Reclaiming Quinn - Parker Williams Page 0,28

smile. Quinn trailed close behind, making sure to stay to the side. When Gareth got to where the guy stood, he leaned in close.

“Do you know who I am?”

The guy—Rupert—stood stock-still, and even from a few feet away, Quinn could see him tremble.

“Yes, Alpha, I know who you are.” He dropped his gaze to the floor. “I understand my life is forfeit, and I stand ready to accept your judgment.”

There was a sadness to his words that struck Quinn. He’d expected anyone who helped kidnap Deke would be more arrogant, but this guy was… oh shit.

“Alpha, stop.”

Gareth continued to stare at Rupert. “What is it?”

“May I ask something before you do anything?”

Gareth took a step back. “Yes, of course.”

Quinn took Gareth’s place. “I’m going to ask this just once, and if you don’t answer truthfully, I can’t be held responsible for what he does to you. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes.”

“Why did you help take that man?”

When Rupert peered up, there was a sheen of tears in his eyes. “I didn’t want to. You have to believe me.”

And though he had no idea why, Quinn did. “Then tell me why.”

“I—I can’t. Alpha Klein said he’d kill… oh shit. No. Please, don’t….”

Gareth nudged Quinn aside. “He’d kill who? Tell me.”

Rupert worried his lower lip for a moment, then sighed. “My wife and our son. He took them when Marissa was getting out of school. She’s a teacher and usually gets out about four. I picked Judah up, and we had dinner waiting for when Marissa got home, but she never arrived. When we drove to the school to find her, Klein’s men jumped us and took Judah. He said if I didn’t help him, he would kill them both.”

Gareth growled, and Quinn wanted to jump out of his skin.

“Please, I know you have to kill me, but I’m going to beg you to save my family. I don’t care what you do to me as long as I know they’ll be safe.”

“They’ll be safe,” Quinn promised. “And no one is killing you, I swear.”

Gareth’s eyebrows arched, but he said nothing.

“They took my mate, and I intend on getting him back.”

“Your…? I thought mates were a myth.”

“Hardly,” Gareth said. “My mate was the vessel for the Moon Mother.” He lifted the sleeve of his T-shirt, showing off the mark of the Mother. “And I am her right hand.”

“I—I heard the story, but I didn’t believe it.” He dropped to his knees in the crowded lobby. “I pledge my life to you, Alpha. Whatever you want, I will give you.”

Gareth looked around, obviously uncomfortable. “Stand up, you’re making a scene.” He gripped Rupert’s arm and pulled him to a standing position. “Will you swear to be my wolf and no one else’s? You have to make a choice, because you cannot serve two houses here.”

There wasn’t even a moment of hesitancy. “I offer you my loyalty and will do whatever you deem necessary to help you find this one’s mate and to protect your own.”

Gareth smiled. “Do you have any ties in Chicago?”

“Beyond my family, no. The moment Klein took my wife and child, I would gladly have killed him if I had been able.”

A big hand landed on Rupert’s shoulder. “Then we have an agreement. I will help get your family back, and in exchange you will go to Lydon with their Alpha and help him to care for those from Desmond Ryker’s pack.”

“As you say, Alpha.”

“Good. Now, tell me everything you know.”

Rupert sighed. “I don’t have much to say. Klein told me that the Alpha Mate’s brother was staying here and that I was to get him outside where they would take him.” He swallowed hard. “He said if I did this, he would release my family, but then I was told he changed his mind and wouldn’t give them back until he was ready to return them to me.” His eyes had a sheen of tears. “Please, Alpha. I need my son. My family.”

His plea tore at Quinn. As much as he wanted Deke back, he wasn’t the only one who had suffered. Rupert, his family, all the people who’d come to Lydon after Gareth rescued them. Hell, even his own brother. And what had Quinn done to help them? Sure, he could cling to his own trauma, but what better way to help yourself than to give back to others?

“Alpha?”

Gareth turned toward Quinn, one brow quirked. “Yes?”

“May I please work with Rupert? I promise not to get in the