Rook (Black Mountain Pack Book 2) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Other Books By Miranda Lynn

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  About The Author

  MIRANDA LYNN

  Copyright © 2017 Miranda Lynn

  Cover Design by Robin Harper with Wicked by Design

  Interior Design and typesetting by TE Formats

  Edited by Ansley Blackstock

  All rights reserved.

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the above author of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  OTHER BOOKS BY MIRANDA LYNN

  Destiny Finds Her

  Blair’s Destiny

  Mack

  MY YEARS IN THE MILITARY forces prepared me for many things, but a babysitter was not one of them. I had expected a higher position in the Pride, and a more prestigious job when I petitioned to join the South American Pack. After twenty years hiding myself, and my military career coming to an end, my choice to join a pack or Pride was an obvious choice. Living in the mainstream human world wasn’t an option for me anymore. Even though shifters came out to humans years ago, not all of us agreed with that decision at the time, and many of us continued to hide ourselves among the humans, myself included.

  Now it was time to start a new chapter in my life. I had enjoyed my time in South America when on missions, so finding a Pride here was a no brainer. My tiger agreed, this was the perfect territory to settle down in. My acceptance to the South American Pride was quick, I soon found out why. My military background had put me at the forefront of the applicants and breezed me through. I was swiftly put on detail guarding Tomas’s, the Alpha’s, mate Cecilia, and child Sibby. This position gave me access to the Alpha behind the scenes and after a few months I started to realize he wasn’t who I thought he was. By then I was in too thick, I knew too much, and his daughter Sibby had stolen my heart. I would do anything to protect that little cub.

  One requirement Tomas had of his pack is each member also had a human job. It was his way of controlling things when the pack mates got out of hand. I didn’t have much choice when he suggested I go into local law enforcement. He said it was a perfect fit considering my background and his previous liaison was no longer around. I found out later he had been killed for a discretion against the Alpha.

  For two years I worked alongside the local officers and kept all things pertaining to our pack out of the headlines. Add the guard duty for Cecilia and Sibby and my days were full. Over time I saw the strain of being the Alpha’s mate put on Cecilia, and the unease of the fact that she was not his only mate. Tomas had a harem of wives of all ages. One night she came to me with a plan to get her and Sibby away from Tomas and hidden. I listened and suggested a couple of changes, but was happy to assist her. If they stayed they would surely die by Tomas’s hand before Sibby came of age.

  My loyalties were with Cecilia and her daughter, I felt no remorse or fear to be planning against Tomas. So one night we ran, I had set up all the transportation, paperwork and new identities that would be needed. We found a small secluded home in the woods of Missouri. When Sibby turned four we were attacked by a group of Tomas’s Pack. I was out on a provisions run when it happened. I came back to a destroyed home and carnage. They had ripped Cecilia to shreds and I couldn’t find Sibby anywhere. I assumed they had taken her back to Tomas. My thoughts were wrong, I followed the scent of attackers to the closest town bar. I overheard two of them discussing what had happened to find out that Sibby hadn’t been in the cabin. She ran.

  I tracked her to the Black Mountain Pack. I had to protect her, so I requested a meeting with the Alpha and explained the situation. Jerome was a very warm and welcoming Alpha, the total opposite of Tomas, and agreed to take Sibby in and foster her. He also agreed to allow me to enter the pack and help protect her.

  Now here I am returning to the pack that I ran from simply because Sibby, now known as Casey, has asked me to. This should be an interesting ride.

  EVEN WITH THE PRIVATE FLIGHTS and transportation fifteen hours is a hell of a long time to travel, but I did it without complaint. I breathed a sigh of relief when I arrived in Paraty. I knew I only had a few more miles to go to get to the central encampment of the South American Pride. Things would get interesting then. Mack and Casey had already contacted the pack to inform them of their Alpha’s death, and that I would be coming to take charge in Casey’s place for now.

  I leaned forward and thanked my Uber driver before I exited the vehicle. Paraty is a quaint town, cobblestone roads, and hidden amongst the mountains.Near the coast of Brazil close enough to Rio for necessities but far enough that the pack could stay hidden. I took a deep breath, memories rushing back to me, before I detoured through a small alley to the forest beyond. “It’s now or never.” I spoke to no one in particular before I divested my clothing and shifted.

  Thoughts ran through my mind as I let my body take over. The list of things that needed done before Casey came for her first visit and plans were made for the future of this Pride ran through my head. First on the list was to round up the witches that had worked with her father, and give them one chance to pledge their loyalty to the new Alpha. One in particular would be held until Casey lay down punishment.

