Legacy: Alexandra's Legacy Part 2

Her father shrugged. "Fair or not, that's how it is." He paused. "It's really a wonderful thing if you allow it to happen and embrace the moment. You'll be more powerful than you've ever imagined even when you aren't in wolf form. Your hearing will be keener, your vision sharper, your reflexes faster and your muscles will be stronger. You'll also heal faster if you sustain any injuries." His eyes narrowed. "Even as a child you never got sick. You were always fast and strong. I didn't know if that was as much as my wolf blood would give you or if you'd develop as a female werewolf."

That was all fine and good, and she'd deal with it when she had to. Right now they had a much bigger worry, and he was standing in the same room with them. "But why is he here?" She jerked her head toward the opening between the kitchen and living room where Joshua was lurking.

"That's what I'm about to find out." Straightening from his crouch, her father motioned Joshua back into the room. "What's going on?"

Joshua prowled back into the room, his loose-legged gait reminding her of her father. "Ian sent me."

"He is alpha?"

Joshua nodded. "He came just after you left."

"I wasn't sure he would even though I'd sent for him. How is my brother?"

Alex sat up straighter. Her father had a brother? She had an uncle? Every second seemed to be revealing something new to her. She stared at her father. It was as if he was a complete stranger even though she'd known him her entire life. It wasn't a comfortable feeling. Anger began to stir deep inside her, shoving aside the swirling confusion.

"He is well, but very concerned about you and about his niece. The pack needs both of you. Times are hard and there is much fighting among the brethren."

Her father laughed but it wasn't a particularly pleasant sound. Alex could hear the disgust in his tone. "Some things never change. Killing one another over petty grievances rather than banding together for the greater good. For survival."

"As you say." Joshua inclined his head slightly. "But the fact remains that a wolf who knew you from the past happened by your shop a little more than a week ago and saw you and your daughter. He immediately started back to the pack to tell Ian, but he must have told someone else what he'd seen.

"Word spread quickly even though he managed to get himself killed before he could give away more than the name of the city you were living in. By then it was too late. Most of the unmated males from the Wolf Creek pack, as well as the Blue Ridge and c.u.mberland packs, have descended on Chicago. There may be more. We've all been searching. The difference is we want to protect both you and your daughter, the other packs will probably kill you in order to take Alex and they won't give her a choice in mating. They will fight for her and she will go to the victor."

Her father's expression darkened. "You all want to claim her. Do not pretty it up."

"Of course we all want her. She is an unmated female. Not only is she beautiful, but she is your daughter as well. There are many who want her for that reason alone."

"Hey!" Anger bubbled to the surface, as she jumped to her feet. "Don't I get a say in this?" Alex was tired of them talking about her like she wasn't even there, of discussing her life as if it were a done deal.

Joshua Striker turned to her, his dark eyes boring into her. "Unfortunately, no." He paused and ran his fingers though his hair. Alex found herself wondering if it was as soft as it looked. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. What was she thinking?

"Actually you do have two choices. Come with me to Wolf Creek and you'll have your choice of any of the unmated males. Or..." he glanced toward her father, "...you can stay here and have to defend yourself against any other males that come to claim you, putting yourself and your father in danger."

"What if I don't want to mate with anyone?" Adrenaline surged through her veins. She wanted to wake up and find out that she was still in bed and all this was just a bad dream. But it was all too real.

She could sense Joshua carefully choosing his words as if he didn't want to upset her any more than she already was. She could have told him he was wasting his time. At this point her world was so far off center it would never go back again. What was one more thing?

"You are going into heat, Alex."

It was the first time he'd said her name and it sent a bolt of desire shooting between her thighs. She had to resist the urge to squeeze her thighs together to ease the growing ache. She could feel the moisture soaking her panties and was appalled. Could he smell her arousal?

She forced herself to ignore the throbbing and pay attention to what he was saying.

"You will not be able to help yourself. You will mate. It is just a matter of who it will be with."

Alex found the very concept appalling. "That's disgusting. I'm not an animal. I'm not." She backed away from both men, holding her hands out in front of her as if to ward them off.

