by Jane Jamison
Case slammed the bathroom door closed behind them. He took Maya’s arm and flung her on top of the bed. “Do you have a death wish, or are you just plain crazy?”
Jamie groaned and got to his feet. “She was asking one of the hunters to help her get the rest of the way out the window. We’re lucky it’s not big enough for a man to get through or we’d be up shit creek right now.”
Maya scrambled toward the headboard. “I didn’t know. It’s not like you guys have told me much of anything. After dragging me off, you didn’t bother telling me that men are out to hunt you down.”
“Yeah. We did.” Jamie yanked on the top sheet, tugging it out from under her and off the bed. He tore the sheet into strips.
“Maybe so, but you didn’t tell me why.” She met his eyes, daring him to lie to her. “You’re werewolves.”
They froze only long enough to acknowledge her statement then went into action again.
“I’m going to let you decide, Maya.” Jamie arched an eyebrow. “Do you want to lie down or sit up? Either way, you’re going to get tied up.”
Her mouth dropped open, and her anger dissipated into confusion. “Tie me up? Tell me you’re not thinking about sex right now.”
“I’m always thinking about sex whenever I look at you.”
He spoke the truth. She could see it in the way he skimmed his gaze over her body.
“But no. This is to keep you from pulling another dumb stunt like that.”
“No way. You can’t. Not with that guy out there.”
“That guy has three other guys with him. At least, as far as we can tell.”
“And you’re going to leave me bound and defenseless?”
The crack in her voice gave her away. Would they really leave her? Especially in a dangerous situation? Hadn’t they told her that was the reason they’d brought her along?
“Of course not. But we need to figure out a way to get out of this, and we can’t do that if we have to keep our attention on you.” He lunged and took her hands in one of his. “I’m sorry, but this is the way it has to be.”
She didn’t struggle, knowing that it was useless. “No, please. I swear, now that I know, I won’t run again.”
“Come on, Jamie. Give her a break. She didn’t know.” As in the past, Case wanted to take the softer route.
“And now that you do?” Jamie tugged the knot tighter, but not enough to hurt her.
“I’m still not sure I believe it. You’re real, live, honest-to-goodness werewolves.”
If her words hadn’t said it, the breathiness of her voice would’ve told them how stunned she was.
“Believe it.” He whipped the other end of the strip down the side of the bed to tie to the metal frame.
“How are we getting out of this mess?” Ham glanced at them before peering outside from behind the curtain.
Jamie, satisfied that she was good and tied, stalked over to the bathroom door. He opened it, gave a quick glance inside, apparently to check to make sure the hunter hadn’t somehow gotten through the window, then shut the door again. “I don’t know.”
“Can’t you call someone? The police?” He’d tied her up, but that didn’t stop her from chiming in.
“And tell them what? That we’re monsters and the monster killers are after us?” He snorted. “Yeah. That’s a good plan.”
“You don’t have to tell them everything. Just tell them that there are men trying to hurt you. Tell them they already shot at us.” She shook her head. “I’m surprised someone else hasn’t already called the police. Other people have to have noticed men walking around the motel with crossbows.”
“And guns.” Case slumped into the chair. “They have guns, too.”
“See? Maybe they’ll take off if they hear the police sirens.”
“No police. We need to handle this ourselves. We don’t need to call attention to us.”
She searched for another answer as she tugged on the sheet that bound her wrists. “Then call Shay or Tatum. They’ll come and help, right? Along with their men?”
Case edged onto the seat of the chair. “Yeah, they would. But they may not make it in time. Call it a sixth sense, but I don’t think those hunters are going to wait much longer. They’re going to come barging through that door any minute now.”
“He’s right. I can see them huddled by the motel office.” Ham leaned against the wall. “We’ve got to either run for it or fight.”
“Why doesn’t the guy at the front desk do something?”
“I’ll bet he’s already taken cover. It’s the kind of place that caters to the lowlife of humanity. He’ll let it play out so he doesn’t get caught up in it or bring the cops down on his other guests.”
The intensity in his face softened. “Look, I don’t want to lie to you. We’re going to have to get real lucky, and I don’t see much luck in our future. But the worst thing that could happen is letting them hurt you.”
She swallowed. He’d meant what he’d said, and the expressions on his brothers’ faces confirmed that they felt the same way.
“If they break in before we get our shit together, maybe they’ll take the fact that you’re tied up as a sign that you’re not really with us. Maybe then you’ll be okay.” Jamie’s voice was tight with concern and held none of the hope that his words did.
“I say we fight.”
“Case is right. We’ll hold them off while you get Maya to safety.”
The pride in Jamie’s face was unmistakable. “I appreciate that, but I don’t like the idea of leaving you two behind.”
“Keeping Maya safe is what we all want, right?” Case grinned. “You getting out alive is a happy perk.”
Jamie chuckled. “Gee, thanks.”
“Don’t mention it, bro.”
“While you three have been deciding which two of you to sacrifice, I’ve been thinking. And I’ve got a better idea.” She thrust out her chest as she drew in a steadying breath. But would they think so?
Chapter Six
Maya paused, letting her words sink in.
