by Jane Jamison
No. That wouldn’t work. They’d identify him sooner or later and her past would still come back to tear her new life apart.
If she shot him, could she get rid of the body? Robert didn’t have any family left in the world. Would anyone miss him? Even if they did, they probably wouldn’t look for him in a small Georgia town.
She came to a stop, stunned by where her thoughts had taken her. Robert was to blame for that, too. She’d never wanted to hurt anyone for any reason, and yet he had her contemplating murder. She’d rather lose her own life than take someone else’s. Even Robert’s.
If Robert was in her house, she’d scare him away like she’d done the other night. Afterward, she’d pack up and leave Fate behind.
Never to see her friends again.
Worse, she’d have to leave the Hardwick men behind.
She sent up a silent prayer that she wouldn’t have to give up her new home. Crouching down a little, she moved into the living room.
The dim light from the partial moon shifted over the furniture, casting shadows. She’d never been afraid of shadows before she’d met Robert. Summoning her courage, she was determined not to be afraid of shadows any longer.
I’m taking my life back one day and one night at a time.
She eased her way through the room, moving in a wide track around any furniture that could be a hiding place for an intruder. Checking the small kitchen, it didn’t take long for her to realize neither mouse nor man was there.
She checked the front door, making sure she’d locked all the locks. Finally, she relaxed, reassured that she was alone in the house.
And then she saw them.
What the hell?
The three wolves sat on their haunches in front of her house. They were as huge as they’d been before, their black fur making it difficult to see them against the darkness of the woods. If it hadn’t been for their glowing amber eyes, she might not have noticed them.
Why were wolves coming to her home? Was that normal? Or was something drawing them there?
She watched them, lowering her rifle. Her previous nervousness washed away as though she sensed she had no reason to fear them. They weren’t acting aggressively. They weren’t snarling or growling, and they didn’t have their ears laid back. They weren’t approaching the house as though they were about to attack. Instead, they gave the appearance of being sentinels, watch dogs guarding her.
She pressed her palm against the window. “What are you doing here? Why me?” And yet, she didn’t really need an answer. For whatever reason, instinctually, she knew they were there for her.
The largest of the three got to his feet and padded a yard or so closer before sitting down. Following their leader, the other two wolves did the same thing.
Were they waiting for her to come outside? It was strange to think so, but did they want her to talk to them? The idea was ridiculous, but they reminded her of three men who had come to call on the lady they were courting.
She chuckled. Was that who they reminded her of? Were they the wolf versions of the Hardwick men? Silly, yet she could see it.
The larger one standing a couple of inches taller than the other two would be Drake. He had the same leadership quality. Steady, determined, powerful, and not taking any guff from anyone. She could imagine the tall, sexy cowboy changing into the beautiful black wolf.
The one to his right would be Harrin. He was almost as large, with his coat more of a dark brown than black. He sat a few inches behind the Drake wolf as though giving the leader his due without appearing to be submissive. She got the sense that this wolf, like Harrin, was the calmest of the three, a steadying force between the Drake wolf’s dominant attitude and the third wolf’s impulsiveness.
Like Dugan, the third wolf was antsy. He rose to his feet, padded a few feet ahead of the others. Then, after getting a growl from the Drake wolf, he’d stalk back and sit down again, only to have the same thing happen again. He was a bundle of energy and she could almost see Dugan’s ready grin in his wolfish smile.
She had the front door unlocked and was outside before she realized what she was doing. The wolves were so mesmerizing she couldn’t stop herself. Nature in her most magnificent, they captivated her. She wanted to touch them, to caress their fur, and to find out if it felt as soft as it looked. Their razor-like fangs and vicious claws didn’t intimidate her. They wouldn’t use them on her. If she could’ve run under the moonlight with them, she would have done so.
Instead, she stood, rifle by her side, and studied them. They were so alike and yet so different. Each was a gorgeous specimen of animal, yet they had distinct personalities. They watched her every move, every flinch, as though they were as fascinated with her as she was with them.
She took a step down, then stopped as their ears pricked forward. Their demeanor held no animosity, no warnings to be careful.
“You’re amazing, you know that? You wouldn’t hurt me, would you?”
They tilted their heads to the side, the question, the curiosity in their amber gazes.
She laughed, suddenly filled with joy. The only time she felt any better than she did right now was when she was with the Hardwick men. Strange, yes, but the men and the animals had so many traits in common. How could two completely separate species seem so much alike?
Wow. I’m imagining wolves as men.
She was either really tired or really horny to imagine the three wild animals outside her house as the men she craved. Maybe it was a combination of both, tired and horny.
All at once, she became fully aware of the danger she’d put herself in. How many foolish people walked up to three wolves without regretting it? How many people were stupid enough to trust not only one, but three wild animals not to attack? These wolves were predators, born killers, and she was fantasizing that they were like humans. Like the strong men she had more than a simple crush on.
Without looking away, she put her foot on the step behind her. She let out a yelp as she tripped on the step and fell backward. The air was knocked out of her and she lay on the porch a moment or two, staring at the porch’s roof before she realized how vulnerable she was.
