by Martha Woods
Her arms tightened around his shoulders. “Kind of, but it feels nice.”
Lifting his head, he glanced down at her and sighed. “I should get up.”
“You really have me worried, Liam.” Her brows knitted. “Why do you look so sad?”
He rolled off her. Running his fingers through his hair, he turned to her. Skylar pulled the sheet up to cover herself and eyed him with concern. “Liam?”
Liam let out a breath. He was a predator by nature, yet in that moment he felt like the biggest coward in the world. “I’ve never gotten this involved with a woman before, Sky. I usually avoid this sort of thing because I have a secret.”
Her breath hitched. “I thought you were going to explain about the incident in the woods.”
“I’m getting to that. The man that you saw here the other day was my brother.”
Her eyes widened. “I thought he looked like you. But why would he break into your home?”
“Some members of my family can be… volatile. My brother, Lucas, and I have a strained relationship. He must have come here looking for me.”
“My God, Liam. Your brother would hurt you? I saw the malevolent look in his eyes.”
If only she knew that Lucas wouldn’t hesitate to rip his head off. “We have some issues we need to sort out.” If we don’t kill each other first. “Alright, Sky. Let me just get everything out before I lose my nerve. The reason why I have to let you know me, the real me, is because your important to me. My kind stay quiet about what we are but you deserve to know the truth.”
“Your kind? Liam what the hell are you going on about?” She dropped her head in her hands and took a breath. “I’m sorry. Keep going.” She pursed her lips to keep herself from interrupting again.
“The wolf that tried to kill you after you saw my brother was my brother.” A beat of silent passed. When Skylar gaped at him, he continued. “He changed into that wolf, Sky, just like I can change into a wolf. I came from a family of wolf shifters. The other wolf you saw was my youngest brother, Michael.”
Skylar blinked. Her mouth opened and closed several times. “Excuse me?” To his surprise she laughed. “Liam, I thought we were about to have a serious conversation about the way you were acting earlier. Really good joke, you got me.”
Liam hung his head. Of course, she thought he was joking. Her human brain couldn’t even conceive the possibility that there were nonhuman entities running around. With a grunt Liam laughed as well, but there was no humor in it. Without another word, he got up and turned to face her. There were cracking sounds as his bones snapped and grew. His face elongated into the shape of a wolf and his hand transformed into lethal looking claws. A giant wolf stood before the bed, taking up a large amount of space in his bed room.
Skylar let out a shriek and scrambled backward, forgetting about her injured wrist. When her weight landed on it, a string of expletives spilled from her lips. Liam immediately shifted back to his human form and moved toward her, his eyes still a bright, golden yellow. “Sky, be careful with your wrist.”
She drew away from his touch and he felt like something squeezed his heart in his chest. She was afraid of him now, just like anyone would be. Liam stepped back and held up both palms. “I would never hurt you.”
A strangled sound gurgled in her throat and she simply stared at him. Her color had seeped from her face and she let out a hysterical laugh. “I am hallucinating after all. I have to be because there is no way you just turned into a-a creature-wolf thing. People don’t do that. Oh, my God, it’s finally happening. I’m losing my mind. I knew this whole thing with my dad would drive me to insanity.”
“Skylar, you’re not hallucinating. And what does your father have to do with anything?”
Her eyes flew to his guiltily. “Don’t turn this around! You just turned into a canine.”
He grimaced. “You’re not going to faint, are you? You look way too pale.”
“No! No. I’m not going to faint, you might eat me when I’m unconscious.”
He muttered a curse and looked skyward. “I said I would never hurt you. And that is part of the reason why I revealed my true self to you, so you can get as far away from me as possible. If my brother came close to killing you -” He stopped and swallowed. “Others might try to hurt you too because of me and I couldn’t live with myself. It would probably be best if you stayed away from me.”
Chapter 14
Skylar’s gaze was fixed on him. His last sentence hung in the air. Suddenly, her fear and shock slipped away and her heart missed a beat.
