Lured (The Brazil Werewolf Series Book 4) (2 page)

              I didn’t leave the bedroom for a while after my parents returned and Pesha gained enough courage to leave the bathroom.  Instead, I sat down on the carpet beside the door and listened as they spoke to Tamas in hushed voices I had to strain to hear. I wanted to understand why he showed up.  There had to be a reason and I was sure it had nothing to do with wanting to meet me early.  If that had been the reason, he sat in the room before me with a sore jaw to remind him what a mistake he’d made.

              “What happened to your lip?” My mother asked as worry filled her voice.  I winced as mortification filled me once more.              

              I held my breath as I waited for him to tell my mother of my attack but instead, he chuckled, “I don’t know your house that well,” he said with amusement clear in his voice, “I ran into the door.  It was very clumsy of me.”

              I blinked in shock.  He didn’t ratted me out.  Still, I wondered what his price was for his silence.  I winced again.  I had learned nothing about him besides his name.  It could be anything.

              “Did you meet Nadia?” My mother asked with suspicion clear in her voice.  I narrowed my eyes.  My mother had always seen through even the best of lies.

              “Yes,” he said with a smoothness that dispelled any suspicion my mother experienced, “Though she didn’t want to stay in my presence without you here.  I guess she doesn’t want to ruin the betrothal.  I understand that.  I don’t want to ruin it either, Mrs. Scarrett.”

              My eyes widened as I realized that he kept the attack to himself even with my mother’s suspicion.  I released a sigh of relief.  No matter what his cost was for his silence, I would pay.  My mother’s disappointment would have slayed me and I was grateful to him. 

              “She is a good girl,” my mother said with pride clear in her voice. Guilt flooded me as all the earlier suspicion left her voice, “And please, call me Lila.”

              “She seems to be a wonderful girl, Lila,” Tamas replied, “She’s so strong in morals.” 

              I smirked at his emphasis on strong and realized that he knew I was listening as my father cleared his throat, “Why did you meet us here?” He said, asking the question I wanted answered, “We weren’t supposed to meet until we got to Timbly Mountain in an hour.  This meeting is out of the ordinary to say the least.”

              “I am sorry about that.  The truth is, there has been a lot to happen since you spoke to my mother last,” Tamas said.  The amusement was gone and was replaced by a grimness that made me shutter, “And she wasn’t able to reach you because apparently you don’t have cellphones.”

              “No, we don’t.  I’ve never had a use for them,” My father said, “Your family is the only one that I call.  What happened?”

              “As you know, Mary Jane was set to arrive just after you spoke to my mother last,” Tamas said with such sadness that I stood and moved closer to the door.  My attention was drawn to the name Mary Jane.  Who was she?  Obviously, she was someone my parents recognized at least by name.

              “On the way to our motor home park, the Grey wolves attacked the motor home carrying Mary Jane and her parents,” Tamas said, “Mary Jane was able to escape but her parents were killed.”

              My breath quickened when Tamas named the Grey wolves as the attackers.  Obviously, our family was not the only family that they had chosen to torture.  I pulled the door open and stepped out into the little room with the bunk beds. 

              “Stefan and Ella are dead?” My mother said in horrified shock.  Tears coated each word as a sob echoed through the air. 

              “Yes, but Mary Jane is alive,” Tamas said in a reassuring voice, “She is married to Luc and is due to have a child in a few months.  She is safe.”

              I moved even closer to the living area as my father spoke, “You think that the Grey wolves would attack us on the way there to kill us?” He asked horrified.

              “No,” Tamas said as I stepped into the living area, “I think what they have in mind is more sinister than that.  They may kill you or Pesha but their ultimate goal would be to kidnap Nadia.  They want her and they will do whatever it takes to obtain her.”

              All the air left my body in a rush and everyone turned to me.  My father stood before moving to me and pulling me into his embrace as I began to tremble.  As much as I wanted to face the Grey wolves, I didn’t want to do it on their ground.  I didn’t want to do it where they could torture me in whatever way they had planned. 

              “We won’t let that happen,” He said, pulling away and staring into my face determined. I swallowed as I nodded at him trying to believe what he said.

