The Challenge (The Pack 2)

“I’m going,” I said abruptly, cutting whatever Anna was about to say off. She opened her mouth and I shook my head. “I’m going,” I repeated. “So are Dom and Trent.” She looked like she wanted to argue when I said Trent, but finally nodded.

“So, that’s five of us,” she concluded, exhaling.

“Six,” I corrected. “We need a guide.”

“Do you really think it’s the best idea for you to waltz onto Hanley territory?” Trent questioned, coming to stand next to Anna, who tensed but didn’t move away.

“I don’t see a problem,” she retorted and he raised an eyebrow.

“You wouldn’t but that doesn’t mean you won’t be a distraction,” he replied and she crossed her arms.

“A distraction to who? You? If so, you can stay here and guard the motel,” she paused, her eyes glittering. “If you think you can manage it this time.”

A growl reverberated through the air at the insult and Anna took a step back. “Maybe you should go,” he snarled. “Maybe they can teach you some manners.” His glare was cold as he shoved past her roughly, and headed toward the motel.

Anna looked stunned by Trent’s anger and I patted her arm awkwardly as I sidled by her, following Trent. I noticed Dad speaking quietly to Dylan near his office, and that Dylan had calmed down.

Trent paced in front of Wren’s motel room, running his hands agitatedly through his hair. “I don’t want to talk about it,” he warned me and I mimed zipping my lips. “She’s infuriating. Reckless. Careless with her own life,” he ranted and I pressed my lips together as he clenched and unclenched his fists. “She has no idea how important –” he stopped speaking suddenly, seeming to realize I was standing there.

“Please continue,” I said brightly. “I’m dying of curiosity.”

The motel door opened and Leah looked taken aback at our presence. “He’s still alive,” she said, eyeing us.

“Yeah, I know,” Trent muttered, glancing at me pointedly and I closed my eyes for a second as I realized what Trent meant. Liam was awake and connected to both Dom and Trent through a Pack link. A link none of them shared with the Navarre Pack.

“You okay?” Leah asked me, concerned by my sudden pallor.

I forced a smile. “I’m fine. How are you?”

She stepped outside, her smile tired and Trent gestured to the door, asking if he could go inside. She nodded in permission, saying, “Dom is talking to him now.” Trent stepped around her and went inside, leaving us standing in the breezeway.

“You saved the day,” I told her, adding with a rueful smile, “Again.”

She laughed, glancing up. “Luck,” she answered, shaking her head lightly. “And nosiness.”

It was my turn to chuckle and she grinned, her eyes straying to the parking lot where Caleb stood next to Anna. Her smile lost some of its luster and she glanced back at me. “I saw you leave. It looked like you were in a hurry.” She bit her lip before admitting, “I was curious so I followed the Jeep.”

“I’m glad you did. I doubt Liam would be alive if you hadn’t,” I replied gratefully. I wasn’t sure when it had begun to matter to me that Liam lived, but I knew he deserved a chance. An opportunity to live a life outside of the toxic Hanley pack.

Leah snorted. “I wasn’t expecting that, that’s for sure.” She glanced at me as she continued, “I happened to have my Dad’s car today. He keeps his bag in there in case of emergencies.” She shrugged. “I guess all those years tagging along after him paid off.”

I nodded, giving her a shrewd smile. “I bet you could get a job around here if you decide to become a veterinarian,” I told her and she gave me a startled stare.

The door opened behind us before she could respond and when she saw Liam swaying between Dom and Trent, she barked, “Put him back! Right now.”

“They need me,” Liam answered his voice shaky and Leah shook her head firmly.

“Nope,” she replied, arms crossed as she faced the three shifters down. “I did not just stitch your guts up and perform a highly unorthodox blood transfusion so you could die in the woods. Back in the bed.” She made a shooing motion and Dom gave me a pleading glance. I shook my head, in complete agreement with Leah. There was no way Liam was going anywhere. His skin had a thin film of sweat over it and I was pretty sure ghosts had more color than he did at the moment.

“We need him to guide us to the Hanley compound,” Dom said and I frowned. We did need the help but it was also clear Liam couldn’t provide it.

“He can’t help through the link?” I asked carefully, watching as Trent and Dom traded a glance. They shook their heads simultaneously and I narrowed my eyes.