Bradley was back at the place where it all started. As he looked at the steel structure being erected before him, he had an insane urge to tear it down with his bear hands, then he would tear up the stupid contract that he and his team worked so hard for and then jump back on his plane and head straight into the arms of his lovely mate. He became so busy that his conversations with Trishanna were sometimes less than five minutes. He knew the distance was a strain for her as well. He could see it in her eyes and everything within him screamed to get back to her. He was so distracted, barking at Lorenzo every two seconds to be sure that Trishanna was well, that the doctor felt like he couldn't even take a bathroom break. He was no better with his pack members and Sammy was going through the wringer to ensure that she was safe and not left alone for too long.
Surprisingly, James turned out to be the only one he felt he trusted to take care of Trishanna and more and more he leaned on his once rival to take care of his mate. James moved Trishanna back to Bloodmoon, for Bradley's peace of mind, and secretly his own. His wolf was calmer now that his pup was close by and they once again resumed their walks as well as taking her to town sometimes. They watched movies and visited the few restaurants, sampling something different every time. James also spent time reading to Trishanna and the pup and was always pleased with his child responded to his voice.
Trishanna felt more relaxed having James close at hand. He would even rub her feet or back or wherever ached. His touch was comforting, yet underneath it, there was a heat that licked a slow trail of desire in her blood.
Trishanna always ended things before she lost herself, but she could tell that he knew. The way his nostrils flared as he scented her desire, or heard the quickening of her heart. He always let her go with a smile that made her feel like he was the cat who played with the mouse. She wondered when he would catch her and she had strong doubts that she would resist.
Bradley was glad to know that Trishanna was back with James, however his desire for her was making him lose his focus. Just today, he almost missed a crucial detail that would have made the new merger he was engaging in a liability to him. Thankfully Martha caught it and with the dignity and grace she was known for, she brought it to his attention at the meeting. He knew she was going to receive a handsome bonus this year.
Walking out of the building, he began loosening his tie before the car even rolled up. Bradley was so busy berating himself for his mistake when a hodded man walked passed him, quickly turned and stabbed him three times in the abdomen. Bradley shocked, fell to the ground. The man then took out a gun and shot him in the chest and stomach, emptying the six bullets, then fled the scene amid the chaos.
Martha's cry of alarm nearly broke through the screaming pain rolling through Bradley's body. Silver. The bastard not only stabbed him with a silver knife, the silver bullets were playing havoc on his body. His wolf's howl of pain reverberated over and over in his brain. He could feel himself losing consciousness and he knew that whoever did this wanted him gone for good. he forced his eyes to focus and grabbed Martha's hand to grab her attention from whoever she was calling. "Silver," Bradley whispered, "Bloom", and with that, he passed out.
Trishanna was lying on one of the couches in the entertainment room. It had several couches and comfy chairs and boasted of a large-screen TV. Her feet were in James' lap and she munched on chocolate-covered strawberries he bought for her. Lorenzo was on her case about the amount of chocolate she consumed. Correction, the pup consumed. She tried to protest, but James just winked and said with a shrug that it was mainly fruit, a comment that had her sold. They watched a movie, something light and comical. Tishanna tried to pay attention to the screen, but James playing gently with her toes was quite a distraction. Maybe he had a foot fetish, or maybe she did. Her thoughts weren't making any sense and she turned back to the show.
A ding from her phone pulled her attention and she retrieved it from her pocket. What she read, made her sit up in alarm, the fruit falling to the floor forgotten. It was multiple articles about Bradley. She read the words shooting..., assassination attempt..., multiple stabbed wounds, and much more. She scrolled through article after article, her hands becoming more shaky with each one. James seeing her distress slid closer and held her. Tears choked her throat and soaked her cheeks. James took the phone and seeing what caused her distress, cradled her in his arms.
That made the dam inside her burst and she let out a wail of pain and grief. She couldn't believe that he was dead, he couldn't be. Just as she was about to lose her mind, her phone rang. It was Sam on the other line and she quickly answered. James had to hold the phone as her hands were still shaking. He placed it on speaker and answered. "Yes Sam, this is Alpha James. Tell us what's happening, We read the headlines." Sam swore softly then answered.
"Well, I'm not sure what you read, but Alpha Bradley was stabbed and shot by one assailant. He is currently in the hospital, but we are making arrangements that as soon as he is stable, we will move him to a private facility. We already contacted Dr. Lorenzo and he should be here in a few hours to oversee his care." James frowned, "Why is he in a normal hospital, isn't that dangerous?"
Sam sighed, "Alpha James, he was attacked with silver."