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  JACKSON

  Blackridge Haven Shifters

  Book 2

  A.F. MONTOYA

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2023 A.F. Montoya

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Blackridge Haven Series

  Connect With Me

  Other Books by A.F. Montoya

  Chapter One

  JACKSON

  “You’ve got to be kidding me. Again?!”

  It took work to hold back the snarl in my throat. Ethan was getting on my nerves. He was always a little shit but lately during this weird construction period on the garage, he’s been pushing everyone’s buttons. And since he liked to target Derek, I was almost always chasing his ass away. He was going to get himself killed one day. Derek isn’t violent by nature, he doesn’t like to fight if he doesn’t have to, but if you push him over the edge he’ll rip you apart and I didn’t have the energy to deal with all that.

  Storming off the construction site, I jumped into my truck and sped away, nearly hitting a car in my blindspot in my haste. I jerked the wheel, dodging them, and grimaced when they laid on the horn and flipped me the bird as they passed. Taking in a deep breath, I attempted to settle my bear and eased into traffic more cautiously this time.

  Scrubbing my beard, I followed the flow of traffic to the little garage we were renting closer to the town center while my family garage was being rebuilt. A few weeks back, Derek’s cousin burned it down in an attempt to draw Derek out and put him down. I didn’t blame Derek, though I know he still feels guilty about it, but it almost wrecked me. That garage has been in my family for three generations and my chest aches when I think about what I lost. The only reason I kept it together was because not long after that, they made me alpha of our little ragtag group of shifters. They trust me to keep them together and protect them and I don’t have time to fall apart.

  Between getting the garage rebuilt, handling the business out of the rental, and setting up the land I bought with Derek’s mate’s help so that we could finally have some freedom, I was busier than ever and chasing down Ethan was the last thing I wanted to be doing right now.

  When I pulled into the parking lot of the garage, I let out a groan. Ethan was sitting out front, pinching his nose to stem the bleeding and Theo was off to the side, trying to keep a pacing Derek away from Ethan and probably from having an uncontrolled shift. I pulled out my phone, dialing the number I knew by heart by now, and put it to my ear.

  “Hey, Jackson.”

  I sighed. I may be alpha but only one person could get Derek under control enough to get back to work. “Hey, Liv. Think you can take a break?”

  She hummed, her focus probably on the client she was with. “Derek?”

  “Yeah. Ethan’s bleeding.”

  She snorted. “Yeah, alright. I’m on my way.”

  She worked across town so I knew it’d be a minute. We were closer than we used to be but for now it was up to me to deal with this shitstorm. Shoving open the door to my truck, I slammed it shut behind me and stalked over to where Derek and Theo were waiting. Theo had his hands up like he was trying to calm a wild horse and Derek’s eyes looked wild. Once I was out of range of Ethan and the customers who were waiting inside, I put power to my voice, narrowing my eyes on Derek.

  “You will not change here. Calm down.”

  He didn’t always have the greatest control of his bear so taking the choice to change away from him wasn’t an easy order for him to swallow and he shuddered before sucking in a deep breath. He released it slowly and when he lifted his head and locked eyes with me, he nodded once. He wasn’t calm by a longshot but the threat of exposing our kind to the entire town was gone, which was a start.

  Turning my focus to Theo, I ground out, “What happened?”

  Derek wasn’t the only one riled up, I could see the wolf just under the surface. Theo didn’t like people messing with his crew and ever since we joined up, he’s been difficult to deal with. He glared just over my shoulder, his body tense.

  “Asshole was asking for it. He kept saying the only reason Liv was with Derek was because she was a freak and probably fell on her head as a kid. I don’t know what his problem is with them being together but if he doesn’t stop–”

  I shot him a dirty look, silencing him. “I’ll handle Ethan. Stay away from him and stop getting involved. You’ve got work to do. Get it done.”

  After he stalked off, muttering to himself, I regarded Derek. He’d calmed a bit but his fists were still clenched and his eyes darted around like he was looking for an escape. I couldn’t expect him not to react when someone was badmouthing his mate. He’s devoted to her. She was the first person in his life not to immediately react with fear when she met him. Instead, she found him fascinating and chased after him, completely throwing him for a loop. He fell head over heels for her and she didn’t fight their bond. When they aren’t working, they’re attached at the hip and I couldn’t be happier for my friend.

  “She’s on her way, D. Just keep it together a little longer.”

  He ran his fingers through his hair and dropped to a squat. Putting my hand on his shoulder, I squatted next to him, giving him my support until a familiar squeaky engine caught his attention and his head jerked up. We really need to get her to let us fix that rust bucket she calls a car. It doesn’t look right for the mate of a mechanic to have such a messed up vehicle.

