Changed

Chapter Twelve

Rachel didn’t get a chance to watch Declan leave. Chloe ushered her to the couch the minute the men started for the door, whispering quickly, “Hurry up and sit down. Now that they’re gone you can tell me everything. I want to know it all.”

Rachel reluctantly walked toward the couch, trying to think of what she’d say. Chloe had been asking about Declan all night. The questions had started tame but took a deviant turn. At first it had been funny. After all, she had been the one to ask Declan to fuck her on his desk the night before. But when things got really personal she realized she didn’t want Chloe to know how good Declan was in the sack. Those moments were private and intimate.

That part of him belonged to her.

She sank down on the couch, giving a half-assed answer. “He’s unlike any man I’ve ever met.”

“I told you that you needed a werewolf in your life.” Chloe grinned and plopped down beside Rachel. “After I met Jackson I knew no other guy would ever compare. Is that how you feel? Has the bonding started? Do you feel your connection?”

Typical Chloe. Going straight for the throat. “Uh.” Rachel licked her lips, gazing at her friend. “I definitely feel something. It’s…” Crazy? Insane? Fantastic? “It’s hard to put into words.”

“He’ll do anything for you, you know?” Resting back, Chloe said, “It’s actually kind of funny. Declan used to be the smartass of the pack. Now, with you, he’s totally different. Believe me when I tell you the pack was happy to meet the woman who’s changed him for the better.”

Strange. It feels like it’s the other way around. “They were nice.” Rachel had been surprised at how warm and welcoming the pack had been. She frowned when she remembered the women in the room though. She’d seen the livid glares they’d aimed at Declan. “Even if some of the women don’t seem to like him much.”

“Like I said, he was a smartass. He liked picking on the mated couples. The men ignored him most of the time but their mates weren’t as forgiving. They were pretty relieved Declan had taken a vacation from his duties—until they found out why. When you came along,” Chloe snickered, rocking her head against the cushion, “it changed everything.”

One word, bringing forth a heavy dose of fear. Changed.

“You didn’t tell me how things went with your dad,” she said, desperately wanting to think of something else. “Are the two of you mending fences?”

“We are. I’m excited to learn more about him and Mom.” Chloe sat up, her eyes going to Rachel’s face. “We’re going to have dinner after all this mess with the pack is taken care of.” Her green eyes flashed, nostrils flaring slightly. “You can’t hide your fear from me. I hate to be a downer but I can sense and smell it.”

“I’m not afraid.” So she kept telling herself. “I’m nervous.”

“It’s not as bad as you think—changing, I mean,” Chloe said. “I was terrified when I found out I was going to shift. I worried about how painful it’d be and I wondered if I’d even make it through. Then it happened and I realized I’d worried for nothing.” Giving Rachel a determined stare, she added, “Jackson has given me his word he’ll take care of you. We’ll make sure you get to a private place in the forest and you can do your thing. It’s going to be okay.”

“How bad is it? How long does it last?” Before she could back into a shell and keep her worries to herself, she decided to ask serious questions. “Are you still you when it happens? Are you different after?”

“It’s uncomfortable but bearable. And you’re always you. Shifting will never change that. But you will be aware of your wolf in a different way. It’s not a bad thing. I would explain it to you if I thought I could. The truth is it’s easier to experience than to talk about.” Chloe met Rachel’s gaze. “I would never lie to you. Even if it might be something I don’t want you to know. You have a right to understand what’s coming. I’m not hiding or keeping anything from you.”

“Nothing?” Not that she didn’t Chloe but she did want to clarify. “There’s not a single thing?”

“There is one thing.” Sadness swept over Chloe’s features, her eyes darkening a shade. “I didn’t want it to happen the way it did. I never wanted that for you. But I am glad I don’t have to worry about your future anymore. You’ll be safe and cared for. You’ll have someone who’ll love you more than anything else in the world. It’s selfish but I’m happy to have you with me, to know you’ll be in my life. You’ll always have a family.”

From time to time Rachel had thought of how different things might have been if she’d never been attacked. As much as she resented what had been forced upon her, she realized she’d have kept pushing Declan away otherwise. Of course, the man was pushy too. Eventually he might have gotten his way.

“Speaking of family.” Rachel ducked her head. She didn’t want to look her friend in the eye. Not when she talked about this. “Mom showed up when Declan took me by the house.”

“I’m not going to ask how she reacted.” Chloe’s voice vibrated with anger. “I’m pretty sure I can guess.”

“She didn’t take it well when Declan told her we were selling my house.”

Chloe came closer, excitement returning to her voice. “Please tell me he gave her hell. If anyone can insult someone in a sarcastically polite way, it’s Declan.”

“There wasn’t any need.” The memory made her bitter, the emotion squeezing her heart. Cindy should have been upset her daughter was changing into a werewolf—not that she was hard-up for a buck. “She was already pissed. If anything he only rubbed salt in her wounds.”

“Should I ask?”

“I wouldn’t give her any cash.” Rachel didn’t try to play things cool. Chloe had been around Cindy through the years. She knew the score. “She tried to throw a tantrum and he stepped in. He told her she could stay until a Realtor took a look at the place. I might have let that slide but I’ve honestly had enough. I told her to leave before I called the police.”

“You know it’s not your fault.” Resting a hand on Rachel’s leg, Chloe said quietly, “She’s been doing this to herself for years. No one can help her but herself.”

“I know.” Rachel rested her fingers over Chloe’s and gave them a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re here. I’ve missed having you around.”

“Ditto.”