              Tamas stood and I turned my attention to him.  He met my eyes as his face darkened, “He’s right.  We won’t,” he said as he squared his shoulders sure of his words, “That’s why I’m here and so are my brothers, father and friends.  They are out there.  We’re going to escort you home.  We’re going to protect you.  The Grey wolves will not touch you.  I promise.”

              I stared at him, terrified of putting my life in the hands of a stranger.  Still, I had no other choice.  Slowly, I nodded giving in to whatever lay ahead.

**********

              Tamas sat next to me on the couch as my father drove and my mother sat in the passenger seat.  Pesha lay on the couch curled into my other side as Tamas’ eyes searched my face as if trying to discover my secrets.  I rose my gaze to his meeting his stare with dark curiosity burning in my soul.  I took a deep breath as I convinced myself to ask at least one question burning in my mind.

              “Why did the Grey wolves want to kidnap Mary Jane?” I asked, frowning as I faced the dire reality I was in danger too, “Why do they want to kidnap me?”

              His face darkened in anger as he glanced from me to something beyond the window.  Moments passed and I wondered if he would answer, “Revenge,” he said, as if he had to push the word from between his lips by force, “They want to kidnap you for revenge.”

              “There is more to it than that,” I said and he winced, “There has to be.”

              “There is but I don’t think that I am the one to tell you,” he said with a shrug, “Mary Jane needs to do that and Lilly and Aurora.”

              “Who are they?” I asked, tilting my head as I studied him.

              “My sister-in-laws,” he said, giving nothing else away. 

              I sighed frustrated, “Why are you protecting me?” I asked curious because he didn’t know me and I doubted that he was looking forward to our marriage especially after how I had greeted him. 

              He grinned dispelling the darkness that had darkened his face, “I guess I could let them have you,” he said and laughed at my horrified expression.  He raised his brows when he saw my fear.  He sighed as he continued, “Maybe it’s because I’m a decent person.  I want nothing bad to happen to you,” he said and chuckled, “I’m certainly not the type who attacks a person they just met.”

              “I’m sorry about that,” I said, blushing, “I didn’t know who you were.  I thought you were going to attack our family.”

              He chuckled again, “You’re forgiven.”

              “Thank you for not telling my parents,” I said, glancing toward them as I imagined what their reactions would have been if he’d told the truth. 

              “We’ll leave that between us,” he said, capturing my attention once again, “Besides, I don’t want us to hate each other.  I would rather start off as friends.”

              “Me too,” I said and he smiled.

              “I see the motor home park,” My father said as Tamas straightened.  He gazed outside nervous. 

              “If anything happens, take your brother and run,” he said, turning back to me, “I promise that nothing will happen to your parents but I don’t want to worry about you or Pesha while protecting them.”

              I nodded hoping that there would be no danger but just before we turned, the howls of wolves rent the air and the scent of human blood surrounded us.  Pesha was shoved into my arms by Tamas as I was pushed toward my parent’s room where the emergency hatch was.  There I would find escape but my stomach twisted as I realized that my parents and Tamas may not.  Still, I ran with Pesha wrapped in my arms and put my trust once again in a man I was forever bound to but I had just met. 

              I pulled Pesha toward my body as the howls of our parents erupted behind us.  My heart trembled as I pushed open the hatch and stepped out into the cool Colorado air.  I inhaled with a sharp intake of breath as I glanced both left and right before going to the corner of the motor home and glancing around it. 

              Wolves stood just outside of the door but none had noticed me or Pesha yet.  Grass as tall as me grew less than three feet away and beyond that sat the first motor home of the park.

              “Pesha,” I whispered and he glanced up at me with a tear streaked face, “We have to get to the grass.  We have to hide but you have to be as quiet as you can.”

              He frowned but nodded, “I will, Nadia,” he whispered. 

              “I’m going to put you down,” I said, giving him a small smile, “You go first and wait for me.  If the wolves catch me, run to the motor homes on the other side.  Get help.”

              He pressed his lips together as if preparing for an argument but sighed before he nodded his head causing his black waves to bounce against his cheeks.  His green eyes were wide in fear but he stood straight as I put him down and released him.  I glanced around the corner again.  The wolves were still staring at the door. 

