Aline Hunter - Changed

“Shane’s new,” Declan offered. “Maybe it’s someone he hasn’t met yet.”

After Declan had temporarily stepped down as Beta, he’d worried about giving Shane the position for that very reason. But the secretive male was strong and capable. That was the primary reason Jackson had taken the rogue wolf into the pack. Shane kept his strength under wraps but any Beta or Alpha could feel how powerful the male was. Declan knew he could defend and watch out for those under his protection.

“He’s been on runs with the packs. He knows everyone’s scents. To be safe he took me to the locations he discovered when he was guarding Chloe. The scent was faint but I was able to find it. The trespasser is someone I’ve never met and it’s a male. The fucker had a bird’s-eye view of what my mate and I do in our private time.”

“What are you thinking?” Personally Declan was inclined to think it had to be a rogue or lone wolf—those who disregarded pack rules and existed on their own. Sometimes they formed small groups but they were never permanent. By design, rogues liked to be alone and without obligation to others. Which begged the question—why would one trespass on Jackson’s property? And not just Jackson’s home but his cabin too? What did the idiot hope to gain? “What’s your plan?”

“I’m thinking it’s best not to leave Chloe alone. My plan is to keep her guarded.” Jackson growled again, the low, eerie sound making Declan’s wolf respond with anger of its own. “I can sense danger but I can’t see it. That’s why I need you to watch over Chloe tonight. Gavin wants to meet with me. He might be able to help.”

“I can do that.” Curious, he questioned, “Chloe still isn’t talking to him?”

“She’s called him a few times. He’s her father, after all.” Jackson shifted his feet and rubbed the back of his neck. “She’s not aware of what’s going on. Not yet, anyway. I’d prefer to talk to Gavin before I fill her in on what Shane found.”

Rachel and Chloe appeared at the door to the shop. Declan looked at Jackson and quickly nodded. “I’ll watch over them. Where are they going?”

“To Rachel’s shit heap,” Jackson grumbled, eyes flitting toward the house across the street. “I’ll be back to pick Chloe up at midnight. Don’t let your guard down.”

Declan considered giving Jackson shit over the description of Rachel’s home but what the man said was true. The house did look like a dump. Paint had fallen from the front of the front and sides and the roof looked ready to cave in. The grass was neatly trimmed and flowers lined the walkway but it didn’t make the residence look any better. Declan’s wolf snarled, furious at her state of living. Once they mated she’d never call a place like that home again.

“I’ll loop around the back and stay hidden. I won’t let them out of my sight.”

He took his attention from Jackson and looked at Rachel. She’d been staring at him but as soon as their gazes met she turned to Chloe. He glanced at Jackson’s mate. When Chloe spotted him a smile spread across her face. It had been a couple of weeks since he’d seen her. She probably wondered if he had come home for good.

“I’m going to go before anyone asks why I’m here,” Declan said, giving Jackson a sideways glance as he walked away.

Someone had been sniffing around. Definitely not good. He’d have to call Shane for details. If Shane had picked up an unfamiliar scent at one place Declan would brush it off as a wolf that had taken a risk and snooped on another’s territory. Knowing the unknown scent had appeared at both locations changed things. This wasn’t random. Meaning everyone had to be on alert. He wished he’d had more time to ask questions. Tomorrow he’d have to make a few calls.

Entering the cover of trees behind the garage, he switched to a steady jog. It was dark but Chloe would see him if he wasn’t careful. He decided to take cover in a tree next to the garage so he’d be able to see the front and sides of the house. Climbing up wasn’t difficult. He found a decent spot and settled in.

Jackson guided the women across the street, his arm wrapped around Chloe’s waist. The visual was like a slam to the gut, reminding Declan the night was far from over.

He hadn’t been lying to Rachel. As soon as Chloe left he’d be paying his mate a visit.

And he wasn’t leaving until he’d claimed some part of her as his own.

“He wants to take me to dinner. He says he’ll answer all my questions.” Chloe nestled in Rachel’s couch, grasping one of the worn pillows tossed to the side. “I told him I’d think about it.”

“It’s good to take your time,” Rachel said, trying to be neutral. With her upbringing, she wasn’t too keen on trusting family members. Chloe had spoken to her father a few times but wasn’t ready to meet him face-to-face just yet. To lighten the mood, Rachel offered, “You’ve got forever. What’s the rush?”

Chloe’s eyes clouded over and Rachel wanted to slap herself. She’d forgotten how worried Chloe had become, knowing Rachel wouldn’t live as long as she would. They’d only discussed the issue once and that had been more than enough. Chloe—God love her—thought Rachel should consider joining Team Furry Creatures. That way they’d never be apart. But the thought of changing into a dog wasn’t all that appealing.

They snatch children up and take them to the woods. Her mother’s voice breezed through her head. Then they let them go and hunt them down. They love the taste of human flesh. Once they’ve had it nothing else will do.

She exhaled slowly, shunning the horrific images in her mind. “I’m sorry.” She hurried to make things right. Chloe wasn’t the monster her mother would have Rachel believe. “That was a horrible joke.”

“I wish you’d just think about it,” Chloe said softly, eyes full of concern. “You’d never have to grow old and you’d never be alone. You don’t know how wonderful it is. It’s like growing wings and being able to fly. And you’d finally have a family.”

It wasn’t easy to bite back her temper. “Unlike you I don’t have a beef with nature. It’s the way life works. You’re born. You live. Then you die. And I do have a family,” she reminded Chloe firmly. Chloe’s grandparents had practically raised her. Rachel knew she’d be welcomed at their home anytime. “Gram and Gramps, remember?”

“They’re getting old, Rach.” Chloe’s sadness at the confession smothered Rachel’s anger. “Grams had to start using a cane to get around. It’s hard for her to get out of bed in the morning. Gramps does what he can but…” Shaking her head, she whispered miserably, “They’re not as strong as they used to be. I can see what time is doing to them.”

“It’s nature, Chloe,” she repeated, hammering her point home. “ We’re born, we live and then we die .”

“You don’t have to be so cruel,” Chloe snapped. “I know what’s going to happen to my family. No matter how much I hate thinking about it. But you…” She formed her hands into tight fists. “You could listen if you wanted to. You could try to understand.”

Screw this. “Look, let’s not talk about all that, okay? The night’s young. It’s not like I’m going anywhere. I’ve got a lot of life left in me. We’re supposed to be having fun, so let’s have fun.” Rachel reached for the vodka and shot glasses on the table. “Turn on the movie and we’ll down a few drinks before the pizza gets here. We’re supposed to relax and have a good time. There’s no need to ruin the night with silly arguments.”

Chloe sighed and tossed the pillow to the couch. “Sounds good to me.”