Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 108368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 433(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 433(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
“That’s good, since you’re stuck with me.” At her chuckle, he added, “I’m serious, Ally. You’re mine. Everything you are belongs to me. I’ll never give you up.”
She arched a brow at his dominant tone. “If I wanted to leave, I totally could.”
“You’re always going to challenge me, aren’t you?”
“I’m so thrilled we got that cleared up.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Why can’t we find her?” Nick paced up and down in front of the sofa, his frustration drumming at Ally’s skin. Derren, who had positioned her between the V of his legs on one of the armchairs of the living area, curved his body protectively over hers—as if he could feel her discomfort through their bond.
Nick’s mood was understandable. A week had gone by and still no one had come forward with any information regarding Kerrie’s location. It was wearing on everybody. Other than Zander and Jesse, who were on patrol, the whole pack had congregated in the main lodge to discuss the matter and hopefully come up with fresh ideas.
“You offered a reward for her capture or any information on her whereabouts.” Cain sliced off another piece of the apple in his hand with a small knife. “So if no one’s given her up, she’s being hidden by someone who’s either family or who owes her.”
“That’s what Derren said.” Nick scrubbed a hand over his face. “But her relatives claim they haven’t seen her. According to Marcus’s sister, who belongs in the same pack as Kerrie, the Seer has saved their pack from conflict many times. A lot of people will feel they owe her for saving their lives and those of their children or mates.”
Lounging on the sofa, Bracken spread out his long legs. “What I find odd is that she hasn’t issued a personal attack on us. She sent a suicide bomber to the Phoenix Pack, but she’s left us alone.”
“It could be that she’s trying to make us think it’s all over, wants to lure us into a false sense of security so she can take us off guard,” suggested Caleb.
Kent tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. “Or maybe she really has given up. Maybe her failure to bring down the Phoenix Pack has made her totally back off.”
“I seriously doubt it,” said Stone, scratching Bruce behind the ear. “To go as far as to put a hit out on this pack and the Phoenix Pack indicates a lot of rage—and a huge grudge. That depth of emotion doesn’t just disappear. In fact, I’d say her failure has fed that rage and made her more determined to see her plans through to the end.”
Derren nodded, skimming his fingers up and down Ally’s arm. “Her plan to keep Marcus from recognizing Roni as his mate ultimately failed. Her plot to make Roni leave Marcus before they could mate also failed. Her current aim to destroy Roni and Marcus hasn’t worked out so well either, and I get the feeling that someone like Kerrie wouldn’t be prepared to fail again.”
On the sofa, Marcus massaged Roni’s nape. “In her warped mind, Roni and I need to be punished. Her rage is our fault.”
“I really should have killed that bitch when I had the chance,” said Roni.
Marcus kissed her cheek, a slight smile curving his mouth. “I love that little vengeful streak you have.” His mate just rolled her eyes.
The sound of the kitchen door opening was quickly followed by the entrance of Jesse. “We have visitors. Miranda and two of her enforcers are heading toward the border.”
Shaya, who was cradling a sleeping Willow, sighed in annoyance. “Great, we can look forward to the company of yet another woman who has a big issue dealing with rejection.”
“After how her last visit ended, I’m surprised she’s come back,” said Jesse.
Shaya looked at Kathy. “Could you take Willow upstairs, away from this vile woman?”
Happily taking her granddaughter, Kathy said, “Of course.” She promptly disappeared, obviously not wanting Willow around Miranda any more than Shaya did.
Ally turned to Dan with a smile. “This should be fun for you. You remember Miranda Whitney, right?”
His brows pinched together. “Miranda Whitney?”
“Yeah, the female wolf who spread shitty rumors about you when you rejected her. She recognized me as part of your family, told the Mercury wolves that they should kick me out.”
Realization flashed in his eyes. “Oh, you mean Miranda Moore. She’s Alpha female of her own pack now, right?”
Ally frowned, glancing over her shoulder at Derren. “I thought it was Whitney.”
“It is,” Derren confirmed.
Dan held up a finger. “It was. But after she had a huge fallout with her parents, she left her pack and changed her surname as a sort of ‘fuck you’ to them.”
Disowning and rejecting them before they could disown and reject her; Ally understood.
“What’s wrong?” Roni asked Marcus, who Ally then noticed was stiff as a board.