The Chase Is On (Pack Everhart Book 1) Read online

  He has no idea how much those words mean to me—that someone who barely knows me is willing to help. However, dumping my problems on him—or anyone for that matter—is unfair.

  “I appreciate the offer, but I can’t accept it.”

  I choke back the lump swelling in my throat. His sincerity is too much for me to digest. I know without a doubt that if things were different and I stuck around, he’d become my biggest weakness.

  I can’t afford weakness. Not now.

  “Okay. Give me your address so I can plug it into my navigation system.”

  He’s clearly hurt by my decision, and that makes me feel ten times worse, but I have no choice. Not if I want to keep everyone safe.

  Claudia

  I glance down to see Granger’s hand on my thigh.

  “I’d ask if you’re okay, but with the way your leg is bouncing, I’ve got my answer.”

  I rub my sweaty palms on my jeans as my apartment building comes into view. “You can pull in over there.” I point to an empty lot near the complex and Granger parks the car. I hesitate in my seat, staring at the building.

  What if he’s waiting inside for me?

  Even though I know him well, Bryce can be unpredictable. That’s why it took me so long to leave him. Just when I think I’m one step ahead, he says or does something that has me second-guessing every decision I made and reformulating my plan because I can’t decide if he’s on to me or not.

  I look over at the sound of the door opening to see Granger getting out.

  “You don’t have to go in with me,” I assure him, hopping out of the car.

  “I want to make sure you get inside safely.” His expression appears calm, but the tension in his shoulders paints a different picture. Guess telling him ‘no’ is out of the question. He’s liable to follow me anyway.

  “Fine. The place isn’t much to look at; it’s all I can afford.”

  I’ve never invited anyone inside my apartment. It’s small and dated but it feels a bit like home—or as much of a home as I’ve allowed myself. I ignore the nervous gnawing in my stomach, knowing that in thirty seconds, a stranger will be entering my personal space.

  Did I clean before I left?

  The sound of our shoes on the metal stairs echoes off the brick walls. I wince, burying thoughts of the deteriorating craftsmanship crumbling under our combined weight. When we reach the top landing, I stop.

  The door’s unlocked.

  I shiver as a chill runs down my spine. My mind spins, trying to retrace my steps yesterday. I come to a clear conclusion: I know I locked my door.

  “Wait here,” Granger whispers, stepping around me and pushing the door open slowly. He disappears inside while I stay firmly rooted to the ground. As much as I want to join him, it’s safer for me out here.

  Time ticks by at a criminally slow pace, giving rise to questions that need urgent answers. Who could’ve done this? Did they take anything? Was this a random break-in, or was I targeted?

  The longer I stand here staring at my door, the more catastrophic scenarios my mind conjures up. My stomach coils to the point of nausea. He’s been gone too long. Something must’ve happened to him.

  I’ve managed to place one foot in front of the other just as Granger pokes his head out the door. “No one’s in there; I don’t think this was a robbery. Nothing seems out of place or broken.”

  Well, that clears up a few questions. What I don’t understand is what Bryce was looking for. He must be behind this. He’s the only possible culprit, considering his threat last night.

  Granger steps to the side, and I pass him to find he told the truth. The place looks just how I left it. I inhale, trying to catch any scent left behind, but don’t pick up on anything. Whoever broke in, they used masking spray. I roll my shoulders to shake the feeling of my wolf prowling around, feeding off my stress.

  “I’m going to step outside to make a quick call.”

  I nod and continue perusing the apartment, searching for anything missing or misplaced. I make it to my room and meticulously scan the space. Something’s . . . off.

  Shit.

  I run over to my dresser and drop to the floor, yanking it away from the wall. I unlatch the door to the hidden compartment where I keep my spare cash and important documents.

  They’re gone.

  Everything I’d need to tide me over while I run is . . . gone.

  This is bad.

  I forgo banks because of the paper trail, but in the end, that didn’t matter. My safety net was still stolen.