              “Go,” I whispered and he ran into the grass.  He was so silent that not one ear twitched among the pack. 

              I took a breath as I studied them and after a moment, ran reaching the grass without one wolf knowing.  Pesha grabbed my hand as I pulled him further into the grass. 

              “We can’t stay here,” I whispered, glancing back, “We have to get help.”

              “I know,” He said as he pulled my hand toward the park. 

              We ran as the grass slapped against our legs and our faces.  Breathless, we reached the edge of the grass and I allowed Pesha to run ahead of me to the first house.  I had only jogged a few feet when I was jerked back by my hair with such violence that a squeal released from my lips.  Pesha didn’t notice and continued to the first motor home as I was pulled with a rough tug against an unknown man’s chest. 

              “Hello, Nadia,” A man’s harsh voice said in my ear, “What a pretty girl you are.”

              A shiver of disgust flowed down my spine as he tightened a muscled arm around my waist.  His nose was in my hair and he inhaled my scent as his wafted around me.  Human blood and the scent of a werewolf surrounded me and I almost gagged. 

              “Let go of her, Eli,” I heard Tamas say from the grass.  I was moved so I able to see Tamas.  His emerald eyes were narrowed in anger.  His nostrils flared. 

              I leaned back and felt the man’s chin against the back of my head.  I met Tamas’ eyes and he nodded slightly as he realized what I was about to do.  I leaned my head forward and then, threw it back with as much force as I could.  The sound of skin slapping against bone reached me just before he howled, releasing me in favor of grabbing his injured mouth.  Tamas grabbed my hand.  I glanced back surprised to find the man who attacked me to be outwardly handsome with long blonde hair and silver eyes but there was something evil about him too.  His eyes met mine and a predatory glint lit within them but a moment later it was gone when he glanced behind us.

              I turned to find my parents and the other members of the Brazil werewolves walking toward us.  When I turned back to look at the spot where Eli stood, he was gone. 

              I stared up at Tamas, “Who was he?” I asked as I began tremble. 

              “His name is Eli Brooks,” he said, frowning, “He’s the man who wants to kidnap you.”

              My heart stuttered as I realized how close he’d come to doing just that.

***********

              I stood beneath a large pine tree inhaling its earthy aroma as my parents moved the motor home into the slot in front of it.   A man built like a boxer with the same brown, gold and black hair as Tamas directed them.  My father said his name was Gavriel.  Tamas stood near me and Pesha glancing around every few seconds to make sure we were safe.  His gaze only ceased darting from place to place when it stopped on four women who walked toward us.  One was a pretty blonde with blue eyes.  From the bulge of her stomach I guessed that she was a few months pregnant.  The woman beside her was a bit taller and also with child.  The other two women possessed long black hair though the hair of the youngest was an array of wild curls.  The oldest possessed a short, petite frame and also beautiful silver eyes. 

              “Who are they?” I asked leaning toward Tamas. 

              He gazed down at me and grinned, “The welcoming committee,” he said as they stepped in front of us.  He moved toward the youngest girl with wild black hair.  She grinned as he hugged her. 

              “This is my sister, Mirella,” he said as she stepped forward and surprised me by hugging me. 

              “I’ll be your favorite sister-in-law,” she said, “Unless you don’t like to shop like Mary Jane and Aurora.”

              I couldn’t help but to laugh as she gave an exaggerated sigh, “I love to shop,” I said unable to hide the humor in my voice.

              Mirella turned back to the blonde and the other woman with black hair, “See,” she said, rolling her eyes, “She gets it.”

              The two women huffed as the other one with black hair stepped forward, “I’m Aurora,” she said and pursed her full lips as she glanced back at Mirella, “I hope you don’t hold my dislike of shopping against me like some people do.”

              “It’s not just me but Lilly too,” Mirella said, laughing, “And she’s your sister.”

              Aurora sighed, “I won’t hold it against you,” I said, grinning, “By the way, I’m Nadia Scarrett.”

              “It’s nice to meet you,” Aurora said, “I’m Tamas’ oldest brother, Andre’s wife.”

              I nodded as the girl with a wide smile stepped forward, “I’m Lilly,” she said, “I’m Tamas’ brother, Marco’s wife and Aurora’s half-sister.”

