by Jane Jamison
Hopefully, I can find the town.
* * * *
Brady Rann wasn’t in a rush to get back to Rolling Hills Ranch, which he owned along with his cousins, Dart and Ethan Rann. As he leaned against his pickup parked across from Shawna Mallory’s Lazy Day Bed and Breakfast, he estimated that he had at least another hour before his cousins would finish digging postholes for the new fence. If he could get out of doing that backbreaking chore, then he’d count his stars lucky. Sure, he’d have to listen to them moan and groan all night and complain about him not holding up his fair share of the work, but listening to a few bellyaches was worth not having to do the grueling job.
Shit. It isn’t like both of them haven’t pulled the same trick.
Lifting his gaze to the sky, he studied the blues and purples cast across the tree line by the setting sun. The day had been a long one, but a good one. Running a ranch with his two cousins had been their dream since they were kids growing up in Fate. After Ethan’s folks had decided to pick up roots and move, they’d let the ranch to the boys, each with an equal share. The only thing the Rann family hadn’t done was give the three of them a way out of the Garrett Pack.
He watched Moses and Carl Garrett, two of the main alphas of the pack stride up the street toward The Wolf’s Den. He had no doubt they’d end up getting drunk and disorderly before the night was over.
Fuckin’ Garretts.
Shindler Garrett, one of the pack’s founders, had been a good werewolf, a stand-up guy who had gotten along with everyone, including the werewolves in the other packs around Fate. Once he’d passed on, however, Moses and Carl had taken over. As far as most folks were concerned, the two good-for-nothings were bullies and didn’t deserve the right to rule a pack. But he wasn’t about to challenge them. Not yet, anyway.
Becoming primary alphas would mean he and his cousins would have their say heard among the pack. It would also mean they’d have more power, more clout. As the secondary alphas they were now, they had limited power and say in pack rules. Moses was the primary alpha and wasn’t about to let anyone rise in rank. Even Carl—who, as a son of Shindler, had every right to co-rule with Moses—bowed down to him.
As secondary alphas, often called betas in other packs, there were only two ways they could move up in the pack. One was to earn it through following their pack leaders’ commands, or performing an act that helped or protected the pack. The other way was to challenge their pack leaders and take control.
But if Brady and his cousins ever challenged Moses and Carl for dominant leadership and lost, then they’d lose everything they owned, including their lives. He wasn’t ready to take that risk.
One day, though, the time would come.
He pulled the twig out of his mouth and tossed it to the ground. As he did, something amazing caught his eye.
Holy hell. Who is she?
The woman carrying a purse and a small duffel bag toward Shawna’s B&B was hot enough to burn the very grass she walked on. Her black hair trailed down her spine, glistening in the rays of the setting sun. Her ass was apple-shaped and made his mouth water. The shape of her body was curves set to motion. His cock perked up, ready and eager to make her acquaintance. His inner wolf began to howl, urging him to run over, sweep her off her feet, and claim her. He ached for her, lust rising up in him like the wave of a tsunami ready to crash over a beach.
He’d never felt anything like it before.
He didn’t think. He only reacted.
Running, he caught up to her just as she put her foot on the top step of the B&B. His forward motion kept him moving until he bumped into her.
“Oh!” She fell to the left, dropping the duffel bag. A baggie of pills spilled out.
Thankfully, he’d managed to grab her arm and keep her on her feet. “Hey, sorry. Let me get that for you.”
Yet, as fast as he was, she was faster as she snatched up the baggie and shoved it back into the duffel bag. “It’s okay,” she said breathlessly.
Strangely, her breathlessness took his breath away, too. He drew in a breath, along with a healthy dose of her scent.
Holy hell. She smells like carnations. And rainbows. And… Shit. What the hell am I thinking?
If his cousins had heard his thoughts, they never would’ve let him hear the end of it. In fact, he would’ve had to leave town.
“Sorry. I didn’t hurt you, did I?” It would make him sick if he had.
