by Anthology
She tasted of sweetness and light, along with a wildness that had his inner cat screeching in delight. She was perfect in every way, though he didn’t stop to think about how that could be. His cougar had found its mate and it wanted to possess and claim without regard for anything else.
He stepped back.
Whoa, tiger. She was human.
She couldn’t be his mate. He knew that as sure as he breathed, but his cougar soul was saying otherwise, confounding him, and his feline instincts had never been wrong before.
It was something he’d have to think about. Hard.
He saw his own confusion reflected in her forest green eyes before she turned briskly away from him.
“Don’t take this the wrong way…” Her voice was hesitant as she walked to the window, wrapping her arms around herself, “…but I don’t want to get involved with you, Grif. Not with you or any man. Not now.”
He wanted to go to her, to wrap her in his arms and never let go, but he was feeling some turmoil of his own. His head swam with thoughts he didn’t have time or capacity, at the moment, to analyze.
“I’m sorry.” He wanted desperately to go to her, even as he pulled back. “I didn’t mean to push you, but you have to know how much I’m attracted to you. Won’t you give us a chance?”
If he’d whined or begged she could have handled it better, but the stoic, deep tones of his sexy voice made her want to jump into his arms and never let go. Things had been set in motion though, things that she couldn’t stop, and she couldn’t get involved with anyone until it was over. But how to explain that to him? She had no idea where to start.
“Please, Grif. I just can’t right now, but it’s not because I don’t like you. I do like you. Too much, it seems.” She chuckled sadly and turned to face him. She didn’t like the look on his face. His amazing golden eyes held confusion, tempered by a strong resolution that she feared would mean doom for her plans.
“I don’t just like you, Lindsey. I want you.”
The bald statement turned what was left of her insides after those hot kisses, to mush. She had to be strong, she reminded herself. Her task was too important.
“I’m flattered. Really.” Somehow the smoldering look in his eyes made her mouth go dry. “But I just can’t do this now. Please respect my decision.”
He stared her down for what felt like an eternity, his gaze watchful but not condemning, questioning but not accusatory. Then his gaze shifted away and the fire in them died down.
“Okay then…” He looked away and a rueful grin stretched his sexy mouth. “Do we have a deal for the lemonade at least?”
She laughed outright. Tension gone for the moment, he was back to the lighthearted rogue she was coming to really enjoy.
“I’ll do you one better. I’ll provide a whole pitcher of lemonade and the money for supplies, but I think you’re letting me off easy.”
She moved to walk through the door past him, but his words slowed her steps.
“Well, you could always throw in a kiss or two to sweeten the deal.” His tone was back to light and teasing, making her feel safe once more with him.
She decided not to rise to the bait as she made herself walk past him.
“I meant the money. Surely you should get something for your labor? I’m not a rich woman, but I can afford to pay you a little something for your time, you know.”
She knew she sounded a little indignant, but she figured that was better than melting into a puddle at his feet. She swept down the stairs to the first floor, glad when he followed her into the kitchen. Putting the table between them, she poured more lemonade for them both and placed the glasses on the table.
He downed half of his in one long, sexy working of his muscular throat, then smacked his lips with a smile. Oh, how she wanted more of his hot kisses, but she just couldn’t give in to his all-too-potent temptation. Not until her task was through… if she lived that long.
“Now don’t take this the wrong way.” He laid his big hands on the table, sitting across from her. “But I can see the condition of this place and I suspect you don’t make too much at the diner.” He held up his hands to forestall her indignant reply. “There’s no shame in that, Lindsey. Just as there’s no shame in me putting my time to good use helping you.” He paused though his eyes warned against arguing. “You pay for the supplies and I’ll do the labor. I expect nothing in return but that you let me hang around, bang on your roof and maybe spend a little time with you during the day as the work progresses. If I can’t have your kisses, spending a quiet moment or two with you will have to be enough.” The words for now, seemed unspoken, but definitely there.
A shiver coursed down her spine at the look in his eyes. It was possessive, sure, and dominating. Her mouth went dry at the intent she saw in his expression but there was also a noble kind of honesty there that warmed and puzzled her. Why would this drop dead gorgeous man want to spend time with her? She was just a drab little waitress with way too many complications in her life right now.
But she believed the look in his golden eyes. She believed in him. Somehow, this beautiful man really did want to spend time with her, even when she’d made it plain that he wasn’t going to be getting into her pants anytime soon, if at all. It was amazing really, and what girl could refuse a sexy hunk like Griffon Redstone when all he was asking for was a little of her time and companionship?
She nodded without further argument and was pleased, though a little confused, by the triumph that washed over his face.
He moved back outside after draining his glass, resuming work on the generator, and she went back to her household chores. Okay, so her eyes drifted out the window to watch him more than they should have, but she figured he’d never know and she certainly wasn’t telling.
