Chapter Two

 

The morning light brought back his focus. No more mercy. If that human girl didn’t give him the information he needed, he wouldn’t hesitate to kill her. People went missing, and after a while, they were forgotten.

Grey changed into his clothes at the edge of the woods near the place he kept his truck. They had numerous small hiding places for their clothing so they could shift in a hurry. After tugging on his jeans and a pullover sweater, he pocketed his wallet and boarded his truck. He worked at a mine north of the park five days a week. It paid for human luxuries he’d become accustomed to over the years. He had no mortgage because the cabin he owned had been passed down for generations. The old log house sat on hundreds of acres of untouched forest. It was his little piece of paradise. One he rarely visited.

His work shift didn’t start for another couple hours, so he drove out to the park to find the girl. Before he reached the entry gates, he stopped when he saw Jacob walking along the side of the road. He got out of the truck and approached him.

Grey looked at his watch. “You were supposed to be at the mine ten minutes ago.”

“I found Rhaina.”

“Okay, you going to tell me where?” He moved closer, that familiar scent hitting him like a freight train. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his composure.

“She’s in a cage, locked in a shed. Do you have bolt cutters in the truck?”

“That scent…”

“The fucking human woman. You were right about her. I found her at the shed, wanted to kill her dead. I’m tired of playing by their rules.”

Rage dripped from his pores, an illogical anger taking control. He shoved Jacob with both hands, making him stumble on his feet. “Did you touch her?”

Jacob looked confused, his eyes wide as he held up his palms in defense. “No, I don’t know. I grabbed her for a second, but I didn’t hurt her.”

Grey rushed forward, fisting Jacob’s shirt as he backed him up. “I said I’d deal with it. If I find out you so much as fucking breathed on her I’ll kill you.”

Jacob brushed him off. “Whoa, what the fuck is wrong with you? You’re more worried about a human now? She’s not going to report anything, so relax.”

He got back into his truck, but lowered the driver’s side window. “I better not find her scent on you again, Jacob. I won’t tell you twice.” Then he hit the gas, heading to the front gates of the park. Once he was out of sight, no sign of cars or people ahead or behind, he pulled over to the side of the road. He smashed his fist on the steering wheel, then scrubbed both hands over his face. A deep growl rumbled in his chest.

What was happening to him? He was acting completely out of character.

Grey glanced at his reflection in the rear view mirror, not recognizing the man looking back at him. He’d just threatened one of his packmates. Why? He couldn’t explain the new possessive urges taking over his body and mind, but he wanted answers. The first thing that came to mind was getting rid of the human. She’d messed with his head since yesterday, so the answer seemed simple enough. She was a problem that needed to be dealt with.

He pulled up at the front gates, and the mystery woman leaned out the window. “Can I help you?”

Grey stared at her, not knowing what to think, what to say. His mission was Rhaina, and this human was the key to getting her back. But their missing wolf was suddenly the last thing on his mind.

“What’s your name?”

A little smile played at the corners of her mouth. Such playful innocence. “Caroline.” Her long brown hair was kept up in a loose ponytail. Her big blue eyes stared back at him, and he sat frozen in place. “Do you have a reservation?”

“Are you married?”

Her cheeks turning a flattering pink. “Sorry, but I can’t marry every camper.”

He wondered if she’d flush the same way if he stripped her naked, his head between her legs. Grey ground his teeth together, trying to get a handle on his damn cock. She had him completely spellbound, like pubescent pup.

“You have any space in the campground? I don’t have a reservation.”

Caroline ducked back inside the kiosk, checking her computer screen, and then reappeared. “We only have a few spots because of the long weekend coming up. Is it just for yourself?”

“Just me, sweetheart.”

She bit her lower lip, and his dick strained in his jeans. “Do you prefer something closer to the amenities or more private?”

“As private as you’ve got.” After paying the fee and taking the paperwork, he turned to her again. “What time you here until?”

“I’m off at six, but there’s another shift here until ten if you need any help.”

“I’ll see you real soon.”

He drove into the park, looking for the fucking camping spot he suddenly owned for the next week. This hadn’t been a part of his plan.

