Finley’s Feisty Mate (Dixon Pack Book 3) Page 13

  “This is so strange for me, but I actually believe you’re telling the truth. I don’t understand it, but I know you do care about me.” Staring up at him, Alex asked, “Is it a shifter thing?”

  “What do you mean?” Finn pushed a fallen curl off her face.

  “Is the reason my emotions are so high is because you’re a shifter? Because I’ve never felt like this before. It’s happened so fast. Is that normal?”

  Smiling up at her, Finn stated, “Some of it, and sometimes it happens fast, but I hope that’s not the only reason you like me?”

  “Maybe.” Alex turned away but Finn saw the small curve of a smile.

  “Maybe, huh,” Finn repeated.

  “Well, maybe I’ll just leave since you don’t like me enough.” Finn started to move when he was jerked back to the bed.

  “No, you, big dope. I may like you a lot, but I’m still thinking about it.” Alex’s eyes swept over him and there was no doubt what she was thinking.

  “Okay. I guess I could tickle it out of you.” Finn grabbed Alex before she realized he was serious and started lightly touching her side. The girl was moving so much she almost slipped out of his hands. “Girl, be still while I torture you into telling me how much you love me.”

  Alex stopped and stared at Finn. Shit, he had let it slip out of his mouth. Shit, shit, shit. What could he say now? “I’m sorry. I…I—”

  Grabbing his hands, Alex whispered, “Did you mean it?”

  “Yeah, I do. I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you. I shouldn’t tell you that because…”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m terrified you will leave me and I don’t want to say something stupid that will make you disappear. Alex, I won’t say it again if you don’t feel the same way,” Finn said. The fear of her running finally hit him in the gut. His chest tightened thinking about Haine and her out there alone. He leaned up and sat on the side of the bed.

  “I do love you, Finn. I don’t know how you wiggled yourself into my life but you have. I want to stay here, too, but I won’t let my trouble hurt anyone from New Hope.” Shaking her head, Alex moved to the side of the bed and leaned against Finn.

  “You really love me? I thought maybe you liked me, but…but you actually love me?”

  “Yeah, of course, I do, you big lug. I do, but don’t get so high and mighty. There are a lot of problems that come with me and my life.” Alex played with his fingers then muttered, “And I meant it, Finn, when I said I won’t let anyone here get hurt. I will leave before that happens.”

  Finn picked her up and sat her in his lap. “Nobody will ever hurt you or take you away from me.”

  Chapter 19

  Alex watched as Finn’s blue eyes turned to a gold color. She could see the wolf staring back at her. “They’re exquisite.” Reaching up, she touched the side of his face. “Finn, I don’t plan on going anywhere. I hope we can get this cleared up so Haine and I can live here permanently, but I don’t know. I have to know what Dominic Santora wants with me. He’s desperate for something and he’s very dangerous. I’m scared for Haine.”

  “We will find out, baby. I promise I will protect you and Haine with my life.”

  Alex wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. “I won’t let it come to that.” She meant what she said. These people felt like family and Dominic Santora wouldn’t touch them.

  “I think Dominic the Bull will meet a pack of wolves he can’t push around.” Finn leaned her back on the bed and touched his nose with hers. It was something that was childlike in nature but it was the most intimate moment she had ever had.

  “I love you, Alex Marsh.” Finn’s eyes were bright blue again as he rubbed his cheek against hers and then her chest. It was strange, she had to admit, but it made her heart flutter knowing this was the way shifters showed affection toward each other.

  “I love you, Finley Egan.”

  Finn glanced out the window watching his mate laugh at something Quinn had said. He loved seeing her relaxed and finally having a little fun. Quinn had invited them to dinner and she said she wanted to go. She was starting to feel at ease and smile more. He hoped he had something to do with that.

  “She belongs here with us,” Arden said, staring out the window.

