Pack Protection Read online

  Pack Protection

  Fated Mate: Book 8

  Shannon Duane

  Copyright © 2015 by: Shannon Duane

  Cover Design by: Laura Shinn

  Edited by: Kama Monroe

  ISBN:

  License Notes:

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without express written permission of the author. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy or copies. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Pack Protection is a work of fiction. Though some of the cities and towns actually exist they are used in a fictitious manner for purposes of this work. All characters are works of fiction and any names or characteristics similar to any person past, present or future are coincidental.

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to my oldest child, Jaybell. I know he’ll never read my books, and I’m secretly thankful because it kinda creeps me out, but I am so very proud of you. To graduate with honors while playing a sport is difficult, but you’re always up for a challenge. I can’t wait to see what this life has in store for you. Ladies, hide your daughters because my son is becoming a man, and I would be a crazy mother-in-law.

  Jaybell’s senior quote: Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. By Dr. Seuss

  Special Thanks

  To the women who email me, give me feedback and keep me writing. If it wasn’t for you ladies I’d have given up putting fingers to keyboard a long time ago. You keep me going. A special thanks to Mrs. Monroe, you are super awesome and I am so thankful for you.

  Alright, enough of the mushy, mushy, read and enjoy

  Prologue

  Dear Alpha,

  My name is Reginald Wagner, and I have a few things I would like to discuss with you. I have some unruly children in my pack. Based on their current behavior, I believe that they are unable to ever become productive members of our pack. I do not know what will become of them if there is no intervention. My efforts to take them in hand have been unsuccessful. It is my belief that in a more rural environment, which is less demanding, may better suit their limited abilities. I’ve heard from others that you have a knack for rehabilitating troubled youth. We need to discuss their future, and arrange for you to grant them temporary entrance to your pack. Please clear a time for us to meet on September eighteenth. Let me know which hotel you are staying at and I will send a driver to bring you to me so I may introduce you to the young.

  Regards,

  Alpha Reginald Wagner

  New York City

  Clearly unhappy about the circumstances, Jake, Alpha of the American Canyon pack rebelled. “No, why the hell would I leave my beautifully pregnant and extremely horny wife in the last few months of her pregnancy. She’s having her second set of twins so she might just pop any day now. You’re my second for a reason; to participate in pompous Reginald’s meet and greet when I can’t.”

  Conner’s reply was just as snippy. “Well, hell, my wife is just as horny and pregnant as yours, and she’s having twins too. Plus, we have triplets at home. If you’re hell bent on counting babies we win, you have to go. Not to mention it’s an invitation for the Alpha, I’m not the Alpha you are.”

  An annoyed growl filled the air followed by giggling.

  Jake swung his head over to see his wife and mate laughing with Conner’s wife and mate. “What the hell is so funny ladies?”

  Shana’s eyes narrowed at her husband. “Don’t you dare curse at me Mr. Grumpy Pants, I’m carrying your brood and I’m already annoyed and swollen and tired and I’ll be damned if I’m not horny again.”

  He rushed to his wife’s side while scooping her into his arms holding her to him; he gently sat down placing her in his lap. “I’m sorry, baby, don’t upset yourself. Do you want me to rub your feet?”

  She grunted. “I didn’t upset myself you big ol’ hairy wolf, you upset me. Just hurry up so we can go to bed. I’m tired.” Shoving off his lap she glanced down at her best friend. “Come on, Katie, let’s let ‘em fight it out alone tonight. Wanna stay up all night and paint our toenails? You can do mine and I’ll do yours. Lord knows I can’t reach my toes past my big old belly.”

  Katie struggled to a stand and her mate Conner was attempting to help her, when she suddenly leaned up to whisper in his ear. “You better not leave me like this or I will make sure this is the last time you can produce children, got it?”

  Conner smiled and nuzzled her neck before replying. “You don’t think I know that already? Go paint your nails and I’ll come get you before bed. We have to be home to put the triad to bed otherwise they’ll sneak out on Mrs. Quinn.” He smacked her butt as she turned, gracing him with the sweet smell of her arousal.

  The women did a pregnant shuffle out of the room casting scathing glances at their men.

  Turning to Conner, his second in command, Jake announced. “You’re right, neither of us can go. What are our options?”

  Sending his alpha a sly smile Conner replied. “Easy. We send an unmated male. We can update them on pack dynamics and send them in our absence. I’m sure Mr. Reginald Wanker will understand.”

  “Smart. We can send Grant. He’s my brother and an alpha in his own right. He’s already up on all of the pack information. I’m sure he’s willing to travel. We hate the city but I’m sure he’d be willing to take one for the team.”

  He pulled out his cellphone and dialed his brother’s number by memory. His alpha senses tingled when his brother answered abruptly with an angrily barked, “What?”

  “Bro, I need you to make a trip to the city on pack business-”

  “Can’t, I’m hunting.”

  The phone clicked off abruptly; when Jake attempted to call back he was met with a busy dial tone. Okay, so something was going on with his brother. He reached through their link and didn’t sense danger so he let it go. He’d investigate at a later time.

