Forbidden Wolf Read online

  Chapter 13

  “Hell no!” Her mom crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Adrian while Sam was packing a bag. Her bedroom wasn’t big enough for the three of them to be having a discussion or argument. Her stepfather was doing his best to smooth things over.

  “Jacqueline, I would never put our daughter in danger. She will have security at all times.”

  “Right. Brock’s loving this right now.”

  Sam turned so that her mother couldn’t see her expression. That was the only part of this plan she didn’t agree with but had little choice. She would be living with Brock, sleeping under the same roof, and they would be seeing each other day in and day out—breakfast, lunch, dinner—and have to share the same bathroom.

  “Sam, are you listening?” her mom asked with frustration.

  Sam turned back around. “Sorry, I was lost in thought.”

  “I think you should come to the pack house with me and Aiden.”

  She shook her head and saw Adrian look at her with understanding. They both knew that was the worst idea. “It’s not safe for you or Aiden to be around me right now. It’s not safe for anyone.”

  “I don’t like this.”

  Sam went over to her mother, who didn’t look that much older than Sam herself, and hugged her. “It will be fine. Adrian and Ric have their people upping security and Brock will be with me all the time.”

  Her mother stiffened at the mention of Brock’s name. That was curious. She never thought her mother disliked him.

  “He can’t watch you all the time. You’ll be alone during the day.”

  Adrian spoke up. “Ric will have some of the pack enforcers there at the club posing as employees while Samantha works. She will be protected at all times.”

  “You see, nothing to worry about.”

  Her mom snorted. “I’m a mom, I worry all the time no matter how old you get.”

  “I wouldn’t have you any other way.”

  After a long night of arguments between her mother and stepfather, her mom finally got on board with the plan and packed bags for herself, Adrian, and Aiden to go stay with the pack.

  *****

  A few hours later

  Sam tried to get some sleep but she was too anxious. Alpha Ric sent out enforcers to look for signs of Johnson. She could hear her mom approach right before she knocked on her door. “Come in!”

  “I still don’t like this plan.”

  Sam groaned. “Mom, we’ve been over all this. It will be fine.”

  “Mama, I’m hungry.” Aiden came into the room. He looked at Sam’s suitcase beside the bed and frowned. “Are you going away again, Sammy?”

  Sam got up off the bed, walked over to her little brother, and knelt down to take him into her arms. God knew how much she loved this little boy. “I’ll be staying at the apartment over the club for a few days while you, Mom, and your dad hang out at the wolf pack house. Doesn’t that sound like fun?”

  “I get to play with the twins! I’m going to pack right now!” He ran out of the room, and her mom quickly went after him. “Aiden, don’t pack all your toys. I’ve already packed your clothes!”

  Sam looked up at Adrian who was standing in the doorway looking concerned. “Do you think this will work?”

  “If we make it appear that you are going to be living on your own, I think it would be too much of a temptation for Johnson not to make his move.”

  “I won’t be alone, though. I’ll be living with Brock. Will that scare him off?”

  “Johnson will be jealous and furious that you are living with another man. He won’t let that go. I won’t lie—this is not an ideal situation and I have to put you in the middle of it. If you don’t want to do this, I wouldn’t blame you. We’ll find a different way to get this guy.”

  Sam smiled at Adrian fondly. She appreciated everything he had done for both her and her mother. He’d helped with their transitions and accepted her as part of her mother’s family without hesitation. Adrian was kind and generous but it was his devotion and love for her mother that she was grateful for the most.

  “I appreciate that, Adrian, but I can do this. Between you, Ric, and Connor insisting that I take self-defense classes as well as learn to fight in my wolf form, I’m physically able to protect myself.”

  “I know you can handle yourself, but I still want to make sure to keep you safe.”

  She touched his arm briefly. “I will be. Brock and the pack enforcers will be there every step of the way. We’ll get Carter and put a stop to his stalkerish ways once and for all.”

  “If he lives through this, he’ll be facing the paranormal council and a very harsh punishment. He brutally attacked and changed a human without her consent. He might wish for death when the council is done with him.”

  She was glad to hear it, but she hoped secretly that Carter didn’t live through his capture. It was horrible of her but she couldn’t help wishing the worst on her enemy. So many nights she’d woken up screaming and completely soaked in sweat. She could feel the horrible conversion with her bones snapping and her blood burning so badly she wanted to drown herself.

  Sure, he deserved to die a horrific death, but that was a one-time thing. No, she wanted him to suffer a long and painful ordeal. She wanted him to have lots and lots of time to think about the things he had done and pay for it slowly.

  “Let me know when you’re ready. I’ll take you over to the club to work, then I’ll take you to the apartment when you’re ready. Brock is checking it and the club over as we speak. Promise me something, Samantha.”

  “Sure. What?”

  “If Johnson gets you alone, you won’t try to take him on yourself. I know you can fight—I helped in your training—but this guy doesn’t play by the rules. I would rather you not take him on alone. Promise me.”

  “I—okay. I promise.”

  “I’ll be downstairs.”