“No. I’m fine.” Her pink tongue caressed her upper lip. Her eyes glittered with sudden interest. “Um, if you don’t mind…”
Would I mind if she left and went inside? Hell, yeah, I’ll mind.
He would’ve bet his last dollar she was as attracted to him as he was to her. Yet, judging from the way she pulled back, she was fighting it.
Damn.
If he listened to his inner wolf, he’d take her and put his lips to hers. Instead, he shoved his animal down and shook his head. “Again, I’m sorry.”
He stuck out his hand, aching to feel her skin next to his even if it was only their palms that touched. “I’m—” For a moment, as he stared into her light green eyes, he forgot his own name. He cleared his throat and his mind. “I’m Brady Rann. Are you visiting someone in Fate?”
“No.” She started toward the door but stopped when he reached to take the duffel bag from her.
“Here. Let me help you with that. It’s the least I can do.”
She surprised him by jerking the bag away. It was almost as though she was afraid to let him carry it. “That’s okay. I’ve got it.”
He had so many questions he wanted to ask, but none of them seemed appropriate. Where was she from? Did she want him as much as he wanted her? Was she sick? Is that why she had so many pills?
He could, however, ask one very important question. “You didn’t tell me your name.”
Her green eyes, an unusual soft lime color, narrowed. A soft smile played on her lips. “No, I didn’t.” Then, without giving him time to recover, she opened the door to the B&B and stepped inside.
He dragged in another breath, taking in her fragrance still floating on the air. Excitement flooded him. “She’s here.”
* * * *
“So, Laney, are you here on business, or do you have folks in the area?”
Shawna Mallory’s question was understandable. After all, Laney had shown up out of the blue at the Lazy Day B&B without even a suitcase. All she had with her were her purse and the duffel bag of drugs.
“Um, no. I’m kind of the impulsive type, so I just up and decided to go on a road trip.” She grinned, trying to put the owner of the place at ease. “Fun, right? Just up and go?”
Yet she didn’t think Shawna was buying her act. At least, not if her inquisitive inspection was anything to go by.
“I’m sure it is. Personally, I like to roam, but I tend to stick close to home.” Shawna had led her up the staircase to the second bedroom on the left. “I hope you’ll like the room. Will you be staying long?”
“I’m not sure.” She eased past the woman and set the bag of drugs on top of the bed. The room was small but comfortable with a bed that was calling her tired body. “I like to play it by ear.”
“Do you do this often? Doesn’t your employer mind?”
How nosy could this woman get? Laney tried not to let her cross feelings show. “Don’t worry. I had enough time saved up to take off.” Even if it was short notice, her boss, Alexander Huffins, hadn’t given her too hard a time. She was, as he’d said so many times, one of his best employees.
“Hmm. You’re lucky you have such a nice boss.” Shawna motioned down the hallway. “The shared bathroom is down there. You’ll find towels and toiletries inside the cabinet.” She narrowed her eyes again. “You never said. Do you know anyone in Fate?”
Laney would’ve sworn the woman’s eyes had taken on a distinctly amber hue. “Not really.” She paused, suddenly remembering. “Actually, that’s wrong. I do know someone who just moved here not long ago
.”
“Really? And who’s that?”
“Her name is Maddie Connor. Do you know her?”
Shawna’s face brightened. “Maddie? Sure, I do. In fact, her sister, Stella, used to work for me. So you must know Stella, too, right?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t. Truthfully, I don’t know Maddie all that well, either. We’ve kind of run into each other in a couple of clubs in Atlanta. We’re more acquaintances than anything.”
“Oh, I see.” And the eyes narrowed again. “So Maddie wouldn’t be able to vouch for you?”
Vouch for her? Wasn’t having her credit card on file good enough? Did a customer have to have a personal recommendation to stay there?
“Um, I’m not sure what she’d say.” She didn’t want to upset Shawna by asking, but how far would the woman go?
