“You made good time,” Laketon said, glancing at the two of us and probably trying to figure us out. Our short nods were answer enough as he continued. “You can throw whatever you’re not taking in my car. We’ll be heading north from here, about seven kilometres.”
We started undressing and piling our stuff in Laketon’s car.
“I already have three of my pack gone ahead. They’re keeping a low profile as you wanted, making sure not to announce trouble. Debbie has Lucinda and says nothing is out of the norm.”
I puffed out a breath, tension easing a little from the tightness in my shoulders. “Thanks. That’s good,” I said as Thatch reached out to take my jeans, brushing my fingers when he did so—his silent reminder we were in this together.
Butt naked and ready, we shifted quickly. My view altered, closer to the land, and I had just enough time to appreciate Thatch in the final change. Pride for the man eased through me. Despite barely being a shifter for a couple of months, he changed like he was born to do it.
Giving in to temptation, I rubbed my head against his inky black fur while turning my attention to Laketon. His assessing eyes remained on us, no doubt taking in our change and reaction to each other. No judgment appeared in his eyes, just mild curiosity before he nodded, and we collected our bags in our mouths and raced north through the forest of gum trees.
CHAPTER TEN
THE UNFAMILIAR SCENT of the Ballard pack filled my senses. While the forest’s distinctive smell was easier to identify, it didn’t overshadow the pack’s unique hint of earth and minerals, though I couldn’t identify which ones.
With the scent growing strong, I went on high alert. Not only did nervous energy of the possibility of attack ride me hard, but the anticipation of seeing my niece, scenting her for the first time, holding her tight as I broke her heart with the news about her mum kept me on edge.
She was the only true family I had left. There was Thatch who, with certainty, I could say I’d be making mine as soon as possible, but Lucinda would have the piece of my heart reserved for blood. And with that, I would do everything within my power to protect her.
On the outskirts, two men stood front and centre while three wolves flanked them. One woman and two other wolves remained off to the right. The three of us slowed, and immediately, it was clear that the woman and two wolves next to her were Laketon’s. It meant one of the men was the alpha of this pack that was protecting my niece.
We stopped a respectable distance away before calling forward the change. I shifted first with Laketon a few seconds behind, and Thatch just a few behind him. Butt naked and rigid, I waited, hating the formality necessary. While I kept my eyes on the indigenous man whose alpha vibes rippled our way, I tuned into my other senses, trying like hell to make sure nothing and no one was coming up behind us.
The alpha nodded in greeting, saying, “Please dress. No need to stand on ceremony.”
I bobbed my head in appreciation, and the three of us dressed quickly. Finally clothed, I refocused on the alpha.
“Laketon.” The alpha’s voice was strongly accented, much more so than the North Queensland of my youth and the less distinctive twang of Sydney dwellers. “Good to see you, my friend.” Open and friendly, his tone had me relaxing. He stepped forward, Laketon mimicking his movements. They embraced, giving a friendly pat on each other’s backs.
“Barwon, you too.” Laketon stepped back.
Barwon’s eyes then landed on me. “Callen.” His hand clasped mine.
“Barwon,” I greeted. “I can’t thank you enough for caring for Lucinda.” I allowed the depth of my words to flow through them. His protection meant everything.
“She’s a good kid.” His grip was firm, respectful, taking me by surprise. But my reality of packs and alphas was so different to the norm. There was no forced dominance in his handshake, no thread of power in his voice. I liked the man instantly.
I smiled for the first time since the rush of fear that had led me here. “She is.” My heart lurched a little at the truth of my words and the gratitude I felt towards my sister for making sure that I was a familiar face and voice in my niece’s life despite our distance. I stepped back and introduced Thatch, who’d held back and allowed me to take the lead.
“Why don’t I take you to see Lucinda, and while you’re catching up, Thatch, Laketon, and I can talk,” he offered.
“That would be great, thanks.”
He led us into what looked to be a community area, at which point, the woman headed over and greeted Laketon with a hug. Seeing her up close, I was able to see their similarities in colouring and features, figuring she was his daughter.
“Annie told us what she knew when she arrived,” Barwon said, pausing outside a large building. “And your agent, Daniels, continues to have eyes on Lucinda.” Relief was a heady thing, but we were far from danger. His next words reminded me of that. “My pack has been alerted to the imminent threat and are on patrol. Don’t let us being hidden away fool you into believing we’re vulnerable or backwards.” He grinned and reached out and took a tablet from the man by his side. “We have cameras and heat sensors spread out in a one-kilometre radius from our small town.”
My brows rose in surprise. I glanced around and saw a large tower peeking through the tree canopy, recognising it for a communication tower.
After following my line of sight, Barwon clapped me on the back. “Much safer than the city, am I right?” His laugh was deep and friendly, and my resulting smile
