Chapter 13 - Justin

Callie's eyes are wide with fear as she listens to some man outside shouting her name.

"Come out, Callie! I know you're in there. I'm not leaving until you answer me."

I furrow my brow in confusion. Who the hell is this guy?

"What's going on?" I ask, turning to Callie.

Callie looks frozen, as though she could burst into tears at any moment. Her hand is gripping the blanket, and it's a moment before she manages to get her voice under control.

"That's Evan," she replies.

"Who the hell is Evan?" Ram demands, peering through the curtain.

"The alpha of my old pack," she explains, and she hesitates before continuing. "Dante's alpha."

You've got to be fucking kidding me. Surely he knows that coming onto our pack's land with the intent to attack and hurt someone who belongs to our community is an act of war? Fury surges through me like a wildfire, and judging from the look on Ram's face, it's evident he feels the same way.

My alpha growls, but I throw a hand up, stopping him from charging outside. "Stay here with Callie, please. Keep an eye on her. I've got this."

Without waiting for a response, I storm toward the door. I stride across the room, each step fueled by a simmering rage that threatens to burn me up from the inside out. Callie's story from last night replays in my head, every horror her old pack subjected her to, and by the time I reach out for the door handle, I have to force myself to breathe through the anger and try to remain calm.

Then, with a swift motion, I fling the door open, sparing one last glance over my shoulder at Callie and that tight, worried expression on her face. I've had enough of these assholes thinking they can fuck with my female, and I'm ready to set him straight.

As I step outside, Evan stands before me, his posture oozing with confidence, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. But beneath the facade of bravado, I can sense the tension simmering just beneath the surface, a volatile energy waiting to erupt.

"What do you want, Evan?" I growl, and his smirk only gets bigger.

"No introductions, then?" he sneers.

"I already know who you are," I tell him. "I don't think you want to know who I am. Or what I can do."

"Big talk coming from an underling to an alpha."

I scoff. "You're not my alpha. And from everything I've heard about your pack, you're a sorry excuse for a leader."

His expression darkens. "What the fuck did you just say?"

"You heard me," I snap. "I don't have a problem calling you out. I'm not afraid of you. In fact, if you want a real fight, I'm right here. Just say the word."

He runs his eyes over my length, a slow, insolent scan, but seems to think better of it. "I'm not interested in a pissing contest. I've only come to collect what's mine," he states. "Callie belongs with us, and I won't leave until she's returned to her rightful place."

"Callie is not your property," I seethe through gritted teeth. "Callie made the choice to leave your pack. She's found sanctuary here, and we won't let you take her."

"You seem to be under the impression that I'm asking," Evan replies, his tone cool and detached. "Callie will return whether she likes it or not."

I take a step forward, closing the distance between us, and I snatch his collar in my fists, shaking him. "Over my dead body," I snarl, and his lip curls.

"You wouldn't dare," he hisses. Evan's eyes flash with rage, and for a moment, I think he's going to attack, but he just glares.

"Try me."

I shove him away, and he stumbles backward, landing on the ground with a thud. As soon as he lands, I notice movement in the trees, and my wolf perks up, his ears twitching. Four wolves step out of the tree line, and it's not hard to guess they're part of Evan's pack. As they emerge, the four menacing figures draw closer, their fur bristling, their fangs bared. It's clear they mean business.

I stretch my neck, ready to shift. I've already shown these pussies what I'm capable of. If they didn't learn their lesson last night, I'll teach them again. I can feel my fur start to itch its way through the surface of my skin, but before it can break through, two trucks pull into Callie's driveway. Gravel flies as the tires skid to a halt, and I breathe in some relief.

Eight members from my pack jump out, including David and Fisher, and I don't remember a single time I've been happier to see them.

"Ram called for backup," David explains, winking at my perplexed expression. He strides forward and levels Evan and his wolves with a glare. "Hear we've got a problem?"

Evan's lip curls into a sneer. "This is no concern of yours."

"You're on our pack's turf," Fisher points out. "Anything you do here concerns us."

Evan's eyes narrow as he takes in the reinforcements. He knows he's outnumbered now, and it's clear he's not happy about it. "It's flattering to know you're so intimidated by me that your alpha had to call in the calvary."

"If you really think we're intimidated, you're even more delusional than I thought," I retort.

"You're outnumbered and outmatched, buddy," Fisher says to Evan. "The safest thing for you and your wolves is to back the hell off and leave."