  It took just under two hours to get to the village the Pride had created years ago. I slowed to take it all in, not much had changed in the fifteen years I had been gone. Small huts or houses circled around one large building used for meetings, gatherings, and Pride meals. This building also housed a small store for the things the Pride couldn’t grow or make themselves. Then up the side of the hill was the large house the Alpha built, overlooking the village, backed into the mountain, so there were only three sides to defend if the need arose. Sentinels were patrolling the forest around the village, but I knew how to slip past them. This would be the first test of the Pride, I needed to know where the week links were in our defenses. I wouldn’t allow Mack and Casey to visit until I knew it was completely safe. Especially since a cub would be on the way soon if it wasn’t already. I smiled at that thought, my large fangs hanging out as a chuffed laugh escaped my throat. Casey would make a wonderful mother, and Mack would be the best overprotective father out there.

  I made it all the way to the central building before anyone realized a new shifter was in town. I climbed the steps and shifted back to my human form. Standing gloriously naked, streaked with dirt and sweat, I watched as the Pride gathered and finally a guard rushed toward me. “You will kneel.” I growled at him. The Pride magic deep in my voice forced
him to stop and do just that as a collective gasp rose from the crowd. It was only then that I addressed those that stared at me.

  “You should all know by now that Tomas, your Alpha, is dead, and the new Alpha has sent me in her place to handle the transition. Many of you may remember me, some of you won’t, and that’s okay. I want you all to spread the news of my arrival. I am calling a mandatory Pride meeting tonight at seven pm, anyone who doesn’t show without good reason will be eliminated. A lot of changes will be made and all of them are for the better of the Pride. You will no longer live in fear of your Alpha, or the evil he ruled with. Go now and gather your Pride mates.” I turned into the building in search of food and the packages I had sent before my arrival. Nudity wasn’t an issue for me, but many of the Pride would pay more attention if my clothes were on.

  A shy young shifter approached me with a tray while I was pulling a shirt over my head. I looked at her and smiled a thank you as I took the tray. “What’s your name?” I sniffed and could tell she was a cat species, but I couldn’t exactly which one. I could also smell her fear as she replied.

  “Tamara,” she stuttered, as she gazed at the floor unwilling to meet my eyes. Her breaths were shallow and I could feel the need to flee radiate off her.

  I wanted to pull her close and comfort her but knew instinctively that would be the wrong approach. “Thank you for the food, Tamara. I want you to know there is no reason to fear me. I represent your new Alpha Casey in every way and agree with how she wants to run this Pride going forward. First and foremost, we won’t rule by fear. Please know that I do not mean to harm you for any reason, as long as you are honest and willing to adapt to the new laws that will be shared this evening.”

  She nodded slightly in acknowledgement of what I had said. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

  “Yes, please bring me water, a couple of bottles. I have had a long journey and my thirst is strong.” I watched as she turned to retrieve the refreshment I requested.

  I sat at the closest table to enjoy the food she had brought.

  “That one doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. I hate the way Tomas treated her. It’s a good thing he was taken out, or he would have broken her spirit soon,” a familiar voice stated from behind me.

  I turned my head to find my old military buddy standing before me. I stood and grabbed him in a bear hug. “Jonas, old friend. It is so good to see you and know that I have at least one person on my side that I can trust. You are on my side, right?” I studied him as he answered.

  “Always, brother. When word came in that Tomas had been taken out a collective cheer went up in the barracks. It won’t be easy sailing, as there are still quite a few who believe in the way Tomas ran things, and are not happy at all to hear that a female defeated him and has now claimed the right as Alpha. There will be blood shed before this transition is over, but I am not one of them. Sit, eat, and tell me how it went down.” Jonas clapped a hand to my shoulder before joining me at the table.

  Tamara returned with my waters at the same time. “Hi Jonas, can I get you anything?” she greeted him, blushing as she asked. I stored that away to ponder at a future time. I saw Jonas take her in as well.There was an attraction that was probably not allowed to be encouraged before Tomas’ defeat. I would make sure that changed.

  “No thank you, Tamara. I am good.” He smiled and winked at her.

  I waited for her to leave the room before continuing my conversation. I turned back to Jonas and after finishing off a chicken breast began my tale. I told him from the beginning when I helped Casey and her mother escape, to not being there when the house was attacked. I gave great detail on how I held back when I found her in Jerome’s pack and realized she didn’t know who she was or who I was. The torment when she was taken and lost once again. “When she finally turned and roamed with Mack was the first time I had seen her in years, but I instantly knew it was Sibby. She didn’t go by that name anymore, but she recognized me too. That was the first ray of hope I had, and I vowed to follow, help, and protect her anyway I could.” I sat back having finished my food and chugged the last bottle of water.

  “That must be when Tomas realized she was alive and where she was. We felt a ripple in the Pride bonds when she shifted but none of us knew why. Tomas was very secretive and left with only the elite guards he had under his total control, along with the witch that warmed his bed on more nights than not,” Jonas added.

