Chapter 4

Two hours later they were pulling into a parking spot next to a black SUV. How original, Jacks thought. I mean you want to act like you're a badass the first thing you do is buy a shiny, black SUV. Everyone was shocked when Eamon started laughing. Jacks realized he was tuning into her inner monologue, so she did the most appropriate thing under the circumstances. She stuck her tongue out at him. Maeve didn't miss this action.

"Can you guys hear each other?" Maeve asked sounding a little surprised.

"Well, he eavesdrops on all my mental ramblings, so if that counts, then yes we can hear each other," Jacks complained.

This caused Liam to start laughing and a huge grin to split across Eamon's face. Jacks wanted to be mad, but she was too distracted by how handsome her man looked when he smiled. He winked at her and she realized he had caught her passing thought.

"Let's go meet my brother before Eamon makes Jacks turn purple because I don't think her skin repertoire has too many more shades of red," Liam said opening his door.

Maeve quickly followed suit, but Eamon waited when he saw Jenna trying to drag Jacks out of the car.

"Oh, come on you baby. He is just a guy. Besides, haven't you already meant him as y'all went to the same school?" Jenna asked.

"I have never met Kael. He was like six years ahead of us, and he isn't just a guy he is a werewolf. Actually, he's like the werewolf godfather."

Eamon was finally able to get them out of the car. She noticed Maeve and Liam already climbing into the car. Eamon grabbed Jacks's hand, and she visibly relaxed. He climbed in after the other two and pulled Jacks with him. Jenna started to slide in next to them, but the man in the driver's seat spoke up.

"Miss Darlington, would you mind sitting in the passenger's seat? It just makes defending you easier while in a hostile area."

"If you insist," she joined him in the front. "I'm going to take a shot in the dark here, but I am assuming you are Kael."

"That I am. It's nice to meet you both," he added nodding to Jacks. "Welcome to the pack. As your alpha, it is my job to keep all of you in one piece, so we are going to have a plan when we go into the meeting. We are meeting them at a café outside of our private airport. They are going to be waiting for us when we get there since I called their alpha shortly after speaking with Liam. He doesn't know exactly why I requested a meeting, but I assured him it would be peaceful and that we meant no harm. Jacks, I know this is all very new to you, but whatever you do don't touch another wolf." She nodded her understanding, so he continued. "He informed me he would be bringing his top three which gives them a little bit of an edge if this gets out of hand. So, if there is a fight, Maeve I am leaving it to you to get the three of you out of there. Liam and Eamon, do not, and I repeat, do not provoke them. Is everyone clear?" They all nodded.

Jenna noticed Eamon and Liam looked upset that they would have to avoid ruffling anyone's feathers. She wondered if she was more of a hindrance then a help, but she knew it was too late for them to change their minds. Kael noticed her clenched fists and instinctively put a hand over them. Jenna's eyes went wide, and he quickly pulled away.

She stuttered, "Kael, is there anything specifically I shouldn't do?"

"Don't touch another male for my sake. Oh, and try not to smart off," he laughed at her shocked expression. "My brother has informed me you are a sarcastic one, so I ask you not say anything to prick their tempers."

She nodded and leaned back. She closed her eyes and shook her head in frustration. Jacks noticed her friend's behavior. She tried to lean forward to talk to her, but Eamon pulled her back and kept her anchored to his side with his arm. She glared at him, but he pulled her closer to him. She finally relented and leaned into him.

"Are we there yet?" Liam whined jokingly from the back seat after only an hour in the car.

"I don't get why you are whining. At least in this car you mountains of men can actually fit comfortably," Jacks muttered from the passenger's seat.

Kael laughed, "We have fifteen more minutes."

Jacks stiffened against Eamon. He knew she was worried about the meeting. It will be fine. He told her through their mental connection.

Fine is a relative term my hot werewolf.

Your hot werewolf? he asked with a huge grin on his face.

I figured I might as well embrace it. I mean I could have ended up with an ugly, calculator-pushing werewolf. So I will rejoice in you and all your beta-ness.

