The Reluctant Alpha (13 page)

He dreaded the moment he would shatter their peace, their love, their lives, having to force his feet to keep moving. Going over and over in his mind if he could’ve stopped this.

As the cabin came into view he steeled himself for what was to come. Knowing that his actions and words would tear apart the life his cousin and aunt knew.
“How do you get over this kind of loss?”
he thought as he trudged up the stairs and opened the door.

The warmth of the blazing fire hit him as he walked in, Fergie flying from the kitchen as Marie and Angel ran behind him. Cam found it almost impossible to look them in the eye but he straightened his back and spoke the words he knew they were desperate not to hear.

“I’m sorry, we found him but he’s, he’s gone. I’m so sorry.”

Marie screamed, one hand covering her mouth, the other grasped her chest. Her face chalk white as her knees buckled. Cam moved with lightning speed, catching her before her head hit the hard wooden floor. Angel there to help him place his aunt on one of the sofas.

“I’ll go get the Healer.” Angel ran for the door, her feet slapping against the wood as she disappeared.

Fergie stared at his mother lying prone and then up at Cam, his eyes filled with emotion so raw it was painful to see. “I’m sorry, Fergie. He was gone by the time we got there. I couldn’t do anything for him.”

He watched as Fergie shook his head in denial, his voice barely a whisper, “No, he can’t be dead. He’s Alpha, he can’t be dead, Cameron! He just can’t!”

Cam knelt down beside Fergie and enveloped him in his arms. “He’s gone but you have to be strong for your mother. She’s going to need you, Fergie, and we need to organize the burial ceremony. I’ll do whatever you need me to do but you need to keep it together until after the funeral. Okay?”

He saw the moment his words hit Fergie’s consciousness, his cousin straightening his back and the look on his face changing from devastation to a mask of steel. Cam felt proud as Fergie nodded once, wheeling himself over to his mother’s side and stroking her face.

“I’m not sure she’ll get over this, Cam. He was her world.”

“You’ll get her through, we’ll all help and I’m sure the Pack will be behind her. She’ll feel their support. I’m sure of it.”

“Where is he? I want to see him.” Fergie murmured, looking up into Cam’s face.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Cam dreaded the thought of his cousin seeing his father in the state they’d found him. Nothing would prepare his cousin for the sight of his shredded body.

“I have to,” Fergie’s tone was cold as ice and Cam tried again to dissuade him.

“Fergie, it wasn’t pretty. There were multiple Wolves involved. I can’t stress enough how much I think you shouldn’t do this. Please.”

Fergie’s shoulders straightened, his eyes boring into Cam’s. “I need to see my father.”

“Okay, come with me but steel yourself, Fergie.”

Cam could already hear his men outside and with the loud murmuring that was growing louder and louder he surmised the Pack was massing outside. As he opened the door he saw he was right, his Wolves in a semi-circle around the litter carrying his uncle, guarding it, whilst the Pack congregated a little ways behind. Fergie rumbled down the ramp to the left of the door and swung around, coming to a stop before the tangle of branches that made up the make-shift litter.

Jinx stepped forward, looking to Cam for confirmation before gently lifting the blanket. Fergie’s eyes widened as he saw the full devastation done to his father and his roar of pain started a chain reaction within the Pack. More and more bellows joined Fergie’s as they realized their Alpha was dead. Taken from them by lethal force by an enemy with designs on all of them.

Cam could feel the outpouring of misery and also uncertainty and fear churning through the Pack. He knew panic would set in soon if something wasn’t done to halt it. Striding to the top of the stairs in front of the cabin he held up his hands, “Can I have your attention!” he raised his voice, silence following immediately.

He took a deep breath, knowing that Fergie should be doing this but also aware that his cousin couldn’t. No matter the rights or wrongs, a Wolf in a wheelchair just couldn’t lead a Pack.

“Your Alpha is gone! Killed by those that would take over your Pack. Fearghas fought bravely but he was outnumbered and attacked whilst alone.” Cam stopped as outrage ran through the Pack. “I tell you now, I will not allow that. I will not allow them to come here and enslave you. I will not allow them to take over this Pack. I will not allow them to succeed and I
will
wreak vengeance on those responsible. I
will
make them pay for what they’ve done and I
will
keep each and every one of you safe.”