"Alex." Her father reached for her, but she shook her head and turned toward the door. She needed to get out of here. She needed to be by herself to think, to sort out all that she'd learned.

But it was too late. Joshua had cut off her escape, silently sliding in front of the door. His arms were crossed against his chest and his legs were spread in a wide stance. No, she wouldn't be leaving that way.

"I'm going to my old room." She stalked toward the hallway. She could always climb out through the fire escape.

"No." Joshua grabbed her arm, the heat from his fingers practically burning her through the material of her sweatshirt as he thrust her toward a corner of the living room. "There's no time."

Gla.s.s shattered and a huge wolf jumped in through the low kitchen window from the small fire escape that was below it. Several men followed. Another crash came from down the hall and Alex feared that more were coming in through her bedroom window.

Her father crouched in a fighter's stance, ready to face the threat. "Take her and get out. I'll hold them off."

"No!" she screamed. She wouldn't leave him. It didn't matter that he'd lied to her, or that her life was coming undone, he was her father. She knew he loved her and had lied to protect her. She'd rather fight and die beside him. Drawing her weapon, she took aim and fired as the first wolf attacked.

Chapter Three.

Joshua watched in awe as Alex squeezed off two quick shots, hitting the largest wolf in midair as it launched itself at her father. There was no hesitation. She was definitely an alpha female, ready to fight and defend what was hers.

The wolf let out a yelp and hit the floor with a thud, its mouth opening on a snarl. Alex fired another round, this one straight into the animal's heart. The wolf went silent, its bleeding body stretched across the floor a mere foot from her.

Joshua forced his eyes away from her and toward the men racing down the hallway. There was no time for him to transform into a wolf, so he swooped down and drew a deadly, silver-coated hunting knife from the sheath tucked in his boot. He threw it at one attacker even as he launched himself at the largest of his foes.

They slammed against the floor. Joshua immediately rolled so that he was on top, his large hands wrapping around the other man's neck. His opponent bucked, his eyes and the veins in his neck bulging as he attempted to dislodge Joshua. He brought his hands up, jabbing quickly at Joshua's throat, forcing him to lean away. His attacker took advantage, rolling them both to the side. The moment Joshua's grip slipped, the other man pounced again.

Both of them were panting hard now, sweat beading on their skin. They grappled, neither of them giving ground. Joshua rolled to his feet and risked a glance over at Alex and her father. James was currently fighting two attackers and Alex was locked in hand-to-hand combat with another. Joshua growled low in his throat, the need to protect her almost overwhelming all else. Only years of discipline, and the fact that he knew these particular wolves wanted Alex alive to mate with her, kept him from doing something stupid, like trying to race to her defense before he'd dealt with the much larger threat in front of him.

The fight was primal and brutal, each of them intent on permanently disabling the other. There would be only one winner. Death or retreat were the only options for the loser. Joshua had never retreated from a fight in his life. He was the Striker. He could afford to show no weakness. To walk away would cast doubt on his abilities, would be a slur against his family heritage.

But he'd do it for her in a heartbeat if it meant the difference between Alex being safe or being in jeopardy. That thought made his heart stop beating. When it resumed, it pounded with such force it was a wonder it didn't erupt from his chest. He could not allow her to mean that much to him. He could not afford such a weakness.

Putting aside all other thought, he concentrated on his opponent. Tall and strong, with short blond hair and piercing gray eyes, he was a formidable foe. This was no young stripling, but a warrior in his prime.

But he was the Striker. Years of tradition and pride welled up inside him and a deep calm settled over him. Everything around him seemed more vibrant, all motion seemed exaggerated, as if it was in slow motion, allowing him to take in everything around him and make decisions.

When his opponent lashed out at him, Joshua ducked beneath the other man's arm and spun around coming up behind him. Wrapping his thick forearm around the man's neck, he jerked hard. The crack seemed unusually loud in its finality. The body in his arms went limp and he dropped it carelessly onto the floor, wading back into the fray.

