They parked on East Main Street, just past the bridge over the Salmon River. The main drag—such as it was—of the town of Malone. It had that slight air of neglect common to rural towns, with glimmers here and there of the quaint municipality it had once been. Small shops lined the road, their storefronts set in turn of the century, three- and four-story brick buildings. Many of them showed their age, and several were empty, but some were carefully maintained, their architectural details picked out in cheerful colors.
Lucas slipped out of the truck and Aaron followed. He knew the drill. When you kept to yourself as much as they did, it was smart to have good relations with the community. The best way to do that without getting the locals all up in your business? Become really good customers. They did their best to support as many local shops as they could every time they came to town. And as towns went, Malone was pretty nice. With a population of about fourteen thousand, it was just about large enough that a person could maintain some anonymity.
Lucas stopped outside one of the shops. Hardware. That looked promising. There had to be a number of things they could use in there. But Lucas was examining a display of stained glass that filled one whole side of the window. Several types of handmade jewelry sat in velvet lined boxes underneath. Odd. On the other side, separated by the front door, the display held typical hardware items, including a collection of rakes, shovels, barbeque grills and toward the back, a stack of wheelbarrows leaning against the wall.
Lucas was eyeing a large piece depicting a variety of roses in a riot of pinks and greens.
“I thought Mari told you not to get her any more gifts.”
Lucas’s mouth tightened. Still gazing at the display, he answered. “I don’t have to give it to her right away. But I don’t want someone else to buy it. There’s only one with roses.”
“Why roses?”
“She smelled of roses when I first found her.”
Ah. That explained a lot. Aaron just kept from wrinkling his nose. It was probably the only pleasant scent on her at the time. He glanced away. He didn’t like to think about the first time he’d seen Mari. That anyone could do that—
Lucas pulled open the shop’s door, bells jingling with its movement. Aaron followed.
The smell hit him in the face with the force of a wrecking ball. Sweet and spicy, and extremely potent. For a second, he thought his knees might buckle. Ahead of him, Lucas stopped dead.
A woman, a human woman, stepped out from the back room, pulling off work gloves as she came. She stopped the moment she caught sight of them stalled in the entrance. Maiden’s own— what was it with these humans?
There was a frozen moment.
“Can I help you?” Her voice was melodious, with just a hint of uncertainty.
Like he’d been released from a spell, Lucas strode smoothly forward. “There is a stained glass piece in the window. Roses. I’d like to buy it.”
“Really?” Her face broke into a smile—directed at Lucas—and Aaron’s stomach clenched. “Excellent!” She clapped her hands together, eyes shining. The sound went through him like a shot. “Let me get my stepladder. I’ll get it down.” She turned and headed back the way she’d come. Aaron felt slightly sick.
He shuffled out of the doorway, pretending to examine a rack of tools. He needed time to sort out his jangling senses. Her scent was— overwhelming. But not necessarily in a bad way. Rich, exotic flowers, spring rain, damp, fecund earth, and… something. Something elusive, with just a tiny bite. Possibly dangerous. Possibly poisonous. Bitterness to balance the sweet.
Aaron eyed her as she came back into the shop. She didn’t look dangerous. Still, he noticed Lucas stayed well back from her. With her attention distracted, he was able to take her in. His initial impression was… soft. Like a soft blue cloud, the edges blurred and indistinct. Pale blond hair kind of curled, or maybe waved around her face and shoulders.
She was wearing a blue button down shirt that looked slightly faded, as if it had been washed a thousand times. Her pants were loose, flaring out around her feet, flowing around her form, alternately revealing and concealing it. He turned slightly to follow her movements as she mounted the stepladder. As her hands rose over her head, her graceful movements revealed the sweet curve of her ass. For a brief moment, it was outlined against the creamy white fabric of her pants.
Aaron swallowed. She was beautiful.
