Predator

Book 4: Stope Packs

by Rebecca Zanetti

Genres: Shifters; Contemporary Romance; Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

Enemies clash, Secrets burn, and Love defies every law...

Emily Nightsom is a wolf shifter born to lead. Strong, fierce, and fiercely loyal, her pack has always assumed she'll rise as their next alpha, even though she has repeatedly said otherwise. But Emily harbors a secret—a weakness buried so deeply she's sworn no one will ever discover it. If it comes to light, it could shatter her pack's trust and destroy the one thing she's fought to protect: her family. She's willing to shoulder the burden of leadership if she has to—but not until every other option is gone.

Then there's Jackson Tryne, Alpha of the Slate Pack. Enemy. Annoyance. Predator. The wolf shifter who kissed her years ago on a reckless dare—and left her wanting more even as she swore she'd never forgive his arrogance. Jackson has wanted Emily ever since that moment, but her rejection only fueled his desire to prove himself worthy of the untouchable, untamable wolf who refuses to be claimed. Now, with a deadly assassin closing in on her, Jackson doesn't hesitate: he takes her, hides her, and vows to protect her—even if it means breaking every law of the packs.

Emily's fury is matched only by the fire between them. She's spent years fighting her feelings for Jackson, but he's done waiting. As the danger around them grows, her carefully guarded walls start to crumble, exposing not just her heart but the secret that could ruin her. Jackson is determined to have her, no matter the cost, but when the truth comes out, will he still see her as the fierce warrior he's always loved? Or will it tear them—and their packs—apart?

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Release date: March 25, 2025

Publisher: RAZ INK LLC

Print pages: 304

Sample

CHAPTER 1

Her nerves jangling like a skeleton caught in a tumble dryer on high spin, Emily Nightsom clasped her hands in her lap and rocked on the rear veranda of the mansion, her chin up and no expression on her face. Anybody looking at her would see perfect composure and dignity. But anyone who truly sensed her energy would feel an eerie, skin-crawling unease. Thank goodness nobody had ever been on her wavelength.

Well, mostly nobody. Jackson Tryne didn’t count. Ever.

Gentle lights shone down from chandeliers, edging out the darkness of night. The moon had risen, though only at half strength—which somewhat explained the weakness in her knees.

A storm edged closer, with thunder rolling across the sky. Lightning struck nearby with a crackle, and the smell of ozone filled the air. Then the skies opened, instantly releasing rain in sheets, filling the night with the scents of pine and fresh earth.

Sitting safely beneath the veranda’s solid roof, Emily heard vehicles pull up in front of the home and looked toward the table laden with cold cuts, rolls, and cookies. Lovely etched glasses surrounded a full water pitcher, while wine bottles breathed to the side, stemmed glasses nearby. Swallowing, she stood and turned toward the double glass door, her mouth parchment-dry.

Her father emerged first, his gaze on the table and approval tilting his lips.

Well, at least she’d done something right. “Father.”

“Hi, Honey.” Philip Nightsom’s smile and eyes were too wide. Shock?

“Where is she?” Emily angled her neck to see beyond him.

He straightened, and she took in his dashing gray suit and striped, green tie. For as long as she could remember, he’d always kept a three-piece suit in his town car in case he needed clothing. “She wouldn’t, ah, ride with me.”

Amusement surprised Emily as the sensation ran through her. “That’s interesting.”

He frowned and moved toward the table, pouring a glass of cabernet. “You might want to steel yourself.”

“Why?”

The door opened again, and Miliki, her father’s top Enforcer, strode out. At over a hundred years old, he had silver hair and sharp, brown eyes. “Miss Nightsom? I’d like for you to meet Nadia Hodge. Your, ah, half-sister.” He stepped to the side, revealing a female.

Emily swallowed a gasp.

A female walked forward, her eyes a lighter black than Emily’s. They both had platinum-blond hair and fine features.

“Hi.” The female spoke first, her gaze on the wild storm beyond the veranda.