Jinx gave him a small smile as the crowd fell silent once again. Cam pointed to his uncle’s remains. “Fearghas will be avenged, but we must prepare the funeral for the Alpha. The ceremony will be tomorrow and I’m sure each of you knows what’s necessary. Marie and Fergie are going to need you, each and every one of you, to get through this despicable loss. So, Highland Clan Pack, go in peace and carry out your duties for the funeral. We’ll meet here tomorrow at dusk to lay your Alpha to rest.”

Cam waited, hoping his words held sway with the Pack, knowing he was only a guest and held no right to be ordering the Pack to do anything. However, the Pack started to break up, sobs and crying clearly heard as they went about their duties. He saw Marie standing to the side with an older woman and he hoped it was the Healer. Cam suspected Marie was going to be in need of some of the Healer’s magic to get her through the coming days.

Angel walked over to Fergie, hugging him tightly as tears ran down her face. The sight so profound Cam had to turn away. A hand on his arm making him jump, looking down to see the Healer smiling sadly up at him.

“Show me where Marie is,” The woman spoke in a hushed tone as Cam nodded, ushering her inside the Cabin.

~
Chapter 1
1
~

The Elders took charge of the remains as the women started to arrive with meal after meal at the Alpha’s house. Soon the kitchen was filled with every dish imaginable as Angel sought to find places to store them for the Pack dinner they would hold before the funeral. Afterwards they hunted together as a Pack to help bond them together after a loss.

Marie was like a ghost of herself, sitting in an armchair next to the fire in the lounge. No amount of talking or cajoling from anyone got her to leave her place. Fergie’s face filled with worry and anguish as he tried to fill in the gaping hole his father’s death had caused.

Cam didn’t see Jacob for a couple of hours and then only a fleeting meeting as his PI said he was going to meet with Pascall and Quincy. Cam wanted to rip both of them apart, knowing they most likely had been there when Fearghas was attacked. However, he needed to get their percentage of the land so he’d wait and bide his time. If either of them got away then Cam would hunt them down, one way or another, he’d get them.

Angel pulled Cam to the side, worry clear in her eyes. “Cam, I’m worried for the Pack. We need someone to lead them at the funeral tomorrow. Fergie won’t be able to do it and we know that’s just the way it is within a Pack, so, would you do it?”

Cam shook his head and responded, “No, I can’t. I’m not their leader.”

Angel’s eyes held his as she spoke, “You’re the nearest thing we’ve got. You
have
to do this.”

She frowned up at him, her dark eyes pleading. Cam felt his heart stutter in his chest as he realized she was right. “Fine,” was all he managed to say before he turned and marched away.

He needed fresh air and solitude to clear his mind so he walked over to the trees and sat down on the ground. His back rested on the large oak behind him as he worried for the Pack. A Pack wasn’t a Pack without its leader and he felt panic at the thought of leaving the Clan in such a vulnerable position.
“What the hell am I going to do?”
he thought, over and over.

That’s where Jacob found him several hours later. “You okay?”

Cam didn’t know, “
Am I?”
“No idea, lots running through my head right now. What’s your news?”

Jacob smirked, sliding down the tree to sit beside Cam. “Got both of them. Paperwork is in the cabin and Quincy got nabbed by Matthieu as he left the restaurant. I met Pascall at the Nooksack River Casino of all places and he jumped at the chance of the money. He did let slip that he wouldn’t be going back to his Pack as he was scared what Philippe would do when he found out he’d sold his share of the land. But, he also said he’d be visiting his sister’s Pack near Colorado so we can get him there.”

Jacob looked pointedly at Cam and asked, “I take it we
are
going to get him?”

Cam snarled, “Hell yes, he’s not getting off with what he’s had a hand in, but he’ll be for another day. Get someone to keep an eye on him in case he moves on again. I want to know where he is at all times.”

“Thought you’d say that,” Jacob said. “Already done. I have someone that’ll pick him up at his sister’s Pack and keep tabs on him.”

Cam sighed, “One less thing to think about for the time being. Now, Jacob, tell me what the hell I say at an Alpha’s funeral ceremony? I have no fucking clue.”

Cam’s head was all over the place, too many things invading his brain to focus on just one. It wasn’t something he was used to and he felt very uncomfortable and ill at ease. He was always in control, always in charge, so to feel the way he was, which was downright confused, well that was alien to him.