Thankfully, Shawna laughed. “Will you listen to me? I’m sorry. I’m acting like you’ve got to have a written invitation to stay here.” She waved her hands as though waving away what she’d said before. “Never mind me. You get settled in and then head on down to the kitchen. Make yourself at home and fix anything you want. All I ask is that you clean up after yourself.”
“Thanks. I am kind of hungry.”
“Then, like I said, feel free. I’m going to be out for the rest of the night, but don’t worry. You’re safe in Fate.”
Did that include the man she’d bumped into earlier? He hadn’t seemed dangerous, at least not in the way Shawna was mentioning. But dangerous in another completely good way.
His hand on her arm had sent shivers racing through her. Shivers that had nothing to do with any kind of chill. Instead, the shivers had burned red hot.
“Thanks, Shawna. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“Good.” Shawna stepped out of the room. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Laney closed the door behind her then walked over to the window. She pulled the curtains open and stared out into the setting sun. Although she didn’t turn around, she could almost feel the pills calling to her, daring her to get rid of them.
What the hell am I going to do?
Chapter Two
“I don’t give a damn what you’re doing, get your asses over to Shawna’s place.” Back beside his pickup, Brady paced from one end of the truck to the other. “You’ve got to see her.”
“You said three words to this woman and you’re already sure she’s our mate,” said Dart.
He’d expected as much from his cousin. And from Ethan, who he could hear in the background of the call putting in his two cents.
“Just get here.” Hell, he was doing them a fucking favor by calling them in the first place. If they didn’t want to come into town to meet the woman who could potentially be their mate, then screw them.
“She’s that good?”
“She is.” An image of the bag of pills hit him, but he wouldn’t mention it. Why start trouble? If she were ill, then changing her into a werewolf would fix it.
“Ethan wants to know what she looks like.”
“Come and find out for yourself. Or not. Either way, I’m not leaving until I get to spend time with her.” He ended the call, cutting Dart off.
He paced toward the B&B again, faltered, then strode back to the pickup. To be fair, he’d wait a little while and give his cousins a chance. But if they didn’t show up soon, he’d go it alone. The setting sun cast shadows over the home, warning him that it was getting late. Being the werecat that she was, Shawna would probably be going out for the night. Once she left, she’d give him hell for calling on one of her guests at night, especially a female guest.
Come on, guys. Get here fast.
It should take only twenty minutes to make it from their ranch to town. Unless, of course, they had to shower first. Digging postholes was a dirty job. Hoping to see Ethan’s old blue pickup headed toward him, he glanced down the road several times, each time groaning when he didn’t see them.
Fine. I’m going in without them.
After all, a man had to do what a man had to do. He stalked to the house and up the front steps. Just as he was about to knock on the front door, Shawna swung it open. Her eyes were slanted, and her expression said she knew exactly why he was there.
“Hmm. I guess you met my new guest.” It wasn’t a question. More like a dare.
“For a moment. But I’m determined to talk to her some more.”
Shawna didn’t budge. Instead, she crossed her arms and planted her feet. “It’s getting late, don’t you think?”
“Not really. The sun’s still up.” For a few more minutes. “The night’s still young.”
An imperious eyebrow jumped skyward. “Maybe so, but it’s too late to be calling on my guest. Especially a female one who just blew into town. I’ve got to give you credit, though. You sure as hell move fast. I don’t think she’s even unpacked yet.”
He started to argue since the woman hadn’t had anything with her except a small duffel bag. How long could it take to unpack that? But arguing with any werecat wasn’t a good idea when a man wanted something. Arguing with Shawna was an even worse idea.
“How did you two meet, anyway?”
She had to have known they hadn’t met for long. Lying wouldn’t help him. “I bumped into her right outside here.” Okay, but maybe stretching the truth wouldn’t hurt. “All I want is to make sure she’s all right.”
“Uh-huh. What’s the real story, Brady? Did your other head tell you she’s something special?”
Shit. “Maybe.” The question was out before he could stop it. “What’s her name?”
“So you met her but she didn’t tell you her name? I’d say that might be a hint, don’t you?”
