Free Territory by Susan Bliler Page A

mess.”
    Chloe dropped her hands and grabbed Kya’s wrist pulling her into the room, “It’s not your fault. And don’t worry about talking to Briggs, the packs already gone.”
    Kya stopped dead, “What! When?”
    “They left around midnight.” Chloe opened several drawers yanking out different articles of clothing as she went.
    Kya sunk to her knees, her descent cushioned by the plush white carpet covering the floor. “Oh my God! We have to go after them. We have to stop them!”
    Chloe turned her shocked gaze on Kya as she knelt in front of her, “Kya! What’s wrong?”
    Kya shook her head, her hand at her mouth, “They don’t know what type of monsters they’re up against. Theron and Reiner…they’ll tear them apart.”
    Chloe gently shoved the clothes she’d been holding into Kya’s hands, “It’s alright Kya.” Chloe squeezed Kya’s shoulders, “It’s going to be okay. In case you haven’t noticed, Dell and Briggs are big boys…very big boys. They can take care of themselves.”
    Kya looked away, biting her bottom lip. “Wh-who went?”
    “All the men. You’d think they were going to war!” Chloe stood and turned to face a large mirror that sat over her dresser. She shook her head staring at her reflection as her long straight hair danced around her, “Briggs refused to allow any females to go. Don’t know what’s up with that, but whatever.” Chloe turned back to Kya helping her up from the floor, “Anyway, you should get dressed. You can use your room or Briggs’ wherever you feel comfortable. I’m going down to start breakfast as soon as I shower. Just come down whenever you’re ready.” Chloe turned to her bathroom, but stopped abruptly, “Kya?” She began, folding her hands together under her chin. “Try not to be too upset with Briggs about…” Chloe rubbed her neck uncomfortably while eyeing the dark blue and black bruises on Kya’s throat. “Well, about how he’s handled things so far. He was in love once and she ended up…well, she wasn’t his one. He never really got over it. He still despises this wolf-mating thing. He’s just trying to put up walls so he won’t get hurt again. He’ll come around I promise.”
    “I don’t need him to.” Kya lifted her chin defiantly.
    “Well that’s an improvement at least. Two days ago you would have said that you didn’t want him to.” Chloe smiled at Kya before she strode into the bathroom closing the door behind her.
    Kya stood frozen in place. Wait! What did I say? That’s what I meant…I don’t WANT Briggs to come around. Jesus!
    Kya raced back to Briggs’ room instinctively. She hadn’t even noticed she’d unintentionally chosen his room over her own until she was naked and sliding into the panties that Chloe loaned her. Her mind was racing. I’ve got to stop Briggs before he gets hurt.
    She dressed hurriedly then raced downstairs. She went to the kitchen hoping to be long gone before Chloe came down to start breakfast. She had eaten only two meals in the past three days and her belly was growling. She knew she needed some sustenance if she had any hopes of catching the pack before they got to Colorado.
    Flying into the kitchen, she stopped dead in her tracks. Twelve females ranging in age from five to sixty lounged around the large kitchen and dining area.
    Mama smiled up at Kya from the stove, “Just in time. We’re having hot cereal and toast.” Mama motioned toward the coffee pot with her spoon, “Have some coffee.”
    Kya relaxed her shoulders trying to seem casual as she strode toward the coffee pot that sat on the counter next to the stainless steel fridge.
    “How’d you sleep?” Mama asked smiling up at Kya.
    “F-fine,” Kya lied. “Thanks.” Kya grabbed a mug from the cupboard Mama pointed at and poured herself a cup of coffee. She turned to lean back on the counter as she blew on her coffee and scanned the room over her mug. All eyes were on her.
    “I thought you were leaving.” The