Lucas shifted his weight slightly. Aaron raised his gaze to find Lucas watching him. He didn’t look happy. Aaron turned and started fumbling with the tools. We can always use another hammer. He grabbed a box of nails and then a set of decorative white shelves. Maybe Elizabeth could use them in her new kitchen. If not, they could go in the guest cabin they were building. In fact, there were probably lots of things in the shop that would be good for the cabin. He gazed around, but his eyes were drawn to the woman. As she came out from the window area, her blue shirt fluttered open to reveal a gauzy white tank underneath. He could just see the top curve of one breast above the dip of her neckline. He sucked in a breath, and then had to fight a shiver as the soft exotic scent of her enveloped his senses.
He followed behind Lucas, careful not to get too close as he made his way up to the counter. He could tell by posture alone, Lucas was not pleased. Aaron saw no reason to give his Alpha the opportunity to instruct him at this particular moment. None at all.
Aaron listened as Lucas made small talk with her about the shop. She confirmed she was the artist who’d made the stained glass. The jewelry was mostly from other local artisans. The shop sold hardware too because it had originally been her grandfather’s…
Mostly, Aaron used the opportunity to drink her in. Her eyes were striking. They were a smoky grey, the irises outlined by a thin band of navy blue. Her skin was pale ivory silk, and her features were… flawless. Like a cameo come to life. He needed to get closer. Needed to touch her, taste the delicate skin of her neck—
Okay, dog-breath, don’t fuck this up. He wasn’t that smooth with the ladies, mostly he just stuck to himself. And when he couldn’t, when he just needed someone to touch for a little while, there were always places where willing women went. Bars. Pickup joints. But this—
Lucas took his carefully wrapped package and moved back. Aaron stepped up to the counter, juggling the items stacked on the shelves, and almost lost the box of nails perched on the top. Her slender hand grabbed it at the last minute.
“Thanks.” His voice sounded like he hadn’t used it in a decade. “Wouldn’t want that to hit the deck and break open.” He tried a smile. “Nails everywhere.” This close, he could tell she was tall for a woman. At least five-eight.
“No problem,” she said in her soft, melodious voice. Delicate pink tinged her cheeks. “Wouldn’t be the first time, believe me. Did you find everything you need?” Her voice sounded tentative and she smelled—
He couldn’t tell. Nervous? Uncertain? Wary? Maybe all three. He suppressed a grimace.
“I’m sure I’ll be back. I’m working on a cabin.” He tried a small grin. “You know how it is— as soon as you get home, you realize what you forgot.”
She nodded, ringing up his purchases. “I know. Happens to me all the time.”
His hands were free, so he wiped them on his jeans. “So, listen. I’m new in the area. Can you recommend a nice place to eat?”
She glanced up, her grey-blue eyes slightly startled.
“Oh, um… like a diner?”
“A restaurant. Someplace with good food. Atmosphere.” Okay, he’d about exhausted his repertoire of romantic words. Restaurant. Atmosphere. How pathetic.
“Oh, there’s Riverside Steak and Seafood. It’s right across the street. Well, over the bridge, but it’s right there.” She indicated the direction with her chin. “The food’s great. They even have decent wine.” She gave him a small conspiratorial smile.
“Sounds perfect. Any chance I could talk you into joining me? I hate to eat alone.”
Her eyes widened and s
hot to Lucas. He could hear her heart rate pick up, and her soft pink mouth popped open. Aaron refused to acknowledge Lucas by so much as an eye flicker. He stared at her with an open, friendly, hopefully winning smile on his face.
“Um… when?”
He shrugged, hoping she couldn’t hear his own heart racing. No. Humans couldn’t hear things like that. He could feel Lucas hovering too close, pretending to check out a gardening display.
“Whenever you’re free.”
“Friday?”
He felt the smile spread over his whole face. He had to fight not to let it grow into a goofy grin.
“Friday it is.” Only two days away. “Should I meet you here?”
“Sure. I close the shop at six-thirty. Will that work?”
“Sounds good.” He reached across the counter. “I’m Aaron. Aaron Masters.”