  “Did you find out anything?” Finn asked, dropping the curtain. “Alpha, we’ve got to find something before…”

  “Apparently, Dominic Santora has a gambling problem. He owes a lot of money to some dangerous people, and yes to your question. They are just as dangerous and crazy as him. So, he needs money fast, but Alex isn’t getting enough money to cover his debt so I’m wondering if there is something else we’re missing. I’ve got my friend looking.”

  “How much does he owe?”

  “My contact thinks it’s around a million dollars.”

  Finn pulled the curtain back again to check on the girls. “When the house sells, she will get that and more, but none of this is adding up. Alex’s parents found something on his computer. That’s the only thing that makes sense. And you can’t tell me that Ramone Malton doesn’t know one of his guys owes that kind of money.”

  “I agree, but until we find that information, we are still in the waiting mode.” Arden held his hands up. “I know, buddy. I hear you and I understand you’re tired of waiting. Alex needs to think about this. Where would her parents hide this information. It’s obvious he’s desperate for it. He wouldn’t chance killing all these people. I’m telling you that something was on that computer and he thinks Alex has it.”

  Finn pulled the curtain back and stared outside. “You do realize Bane is out there and before Dominic Santora steps foot on this land every citizen will be calling us. She’s safe here, Finn. You made sure of that.”

  “I know. I just can’t shake this feeling.” Finn patted his chest. “Ever since—”

  “You love her.” Arden walked over to him and put his hand on his shoulder. “You feel it here in the chest and in the gut. That overwhelming feeling that you need to protect her.”

  “Yes! It’s hard to breathe when I don’t see her.”

  “I wish I could tell you it will go away, but you learn to deal with it. I think it will be harder for you because she’s still human and you know how vulnerable she is.”

  “Alpha, I want take her choice away from her. But I won’t. Right now, I will just have to deal. Wait it out because Alex’s been through too much. I want her and Haine to feel comfortable here and most of all safe.”

  Arden stood beside him and they both stared out the window. “I think you have your answer right there.” Arden pointed at Alex, Quinn, and Simone laughing. “She’s happy here. I scented no fear on her, and Haine had a blast with Lucky last night and today. They are already best of friends and when she saw them playing earlier, she couldn’t stop smiling.”

  Finn smiled and nodded. He scented her happiness, too, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that the rug was about to be pulled out from under him. He always trusted his feelings, but he didn’t know for sure if this was what Arden was explaining about mating. He didn’t want to scare Alex off.

  Alex glanced behind her and smiled as he stared out the window at her. That smile meant the world to him.

  Chapter 20

  Dominic listened as Ramone Malton, aka Money, briefed everyone on the Mixed Martial Arts, (MMA), event he was hosting at the arena. He wanted to bring the Malton family out of the old-style mob business. He always said he was a business man, but no matter what, Ramone Malton was still a killer. Ramone could say a thousand times that the family was going legit, he and some of the others knew better. That would change when he took over. He would bring back the old ways.

  Right now, everyone was enjoying the money their leader was bringing in. The man would make millions of dollars off one night of MMA fights to the arena. Yeah, he was smart, but he got sloppy and had been preoccupied in checking on the accounts Dominic managed. He had a few more days before Money did a complete audit. He
always gave fair warning before he came checking.

  He had to find those accounts numbers or he was as good as dead. To complete the perfect coup and knock off the head of the Malton family took money and that money he had hidden in the Cayman Islands was for just that. But all the numbers were erased from his computer, so he knew the bitch’s parents did it. He already had another computer expert explain that to him. The numbers were downloaded onto some kind of drive.

  “Dominic, do you have anything to add? Are the vendors ready to go on Saturday night?” Money asked, jerking him out of his thoughts.

  “Sure, boss. Everything will be in place.” Dominic already had everyone scheduled. He knew his job. Damn, the man for making a fool of him. Everyone stared at him like he was stupid or something. He wasn’t stupid. He even knew how to do Money’s job and soon enough he would be running the show. He knew how to make money, too, and when he didn’t get what he was owed, he knew how to take care of business.

