The Lupine Necklace

Chapter 3

John left after breakfast the following morning. His family would be missing him sincere hadn't told them he would be staying the night and he had to get home before they began to worry about him. He and Ian said goodbye and hugged and I got a hug from him too, before we all headed out. Ian and I ran with him until he was of the property so the wolf pack wouldn't stop him.

After he was gone, Ian and I took advantage of already being in the woods and decided to stay a while and finish the run John had interrupted the day before.

We spent some time running together and then just wrestled some. We finally settled down and curled up together in a pile of leaves. I was snuggled right up against his side in the sun, soaking in the heat from it and Ian and almost ready for a nap.

I love you, I said to Ian.

He nuzzled my side gently. I love you, too.

***

I was startled awake, who knows how much later, by a paw prodding me in the side. I jumped to my feet with a snarl ready to see Xena standing in front of me.

Now that I was awake, she shifted and said, "This is staying alert?" with an eyebrow raised.

Ian shifted and I followed suit. "That's my napping," I told her. "We kinda wore ourselves out."

She shook her head at us with a smile on her face. "Alright, I won't tell, but Jason sent me out here looking for you guys. He said he needed to talk to you urgently."

I was surprised and a little worried. Jason only sent someone out looking for me if something very important happens. He normally waits for me to wander back to the house for everyday type things. My mind immediately flashed to Derek and I felt Ian tense next to me.

Taking my hand he said, "Let's get back to the house and see what he needs."

I nodded and we all shifted and ran back for the alpha house.

When we got inside, we all grabbed robes and Xena joined Nate and Lee in the living room while Ian and I headed back to the office. Jason and Jeremy were waiting inside, sitting at the desk.

Ian and I pulled up chairs and sat down in front of them, close enough that we could still hold hands. I knew Ian was worried everything was going to start again, and if I was being honest, so was I. I didn't want to face Derek again. Not after the first time.

"We've received a letter," Jason stated calmly. He handed it to me and together, Ian and I read through it, becoming more and more concerned.

Jeremy,

I would like to honor our long friendship and give you another chance to preserve our friendship. Bring me the Lupine Necklace tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you at noon at Turner Lake. You know where. I'm afraid that if you don't bring me the necklace, I will have to terminate our friendship once and for all.

You tipped my hand with Layla. I knew that if I didn't give you some incentive, you would never give me the necklace. What I did to her, Jeremy, will seem like a vacation if I have to come back for her.

You may have the local wolf pack in your back pocket, but my pack has grown with the promise of the necklace and if you aren't at the lake tomorrow, I will come back for Layla. And maybe some of her friends. Maybe even that lovely boyfriend of hers. I feel like using both of them would be very beneficial for me.

I've also been thinking about how Jason found her so quickly. I think I've figured it out. You see, after you guys so rudely left last week, I've had some wolves watching Jason's pack. I did some research with the details they brought me.

Layla and her dearest boyfriend have formed a mate's bond, haven't they? I've heard of them, but I can't wait to test that bond when I take them. Although, if you bring me the necklace tomorrow, I will have to wait for other test subjects to present themselves.

Here's to hoping our friendship can last forever,

Your friend,

Derek Sterling

I slowly lowered the thick paper, my hand shaking. It was going to start again. Jeremy was in no way going to take the necklace to Derek and Derek obviously wasn't going to give up. We were going to be under lockdown again.

Ian pulled me into his lap and held me close as the shaking increased. His arms were wrapped all the way around me, crushing me to his chest and making me feel marginally safer as I buried my face in his neck.

It's going to be okay, Layla. He won't get you again.

I shook my head against his chest, feeling tears start to gather in my eyes. It's not just me he's threatening this time. It's you and Xena and Nate and Lee. I could take it if it was just me to be worried about.

Ian took my chin in his hand and pulled my face up so I was looking at him. His other hand wiped a few tears away that ha escaped. You listen to me, Layla. We will all be fine. The wolf pack can keep an eye on the woods and you know our pack can handle this. Xena, Lee and Nate will stay safe. So will I and so will you. Nothing is going to happen to any of us.

I nodded and tried to pull myself together. I looked up at Jason and Jeremy who were both staring at Ian and I in concern.

"What do we do?" I asked, not moving from Ian's lap.

"We're going to call a pack meeting tonight and let them know," Jason said. "I need you to go let the wolf pack know that Derek isn't going to give up and to stay alert."

I nodded. "I can do that. What is the pack going to do? And how are we going to keep Xena, Nate and Lee safe?"

"The pack will make a plan tonight. As for Xena, Nate and Lee, I think everything will be fine as long as you all stay together as much as possible. Lord knows those two boys can fight and you can all take care of each other. I'll talk to their parents and see about them staying here for a while."

I nodded, feeling better making plans. "Good, that's good. Is the necklace in a safe place?" I asked Jeremy.

"It's as safe as it can be," he told me. "Derek won't be getting it unless I give it to him and I won't be doing that."

I nodded once again. "Okay. We'll all just have to take extra precautions until something can be done about this."

Jason agreed and hugged me as Ian and I stood up. "It's going to be okay, Layla. We won't let them get to any of you kids."

"I know, Jason," I said, squeezing him tightly. "I have faith in our pack."