Jacob was quiet for a few moments and then he sighed too, “I have no idea, Cam. I guess you have to say what a good Alpha he was but also let the Pack know they are safe and secure.”

“That’s the point.” Cam turned to look at his friend. “How can I tell them that? They have no Alpha and they have nobody who is suitable to
be
Alpha. I can’t lie to them but how do I tell them the truth.”

“It’s a problem, for sure, but it’s something you need to figure out, Cam. You’re the only leader here at the moment and they’re all looking to you for confirmation everything’ll be fine.”

Jacob patted Cam’s shoulder. “You’ll do okay. Fuck, you’ve held meetings with the most powerful people on earth and come out ahead so I’m sure you can manage a funeral ceremony.”

“That’s different, that’s business. Business I can deal with,
this
I’m not so sure.”

The sound of a car approaching had both of them getting up, alert in case of trouble. When Cam saw the sleek black BMW with its private plate, WTCHY, he knew who it was. Smiling he walked forward. “It’s okay, Jacob, it’s Rebecca.”

Jacob grinned, “I’ve only met her once and I sure did hope to meet her again.”

Cam smirked, “I did notice the attraction between you two but she’s more than a little aloof so it’ll take all your charm to woo her, my friend.”

The large PI grinned wider, “Well, I’m sure I’m up to the challenge.”

As the car parked in front of the Alpha’s cabin they watched as Rebecca opened the door, swinging her long legs out and getting up gracefully. Dressed in a green satin dress she looked as if she were going out on a dinner date rather than coming to a Wolf Pack Camp.

“Rebecca, I’m glad you got here so quickly.”

Cam held his hand out and took hers, pulling her in for a slight hug before letting her go. “This is Jacob, you’ve met before.”

Rebecca’s eyes moved over to Jacob, scrutinizing him from top to bottom before nodding her head and putting her hand out, a coy smile on her face. “Yes, I remember you.”

Jacob took her hand, raising it to place a kiss on the back. “Hello again, Rebecca. I’m happy you could come and join us.”

Cam almost sniggered as he heard Jinx’s voice muttering, “I bet you are.”

His best friend stood at the door, his face flitting between sorrow and anger but when he’d seen the Witch he’d smiled, shouting down, “Hi, Rebecca.”

“Hello, Jinx, hope you’re well?” she asked, raising an eyebrow as Jacob still kept hold of her hand.

“Yeah, sort of, what with the Alpha being murdered ‘n all, I’m not in the best of moods.”

Rebecca pulled her hand from Jacob’s grip, swirling around to face Cam. “The Alpha is dead?”

Cam frowned. “Yes, we found him this morning. The funeral will be tomorrow but we need to keep the Pack together and safe until we get this Dupont guy sorted. I’ve already got plans in place to get a majority holding of his land and if I can, I’ll buy up every business he’s associated with. I’m going to destroy him financially and then I suspect he and I will have a personal meeting. Wolf to Wolf.”

She moved towards him and gave him a hug. “I’m so sorry, Cameron. Really I am. I’ll get to work placing wards and alert spells and I’ll stay for as long as you need me.”

“Thank you.” Cam turned back to Jacob and asked, “Can you help Rebecca? Get her bags taken to our cabin, there’s plenty of room for her there.”

Jacob’s smile was bright as the sun as he looked back at Rebecca. “Yeah, I surely can help our little Witch.”

“Good.” Cam was just about to ask Jinx how Marie and Fergie were when his phone buzzed with a message. Pulling it out he saw it was from Chastity so he opened it and started to read. She was still supposed to be locked up but something had happened in their Camp and she had no guards so she was going to try and sneak out and meet him where they’d met previously.

His heart rate rocketing as he turned away. “I’ve got to go, Chastity is going to try and sneak out. I’ll meet her in the forest and, hopefully, talk her into coming back here.”

Jacob’s attention left Rebecca immediately, “I’ll come with you and we should take the boys too. You shouldn’t go there on your own, Cam. This could be a trap.”

“It’s not,” Cam said, “I don’t know why but I trust her.”

His PI scowled, “Don’t be stupid, Cam. With everything that’s going on
none
of us should be going off alone. Just hold on two minutes and I’ll round up the boys.”

Cam shrugged, then took off, jogging to where they’d left their clothes previously. Stripping quickly he stuffed his clothes in one of the plastic containers and transformed immediately. His Wolf happy to be let out again so soon, it took off at its fastest pace, running freely through the trees.