“Y-you want me to leave?” she asked in a weak voice.
How insane could she get? She just saw Liam turn into an animal right in front of her and she was more worried about the fact that he might be breaking up with her.
“No, I don’t want you to leave. I don’t even think it will let you go. But being with me isn’t safe and watching you leave will be the hardest thing I’ll ever have to do.”
“It won’t let me go? What do you mean?” And why wasn’t she freaking out more after finding out that her boyfriend wasn’t quite human. It was like the thought of losing Liam had forced her mind to accept what she had just witnessed.
“My wolf, Sky. It is a part of my nature to be possessive. It - we have claimed you as our own and we mate forever.”
“Well, that actually sounds nice,” she murmured, nibbling her finger nails. Being with Liam forever? Hell, she would take the wolf as part of the deal too. “I-I mean, I love you, Liam. You just freaked me the hell out, but I love you. And a part of love is accepting your partner for who he or she is right?” She looked up, connecting her eyes with his stunned green orbs. “And you said you love me.”
“I do.”
“Then let me stay with you.” She scrambled forward on the bed to get closer to him. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this. I don’t care what you are, Liam. I have no desire to run. I don’t really have anyone else. My mother is gone and my dad is pretty much nonexistent in my life most of the time. I was alone and then you gave me a job, a home, love. And Farah is here, who is the most eccentric woman I’ve ever met but I love her. Being with you, being here makes me happy. I love you.”
It was Liam’s turn to stare. “You’re not afraid or disgusted of what I am?”
“A bit scared but not disgusted. I mean, other people have unconventional relationships. Why can’t we?” She came to her feet to stand inches away from him. “You were wrong earlier you know. You said you showed me your true self when you…”
“Shifted,” he supplied.
“Right. I’ve seen the real you, Liam. I saw the real you a while back even though you tried to hide it by being a big sour-puss.”
He scoffed. “Sour-puss? Wolves do not like being compared to a feline in any way.”
She swallowed a smile. “Sorry. Anyway, the real you is a passionate, caring, loving, and good man. Oh, and a controlling pain in the butt sometimes,” she added with a cheeky grin. “So yeah, I think I’ll stay.”
Liam swallowed several times. “You’re an amazing woman,” he hesitantly stepped forward and she flung her arms around his neck. “If you step into my world, you could get hurt, Sky.”
“No, because you’ll protect me by telling me what I can and can’t do like you usually attempt to do.” He nipped her neck playfully and she giggled. “Plus, I have this good luck charm.” She pulled away to fiddle with the necklace. “I swear this thing saved my life.”
“It actually did. That ugly metal thing that Farah gave you is some kind of protection talisman. I guess she put some kind of spell on it. She’s a witch.”
“A what? Oh, hell, you’re serious aren’t you? Well, werewolves are real, so why wouldn’t there be a few witches in the mix?”
“I’m a wolf shifter because I can shift at will. Werewolves can only turn where there’s a full moon.”
Skylar moaned and massaged the bridge of her nose. “Of course. What was I thinking getting the two
mixed up?” Her tone dripped with sarcasm. “Next you’re going to tell me that vampires and fairies are real.”
“They are.”
“Oh, my God,” she whined. “You know what, let’s stop talking about this for a while. My human brain can only process so much at a time.” She turned away. “I need to lie down.”
He gently grasped her arm and turned her back to face him. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. Okay, not really. I feel overwhelmed by everything. I’ll be fine after a night’s sleep, though.”
He searched her face, unconvinced but shook his head in acceptance. “I’m going to need you to stay in this house for a few days, Sky. If you have to go out, I’ll take you.”
“I already told you I’m not going to run, Liam.”
“It’s not that. There’s a hunter in town and I need you to lay low until I take care of him or her.”
The headache that had started as a dull ache behind her eyes was quickly turning into an intense storm of pain. She let out a sigh. “A hunter?”
