Chapter 25 #2
We both heard the engines being cut and Hoffman snapped his head up.
“What the fuck?” He stepped over me, heading toward the cockpit and throwing open the door. “What’s the hold up?”
“We can’t leave, sir.” The pilot’s voice held real fear. What in the world had I seen in Hoffman? A wolf in sheep’s clothing? Well, I preferred the real thing.
“Why the fuck not?” Hoffman was furious.
“Take a look outside.”
Hearing what the captain had just said, I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the anguish as I searched through the window for what was going on.
There had to be at least one hundred people outside. Maybe more.
Stunned, I pressed my hand to the glass and whispered a single name.
“Ford.”
“What the fuck is going on? Stay here, you slut. I’ll be right back.”
I allowed Hoffman to work himself up while unlatching the door. I could hear him yelling at people from the airport to get him a set of stairs.
Ford saw me through the glass, his entire body tensing. I could feel not only his anger through the solid surface, but also that of his entire family.
And a lot of people from the town, many I didn’t know.
Half were shifters.
The other half perfectly, wonderfully human.
Standing together to protect me.
As soon as Hoffman got his stairs and stormed down as if he was ready and eager to make good on his threat, I grabbed my things, the few things I’d brought with me, which wasn’t much. My life was here in the Pacific Northwest where somehow, I’d find a way to stay.
With more of a casual nature, I walked down the metal stairs, enjoying the view. There were several people I knew, including the coach and Roxanne. She stood taller when I appeared, determined to ensure Hoffman was driven from my life.
As soon as I stepped foot on the pavement, Beck moved closer while Ford and his father were eager and ready to confront the man. They certainly weren’t going to allow anything to happen to me.
“You need to get out of my way. This plane needs to take off. And you need to get your ass back inside,” Hoffman dared tell me.
“I don’t think it’s a very good idea for you to challenge the lady,” Ford said with the quiet efficiency of a man who had all the time in the world. He shook his head. “And your abuse of her won’t be tolerated. Ever again. In fact, if you touch her, I’ll personally break your face.”
“She’s mine to do with what I want.”
“I’d listen to my son,” Margaret chimed in. “He’s one bad wolf.”
God, I adored the woman.
“No, I am not going anywhere with you,” I told him. While I appreciated all of them watching out for me, I wasn’t going to cower to the man again. “Actually, I belong to Ford.”
It was as if Hoffman finally clued into who was standing only a feet away. He even laughed as if he wasn’t outnumbered.
Stupid man.
Very stupid.
“Well, I’m aware that you’re some hotshot hockey player.
Or so you like to think.” Hoffman tossed out.
“You’re also nothing but scum in a world belonging to humans.
An animal. A filthy fucking animal. So here’s what’s going to happen.
You’re going to back away and allow us to leave, including my fiancée, and I’ll ensure you’re allowed to live.
Maybe I’ll even be generous enough to allow you to keep your career. For now.”
Allow. As if he owned the world.
“And if I don’t?” Ford asked. I noticed his voice was entirely different than I was used to hearing. Much deeper. With more purpose. He was even smiling, daring Hoffman. I wanted to pump my fist but decided against it.
In truth, the sound was deliciously threatening.
“Then I’m going to ensure that your kind is hunted and put out of its misery.”
There was laughter in the crowd, which of course annoyed Hoffman.
Someone else who was cool and collected was Patrick Kendick.
“Mr. Carrington. You might not know this, but I have friends in very powerful places. Including all throughout Baltimore and Washington DC. Now, I don’t typically use my influence because let’s face it, blackmail and extortion are simply inhuman acts.
But I think I’ll make an exception with you.
” He handed Hoffman a basic manila file and held a smile while my ex opened it after seconds of trepidation.
After Hoffman flipped through a few pages, I sensed the moment he realized his world could collapse, his face falling.
“Now, I’m certain you’re prefer to continue practicing and to be able to move on with your life. Wouldn’t you?” Patrick was enjoying himself.
Hoffman wasn’t.
Bonus points.
Hoffman snorted. “Fine. You can have the whore.”
“Now that we know your intentions, I suggest you call off your hunters.”
My ex glared at Patrick. “And why would I do that?”
“Well, if you don’t, they will face a very painful ending.” He nodded to the others and within seconds, the ground rumbled beneath my feet.
At first, I didn’t understand what was happening until several jolts of electricity penetrated the night sky.
They were shifting.
While Patrick stood with Margaret while remaining human, the coach and Roxanne moving closer, the moment was something I’d remember for many years to come.
Yes, the transition could be described as horrific by some, but to me, in watching them share their wolves, the moment was pure magic.
The sound of howls wafted through the night air, so beautiful I could almost cry.
When the shift was completed, I was certain Hoffman was ready to pass out.
“Get out of my life, Hoffman. You can’t threaten me any longer. Or my family.” When his smug expression returned, I finally did something I should have done years before.
I cold cocked him.