Page 56 of The Night Wolf
“Yes, Alpha.” Kristopher turned and leered at Sean. “And I can’t wait to teach him.”
Terror coursed through Sean at the thought of what would happen to him and the baby. No, Gareth was coming—Sean knew it. No matter what he had to do, he would keep them safe until they were once again with Gareth. If there was one thing of which Sean was absolutely certain, it was that Gareth would move heaven and earth until he got his family back.
They continued to drive for several hours. The sky was tinged with the first rays of light, an explosion of pink and blue and red. By now Sean had wet himself several times and lay in a puddle of urine. The baby was growing fast. If Sean were fully human, he’d already be near the end of the second trimester. He tried to call to his wolf, hopeful that if he could shift, he might be able to escape once more, but he couldn’t feel his animal at all. That damned collar. He wondered briefly where Ryker had gotten it, but it didn’t matter. He had to think, because no matter what Ryker believed, Sean wasn’t stupid. He would find a way out of this.
Gareth, I need you.
Sean? Sean, I can hear you!
A thrill ran through Sean, but then he dismissed it as his overactive imagination. They were hundreds of miles away, and there wasn’t any way Gareth could—
Sean, are you and the baby okay? Have they hurt you?
ItwasGareth!
Is that really you?
Yes, love. I don’t know how, but I can hear you. I’m coming, Sean. Please, do whatever Ryker says, but don’t give up on me. Do you know where you are?
Sean closed his eyes and let the feelings of the area surround him. He could smell pine, hear the rushing of a river, had seen the sun rising east of him. It was all so familiar. He’d been here before, but not for many years. The last time was…. Holy hell, could it be….
He’s taking me home, Gareth! Back to the pack.
I’m coming. I will save you. I swear it.
Sean’s head buzzed, and Gareth’s voice faded out. But now? Now he had hope.
GARETH PRESSEDharder on the accelerator, pushing the SUV past 125. The landscape passed by in a blur, but Gareth couldn’t give two shits about the sights. He wanted Sean where he was supposed to be: standing up in front of Lyram, telling him they’d be one couple for the rest of their lives.
Gareth tightened his grip on the wheel. He had to focus. Having heard Sean in his mind calmed him a lot, but not nearly enough. Gareth wasn’t a fighter. He was a mediator, a judge, a confidante. But ask him to fight, and he knew he was screwed. Ryker had to die, but Gareth needed to think things through. Going in and acting on emotions would end up with him being killed and Sean or the baby being hurt.
The baby. Gareth’s baby. The growl started low in his throat, vibrating through his body. This was his family that Ryker was fucking with. No, not just his family. His entire world. Gareth would give up being an Alpha before he would even consider losing his mate and their child.
He slammed a hand on the steering wheel as he howled out his rage.
“Why would you do this, Mother? Why would you give me the perfect man, allow us the blessing of a child, and then take them both away?”
Hot tears left tracks on Gareth’s cheeks. Pain and frustration welled up inside of him as he pictured Sean being hurt—or worse. He was a gentle soul—all Omegas were supposed to be. They were the heart, the very essence of a pack. Why would Ryker do this? How could anyone bring harm to someone who was meant to be peace incarnate?
“Please, Mother… I beg you, save my mate and child. I’ll give you anything you ask in return if you’ll only spare their lives. See Sean back to the pack, safe and sound. If you will it, you can have my life in exchange.”
He knew it wouldn’t help. Mother Moon didn’t bargain. Her will was absolute, and things played out to her design. If she wanted Sean safe, he would be. If not…. Gareth swallowed hard. He glanced down at the speedometer. Why the hell hadn’t he taken a faster vehicle? Then he remembered it was because the Escalade had bulletproof windows and was armored to withstand gunfire. He took the Escalade because if things went wrong, Sean had to be protected at any cost.
The realization that he had to rein in his anger and think clearly struck him hard. No matter how much he wanted to make Ryker pay, he had to get Sean and the baby to safety. That was his primary goal. If he went up against Ryker directly, he would probably die, and then after him, Sean and the baby would too. No, this was a rescue mission only. He would have to get Ryker another time. His family came first—wouldalwayscome first.
With that knowledge, his anger abated and he was able to think logically again.
Sean?
No reply.
Sean? Baby? Can you hear me?Please Mother Moon, let him hear me.Sean!
It was faint, but Gareth was certain he heard Sean’s voice in his head. It was soft, almost nonexistent, but his wolf’s ears perked up and his tail swished hard.
I’m going to be there within the hour. Hang on for me. Do whatever he says, but just hold on.
There was no reply, and Gareth worried what Ryker had done. He pressed harder on the pedal, even though the Escalade was going as fast as it could.