“Yes. Someone who hunts and kills supernatural creatures like me, and I suspect Farah could be in danger as well.”
“For the love of God,” Skylar murmured, dropping her head. “Well, there are wolves, vampires, witches and whatnot, so why wouldn’t there be a hunter? Let’s talk about this tomorrow, Liam. My mind seriously cannot take anymore.”
“No this is important, Sky. You’re my woman. The hunter probably won’t care that you’re human. As long as you’re with me, you’re at risk.”
“Aw, your woman. I love the sound of that.”
He tried to hide his smile. “Focus, Sky.”
“Sorry. I’ll stay in the house and I’ll be extra careful.”
“Good.”
He released her and she climbed into bed. “So, this hunter lives in Boulder Junction?”
“No. I’m guessing he or she arrived just around the time you did. The night before you arrived, the hunter made his or her presence known by sending an arrow made of silver my way. I was home for over a month without any incident. So I assume the hunter arrived a little over two months ago.
Skylar shivered. “You were almost killed?”
He shrugged and gathered her in his arms. “It happens.”
She fell silent and closed her eyes, her mind racing, going over everything that she had seen and heard starting two nights ago. Hmmm. A hunter. Interesting. Her eyes flew open. The hunter arrived about the same time she did. There was only one other new arrival to Boulder Junction. Sitting up with a gasp, she shouted,
“Cayden!”
Liam growled. “You’re calling your ex-boyfriend’s name while you’re in bed with me?”
“Hey, he was never my boyfriend, we just - never mind. Cayden is the hunter, Liam.”
He sat up. “What makes you think that?”
“Cayden and I showed up around the same time. Well I’m not the hunter, so that leaves him. Come to think of it, he’s always watchful and he always seemed way too interested in you. There’s something off about him, but I never took notice because I wanted his friendship.” Another growl rumbled behind her. “Oh, get over it, Liam.”
He pulled her back to him. “Forgive my jealousy. I can’t help it.” Kissing her forehead, he said, “I need to go out for a while.”
“What? No.”
“I think you might be on to something, Sky. The police officer just showed up out of nowhere. I need to look into it.”
She clung to him. “You can’t look into it by yourself. What if he really is the hunter and -”
He covered her mouth with his. “I’ll have help. Go to sleep. I’ll be back.”
Skylar sighed and gave in. “Okay.”
* * *
“It isn’t polite to stare, child.” Farah sent her a disapproving look.
Skylar blinked. “I’m sorry. I just can’t believe that you’re a witch. It’s so cool.”
Rolling her eyes, Farah stirred the contents of a pot furiously. “I am Mr. Conway’s housekeeper. Forget the witch part, will you? I swear if the two of you keep staring at me, I’m going to -”
“Cast a spell on us?” Skylar asked, grinning. “Oh, can you teach me a few spells?”
“Sky. Leave Farah alone. She is actually capable of cursing us or something,” Liam sent Farah as smile as he stepped into the kitchen.
Farah huffed and grumbled something under her breath. “I’m really considering that curse.”
Skylar smiled up at Liam who was staring at her. “What?”
“Nothing. You’re just always so radiant. I can stare at you all day.”
Flushing, she looked down in her cup of tea which Farah had given her. It was some herbal remedy for pain and it was disgusting. But her wrist still ached so she had forced down a few sips. Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she stiffened.
“What is it, my love?”
“Mhmm, call me that again,” she murmured, leaning into him.
“My love,” he repeated.
Skylar smiled. “I was just thinking. You didn’t tell me what happened last night.”
She frowned when he and Farah exchanged knowing looks. “What?”
“You were right. Cayden is the hunter. Michael and I found an array weapons at his house. He wasn’t there.”
“I bet he was out hunting,” Farah said with a shiver. “Hunters may be humans but they are highly skilled and dangerous. I’ve heard of a few witches meeting their demise at a hunter’s hand.”