  I finished my story, giving Jonas as many details as I could remember. “I worried for a moment that Casey wouldn’t come out on top, but Jerome and Mack had her back, and they took Tomas down for good. We were able to round up the rest of the Pride he had with him, but his witch did get away. She is a top priority to find. Jerome could have easily taken the Alpha position for this Pride, but he has enough on his plate with his own Pack. He is a very forward thinking Alpha, placing Casey as Alpha was a move I didn’t even see coming, one that I think is needed. Many shifters will push back, claim she isn’t the true Alpha and no female could take that spot, but if anyone can I think it’s Casey. Wait ‘til you meet her, Jonas. She is amazing, and gets stronger and wiser every day. She takes everything in stride, accepts what she is, and has a head on her shoulders and a compassionate heart in her chest that will make the perfect balance as Alpha.” I smiled with Pride.

  “Man, sounds like you have a little crush on her,” Jonas teased.

  “Nah, Mack would have my hide if I did. No crush, just a heart full of Pride at the woman she has become. But now we need to gather those who you trust and are willing to follow me as leader. I need those I can trust the most around me when I address the rest of the Pride.”

  “On it, boss. I’ll gather our group and a few others that feel the same way we do and meet you back here in an hour.” Jonas rose and clasped my forearm firmly before turning to leave.

  Tamara came in to clear away the dirty plates and tray as soon as he left. I placed my hand on her arm to stop her from leaving. “Tamara, will you be here tonight as well?”

  Still keeping her eyes lowered she answered softly, “Yes.”

  “Good, I would like you to stand up here with my guards and me if you would please.”

  That got her attention and she raised her eyes to mine. “Oh no, I can’t. I don’t belong alongside the guards or leader. I can’t, thank you, but I can’t.”

  “Calm down, Tamara, I would like to place you in charge of those who are willing to help ensure that everyone, including the children, have enough food and water. I have noticed the conditions here and they are not acceptable to me. You are kind and have taken good care of me today. I would like you to help me take care of the rest of the Pride who choose to stay with us.” I smiled encouragingly.

  “Oh.” She breathed. “Yes, I would like that. I will help in any way I can.” She nodded sharply.

  “Wonderful, meet us back here in an hour so I can go over how this will play out.” I watched as she left and then pulled out my Sat phone. Cell signals didn’t reach this part of the jungle. I dialed and waited for someone to pick up on the other end.

  A groggy female voice greeted me. “Do you know what time it is?”

  “HELLO TO YOU TOO, SUNSHINE.” I laughed

  “Oh, hey Rook, hang on a sec.”

  I heard rustling in the background and the chugging sound of her Kuerig filling her cup. Casey was a coffee junkie. “Ok what’s up?” she asked as I heard her take a sip.

  “Made it here. The conditions are not ideal, but not deplorable. I have already connected with a former military mate who stayed in the Pride. I have called a Pride meeting tonight and will be setting out the ground rules you and Mack agreed on.”

  “Hey, you agreed too, “she interrupted.

  “I know, but it needs to come from the Alpha, which is you right now. I am your voice down here, and that’s it. I can help and assist behind the scenes, be your physical body and enforcer here, but it needs to be your voice I represent. Did you get the
video done we talked about?”

  She heaved a sigh. “Yeah, I did, it was awkward talking to a camera I I can’t tell you how many tries it took. Mack finally stepped in and helped. Where do you want me to send it?”

  I gave her a secure web address to upload it too, finalized a couple more items, and then ended the call. I only had about an hour to finish setting up so I unpacked the other boxes I had sent. Once the projector, screen, and laptop were connected I set up the Sat link I would need to gain access to the secure network I had rigged for the Pack and Pride to communicate. I sat down and wiped the sweat from my face. The heat and humidity were torture here. It had been so long I forgot that even in the evening the smallest amount of exertion would make you break out in a full body sweat. The air was heavy with the scents of the forest around us, an underlying earthiness to it all. I had missed that. The purity of it made me smile.

  Jonas walked in as I finished up followed by four burly shifters I didn’t recognize. “Hey Rook, I want to introduce you to some guys. These are my top men, loyal to me, and happy for the change in rule. You can trust these guys with your life. I do.” He motioned to the guys and they inclined their head as he introduced them. “Paulo, Paul for short, Niko, Miguel, and D.J., guys, this is Rook,he will be giving the orders from here on out.”

  I shook their hands in turn. “Pleasure to meet you all. As Jonas said, a new rule is in town. If he trusts you, so do I. I am going to need your back up at tonight’s meeting. I am not sure what to expect, but I know there are going to be some pissed off shifters among the group when they realize their new Alpha is a woman. My first question to all of you is do you have a problem with that? If so speak up now.” I gave them all time to think it over.

  “Did she kill Tomas?” Niko questioned

  “She fought him, not completely alone, but she did give the killing blow,” I answered.

  “Was he held down by others when she did so?” Paul asked.