Chapter Eleven

 

Wolfe had just rolled up the maps and poured himself what had to be his hundredth glass of iced tea when Dannika came running into the front door of the Lodge at the same moment that Daire came in the back.

“Wolfe,” she called out to him, smiling a bright, beautiful smile then her eyes flashed to her brother’s and the light fell out of her expression.

Standing her ground, his dragoness threw back her shoulders and waited as Daire walked forward, apologizing, “I guess I deserve that look.” He chuckled sarcastically. “I’m actually surprised you haven’t already roundhouse kicked me or have me in a headlock.”

“Not worth my time,” Dannika grumbled.

“Ha! You’re probably right.” Stopping at the head of the huge rectangular oak table Wolfe had been working on, the Alpha leaned and placed his palms on the table before letting his head fall forward. The Guardsman had seen the dark circles under Daire’s eyes, the beard growing on his usually clean-shaven face and the scratches covering his hands and arms. The scent of soap mixed with the Alpha’s stress filling the air as he stood, slowly breathing in and out.

Looking to his mate, Wolfe saw the tears she refused to let fall, could feel how anger and remorse warred within her and wanted nothing more than to take away her pain, but knew he could not. Not only was this something she needed to deal with in her own way and on her own, but he had no doubt she would kick his ass if he even tried to get involved. So, all he could do was offer his unrelenting support and unconditional love.

“I’m here if you need me, mo chroí,” he whispered, using their unique link for privacy. “Is breá liom tú.”

Her gaze momentarily snapped to his as a small smile graced her lips, “I love you, too, Wolfe.”

Dannika’s eyes almost immediately returned to Daire’s, who was now looking up. Slowly walking around the table, the dragoness approached her brother at the same time that he began walking towards her. Meeting almost in the middle, the two powerful beings spoke at the same time.

“Daire, I’m so sorry. I never meant…”

“I have been such a dick. Can you ever forgive me?”

Laughing out loud, they both tried to talk over one another once again before Daire held up his hand and chuckled, “Me first. I’m the idiot here.”

Shaking her head, Dani disagreed,” No, I should have…”

“You should’ve done exactly what you did…keep your word to your parents and to dad.” The Alpha stepped closer. “Can you ever forgive me?”

Jumping into her brother’s arms, Dannika squealed, “If you can forgive me.”

Wolfe watched with so much pride at his amazing mate that not even his dragon growled when Daire’s arms came around Dannika. Leaning back, the dragoness teased, “What’s up with the beard?” Laying her hand on his cheek, she added, “Did you sleep at all over the last nine days? Did you eat?”

Pulling her in for another hug, he assured her, “I did.” Stepping back but keeping his hand on her arm, he added, “Darragh came out almost every day and ran with me.”

Concern filled their mating bond as Dannika asked, “You stayed in wolf form the whole time?”

Nodding, the Alpha actually looked a little embarrassed. “I did. It was just…easier.” He took a deep breath. “Not because I was still angry but because I was so ashamed of the way I acted. As a wolf, I could just run and hunt and not think, but today…I knew it was time to come home. I can feel the full moon coming, had to be here for my Pack, had to make sure I set things right between us and…”

“He needed to pull his big, bullhead out of his ass,” Darragh added, striding into the room. “I’m supposed to be the asshole. It sucked having to be the responsible brother.”

As everyone chuckled at the disgusted look on Darragh’s face, Wolfe could feel the hurt and resentment lifting from Dannika. It made the Guardsman even more hopeful that they would indeed be victorious over the Shapeshifter and her rogues.

Walking around the table to his mate, Wolfe wrapped his arm around her shoulders and asked, “So, Daire, has Darragh gotten you up to speed on the plan for tomorrow?”

“He tried,” Daire snickered, giving his brother a soft punch on the shoulder. “But my brother doesn’t like to lead so, he tends to not pay attention when discussions of strategy come about.”

“But I look good doing it.”

“Oh brother,” Dannika rolled her eyes as both MacTavishes piped in with a goofy, “You called.”

Barking with laughter, Wolfe joked, “No comment,” before removing his arm from around his mate and reaching across the table. Unrolling the huge map, he began explaining the plan Angus, Caleb, Grey and himself along with the help of the Council members and quite a few of the Blue Ridge Pack Betas came up with.

“I’ll go grab the leftovers from my fridge and let the others know Daire is back,” Dani commented as she kissed Wolfe’s cheek, waved to her brothers and left the Lodge.

Wolfe had just started to speak again when Daire interjected, “I’m sorry, Wolfe…really sorry. I didn’t mean the things I said. I have no excuse.”

Turning towards the Alpha, the Guardsman crossed his arms over his chest and leaned his hip on the table. “As long as Dannika forgives you, I’m good.” He leveled his stare and in an almost growl, being careful not to threaten, only to warn, he added, “But if you ever hurt her again, I’ll fry your ass, and you know damn good and well that I’m the dragon who can do it.”

Nodding, Daire agreed, “I won’t.” Then quickly added, “Same goes for you. I may not have the firepower, but I promise I can deliver one hell of an ass whooping.”

“Okay, now that even I am about to choke on the testosterone in the room and we all agree we love Dani, can we get back to the plan?” Darragh chuckled. “Oh, and before you say it, Daire… this time, I’m paying attention.”