Skylar looked from Liam to Skylar. “Maybe I can talk to him. Let him know that you guys are good.”
“No!” Farah and Liam chorused.
“Merde. Have you lost your mind, child?”
“You’re not going anywhere near him, Sky,” Liam said.
“But we’re friends and I’m human. He won’t hurt me if I meet him in town to talk. I can get through to him.”
“No!” Liam growled again.
“Come on, I’m sure he’ll see reason. He’s a good guy.”
“It’s nice that you try to see the best in everyone Sky, but don’t be so naïve and careless,” Farah expressed.
With a pout, Skylar fell silent. Obviously she was fighting a losing battle. Liam squeezed her shoulder and bent down to kiss her forehead. “Careful, when you pout like that it makes me want to spread you across this table and -”
“Quiet, Farah is right there,” she hissed.
He gave her a boyish grin and walked over to Farah, giving her the opportunity to check her phone. She scrolled through her phone. Three missed calls and a voice message weren’t good signs. The unknown mob boss was undoubtedly pissed that she hadn’t answered. Skylar gulped and checked the voice message.
“Ms. Moore. It seems you have changed your mind about our agreement. You haven’t been making me happy lately. I take that to mean that you don’t care about your father’s life or yours. I suppose I’ll have to make you pay some other way.”
Skylar pulled the phone from her ear and forced herself to breath normally. “Hey, I’ll be in my room, guys.” Farah and Liam looked her way and nodded.
Running to her room, she dialed her father’s number. That was the best she could do since the criminal plaguing her only called using a private number. Fortunately someone answered.
“Sky?”
“Oh, my God, Dad. You’re still alive. I thought they had you.”
There were a few seconds of silence. “They did. I convinced them to let me go. They were more compliant since they were getting money. Thank you for that, sweetheart. Unfortunately, after they let me go that asshole went back on the deal. He wants more money.”
She let out a shaky breath. “I know and I told him I can only afford what I’m giving him now. You need to fix this, Dad.”
“I’m know.” He paused. “Honey, you have to leave Wisconsin.”
She stilled. “H-how do you know where I am?”
“He found you, Sky. You were sending money and he foll
owed the trail.”
She slapped a palm against her forehead. That wasn’t even something she had thought about. “I’m going to the police.”
“No, you can’t. That will only make things worse and I’ll go to prison.”
“Good,” Skylar hissed, “At least you’ll be alive and so will I.”
Her father swore like a sailor and she rolled her eyes. “You don’t have time to waste going to the police. They know where you are, Sky. They’re probably right on your ass as we speak. Just pack up and leave now. Get back to Miami and we’ll run.”
She ran her fingers through her as tears filled her eyes. “I can’t just leave.”
“Damn it, Sky. Just leave the damn job and get out of there.”
“You don’t understand!” she cried. She couldn’t just pack and leave Liam. But if she had been found, that put him in danger. He had enough on his plate with his family and now a hunter. The thought of leaving him caused despair to surge through her. “I hate you for this, Dad. I really do.” She cut off the call and his response.
Sky made the decision to keep Liam and Farah out of her mess. Her problem was a human one and there was no way she would involve Liam in anything illegal. So she snuck out two days after speaking with her father, after Liam left to meet with his brother. It had been a difficult two days, keeping up the pretense of everything being alright.
She glanced at the time. Liam would probably be home by now. Picking up her cell, she dialed his number.
“Skylar, where the hell are you? I told you not to leave the house without me.”
She held the phone between her ear and shoulder, fighting back tears as she maneuvered her car through the dark streets with her good hand. “Liam, I’m sorry.”
“Good, now get your ass back here.” There was a pause and he said, “It’s her, Farah.”
She heard rapid French in the back ground and then a, “Thank God.”
“I-I’m not coming back, Liam.”
The silence was deafening and she swore she could literally feel her heart breaking. “What?”