Bloodl.u.s.t was pumping through his veins, demanding a sacrifice. The fact that Alex was in danger was unacceptable to him. With a roar, he grabbed the man that was trying to corner Alex. Somewhere along the way she'd lost her revolver and was now holding him off with a knife.

As if sensing his presence, the young man turned just in time to avoid Joshua's punch to the back of his head. Tipping back his head, Joshua's opponent howled. The remaining attackers raced across the room and dove through the shattered window, retreating to fight another day.

"Are you all right?" He gripped Alex by the shoulders, shaking her when she didn't immediately answer him.

"I'm fine." She sounded irritated. "I can't believe how fast those guys were. One of them knocked the Glock from my hand before I even knew he was there."

Joshua's lips twitched at the disgust he heard in her voice. His little alpha was p.i.s.sed with herself for not being able to hold on to her weapon. He bit the inside of his mouth to keep from smiling. She definitely wouldn't appreciate his humor right now. But d.a.m.n she was adorable, and s.e.xy, when she was angry.

"Dad?" She shook herself out of Joshua's grasp and strode toward her father. James was sweaty, his shirt was torn, but he looked fine. In fact, he looked as p.i.s.sed off as his daughter. Joshua was struck at that moment by how much they resembled one another.

Reaching out, James wrapped his arm around Alex and tugged her close. "I'm fine, baby. Are you sure you're all right?"

"I lost my gun." She said it as if she was admitting some dark sin.

Her father gave her a comforting hug, pride etched on his face. "You did extremely well considering you didn't know what to expect." He ran his hands over her arms and back as if to rea.s.sure himself that she was okay. "The problem is that these were, for the most part, young men. Only two of them were seasoned warriors. The next time it won't be so easy."

"Easy." Joshua could hear the growing horror in her tone. "That was easy?" Her eyes strayed to the large gray wolf lying dead on the floor and to the man with the broken neck. She swallowed hard, her hand going to her stomach.

He knew she was experiencing the aftermath of the fight. The adrenaline was still rushing through her system with no way to expend itself. He knew she must be feeling queasy. The fight was bad enough, but she'd had a huge shock on top of it. Still, she was steady on her feet. Once again, he found himself pleased with her inner strength.

James kissed her forehead before releasing her. "You must go with Striker."

"No. I won't leave you." She glared at Joshua as if he'd suggested it and not her father.

Joshua held his hands out in front of him. "He's right, Alex. They'll be back or another group will come. Next time they may be larger and more organized."

Her father gripped her shoulders, shaking her lightly. "Listen to me, Alex. I've given up everything to keep you safe and I don't regret a single moment of it. I'll be d.a.m.ned if I'll let these rogues have you if I can prevent it. Do you understand me?"

Joshua watched, fascinated by the play of emotions that raced across Alex's face. Anger followed by defiance and finally acceptance and sadness. She may be an alpha female but, in this small pack of two, her father was still top wolf.

She straightened her shoulders, shrugging out of her father's grip. "What do you want me to do?"

Her father nodded and Joshua could tell he'd expected no other answer from her. "I want you to go with Joshua back to the Wolf Creek pack. He will protect you with his life. There you'll have the time to get to know the rest of the single male wolves before you have to decide." He paused and dragged his hand over his face, suddenly looking tired and older. He sighed deeply as he reached out and stroked his hand over Alex's hair.

"I didn't wish this life for you. I'd hoped it wouldn't happen, that somehow there was more of your human mother in you. But the wolf is strong and won't be denied. I know this isn't what you wanted, but I have faith in you, Alexandra. I know you're strong enough to, not just face this, but to thrive."

She swallowed hard. Joshua watched the play of the muscles of her throat and had the urge to drag his tongue over that soft, sensitive skin. The adrenaline racing through his veins was searching for an outlet, and with the absence of violence, s.e.x would suit him just as well. Maybe even better. He found it almost impossible to drag his gaze away from her, but he did, painfully aware of how tight his jeans were becoming.

"I'll get rid of the bodies," James motioned to both the wolf and the man. "Then I'll follow you. I a.s.sume the Wolf Creek pack is still in the same general area."