Pushing to a sitting position, she snagged the rifle. Thankfully, it hadn’t skidded too far away. She sucked in a hard breath when she realized that the wolves had moved closer. Although they weren’t growling, she no longer felt safe. Sanity and rational thought had finally overcome the strange attraction that had drawn her to them. She scrambled to her feet and lifted the rifle to her shoulder.
The wolves stopped, their tails low and their ears back. They didn’t growl, but she wasn’t about to take any more chances.
“Get out of here.” She didn’t shout. She knew she didn’t have to, especially when their ears pricked forward. They’d heard her.
Checking over her shoulder—no more tripping—she eased her way back to the door. She was almost there when the smallest wolf, the antsy one she’d named after Dugan, padded forward.
Fear surged in her. Without thinking, she didn’t bother aiming, didn’t bother lining up her shot. Instead, she pointed the rifle at the night sky and pulled the trigger. The gunshot ripped the quiet night into shreds. Whipping around, the wolves raced for the woods.
At least she didn’t shoot one this time. Although she knew she needed to get safely back inside, she stayed where she was, unwilling to take her eyes off them. They were graceful in their movements, a glorious sight she might not see again.
When they reached the woods, the largest one she’d called Drake spun around and faced her. Lifting his muzzle to the sky, he let out a plaintive wail.
The sound reverberated through her, thrilling her. Was he complaining? Or was he saying good-bye? As he darted around and disappeared into the trees, she found herself hoping they’d come back again.
* * * *
Drake remained in his office chair and waited for Dugan to settle down. He’d called his brothers into the small building that housed the sheriff’s office and
its one jail cell. Being the only law enforcement officer for miles around—especially the only one dealing with shifters and the like—wasn’t too tough a job. Supernaturals tended to take care of their problems though their pack, clan, or pride. As for the rest, like the vampires and pixies, any disagreements they had were handled quietly and discreetly. The humans around Fate rarely cause any problems, having accepted the existence of shifters for several decades now. Maybe they were too afraid to stir things up. Either that or they’d drive to the nearest human city and get help there.
Harrin waited patiently, having already taken his seat. After seeing Raven last night, Dugan hadn’t been able to calm down.
“We shouldn’t have let her see us last night.” Harrin put his ankle on top of his other knee.
“Yeah, I told you it was a bad idea. Fuck. You guys gave me hell about doing it, and then you turn around and do it not once, but twice. We’re lucky we didn’t get an ass full of buckshot.” Dugan finally took a seat, but sat on the edge of it.
“Last night’s done with. There’s no changing it.” Besides, he’d liked seeing her. Hell, he’d needed to see her even though it had driven him crazy not being able to touch her. Raven was deep inside his system just like a mate should be. He and his inner wolf would have to keep calm until they finally took her. If that was possible.
“You’ve got news.”
He met Harrin’s gaze dead-on. “Yeah.”
“Fuck. That means it’s not good.” Dugan slid back in his chair, only to push forward to sit on the edge again.
“No, it’s not.” Drake stared at his cell phone. His friend at the Georgia FBI had called him an hour earlier. He’d called his brothers an hour later, needing time to let what he’d learned sink in. “She has a record.”
Even Harrin, who prided himself on staying calm, jolted. “You’re kidding. For what? Jaywalking?”
“Shit,” added Dugan, who hung his head.
Drake hated like hell to tell them, but he had no choice. “She did a few months in the county jail waiting to go to court on accessory to burglary charges.”
“She stole from someone? Bullshit. I don’t believe it.”
“Dugan’s right. I can’t see her as a thief.”
“Just hold on and listen up. I don’t think she did it and neither does my friend. Looks to me like she was hung up on some guy who used her to get into the print shop where she worked and his hands on the money kept there overnight. Damn stupid owner, if you ask me, leaving money in the register every night instead of sticking it in a safe or taking it to the bank.”
“So she and her boyfriend broke in and took the money?” The incredulousness of Harrin’s tone was easy to hear.
“No. According to her, she was supposed to open the store the next morning. Her asshole of a boyfriend took the keys, robbed the store, and then took off.”
“Then why would they blame her?” asked Dugan.
Drake shrugged. “You know how it goes. The cops and the district attorney grabbed hold of an easy target to make their case. Her court-appointed attorney got her a plea deal and convinced her that it was her only option. She ended up cooling her ass in a county jail cell for six months. She was lucky the judge saw through the whole thing and gave her time served along with a probationary period.”
“When did this happen?”
Dugan nodded, wondering the same thing.
“A few years back.” He held up his phone. “But this is what’s bothering me.” Turning the phone’s face to his brothers, he let them see the photo. “This is Robert Scanton, the boyfriend. He already had a record prior to that robbery. They looked for him, but never got a lead.”
“Fucking asshole. Who sets up a girl and then leaves her to take the fall?” Dugan’s eyes flashed with bits of amber.
“Anyway, I think this jerk-wad might have tracked her down.”
“Yeah.” Dugan was back on his feet. “That’s the guy on her porch.”
“And I’d bet dollars to dimes he’s the man you saw running out of the Wolf’s Den parking lot the other night.”