“Welcome to our home.” Emily searched her sister’s face for something. Anything. Man, they looked alike.

Nadia glanced at Emily’s boot-covered feet and then her head. “Well. Guess you got all the height.”

Amusement took over again. “Guess so.” While Em was around six feet tall, Nadia had to be…what? Five-foot-six, tops? “And you have a dimple in your left cheek. I don’t.”

Her father took a deep gulp of wine. “You both look just like my mother. It’s fascinating, really.”

The poor guy sounded like he was still in shock. Probably was, considering he’d discovered he had another daughter just a few hours ago. 

Nadia slowly grinned. “You’re truly beautiful, Emily.”

Emily chuckled. “That’s funny, considering we could be twins—minus the height difference.”

“No.” Nadia shook her head, her focus intense. “It’s more than that. There’s something about you. Beyond the bone structure and all of that. Real beauty.”

“What a kind thing to say,” Emily said smoothly.

Nadia snorted. “Kind isn’t exactly one of my character traits. Telling the truth…is.”

Likable. Her newly found sister was eminently likable. This might work out, after all.

A male strode through the door, his dark gaze taking in the entire veranda before he moved to the side, posting himself near Nadia in a position that ensured he could intercept anybody before they reached her. He stood to well over six feet tall and appeared muscled and strong.

Both Miliki and her father bristled.

“You brought your own Enforcer?” Emily asked. Or was there more to it?

Nadia nodded. “This is Caidrik. Our new, um, Alpha assigned him to my protection detail while I visited your territory.”

Emily’s eyebrow rose. Caidrik had some power. She could feel it. Was he an Alpha? Something was off here. “Your new Alpha? You mean Erik Volk?”

Nadia shifted her weight. She looked adorable in jeans and a pink sweater, with her blond hair up in a ponytail. “Yes. Erik Volk. Our co-op joined the Copper Pack earlier today. We need farming land, and they need wolves. It worked out.” She scrunched up her nose. “Although I’m not sure about having an Alpha, you know? My people have stayed out of wolf pack business.”

Caidrik looked from Nadia to Emily and back, promised death with a hint of intrigue in his eyes. “Which is why we were almost taken out by a rogue pack. We’ll be safer as members of the Copper Pack.” He focused on Emily. “It’s my understanding that you were engaged to Erik Volk, who is now mated to somebody else. Has that created bad blood?”

Miliki growled low.

Emily smiled, her shoulders relaxing. Apparently, her sister’s guard dog had done his research. “Not in the slightest. I called off the engagement. Erik and I are good friends, and I adore Luna, his new mate. The Slate Pack and the Copper Pack are allies within the Stope Packs Coalition. Your people will be much safer now.” Her legs trembled, so she turned toward the table to mask the weakness. “May I get you something to eat or drink? The wine is excellent.”

Nadia’s gaze narrowed.

 “I’d love wine. Thank you.”

Had she seen the tremor? If so, it was kind of her to refrain from mentioning it. Or perhaps she was categorizing weaknesses to use against them later. “Caidrik?” Emily asked, pouring a glass of cabernet for her sister.

“No.” At Nadia’s quick look, he cleared his throat. “No, thank you,” he said, his voice a low growl.

Emily handed Nadia the wineglass.

Their father finished his drink and then cleared his throat. “I didn’t know that you existed until a few hours ago, Nadia.”

“I know.” Nadia sipped her wine. “By the time my mother realized she was pregnant, you had already mated Emily’s mom. She chose not to tell you.”

The female didn’t sound like she cared much. “Where is your mother now?” Emily poured herself a glass of water.

“She passed away five years ago,” Nadia said quietly.

Emily looked at her sister. “I’m sorry. My mother passed away, as well.”

Nadia grimaced. “My mom had a very common wolf name, one that carries through all of the packs, so I often have folks say that they know her. But we pretty much kept to ourselves and our small co-op my entire life.”

