by Stella Night
He regarded his sister for a moment, wondering when she had become such a beautiful woman, feeling a rush of pride in how much she was capable of accomplishing. Then turned his attention to the woman he desired. She was clearly upset about something. Maybe it was just Liza and her machinations. If she wouldn’t talk to him, maybe Celia could find out.
At that moment, the slim brunette came rushing in, brushing past Celia and pushing him toward the kitchen.
***
Walking into the room, he growled, “Liza, this has to stop now!”
Her wolf snarled as she cornered him. “You idiot, you are throwing everything away. You invited another pack and you still have her here, in your home? In your bed? I can smell her on you, Josh. What is wrong with you? Are you so unconcerned that you are willing to put everyone at risk?”
His wolf sat quietly, refusing to rise to the bait. Josh tiredly regarded her for a moment, then turned back toward the storefront. He spoke over his shoulder. “Liza, you bore me. Get a life. Preferably one that does not involve me.” He refused to move, making it necessary for her to leave by way of the back door.
Standing in the doorway, Josh watched as Ella pulled her phone from her purse. He could see her pale as she read what was on the screen. Who is sending her texts and why is she lying about it?
His wolf sat up, alert, suddenly protective, and a little inquisitive.
Josh was more determined than ever to find out what was going on.
Chapter 15
Standing in the doorway of the game room, Ella suddenly realized she had been in very few of the rooms in Josh’s apartment. This room was a far cry from his cozy study, certainly far removed from his bedroom. Clean white walls, hardwood floors, multiple wood card tables with matching chairs on casters. A fully stocked bar completed the setting.
And tonight it was packed with people. Some she knew, some she had seen in passing, some were total strangers. Celia had mentioned that a big group was visiting from Boerne tonight. But they were all, every man and woman with very few exceptions, lithe and athletic. And they were all terribly attractive.
Her insecurity reared its head again, making her feel suddenly inadequate. And especially since several had openly stared. She really thought she had gotten past those feelings. Sure, Josh said she was beautiful, but that was when they were alone and she was usually naked - not when she was in a room filled with super models.
It didn’t help that the texts had her so stressed that she felt like she was walking a tightrope. They had to be from Liza, and Ella was sure she could handle the problem alone. There was no need to pull Josh into her problems. He already seemed to have plenty on his plate as he moved from group to group, shaking hands, laughing at jokes, almost as if he were running for office instead of just hosting a party.
An excited Celia grabbed Ella’s hand and led her down the stairs to the kitchen. The girl had been chomping at the bit all day, talking non-stop about tonight’s party. Ella wished the feeling was contagious, but the last text she had received had unnerved her. Leave or I’ll be forced to hurt him and his sister. Just the thought of it had her heart racing again. Shaking her head, she realized that Celia had been saying something.
“I get so jealous sometimes, not being able to shift. I just think it would make me a more important member of the pack, you know? Especially since I’m his sister.” She pulled two large trays out of the industrial sized fridge, both filled with meats and cheeses. “And the full moon runs! I can’t imagine anything more fun. Oh, and don’t be afraid if you hear howling - they’re just having fun. It’s when they growl and bare their teeth at you that you have to be careful. But I’m sure Josh filled you in on all of this. ” She turned to Ella and enveloped her in a crushing hug. “I am so glad we met!”
Ella was only half-listening to what Celia was saying. She had been so distracted all day. If she wasn’t preoccupied with wondering why Liza might choose to threaten her with mystery texts, she was thinking of Josh’s words that still left her breathless. She wanted so much to confide in her friend but held back. She just didn’t want to jump to a conclusion about anything.
“Yeah, me too.” She did her best to return Celia’s hug then she pulled plastic wrap off a tray of cold cuts.
Then her hands stilled as her head spun. Surely she had misunderstood. Howling and full moons? It was like something out of the movies.
Maybe that’s what Celia had been talking about - the group was made up of movie lovers and they were having a viewing of old werewolf movies under the full moon each month - Whiskey Springs’ own little werewolf cult. Or maybe it was some sort of New Age ritual she didn’t know about. Well, that could be fun as long as she got to keep her clothes on. She’d read about some of those groups dancing naked in the moonlight. She certainly didn’t want to make light of someone’s chosen religion.
“So what do you think of everyone so far?”
Pulling herself out of her thoughts, Ella smiled at Celia. “Oh, everyone seems so nice except for one guy. I think his name was Jack. He actually sniffed my hair!” She chuckled nervously. “I’ve never had a guy do that before. It was just creepy!”
Celia frowned. “I’ll get Josh to speak to him. There are rules, you know. But I’m sure he went over all that stuff with you last night.”
What stuff? What rules? Ella started to ask Celia but the girl had already headed back up the stairs.
Walking into the game room, Ella was stunned to see that the other trays were almost empty again. What had been a pretty full spread when they went downstairs was now reduced to a few crumbs. I guess all that running in the moonlight builds big appetites.
She placed the full tray on the table and turned, surveying the people around her. Nope, no werewolves or hippies here. Just a bunch of really athletic, gorgeous people.
