Page 21 of Predator (Stope Packs #4)

Jackson clutched Emily tightly against his chest, shielding her as he sprinted through the forest. His bare feet had gone numb miles ago, but the pain didn’t slow him down. It couldn’t. He couldn’t shift with her in his arms, and leaving her behind wasn’t an option. So he’d yanked on his shirt and jeans, staying in human form. The air burned his lungs with each ragged breath as branches tore at his skin, slicing across his shoulders and thighs.

Four wolves lay dead behind them, but their pack wasn’t done. He could feel their energy. Intense, predatory, and closing in fast. His pulse pounded in his ears as adrenaline surged through him, driving his legs forward even as exhaustion threatened to weaken them.

He crashed through the tree line and stumbled into Copper Pack territory. The moment his feet hit the border, six wolves appeared from the shadows, their eyes glowing amber in the moonlight.

Jackson halted, his chest heaving and his grip on Emily tightening. Blood slicked his skin, hot and thick, from wounds in his chest and thighs. His pulse weakened, but he planted his feet, his gaze sweeping over the wolves.

The largest shifted first. Oakley. Seventeen years old, tall and lean with agile muscles, he had a sharp jawline and intense eyes. Jackson had met him briefly. He was one of Erik’s youngest Enforcers, already fierce and loyal.

“Jackson?” Oakley’s gaze dropped to Emily’s unconscious form, shock flickering across his face.

“We were attacked,” Jackson said, his voice rough from cold and exertion. “She needs a doctor. Now.”

Oakley’s eyes widened. “Come on. I’ll take you to Luna. She’s a great healer. Do you want me to carry her?”

Jackson’s snarl cut through the air. “No. I’ve got her.”

Oakley didn’t ask again. He turned and bolted through the trees.

Jackson followed, holding Emily close and whispering nonsense to her.

Oakley led them down a narrow path toward a snowy road where a battered green truck covered in snow waited. “We keep these scattered around in case we need them.”

“Got it.” Jackson climbed into the passenger seat, still holding Emily to his body in an effort to warm her. She felt like ice.

Oakley slipped behind the wheel and started the engine.

Heat blasted from the vents, searing Jackson’s raw hands and dragging pain back into his consciousness as his nerves reawakened.

“Emily,” he murmured, shaking her gently. She didn’t stir. Breathing in her scent, he closed his eyes to listen for her heartbeat. It was sluggish and too faint. “Damn it. Wake up.”

She didn’t move.

Oakley glanced sideways, concern flashing in his eyes as he grabbed his phone and issued rapid orders to secure the border against the Ravencall wolves. Then he looked down at Jackson’s feet before focusing on the icy road. “You warming up, man?” he asked, his voice steady despite the tension.

“Yes,” Jackson said curtly. Why wasn’t she waking up? Had her shift and run pushed more of the silver through her veins? To her heart or brain?

Oakley sped through the Copper Pack territory, weaving through snow-dusted roads until the lights of the main town glimmered ahead. He turned down a side lane leading to a small log cabin where Erik Volk and his mate, Luna, waited on the porch.

Jackson jumped out before the truck had fully stopped. “She was shot with silver yesterday, but she had to shift. Her body couldn’t handle the cold,” he said quickly, his gaze locking on Luna.

“Bring her inside,” Luna said, her voice soft but firm. Her dark hair framed her delicate face, intelligent eyes gleaming with determination.

Jackson stepped past Erik and into the warmth of the cabin, hope battling with fear inside his chest.

Erik followed Luna into the warm living room, and Jackson gently placed Emily on the sofa.

“Stoke the fire hotter,” Luna ordered her mate.

Erik Volk moved to the fireplace, tossing more logs onto the flames. He stood as tall as Jackson but had lighter blue eyes and dark-blond hair. He resembled his older brother, Seth, more and more with each passing year.

“I’ve got her.” Luna knelt beside Emily and placed a blanket over her. “Get me some warm tea, please, Erik.”

Erik glanced at Jackson. “There are socks in the bedroom,” he muttered before heading into the kitchen.

Jackson hesitated, his gaze fixed on Emily.

“It’s all right, Jackson. I’ve got her,” Luna urged. “Your feet are blue.”

Jackson exhaled slowly and made his way into the bedroom. Finding a drawer, he pulled out socks to wear, then returned to the living room.

