The Challenge (The Pack 2)

“Feisty little she-wolf,” Trent commented, turning back to me once she was out of eyesight. “Don’t see those very often.”

“What? Feisty?” I asked cluelessly.

He gave me a blank stare. “No, wolfy. Females aren’t generally furry.”

“Anna mentioned something about that once.”

“What? That she’s rare?”

“Rare? What do you mean?”

“Female wolves are rare. Especially now. We’re lucky if we see a female that has the right genetics to have shifter pups. You, for example.” He rolled the sucker around his mouth for a second, staring at where she’d disappeared. “She’s something else.”

“No argument here,” I said breezily, dropping the subject. Anna had the right to privacy and I didn’t plan on gossiping about her. “I’m off to see Sam.” I twisted around to go back to the stairs and it took a second to realize he was following me. “Mmm, can I help you?”

He shrugged, “Figured I’d go with you. Keep my promise to Dom to check on her.”

“You could do that any time,” I called after him as he charged up the stairs. He paused at the top, using the railing as a push up bar while he waited for me.

“Nah, she doesn’t really want to see me,” he admitted candidly. “You’re doing me a favor. She won’t slam the door in your face.”

“Wouldn’t be so sure of that,” I muttered under my breath, catching a glimpse of his taut muscles as they flexed. “She might consider this siding with the enemy.”

“She doesn’t see you as an enemy,” he answered to my surprise. He smiled and tapped his ear. “Excellent hearing.” He shifted so I could pass him. “Sam isn’t too fond of male wolves right now. Doesn’t mean she won’t talk to you though.”

“Yeah, but I’d rather avoid pissing her off,” I drawled, the steps familiar as I went to the room I’d occupied when I’d first arrived. It had been completely redone after one of the Hanley pack had marked it.

“Better you than me,” he answered knowingly, chewing on the now bare sucker stick. “Best I’ve been able to get is a fuck off.”

I fought a smile, having no problem imagining Sam giving him hell. She’d single handedly orchestrated the escape of most of the women and children held by the Hanley pack, and my escape as well. I had no doubt of what she was capable of, but she wasn’t convinced. She’d been holed up in her room with Nicky since their escape and I was worried.

“Do you know why she won’t talk to Dom?” I asked, stopping before I reached her door and forcing Trent to stumble.

“Ah, no?” He answered, avoiding my eyes.

“But you have an idea?” I pushed, narrowing my eyes as I went toe to toe with him.

“You do know better than to challenge a wolf right?” He gestured to my stance, my legs wide and arms on my hips. “Cause I’m chill by most standards but you’re ruffling my fur.”

The door to Sam’s room banged open as she charged out, wild eyed. “Back away from her,” she screamed, holding something in her hands as she faced Trent.

“Whoa,” he called, holding up his hands as the sucker stick fell out of his mouth. “Not doing anything.”

I eased back a step, lowering my arms from my hips. “It’s fine, Sam. My mistake.” She didn’t look away from Trent, edging closer, and I wasn’t sure she even knew who he was. “Sam,” I said sharply, stepping in front of Trent when she got to close. She jerked her arms up and I saw the Taser in her hand.

“Jess,” she answered, and the tightness in my chest eased. “I thought he was going to….” She trailed off and her arms dropped. “Never mind.”

“Hey, thanks.” I reached for her arm, wrapping my hand around her wrist and noticing how fragile it felt. “You didn’t know what was going on and you came charging to my rescue.”

“My duty is done,” Trent said gallantly, tipping an imaginary hat. “You are safely at your destination.” His gaze lingered on my face for a second and I nodded briefly. I had to get to the bottom of this, for all of our sakes.

“I’m sorry for that by the way,” I tossed out as he turned away.

He paused, “You didn’t know.”

“That excuse only works once,” I replied, not willing to forgive myself so easily, for what could have happened.

“That is true,” he acknowledged with a tilt of his head. “But today, it holds.”

He whistled as he walked down the hall and I saw a few curtains ruffle. My chest tightened once again as it occurred to me that most of the women hadn’t left their rooms since we’d gotten them settled. Sam stood in the doorway of her own room, her eyes restlessly scanning the corridor and parking lot.

I managed to catch her eye before she ducked her head and Nicky toddled up to her leg, patting it as he said, “Momma.”