Joshua stepped forward, suddenly very eager to get Alex away from here. He felt twitchy, like an icy cold breeze had just skated down his spine. "It is," he a.s.sured James. "We don't have much time." He glanced out the window. The rest of the world was just beginning to wake, but he knew there were wolves prowling close. The wolf in him could sense them and they weren't friendly. "I have to get Alex back to the protection of the pack."

James stepped over the body of the wolf and opened the bookcase again. Sliding back another false panel, he exposed the front of a small safe. Quickly spinning the dial, he yanked it open and drew out a large roll of bills, handing it to Alex. He fished out another large wad of cash, stuffing it in his own pocket before closing the safe.

"If you need to stop in a motel or lay low for a few days, pay for everything with cash. Don't leave them a trail they can follow. The wolves may not live in the cities, but they're smart and resourceful. Don't ever think for a moment that they don't use whatever human technology is at their disposal." He closed Alex's limp fingers over the wad of cash. "We're just like humans really, only with a little something extra."

Alex launched herself against her father, hugging him tightly. "I don't want to leave you." Her voice was m.u.f.fled against her father's shirt, but Joshua heard it all the same. He felt her pain as if it was his own. Uncomfortable with the softer emotion, he turned away to give father and daughter a moment of privacy.

"I know you don't, Alex. I don't want to let you out of my sight either, but we don't have a choice. If we split up, I can draw them away and we'll both have a better chance of survival."

She sniffed and Joshua couldn't resist peeking back at her. Alex swiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. Her father teased a laugh out of her when he lifted the tail of his shirt and used it to wipe away the telltale sign of her tears.

James took his cell phone out of his pocket, dropped it on the floor and crushed it beneath the heel of his boot. "Don't use your cell phone. We don't know if they've been compromised."

Alex nodded as she took the money her father had given her and divided it into four separate piles before placing one in each pocket of her jeans. Joshua raised his eyebrow as he stared at her. She was smart. It wouldn't do to have to haul out a huge wad of cash in front of anyone. That was something that a motel clerk or store clerk might remember.

She bent over, grabbed the handgun off the floor and jammed it into her holster. She checked her knives as well and, when she was satisfied, she turned back to her father. "Do you have any more ammunition?"

He reached into the hidden area behind the bookshelf and drew out another Glock, tucking it at the small of his back. "No. The clip was full. You fired three shots, so you have fourteen left. Make them count. Silver bullets are not easy to obtain without a lot of unwanted questions. I'd planned on acquiring more, but it's too late now."

"Will anyone call the cops?" Joshua asked.

James shook his head. "Probably not. The building behind us is vacant. And most folks mind their own business around here."

A sc.r.a.ping noise just outside the window alerted them all. Time had run out. James pointed to the door. Joshua retrieved his knife and whipped open the door, ready to face any threat. When he determined the coast was clear, he led the way down the stairs to the garage. The large room appeared empty, but they could all hear the loud bang from upstairs. James closed the door and bolted it shut. Joshua knew that wouldn't hold them for long.

Striding down the length of the room, James hurried into the office, returning a moment later with a heavy leather jacket and some keys. He tossed one set to Joshua as he continued on to Alex. "Put this on." He handed her the jacket and waited while she pulled it on. Then he handed her a set of keys and motioned to the corner. "Take the Ducatis. One of them has a slow oil leak; the other one just needs a tune-up. They'll get you away from here, but ditch them when you feel it's safe. They're too distinctive and easily remembered." He looked at Joshua as he said the last.

Joshua nodded as he made his way to the motorcycles in the corner. They were first-cla.s.s machines and he couldn't help but admire them. "Can you ride?" he asked Alex as she came up beside him.

She snorted before turning her back on him. He'd take that as a yes.

James laughed, shaking his head. "I'm more worried about you than I am about Alex. She can handle any machine on the road."

Alex was already mounted on her bike and had the key in the ignition. It roared to life as James hurried to the vintage Mustang and slid inside. He rolled down the window and shouted over the roar of the motors. "I'll see you in two days. Don't let anything happen to my little girl or you'll answer to me."