              “Half-sister?” I asked, puzzled.

              “We share a father,” Aurora said but her gaze darkened confusing me further.

              “I’m Mary Jane,” the blonde said after an awkward pause, “I’m Tamas’ twin brother, Luc’s wife.”

              I blinked in shock, “Twin?”

              She raised an eyebrow, “You didn’t tell her?” She asked, turning toward Tamas and rolled her eyes.

              “When was I going to tell her?” He asked, “While we were being attacked or on the trip here when she had met me only minutes before?”

              Mary Jane nodded but when she faced me again her face had darkened in sadness.  I shifted because I realized she must be thinking of her parents.

              “I’m glad you and your family arrived safe,” she said in a tight voice that belied her grief. 

              “Not so safe,” Tamas said through clenched teeth, “The Grey Wolves attacked their motor home and Eli almost kidnapped her while she ran here to safety.”

              Mary Jane’s face blanched in horror, “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. 

              “I still don’t understand why he tried to take me,” I said, frowning. 

              Mary Jane glanced back at Aurora and Lilly.  They gazed up at me with somber expressions, “It’s because of our father, Emilian Grey,” Aurora said. 

              My eyes widened, “Your father is Emilian Grey?” I asked trying not to spit the words out. 

              They shifted, nervous because of my reaction, “He raped our mothers.  Mine first.  Her name is Fiona Anderson,” Aurora said and I flinched again as I heard the familiar name.  Her mother was the woman my father helped that had caused the Grey wolves to come for revenge.  My heart clenched as I stared at the daughter, Fiona had run with. I had partially blamed them both for Jaelle’s death but I couldn’t continue to do so as she spoke again, “She became pregnant with me and was living on the streets when Tamas’ mother, Sophia found her.  She took her in.  She gave birth to me and I was betrothed to Andre.  Emilian found out about me and tried to kidnap me.  So, my mother left with me.  When I returned, Emilian had his own choice for my betrothal, Garridan.  He kidnapped me after my marriage to Andre.  Thankfully, Garridan didn’t really want to marry me.  He only wanted to be released from Emilian’s control as alpha.  Since, Emilian wouldn’t, one of his offspring had to.  I did and he helped me escape.  Unfortunately, before that happened, Emilian attacked my mother and blood-bonded with her.”

              I flinched in horror.  There were three ways that a werewolf could bond with another.  The first was marriage.  The second was intercourse.  The third was the strongest of all and that was the blood bond.  Not even death had the ability to break it.  If one died, the other would soon follow. 

              “I’m so sorry,” I whispered. 

              Lilly stepped forward, “Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, it got worse,” She said, “Emilian had chosen someone for me too.  That was Eli and as you can see, he was nothing like Garridan.  He was evil to the core.  He attacked me on my wedding night and tried to force the blood bond.   Thankfully, Marco bonded with me before he could.”

              “How horrible,” I said, swallowing over the metallic taste in the back of my throat.

              “That’s why Eli came for me and he’s come for you,” Mary Jane said, “He’s mad that he didn’t get his bride.  So, he wants to take one of us.”

              “I’m sure Emilian is helping him,” I said, angrily.

              “Emilian can’t help anyone anymore,” Aurora said, sadly, “They kidnapped Luc and Mary Jane went to them to save him.  Killing Emilian was the only way.”

              “But your mother,” I said, horrified.

              “She’s still alive and Mary Jane learned that the Grey wolves know how to break the blood bond while she was there,” she said, swallowing visibly, “But she was unable to find out how.”

              “The blood bond can be broken?” I asked, shocked. 

              Mary Jane nodded, “I believe so,” she said, “However, first we need to find out who the new alpha of the Grey wolves are.  We still don’t know.”

              “Wouldn’t it be Eli?” I asked, frowning.

              “Maybe or someone related to Emilian,” Aurora said, “It’s not us.  Honestly, it would probably be a male.”

              “Regardless, we need to keep you safe,” Mary Jane said, “Because honestly out of all the Grey wolves, Eli scares me the most.”

              I met Mary Jane’s eyes and nodded because I understood exactly how she felt.