She was glad to have the distraction, and his laughter warmed her from her toes to the unruly curls on top of her hair. Kael announced their arrival, and Eamon gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. She was a little surprised. Not only had he had his arm around her, but he had held her hand the entire time. Jacks was never one for physical contact. In the past, a hug was rare, but with Eamon she couldn't help but touch him. She really hoped it was some part of the weird werewolf mojo.

Kael exited the vehicle and the other five followed him obediently. The males were being extra vigilant. They entered a café called The Witch's Brew. How fitting, Jacks thought. They saw a table of four extremely large men who rose when they entered. Jacks noticed that Liam and Eamon were blocking Maeve and herself from their sites. Kael was doing the same thing to Jenna. One of the wolves spoke.

"I would like to get this meeting over with as soon as possible, Roberts," he practically spit the name out.

"I understand your pack does not exactly like mine, but I will not tolerate such disrespect. We both know who would win a fight here," Kael stared him down.

They had a short staring contest before the other wolf bowed his head in submission to Kael's dominance.

"Can we at least sit down? We mean no harm to your females, so you can stop hiding them."

Maeve stepped around Liam, and Kael pulled Jenna to stand next to him. Only, Eamon wouldn't let Jacks move. She decided now would not be a good time to argue with him.

Kael spoke again, "The subject which we will approach today may bring up some unpleasant emotions, but I ask that you all bear with me. I assure you the means will justify the end, Quinlan."

"If this has something to do with an alliance, I will tell you to save your breath."

"I think you will change your mind, but I think we should start with introductions."

"How about you six start?"

"As you know I am Kael Roberts, alpha to my pack. This is my beta, Eamon Connors, and his mate. This lovely young woman is Maeve Donnelly, mate to my brother. I believe you remember Liam."

"I am alpha to my pack. That man is my beta, Kieran," he said pointing to a fearsome man with black hair and dark eyes. "The other two are two of my top ranking pack members, Fergus and Garvan. Now will you please introduce the woman Connors is shielding?"

Kael nodded to Eamon who pulled Jacks to stand in front of him. She tried to put some space between them, but he pulled her right up to his chest. She wanted to frown, but she felt it was of the utmost importance to keep an indifferent expression on her face.

"This is Jacqueline Sinclair. However, I believe you may know her better as Jacqueline Conall."

There was a collectively indrawn breath among the four men. Quinlan approached and reached a hand out to touch her as to see if she were really there. He stopped when he heard a low growl from Eamon. He stepped back and bowed his head to Eamon to appease the wolf nature.

"Kael, I believe you were right when you said we had some things to discuss. Why don't you all join us at our table?"

The four of them sat on one side of the table and chairs were adjusted so that the six could sit on the opposite side. The four finally recovered and Quinlan spoke.

"How long have you known about your father? It was my understanding your mother did not want you to know about werewolves let alone your werewolf father."

"Well, I found out last night actually. I'm assuming you are the beta who offered to take me under his wing after my father's death, is this correct?"

"Yes, that was me. I want you to know that I have checked on you through correspondence with your mother. I promised your father I would look out for you. Why did she finally decide to tell you?"

She looked to Eamon who nodded for her to explain, "Yesterday, I happened to meet Eamon. By his insistence we went and saw my mother. She told me everything after Eamon explained the situation."

He nodded and turned to Kael, "Is she aware of the ill will between the packs?'

"She was made aware. Brina insisted we seek you out given some developments that have arisen."

"So, I guess this changes some things. I can't say I am surprised that Finley's daughter would be mate to a wolf as strong as your beta. I think with the tension between some of the packs we should keep this connection secret, but do not hesitate to seek out our assistance."

"I figured that is what would happen, but I need you to understand why Brina demanded we seek out your additional protection of her daughter. As you have mentioned, her mate is a very strong wolf, one vital to the protection of my pack, which makes her an ideal target."

"Are you telling me your females have been getting abducted as well?"

"That is exactly what I am telling you. We have managed to prevent all attempts, but they are getting bolder and we still have not been able to figure out which pack is responsible for these crimes."

