Bound to the Pack (Bound to the Pack, #1) Read online

  “It’s ok.” I manage to push the words out of a mouth completely devoid of any moisture.

  “No. This is most definitely not ok. He should know you’re off limits. And you!” Kris looked intently at me. “I told you he was dangerous and you just run right to him the next time you see him? If I had known that’s all it took I’d have been telling you half the guys walking by were dangerous!”

  “I know, I’m sorry. I don’t know what it is about him but I just can’t think when he’s around.” My words were weak, I really didn’t know what it was about him that left me a mess.

  The sigh that escaped Kristen seemed to have been brought up from her toes and she gazed at the ceiling. “It’s not entirely your fault.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. “I’m sorry Jen, really. I want to, but I can’t.”

  “What? Why not? What’s going on?” I was torn between being angry and being confused. The past thirty minutes felt as if I had started watching a movie halfway through. My head full of questions that nobody seemed to want to answer.

  “Let’s just call it... animal magnetism.” She looked out through the front windows even though Liam had long since gone out of sight.

  “Fine.” I sighed, the rush of the encounter fading.

  Shaking her head, Kris turned back to me. “Listen, it’s supposed to be nice this weekend. Troy and I are going to the park, maybe having a nice picnic. You’re coming. You’ve been avoiding me too long and you definitely need to get out of the house, all right? We’ll pick you up around one.”

  I hesitated before nodding. “Sure.” I had been avoiding everyone and this would satisfy Kris.

  At least she isn’t dragging me to a club.

  Chapter Five

  Jen

  Friday flew by in a haze of normalcy that felt good, the routine comforting me. I barely even thought about Liam, maybe only once or twice every few minutes. And that other guy—What’s his name? Oh yeah, Mike—barely entered my mind as more than an afterthought.

  Even Kristen was her usual cheerful self, laughing easily and acting as the store manager. She even got me to agree to go hang out at her place after work.

  Everything was fine until Troy arrived to pick Kris up and she told him I’d be coming over. “What?” The agitation he was clearly feeling dripped from his voice. “Why?”

  Kristen was taken aback. “What do you mean, ‘why?'”

  Troy stared daggers at me though his words were for Kristen. “We need to talk.”

  “Troy, I think we’ve done enough talking.” Her voice left no room for argument. “You know how I feel. I’ll make up my own god damned mind without any more nudging from you or Liam, thank you very much.”

  Troy’s eyes widened at the mention of Liam. “He’s here?”

  Kristen clearly hadn’t wanted that tidbit to slip. “Yes. He is.”

  “Then it is even more important...” Troy was cut off by Kristen’s glare.

  “Troy, drop it. Liam is my problem.” Her voice was firm but did little to assuage his concern.

  “Jen, is it all right if Kris rides with you to her place?” His eyes fell on me again and I felt myself shifting uncomfortably as I nodded in response.

  “What are you going to do Troy?” Kris’s voice pulled his eyes back to her, thankfully releasing me from their intensity.

  His soft words held danger. “I’m going to look around.”

  “Troy, I said I’d handle it.”

  “Kris, if we’re a pair then I need to do something to feel like I’m able to protect you. Don’t take that from me, too.” His intensity cracked, he was pleading with Kris. What was going on here?

  His plea only served to anger Kris even more. “Fine. Do what you want. But don’t be stupid, don’t give Liam the chance to kill you.”

  I would have laughed if Troy hadn’t taken the words seriously and nodded slowly at Kris. The grin I wore slid from my face when she nodded back to Troy, saying that the words were serious.

  He turned and left without another word. Kristen’s eyes followed him as he walked away, her face softening with each step he took. She half raised her hand to call him back, but paused and let it fall beside her instead.

  “What was that all about?” I didn’t think Kris had heard me. I was about to repeat myself when she shook her head slowly and turned to look at me.

  “Hopefully nothing.”

  “Hopefully? So... maybe something?”

  I knew the answer from the look in her eyes before the words had passed her lips. “Maybe everything.”

  The ride to her place went by in a silence so heavy I felt I had to turn the radio down, its noise invading rather than soothing the atmosphere in the car. Kris seemed oblivious to the change, lost in her mind.

  I feared that the night would turn into an even more stressful one of Kris worrying and me trying to comfort her somehow. I was pleasantly surprised shortly after we arrived when her phone rang and she had a quick conversation with Troy.

  Everything was apparently fine, he would be coming over soon. He would even be picking up some pizza on his way back so we could all relax and not worry about cooking or dishes.

  All of us together, we spent the evening laughing in her apartment. I even forgot to be creeped out by Troy. After a marathon of cheesy movies we confirmed the plans for the park tomorrow and I drove back to my own place, content.

  Saturday dawned with the promise of the beautiful day the forecasters had predicted. They had to get it right, sometimes.

  One-thirty came quickly and Kris arrived with Troy, fashionably late of course, with the cliché picnic basket in the back seat.

  Maybe I would have fun today after all.

  ****

  “Want some more wine, Jen?” Kristen pulled yet another bottle from the basket, twisting the top off.