Her smile turned shy and her blush deepened. “Lyla. Lyla James.”
Their hands met and a shock jolted up his arm. Not a little tingle. An actual, full-blown electric shock. She jumped back, shaking her hand.
“Sorry.” She bit her lip. “Static electricity.” Her hand moved up to touch her hair, floating around her head and shoulders like a cloud. “I think it’s my hair.”
He grinned back at her. “It’s worth it. You have the nicest hair I’ve seen in a while.” It was a lame compliment, but her smile widened.
“Oh. Thanks.”
“I’ll see you on Friday.”
“Great.” She looked shy.
He sucked in a breath, hoping it wouldn’t show, needing to at least try to decipher her complex mix of emotions.
Caution. Happiness. Nervousness. Excitement.
Yup. That pretty much covered what he was feeling too.
He stepped back and nodded to her. She gave him a tiny wave. He turned and strode from the store, collecting a very unhappy Lucas on the way.
They hit the sidewalk and Lucas didn’t waste any time.
“You want to tell me what in the wicked-hills that was about?”
“I asked her out.” Aaron didn’t feel the need to justify his actions.
“She’s trouble.”
Aaron didn’t say anything, but he felt his mouth go tight.
“She’s human,” Lucas tried again. Aaron shot him a look. Lucas sucked in air through his nose, but kept going. “You know the Law, Aaron. You can’t date humans.”
“I know the Law, Lucas.” He managed to keep the growl from his voice. “I’m not Jesse.” Okay—that came out a little harsher. He gritted his teeth. “Maiden’s health, Lucas, it’s one dinner. There’s no Law against that.”
Lucas blew out a breath. “Aaron, I don’t need any more headaches right now. Be careful. That woman is trouble. I can feel it.”
Lucas was right—Aaron knew it. He could feel that element of danger too, or maybe it was just the lure of the forbidden. But for once, he didn’t care. It had been too long since he’d shared time with a female, and this one was too alluring to ignore. It wasn’t like him to go against Lucas. Taking a stand wasn’t really his way. But this time, nothing was going to stop him, and Lucas of all people didn’t have room to talk. The subject dropped.
Only two days. Aaron had a feeling it was going to seem like longer.
Chapter 2
Lyla stared at the door her two gorgeous customers had just exited. Had she really just sold her first large stained glass piece to one, and agreed to go out to dinner with the other? Excitement and nervous disbelief bubbled through her. Maybe this was the beginning of good things. If she could just sell a few more pieces, she could probably stay in the black for another couple of months. Or who knows, maybe the spring would bring a run on shovels.
Forget about that— I can’t believe I have a date!
She walked back to her workroom, slipping on her gloves. I can’t believe I sold the roses! The piece had been two feet wide by three feet long. And expensive. But the man hadn’t even blinked. She had to admit, it had come out beautiful. Designed after a photo she’d taken at Longwood Gardens years ago, she’d used six different shades of pink combined with burgundy and four greens to capture the mix of roses climbing a trellis. Set against a clear blue sky, the piece had a graceful harmony she was proud of.
She leaned over the table, selecting a pane of rich purple glass. Placing it over the pattern she’d prepared, she reached for her glass cutter. She was working on an ambitious piece of irises in full bloom, reminiscent of the Tiffany window in the Metropolitan. This latest selection of glass she’d received had a mix of purples that just called for such a design. It would be a good replacement for the roses in the window. And if she couldn’t sell it after a while, she’d just take it home. In fact, she was kind of counting on that. But maybe it would sell…
I sold the roses! Lyla felt the grin of victory spread across her face.
She shook her head. The two men couldn’t have been more different. One with melting brown eyes, longish dark hair, and the elegant features of a European. Plus that soft French accent. Maybe French-Canadian? Canada was only a couple miles to the north.