Chapter Three
Grif found her in the kitchen about an hour later, after finishing with the generator. She was bustling around, clearly a little nervous around him now. He regretted that, but knew it was for the best.
He’d had time to cool down and think through the haze of desire that surrounded him whenever she was near. He knew in his head it could never work between them. She was human. He wasn’t. There was no sense at all in this unreasonable attraction he felt. It’d be better to just not get involved any further than he already was, no matter how his cock screamed for release.
But his were side had other ideas. His inner cat wanted to stalk her and pounce, pound into her until she never forgot him and mark her as his own. Never before had the two sides of his soul been so in conflict, and never before had he ever known a woman who could tie him in knots like this. Lindsey was special, and utterly confusing.
“When I come back tomorrow, is it okay if I bring my little sister with me?” He figured Belinda would just follow him anyway, so he might as well bring her along from the start. He didn’t like her roaming alone in the woods, even way out here. She was too precious to risk. Plus, a little chaperonage wouldn’t hurt. “Belinda doesn’t talk much and I like to spend time with her when I can. She won’t be any trouble to you. She can play in the yard while I work, if it’s all right with you.”
“How old is she?”
“Just turned twelve. Our mother died recently and our sister was killed a little over a year ago. Belinda’s taking it all pretty hard.”
He saw the compassion flare in Lindsey’s lovely eyes and it touched something inside him. This woman was gentle and kind—everything he could have hoped for in a mate—but she wasn’t were.
That was the deal breaker in the human part of his mind. How could he even contemplate getting involved with a female that couldn’t share fully in his life and his heritage? What would his Clan think? He owed it to them to find the strongest, most compassionate Alpha female he could find. A shifter. Not a human who would never be as physically strong or hardy as the people she would be expected to help lead.
And Lindsey was too innocent to use and then discard. He knew his own reactions too well not t
o realize that this comparatively frail, human woman had already touched something deep inside him.
She had told him in no uncertain terms that she wasn’t interested. He should have been glad, but instead he was angry. He wanted her and couldn’t accept the denial, though he sensed if he ever did make love to her, he’d want to keep her, and keeping her on a permanent basis just wasn’t an option. Not unless he was willing to give up his Clan, his family…everything…for her.
Oddly, that thought didn’t bring as much angst as it might have. Some small part of his mind was asking, would it be so bad?
Never before had Grif ever considered giving up the leadership role in the Clan and the company he’d built from scratch. Lindsey was making him think about all sorts of things he never could have imagined before meeting her. But could he really give up everything he had worked so hard to achieve? Just to be with her?
Grif didn’t even want to think about it. He was very afraid the answer might be yes. The selfish answer. The one that didn’t take into account how much his family, his Clan and his company needed him.
No. He couldn’t do that to them. He owed them much more than that. And they still needed him.
Knowing that, Lindsey could only be hurt by him. Grif didn’t want to be responsible for wounding such a beautiful soul, even if it was merely human.
“I’d love to meet your sister,” Lindsey said, having no idea about his conflicting, confusing thoughts. “She can help me bake cookies if she wants.”
There she went, being kind. She was almost too good to be true, but he’d take the offer of friendship for himself and especially for Belinda. That little girl needed some female company and Lindsey would do nicely, even if she was only human.
“I know for a fact that she loves cookies. If it’s not too much trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all.”
He steeled himself to walk away without pulling her into his arms the way he longed to do. Turning, he made himself open the back door and walk through, but he couldn’t help turning back for one last long look at her.
Their eyes met and neither spoke, both remembering the magic of their kiss.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Lindsey.”
Lindsey watched him walk away, following his progress through various windows as he went back around to his truck. She lost sight of him momentarily as she moved toward the front window that afforded her a better view. The dappled light over the sheer curtains must have played tricks on her eyes because she could have sworn she saw a soft, fluffy tail disappearing into the truck cab just before he climbed in and shut the door.
Shaking her head, she watched him drive away from behind the curtain that hid her presence. She had to be imagining things, but darn if that man didn’t confuse and confound her senses.
He was quite possibly the best kisser she had ever met. She knew she couldn’t afford to get involved with him, especially not right now with the path she’d committed to following. She didn’t know what the future held for her beyond the next few days, but once she finished her task—if she survived it—perhaps then she might be able to pursue a relationship. Whether it was with the mysterious and totally hot Griffon Redstone or not, remained to be seen.
She continued gazing absently down the lane long after he disappeared from sight. The man was a puzzle, and he was doing strange things to her emotions. All in all, she thought it was a good thing he was bringing along his sister when he returned tomorrow. She needed a chaperone. Desperately.
*
Belinda was a pretty child. Just on the verge of her teen years, she was tall for her age and lithe like a young colt, all legs and arms. Her hair was shiny with good health though she was shy beyond what Lindsey considered the norm. In fact, she didn’t really talk much at all, but Lindsey did the best she could to make her feel more at ease.
