“I’ve already called the healer,” called Jack. His cell phone was open on the bar, but he still aimed the gun at the dying alpha.
“Silver’s in my blood,” said Karen. “Too much of it. There’s no saving me. Don’t care. My Cody’s gone. I’m going, too.” She grabbed her daughter’s robe and yanked the girl forward. Her gaze zeroed in on Roxie. “You better fucking kill your brother, Roxie. If you don’t, he sure as shit is gonna kill you.”
7
KAREN COUGHED AGAIN. Blood dribbled down her chin. She gripped Roxie’s robe tighter. “Promise me you’ll take Crawl out.”
“Mom—”
“Christ, Roxie. You’re such a goddamned disappointment.” Those were the last words the Blood Pack alpha spoke to her daughter. Her fingers slid off the terrycloth. She exhaled one last breath, and her eyes went wide and sightless.
Roxie stood, fists clenched. She eyed her mother’s corpse and started to sway. Grant shot to his feet and grabbed her.
“I’m all right,” she said, her voice shaky.
“Bullshit.”
Jack put down the gun and joined Grant as he led Roxie to the sofa. For a moment, they sat there, both men sharing worried looks while Roxie tried to deal with the fact that her mother had died right in front of her.
She felt numb. She thought she’d cut the emotional attachments to her mother. Years ago, she’d let go of any feelings born of childish wishes to be loved by the sociopathic woman. There was, however, a hollow feeling in her chest, shadowed by relief. Karen was gone, and no one would miss her.
“She and Cody had a crypt. I’ll have to make arrangements.”
“There’s no way in hell you’re going to the Blood Pack compound,” said Grant.
Jack rubbed her back. “How sure are you that Crawl will come after you?”
“A hundred percent. Mom wouldn’t have tried to get to me if he wasn’t going to go balls out. If she found me, he will, too.” Roxie sighed. “She didn’t want to save me, not really. She just wanted to make sure that Crawl and Sara would get theirs.”
She punched the couch. “He’s so stupid. I don’t want to be the alpha! What am I going to do?” She was scared. Really scared. Roxie knew how to hold her own in most circumstances. Surviving in the Blood Pack meant learning how, when, and where to kick ass. But Crawl … Crawl was a psychopath. He would kill her and not feel an ounce of remorse.
“We’ll get your mother’s body taken care of,” soothed Grant. “I’m sure we can find somewhere to keep her until she can be properly interred.”
“I’ll call Delta. She has contacts everywhere, even the morgue.” Jack stroked Roxie’s silky red hair. “It’s going to be okay.”
“No offense, but you’ve never met Crawl.” Roxie shuddered.
Grant put his hand on Roxie’s knee. “There’s only one way to protect you.”
Roxie shook her head. “If you take me to Oregon, you’re risking pack war. Crawl doesn’t have to worry about Derek, but me—I have a direct lineage. I’m the oldest. I can claim the alpha position on those merits alone.”
“He won’t need to go after you if you’re the alpha of another pack,” said Grant. “If you’re our wife, then we’ll rule the Earth Pack as the sacred triad.”
Roxie blinked up at him. “You still want me? After all of this crap?”
“You’re the fiery-hearted woman,” said Jack.
“Oh, c’mon. You believe in destiny?” she asked.
“You belong with us, Roxie,” added Grant. “And we belong to you.”
Envisioning a life with the two alphas on a quiet, peaceful farm seemed like freaking nirvana. She wanted them. Hell, if she didn’t have to worry about her asshole brother wreaking havoc then she’d become Jack and Grant’s bride in a heartbeat. Should she become their wife and embroil them in her family drama? It was a risky move. Grant and Jack could hold their own—but Crawl was a whole different animal. He fought dirty. And he had no conscience.
Jack kissed her effectively putting an end to Roxie’s riotous thoughts, and then Grant brushed his lips over hers. Her heart twisted. These men. These beautiful, kind, strong men. Her men.
“Roxie?” Jack’s gaze was on her. She turned and saw Grant’s eyes. They had same question.
“Yes,” she said. She swallowed the knot in her throat and pressed a hand against the nervous fluttered in her stomach. “I’m yours.”
This declaration earned more kisses from both men. Their easy affection steadied her, made her feel as though she could handle anything. Survive anything.