Damn, but the werecat was smart. “I kind of took her by surprise, that’s all. Which is another reason I want to talk to her again. Wouldn’t want her thinking Fate’s an unsafe town.”
“Uh-huh.”
Damn, I wish she’d stop saying that. “Shawna, just ask her to talk to me for a minute.”
“To you? Or to the whole Rann pack?” Her gaze slipped over his shoulder. He didn’t have to turn around to know Ethan and Dart had pulled up to the curb.
“Come on, Shawna, give us a break.”
“Listen to my cousin,” added Ethan as he came to stand next to Brady. “We’re not talking about claiming her, just talking to her.”
“You don’t even know who he’s talking about.” Shawna snorted, knowing she had them trapped.
“We know he thinks she’s special,” offered Dart. “That’s good enough for us.”
Her face relaxed, and the eyebrow lowered. Was she finally cutting them some slack? Then, all of a sudden, the fierce protectiveness was back in the lock of her jaw.
“It’s not going to happen, boys. In fact, I’m getting kind of tired of the pack using my place and my guests to find their mates.”
“You don’t want to stand in the way of true love, do you?” He sounded sappy, but he didn’t care. He’d do anything to see the beautiful woman again.
“Nope. It’s too late.” Shawna crossed over the threshold, forcing them to step back. “I’m already on my way out.”
“It’s not like you can’t trust us. What do you think we’re going to do? Attack her?”
Shawna chuckled and pushed past them. They hurried after her like pups chasing after their mother. “Of course not. I know you boys pretty well. You’re good guys.” She cast a haughty glance over her shoulder. “Unlike a lot of your Garrett pack buddies.”
“Then let us talk to her.” They couldn’t, wouldn’t go into the house without her permission. No way, no how.
“I already told you no. Get over it.”
He knew it was useless to push her. Like most shifters, she was as stubborn as a mule. “At least tell us her name.”
She picked up speed as she walked toward town. Why didn’t she ride in a car like normal people?
“Have a heart, Shawna,” begged Dart.
She did a turn and kept walking.
“Fine. Her name is Laney Sugarfield.”
Sugarfield. Sweet. Tasty. Yeah, it fits her.
“Did she say why she’s in town?” Her reason for being in town didn’t really matter, but it might help to know.
“I didn’t ask.”
Even if she had, she probably wouldn’t have told them. “How about tomorrow? How about we bring breakfast to you.”
“So what they say about you being a good cook is true?”
“I do okay.” He wasn’t ready for a master chef position, but he knew his way around bacon and eggs.
“I’ll tell you what. I’ll give you a call in the morning if I have a hankerin’ for breakfast. Likely as not, I’m going to sleep in.” She gave them a wink. “If the night turns out right.”
“Fine. We’ll expect a call.” He slowed down, his cousins doing the same.
* * * *
Laney slept in, exhausted from the events of the day before. By the time she finally made it out of Shawna’s place, it was almost noon. She felt absolutely decadent, a feeling that didn’t last long once her gaze fell on the duffel bag thrown inside the closet. The feeling grew even worse when she realized she didn’t have any other clothes to wear. Fortunately, she had makeup as well as a brush and comb in her purse. The toiletries in the shared bathroom down the hall gave her a much-needed toothbrush and toothpaste along with a fragrant shampoo.
Thank goodness Shawna had filled her in on where to find more clothes. Even better, the curious woman hadn’t asked any questions about her lack of clothing.
Fate was a cozy little town. Although the people she passed on the sidewalk were friendly enough, she couldn’t help but think they were checking her out. Of course, that was to be expected as the new girl in town.
Classy Cat was right in the middle of town. As she pushed the door open, she heard the sound of a woman’s laughter. If Shawna’s information was correct, the laughter was probably coming from the store’s owner, Betsy Cramer.
A large, pretty woman with light brown hair and freckles sprinkled across her nose turned toward her. Her eyes sparkled with the laughter. “Hi there. You must be Laney.”