"Many of us assumed it was your pack, but I can now see we were mistaken. Well, I think we should both increase security and we can communicate via cell phone. I want to try and keep our face to face meetings to a minimum."

They discussed a few more details pertaining to the situation, and the pack left.

Liam turned to his brother, "So?"

"I think it went better than I was expecting, but he is right. We need to get back to the pack mansion to protect our females."

Jenna spoke up, "Okay, so you guys have some puppy drama to resolve, but, in case y'all forgot, I seem to be lacking in the furry genes department. Why do I need to go with you? I think you should just let me stay in my apartment."

For some reason, the thought of leaving her to fend for herself made Kael sick to his stomach.

"Are you sure there is no werewolf blood anywhere in your family tree?" he asked her.

"I'm ninety-five percent positive I have no ancestors who howled at the moon for fun, but I mean there are secrets in every family."

Maeve spoke up, "We should have the pack physician do some test to make sure, and even if you are one hundred percent human, you should still stay at the pack mansion. It will be safer for you."

The boys nodded their agreement. She suggested they stop at the apartment she shared with Jacks so they could at least pack some of their clothes. They denied her request, but eventually conceded when Jenna started suggesting she wouldn't need clothes if she just walked around naked. Eamon told them everyone would be going up with them. With that they piled into the SUV. They drove the hour to the girls' apartment complex.

They were finally entering the apartment complex when Eamon saw Garrick. He tensed, as did Liam and Kael, and they hurried the girls up the three flights of stairs to the apartment. Jenna opened the door and started to go in, but Kael grabbed her arm and pulled her back. Liam went in and did a quick sweep to make sure it was safe.

"Liam and I will stand guard out here and Eamon will wait inside with you. I ask you work quickly. Your building is not a safe place for you right now," Kael said calmly.

Maeve helped them pack the essentials since most of the things they would need could be provided back at the pack headquarters. The girls finished packing in less than ten minutes and they were on their way. On the way out, Jenna and Jacks noticed Garrick.

"What's Garrick doing here?" Jacks hissed.

"Should we see what he wants? Marshall probably sent him," Jenna said.

They started towards him, but were stopped by Kael and Eamon. Kael told Jenna he would explain later, and they hurried out to the door. Once in the car, Jenna demanded answers.

"Would someone like to explain that little episode?"

"Garrick is a werewolf," Eamon started.

"What?" both Jenna and Jacks screamed.

"Did you two not see him waiting when we came in?" Maeve asked.

They just shook their heads and Eamon continued, "Garrick seems to have an agenda regarding one of you. I wasn't about to let you risk your lives to answer a potential work question."

"Besides, if it was a work question, why wouldn't he just call you? You both have cell phones don't you?" Liam asked.

Jenna and Jacks shuddered, "Okay, I think they get the picture," Kael said.

After a few moments of silence, Jenna muttered, "I swear my ass is going to attach to this seat."

Kael snorted and the rest of them busted out laughing. Jenna looked a little embarrassed, but not enough to keep the grin off of her face.

"But really, how long is this car trip going to be? I feel like we have been driving a lot lately," Jenna said.

"We have been driving for a half an hour, so we have two and a half more to go," Kael replied.

"Well, have fun surgically removing me from this seat," Jenna mumbled as she pulled off her heels and threw them to the floor.

"You don't get to complain, Jenna. I wanted to wear sweats and a t-shirt, but no, I had to wear a freaking sweater dress," Jacks shouted.

"Oh, don't whine, princess. You've got a nice cuddle buddy back there. So you just take a nap on your wolf while I lean on this nice comfy window."

Jacks's face was bright red, but everyone else was laughing at her expense. She didn't even have to look at Eamon to know he was laughing because he was shaking.

"Hey, maybe you can find yourself a nice wolf friend when we get to the pack house," Jacks said with a wink.

Kael felt himself getting jealous over Jacks's ridiculous comment. He didn't understand it, but he knew if he was freaking out now, then her being surrounded by his packmates was going to test his resolve.