  She watched him leave and turned back to her suitcase. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen.

  Chapter 14

  Later that evening

  Brock paced back and forth in the one-bedroom apartment above the nightclub. Adrian took Sam in to work right before lunch. As an older vampire he was able to stay up during daylight hours. Someone was bringing Sam to the apartment and the night manager would close up the club in a few hours. Once the sun went down Brock was busying making sure everything was secure. He anxiously waited for Adrian to bring Samantha over after she finished up her work.

  She would need to get some sleep before starting work at the club the next day. He would watch over her while she slept. Adrian had called in more vamps to circle the perimeter of the club during the night, and at sunrise the werewolves would take over. They would help watch the apartment and two of the pack would remain inside the club pretending to be employees so that Samantha was protected at all times.

  Brock didn’t like her being in any kind of danger, but she wanted this. He could understand wanting to draw this guy out of the woodwork. Yeah, he needed to find this guy and kill him for the hell he put Samantha through.

  He heard voices coming up the stairs so he went to open the door.

  “Adrian, you took your time,” Brock said while stepping to the side to let them enter. He did his best to keep his eyes off Samantha, not wanting her to feel any more uncomfortable about having to stay there alone with him. She had argued over and over how she was fine living there on her own, but Adrian had sided with him and she’d caved.

  Samantha glared at him. “Hey, it’s my fault because I couldn’t decide how much to pack. Don’t blame Adrian.”

  He bent to take her suitcase from her but she pulled away. “I can do it myself. Point me to the bedroom.”

  “Straight through there.” Brock pointed to the doorway. When she was out of sight he turned to Adrian. “Did you have any problems?”

  “No, there’s no sign of Johnson. My vampire enforcers are outside and one is on the roof.” />
  “Okay. I’ve inspected both the club and the apartment; everything looks to be in place. I guess we’ll see you tomorrow evening.”

  “Wait, there’s one more thing.”

  “What?”

  “I was finally able to contact Regina and she has agreed to terminate your mating. I had my second draw up the paperwork and she signed. He brought it with him when he arrived this evening. All you have to do is sign, though the moment she verbally told me she released you from your mating it was done. This is to tie up loose ends so she cannot cause you further problems.” Adrian pulled out a manila envelope and handed it to him. Normally ending a mating didn’t require paperwork like a human marriage license, but times had changed.

  Brock took the envelope and held it. This was a long time coming and he was in shock. “Regina didn’t give you a hard time?”

  Adrian shrugged. “She tried, but I forced the issue. She doesn’t want to go up against me and my people.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You don’t have to thank me. I should have pushed Regina many years ago to release you. I thought that you two would one day work out your issues, but seeing you with Samantha I can tell that what you feel for her is a hundred times stronger than what you felt for Regina. You two are destined to be together.”

  For the second time that night Adrian had shocked him.

  “Does this mean I have your blessing to pursue her?”

  “If I said no would it stop you?”

  He snorted. “Hell no.”

  “Then I have no choice but to give you my blessing. As long as you don’t hurt her in any way, I won’t stand in your way.”

  “What about Jackie?”

  Adrian ran a hand through his dark hair. “Jacqueline may have a problem with it until she sees that you are good for Samantha. She’ll support your relationship as long as her daughter is happy.”

  “I appreciate your support.”

  “Let me make this clear: if she chooses you I will support it but if you break her heart, I will end you.”

  Brock nodded. “I understand.”

  “Samantha! I need to get back to your mother and Aiden.”

  She came out of the bedroom and hugged Adrian. “Keep them safe, no matter what.”

  “I will. Make sure you stay with your security detail or Brock. Never leave their sight.”

  “I won’t. I’ll be careful, I promise.”

  They watched as Adrian left the apartment. Brock went to lock the door and set the alarm. He turned to face Samantha. “The alarm is your brother’s birthday.”

  “Thanks.”

  They stood there in awkward silence. One of them needed to address what happened earlier in the woods, but first he needed to clear some things up with her.

  “Well, it’s late and I need to get some sleep.” Samantha started to turn but he put his hand on her arm to stop her.

  “Wait, Samantha. I wanted to apologize to you.”

  “For what?”

  “So many things, but to begin with, pushing you away several years ago. I had my reasons for it.”

  She pulled her arm free from him. “What reasons?”

  “It’s getting late and the sun will rise soon. You’ve been working most of the night and need to get your sleep. I promise to tell you everything when you wake up.”

  “Fine, but I want to know everything. Don’t hold anything back.”

  “I agree. Go on to bed, sweetheart. I’ll watch over you and keep you safe.” He kissed her on her lips briefly and gave her a gentle push toward the bedroom. She went with a puzzled look on her face. He would tell her anything she wanted to know.

  Chapter 15

  Noon the next day

  Sam woke up later than she wanted, but she hadn’t gone to sleep until almost 6:00 a.m. She had lain in bed almost an hour, tossing and turning. She knew that Brock was in the other room. He would probably sleep on the couch while she was working, but she wanted to invite him to join her in bed. Of course, if she had done that she would not have slept at all.

