Abandoned and Unseen (Branded Packs #2)(69)

“You’re shifters,” he breathed in horror.

Sinclair slowly moved to stand at Tucker’s side, staring at the cringing Viker with a critical eye.

“He’s not very bright, is he?”

Tucker trembled with the effort to keep his bear leashed. “He works for the SAU, how smart could he be?”

Suddenly, Nicole was pressed close against his side, her arm wrapped around his waist. Instantly, the trembling halted. Just the warm scent of her musk was enough to ease the animal clawing inside him.

“If someone gets to eat him, it should be me,” she said, glaring down at the man with searing hatred.

“She has a point,” Tucker told his friend.

“Agreed,” Sinclair said. “But first I intend to use him to prove that the SAU is made up of a bunch of unscrupulous bastards who’ve lied to the public for years.”

Viker shook his head in panic.

“I won’t do it,” he said in a shrill voice. “Not unless you swear I won’t be harmed.”

“Fine.” Sinclair took a step forward. “Do you want to go back inside and be shot in the head by Grant? Or would you prefer to be eaten by the lovely Nicole.”

“I…” Viker’s words faded away. He was trapped between a rock and a hard place.

Sinclair grabbed him by the chin, squeezing hard enough to crack his jawbone.

“Choose.”

“I’ll talk. I swear,” the man abruptly sobbed. “I’ll tell you everything I know about Markham and the SAU.”

Sinclair patted his cheek. “Good boy.” Grabbing Viker by the front of his shirt, the Unseen Alpha sent Tucker a small smile. “Enjoy your honeymoon, but don’t forget you belong with the Pack.” He glanced toward Nicole. “Both of you.”

With obvious enjoyment, Sinclair headed toward a nearby Jeep, hauling the crying Viker behind him.

Wrapping his arm around Nicole’s shoulders, Tucker steered her back to the SAU, sensing her tension.

“Someday soon, babe,” he murmured, knowing how hard it must be for her to allow Viker to slip from her grasp. She’d spent seven years plotting his death. “I promise.”

Reaching the vehicle, she climbed into the passenger seat. “If he can help expose the SAU, that’s the best revenge I can imagine.”

Tucker studied her in surprise. “You sound as if you mean that.”

“I do.” She lifted her hand to lay her palm against his cheek, her eyes soft with love. “I’ve lived in the past long enough. It’s time to start living for my future.”

Tucker was fairly certain that his heart was about to explode with happiness.

****

Three days later, Nicole stared in the mirror of the bathroom. It was the only mirror in the small cabin she shared with Tucker.

Built near Tucker’s mother’s home, it was a simple structure without many modern amenities, but Nicole had never been happier.

Not only was she free of the compound, but she also adored Tucker’s mother, who’d been careful to give the newly mated couple plenty of time to be alone.

And, of course, there was Tucker.

Her beautiful, powerful, loyal bear.

Almost as if she’d conjured him with her thoughts, there was a sharp knock on the door.

“Nicole,” he called through the thick wood.

“What?”

“Are you ever coming out?” Turning, she pulled open the door. Warily, he stepped into the tiny room, his broad shoulders barely fitting. “You’ve been in here so long I was worried about you.”

She grimaced. She’d lost track of time. But who could blame her?

When Tucker had insisted this morning that they get rid of the collar before they returned to civilization, she’d had no idea how emotional it would be for her.

“I’ve never been without my collar.” She lifted her hand to touch her bare throat. “It feels…”

“Yes?” he prompted, as her words trailed away.

She allowed a slow smile to curve her lips. “Glorious.”

Something that might have been relief, followed by a strange uncertainty, flashed through his dark eyes.

“I have something else glorious.”

Her brows arched as she gave a short laugh. They were still in their bathrobes after yet another bout of hot, sweaty lovemaking.

“Good Lord. I didn’t know bears were so insatiable,” she teased.

He gave an unexpected burst of laughter. “Why, Nicole Bradley. Is sex the only thing on your mind?”

As always, she was dazzled by his beauty. How the hell had she ever managed to capture this sensational creature?

“Me?” she forced herself to protest. “You brought it up.”

“I said I have something glorious,” he reminded her with open amusement. “You were the one who assumed it meant having your wicked way with my body.”

She lifted her hands to slide them in the loose opening of his robe, savoring the feel of his hard muscles beneath her palms.

“It is glorious,” she murmured.

“True.”

“Shameless.” She gave him a light smack. “If you weren’t trying to lure me back to bed, then what were you talking about?”

He reached into the pocket of his robe to pull out two silver necklaces.