While Aaron… Well, Aaron looked like someone had plucked him from the cornfields of Nebraska and plunked him down here in upstate New York. His reddish blond hair was neatly cut, not quite military short, but close, and his features were broad and even. Strong square jaw. He definitely didn’t have a French accent. If she had to make a guess? Yeah, she’d go with Midwest, although he really didn’t have much of one. She blew out a breath and smiled. A good old-fashioned, all-American boy.
Although this boy was clearly a man. He was large. As in built. Fully developed. He had to be at least forty. Right? The lines bracketing his mouth and radiating out from his eyes said he was at least that. Maybe a little younger.
She pictured him in her mind. He had striking blue eyes. Her stomach fluttered, remembering the way those eyes had smiled at her, the promise of that sensual mouth, the confident way he carried himself...
So what if he’s a few years younger? She was only forty-two. Only. Ha! Not that it mattered. They were just going out to dinner, not— anything else.
Her mind went back to that first moment she’d seen them standing just inside her door. There was also something very similar about them. Well, face it, girl, they’re both tall, way good-looking, and built. But it was more than that. Something about the way they carried themselves. An air of command, maybe. An underlying sense of… danger. Not directed at her, she didn’t get that feeling at all, but just… dangerous in general.
This is a bad idea, Lyla. It never goes well when you ignore your instincts. The trouble was, only some of her instincts were flashing warning signs. The rest were yelling, “Grab that man with both hands and hang on for the ride!” Those are just your hormones. You can’t turn forty-two and expect them not to act up a little. But truth be told, her hormones hadn’t been any trouble in a long time. Certainly not since long before the divorce. Until today, she hadn’t heard a peep from them in— ages.
That’s probably the whole problem. You’re just lonely. She sighed and reached for another piece of glass. There was no denying that. Independence was wonderful in many ways, but it didn’t keep you warm at night. Or sprinkle your life with margaritas and girls-nights-in. She missed that the most after moving up here. The good times kicking back with her girlfriends. But it had been worth it to get out from under her family’s yoke. Mostly worth it. “You could always go back,” a tiny voice said, but her stomach clenched at the idea.
No. she wasn’t going back. She wasn’t sure exactly what her family was doing, but they were definitely up to something. She wanted no part of it. And after her marriage to Doug had dissolved, they’d pulled out all the stops. Her mouth twisted. At least when she’d been married, she’d been able to maintain a certain distance from them. Not that it had been worth it in the end. Now she had to rely on actual miles to do the trick. The trouble was, her aunt for one didn’t give up easily. She could almost he
ar a giant sucking sound from here as they worked to draw her into their schemes.
No thanks. She’d rather be alone and free. With a clear conscience. She smiled. And a date on Friday night. Maybe things were looking up…
***
Two days later, Aaron drove up to the hardware store ready for some distraction. The new software was finally cooperating, but it still wasn’t perfect. He’d managed to get it to ignore deer, bobcats, and bear. He’d given up on trying to get it to differentiate between wolves and coyotes. At least for now. The coyotes would be leaving the area soon anyway as the pack became more established. And it was better to get lots of false alarms than miss a real one. Jesse said he thought he’d caught a whiff of the Mont-Tremblant Pack in Plattsburgh the other day. He’d been there to get something Elizabeth insisted she needed for the wedding. It made Aaron uneasy to have them so close. There was no sign—at least that Jesse could find—that Aster had been there. Had they tracked Lucas? Found their new pack? He didn’t want to believe that, but why else would they be in the area? He was still hoping they could avoid outright war, but there was no telling what that weasel Marten would do.
He turned the handle on the shop door, but it was locked. He knocked, making the bells attached to the knob shiver. Lyla appeared a moment later.
She stepped outside, and his senses reeled at that first potent scent of her. The sight of her. She’d somehow smoothed her hair down so it hung in silky waves around her shoulders. And she was wearing makeup now. He hadn’t noticed the lack before, but now her incredible smoky grey eyes were outlined by thick black lashes. The effect was stunning. She looked like an actress that had escaped from some black-and-white movie.
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