  If Ramone was so smart, he would have known he was taking money from the accounts. So, Money wasn’t that smart of a leader. He was just lucky, and when you were running the show, you surrounded yourself with people who made you look good. That’s what he was for. He made the Malton family look good and brought in lots of money to prove it.

  Reaching into his pocket, Dominic could feel his phone vibrating. Money made everyone turn their cellphones on vibrate, and you sure as hell didn’t pull it out when he was having a meeting.

  Quietly, he pulled his phone out and looked down at the text message from the hacker. He had to smile because Lady Fortune was shining on him tonight. The text read, “I found the kid in a small town in New Hope, Georgia. Nothing further.”

  Dominic smiled pushing his phone back into his pocket. Gotcha was all he could think. He would get Detective Blake to go with him. If he ran into trouble, he would have a cop to clear everything up. Good thing Blake was on his payroll and he owed him. Good thing the cop had a cocaine habit that he helped him out with.

  As soon as this meeting was over, he would be on the road to Georgia. Better watch out Alexandra Marsh, he was coming to get her.

  Alex watched from the door as Haine and Lucky played video games. Her brother looked happy here and she was, too. If only she could find a way to make all the bad stuff go away.

  “Hey, Alex,” Lucky said still facing the TV. How he knew she was standing there was beyond her.

  “Hey, guys,” Alex said, walking into Lucky’s bedroom and sitting on the bed. “Did you guys have fun last night?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Lucky said.

  “We had a blast. Can I stay tonight, too? They asked me to.” Haine asked, pleading with his eyes.

  “I don’t see why not. Bane said he was watching you guys tomorrow. I’m just glad you had fun.”

  “Tell her about the thumb drive,” Lucky said.

  “Oh yeah.” Haine picked up his IPad and took a thumb drive out that had her parents’ company name on it. “I thought my thumb drive was in here, but somehow, I got Mom and Dad’s. I have no clue where mine is and it had all my games on it.”

  Alex’s body froze. Why would this be in Haine’s IPad case. Her parents would have never put one of theirs with his games. A wave of nausea flooded her stomach. They knew he kept all his games on his. This was important. She could feel it.

  “I’m sure they put it in there by mistake. I’ll keep this and we can get you another one. I love you, bud. I’m going back to the B&B, but I will see you two tomorrow. Haine be good for them.” Alex couldn’t let Finn know about the thumb drive. She wouldn’t involve them right now. Maybe she was mistaken. Maybe they transferred all his games over to one of theirs because it held more memory. When she got back to her room, she would make sure.

  Leaning over, Alex kissed the side of Haine’s cheek. What was she going to tell Finn to get rid of him? He was too important to her and if he got hurt she would never survive it. The man was everything to her now. He had squirmed his way into her heart and now she couldn’t survive if he tried to protect her and…shaking her head, Alex cleared her mind. If Finn felt like something was wrong, he wouldn’t leave her side.

  Walking into the living room, she saw Finn standing next to the fireplace. Immediately, he walked over to her when she came through the doorway. “What’s wrong?”

  Alex narrowed her eyes but smiled back at him. Trying like hell to put him at ease. “Nothing, why?”

  Finn stared at her for a full minute examining her like she was a new species. “You look worried. Is Haine okay?”

  “He’s great and having a blast. I’ve got a headache, but nothing is wrong.” Alex looked at the others and smiled. “Thank you, Simone and Bane, for keeping Haine. He’s having so much fun. I can’t thank you all for what you have done for us. You all mean the world to me.” Alex stopped talking before she started crying. These people had been wonderful to her and if she could only keep them safe then that’s what she was going to do.

  “Oh, Alex…We’re so happy you’re here.” Both Quin and Simone gave her a goodbye hug. All the men backed off except Finn. He was still standing beside her, smiling.

  “Thank you.” Alex placed her fingers to her temple. She had to do this so Finn would believe her later.

  “You have a headache,” Quinn stated. “I think I have some Ibuprofen in my purse. It’s old and I don’t buy it anymore because I just don’t need it.”