"Callie─"

"Callie is mine," I declare, interrupting him. I don't miss the questioning looks my pack mates toss my way, but now isn't the time for that.

Evan scowls, and I can tell he's trying to figure out just how deep my commitment to Callie goes. The truth is, I've been falling for her since the moment I laid eyes on her, and I've been determined to do anything it takes to protect her. I can't let these bastards have her. I won't. My wolf is attached to her, and he's become very protective.

"Callie is my mate," I say. "And if you don't want any trouble, you'll back the fuck off and go home."

Evan's nostrils flare as he lets out a long, drawn-out sigh. "Poor thing. I can see she's already gotten to you. I tell you what, I'm not an unreasonable man. I'll give you three days. You'll have until sundown on the third day. If Callie isn't with us by then, well... let's just say there will be dire consequences for you and your pack. Consider this your only warning. I urge you to consider if some stray bitch is worth putting your family at risk."

I meet his gaze head-on, refusing to back down. "We won't be intimidated by your threats, Evan. Callie stays here."

He gives me a cold, calculating look before turning on his heel, his pack following suit. As they retreat, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. Evan may have backed off for now, but I know this isn't the end of it. We've just bought ourselves some time, but that's it. He won't let her go.

"Mate, huh?" David asks me with a hint of amusement in his tone.

"That's an unexpected twist," Fisher comments.

"Shut up," I snap. "Let's get inside and sort this out with Ram."

As we step inside, Callie rushes over to me and buries her face into my chest. I can feel her trembling against me, her fear still palpable even with Evan and his pack retreating for now. I hold her close, pressing a reassuring kiss to the top of her head before reluctantly pulling away. My pack mates are gawking at the two of us, their expressions curious, and it's obvious they have a million questions.

"I was so worried," Callie whispers. "I'm so glad you're okay."

"I'm fine, babe," I reassure her, but when I look up at Ram, he's glaring at me with a frown.

"Let's talk in the kitchen," he suggests.

I shoot Callie a quick glance, silently promising that we'll sort this out before I follow Ram.

The kitchen feels suffocatingly small as we face each other across the table. Ram's expression is grave, and his usually warm eyes are now clouded with concern. I can sense the weight of the responsibility he carries as alpha pressing down on him, but I can't let that sway me. I have to protect Callie at all costs.

"Justin," he begins, "I understand that you care about Callie. But we have to consider the safety of the entire pack. We can't afford to provoke a war with Evan's pack over one lone wolf who just happens to live in our town."

I clench my jaw, struggling to contain my frustration. "She's not just some lone wolf, Ram. She's a member of our community now. We can't just turn our backs on her."

"I'm not suggesting we turn our backs on her," Ram counters. "But we have to be realistic about the risks. Evan made it clear that he won't hesitate to bring trouble to our doorstep if we refuse to hand her over. She's not a member of our pack, Justin. It would be different if she were, but judging by the conversation I had with her while you were outside, she has no interest in joining us."

I run my hand over my face, letting out a long sigh. "I hear you," I say. "But what do we do, just hand her over to him? He sees her as his property, Ram. She's not safe with him."

"I'm aware of that," Ram replies, and a look of pity passes over his features. "But I won't risk the lives of our pack for one wolf, Justin. We have to prioritize the safety of our community above all else."

I slam my fist against the table, making the plates rattle. "She's not just a wolf. She's a woman. A person. She's a fucking person, Ram. Don't you understand that?"

"We have to think strategically," Ram insists. "I can't justify putting the entire pack at risk for one individual, no matter how much she means to you."

My ears are buzzing, my vision narrowing, and I can feel my anger growing. I've never felt so powerless. How can I protect her if I can't even convince the alpha to take my side?

"She's not a goddamn possession, Ram. They're going to forcibly breed her with this cunt of a wolf, and you're willing to just let that happen?"

"Watch how you're speaking to me," he snaps, his eyes narrowing. "This isn't about what we want. It's about what's best for the pack."

The ground feels as though it's crumbling beneath me, and I have to grip the edge of the table to keep myself from tumbling down. "I won't let them take her, Ram. I'll do whatever it takes to protect her." Even if that means defying my alpha.

"There is one other option," Ram offers, and I perk up. "We can't risk a confrontation with Evan and his pack. It's too dangerous. But if you and Callie leave town and head to the new hideout we just established in Springfield, you'll be safe there. Lay low until Evan is convinced that Callie has left for good."

