Blindsided: Book 2 of the Bound Trilogy

~Jack’s POV~

Working through my exhaustion, I made my way into the kitchen at the back of the pack house. I was thankful the fighting was over and I could find Emily to make sure she was all right.

I still couldn’t believe that White Wolves showed up to help fight off the Hunters. I just hope they don’t try to take Emily away from me or there will be Hell to pay.

Just then, I caught a glimpse of her profile through the thinning crowd. She was alone and seemed to be lost in the sea of people around her. I reached her and pulled her into my arms. She responded by wrapping her own around me and holding on as if her life depended on it.

She was squeezing so tightly, her baby bump was pressed into my abdomen and I could feel the baby moving around. It was amazing having both my girls in my arms safe and sound.

I don’t know how long we stood there for, letting people walk around us, but eventually we were alone. Without saying a word, I lifted my mate in my arms and carried her up to her room. The day had been long and eventful, and I wanted her to rest.

Emily didn’t complain, only snuggled closer to my warmth. A smile flitted on my lips as I lent down slightly to kiss the top of her head.

Minutes later, we reached her room and I placed her gently on the bed. She reached out and grabbed my hand, stopping me from leaving. I wanted to stay with her, but I needed to report to her father--and my own Alpha--on what transpired outside.

“I need to talk to your father, little one,” I told her with great reluctance. “I will come back up and check on you later. If you are still awake and want me here with you then I will stay. Right now, you need to rest. It has been a long and trying day for you.”

“Please,” she whispered. She sounded so heartbroken, that it was tearing me up wanting to stay, and needing to be the Beta I am.

Jack, came my Alpha’s call through the link, you need to get to the Alpha’s office right now. We have a situation with a very pissed off White Wolf and a possible spy for the Council.

Dammit! I just want some time with Emily, with my mate and her baby. Is that really too much to ask? Apparently, as the demand was repeated a few seconds later.

“I’m sorry Em, but I’m being called down to your father’s office.” I said, sadness softening my voice, “I wish I could stay here with you, but somethings going on and they need me. I promise,” I grabbed her hand in mine, kissing the back of it, “I will be back later once everything is settled. Just get some rest. I love you, my little mate.”

I didn’t wait for a response, as I turned and headed for the hallway.

“Jack,” her voice floated to me. It was like velvet rubbing along my skin, causing the flesh to rise in wonderful goose bumps.

“Yes, Em?”

There was a hesitation before, “I love you, too. Hurry back.”

My heart stopped. My breath backed up in my throat. My mate said she loved me!

Practically floating on air, I made my way towards the Alpha’s office and was brought crashing to earth seeing Leah faced off with a very ticked off wolf in mid-transformation.

~Emily’s POV~

Once Jack left, I laid on my bed surrounded by my perpetual darkness.

I just told him I loved him.

I just told him...I...loved...him...

Oh Goddess!

I could feel a panic attack coming on.

I shouldn’t have said anything. Things were moving too fast! Well, not really, by normal standards, but still. I can’t love him already? Can I? Oh, what am I going to do?

My chest started to tighten as my breaths came in short pants. Question after question, racing through my mind. Sending my emotions into a torrential whirl of anxiety, relief, love, hate, self-loathing, disgust, and worry. Everything rolled into one giant ball threatening to roll right over me, crushing me beneath its weight.

CREAK...

The sound of wood scrapping metal rang through the room, causing my runaway thoughts to cease.

CREAK...

There it was again. Someone was in my room!

I just lay there, not knowing if the lights were on or if the room was in total darkness. I just hope the lights are off, giving whoever is in here with me a hard time finding whatever it is they are looking for.

There was sounds of shuffling feet over the wooden floor boards, as the person entered further into my room. I didn’t move, not wanting to draw attention to my position on the bed.

Suddenly, hands descended on my mouth and nose, blocking my air. Flashbacks of my attack ran through my head, and I started to thrash about, not wanting to relive the same horrors from before.

Whoever had their hand over my mouth, didn’t seem phased by my struggles and only lent more weight onto me as I felt them rooting around for something. A sharp sting in my arm caused me to jerk in his hold.

I just wanted this person off of me so I could breath. I wanted to make sure the baby was okay, as most of his weight was situated on my stomach. My struggles became weaker. Whatever drug he injected me with was starting to take affect.

The last thing I remember was wishing Jack was here so I could feel safe and loved before I lost consciousness.

~Jax’s POV~

It was relatively easy to break into the pack house with everyone occupied with my little distraction in the back.

After ascertaining everyone was either involved in the fight, or in the safe room, I picked the lock on the front door and walked right in.

They really should post guards at the exits, I thought to myself. It was so simple, walking right into their home and climbing the stairs to the rooms located on the second level.

The files that had been sent upon my arrival in this town indicated Emily’s room was on the second level--more than likely the first room on the right. At the top of the stairs, I listened to make sure I was completely alone, I made my way to the first door on the right.

Once inside the room, I searched it to make sure it was indeed Emily’s. There were photos of her and her family placed here and there on the dresser, the walls, and even in the closet.

The sounds of the fighting outside were dying off and it was only a matter of time before someone came back up here.

Turning off all the lights, I made my way into the back of the closet to wait for Emily’s return. It had to have only been twenty minutes later, when the bedroom door opened and sounds of someone entering, and then the sounds of the bed shifting could be heard.

There were muffled voices, and from the pitch, I was aware of two different voices talking. One of them was most certainly Emily’s. The other...I wasn’t going to worry about. Emily was my assignment, and I was not going to screw this up. My reputation demands I complete my missions and that is exactly what I will do.

Eventually, the voices stopped and the sound of the door closing reached me. I waited a few more minutes to be sure there was no one else in the room besides Emily and me.

Slowly making my way to the front of the closet, I inched the door open. An annoying creak echoed around the room, causing me to cringe from the abnormally loud sound. When no one screamed, or jumped out at me, I inched it open further and quietly made my way across the room to the bed.

I could see a form laying on top of the covers, and judging from the rounded figure, it was Emily’s pregnant personage. Thinking she was asleep, I placed my hand over her mouth and nose to stifle any noise she may make. At the same time I reached into my back pocket to pull out the sedative I would need to keep her compliant.

Having her suddenly start jerking around, through me off and I dropped the syringe on the bed next to her. Not wanting to have her hurt herself anymore than necessary, I placed most of my weight on her to keep her from moving and felt around with my free hand for the needle. When it was in my hand, I didn’t waste any time in plunging it into the soft flesh of her arm.

The sedative worked quickly, and she stopped her struggles, going limp under my hands. Now all I had to do was sneak out of here without a hotel full of rabid beasts tearing me apart.

Should be a piece of cake.