  I’m screwed—just how Bryce wants me. I’ve got no proof that he was here, but it can’t be a coincidence that my one resource to leave has been taken away from me.

  I collapse on the floor, sucking in desperate gulps of air. Tears well up in my burning eyes, the crack in my composure breaking open. A sob rips from my chest. The emotional dam I worked so hard to patch last night can no longer withstand the pressure exploding from my chest.

  “Little One?”

  Arms wrap around me and lift me off the floor. I don’t fight it. What’s the point? My entire world is coming undone. Defeat, fear, and confusion eat at me.

  Why me?

  What did I do to deserve this?

  Why can’t I live a normal life and be happy?

  It’s unfair.

  Do something about it. The statement rings loud and clear, slowing the emotional current dragging me under. Wherever the thought came from, it rings with truth. I can’t give up. I can’t let him win.

  As the trembling in my body eases, along with the tears and sobs, I realize Granger is still holding me. I gaze up at him, hating how I’ve placed him in the exact same position as last night.

  Jeez, I’m a mess.

  “Better?”

  I pick at my nails. “Yes. Umm . . .” I wipe my nose on my sleeve, trying to stop the tickling sensation. How hot am I right now? Tear-stained cheeks, and now snot on my shirt. Whatever—it’s been a rough day. He’ll have to deal with it.

  “Thank you. Again. I promise I’m not normally this fragile.”

  “Look at me.” I obey. “I’m not saying this to scare you, and it’s probably hard to understand, but just know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. If anything, I’m sorry I’m unable to take your pain away and fix this situation for you. If you let me, though, I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

  The sincerity in his voice has tears pricking my eyes all over again. I know he’s telling me the truth. And he’s right; I don’t understand his kindness but I find myself wanting to.

  “Sorry,” he apologizes when his phone starts vibrating in his pocket. He adjusts his grip to pull it out. “Don’t be upset, but I called my friends. I’ll keep them busy while you freshen up.”

  His thoughtfulness is like a breath of fresh air. I nod and he helps me climb off his lap.

  “I know I sound like a broken record, but really, thank you,” I whisper, staring at my feet, suddenly feeling shy. Where was this impulse when I was using my shirt as tissue?

  “It’s my pleasure.” He places a kiss on my head and walks out.

  Blave

  I’m parked beside Granger’s tiny-ass sports car. I don’t understand how he crams himself in there. I’d look ridiculous sitting behind the wheel, like a clown shoved into a doll-sized car.

  “He’s coming,” Milo announces, hopping out of my truck.

  Yay.

  Insert sarcasm.

  I take my time getting out. I have other shit I need to be doing instead of meddling in some female wolf’s relationship problems—nursing a hangover is one of them. At least, I think that’s what we’re doing here. Not completely sure. I only half-listened to Granger when he called, but he did say I’d met her a couple of years ago as if that was enough motivation to get me to come.

  Shouldn’t have drank so much last night.

  Oh look, the gang's all here. I inwardly roll my eyes as I nod, acknowledging Ascher. I’m not in the proper mood to d
eal with anything or anyone, but that’s becoming my norm lately. I don’t necessarily like being an asshole; it’s helped keep people off my back, though. Too bad it doesn’t work on my father.

  I wince, a fresh slice of pain scraping across my scalp. Damn these headaches.

  I hear Granger before I see him; his pursed lips and furrowed brows tell me I won’t enjoy whatever he’s about to say. I may be an ass, but I do care about these guys . . . a little. More than they know, that’s for sure. They’re the only good thing in my life, and I’ll do whatever I can to protect them.

  Which is why I’m here.

  I wouldn’t show up for just anyone.

  “Thanks for coming.”

  “Why is this female a concern for you guys?” I ask. The question is innocent enough, and I’d love to know why I had to roll my ass out of bed.

  Granger shoots me a look. Did that question really rub him the wrong way? “Do you always have to be a dick?”