A clamor echoed from inside the house, and Emily sighed right before her cousin, Vic, strode outside. “Nadia, this is your cousin, Victor.”

Vic looked from Emily to Nadia and then to Philip. “So, it’s true? You have a bastard daughter?”

Caidrik launched from his post, and Nadia pivoted, putting her body between them.

Emily drew up to her full height. “You call my sister a name like that again, and you and I are hitting the grass, Vic. Last time we wrestled, you ended up crying for an hour.” Of course, she’d been stronger then. Much. They’d been kids, really.

He whirled on her. “Oh, I’d like another chance at you, little girl.”

Nadia shifted, somehow landing next to Emily. “I’d love to see you kick his ass, Emily.”

Emily smiled, willing her left leg to stop trembling. The weakness was increasing,

damn it. She couldn’t even kick her own ass. “Father?”

Philip put down his glass. “Yes. I was stunned for a moment.” He flashed his canines. “Victor? You might be my nephew, but Nadia is my daughter. You will treat her with respect. Understand?” Alpha power vibrated in his voice.

“Of course.” Victor stood as tall as Caidrik, with green eyes and dark blond hair. The guy always wore gold: watch, necklace, even pinky ring. “I apologize, Nadia. This is just a…shock.” He rolled his neck. “I’ve been stressed lately, training to step in as the Alpha of this pack if and when it becomes necessary.” He edged to the side, keeping Caidrik in his line of sight.

So, he did recognize the biggest threat—probably instinctively, because Vic rarely thought things out.

Nadia glanced sideways at Emily. “Why aren’t you training to be the Alpha?”

Vic snorted. “Seriously? She’s a female.”

That was nowhere near why. If Emily wasn’t dying, she’d take over as Alpha in an instant…until somebody good came along. She didn’t want the position but couldn’t let Vic take control. He lacked insight. “Nadia? Do you want the job?”

“God, no.” Nadia took another drink of her wine.

Probably a good thing. While Nadia had Alpha blood, she wasn’t big enough to fight off challengers. Emily had the size but not the strength—a fact she’d managed to hide from everyone. Her illness was getting worse, and she had to do something about it before Vic took over. Thank goodness her father was strong and healthy, even at his advanced age.

Nadia’s chin lifted. “However, I do think a female could be the Alpha.”

Philip sighed. “Maybe theoretically, but the challenges would come often, and she’d need to fight well.” He paled. “Not that Emily can’t fight, but her heart isn’t in it, so…”

Emily cleared her throat. “I’ll step up if needed, Father.” Of course, she needed to be in top health, damn it.

Vic looked them both over. “We’re fourth or fifth cousins, you know.”

Nadia flicked her gaze to Emily. “So?”

Vic ignored her and faced Philip. “I understand you’ve promised Emily to Jackson Tryne. I’d like for you to reconsider.”

Fire ripped through Emily, banishing the tremble. “Wait a minute⁠—”

“Promised?” Nadia’s voice rose, and she actually stepped in front of Emily this time. “You’ve promised her to somebody?” Even her ponytail twitched

 in anger.

Emily easily stared at her father over Nadia’s head. “No. Listen, little sister⁠—”

“Big sister,” Nadia corrected, placing her wine glass on the table. She put her hands on her hips. “I’m a year older than you. That makes me the big sister, and there’s no way on this round ball of a planet I’m letting my little sister be promised to the Alpha of the damn Granite Pack.”

Emily cocked her head. Her very petite sister had just called her the little sister. How adorable. “You’ve heard of Jackson?”

“Everybody has heard of him,” Nadia said, her back visibly vibrating. “He’s brutal in a fight.”

Every Alpha was brutal in a fight. “He’s not that scary,” Emily said. “And don’t worry, I’m not promised to anybody.”

Philip poured more wine into his glass. “Actually, we could use the connection to his pack, Emily. That strength would be helpful since the Volk brothers now lead the other two packs in the coalition.”