I consider his offer, running the idea through my mind. It's tempting. As much as I hate to admit it, it's the smart thing to do. Leaving town is a drastic measure, but it might be the only way to keep Callie safe. Evan will believe she just ran off again, and he'll start his search over.

But it's not an easy decision. I have a life here. A job, a business. My whole world is here, and I'd have to give it all up. But if it keeps Callie safe, I'd do anything.

After a moment of internal struggle, I look up and say, "Okay. Let's do it."

"It's for the best, Justin," Ram replies.

"I know," I murmur. "But it doesn't make it any easier."

As Ram and I exit the kitchen and return to the living room, the atmosphere is tense. Callie stands in the center of the room, surrounded by my pack mates as they throw question after question in her direction. I can't blame them. I'd want to know who this stunning mystery woman is, too, if I were in their shoes. Callie's eyes meet mine as I approach, and she offers me a small smile, although I can sense her nervousness.

"Guys, enough," I tell them. "Give her some space."

They look over at me and reluctantly oblige.

"Is everything okay?" Callie asks, glancing between Ram and me.

I shoot a look at Ram, letting him know that we can't discuss this in front of everyone, and he gets the message.

"Come on, guys,” he says. “Let's give them some privacy. Fisher, David, can you check the perimeter? Make sure that we're clear?"

They nod and follow him out the door with the others, leaving Callie and me alone.

"Ram and I put together a plan," I explain. "We're going to leave town, head to a safehouse we recently established in Springfield, and lay low until Evan is convinced that you've left for good."

Callie's brow furrows, and she shakes her head defiantly. "No."

"No?" I echo in disbelief.

"I'm not running anymore, Justin. I won't spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder, waiting for Evan to come after me. I've had enough."

"Babe," I start, but she holds up a hand, cutting me off.

"I'm tired of this shit, Justin," she confesses, her voice cracking with emotion.

I understand her reluctance, her desire to stand her ground and face this threat head-on, but she's not seeing the bigger picture. She's not seeing how dangerous this situation truly is.

"Callie, listen to me," I plead, reaching out to touch her arm. "We can't stay here. Evan won't stop until he finds you, and he won't hesitate to hurt anyone who gets in his way. We have to go."

She pulls away from me, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I won't let him intimidate me, Justin. I won't let him win. He's gotten away with it long enough."

My patience is running thin, and I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I can't let her stubbornness put her in danger. I can't let her sacrifice herself for some misguided sense of pride.

"Callie, please," I implore, desperation creeping into my voice. "I can't lose you. Not like this."

But she shakes her head. "I'm sorry, Justin. I can't do it."

With a heavy heart, I realize there's only one option left. One way to ensure her safety, even if it means resorting to drastic measures.

"I'm sorry, too, Callie," I murmur. "But I can't let you stay here."

Before she can protest, before she can even react, I scoop her up into my arms, holding her tightly against my chest. She struggles against me, her fists pounding against my chest, but I refuse to let her go. I have to do this. For her own good. I'm getting her to that safehouse, even if I have to kidnap her to make it happen.

"Justin, put me down!" she cries.

"I'm doing this for your own good. If you're going to be stubborn about this, then fine. You leave me no choice."

"This is bullshit!" she yells, kicking her legs as I carry her outside. "You're not going to get away with this!"

I ignore her, holding her tighter against my chest. As we step outside, I spot Ram in the driveway. He doesn't say a word as he opens the door to the backseat of his truck, and he steps aside so I can deposit Callie inside. As soon as she's seated, she whips around, glaring at me.

"Justin, you're being an asshole," she spits.

But I ignore her, instead looking up at Ram through the window. "Are the child locks on?"

He nods. "It's locked. You take this vehicle. I'll catch a ride with one of the others. I texted you the address already. Go straight there. Don't stop until you reach the hideout. And for fuck's sake, Justin, keep your phone charged. We'll reach out if we hear anything."

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. "Thanks, man. For everything."

"I'll always have your back, brother," Ram says.

As I settle into the driver's seat, Callie's eyes flash with anger. "You can't do this," she protests. "You're abducting me!"

I reach over the center console and into the backseat to cup her cheek, but she turns away from me. She may very well hate me for this, and I don't blame her, but dammit, at least she'll still be alive and away from that sorry excuse for a pack.