  “So…Grant is apparently unavailable. Any other ideas?”

  A sleepy voice sounded from behind them. Jake smiled as he turned and saw his adopted son rubbing his eyes. He’d grown so much in the years he’d been a member of the family and pack. At eight years old he was confident, smart, sneaky and brave. And he was quite handsome, if Jake did say so himself. He was one of the best additions to Jake’s life. The fact that he had second sight was a blessing and a curse. Being his father Jake wanted nothing more than his sons happiness. With the added burden of knowing what was going to happen before it happened, Trevor was often saddened with knowing a poor outcome. He often gave advice, which people now took seriously. He was far older than his eight years of age.

  “Daddy, I’m hungry, can I have a pop tart?”

  “Shh, your mom just went to bed and we don’t want her to hear the PT word. Plus, it’s too late for sweets, Trev. Let’s put you back to bed.”

  “Okay, but just so you know, I have a solution to your problem.”

  Stopping in his tracks, Jake asked, “Are you bribing me?”

  “Nah, just tryin’ to help. This is my pack too, ya know.”

  Picking Trevor up and putting him on the stool they all sat down and listened to what Trevor had to say.

  “I think you should send Tinker.”

  Eyes puzzled, Conner and Jake waited for him to continue with his explanation, knowing the whole time they’d send Tinker, simply because they trusted Trevor.

  Why didn’t he think of that? It made sense. Trevor continued even though it was a done deal.

  “Tinker hasn’t traveled in a while. He stays in his shop and works; the only time he goes out is when he comes to the pack barbeques. I think it’s time he participated a bit more. He kno
ws all about what the pack does and he has our best interest in mind. Plus, he’s nice. He always helps when we have car problems or electrical problems or when Mama makes someone mad and they pop her tire.”

  Startled, Jake stood up, yelling, “What?”

  Little Trevor’s hand landed on his shoulder. “It’s okay Dad, Mama can handle herself, don’t worry.”

  “Don’t worry? She’s stubborn and impulsive, and she shouldn’t piss anyone off when she’s pregnant. I’m gonna-“

  Conner interjected, “You should be glad she can take care of things. She’s strong and she protects the pack. For a human she’s the most awesome alpha mate you could ask for. You wouldn’t respect her if she came running to you with all of her problems. She engages the pack members and makes them feel useful and important.”

  Knowing his words were true, Jake was momentarily ashamed of his outburst. “You’re right, Conner, but a man likes to know he’s useful to his mate. I want her to come to me every once in a while.”

  Laughing, Conner’s reply was cheeky. “Oh, she comes to you enough. Remember the time she got drunk and accidentally took some chips and cookies from a human owned grocery store. She ended up landing in jail. You were the first person she called when she sobered up.”

  “As I recall, she was with your wife at the time and we had to bail them both out of jail.”

  “Point taken, but the fact still remains she engages everyone. You should be proud.”

  Sighing loudly he realized he was being a jealous, selfish mate. “Fine, fine, you’re both right. I love her and she’s perfect. Moving on, what if Tinker doesn’t want to go?”

  Slanting a sideways look at his father, Trevor’s voice relayed his agitation. “You’re Alpha, make him. I need to go back to bed because I have school in the morning.”

  “Want me to put you to bed, son?”

  A cheeky grin crossed Trevor’s face before he announced. “No but I do expect a little something extra in my lunch box tomorrow. Night, night.”

  “Why me? I’m a busy man and I don’t have time to play with some uppity New Yorker and stray kids. Did I mention I’m not the alpha, as they specifically requested.”

  Trying not to take offense that he, the Alpha, was being questioned, Jake calmly continued. “My wife is hugely pregnant and so is Conner’s wife. Grant is MIA and you were next on the list. Don’t act like you’re not strong enough to be Alpha. You could lead, but you choose not to be bothered. This pack is full of Alpha’s who have no interest in leading.”

  “You’re exactly right, I don’t want to lead. I also don’t want to travel. I’ve told you this before.”

  Reigning in his annoyance Jake stated. “Yes, you’ve refused to travel for years to find a mate. I don’t have an issue with that but I’m asking, as your Alpha, to go on this trip in my stead. I could order you to, but I shouldn’t have to.”

  “But…New York City? I haven’t traveled in years and you’re sending me to the city. It’s a lot to take in.”

  “Luckily, it’s only for a week. Buck up and take one for the team.” He slammed his hand on his friends shoulder. “Safe travels. We’ll make the plans and email you the itinerary. Be ready to travel in two days and spend a week with the kids to make sure they’re not a danger to the pack. You’ll be back before you know it.”

  “But-“

  Feeling annoyed at the defiance Jake growled, “No buts,” and walked away throwing over his shoulder, “and I expect you to call me the next time my wife gets into trouble.”