Neither had his new obsession.

****

Caroline sat down on the plastic chair after her last customer drove in the park. She pressed her legs together, her pussy ultra-sensitive just remembering that man’s gruff voice. She leafed through the paperwork. Grey Devlin. “Grey Devlin,” she repeated aloud.

A lot of men had hit on her in the past five months working at her station. Not one of them made her take notice. The less-than-stellar experience at her last job had left a sour taste in her mouth for men. She’d never been known as popular or pretty, so she was slow to accept compliments. But there was something about Grey that made her blood burn. He had evil in his eyes, and looked at her like she was something to eat. The dark stubble across his chiseled jaw gave him a masculine edge. She couldn’t gauge much else, but judging by the broadness of his shoulders, she could envision what his body would look like. Her imagination was a real pain in the ass lately.

It seemed kind of odd, a single guy renting a private site for a week. He intrigued her. Maybe he was a hunter or taking some quiet time for fishing. She may just have to casually stroll by his campsite one day.

An hour later, he left the park, and she kept watching until his truck disappeared down the road. She actually felt giddy just imagining when he’d return. Would he flirt again? Remember her name? She may be a bit starved for attention and human interaction since arriving out here, but she wasn’t the type to throw herself at a man. There was just something about him, and for the first time in a long time, there was a little spring in her step.

She finished early that evening, wanting to get back to the shed before Wayne showed up. Grey Devlin hadn’t returned on her shift, which had brought down her spirits a bit, but the wolf had her focus right now. Her nerves picked up as she neared the building, each step punctuated by a crackle of dried leaves. Memories of that drunk guy and wondering if the wolf was dead or alive made her anxious. Caroline didn’t have much time. Wayne had shown up when she was leaving yesterday, so he could be there any second. The lock was still on the door. She grabbed it and tugged, but it was still as secure as this morning. Desperation crept in.

Maybe she could pry off the lock. She looked around the area, only finding sticks. The first one she tried just snapped off in the lock, so she tossed the pieces. This wasn’t going to work. She’d have to find something stronger.

“Lose your keys?”

She whirled around. It was him. Mr. Dark and Mysterious. “Yeah, but the night shift will be here soon.”

Grey stared at her. “The animal control worker?”

Caroline nodded, suddenly feeling too isolated. He was taller than she’d imagined, his frame even bigger than that drunk’s. “He’ll be here any minute.”

“Are you close with him?”

“We work together.”

“Doing what?” he asked. This guy liked being direct, and it continually threw her off.

“Protecting the park, keeping everyone safe.”

He nodded slowly as if appreciating a piece of art. “And you think wolves are dangerous to your campers?”

Did he know there was a wolf trapped behind the door? Maybe he’d peeked in the window like she had. She felt like she was on trial for a crime she hadn’t committed. “I—”

He stepped closer. “I’m a camper, Caroline. How will you protect me from the wolves?”

Her lips parted to take in more air. His proximity was distracting to her libido. For some reason, this guy brought her dormant sexuality to life. The sound of her name on his lips was like liquid chocolate, and she salivated hearing it. She wanted to touch him, to place her hands on his chest as he moved closer. Instead, she backed away.

When her body hit the door, the wolf in the cage decided to go berserk, growling and thrashing about. Grey smiled, but it was anything but friendly. “What do you have in there, little one?”

She tried to say something, but no words came out. Caroline wasn’t even involved with Wayne’s captive wolf, but she felt guilty just knowing about it. It felt like a dirty little secret.

“I asked you a question, Caroline.” His voice had taken on a darker tone, and a sliver of fear clouded her desire.

Before she had time to react, Wayne’s truck pulled up, the tires crunching along the gravel. Her nerves settled as he opened the door and hopped out. She never thought she’d be happy to see him. When she turned her head, Grey was gone. She did a double take, walking around the area to catch a glimpse of him, but he’d vanished.

“Did you see that guy?” she asked.

“What guy?”

“Never mind.”

He unlocked the door and stepped in. “Now, what to do with our little trespasser,” he said, pacing back and forth in front of the cage.

“Have you mentioned this to anyone?”