She understood his position. Their coalition was named after a stope—a tunnel in a mine—an apt moniker, as the four packs mined slate, granite, copper, and silver. With the Silver and Copper Packs now being ruled by blood brothers, it left her father feeling uneasy.

Even so, she shook her head. “I am not mating Jackson Tryne.” She wouldn’t mate for convenience, and besides, couldn’t with her current illness—it wouldn’t be fair to Jackson. She should probably tell her father the truth about how physically weak she felt, but she didn’t want to worry him.

“What about me?” Vic puffed out his muscular chest.

Emily’s mouth gaped, but she quickly pressed her lips together. “You want to mate Jackson?” she drawled.

Victor’s face flushed red. “Funny, but no. I want one of you.”

Nadia’s head bobbed as if her chin had hit her chest.

Emily winced. “We’re cousins, Vic. Don’t be ridiculous.”

Victor continued staring at Philip. “It would consolidate power, and we’re all very distant relatives.”

Nadia’s ponytail jerked again. “Geez, Vic. Would you like to flip a coin for us?”

Sarcasm sounded good coming from the female. Emily sighed. “This is the dumbest conversation I’ve ever witnessed. The answer is no, Victor. Neither of us wants to mate you, so stop it. Right now.”

He moved toward her, and Caidrik growled low. Lightning zapped near the tree line.

Vic stopped.

This was weird. “Nobody is getting mated, so everyone just calm the hell down,” Emily said before any blows could land.

“Now, that just hurts my feelings.” Jackson Tryne emerged from the darkness, the moon caressing his rock-hard form. The rain sluiced off him, molding his worn T-shirt to his impressive chest.

Emily stiffened, her body electrifying as her gaze slashed to her father’s. While it didn’t surprise her that she hadn’t smelled him, as the Alpha, Philip should’ve known the second he entered their territory. Was Jackson that good at masking his scent and energy? Even with the help of the storm, somebody should’ve sensed the presence of an Alpha wolf. They emitted their own vibrations.

The Alpha strode across the back lawn and into the chandelier’s light, his luminous blue eyes predatory. He glanced at Nadia and then back at Emily. “I heard the rumors. Appears true.”

Victor moved closer to the table, his gaze hard. “Tell you what, Tryne, you can have the new sister. Nadia is all yours.”

It was like he wanted Caidrik to rip out his throat.

Nadia bunched as if ready to attack, so Emily grasped her arm. “Take it easy, big sister.” While Vic had no tact, the guy could fight. Emily doubted her new sister would stand a chance against him. “Nobody is going anywhere.”

Jackson tucked his thumbs into the pockets of his ripped jeans, water dripping from his thick, black hair. “That’s where you’re wrong, baby. I’m done waiting.”

Vic bristled. “Why are you fucking here, Jackson?”

Those blue eyes landed on Emily with a force stronger than the current storm.  “I’m here for what’s mine.”

 

CHAPTER 2

 

Jackson hated that he had run into Slate territory the second he found out Emily might be in danger. His pack, the Granite Pack, held territory far north of this Slate Pack. But he had to make sure Emily was safe.

A quick glance at the smaller version of her clarified that if there was danger, it was not coming from this newfound sister. Jackson slowly lifted his gaze to the silent male standing close to the females. “Caidrik,” he said.

“Jackson,” Caidrik returned.

Emily glanced from one to the other, paling. “You two know each other?”

“No,” they both said.

Jackson set his stance.

Emily’s gaze narrowed. “Well, that’s a lie.”

“No shit,” the female in front of her said.

“I’m Jackson,” he murmured.

The female’s eyes were a shade lighter than Emily’s, framed by long lashes that gave her an ethereal look. Despite the delicate features, there was a sharpness in her gaze. “I’m Nadia. I know who you are.”

“Good.” Jackson tilted his head slightly. It was sometimes helpful when his reputation preceded him. Sometimes, it wasn’t. Most people thought he was a party animal, when they truly had no idea how he spent his days. Or nights.