Enough of this sappy shit. “So are we watching a movie or what?” Rachel rose from the couch. “I’m not sure what kind of liquor Declan has but we can raid the cabinets if you want a drink.”

“Trust me.” Chloe stood, an impish grin on her face. “He’s got good stuff somewhere. We’ll find it.”

Heading into the kitchen, Rachel asked, “So what do you want to watch?”

“No movies, not tonight.” Chloe strode past her and took a deep breath. Pivoting, she went for a cabinet and opened it. Several bottles were stashed inside. Collecting a bottle of vodka, she spun around and smiled at Rachel. “I want you to take a seat,” she gestured to the kitchen table, “get comfortable and get ready to spill the beans. I meant it when I said I wanted to know everything.”

“Chloe…” The last thing Rachel wanted to be was a bitch. “I hope you don’t take this the wrong way but I’d rather not discuss certain details. It’s not that I mind sharing things with you.” Hell, over the years they’d shared everything together. “It’s just,” lifting her head, she stared into her friend’s eyes, “this is the first thing that’s ever been completely mine. I want to keep it that way. At least for a little while.”

“Oh wow.” Instead of getting angry, Chloe grinned. “You really need to take that seat and have a drink.”

Doing as she’d been told, she questioned, “Why is that?”

“Because, dearest Rachel…” Chloe placed the bottle on the table and went to retrieve glasses. As soon as she had them in hand, she put them on the table and put a sizeable amount in each container. “You’ve fallen hard.” Chloe passed a glass to Rachel and lifted the other into the air, extending her arm so they could toast. “That’s a cause for celebration.”

Rachel almost protested. Then she thought about it.

She had fallen—very hard.

Declan wasn’t like anyone she’d ever met. She knew she’d never get tired of looking at him, listening to him or letting him care for her. Each day seemed to bring them closer. Even now, with him gone only for minutes, she kept glancing at the door. She missed his smile, woodsy scent and gentle touch. She wanted the time to pass quickly so that he was back at her side. In his presence she felt protected in a way she’d never expected to be.

To hell with it.

“To the future?” she asked, looking at Chloe.

“To the future,” Chloe parroted, giving her a smile.

They dinged glasses and tossed the drinks back.

Out with the old and in with the new.

* * * * *

Jackson parked outside the club and turned off the engine. The bar was hopping, the parking lot crammed with cars and trucks. “Are you ready?”

“Yep.” It hadn’t been easy leaving Rachel but he’d managed to get a grip on things. The sooner they got this shit over, the better. “All set.”

“Gavin has your place covered,” Jackson repeated—something he’d done the entire drive over. “Rachel’s in good hands. I need you here.”

“I told you.” Facing the Alpha, he growled, “I’m all set.”

Seemingly satisfied, Jackson climbed from the car. Declan did the same. Facing testosterone-laden males wasn’t his idea of a good time. The men wouldn’t show up as an idle threat. They had to know Jackson meant business. Due to the nature of things they’d chosen neutral ground—a biker bar that catered to humans and immortals.

“I hate these places,” Jackson grumbled, adjusting his coat.

“I feel you.”

Most mortals came to bars like these to get their supernatural groove on. Others were curious but became terrified if a werewolf, vampire or other such being approached them. Since heavy drinking was often involved, crazy shit usually happened. Declan had heard many a horror story through the years. Despite the police leaving their kind alone, they still had to respond to disturbance calls.

“It’s still early,” he offered, glancing out of the corner of his eye at Jackson. “Maybe we’ll miss the deadbeats who trickle in.”

“We’re not that fucking lucky.”

The loud shuffling of feet got their attention. Jackson froze and so did Declan.

The male standing to the left of the building, just beside the parking lot, let his wolf show through his eyes. The male’s dark eyes brightened to orange, his fangs reflecting the glow from a nearby streetlight. He’d dressed in black, his hoodie keeping his face somewhat hidden.

“Jackson Donovan?”

“Who wants to know?” Jackson snarled.

“I’m just the middleman. I don’t have a dog in this fight.” The male’s eyes returned to normal and his fangs retracted. “Everyone’s waiting for you in an area in the back. It’s private and exclusive. You can’t get in without the password.”

“Which is?”

The male strode across the distance, holding out a piece of paper to Jackson. “Talk to the man behind the bar. He’ll take you where you need to be.” The werewolf didn’t stick around, spinning on his heel. He hurried off and faded into the night.

“Something smells shitty,” Declan muttered. While they were meeting in a public place, the area they’d be taken to was hidden. That meant the males could very well be itching for an ass kicking. “I don’t like it.”

“I don’t either.”

“So what’s our move?”

Jackson pulled his cell from his coat and pressed a button. He placed the device to his ear and after several seconds said, “Gavin, I’m meeting your guys at the back of the bar like we discussed. They want a fucking password in order for us to enter some super-secret room.” Opening the paper, Jackson snorted. “It’s Cinderella. Figures. If you don’t hear back from me by the morning you’ll know who’s responsible. I’ll be sure to tell them we chatted as soon as I get inside. Just so they know their asses are grass if they fuck this up. Keep our girl safe. I’ll be in touch.”

“Nice.” Declan grinned and cracked his neck. The males had the right to challenge Jackson but killing him would earn them Gavin’s eternal wrath. He was the male’s father-in-law. If Jackson died Chloe might not survive. “Can we get this over with?”

“Absolutely.” Jackson put his cell away and strode to the door, the loud boom of music nearly drowning out his voice. “The sooner the better.”