Before Joshua could respond the garage door began to rise. Swearing under his breath, he pulled the motorcycle off the stand and straddled it. Tires squealed and his head jerked up just in time to see the Mustang surge from the garage, barely clearing the bottom of the garage door, which was still rising.

Something pounded on the door leading down from the apartment. The bolts loosened with the blow. Another two blows and the rogue wolves would break through and be upon them. Alex tugged at his arm, shouting to be heard over the din. "Follow me." Not giving him a chance to respond, she revved the engine and shot out of the garage. He had no choice but to follow.

The Mustang roared out of the garage and down the street. The screech of tires behind James brought an immense sense of satisfaction. "That's it you b.a.s.t.a.r.ds. Follow me."

Two nondescript vehicles sped down the street behind him in pursuit. James kept one eye on the rearview mirror and was pleased when the two motorcycles pulled out of the garage. Pushing the gas pedal to the floor, he made a hard turn to the right. He heard the unmistakable sound of gunfire and almost turned back.

It took every ounce of discipline he had to keep going forward to draw the men chasing him further away from Alex. He reminded himself that he'd taught his daughter well. She knew how to defend herself. Better still, she could drive like a demon. That's why he'd insisted they take the Ducatis. With the smaller, faster motorcycles, they should be able to evade anyone pursuing them. It was James' job to draw the bulk of the attackers after him.

He began a deadly game of cat and mouse that took them through every back street in the city. James knew them all. If he was lucky, his pursuers would know squat about the layout of the roads. His instincts proved correct and it didn't take him long to lose them. But he knew they weren't gone. They'd regroup, knowing that Alex would be heading toward Wolf Creek and the protection of the pack. James figured they'd give the city a final sweep and, if they turned up nothing, they'd head out to set up an ambush somewhere along the way. It's what he'd do if he were in their situation.

Pulling slowly out from behind a building, he turned left and headed toward the downtown district. It was time to get down to business.

Alex's heart was beating so hard she couldn't hear anything else above the pounding rhythm. The motorcycle flew out of the garage just in time for her to see the tail end of the Mustang turn right at the end of the street. Her father was safe. She was safe. That was all that mattered.

The roar of a large caliber weapon being fired made her jump. Someone was shooting at her and Joshua. Well, what did she expect? These were obviously not the sort of people you reasoned with. A whiz off to her right startled her and she automatically jerked the bike in the other direction.

Swearing at herself, she struggled to regain control and keep from wiping out. She had to just ignore the shooting and drive. She didn't even know if Joshua Striker was behind her and she didn't dare look to find out. She had to trust he'd keep up. When she reached the end of the street she didn't slow down as she turned left.

She felt something coming up on her right side and risked a quick glance. Sure enough, the other Ducati was hot on her heels. Leaning over the fast, aerodynamic vehicle, she led him through the streets of Chicago and finally into the heart of the city.

It hit her as she left the modest buildings of her neighborhood behind her that she might never be able to go back there again. The thought struck like a knife to her heart. It was the only home she'd ever known. She might never see Divine again. Mr. Bykowski at the bakery shop, where she picked up coffee and m.u.f.fins every morning, would wonder what had happened to her. She didn't have any really close friends, but she and her father were part of the very fabric of life of their little section of the city.

What would happen to her father's garage? Unlocked as it was, it would probably be vandalized by the end of the day. What about her tiny apartment and all her things? She didn't own a lot, but what she did own, she'd lovingly chosen. She'd spent years scrounging through thrift shops and consignment stores to find furniture and dishes that she loved.

Her vision blurred and she blinked hard to clear it. Now was not the time. Stuff could be replaced. After all, in the end it was just stuff. What mattered was that she and her father were safe. She didn't dare think about the rest of it right now. She couldn't afford to lose her focus.

She knew that putting it off wouldn't change anything, but it would have to wait until she was safe. Then she knew she'd have to come to grips with the nightmare her life had suddenly become.