“Haven’t had the time, besides, what’s the point? I found the problem, and it’s up to me to deal with it.”

“Wayne, just let it go. I’m sure you’ve scared it enough that it’ll never come back.”

“That’s not how this works. Not even close. It’s survival of the fittest, us against them.” He squatted down in front of the snarling animal, mocking it. “I think poison will be the cleanest way to go, don’t you?” He opened the plastic bag he’d been carrying, curling back the sides. It was ground beef.

“What? No! You can’t poison it.”

“I have a job to do. If you can’t stomach it, head back to the ticket gate.”

She wasn’t cut out for this bullshit. And she had three more months before her job in the city started. She’d never owned cats or dogs as an adult. Her apartment had been strict, and her teaching schedule kept her away from home too much. It still didn’t diminish her desire to see the wolf escape unharmed. How could the animals be blamed for coming close to the campsites? Humans were constantly encroaching on their land, and a blurring of the lines was bound to happen.

Everyone hated the wolves, so she was on her own. “Wayne. Don’t you dare…” Caroline couldn’t even find the right words, feeling helpless, so she bolted from the cabin. It was already getting dark, and she’d promised herself not to get stuck in the same mess as yesterday. Her anxiety levels skyrocketed just remembering that long, dark road to the hotel. Even if she ran, she couldn’t outrun the setting sun. She’d only just passed the front gates, starting the long trek nightmares were made of when a hand slapped over her mouth and a strong arm wrapped around her chest, rendering her immobile.

Caroline bucked and struggled, but the guy was pure strength. She wondered if it was the drunk man from the morning. It could be anyone—even her fantasy man. Her entire life seemed to flash before her eyes as she attempted to fight back. Her forgotten childhood, struggling through university, the crippling loneliness, and the asshole vice-principal at the school she used to work at—the reason she was here. It hadn’t been a glamorous life, but she didn’t want to die … or worse. Tears filled her eyes as the sun disappeared into the treeline, leaving them in shadows.

The street was so isolated at this hour, not that it was ever very busy, just campers checking in and out during the daytime hours. No one was going to save her.

The stranger dragged her deep into the woods, into the darkness. She felt weightless, futilely trying to dig in her heels. The old leaves and twigs brushed against her ankles, cool and moist. Only the faintest remains of the sunset could be seen in the gaps between branches above. The more she realized she’d never escape this man, the more she lost hope.

He seemed to drag her for miles before he finally stopped. His hand dropped away from her mouth, but her urgency to scream had faded some time ago. No one would hear her out here.

“The captive wolf for your life,” he said. “That’s the only way you’ll be getting out of the forest alive.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I know you’ve trapped a wolf at the park. Big mistake,” he said.

“I didn’t do anything. I just work the front gates.” She wondered if her chance to get out of this mess would end once the wolf died. Caroline’s survival instincts kicked in full force.

“Fine. Play dumb.” He released her, but she was night blind, unable to run if she wanted to. “We’ll see how far that gets you.” A rush of pain sluiced through her as he yanked a handful of her hair. Caroline bent over, reaching for his wrist with both hands. A deep wave of fear and regret rose up inside her until she was sobbing like a baby. She didn’t even recognize the sounds coming out of her.

“Get your hands off her.”

That voice.

It was him.

Grey Devlin.

The fingers tangled in her hair released their hold. She dropped to her knees, trying to catch her breath and keep some semblance of control.

“This is her! The bitch we’ve been looking for.”

“No, Zeke.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m taking her to my cabin. I don’t want to be disturbed. Understand?”

The man chuckled. “Even better. Don’t take your time, though. We have to think of Rhaina. Jacob knows where they’re keeping her.”

“Then deal with it. You don’t need me to hold your hand, do you?” asked Grey.

There was silence. The shadows of the men stood completely still, as if they’d turned to stone.

“Then what the fuck do you need her for?”

“I’m going to teach her a lesson.”

“Okay. Good. I’ll get Jacob and head back to the park.”

She briefly heard the man walk off, then Grey hoisted her up into his arms as if she weighed twenty pounds. Caroline supposed she should be terrified. Instead, she wrapped her arm around his neck and had never felt safer.