  “Please and thank you.” I was beginning to think the only thing in that basket was an endless supply of wine bottles. We were on our third.

  Kris poured out a glass of some deep red that I accepted with a grateful nod before taking a sip. Yup, that’s wine. I knew nothing of wines, even though Kris had often tried to teach me before giving me up as a lost cause. I apparently just didn’t have the taste for it. Or nose, as Kris would say.

  Troy sat nearby, lost in thought and still as unappealing as the first time I had met him. Why Kris wanted to be with him I’d never know.

  Maybe he’s great in bed... I shuddered at the mental image. Best not to think too long on that.

  Now Liam, that’s another thing all together. The heat I felt in my body was no longer just from the wine and I welcomed it. When was the last time I had felt desire like that? Even if it was just in my imagination.

  Or was it?

  It didn’t seem possible, but he definitely had seemed into me the other day. His eyes were so... hungry. I’d never been looked at that way before and I didn’t think it was something that could be faked. What did I know though? The best relationship I had ever known had turned out to be a sham.

  Lost in thought, I was surprised to find my glass already empty. Turning towards Kris I realized I wasn’t the only one distracted and put my glass down.

  Troy and her were having a decidedly intimate moment. I felt I should give them more space in case they carried this as far as it seemed they were going to. They didn’t even notice me stand to leave. Just before getting out of earshot I paused, hearing them talking. Good, maybe they’re done and I can go back.

  “Kris, this game has gone on long enough.”

  I froze, this sounded way too intimate, and began to walk away again.

  “I know Troy. You know that I love you, but this... this is forbidden. We haven’t even asked permission, we know what they’d say.”

  Quickening my steps I moved far enough away that the rest of the conversation was lost to me. Not knowing how much time they’d need to work things out, I picked a direction and be
gan walking around the park. It really did feel good to be out of the house, I admitted to myself reluctantly. I suppose I can’t hide away from life forever.

  I moved aimlessly around the various paths and trails, taking in the scenery and watching the tourists taking pictures of the trees. It hadn’t felt like I had been in D.C. for that long while I was living there, being back though... autumn in New Hampshire was beautiful.

  I walked for the better part of an hour, spending equal time between being a wide eyed visitor seeing the trees for the first time and a jaded native immune to the beauty. It was amazing that something that screamed ‘home’ could also be seen with fresh eyes. Breathing in the scents deeply I smiled in spite of myself.

  It really was a perfect day.

  Liam

  I watched Jen as she walked around the park. Or, more accurately, I hunted her as I had hunted her the day before. I had been so lost in thoughts of her that Kristen’s boyfriend had nearly spotted me. Sloppy.

  But at least now I knew where she lived.

  Standing up after Jen had walked past my hiding place, I followed her at a safe distance. Humans were so blind most of the time.

  Though I could smell Kristen and... him, I decided it made the most sense to follow Jen until she returned to them.

  It was clearly the most logical option.

  Chapter Six

  Jen

  Figuring I had given them long enough, as I judged by the wine no longer warming me, I felt it was time to head back. It was a much quicker walk back to where they had set up the picnic and I was there in almost no time at all to find most everything packed up and put away.

  “Jen! We were just about to come find you.” Kris smiled. “Sorry about that.”

  “No worries, all part of being the third wheel.” I grinned to let her know I was just joking with her. The walk had really raised my spirits.

  “It was rude of us. I invited you out to spend time together, not get distracted and ignore you.” Kris stared pointedly at Troy.

  Troy grinned, then, startling me. He stood tall and glared over my shoulder at something behind me. Kris imitated him so quickly it were as if they had been pulled up by puppet strings. Their expressions mirrored each other, grimacing like they had just eaten lemons.

  Bad lemons.

  Turning around quickly to see what could cause such a reaction I saw... nothing. I was about to turn back to them when a figure moved from the tree line across the hill from us. Liam.

  He paused as he surveyed the scene, then walked our way. A throaty growl was coming from either Troy or Kris, I couldn’t tell from which, as I watched Liam close the distance. When he had reached our group he took us all in with a glance. Did it linger slightly as it passed over me?

  “So,” he growled in his low voice, “is this him then?” He was staring at Troy and Troy was... snarling?

  “Yes,” Troy practically spat. “I am ‘him.'”

  “Liam, please, leave.” Kristen was both furious and worried.

  “This is a public park, not your shop, sister. You have no authority to make me leave. We will discuss this, shall we say, lapse of judgment.”

  Troy flared up and stepped towards Liam, who was a giant compared to his dainty form. Liam flexed, just a slight tightening of his muscles, and he seemed to grow even more massive.

  “Discuss. Or fight. I care not which, though you most certainly will.” There was no fear in Troy's voice, how could that be?

  Kris stepped between them. “Stop it! Both of you! Liam, this is none of your business, how many times am I going to have to tell you that? And Troy, don’t be stupid, stop antagonizing him!”

  They both spared her a glance before resuming their staring contest.

  “Do I need to remind you both of what a fight between you would look like?” Kris looked to me. “In public?”