Ham jutted out his chin, signaling her to go on. “Let’s hear it.”
“What we need is a diversion.”
“Nothing’s going to divert them enough for them to miss us sneaking out the door. Aside from blowing up the motel, and, unfortunately, we didn’t pack any explosives for the trip.”
She blinked then narrowed her eyes. Was Case kidding? “I don’t think we have to do anything that drastic. What we need is the element of surprise. Even if it’s only for a few seconds.”
Jamie sat next to her and cupped her cheek. “Why do I get the feeling that I’m not going to like this?”
She brought his palm to her face, enjoying the roughness of his hands. Each of the men had hands that spoke of hours of hard work. The memory of the texture of their palms running over her skin made her tremble with desire. If there weren’t men outside who wanted to harm them at any second, she’d make good use of getting tied up again. She’d liked it the first time and knew she’d like it even more a second time. But would they get the chance for another go?
Oh, man. I must want them bad to be thinking about sex right now.
“I’ll cause the diversion.”
Jamie shook his head before Case and Ham voiced their refusals. “Short of stripping for them, I don’t know how you’d do that. But you’re not going to get the chance. We can’t risk it.”
“I’m not asking you to. It’s my decision and I want to do this. Now be a good boy and untie my hands.”
When he hesitated and his brothers didn’t offer to do it, she cast them a you’ve got to be kidding me glare. “Guys, I promised I wouldn’t try to run off and I won’t. Now that I know what’s at stake, I’m in this as much as you are. I’m glad Jamie grabbed me and pulled me back out of the window.”
“I trust her, Jamie.” Case didn’t wait for his brother’s permission. Instead, he reached over and undid the knot.
She dropped her arms and
rubbed the soreness out of her wrists. “Next time, let’s use fur-lined handcuffs.”
“Will do.” Case tossed the strip of sheet away. “If we get a next time.
“We will if you guys will listen to my plan.”
Jamie grunted and crossed his arms. “Go ahead. I’m dying to hear this.”
Ham moved to the window again. “Be quick about it. They’re starting to move closer.”
“I’ll cause a ruckus by running out of here, screaming in terror about werewolves.”
She would’ve preferred outraged refusal to Jamie’s laughter. “No way in hell. If they don’t shoot you as soon as you get out the door, they’ll drag you off and hogtie you. Then, after they kill us, they’ll have their fun with you before putting a bullet in your head.”
“Or slashing your throat,” added Case.
“But why? I’m not a werewolf.” She looked to Ham, hoping he’d take her side.
Ham didn’t and, instead, agreed with Jamie. “Listen to us. They’ll kill you because you’re with us. Because they’ll assume that we’ve fucked you and changed you. As far as shifter hunters are concerned, once a woman has anything to do with werewolves, then she’s soiled and ruined for life. She’s an animal just like them. They won’t think twice about taking you out along with us.”
She had to make them buy her plan, had to offer them the only way for them to escape. “They won’t hurt me if they think you haven’t done anything to me. Other than being with you, what would make them think I’ve been changed, or whatever you call it? Shouldn’t I have a bite mark or something? Isn’t that how’s it’s done in the movies? But I don’t, so that proves you haven’t claimed me. As for the other, I’ll make them understand that I’m a helpless victim. They’ll love being heroes to the damsel in distress.”
“I don’t know. Ham? Case?”
Ham dropped his gaze to the floor. “I don’t like putting her in danger.”
“According to you, I’m already in danger.” She stood, making Jamie get to his feet as well. “In fact, this is the one way where I might get out of this alive. Once I do, saving your own necks is up to you.”
She didn’t mention that should the hunters start to fire on them, she’d do her dead level best to make them miss.
“I think it might work.”
“Don’t be an idiot, Case.”
She took his hand. “Thanks for seeing it my way.”
Turning back to a grumbling Jamie and Ham, she put it in no uncertain terms. “I’m doing this with or without your permission. You don’t own me and you can’t tell me what to do.”
“I can tie you up again.”
She held her head high, daring him with her body language. “You can. But then I’ll never forgive you. Are you willing to risk that?”
Jamie’s piercing look said more than his words ever could. “I’d rather lose you that way than have you get hurt.”
Aw, crap. Could he have said anything sweeter? “This is our best chance. Don’t you trust me?”
Case laughed and pulled her close. “She’s got you there, big brother. If we do this right, it might work.”
Jamie slid a hand through his hair. “Why the hell did you have to be so damn bullheaded?”
She returned his half smile. “I guess I picked up a trait of yours.”
“Okay, so let’s get it worked out.” Ham took her out of Case’s arms and cupped her face between his huge hands. “I’m not letting you go out there without working it out ahead of time.”
“Sounds good to me.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Anything more and she’d have to strip his clothes off—all their clothes—and fuck them again. Was there such a thing as a fuck-for-good-luck?
They gathered together on the bed. She could feel the sexual tension heating up between them as the sizzle that was always on a low simmer boiled to the surface. Each of their faces showed the same tension inside her. They’d keep a lock on their lust until they were safe. But once that time came, they’d turn it loose.