  Concern overtook her features and she threw the car into park and raced over. I felt the tension break and Derek finally relaxed when she threw her arms around his neck and started whispering to him. Leaving her to handle him, I went looking for Ethan, ignoring the ache in my gut. That wasn’t something I’d ever have in my future. I had too much riding on my shoulders to go looking for a mate. And who’d want to be mated to a weak alpha who couldn’t control his crew without someone stepping in?

  Ethan was still sitting on the bench out front. I grabbed him by his collar, hauling him out of sight of the customers and around the building to the little area some of the guys took their breaks. When I shoved him forward, he stumbled, nearly eating it face first. He swung around with a scowl but the look was ruined by the fact that he was still pinching his nose.

  “Wha da hell?” His speech was muffled, which would be hilarious if I wasn’t so pissed off.

  “Don’t. I know you started it. You always start it. Give me one good reason I shouldn’t fire your ass for constantly causing trouble?”

  He glowered but stayed silent. He was walking a very thin line. I knew his background, I knew he would have a hell of a time finding work anywhere else, but I wasn’t going to put up with him screwing with Derek anymore. He’s on my crew, it’s my job to protect him.

  “Last chance, Ethan. I mean it. Leave Derek alone. He’s got a girlfriend to worry about, he doesn’t need to spend the rest of his life in prison after murdering your ass. Keep your fucking opinions to yourself. If you can’t handle that then hand in your notice. I’m done.”

  His eyes dropped to the ground. I don’t know why I give him so many chances. He’s a pain in the ass. I’ve always had a soft spot for the younger ones, he reminds me of my little brothers, but I can only take so much. And I can’t put him in line like I did my brothers. Ethan’s human. That wouldn't end well for either of us.

  “Is it broken?”

  “Don’t think so,” he mumbled.

  “Good. Then shove a tissue up there and get back to work. And stay the hell away from Derek. And the customers for that matter. You’re making us look bad.”

  He nodded once and edged past me, heading back into the garage. With my mood as bad as it is, he could probably feel the rage and dominance coming off me. Even humans with their dull instincts knew when a predator was pissed off. And I was royally pissed off. I swung around, about to head inside to check on the rest of them, but I changed my mind and spun around again. I need to calm down if I’m going to deal with them right now.

  By the time I felt like I was back under control, Liv had done her thing because Derek was back inside, working with Theo on a minivan that was causing a harried mother some issues. Liv was about to get back into her car when she noticed me and waved me over, leaning on her door when I approached.

  “Do I wanna know what upset him so much?”

  I scowled. “No. I handled it. You workin’ late tonight?”

  She pursed her lips, her gold eyes scanni
ng the open garage doors behind me. It seemed obvious now that those eyes belonged to a panther but she learned young to hide her animal so we didn’t find out until later what she was. She’s so good at hiding, I thought she was human. Even Derek was unaware and they were halfway to mated before he found out.

  “Not overly late. I’ll probably be home a little after dinner. I would’ve been earlier if–”

  “If I didn’t have to keep calling you out here to fix this for me. I know. I’m trying, Liv.”

  She sighed, pushing away from her door to come stand by me. Putting her hand on my arm, she gave me a sympathetic look. “I know that. And you aren’t going to hear any complaints from me. I love Derek and I’ll drop everything to make sure he’s okay. But this has to stop. He doesn’t deserve to have to work like this. Why are you holding on so hard to Ethan? He’s a dick.”

  Glancing over my shoulder, I tracked Ethan as he changed a tire, his expression muted. “There’s more to him than you know. But I’ve given him enough excuses. He’s on his last chance now. If I can’t get through to him, I’m cutting him loose.”

  She nodded. “Good. I’m heading back to work. Make sure I don’t have to come back here today, I had to knock half the price off the tat I was working on to make up for making them wait so long.”

  As she got in her rust bucket and drove away, I let out a long sigh. Just another reason I had to do better. I almost wished I’d never agreed to become alpha. I’m not as strong as they think I am.

  Chapter Two

  ESME

  “It’s fucking inedible!”

  The plate came sailing across the room, shattering against the wall right over my shoulder. I did my best not to flinch, it only made things worse. Gavin pushed to his feet and grabbed his keys, storming out of the house, and I sat frozen at the table, staring at the dinner I spent over an hour making that he considered inedible. Tears threatened but I held them back. I felt like crying would be the last straw. The last of who I used to be stripped from me until I was just a blubbering mess waiting for my boyfriend to finally lose his patience and kill me.