After just a little coaxing, Lindsey had gotten the shy girl to help her bake chocolate chip cookies. Before long, Belinda seemed more at ease, though she still didn’t talk a whole lot. She communicated with shrugs and nods of her head, her eloquent big brown eyes speaking volumes for her when she couldn’t form the words.
Grif worked while they baked, but Lindsey sent Belinda to tell him when the first batch of cookies came out of the oven. She poured glasses of cold milk all around and shared the first, piping hot cookies right off the sheet. Belinda smiled happily and even spoke a bit with her brother’s reassuring presence nearby. Lindsey was touched to see the closeness between the two, especially considering the great difference in their ages.
Grif went back to work whistling after devouring most of the first batch of cookies and the girls went back to work, pulling out the second batch and putting more in the oven. Eventually they began to clean up the kitchen and Lindsey was pleased to see the little girl’s manners were as good as her brother’s. She didn’t squawk at having to help with the dishes and she even seemed to enjoy washing some of the pans and dishes they’d used.
Grif took more breaks than strictly necessary to scarf down more of Lindsey’s fantastic cookies and get out of the hot sun. The work on the roof was moving along quickly and Grif was enjoying not only the satisfaction of hard labor, but the good feeling he got knowing that his work would help protect Lindsey from the elements.
He almost hated to see the task completed, but he’d dragged out the project as long as he could. The roof on the old house wasn’t that large and patching the holes didn’t take much effort. Most of the rest of the structure was sound enough, so he’d only had to replace the broken sections and that didn’t take much time for an experienced carpenter like him. Especially not an experienced carpenter with the strength of the cougar within him. He worked harder and faster than normal men and with an agility that never failed to come in handy. He was especially suited to working at height, unlike some of the other were. Cats liked heights and handled the rare fall better than most other were species, except of course, the raptors.
Werehawks, eagles and the occasional owl worked the really high jobs, walking steel on the high rise buildings Redstone Construction built from time to time. A little two story house like this was no big deal by comparison.
When he could put off the inevitable no longer, Grif ate his last cookie and took his leave of Lindsey. Belinda waved happily out the truck’s window as they drove away from the run down house. For days afterward, Belinda talked about the things she’d done with Lindsey and repeated almost every story Lindsey had told her. It was good to see his little sister enjoying herself again, even in this small way.
In fact, both brother and sister were spending more time in their human forms than in their fur since meeting Lindsey. Grif took it as a sign that maybe the deep grief and sorrow was starting to lift. Belinda had other things to think about now—a new friend in Lindsey—and for his part, Grif was spending a lot of time focused on the human woman as well. She haunted him. Her scent thrilled him and even the memory of her soft voice and kind words made him want to be near her.
The roof might be fixed, but Grif still found reasons to stalk the area around Lindsey’s cabin. He knew she was protected from the rain, but who would protect her from those wolves? They wouldn’t just let it go, whatever it was that was bothering them about her.
So he crept through the woods around her cabin in the evening, prowling up on her roof and around her yard, hoping for a glimpse of her. He found himself eating at the diner more often too, and he brought Belinda into town with him. His sister enjoyed seeing Lindsey, though she still didn’t speak much in public. Still, he could sense the walls she’d built around herself beginning to weaken. It was a good sign and one he’d been waiting months to see.
*
Lindsey was toting wood from the old shed at the back of the property into the house late one evening the following week when she heard the first howl. Dropping the wood, she moved as quickly as she could toward her back porch, but was caught in the open as wolf after wolf padded silently out of the forest and
headed straight for her. There was an intelligence in their eyes and a logic to their movements that was not quite wild. She’d bet her last dime that they were all werewolves.
They surrounded her, their bared fangs menacing, their canine mouths snarling in a way that put fear into her heart, but she couldn’t let them see it. She had half expected something like this since the incident in the diner last week. The Pack had done all they could to make her feel unwelcome and told her outright to leave. It only made sense they’d try to scare her off in their wolf forms as well. She just hadn’t expected the entire Pack to show up.
She figured she could have handled one or two wolves. She would have been scared to death, but she had some nebulous thought about fleeing into her house. But there had to be at least twenty huge werewolves confronting her—ringing her—closing in on her from all sides. There was no chance of escape. No way out of this unless they let her out of it. She had been stupid to think she could handle such predatory beings.
“Okay, I got the message,” she shouted with some bravado. She couldn’t let them see her very real and nearly debilitating fear. “You obviously don’t want me here, but I’ve got a promise to keep and I’m staying until I keep it. After that, I’ll be out of your hair and off these lands permanently. You’ll never have to see me again, but I have to do what I have to do first.”
A huge wolf, obviously the Alpha male of the Pack, judging by his size and clear dominance, separated from the rest and stalked forward to face her. His teeth were bared menacingly. She couldn’t back up. First, it would show her fear, and second, it would only put her closer to the wolves behind her. She was between a rock and a very hard, not to mention sharp, set of teeth.