Philip Nightsom’s gaze shifted between them. “Jackson, can I offer you a glass of wine?”

“I’d rather have a beer,” Jackson murmured, his voice low as he took another step closer to Emily, feeling Caidrik’s eyes tracking his every move.

Caidrik’s shoulders went back, his muscles tensing subtly beneath his shirt.

“You’re working for the Slate Pack now?” Jackson drawled, his focus narrowing.

“No,” the Enforcer replied shortly. Caidrik was always a wolf of few words—a trait Jackson had appreciated in the past.

Emily’s black eyes flashed with curiosity. “How do you two know each other?”

“We worked together once, but we don’t really know each other,” Jackson replied, although the truth was more complex. Now wasn’t the time to go into any of that.

“Doing what?” Nadia asked, her curiosity obvious.

“Nothing,” Jackson and Caidrik said in unison.

Philip moved to the barbecue area, where a small fridge sat tucked beneath the counter. The scent of grilled meat lingered in the air as he opened the fridge and pulled out a beer bottle. “Anybody else?” he asked, glancing around.

No one answered. Philip returned and handed the bottle to Jackson. The glass felt cool against Jackson’s hand as he twisted off the top with a practiced motion. He took a long drink, the bitter tang of the beer grounding him.

“With the Copper Pack and the Silver Pack now solidly aligned, considering their Alphas are brothers, our packs need to create a similar alliance.” Jackson shifted his gaze to Philip. “As you know, the Alpha of the Silver Pack is a distant cousin of mine, so I figured that might motivate you.” The words hung between them, heavy with implication. He still hadn’t decided whether Seth was an ally or an enemy, but blood ties often tipped the scales.

Philip nodded slowly. “I understand we need a stronger alliance.” His expression hardened as if he were weighing the invisible pressures.

Victor stepped forward, his broader frame more imposing than Jackson remembered. The guy had clearly been hitting the gym. Hard. Gold winked from a pendant on his chest. “We would like to propose a new agreement.”

Philip’s eyes flashed with something unreadable. The tension in the air thickened.

Jackson didn’t wait for Victor to say more. “You’re not the Alpha here, Vic, and I doubt you ever will be. Why don’t you go do something else? This is a meeting between Alphas.” His tone left no room for argument, and he doubted Vic knew how desperate his pack was for access to the Embervault Mine. He had found veins of rare slate deep in its depths, the nature of which would take the Slate Pack out of the red.

Did Emily even know her pack needed money?

Vic’s chin lowered. There was no doubt he had some Alpha blood in him, but Jackson didn’t have time for this nonsense. The guy’s eyes grew calculating. “I’m not kidding, Jackson. You can’t have Emily. However, it appears we have an alternative.”

Emily’s mini-me gasped. “Listen, you fucktard⁠—”

Jackson burst out laughing and caught a quick flash of amusement in Emily’s eyes. “I like your sister,” he drawled.

She tilted her head. “I like her, too.”

Nadia frowned and blinked several times. Apparently, their approval wasn’t something she had expected. “You all have to get rid of archaic customs, and I mean right now.”

Emily placed a graceful hand on her sister’s shoulder. “I could not agree more. Let’s talk about this rationally.”

Rational wasn’t something Jackson felt in Emily’s presence. He crossed his arms, still ready to attack or defend if necessary. “Philip, we came to an agreement.”

Emily whirled, giving him her full attention. “I’m not something to be bartered, Jackson.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” He wondered if her father had told her the full truth. “However, considering you were kidnapped months ago and the culprits still haven’t been found and killed, you’re not being properly protected here. As my future mate, that is unacceptable to me.”

Victor stepped forward again, eyes hard with determination. “You can’t seriously be considering this. Emily doesn’t need⁠—”

“Enough, Victor.” Philip’s voice cut through the air like a whip. “This is a conversation

 for Alphas, not you. Leave. Now.”

