Stubborn Mate Read online

  “We removed the pain implant. You were right about the tracking device. I found one right next to the implant. It was inactive.”

  “Defective?” Lucien asked.

  “No. It works. It just wasn’t activated.”

  Kane was confused. She let him go and didn’t activate the tracker? Why would she do that? Perhaps he was too disfigured for her to touch and she was disgusted by him? Her words rang in his head, I especially don’t want it from you. His anger returned at her refusal to fuck him. He had fully expected her to toss him aside after he fucked her, not before. He clenched his fists and tried not to think about her rejection.

  Sensing his anger, Lucien addressed Kane.

  “Kane? What’s wrong? This woman that bought you, did she…did she demand something from you?” Lucien asked delicately.

  “She didn’t want me,” Kane replied, voice tight with anger, shoulders tense, fists clenched.

  Lucien looked at Kane thoughtfully.

  “I see. But you wanted her,” Lucien stated softly.

  Kane refused to answer, his lack of denial speaking volumes.

  Six months later….

  Kane wore his bitterness and anger like a cloak, keeping everyone at bay. He trained hard every day, punishing himself and the wolves he trained. Even adult males gave him wide berth as he walked down the street. He entered Billy Rae’s Bar and Grill and headed to Lucien’s table. He knew Lucien and Lanie were concerned about his behavior, his anger and withdrawal from the pack. He sat down at the table and listened to Lucien and Lanie, his mate, voice their concerns.

  Emma walked into Billy Rae’s and headed straight to one of the booths that lined the windows. Christopher got up nervously when he saw her, gave her a big hug and they sat down opposite each other. He took a deep breath for courage and filled her in.

  “HE WHAT?” Emma shouted and everyone turned to look at her.

  Kane heard her outburst and turned his head. Shock kept him momentarily frozen. It was her. She was here. She was obviously angry at the man she was sitting with and he cringed. Before he knew it, Kane was standing in front of her booth, scowling at her. She turned and scooted out of the booth, stood but couldn’t move because Kane blocked her. Her anger turned to surprise then quickly back into anger as she recognized him.

  “You! Get out of my way,” she demanded.

  Her arms were stiff at her sides, hands clenched into fists and anger radiated from her in waves. Her eyes glittered angrily and Kane moved to let her pass. His pack mates stared at him and the woman who commanded him so easily. Lanie and Lucien smiled knowingly as they exchanged looks.

  Christopher got up and called out to her, “Emmy, wait!” then followed her out the door.

  Unbidden, his feet followed her out of the restaurant and down the street to the Sheriff’s office. Curious, he entered the office and saw her in front of Sheriff Jackson, hands on her hips, arguing with him. Did the woman do nothing else?

  “His hands were on her breasts and he forced her to touch his…crotch,” the Sheriff stated with contempt.

  Emma turned to the man in the holding cell.

  “Emmy, I swear it was consensual. You know me, I wouldn’t force anybody. Swear to God, Emmy!”

  She marched over to the holding cell and demanded the Sheriff let her in.

  “Jesus, don’t do it! She’ll kill me,” he pleaded with the Sheriff.

  “It was his daughter, Em. She’s scared of him so she lied. I swear it was consensual. Please believe me!”

  “Damn, it, Mark, if you are lying to me….” Emma shook her head as she stared at her cousin.

  “I’m not. Do you think I’d have Chris call you here if I’d done that?”

  Emma took a deep breath as she considered, knowing her other cousin would never have called her if Mark had tried to commit rape.

  Emma took out her phone, pressed a button and began typing.

  “What’s the name of this town again? Last Hope? How depressing—.” Kane walked over to her and snatched the phone out of her hand.

  “What the hell? Give me back my phone, damn, it!” She reached for the phone he held just out of her reach.

  Kane was concerned that she was calling his captors so they could enslave the rest of his kind. He looked at her phone and saw that she was on a search screen. In the subject area, she had typed in ‘criminal lawyer’ and was in the process of typing in ‘Last Hope’ as the city. Scowling, he returned her phone and she finished her search. Finding what she needed, she turned to Mark and assured him she would be back after she spoke with a lawyer.