“I didn’t get a look at his face, but I think you’d win that bet,” added Harrin. “The real question is this. Is she getting back together with him, or is he here to hassle her?”
“I don’t know.” Drake took a good look at the photo before placing his phone face-down on his desk. “But I’m sure as hell going to find out.”
* * * *
Raven followed the men’s approach as they crossed the street and headed for the store. Dugan was in the lead with Harrin and Drake, side by side, bringing up the rear. She automatically smiled when she saw them, but her smile faded when she took note of their terse expressions.
Even Dugan looks upset.
But why? What had happened since that night in the parking lot of the Wolf’s Den? She’d come oh-so-close to giving herself to them. Since then, she hadn’t had one night, even one day where she hadn’t dreamed of what would’ve happened if they hadn’t suddenly pulled away from her.
Thinking of them was both her saving grace and her torment. On the one hand, fantasizing about their hands all over her body, their tongues slipping into every curve and hole, had taken her mind off Robert. Without that, she would’ve spent hours worrying about where Robert was and if he was going to try yet again to approach her. She knew him well enough to know he’d push a little harder each time until, at last, he’d use force to get his way. How far he’d go was an unknown she didn’t want to find out.
Thinking of the Hardwick men was also a source of torment. They’d taken her that night and sent her libido skyrocketing, awakening feelings she hadn’t known she could still experience. They’d reminded her of sensations she hadn’t been sure she could still feel. Although it was pure torture leaving them and driving home alone, it was a delicious kind of torture she wouldn’t have missed for the world.
She’d made up her mind. Whatever she had to do, however she had to do it, she’d have them, at least once. If they could somehow wonderfully and magically become more than a one-night stand, she’d be happy the rest of her life.
Trying not to act like she’d been anxiously waiting for them to come inside, she pretended to straighten the items on the counter. Silently, she hoped Babs wouldn’t return from running errands too soon. If she had to drag them into the back of the store and throw herself at them, then she’d do it. Her heart raced as she heard the door open.
“Raven.”
The way Harrin said her name wasn’t in the form of a question. Instead, it sounded more like a summons from a master to his slave. She didn’t mind. She’d gladly answer to his bidding.
Putting on her best sultry expression, she looked up from her work. “Yes?”
Damn, they’re hot. All cowboy maleness wrapped up in three tall statues of men. Statues that weren’t made of cold marble, but of warm flesh and blood. Their tans had deepened since the other night. Their stern faces were cut like granite busts of conquering heroes. They wore plain faded jeans and work shirts, but they were as regal as any kings that had ever walked the earth.
“We need to talk to you.”
The heat their entrance had spurred between her legs slowed at the harsh tone of Drake’s voice. “O-kay.” She darted her attention from one man to the other. “Is something wrong?”
“It’s best if you come down to the jail.” Drake seemed to reconsider what he’d said. “To my office.”
Harrin and Dugan remained silent, obviously letting their older brother take charge. “What’s going on?”
“Like I said—”
“I heard what you said. At your office. Got it.” Was this the way it was going to be? Why were they being so stern with her? They were acting like nothing had happened the other night. She jerked her head toward the back room. “I would, but Babs isn’t here. We can talk in private in the back.”
“No. Too many people could walk in on us.”
She didn’t like the way the conversation was g
oing. It wasn’t anything like she’d dreamed their next encounter would go. “Can you tell me what you want to talk about?”
Drake’s jaw tightened. “Not here.” He didn’t wait for any other questions. Instead, he turned on his heel and strode to the door.
“Make it soon, baby,” added Harrin.
Dugan shot her an apologetic glance, then followed his brothers.
Her hands shook. As far as she was concerned, there was only one thing she wouldn’t want to talk about. Her past. “Drake?”
He twisted around, his gaze intense. “Yeah?”
“Tell me what this about. You’re starting to scare me.” No starting about it. She was afraid.
“In my office.” Without another word, Drake shoved the door open, allowed Mrs. Edelson to enter, then left. Dugan and Harrin were right behind him.
Raven couldn’t move, couldn’t think.
They know.
Robert’s here and they know about him and my past.
“Raven, sweetie, are you all right?”
Raven blinked, forcing her mind away from the fear. “I’m sorry?”
The kind eyes of Mrs. Edelson peered at her. “Are you all right?”
No.
“Um, yes. I’m fine. Excuse me.” Instead of helping the sweet elderly woman, she hurried past the curtains and into the back room. Without thinking, she went to the door leading into the alley and grabbed the doorknob.
Just as she did, Babs pushed the door open. “Oops. Sorry, Raven. I didn’t know you were standing there.” The sweet woman craned her neck to stare up at her. “What’s going on? You look like you’ve been sucker-punched.”
Yeah. I kind of have.
“It’s nothing. I, uh, I need to take a short break. Is that okay? Mrs. Edelson is at the counter.”
“Sure. No problem. Take all the time you need. Are you sure I can’t help?”
Raven shook her head and pushed past the diminutive lady. “No. I’m fine. I’ll be back in a while. Thanks.”