Her cell phone buzzed in her pocket. She hesitated, then pulled it out. Her breath caught in her throat as she read.
Stupid bitch! Get out before it’s too late.
Someone touched her arm. A tiny scream left her lips as she jumped.
Ella whirled around to find herself enveloped in warm arms.
She quickly dropped her phone into her pocket as she looked up into Josh’s deep brown eyes. Dressed head to toe in black, he took her breath away. The t-shirt clung to his shoulders and the snug jeans hugged his thighs.
He leaned down to kiss her, then he pulled back to look at her. “Did I scare you?” The look of concern on his face melted her fears even as it caused her heart to race. She thought about last night and shivered. Her breath hitched again for a totally different reason.
“No, everything is alright.” Wrapping her arms around his neck, she gave herself up to his kisses, oblivious of the crowd around them and believing what she said.
Everything would be alright as long as she was with him.
Chapter 16
“What’s up, Ella?” Anxiety, lies, and fear rolled off her, causing his wolf to turn circles. “You’ve been standoffish all day. You say things are fine but obviously something is bothering you. And you’re constantly checking your phone. His question was whispered so that no one else would hear.
He reached for her hand only to have her pull away again. “Surely you know you can talk to me?” Heads were turning as others in the group picked up on her anxiety.
“I’m fine, Josh, really. And don’t worry about the phone.” She put the table between them and made a show of arranging cold cuts to hide the empty spots that had appeared on the tray. “Listen, Celia was talking to me about what’s going to happen tonight.”
Josh stopped moving. Josh held his breath as she continued. His wolf sat up, ears alert, tail wagging.
“And I’m okay with watching old movies, if that’s what you all do, but I’m not up for a moonlight run. Or howling at the moon for that matter. I’m just not into New Age practices but I totally understand if that’s what the group is into.”
Confusion made Josh’s head swim
. Several people turned to stare, and for a few seconds no one moved. Someone in the back of the room spoke. He recognized the voice of the beta from the Boerne pack.
“What is this, Josh?”
Then other voices joined in.
“Yeah.”
“What’s going on?”
“Who is she?”
It felt like everyone started speaking at once. Then he heard the soft growls and whines. Stepping in front of Ella, Josh took up a protective stance.
***
The room went silent as someone started clapping, slowly, loudly. One single person who made her way to the center of the room.
“You see? You should have listened to me. You should have done something weeks ago.” Liza. Damn! “Something other than taking her to bed. You need to decide, Josh. As alpha, you need to step up and set an example.”
He could hear a few murmured comments. Fear was rolling off Ella behind him, distress rolled off his pack members in front of him. He could see the looks of confusion on the faces of their visitors. He reached a hand back to grasp hers. Ella’s fingers were as cold as ice in his hand.
“Liza, this is neither the time nor the place.” His voice was quiet.
Not willing to give in, Liza continued her tirade. “Get rid of her. She’s not wanted here. She’s not one of us. She jeopardizes the entire pack!” she shouted.
Josh turned to his pack and his visitors, raising his hands for quiet. “Listen, Ella does not know our entire story but I’m going to clear things up - tonight. I would have done so earlier, but things” he gave Liza a pointed look “keep interrupting.”
Liza stood off to the side, smug and self-satisfied, playing with her bracelets. Most of the others in the room just looked uncomfortable. She started to take up her campaign again, using the same tiresome rant.
A few members seemed to be backing her, murmuring to each other, until she shouted “I should be your mate, Josh! Not that puny human!”
The room went still again as Josh turned his full attention to Liza. Forgetting Ella was there, he summoned his wolf. The air shimmered around him. His canines began to drop. He stood taller, his shoulders widened and several pack members took a step back with heads lowered.
Josh’s voice was a harsh growl as he replied “I would never choose you to help lead these people. You have no time for anyone other than yourself. You have no thought other than what the pack can do for you. As alpha, it’s the other way - what can I do for them. And my mate will feel the same way.”
He fought the further lengthening of his canines as he glared at the she-wolf. He could hear the assenting murmurs around him as members of both packs agreed with him.
“You dare to do this in front of honored guests. You are nothing more than a petty, jealous bitch. And you’re nothing to me.” He paused, his breathing harsh in the quiet room. “I think the best thing you can do for everyone here is to leave, Liza.”
She glared at him, her wolf growling, golden eyes shining with anger. She stood her ground, not moving.
Instead, Ella ran from the room sobbing. Celia started to go after her but Josh stopped her with a look. He turned, following Ella’s scent down the stairs and out of the store.
Chapter 17
Ella ran, rushing down the stairs, praying no one followed her. She flung herself through the front door of the bookstore, the jangle of the bell as harsh as her breathing. Liza’s words echoed in her ears as she sobbed. Why should she stay where she wasn’t wanted? How could she be so selfish as to endanger Josh’s standing with what were evidently important people in Whiskey Springs? She should just leave. The words Liza had spoken went round and round in her head, echoing every text she had received.
She dropped to the steps of Mrs. Gilbert’s house and tried to control her breathing.