  Emma left the Sheriff’s office and headed down the street to the local lawyer. Kane followed her and she stopped suddenly. Turning to him, she asked, “Why are you following me?”

  He scowled at her then asked, “Why did you spend all that money for me then let me go?”

  “I bought you so that I could free you. No one deserves to be treated the way you were.”

  She had planned to release him? He had been such an ass to her. He frowned as she walked away. He followed quietly behind her. She stopped several times to glare at him but he refused to leave her.

  Highly annoyed at her shadow, Emma finally turned to him and asked, “What?”

  Kane just scowled and shrugged. She grunted and turned around, ignoring him all the way to the lawyer’s office.

  After discussing their options and leaving a hefty retainer, Emma left the lawyer’s office. When she stepped outside of the office, Emma wasn’t surprised to see him standing there. His muscular arms were folded across his chest and his body leaned against the wall. For a brief moment she allowed her eyes to rove over his body, from the sexy scowl on his handsome face down to his massive chest.

  He watched her bite her lip as her eyes wandered over his body. He scented the barest trace of her arousal as she noted his reaction to her.

  She was confused when she saw his erection pressing against his jeans. Ignoring him, Emma marched back to the Sheriff’s office and he followed her once again. She told Mark his lawyer would be in to see him shortly and turned to Christopher. She held her arms open and he hugged her, relieved that she wasn’t angry at him anymore.

  Kane growled loudly. His wolf bristled at the sight of Emma in another man’s arms.

  As Emma turned to leave, the door burst open and Ellen entered, followed by Georges and Baxter.

  “There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

  Ellen rushed over to Emma and gave her a big hug. She turned to Kane and eyed him lustily.

  “And who is this?”

  “That is the one I told you about. Ellie? What are you doing here?”

  Ellie turned back to Emma, Kane temporarily forgotten.

  He gritted his teeth. She called him “that?”

  “I just got another call. There’s going to be another sale tonight!”

  “What? Where?”

  “I’ll fill you in on the way to the hotel. I brought your things, come on let’s go.” Ellen ushered her out of the Sheriff’s office and they entered the car, drove to the local hotel.

  Kane knew what they were talking about. Another one of his kind had been captured and was up for sale. He called Lucien and headed over to the hotel.

  Emma paced Ellie’s room, both excited and revolted at the same time. This was the chance they had been waiting for. Six months ago, when she had explained her purchase to Ellie, Ellie had refused to take her money, insisting that she would pay for him instead. After all, Emma had done Ellie a favor by taking over for her. Besides, what else would Ellie spend her fortune on? They agreed that if another wolf came up for sale, they would buy it and set it free. They would also do their best to stop their captors. Perhaps this time she would find out more about who these people were. IF she was able to purchase this wolf, Ellie’s friend would be able to trace the money. Hopefully it would lead them to the leaders of this group and they could put a stop to it. She really hoped they hadn’t captured a f
emale wolf.

  A knock sounded on the door and Georges answered it. Lucien and Kane stood at the door.

  “Shit,” Emma uttered when she saw Kane. As usual, he was scowling at her. She sighed and turned away from him. Ellie, intrigued by both men, nodded to Georges, who allowed them to enter.

  “My name is Lucien and this is Kane. I am the Alpha, or leader, of my werewolf pack. I am aware that you are planning on bidding on a captured wolf.” Ellie raised her brow.

  “I will pay for this wolf, so that I may obtain its freedom. Kane will go with you to ensure your safety. He will protect you from the other wolf.”

  Emma shook her head adamantly. She refused to have Kane as an escort.

  “Baxter and Georges will be fine. They can protect me.”

  Kane growled, “I will protect you.”

  Emma frowned at his words while Ellie looked at Kane thoughtfully.

  “Em, I would feel better if he went with you. Please? This wolf might be dangerous and who better to protect you from a wolf than another wolf?”

  Ellen had a valid point. Since she could never say no to Ellie, she nodded in assent. Lucien filled them in on the implant and tracking devices they had found on Kane and they made arrangements for the captured wolf to have surgery as soon as possible.