  Guess it did.

  “Her apartment was broken into, and she thinks it was done by a male named Bryce Underwood, from Pack Underwood on the East Coast. He was at the party last night.”

  An East Coast pack?

  “Why was he there? And what does this have to do with us?”

  “We don’t know why he was there, but someone invited him,” Milo states. “She was terrified of him, and I didn’t like the way he was looking at her. None of us did. We’re concerned for her safety and the packs’.”

  “Blave, I need you to sniff around and see if you can pick up on anything.”

  Sometimes I hate being the Alpha’s heir. I’m always on the hook because of my heightened senses or stronger attributes. However, the plea in Granger’s eyes has me acquiescing to his request.

  “Fine. One last question.” It’s been bothering me since he told me on the phone and I need confirmation. “You mentioned I met this female before. When?”

  “She’s the female from the casino two years ago.”

  His words spur a memory from last night, putting together the puzzle pieces of my distorted thoughts. I remember that even through my drunken haze, the scent of honey and coconut swam through my blood like an uninvited drug. I knew I had smelled it before and could picture the female it belonged too. I didn’t remember her name but everything else about her I could see. Like how small she seemed standing in front of me, yet fierce with her no-bullshit attitude. Me staring into her violet eyes and fighting the urge to shove her against the door. I knew she was trouble then; now here she is, with her baggage on our doorstep.

  “Alright, let’s get this shit over with,” I grumble, irritation building. I need to make this quick. The less time I spend near her, the better. I don’t trust how she made me feel back then, and I especially hate how my wolf won’t shut the fuck up about her.

  Fucker has been pounding against my barriers, pushing his need to find her ever since we picked up her scent. I eventually threw my walls up, but it seems he’s scratched his way to the surface again.

  Shit is pissing me off.

  Given the strength of her scent, I have no trouble finding her small apartment. It’s as plain as the white walls and almost devoid of personal items. Besides a beat-up yellow cloth couch, the only other furniture is a coffee table and a brown kitchen chair. Looks like she either just moved in or is ready to leave at a moment's notice.

  Good.

  To the latter.

  My wolf growls at me, but I ignore him.

  Pacing around, I inhale, expanding my lungs as far as they will go. There’s definitely a trace of the intruder lingering, though it’s hard to focus when her essence is flooding my bloodstream again, stroking it like a delicate flame.

  I step into her bedroom, which is just as bare as the rest of this place—a bed, a dresser, and that’s it. Is this really all she has? Her meager belongings tug at my heart, but I quickly push away the unwanted feeling. The reaction is obviously coming from my wolf, not me.

  I breathe in again. Whoever was in here, their scent has been obscured by Granger and her and . . . something else. I take another sniff and immediately regret it. There’s no mistaking the damp, earthy smell. She was crying.

  A churning in my stomach has me darting out of the room. When a door opens to my left, I pause. I suppress a groan, chastising myself. Why did I stop?

  Claudia stands in the doorway of her bathroom with wide, violet eyes. I don’t know who’s more surprised to see the other. Damn, I was really hoping to split before this happened.

  Her face is red and blotchy; the sight somehow pisses me off even more. A quick spike of fury, an urge to destroy whatever’s upset her, has me on retreat. My mind races as I try to wrap it around what’s happening.

  “You must be Blave. We haven’t officially met. I’m Claudia.” She extends her tiny hand but I don’t accept it. I can’t.

  Mine, my wolf pushes the demand loud and clear. I wince as he pounds against me, which makes her step back as well. I need to get out of here. I did my part, and now it’s time to go. She has my wolf all sorts of fucked up—just like she did two years ago.

  I ignore the apprehension in her eyes and head into the living room. I’m not here to reassure her or coddle her. My friends’ heads snap to me as I enter. “I can’t tell you who was here.”

  Granger eyes me warily like he doesn’t believe me. Fuck him. I did what I could. I move closer to the door, sensing Claudia coming into the room.

