“Why do I need all of that?” He asked.
“You said you were going to fill the house with pups. Pups eat. We can look on the internet and see how much room they take, get a price and how much power they need. If they take extra juice, you can rewire right?” He nodded. “I don’t have my laptop, do you have a computer?” She didn’t see one anywhere and the internet modem was on the desk in the living room. She didn’t remember the green lights flashing but she hadn’t really looked either.
“At home.” So, he wasn’t living here after all.
“Can you get it?” His eyes narrowed. “Jake’s here, I’m not going anywhere. Go get the computer and we’ll look.” She gave him her best smile.
“Glad you’re coming to terms with our arrangement.” Ellis looked her over from head to toe.
“All I ever wanted was a house full of pups with a decent wolf that was willing to work as hard as I did.” That was the truth. He would not scent a whiff of deception in her words. Ellis nodded and headed out the back door. She heard him yelp a second later and knew that was the last sound that Ellis would ever make.
“Where’s Ellis?” Jake stormed into the kitchen.
“He went to get his laptop.” Harper said trying to push the fridge back into place.
“Here. Let me do it. You’re not strong enough.” While he was wrestling the fridge, eleven wolves walked silently into the kitchen.
“I’ll get out of your way.” Harper said sweetly. She backed as far into the corner as she could to get out of the way. Not out of Jake’s way but out of Ryder’s way. “He has a pup on the way. Maybe don’t kill him.” She said.
“What?” Jake turned around and gaped.
“I said maybe they shouldn’t kill you because you have a pup on the way. It’s not up to me though. It’s up to Sidney and Curtis.”
“Where is she?” Curtis looked sick.
“In the living room on the couch and she’s okay, just out cold.” Ryder pulled Harper into his arms and she melted against him.
“Such a brilliant she-wolf.” He smiled at her. “How’s our little one?” He flattened his hand to her stomach.
“She’s fine.”
“Good.” Ryder kissed the top of her head. “Your friend is dead.” Ryder said to Jake now. “My mate thinks we should let you live.” Ryder pulled her chin up with a finger. “Why was that again?”
“I don’t think it was his idea to kidnap us. I think it was Ellis’. Ellis wanted me, but Jake didn’t want Sidney. He has a mate that is about to give birth. I’m sure that Jake will go home and be a good boy. If Curtis wants revenge for Sidney though, I won’t stand in the way. Jake should’ve known better.” Harper finished glaring at Jake.
“It wasn’t my idea. I was just helping Ellis.” Jake pleaded. “It won’t happen again. I swear. Take them both. Nobody else cared except Ellis anyway.” Ryder considered it. Curtis came back into the kitchen with an angry Sidney.
“She’s okay, just off her game.” Evan and Eric ducked out the back door followed by Lee, Jack, Will, Don, Alan, Jasper and Matt.
“We’re on the porch if you need us.” Will called over his shoulder. “Littlest kitchen ever built.” Harper heard him mutter.
“Sweetness, do you have an opinion on what happens to this piece of shit.” Curtis said in a voice you would use on an injured child and Harper grinned. Nobody ever talked to Sidney like that before but she seemed to like it. She melted further into Curtis’ side and nuzzled him.
“What the hell did you do to her?” Jake burst out then schooled his face.
“I treat her like a she-wolf should be treated, with dignity, respect and admiration.” He kissed the top of her head and Sidney’s eyes slid closed for a second. When she opened them, they were amber. Uh-oh. Harper thought. Sidney reached into Curtis’ pocket and he grinned. She pulled his pocketknife out and flipped the blade out. She curled the knife’s handle tightly in her palm then punched Jake in the nose as hard as she could. His nose exploded with blood. Turning her hand Sidney stabbed him in the butt not once but twice. He yelped.
“Don’t you ever touch me again Jake Chalmers or next time I will stab you in the heart. You got me?” Sidney was in his face screaming at him but Jake just nodded.
“Apologize to the lady for what you did.” Curtis said low and menacingly.
“I’m sorry Sidney. I shouldn’t have listened to Ellis. I’m sorry Harper, really. Neither of you deserved this. I apologize.” Jake stood there with shame and remorse on his face.