Victor’s jaw clenched, his hands tightening into fists at his sides, but Philip didn’t waver. After a tense pause, Vic spun on his heel and stormed off, his footsteps heavy as he disappeared into the house. The front door soon slammed.

Emily watched him go.

Jackson shifted his stance, drawing her gaze back to him.

She lowered her chin and straightened her posture. “I am not your future mate.” Her voice trembled with fury.

Jackson’s breath hitched. God, she was glorious. She was truly the most gorgeous female he had ever seen in his entire life—probably the most stunning to ever exist, with her light-blond hair and black eyes. She was an avenging goddess. One he’d wanted for years. But it wasn’t just her beauty. They had a connection that scared her and intrigued him. He wondered if she’d be brave enough to admit it. “Your father offered a mating, and I accepted.”

Instead, her lips twisted into an almost sneer—she was too pretty to truly sneer. “We had one kiss when we were teenagers. You can’t seriously consider that created anything between us.”

It had been the best kiss of his life, and undoubtedly, hers, too. Yeah, they’d been fifteen, down by a river with a bunch of shifters, and he hadn’t called her afterward. But he couldn’t. His pack had fallen apart when his father died, leaving him to take over as Alpha far too young. “I wouldn’t mind seeing how you kiss as an adult, sweetheart.”

Pink bloomed across her high cheekbones. Satisfaction warmed him. He’d put color in her face. She’d been too pale for his liking when he arrived. No doubt from shock upon discovering the existence of her new sister. Still, Emily had always made it clear she didn’t want to step up as the Alpha of her pack. Jackson needed a mate—more than Emily realized. So, what was the problem? Besides Victor.

Philip Nightsom sighed, scrubbing a hand down his face. “Jackson, I rescind the offer. Emily has decided to step up as Alpha of the Slate Pack when I decide to retire in about a century.”

The guy didn’t have a century. Jackson cocked his head, staring at the stunning blonde. “You’ve changed your mind?”

“I have,” she said, meeting his gaze directly. “Duty binds us all, Jackson.”

He smelled just a hint of lemon. Was she lying? If so, she was good at it. “I could

 enforce the agreement. We had it, and you know it.”

“No,” burst out of both Emily and Nadia at the same time.

Jackson smiled. Together, they were fricking adorable. The height difference made them even cuter.

Suddenly, the wind shifted. The hair on the back of Jackson’s neck rose. In unison with Caidrik, he turned toward the opposite tree line as they both caught a scent.

Philip’s head jerked up.

A crash exploded from the front of the mansion, and wolves barreled through the home and onto the veranda, glass shattering in every direction. More wolves bounded out of the forest. The storm had masked their scent, and they’d arrived from downwind.

“Fuck.” Jackson shifted instantly, muscles bunching into his wolf form as he leapt into the air toward the threat. The Ravencall Pack. He could smell them. Emily shifted beside him, her silver-blond coat gleaming, even in the rain. The others shifted behind them.

Jackson reached the leader first and collided with him, teeth and claws tearing into flesh. Fury flowed through his veins. Blood splashed his muzzle, and the tang of copper filled his senses.

Caidrik ripped through two wolves on Jackson’s left, jaws clamping down on their throats until they crunched. Philip lunged past them with his Enforcer on his heels, slamming into another attacker. The Enforcer snapped bones with brutal efficiency.

Emily fought beside them, swift and agile, her smooth coat flashing through the chaos. Nadia moved in tandem with her sister, fighting hard with no true tactics. Had the female never been trained? Caidrik stayed close to Nadia, guarding her flank with lethal precision.

The storm lashed around them, rain blurring the battlefield and turning it slick with mud and blood. Jackson locked jaws with another wolf, rolling and biting until the enemy went limp. Snarls and yelps echoed in the air as the fight raged on.

Emily took down a light gray wolf with a swift bite to its throat, then spun to help Nadia, who had two wolves circling her. Emily lunged, teeth flashing white in the dark, and dragged one of the wolves down, her claws raking its side.

Then Emily slowed. Her movements became less fluid, ...