“Here’s my idea.” She swallowed, her nerves getting jumpier as the time to put her plan in action grew closer. “I’m going to burst out that door and run to the closest hunter, all the while screaming my head off. If he lifts a gun or a crossbow, that’s not going to stop me. I’ll just collapse at his feet. Hopefully, I’ll throw him off guard either way.”
“If he doesn’t shoot you first.”
She pushed against Jamie’s arm. “Show some positivity, will you? Anyway, once I get him distracted, I’ll give him a knee to the nuts or something. That will put his full focus on me and draw the attention of the others, too.”
Jamie started to open his mouth again, but she silenced him with one hard look.
“That’s when we charge out and take them by surprise.”
Case nodded at his adopted brother. “Ham and I will flank Jamie and take out the other three hunters. But, Maya, if and when you get that man on the ground, you have to take him out. Knock him on the head with whatever you can find.”
She closed her eyes and prayed she wouldn’t kill him and that he didn’t kill her. All she wanted was to put him out for a while. But what if she couldn’t? She gathered her resolve, opened her eyes, and vowed not to let them see her doubt. “No ‘if’ about it. I’ll do my part. You guys just make sure you do yours.”
“Let’s do this.” Case was already at the door.
She was ready. She had to be. Her legs suddenly grew weak as she approached the door. She looked to Ham, who had retaken his place at the window. He scanned the area outside and noted the location of each hunter before turning to her.
“One’s straight ahead and standing behind a utility truck. There are two off to the left of him peeking around an older-model black van and one to his right at the side of the building. I’ll get the one on this side.”
“Got it. Case, I’ll lead the way. Whichever one I don’t get to first is yours.” Jamie put his hand on her shoulder then leaned over to bring her lips to his.
His kiss was soft at first but quickly grew more intense. She clutched the front of his shirt and flicked her tongue into his mouth. He moaned and started to wrap his arms around her.
“Knock it off, you two. We don’t have time for that.”
Jamie groaned and pulled away. “Ham’s right. Let’s get the hell out of here.” Tugging on his shirt, he pulled it off and tossed it to the floor.
Maya’s heart raced as they undressed. “You’re going to change.”
The amber in Case’s eyes flickered in the dimming light as dusk came. “We’re a lot faster as werewolves.”
“Sure. Of course.” Although she’d realized what they were, her mind had yet to fully comprehend it. Seeing was believing, and she was about to get an eyeful.
“Ready?”
She gave a quick nod to answer Ham. Three gorgeous men stood next to her, willing to risk their lives for her safety. She kept her gaze on their faces, knowing that if she dropped it she’d lose control. “Ready.”
Case pulled the handle and swung the door wide. Growls erupted behind her, but she didn’t turn back. Instead, she dashed as fast as she could toward the same man who had tried to shoot them through the bathroom window.
Screaming, she let the tears flow. It wasn’t hard to cry. Not when she was as frightened as she was.
“Help me! Oh, my God, please someone, help me!”
The man’s forehead creased as he scowled, but she didn’t let it stop her. She hurled her body at him. He had to either shoot her or drop the crossbow to catch her.
She let her body go limp as he chose to grab her. He held her under her arms and kept her upright.
“They kidnapped me. I don’t know where I am. Please.” She clutched his shirt, forcing him to look at her and only her. “Please take me home. I’m so afraid. You have to help me.”
He shook her, belying the comfort in his words as his hand traveled to take her butt cheek and squeeze it. “Easy, girl. Calm down. You�
�re safe now. Did they bite you? Did they fuck you?”
Slime ball. Feeling up a poor helpless girl.
Fighting back her revulsion, she hugged him, locked her hands behind his neck, and took a step to the side to place his back to the motel. “Oh, thank you. No, but they were about to do both. Thank you. Thank you.”
“Don’t worry none. We’ll kill the beasts.” His hot breath flowed over her ear. “Then afterwards, you and me are going to have some fun.”
She pulled away from him and brought her hands from his neck to take a firm hold on his shoulders. “Think again, asshole.” With as much strength as she could, she brought her knee up and struck him right in the crotch.
For a moment, she thought she’d missed. He stared at her, confusion making his ugly mug even uglier. Then, all of a sudden, his eyes widened and he let out a long groan. He reached for her but she jerked out of his grip and let him go to his knees.
Shouts mixed with growls and snarls as she turned and bent to pick up the crossbow. Three dark werewolves, their long, deadly fangs shining against the black of their fur, leapt at the three remaining hunters. The werewolves’ amber eyes blazed as they brought each hunter to the ground.
The men screamed with anger and fear, but it did them no good. With their weapons knocked away, they were defenseless against the huge werewolves.
“You little bitch.”
She gasped, snagged the crossbow, then whirled around, using the bow like a club. Her aim was good as it struck the man who’d managed to regain his footing. Unprepared for her attack, he raised his arms up to defend himself a second too late. The blow to his head sent him reeling backward to land facedown on the pavement.
She went to her knees next to him with the weapon still in her hand. Blood wet a spot on the side of his head, but it didn’t look like it was flowing fast. Putting her fingertips under his jawline, she closed her eyes and concentrated.