  Chapter 1

  His wolf was pacing inside him and trying to force him to walk away from the enormous metallic flying death trap that humans called an airplane. Who, in their right mind, would get in one of these? Him apparently, but he wasn’t given a choice. After going through airport security his wolf was already shaken because what did they think they’d find in his shoes? If he was a wolf he could just run, but to New York? Nah, it’d take too long and he was on a schedule.

  That was another annoyance, an itinerary…really? His alpha planned everything including directions to all locations. He wasn’t getting a rental car though so why did he need directions? Apparently, all city folk rode in a cab, driven by someone else because they didn’t want to park. Were they all too lazy to walk? Tinker did not enjoy the fact that he was confused about their way of life.

  Walking down the plank leading to the airplane he allowed his wolf one last yip of protest before he locked him away in the furthest region of his brain. He took a seat near the emergency exit, letting his head fall back while he closed his eyes. He’d have to make a stop in Denver and change planes, so he prepared himself for a long day.

  This drama always happened to Bree. Why couldn’t she get a job where her employer kept his hands to himself? Not one time did she allow that old nasty man to lay a finger on her, even though he suggested it more than once. Even better, why couldn’t people mind their own business? She could not believe the rumors HR had cited when explaining her dismissal.

  She never thought her co-workers would call human resources and complain that she got preferential treatment. They even band together saying they saw her smooching with the boss. Gross. Even though they both denied it, she was the one who had to clean out her desk and be escorted out by security.

  She’d climbed the ladder in her law firm because she won cases. She was a winner. She was shocked to hear her back-biting co-workers claimed the boss allowed her to cherry-pick the best cases and he allowed it because they were sleeping together.

  Admittedly, she refused to take on a few clients based on the fact that, well…they were guilty and her conscience couldn’t take it. She should be rewarded. There was no way she could win a case if she truly didn’t believe in the innocence of the client. Now, she had a bad reputation because of those jerks and she wouldn’t get another job in this area again.

  The part that made no sense, was HR’s statement that “a valued client of the firm” had complained about her and her abilities. They wouldn’t even tell her which client, so she had no way to refute the accusation. She could not think of a single client she had worked for who was less than completely satisfied the presentation they had received. Her clients, the ones she took on, loved her and she had the letters of recommendation to prove it. This day was the shits.

  Well…fine. Bree didn’t need these snooty people with their lies and deceit, she didn’t need anyone.

  At the exact moment she thought that she didn’t need anyone, her tire popped on her new beamer. She lost control of her vehicle, her brand new gift to herself for the awesome job she did getting her last promotion before she was fired. Ending up on the side of the road where people drove past her, occasionally, honking in her direction because her car was still slightly in the lane. If she opened her door someone would probably hit it and tear it off. Sighing loudly after hitting her palm on the wheel she climbed over the shifter and into the passenger seat, which was tricky in a pencil skirt and her favorite three inch pumps.

  Getting out of the vehicle was actually the easy part. Finding the energy to haul out the spare tire and jack turned out to be too much for her emotionally fragile state. Yes, she knew how to change a tire but she just wasn’t prepared for the emotional upheaval today. Instead of changing the tire like she should be doing she began to sob.

  Twenty minutes was all it took for her to release her negativity. She’d pull herself together, change her tire and find another job. Move forward with her life because she was a survivor and that’s what they did. After all, she had to make money, right? Lately, she wished she’d chosen another profession. Yes, she was good at what she did, but the passion was fading quickly. Maybe now that she was jobless she could look around and see if there were other career options.

  She got down on the ground, knowing her bottom was stuck up on display in the air and o display as she began to work the jack.

  After the delayed layover in Denver, Tinker’s nerves were on edge, not to
mention he was hungry. The airplane food was insulting and smelled like cardboard covered in gravy. He would have eaten the meal for sustenance and to keep up his energy, but just smelling the stuff had made his stomach rebel. He was now on his way to the hotel and his patience was at an all-time low. He was hungry, tired and his last nerve was in shreds when the taxi driver took a left when he should have been going straight.

  He knocked on the barrier between them asking. “Hey, you’re going the wrong way. We should have gone straight.”

  “I don’t ask you how to ride you don’t tell me how to drive.”

  The response was just what he expected from the angry old cigarette smelling man with no front teeth. “If I’m paying for this ride I will tell you where to go. Or I won’t pay.”

  Immediately the man sat up straighter. “You will pay.”

  “Then drive the way I told you to go. Just because I’m not from here doesn’t mean you can scam extra fare from me.”

  “Just because you can read a map doesn’t mean you know how to get around the city.” The driver huffed before putting them back on the same track.

  Was it always like this in the city? Would he always have to watch his back or look over his shoulder? It was no way to live. That’s probably why the kids were rebelling and needed help.

  Five short minutes from his destination he saw a well-dressed, if not a little dirty woman on the side of the road changing her tire. She was obviously struggling with the spare but had the car prepped on the jack. Car whizzed past her and everyone seemed to look but no one had stopped to help; disgusting piles of useless garbage that they were.

  Once again he found himself talking with the taxi driver. “Could you pull over so I can help that woman?”

  “No, there is nowhere to pull over.”