  She took a quick shower and dressed. Her hair was longer than she liked, so she rolled it up into a bun and used a rubber band to secure it. She applied a little bit of lipstick and eye shadow. Nothing heavy. Since becoming a werewolf her skin tone was flawless. She also didn’t like to use most makeup because it had a scent and her senses were very sensitive to light and smell. She left the bathroom and headed to the main living space.

  Brock was lying on the couch. He opened his eyes when she entered the room even though she made sure not to make any sound. “Good morning—or good day,” he said.

  “I thought you would be out as soon as the sun rose.”

  “You’ve lived with Adrian for a few years now. Not every vampire is held down by the sun. However, I am weakened by it. I made you breakfast. I put a plate in the oven to keep it warm for you.”

  She couldn’t believe it. “You made me breakfast—lunch?”

  “It’s not much. The bacon may be a little burnt.”

  No man except Adrian had ever made her breakfast. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. The wolf brothers are waiting for you downstairs.”

  She opened the oven door and took out the plate. He’d made her scrambled eggs, toast, and partially burnt bacon. She got a glass out of the cabinet and opened the refrigerator to find it fully stocked. “Why is there so much food in here when Lila moved out weeks ago?” She grabbed the orange juice and poured a glass.

  “I went by my apartment and grabbed some food and things I thought you might need.”

  Sam carried her plate and glass over to the breakfast table and sat down. She took a bite of one side of the bacon. “You said that you would explain what happened when you walked away from me.”

  He opened his eyes and looked at her. “I’m so sorry I hurt you, Samantha. It wasn’t you.”

  “Right. It wasn’t me, it was you.”

  “I’m serious. I wanted you more than anything. I wanted to claim you as mine, but I couldn’t.”

  “Because of my stepfather?”

  “No, because of my mate.”

  Her fork froze in midair. Oh God, he was mated. She shook her head, not believing that she could have fallen for a mated man. This couldn’t be happening.

  Suddenly he was up off the couch and kneeling before her. “Let me explain.”

  She nodded without saying a word. He had a lot of explaining he needed to do.

  “Many years ago, I was a poor farmer recruited to fight a war I didn’t understand. We came across a farmhouse where the enemy was thought to take refuge. When we found a human woman alone with her children, the soldiers I was with began taking advantage of the situation by eating their food and making themselves at home. When several of them tried to force the woman to have sex with them, I was the only one who stood up to them. I managed to get the woman and her children the chance to flee, but my friends were furious with me.”

  “Oh my God.” Samantha stopped eating and placed her hand on his face for comfort.

  “I was shot, stabbed, and beaten. I lay on the floor in the kitchen and knew that I was dying. Then I heard sounds of gurgling, and body parts flying across the room. I tried to crawl away from whatever it was that was tearing into the soldiers, but I could barely move. I closed my eyes when I felt my body being turned over and placed on my back. When I opened them again I saw Adrian looking down at me. He asked, ‘Do you want to live?’ I couldn’t find my voice so I nodded. Then he said, ‘I admire what you did for the woman and her children. You deserve to live, but it will feel like death at times. Do you still want this?’ I nodded again. Then he drained me and gave me his blood.

  “As you know, when a vampire is newly turned they are highly sexual and their emotions are a bit volatile. A maker must remain with their child to help them work through those emotions or assign someone else to help their child. Adrian was traveling with another vampire at the time, a female named Regina Corami. She of
fered to help me through the transition. I was young, foolish, and easily manipulated. Regina was refined, beautiful, and fucked me into submission. I agreed to anything she wanted. I didn’t know better and for a long time I didn’t care.”

  “You were in love with her.” It was tearing Sam up inside to think that Brock loved someone else. It finally hit her, what her wolf had been trying to tell her all along. He was their mate, but he was in love and mated to someone else.

  He wiped tears from her cheeks that she didn’t know about. “I thought I was in love, but it wasn’t real. She used me to do things I didn’t believe in. I asked her to terminate our mating but she refused. I left her and since she was older than me, she convinced other vampires not to take me in or help me, all except for Adrian. He was the only one who stood up to her and the only one she couldn’t stand against.”

  She pushed away from her trying to get her emotions under control. Sam was in a state of shock, to find out that the man she had been longing for belonged to someone else. Now to realize that Adrian and probably her own mother knew this whole time and never said a word. Anger started to slowly replace her hurt. She used that anger to lash out.

  She growled, “You are mated and didn’t tell me!” She paced back and forth trying to keep her wolf from breaking free.

  “Please Samantha, I never meant to hurt you. I’ve been trying for years to get Adrian to help me terminate my mating. He finally came through.”

  She stopped pacing to glare at him. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m no longer mated to Regina. Adrian handled it, and I even have pretty paperwork to prove it.” He ran a hand through his hair. “When we met, I knew at first sight that you belonged to me and that I was meant to be yours. I tried to control my desire for you until you were older. Adrian knew and it made things—difficult. He sent me out looking for Johnson to keep me busy. He loves you like a daughter.”