Emily stirred just as Erik entered with a steaming mug.

“Hey, Emily,” Luna said softly. “I need you to take a couple of deep breaths, all right?”

Emily gasped, her eyes flying open as she bolted upright.

“Whoa.” Luna gently patted her arm. “You’re okay.”

Emily’s wild gaze darted around the room. “Jackson.”

“I’m here.” He circled the sofa, careful not to block the warmth of the fire.

“We were in a helicopter crash,” she murmured as if trying to piece things together. Her gaze shifted to Luna.

“Seriously?” Luna glanced over her shoulder at Jackson.

“Yeah.” He gave her a short nod before locking eyes with Erik. “Apparently, the Ravencall Pack got their hands on some Stinger missiles.”

Erik’s expression darkened. “How?”

“Hell if I know.” Jackson’s feet tingled as they warmed more.

It was true that many wolf shifter packs had decent underground sources for weapons and always had. But for the Ravencalls to not only afford but acquire Stinger missiles meant they were gearing up for war.

“Damn it,” Erik muttered. “We need to have a meeting of the coalition.”

“Agreed.” Jackson glanced over at the couch.

Erik rubbed a hand down Luna’s hair, his gaze beyond her. “Em? You doing okay?”

Emily nodded. “Yes. We appreciate the help.”

Erik winked. “Well, I am your ex.”

Jackson’s chin lifted, and his chest heated.

Emily caught his gaze. “In name only.”

Erik smirked. “Tryne? Let’s step into the kitchen. We need to talk.”

Luna smiled, her tone soothing as she touched Emily’s shoulder. “I’ve got her. She’s all right.”

Emily pressed a hand to her temple. “I’m fine, Jackson. Just a little weak.”

“We’ll get some tea into you.” Luna offered her the mug. “Sip it slowly, okay? Then I have some herbs I want you to take.” Her voice softened with empathy. “So, you got shot with silver?”

“Yes. We need to figure out an antidote for that stuff.” Emily’s shoulders stiffened.

Jackson shook his head, guilt weighing heavily on his chest. Under his watch, she’d been kidnapped, shot with silver, and now caught in a helicopter crash. He clenched his fingers into a fist. He certainly wasn’t taking decent care of her.

Luna adjusted the blanket over Emily with care, her soft voice filling the room. Emily’s cheeks had regained some color, but she still looked too pale, fragile.

He had to force himself not to sit and drag her onto his lap. “Em? How are you really feeling?” he asked, not caring that the Alpha of the Copper Pack wanted to speak with him. Now.

Emily sipped more of the tea. “I’m fine, but I don’t know when I’ll be able to shift again. I feel…empty.” Tears filled her eyes.

He took the tears like a punch to the gut. A hard one.

“You will,” Luna said with quiet confidence, patting Emily’s knee. “Believe me, you’ll be just fine.”

Jackson forced a breath into his lungs. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.” His feet resisted the urge to move away from her, but he made himself turn to follow Erik.

“I know,” Emily murmured.

“Now, let’s get these wet clothes off you. You’ll feel much better.” Luna’s kind voice filled the room. “I’ve never been in a helicopter crash before. Tell me all about it.”

Jackson paused in the doorway, the sound of Emily’s soft laughter tugging at something deep inside him. She’d been beyond brave and strong when she’d clung to his back as he ran through the icy forest.

No way in hell was he letting her go. Ever.

With Luna’s help, Emily changed into one of Erik’s extra-large, long-sleeve shirts, sweats, and thick socks since Luna’s clothing was too small and way too short. Her muscles ached as she moved, her limbs still sluggish from the cold and the lingering effects of the silver. She shivered slightly as her body slowly warmed beneath the soft fabric.

“There you go,” Luna said, her smile warm. “Feeling better?”

“I am. Thank you.”

Luna helped her back to the living room and settled her onto the sofa, pulling a soft blanket over her. “Let the fire warm you even more.”

The low murmur of male voices drifted from the kitchen, grounding Emily in the present. She tucked her legs beneath the blanket, holding her hands out toward the fire’s heat. “How have you been?”

Luna chuckled, her eyes bright with humor. “A lot better than you have.”