  “Thank you for trying,” she says, facing me.

  “Was anything taken?” Ascher asks.

  “They took all my money and personal documents I kept hidden in my dresser. Whoever it was either knew where to look or made a lucky guess.” Claudia plops down on the couch, running a hand through her hair.

  I try not to look at her, but it’s not like I have a lot of choices in her tiny apartment. No one says anything for a long time, and the lengthening silence is deafening. The smell of damp earth fills the air, caving my chest in. Her emotions crash into me and suffocate me.

  “I need to get back to pack land.” Shutting the door behind me, I flee to my truck, desperation quickening my steps. Once inside, I take several deep breaths to clear my senses and mind, to no avail. Her essence is everywhere, clinging to me.

  I peel out and stomp on the gas, but no matter how fast I go, I can’t put enough space between her and me. This isn’t me; it must be my wolf. I roll the windows down and practically hang my head out the window, gulping in the fresh air.

  Finally.

  The pressure in my chest and throat eases, allowing me to breathe for the first time since I entered her place. That female has me all twisted up in the head, which makes me distrust her even more.

  No matter how captivating she is.

  I growl at the thought and push the pedal to the floor. It’s painfully obvious the other guys are interested in her, but I just don’t get it. My wolf snaps his jaws at me, angry at my attitude toward Claudia. That’s his problem, not mine—and I’m the one in control.

  Milo

  I stare at the door Blave just fled through. It’s the best distraction I have to keep from gathering Claudia in my arms. Her tears affect me; in ways I never thought possible. One look at her face and an overwhelming, crushing sensation floods my chest. It’s uncomfortable, but I’d rather deal with the sensation than approach her only to have her scrambling away from me. So, I keep my attention and thoughts elsewhere.

  Blave’s behavior is out of character—not that he’s been acting normal as of late. One question sticks out above the rest: is Blave fighting an attraction to Claudia? It’s a plausible theory and would solve his arranged mating issue. The only problem lies in verifying how he feels. That would require him to spend more than ten minutes with us and an admission of his feelings on his part.

  Easy enough, said no one ever.

  I can’t shake the feeling there’s more to this bond, that we’ve barely scratched the surface. An idea pops into my head that may help
solve all our problems. I crouch in front of Claudia. Her tear-filled eyes flick to me, derailing my train of thought for a second.

  “May I suggest a temporary plan?”

  “Sure, because I’ve got nothing.”

  “This is only a suggestion; if you decline, I understand.” She nods. “Whoever came into your apartment did so with ease. Staying here would not be the wisest decision when the risk to your safety has just increased. I propose that you stay at our condo. We’ve got a top-of-the-line security system and can bring on extra pack protectors if need be. You’d have the place to yourself for as long as you want, or until you decide on your next move.”

  “That’s sweet of you to offer, but the condo is your home. I don’t want to inconvenience anyone, especially Blave. He already has an issue with me.”

  Fucking Blave.

  He must be fighting her pull on him. He may be an ass, but he wouldn’t purposely upset a female—except for Catherine. He has no reason to treat Claudia badly.

  “Milo’s right. Stay at the condo, you’ll be safe there. We each have other places on pack land. Unless you want one of us to stay with you, in which case I offer my services. I’ll take one for the team.” Ascher’s flirtatious behavior is predictable. However, judging by Claudia’s small smirk, it seems that annoying quirk of his is working.

  “I appreciate the offer, but seriously, I can’t accept. You guys have already done way more than you should have, for a stranger. If these intruders wanted to hurt me, I think they would’ve taken a different approach than stealing from me.” Claudia stands and I know my window to convince her is closing—fast.

  “How about this,” I say, standing. “Stay one more night at the condo. That will allow us to secure your apartment. Please, I insist.” Actually, I’m begging, but dragging her to the condo over my shoulder, kicking and screaming, might not be the best way for us to connect.