The Challenge (The Pack 2)

“He’s here,” Jess soothed, standing in front of Sam, who knocked her out of the way.

“They took him,” she shrieked, glancing around frantically, her expression so lost I knew she wasn’t actually seeing anything. “He took him. He took my baby.”

“No, he didn’t,” Jess promised, reaching for Sam’s shoulders in spite of her jerking away. “I swear, we would have seen it if they had. He’s here. We’ll find him.” Sam struggled a few moments longer before collapsing in Jess’ arms. “We’ll never escape,” she cried brokenly as Jess stared at me helplessly over her head. I shook my head, and scanned the field as Dad came up next to me.

“Nicky’s missing?” He questioned, his own sharp eyesight and height joining mine as we searched the yard for little Nicky.

“He’s here,” I murmured, fighting back a sense of unease when we didn’t quickly spot him. “We would have noticed.” Dad didn’t bother to correct me, continuing to look, but I could almost feel the reprimand. I’d been focused on Caleb and the threat the Hanleys presented. I hadn’t considered they might have an ulterior motive.

“NICKY!” Sam’s shriek was desperate as Jess kept her from falling to the ground. Others joined the search, checking the children grouped around them and studying the edge of the forest.

“He’s here,” a voice called, drawing our attention, as a man strode from around the motel, Nicky propped on his hip. I was unsurprised to see who had him as Sam ran to them, scooping Nicky into her arms.

She stumbled back from Payne, who stood there, arms still outstretched from her grabbing Nicky. She gave a little shake of her head, not speaking as she cuddled her son, and sent him a wary glare. I inhaled sharply, wondering why he’d had Nicky, but there were too many scents in the air to pinpoint Payne’s specifically.

Sam clutched Nicky to her chest, backing away from Payne and then running to the motel and her room. Her sudden, fearful absence triggered the rest of the women who had been at the mercy of the Hanleys, as they all scurried to the motel, disappearing into the safety of their rooms.

“Go home,” I said, my voice low but it still carried over the yard as those in the Navarre Pack slipped into the woods, following the paths toward home. Leah gave a little salute as she marched past me and I reached out to snag her arm, hauling her to a stop. “Not you,” I rumbled, my eyes flicking to Jess. I jerked my head and she sighed, walking over to me.

“Words, Dom. Use your words.” She shook her head. “I feel like a dog when you do that shit.”

I kept my face neutral, not wanting to show how strong a hold she actually had on me in front of the few who lingered. I’m sorry, I offered mentally instead, and received an exasperated sigh.

Accepted, she grumbled. Why are you holding Leah prisoner?

It’s not safe for her to go home tonight, I answered and felt a whisper of fear come from Jess. We’re fine here, I reassured her. I just don’t want to risk anyone on the road. They may have seen Caleb protect her.

Why did he do that? I could sense her puzzlement at Caleb’s odd reaction to Leah. He’d very clearly put himself between Leah and the Hanleys which I would expect him to do with any member of the Pack, but Leah wasn’t Pack.

I don’t know, I murmured. Either way, I don’t want her out there tonight. It’s too dangerous.

“Leah, I thought we could have a sleepover,” Jess smiled but it came out more of a grimace. “I’m sure you have questions.”

Leah lifted her eyebrow. “Are you going to answer them?”

Jess’ breath gusted from her so hard I heard it physically and mentally. “I’ll try,” she countered and Leah nodded, accepting the compromise. The look Jess shot me said I owed her and I took a chance, leaning down to brush a kiss against her silky brown hair. Inhaling her scent was like a punch to the gut and only the fact that my father, her father, and Leah were standing there kept me from throwing her over my shoulder.

The smirk she threw me told me she knew exactly how she affected me and my narrowed eyes promised retribution. She didn’t seem the slightest bit nervous at the sight of my glare, instead her heartbeat jumped and I sensed a shiver of excitement. A growl rumbled from me as she escorted Leah away, and Dad snapped his hand around my arm in a steely grip. I glanced down, knowing I could break his hold with ease, but years of discipline allowed me to take the help he offered. I nodded but he didn’t loosen his hold until Jess had disappeared from sight.