Working into the wee hours of the morning, Wolfe and Dani finally stumbled back to her house after making the few adjustments Daire suggested and alerting all the others. The next morning came way too quick, but the couple was nonetheless up, ready and at the Lodge for breakfast by nine.

The entire Blue Ridge Pack stopped by the table to lend their well wishes and meet the dragon who had stolen their Healer’s, heart. Wolfe sat in awe of how much each wolf truly loved his mate. They didn’t care what her animal to call was or who her mate was, only that she was happy.

After the fourth or fifth person had asked if the couple was going to stay in North Carolina, Wolfe pulled Dannika close and making sure that everyone in attendance heard, he announced, “We will live wherever Dani wants to live.”

The room erupted in a plethora of howls and so much applause the windows actually rattled. Leaning down, he whispered, “Now, that that’s settled.” He kissed her neck, chuckling when she shivered, and goose bumps rose on her lovely skin. “Anything else we need to address?”

Turning to him, Dannika lightly kissed his lips before pulling back and smiling, “Have I told you how much I love you?”

“You have, mo ghrá, but I’ll never tire of hearing it.”

“I love…”

The words were stolen from Dani’s lips as the huge oak doors to the Lodge flew off the hinges making all motion and noise instantly stop. Pushing his preternatural senses as far as they would reach, Wolfe jumped to his feet, and roared, “The Shapeshifter is nearby!”

Just as they had planned, Gretchen, a female Beta and close friend of Dannika’s, got the younger women and the children into the basement of the Lodge while the Betas, Trackers and Guards all stood at the ready. Daire had decided no one would shift until they could see what form the rogues were in. Wolfe had his doubts but deferred to the Alpha.

Looking to Grey and Angus who were already heading out the back door, Wolfe telepathically asked, “You guys shifting?”

“Hell yes, why would we wait?” Grey nearly shouted. “This bitch means business. She blew the damn doors down.”

“Aye, lad. I’m not waiting for her to do any more damage,” Angus grumbled. “She so much as lifts her arms, I will burn her down.” There was a second of silence, and then the Enforcer added, “Watch out for Olivia, she does not know the meaning of the words be careful or wait.”

Looking at Dannika, who was standing with Olivia, Ellie and Becky, all at the ready to shift, Wolfe concurred, “Yeah, I know what you mean. I now feel your pain.”

Laughing, Angus teased, “Ain’t love grand?”

“Indeed it is,” Wolfe chuckled. “Fly well. Fight Hard.”

“See you when the bitch is dead,” Grey piped up.

“Kick ass and take names, brother.”

“Don’t I always?” Grey laughed out loud as magic filled their bond of brotherhood.

“That you do,” Wolfe disconnected so his brethren could focus.

Making his way across the room, the Guardsman stopped as Daire approached with Darragh at his side, “I’m going out there.” He held up his hand as Wolfe began to argue. “I know we discussed this, and you said I needed to hang back, but that’s not me…it’s not the way I’ve ever dealt with a problem, and I’m not starting now.” Looking back at his brother who was nodding his head, the Alpha continued, “This Shapeshifter, whoever she is, does not get to come on my land and threaten my Pack without having to deal with me.” Daire looked out the door and added, “She fucked with the wolf, now she gets the claws.”

“I totally agree, but she is not on your land,” Wolfe countered. “She is standing on the west border. The magic you have in place is holding her back.” Sighing as Daire shook his head and edged forward, the Guardsman grabbed the Alpha’s arm and opened his mind completely. “Look!” Wolfe demanded.

Daire’s intrusion into his mind was quick and painless. The Guardsman watched the Alpha’s face as he took in the scene Wolfe was monitoring. He could hear Daire’s thoughts as he quickly made strategic changes in their original plans. Waiting until the Alpha pulled out of his mind, Wolfe commented, “Yes, I agree.”

Looking shocked, Daire asked, “You heard that?”

“Yes, all of it and I agree with both of you.” Wolfe looked back at Darragh, motioning for him to join the conversation. “I’m sure it’s a combination of the wards you set on the borders and the fact that the Shapeshifter will not be at full strength until midnight when the full moon is the highest and brightest in the sky.”

“But how did she blow the doors off the hinges?” Darragh asked.

“It was a show of force with the hopes of getting you and your brother to show your hand.” Wolfe looked between the brothers. “And it almost worked. What you’re planning now will give you the advantage to get close and be ready without giving anything away.” He stopped and thought, then added, “Because of my connection with Dannika and her connection to you, we can relay the information Angus and Grey send us to you two.”

“So, we’ll have eyes in the sky and on the ground.” Darragh nodded. “I like it.”

His brother turned around and snorted, “Look what happens when you pay attention,” the Alpha nodded, “You’re a damn good tactician when you want to be.”

“Alright, while I love the mutual admiration society, I think you better get out there,” Wolfe joked. 

Nodding, the MacTavish brothers started striding towards the door with Daire calling to his most-trusted Betas and Trackers to follow, then over his shoulder he chuckled, “And Wolfe, you have the conn.”

“Oh my Goddess, did he just use a Star Trek reference?” Wolfe laughed out loud, “Dannika, I am gonna love being part of your family.”

“That really makes me happy, Wolfe, but can we talk about it after we kill that bitch?”

“Anything for you, honey.”