the type of woman who would do anything that I didn’t want to?” she asked.

“Well, no,” Adam had to admit. Tasha was definitely a woman who knew her own mind. Demanding to come with him to search for her sister had been just one example.

“So, the only thing you have to worry about is keeping your promise to me,” Tasha said.

Instead of answering her with words, he licked her neck and thrust his cock against her leg. Now he was going to show her just how much he’d been holding back. She was clutching at his back with one hand while the other was rubbing him hard when a prickle of awareness invaded and told him Cain and Tony had arrived.

Pulling away from Tasha, he grabbed her chin. “We will finish this.”

Her dark eyes lit up and she licked her lips. “Yes, we will.”

Adam adjusted his erection before turning to find his back-up. Catching Cain’s gaze, Adam nodded toward the table. Cain and Tony moved from the front door in that direction, and Adam grabbed Tasha’s arm, holding her close as they walked to the table.

They all arrived at the same time.

“Tasha!” the young girl greeted, surprised. The rest of the table turned toward them.

“Let’s go, Crystal. I’m taking you home,” Tasha told her sternly.

Adam didn’t miss the look of relief that flashed over the teenager’s face as she stood. Before she could move away from the table, Mike grabbed her wrist. Adam recognized him from the picture they’d pulled up off an arrest record.

“We’re not done partying, baby. Sit back down.” Mike yanked and Crystal fell into his lap.

Adam growled, but before he could react, Tony leaned closer to the table. “Let the girl go.” When Mike laughed, Tony glanced over his shoulder. “You see those two men over there?”

Everyone looked, and indeed, there were two large tattooed men only a few feet away.

“Those are the bouncers of this bar. Now, while they won’t appreciate you bringing in an underage girl, they probably won’t kill you.” Tony straightened and raised his voice to make certain everyone around the table could hear the rest. “These two?” He motioned to Adam and Cain. “I can’t make that promise.”

Cain was scary on his own but with Adam using his Alpha aura as well, the humans didn’t stand a chance. The power coming off the two of them had the hair rising on Mike Lawson’s arms.

Mike let go of Crystal and she scrambled into Tasha’s hold. Adam nodded to Tony, then wrapped his arms around the females and ushered them out. Crystal was crying in Tasha’s arms, sobbing how sorry she was, while Adam held them both tightly. When they hit the fresh air and were away from the crowd, Adam gave the women a little more privacy.

He followed behind at a discreet distance as Tasha murmured to her sister, offering comfort. He hit the Unlock button on the key fob so they could climb in the car’s back door. He could still hear Tasha speaking quietly to her sister as he stood by the driver’s door. He wouldn’t leave until he saw Cain and Tony exit the bar. He didn’t know where Emily or Tony’s partner was, so he needed to make sure his friends got out okay.

It was less than five minutes before he spotted them. Cain waved Adam off so Adam opened the SUV door to take both his girls away. His girls. Adam really liked the sound of that. They were part of his Pack and he had done his job to reunite them. He felt pride in a way that he never had before. Must be the part of his Alpha that was growing the more he bonded with his Pack.

Adam pulled out his cell phone and sent a quick text to Cain, thanking him for the help. He wanted to go ahead and get on the road toward Gage’s territory. As much as he missed his best friend, the devastating sobs from the back seat and Crystal’s teary explanation about feeling like an outside tore at his heart. He needed to get the young girl to Marissa to have her meet the older non-shifter.

Cain replied quickly that he understood and would be down to see him soon. It was a good thing he and Tasha packed their bags and stashed them in the vehicle. Adam had worried about what condition Crystal was in and hadn’t been sure if he would be driving straight back home or not.

He looked in the rearview mirror and caught Tasha’s gaze. She smiled at him and he felt lighter already.