  “Are you in pain?” Finn pulled her close to him placing his hands against her temples.

  “I’m fine. I had some in my purse and took it but I’m tired and want to go lie down. I will be at work tomorrow, but if you need me or if Haine needs me just call.” Alex said waving as Finn hurried her out of the door. He was about to pick her up and carry her to his truck until Alex stopped him. “Finn, I’m really okay. I just need to be alone for a while and regroup. Is that okay with you? A lot has happened in the past couple days and I need time to process this. Please understand.”

  She could see the disappointment and hurt on his face. “Of course, I understand.”

  “It’s not you. I haven’t changed my mind or anything like that. I’m not used to being with someone all the time and I would like some down time. I will see you in the morning at breakfast.”

  Finn sighed and nodded opening the truck door for her. “I will be okay without you for a while.” Before he shut the door, he smiled and winked at her.

  Alex felt some relief, but she knew he was frustrated. Once Finn got in the truck, she unbuckled and slid beside him. “But we can snuggle before we get back to the B&B.”

  Wrapping his arm around her, Finn started the truck and left pack grounds. She had a long night ahead of her if she was going to find out what was on this thumb drive that got her parents killed.

  Chapter 21

  She kissed Finn one last time then whispered, “Goodnight. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “I will be in the room next door. If you need me for any reason just call out and I will come running, “Finn said, pushing her hair behind her ear. “Even if you get cold or lonely.”

  The corners of Finn’s lips lifted into a smile. Alex shook her head. “You’re making this so hard for me to watch you go, but I need some alone time. I hope you understand that.”

  “I do, remember to lock the door,” Finn said, backing away from the door ending the conversation. She slowly closed the door.

  Grabbing her laptop off the table, Alex sat on the bed and pushed the thumb drive into the slot and waited. When a video popped up of her parents, she knew this was going to be bad. Knowing that Finn had superhuman hearing she pulled out her earbuds and clicked the play button.

  “Alex, if you are seeing this and something terrible has happened to us you need to get this information to the FBI.” Ross Marsh, her father was doing all the talking. She could tell they were both scared because his voice was shaking.

  “Alex, my baby girl. We did something so stupid. Usually we don’t do fa
vors for people, but this one time, Jackson Peters asked if we could help out a friend of his. He said that it would be an easy job for us because his friend only had a virus on his computer from playing games online.

  “I thought I recognized the guy’s name but it didn’t dawn on me until it was too late. Once we got into the computer and started looking around for the virus we found a file that had account numbers from a bank in the Cayman Islands. It had millions of dollars but once we looked in the other files, we realized these accounts belonged to the Malton crime family.

  “The computer belongs to Dominic ‘The Bull’ Santora and he is embezzling money from the Malton family. Then Dominic showed up and started questioning us, and you know we can’t hide stuff, and I let it slip that we only looked for the virus, but he knew, Alex. He knew we saw that information. So, we copied it just in case. We needed something to bargain with.” Her mother was nodding as she watched her parents give their last testimony.

  “The man is crazy, and even though we gave him the computer back, he continued to come to the shop and quiz us. He said there was information on the computer that isn’t there now. We told him the virus must have erased it, but he knows something and we don’t know what to do. We should have told him we couldn’t fix it, but you know how much I love a challenge.”

  Alex smiled, at her dad’s comment. That’s what her parents’ company was known for, finding viruses that nobody wanted to deal with. “Take Haine and run and get this information to the cops. Then leave until he’s put in jail. Don’t trust Jackson Peters, either. There was a file about him, too. The man has been taking pay offs for years. Just leave the city, Alex. We left money in the accounts for you. It all goes to you and Haine. Please take care of him. We love you, baby girl, and we’re so proud of you.”

  Alex wiped the tears off her face as the video ended. She didn’t have time to cry. She needed to figure out what she was going to do next. After clicking on the file, she found what a bad boy Dominic Santora had been. She bet money that Ramone Malton didn’t have a clue his man was stealing from him. She wondered what he would do to him once he found out?