  That seemed to get their attention for some reason. They all looked at me and I felt myself wilt under the combined stares of the three of them. Troy moved closer to Kristen but Liam’s eyes lingered on me.

  “Jen, it’s time to go. Troy, can you grab the basket please?” Kris turned to face Liam. “And you. This is not open for discussion and you’re too late anyway. I’ve decided.”

  “There is still time, it is not too late as of yet, Kris.” Liam’s tone said that until it was done, whatever ‘it’ was, there would be time.

  “I’ve decided, Liam. Leave it be.” Kris took my arm and we walked to the car, Liam unmoving but watchful.

  My patience had reached a breaking point, this had gone on long enough without anyone telling me anything. “Kris, what was that all about? Please, I’m supposed to be your best friend and for the past few days I’ve felt like a child told to be quiet while the adults talk. Nothing you guys are saying is making any sense.”

  “I’m sorry, Jen. You are my best friend. This is just...” She shook her head. “This is just too personal right now. I’m sorry.” Kris took a deep breath, steeling herself. “I promise when this is all over and the dust settles I’ll answer your questions.”

  I nodded as I got into the car, too frustrated to say anything, and watched as Liam turned away while Troy stared at him intensely.

  “We leave tonight, Kris.” He hissed the words through clenched teeth.

  Kris hesitated, then nodded. Those were the only words spoken the whole ride home and it wasn’t until I watched them pull away that a thought rushed to the forefront of my mind and sent my heart racing.

  Had Liam called Kristen his sister?

  Liam

  Hurrying through the light woods around the park I aimed directly for Kristen’s apartment miles away.

  Fortuitous that I had located where she lived last night.

  My mind raced as fast as my body ran. Leaping over fallen trees, ricocheting off of boulders, and swinging from low branches, my pumping legs ate up the distance to my goal.

  This would be far easier as the wolf, but I, for one, will abide by our laws. How could she do this? Had all semblance of sense fled her?

  I could understand Troy, even though I don’t like him. He was going above himself, attempting to raise his station within the clans. Kris would be exiled for such a transgression. How could she want to be with him that much?

  I reached the road and kept running, watching the cars pass me, each one darkening my expression further. I should have learned to operate a vehicle before coming here.

  My speed began to falter, peak physical form or not I’d been running full out for several miles already. I’d need to pace myself or I’ll cause an injury. That would be the last thing I needed when I confronted Troy in a more... suitable location.

  I have to stop this.

  If Kristen bonded with Troy she would be exiled. The full moon was only three nights away and I will stop this. By talking sense, or through violence.

  Whatever worked.

  Chapter Seven

  Jen

  “Come on Kris, pick up!” The phone went to voicemail. Again. I hung up, staring at my own phone as if it held the answers I sought. Something was wrong.

  The way everyone was acting it was like they were all part of a secret I wasn’t in on. It was infuriating, I hated this feeling. It was just like being cheated on all over again. I was the last to know then, too.

  Coming to a decision I grabbed my coat and keys then headed for the door. I had to confront Kris and find out what was going on. If she really is my friend she should tell me what’s going on. I only want to help her like she’s helped me over the years.

  The ride passed in a haze of worry and I was parking at Kris’s apartment before I knew it.

  Her car wasn’t there.

  Hoping my trip wasn’t for nothing, I rang the doorbell. And rang it again. Beginning to feel frustrated I tried the door and found it open. Is that normal? Kris had always gone in first.

  “Kris?”

  Nothing seemed amiss, though my hands twitched when I noticed the sink full of dirty dish
es. A quick walk around showed an empty apartment.

  I need to think...

  Mechanically I began cleaning as dusk settled over the town. It helped focus my thoughts; a quick dusting, restacking of papers on the table, and general busy work led me around to the dishes which I started on with gusto.

  Liam is Kris’s brother? That would explain the protectiveness but there felt like there was more at stake than a disapproving brother.

  What had Troy said in the car? We have to leave tonight?

  Apparently he had meant immediately after dropping me off. Drying my hands, I felt I had lost. Kris seemed to have vanished even though it had barely been two hours. Everything felt off.

  Maybe the police? No, they’d just think the couple wanted some time alone.

  Liam, I need to find Liam.

  Deciding it was the only option left to me, yet having no idea how to actually go about accomplishing it, I grabbed my things, turned off the lights, and opened the door into the night.

  Liam

  I reached the house and, seeing that the lights were on, let out a sigh of relief. If they were still here they would be hard pressed to get to the nearest sacred site before the coming full moon.

  They’d be harder pressed with my interference.

  A figure moved into view in one of the windows. It was her. She seemed to be washing something just out of sight.

  Lust rose within me as I watched her, not even bothering to hide myself though I was fully visible in the bright moonlight. I could just make out the soft curves of her lush body, so different from the hard planes and angles of the typical shifter.

  And her emotions.

  I had no idea what could cause someone to have so many emotions boiling so close to the surface, but it was an alluring bouquet I had never experienced before. I felt myself growling hungrily and took a step towards the door.

  This is a distraction I can’t afford. The thought didn’t stop me from taking another step forward. I need to focus... Another step.