He kept his senses on alert for any possible danger, using his magic as well as his Wolf abilities, but there appeared to be no other Wolves around. His speed increased, a longing inside of him to see the white Wolf again. Cam hoped she got to their meeting point safe and sound and his heart beat wildly at the thought of her being hurt.

Cam knew he would rip apart anyone that harmed her and not think twice about it.

Time flew as he ran on and on, finally coming closer to their meeting place, slowing his great paws to a slow trot as he tried to sense any danger. He felt nothing, he was alone so his beast padded quickly to the clearing. Chastity wasn’t there so his Wolf lay down beside a large bush to wait.

It wasn’t long before he heard a beast careening towards him. The animal not taking any care to mask its approach. Cam lay still, not sure at this point whether it was Chastity or not. A minute or so later her scent came to him on the breeze, his Wolf scenting her and letting out a small growl as her scent was full of fear.

His beast stood up, waiting on whoever had instilled that fear into her; ready to fight. As her beautiful white Wolf sped out of the trees it saw him and she stopped only long enough to change, before running forwards again. Cam changed immediately and strode towards her.

Her feet ran over the meadow and she slammed into him, her arms reaching around his waist to hold on tight. Cam’s breath caught in his throat as her naked breasts pressed against his chest, his arms holding her to him.

“Oh thank the Goddess, you’re here! I’ve got news, bad news. Really bad news.”

Cam held her firmly to him as he tried to calm her, clearly hearing her heart beating as if it was about the burst. “Hey, calm down, you’re safe.”

Chastity looked up at him, her eyes full of tears. “He killed him. He’s killed him!”

Cam’s mind careened about trying to figure out who she was talking about. “Who? Who’s killed who?”

She held onto him for dear life, her tears now running down her cheeks. “I heard them celebrating this morning. Cam, I think they’ve killed the Alpha.”

Cam stiffened, proof positive that Dupont had been the one that murdered his uncle. “We know. We found him hours ago.”

Chastity stepped back but Cam kept hold of her as she stared at him. “I’m so sorry. He’s a monster and I can’t help him anymore. I’ve tried to see good in him. I promise I’ve tried. But there is none; he’s evil and cruel.”

“He’ll get what’s coming to him.” Cam’s jaw clenched as he fought for control. His eyes noticing the bruise on her cheek.

“What the hell is that?” he asked, his finger trailed down her face.

“It’s nothing, he wanted me to tell him where Silas was and didn’t believe me when I said I didn’t know. It’s almost healed now that I’ve had a chance to transform and once I go Wolf again it’ll disappear.”

Cam couldn’t help the growl that rumbled from his chest. “He hit you?”

Chastity said with a nod, “Yes, but I had to make up some cock and bull story ‘bout Silas doing some sort of business deal he didn’t want Philippe to know because he was going to, he was going to…”

Chastity couldn’t go on, hiccupping as fresh tears ran down her face. Cam pulled her back against him and realized he’d forgotten to use his magic to dress himself. The feel of her body against his causing him to become aroused.

He moved slightly to the side, not wanting her to feel his growing erection as he nodded at her to continue, “Go on, what was he going to do?”

She frowned, fear, disgust and anger, flitting across her face. “He was going to let Pascall and Quincy…you know…do what they wanted to me.”

A roar erupted from him, his anger growing by the second. “What? He was going to let two of his men rape you? Just to get you to talk?”

She nodded and started to shiver in his arms. Cam cursed, “Fucker, he’s going to suffer for all he’s done.”

Chastity held on even tighter. “He’s dangerous, Cam, very dangerous.”

“So am I, little Wolf, so am I.” Cam’s thoughts filling with visions of his ripping Dupont’s throat out.

Gentle fingers caressing his bare back bringing him out of his imagination. He looked down to see Chastity pressing a kiss to his chest. His cock hardening as his hands ran up and down her back.

“There’s something about you, Cameron Sinclair, something I can’t quite understand. But, you make me feel…”

Cam leaned down, one hand at the back of her neck to tilt her head up. “Hard. At this moment I’m feeling hard.”

Chastity smirked, “I can feel it, Mr. Sinclair.”

“Well,” Cam laughed, “I’m a Wolf. What do you expect when a gorgeous, naked woman, is in my arms?”

“Gorgeous?” Chastity raised an eyebrow.