  With their plans made, Lucien and Kane left Emma so she could get ready for her trip. Emma forced herself to eat dinner, showered and dressed. Once again, she was covered head to toe, gloves on her hands, black mesh hat on top of her head. Tonight she wore a dark navy blue blouse with a long tiered black skirt that swirled around her legs and knee high boots. She loved those boots and the added height they gave her.

  Baxter knocked on the door. Ellie called to him and he opened the door and entered with Kane right behind him. Kane had showered and changed. He wore a black shirt that emphasized his massive chest and powerful arms. Form fitting khaki pants and steel toed boots completed his outfit. Emma bit back a sigh and forced herself to focus on Baxter.

  Kane ground his teeth as he watched Emma assess Baxter.

  Baxter had also showered and changed. Instead of his usual suit, he wore a light blue shirt that accentuated his eyes and black pants. His jacket hung over his arms. The shoulder holster and hip holsters he wore would be hidden once he wore his jacket. She was sure Georges was similarly dressed.

  Emma adjusted the veil so that it covered her face. She picked up her laptop bag and handed it to Baxter. She took a deep breath and prepared herself for her role as Ellie. In a haughty voice, much different from her own, she said, “Let’s go, Baxter.”

  Baxter nodded, turned and she followed him out like a queen, tall and proud. She sat stiffly in the car and on the plane ride saying nothing to any of them. As before, when they reached the airport, Georges rented a vehicle, this time a limousine, and followed the directions to a different warehouse. Again he parked among expensive luxury cars. Georges shut off the car and took a deep breath.

  “You don’t have to do this, Emmy.”

  “Yes, I do, Georges. You know I can’t let him or her be sold to some monster. You know exactly what can happen, especially if it’s a female.” She sighed deeply and continued, “I’ll be all right. I just need a minute to compose myself. I hope Slimy isn’t there. That man gives me the creeps!” She shuddered and Baxter reached over to squeeze her hand. Kane’s eyes glowed bright amber and he growled.

  “Don’t. Touch. Her.” He could barely speak.

  Baxter withdrew his hand and watched Kane carefully.

  Emma turned to him and said, “What’s your problem? What’s with the growling?”

  “If you need comforting, I will provide it,” Kane responded, ignoring her question.

  Emma was puzzled by Kane’s response. Why was he so interested in providing protection and comfort to her? Before she could question him further, Georges interrupted.

  “Emma, it’s time.” She nodded, composed herself and they went into the warehouse.

  Georges and Baxter walked beside her, Kane followed closely behind. This warehouse was set up like the last one, darkened interior with a single light illuminating Slimy, who was again in the center of a crowd. Once again he brought out a man, bound in handcuffs and shackles. This man was tall and thin, had blond hair with piercing blue eyes. He was built but not nearly as muscular as Kane. She stiffened when she noticed the angry red welts across his chest. He had been beaten recently, probably with a belt. Kane scented her anger, saw the way she stiffened her back and watched her clench and unclench her fists. She forced herself to stand erect, and unclench her fists, pulling again on her acting skills to feign boredom. She watched as he was forced to change into a sleek gray wolf and back again. She could barely disguise her disgust when the bidding began. She refused to look at him, covered in sweat, trembling slightly with rage.

  “One hundred and fifty thousand dollars,” Emma offered in a loud but bored voice, outbidding the last bid by twenty-five grand. She was proud that she kept her anger out of her voice.

  “Ms. Barrington! I’m surprised to see you here.”

  “Then why did you call me?”

  “Aren’t you happy with your wolf?”

  “He’s….adequate. I see this one is a blond. I want him for my…collection.” Still she refused to look at the bound man.

  Kane stiffened behind her, anger rising at being called ‘adequate.’ So she wanted a blond? Perhaps she was interested in this man because no scars marred his body? If she touched this wolf, he would kill him, Kane vowed.

  Slimy looked at Georges and Baxter and laughed, a disgusting sound that grated her nerves.