“No kidding.” Emily glanced at the backpack resting near the hearth. Her pulse skipped. Jackson had brought it with them? “How long can blood stay out of refrigeration before it spoils?”

Luna’s smile faded. “Depends on what you need it for. Twenty-four hours if you just need DNA. Much less for other tests. Why?”

Emily held her gaze, waiting.

Curiosity sparked in Luna’s eyes. “You have blood in there?”

Emily nodded. “Yes. Will you refrigerate it for me?”

“Sure.” Luna took the pack, her movements slow and deliberate. “I’ll run it down to my lab.”

“Thank you.” Relief filtered through Emily.

Luna disappeared down the stairs and soon returned, her eyes glimmering. “Want to tell me why you’re carrying blood and…what was that other thing? A bloody doily?”

Emily chuckled. “Yeah. I do want to tell you, and if you don’t mind, I’d like you to correspond with my doctors.”

Luna’s smile faded into something softer. She placed a hand over Emily’s knee. “Oh, Em…are you sick?”

“Yes.” Emily told Luna the entire story, winding down with her current situation.

Luna’s eyes kept widening the entire time. “Impressive. The fact that you got shifters to give up blood is shocking, though. I have to admit, I appreciate the punch to the nose and the doily trick. However, to be honest, we probably won’t get a good sample from that. But the important blood is yours and your fathers, even Nadia’s, so we’re fine.”

Emily had heard that Luna was pushing to modernize her pack’s medical practices. Thankfully, Erik supported her, because Luna seemed like a force of nature. Emily’s nose twitched, catching a scent in the air. Something a bit earthy yet sweet. Baby powder? “Luna,” Emily said softly. “Congratulations.”

“For getting mated? Thanks. You already sent me flowers, remember?”

“No.” Emily met her gaze with a small smile. “For the baby.”

Luna froze, her face going pale. “What?”

Emily covered her mouth, realizing she’d spoken too soon. “You didn’t know yet?”

“No. What are you talking about?” Luna asked, her voice shaking.

Emily reached for her hand. “You’re pregnant. I have an advanced sense of smell. I’ve always been able to tell. I could smell a baby just now.”

Luna blinked several times. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I knew when Mia was pregnant, too.” Mia had mated Seth Volk and was due sometime in the next few months.

Luna sat back, tears welling in her eyes. “I wasn’t sure I could have children. I mean, I thought maybe once I mated with Erik, but I didn’t know if it was possible. I can’t believe this. How wonderful! Are you absolutely sure?”

Emily squeezed her hand. “I’m one hundred percent positive.”

Joy transformed Luna’s face, her smile radiant. “Oh, this is incredible. But don’t tell Erik yet, okay?”

“I won’t say a word.”

“Good. I want to surprise him after I double-check. No offense.”

How wonderful for the couple. “No offense taken. It’s one of my gifts.”

Luna’s gaze brightened, and she inhaled sharply as if holding back a rush of emotions. “Let’s focus on you now.” Her voice turned brisk, her healer instincts apparently taking over. “I need you to tell me everything again, from the first symptom to the latest. Don’t leave anything out.”

Emily hesitated, her fingers knotting together on her lap as she lowered her voice. “This has to stay between us. Doctor-patient confidentiality and all that.”

“Of course.” Luna tilted her head, whispering back. “Does Jackson know?”

“No.” Emily’s voice dropped. “But I’m sure he has questions since he knows I was carrying blood.”

Luna snorted. “Oh, I’m sure he has questions. You know, you can tell him the truth. Your packs are aligned, and besides, there’s something between you two.”

“There can’t be,” Emily said firmly.

Luna waved a hand through the air. “Oh, that’s just silly.”

“No, it isn’t.” Emily appreciated her friend’s encouragement but held her ground.

“Well, I’m not done trying,” Luna teased. “But tell me. Did I hear right that he’s looking for a mate on the Internet?”

Sometimes, wolves gossiped worse than humans. “I’ve been using the Internet to find one for him. So, yes, that rumor is true.”

“Girl, that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.” Luna shook her head.

“Maybe. Maybe not.” Emily took a deep breath. “For now, can you help me?”

Luna’s gaze sharpened. “Yes. I’ll coordinate with the doctors and healers in all four packs. We’ll figure this out, Emily.”

For the first time since falling ill, Emily felt hope.