  This isn’t ever how I saw my life going. I had plans. I was gonna go to art school, put my paintings in famous galleries, really become someone important. I was so confident back then, so sure of myself. But I struggled in the city and the more I struggled, the harder it was for me to keep up in class. I flunked out of art school and was on my way home with my tail feathers between my legs when I met Gavin. He was so suave and handsome and he said all the right things. I fell hook, line, and sinker for every word and when he led me to this little town, promising I’d be able to take some time and work on my art, I didn’t ever think to question him.

  It started off small. He mentioned since I was home more than him, it might be helpful for me to make dinner or pick up here and there. I was happy to help since he was supporting me. He started getting more demanding but I kept ignoring it, telling myself it was because he was stressed from supporting us both.

  The first time he hit me was a shock. I’d gotten deep into painting and lost track of time, getting no housework done and completely forgetting to start dinner. He came home and flew into a rage, destroying my painting and throwing it out the window. When I protested he backhanded me so hard I hit the ground. He was immediately apologetic, hugging me and crying, saying he didn’t mean it, telling me how awful his day was and how he never wanted to take it out on me. And I believed him. Everyone has bad days, this was just a really bad one. I excused it just like I excused the other times that followed. I kept downplaying it, saying since he never close fist punched me, it didn’t count as abuse.

  I lifted my gaze slowly, looking around the tiny apartment we shared. He’s been getting worse lately. Especially since I wouldn’t sleep with him anymore. He stopped bothering to hide his true nature, he stopped apologizing. I knew I should leave. I should pack my bag and walk away. But I was scared. I didn’t know where to go. I didn’t have any money, he told me not to worry about working while I was staying with him. I pushed away my family, thinking since he was the only one who supported my dream as a painter, he was all I needed. I was trapped here in this hell hole with no way out.

  My mind flicked back to the day at the tattoo shop. It’d been a small form of rebellion. I sold an old broach that once belonged to my grandmother to afford it and made sure it was small enough that he wouldn’t be able to see it. The shop owner seemed kind, offering to let me come back just to hang out. I considered asking her for help. Her boyfriend is terrifying and absolutely massive. If anyone would be able to keep Gavin at bay, it’d be him. He’s a shifter too. And not a weak one like me and Gavin. I could feel the dominance radiating off him even though he was just sitting playing with his phone. But no. I couldn’t do that. I wasn’t going to drag them into my problems. They didn’t know me. And I was the one who got myself into this situation. I’ll need to be the one to get myself out.

  I cleaned up the mess from Gavin’s tantrum, putting away the leftovers. I didn’t have the stomach to eat so once I finished, I moved about the room restlessly, knowing if the house wasn’t pristine Gavin would drag me out of bed in the middle of the night to fix it. I finally went to bed well past midnight but I don’t sleep well anymore. I wake up a lot, waiting for Gavin to return. Once he climbed into bed and gave me his back, I finally let myself settle.

  I woke up to a hand running up and down my side. I was half asleep and confused, blinking slowly as I tried to figure out what was happening. When the hand moved to cup my breast, I tried to jerk away but he wasn’t letting up this time. He dragged me against his chest and nuzzled my ear like I wasn’t fighting against him right now.

  “Come on, Essie. It’s been forever. I was a dick last night, lemme make it up to you.”

  I knew I shouldn’t fight him, I was only making things worse for myself but I felt like giving in to him was like giving up and I wasn’t ready to do that. When his hand moved between my legs to cup me, I jerked my elbow into his side, making him grunt and release me. Rolling off the bed, I landed on my butt on the floor, wincing as pain shot up my tailbone.

  When I lifted my head, he was baring his teeth at me, fury written across his features. I couldn’t have just said no? I had to go and hurt him? I’m an idiot.

  I tried to run but my legs were caught in the sheets and he landed on top of me, grabbing my hair and yanking it backwards.

  “Where the fuck do you think you’re going?”

  “Let go!” I screamed, trying to wriggle away from him.

  “No! You’re my girlfriend and you’re not keeping your end of the bargain. You take care of me, I keep a roof over your head. So take care of me, damnit!”

  He pawed at me but he couldn’t get close to where he wanted while he was lying on top of me, the sheets still wrapped around me. So he hauled me to my feet and ripped the sheets away, shoving me against the wall. I tried to slap him but he caught my wrist and froze, his eyes narrowed on the wrist I normally kept covered with a thick bracelet. The wrist I got my tattoo on.

  “What the fuck is this?”

  Panting, I swiveled my gaze between my wrist and his face, watching the outrage slowly overtake him. Gavin doesn’t like tattoos. He says the only people who get them are whores and freaks. Using what little courage I had left, I slammed my knee between his legs. He dropped to the ground and I shoved away from the wall, tearing out of the apartment as fast as my legs could carry me. I thought about shifting but Gavin is faster than me in our animal forms. My only chance of escaping him is to find some place to hide.