  “You do seem to prefer blonds. Sold to Ms. Barrington. I do hope you will come again…”

  Again? So they had more wolves in captivity! She turned to Baxter and nodded. He provided payment to Slimy.

  “Thank you, Ms. Barrington, for such prompt payment. I will have him delivered to your mansion tomorrow.”

  “I am afraid not. I won’t be home for some time. I was in the middle of a business trip when I received your call. I will take him with me tonight, as he is.”

  “But—“

  “I’m sure my men can handle him. Georges? Escort our new friend to the limo. Make sure you get that handy little device and the keys.”

  She turned away from Slimy and walked back to the car, Baxter never leaving her side and Kane following closely behind.

  Chapter 4

  Emma sat in the back of the limousine. Kane sat stiffly across from her while Baxter waited outside of the limo.

  “Do you want him?” Kane asked gruffly, fists clenched on his thighs.

  Puzzled, Emma asked, “Want who?”

  “The wolf. He is blond and…his body is not covered in hideous scars.”

  Something in Kane’s eyes made her hold back her laughter at his preposterous assumption. She shook her head in denial.

  “I just said that so Slimy wouldn’t be suspicious about my second purchase.”

  “What about Baxter? Georges? Do you want them?”

  Silently, Emma shook her head, wondering why Kane was so concerned about her interest in any of those men. Believing her, Kane relaxed, his fists unclenched and the tension drained from his body.

  “Why…How did you get your scars?”

  Kane sat up and answered proudly, “They are battle scars, proof of my strength and loyalty to my Alpha.”

  Briefly, he let his guard down and she saw the deep sadness in his eyes. Softly he added, “I know I am badly scarred, but I am loyal Emma.”

  “Your scars aren’t just on the surface, are they?” she asked quietly as she reached out to touch his face. Before her hand reached him, Georges opened the door and Baxter slid in, sitting next to Kane. Emma let her hand fall back into her lap as she turned towards the open door.

  Georges brought the new wolf and placed him in the back next to Emma. He gave the keys and remote to Baxter, who was sitting across from the wolf. The wolf was dressed only
in a pair of ugly gym shorts, similar to the ones Kane had worn the first time Emma saw him. Georges went to the front, started the limo and drove off. A few minutes later, George announced, “We have company, Emmy. A black SUV is following us from the warehouse.”

  “Pull over and stay on guard.”

  Baxter nodded and unbuttoned his jacket so that he could easily remove his weapon if necessary. Georges pulled over and the SUV came to a stop behind them. A man came out and knocked on Emma’s window. Surprised, she rolled down the window.

  Keeping her voice soft and low so he would mistake her for Ellie, Emma asked, “Derrick? What are you doing here?”

  “Ellie, Darling, I didn’t know you were here or I would have met you inside.”

  Derrick reached in and took her hand, kissing it through her glove. Kane forced himself to stay still instead of attacking the man for kissing Emma’s hand. Because he obviously thought she was Ellie, Kane allowed him to live.

  “Are we still on for Cancun next month?” Emma nodded. ‘Darling?’

  “I’ve a small favor to ask. Bring Emmy, will you? Steven is positively obsessed with her. He promises he will behave this time.”

  Speechless, Emma could only nod. Derrick kissed her hand again and left, driving past them. Emma rolled up the window and released a deep breath.

  “Why the hell didn’t you tell me she slept with Derrick? Jesus, Christ! What if he had seen me inside and tried something?”

  “We didn’t know Emmy. She must have been with him when we were with you. Honest, we didn’t know, did we Georges?” Georges shook his head.

  “Grrrr! Just wait till I get my hands on her!” She crossed her arms over her chest and gritted her teeth.

  “Who is Steven?” Kane asked, trying not to let his wolf surface.

  “None of your damn business,” Emmy growled at Kane.

  Baxter chuckled. She removed her hat and threw it at him.

  “I swear if you even mention that jerk’s name to me, I’ll deface Ms. April’s photo.”

  Baxter gasped and bit his lip to keep from grinning. Anything but Ms. April!

  Emma took several calming breaths and turned to the wolf sitting beside her.