This isn’t like you. Get off the pity train, Ella Jane! How many times had her mother said that to her? She took a shuddering breath and considered her choices. She could keep running and never be happy, or she could stay and possibly make a new life for herself.
She thought about Celia and how much she had grown to love her. She thought about Mrs. Gilbert and the advice the older woman always had on hand. Maybe she should discuss her problems with her, or with Celia. Then she thought about Josh and her heart told her what she needed to do.
She dropped her head into her hands. Maybe Josh would be better off if she just left.
Ella heard someone speak her name. She lifted her head to see Josh standing there. Then he was holding her, kissing her, soothing her, telling her things would be alright. She let him pull her up. Drying her eyes, she felt a bit foolish for letting mere words chase her away. Everyone had been so friendly, so welcoming. She was sure it was only the vindictive brunette who felt any animosity toward her, sure that it just stemmed from jealousy over Ella’s relationship with Josh.
Ella sighed and kissed Josh again, her palm on his cheek. She closed her eyes and snuggled into his warmth, hearing his heart beat under her ear. Then she remembered what she had seen and heard. She pushed him away and took a step away.
“What’s really going on? I saw you, saw what you did - you got bigger. Your eyes changed. And your teeth … And the sounds.” Her breath was harsh in the still night. Ella struggled to control her fear.
“Are you all werewolves or something?” She couldn’t believe she had actually uttered those words.
Josh took a step toward her and took her hand, pulling her closer.
“How about we go back upstairs?” He was running his hand up and down her spine. A slow burn of desire started low in her belly. She felt him take a deep breath as he nuzzled her neck.
She pushed him back, rougher this time. “No! Answer me, Josh.”
He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. He turned away and paced for a few seconds before he came back to her. He sat on the steps and patted a place next to him.
Ella hesitated then sat down.
“Ella, you are always safe with me.”
“Josh — “
“Let me say this.” He smiled at her and she felt her heart melt. “You are always safe with me, safe with Celia, with Mrs. Gilbert. You are safe with everyone in this town.” He paused, his eyes searching her face.
She gave him a tiny smile. “And Liza?”
He hesitated and scowled, then nodded his head. “Yes, you are even safe from Liza.”
Reaching out, he tucked a curl behind her ear. Shivers ran up and down her spine. He cupped her cheek, his thumb caressing.
“The quick answer to your question is ‘yes’. But there is much more that needs to be said. And I had planned to tell you before this, but the timing was always wrong.” He took her hand in his. “I’m asking you to trust me. And I promise, I will explain everything tomorrow.”
His dark eyes searched her face. “Do you trust me, Ella?”
She nodded. “I trust you.”
Josh took Ella’s hand and helped her stand. He led her to the door of the little house. Taking her key, he unlocked it for her.
Reaching up, she wound her arms around his neck. Rising up on her toes, she placed a kiss on his lips. He pulled her close, the kiss deepening as their tongues danced with each other. When his hands began moving over her body, Ella moaned into his mouth. She ran her hands down his back, feeling the muscles as they bunched beneath his shirt. She could feel his hardness against her thigh. Her breath quickened as the slow burn threatened to blaze out of control.
She let out a shaky laugh and said, “I think maybe you should rejoin the others. I’m kind of beat.” Her heart tripped a beat when he smiled at her.
“Ella McInery, you have no idea how much you mean to me. I promise, nothing will ever happen to you while I’m around.” He kissed her quickly and walked back across the road.
She watched him walk away, waiting until she could no longer see him before she went into the house. Werewolves? Shifters? What do I do now?
She decided to call Patrice tonigh
t. She would tell her about Josh, leaving the parts about pack and shifters out. Maybe her old friend had some good relationship advice.
***
Josh returned to his game room after leaving Ella. As much as he would have love to spend the night with her, she was right. Pack business waited. With a promise of dinner together the next night, he left with nothing more than kisses and a few caresses on her front stoop. He would need a run later tonight if he expected to get any sleep.
He walked in to find Mrs. Gilbert waiting alone in the room. The others had left for the run. It wasn’t unusual for the pack elder to skip a run, but he was surprised to find her waiting for him, single malt in hand. She smiled warmly when she saw him, laugh lines crinkling her emerald green eyes.
Patting the chair beside her, she said “Come sit by an old woman and keep her company. The pack will be fine without you for a little while.”
He poured himself a glass of the smooth whiskey and sat down beside her. He leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek. “How are you feeling these days?”
“Oh, you know. The typical aches and pains that come with age. But I have my own cure for that.” She sipped her liquor, her bright green eyes smiling at him over the rim of the glass.
Josh laughed. The woman may have been well into her seventies but she looked twenty years younger, and she could easily keep up with the younger members of the pack during their regular runs.
He regarded her for a moment longer, then said “Okay, hit me with it.” He sipped the golden liquid as he watched her gather her thoughts.
“You need to tell her, Josh. And not just for the pack, but for her.” Mrs. Gilbert paused for a just a moment before adding “And for you.” Putting a gentle hand on his arm, she asked “Ella needs to know what pack life is, and you should have explained things to her before now.”