He swung her up in his arms.
“What the hell are you doing? Get your hands off me.” She struggled against him, but he didn’t loosen his grip.
“If you want to live, hold on.”
She froze at his sharp command and then wrapped her arms around his neck. He stiffened under her touch for a brief second before getting his mind back on the mission.
Damon sprinted through the forest, dodging trees and low-hanging branches as he headed toward safety, putting distance between them and the howls of the rogue wolves.
A little while later, he broke out of the forest and into the clearing of the field. He set her down roughly.
“Jerk.” She tightened the jacket around her and mumbled under her breath.
Ignoring the temperamental female, he began stripping the tree branches away from his Harley.
“A motorcycle?”
“Not just a motorcycle. It’s a Harley. Ever been on one?” He seriously doubted it. It might mess up her hair.
“No.”
“Well, tonight’s your lucky night.” He unhooked the helmet from the seat strap and placed it on her head, tugging the straps down.
“I can do it.” She batted his hands away and fiddled with the strap under her chin.
“Make sure it’s tight.” He scowled and pulled out her pajamas from his saddlebag.
“My PJs?” She eyed him suspiciously.
“Put them on. It won’t keep you warm, but it’ll keep you covered.”
She turned her back to him, slipping on the thin pajamas as he started the engine. The Harley roared to life, humming under his fingertips like a heartbeat. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she eased on behind him. He held his breath, waiting for her to wrap her arms around him. While his Harley Breakout could carry two people it had no backrest. She’d have to stay glued to him for the entire ride.
“You’re going to have to hold on tight if you don’t want to fall off.”
He relaxed slightly as she tucked her arms around his chest and tightened her hold.
He reached inside his pocket and pulled out the remote for the second C4 charge he’d set inside the camp. He pressed the button. A loud explosion billowed out into the inky night followed by a bright orange fireball that lit up the woods.
“Hold on tight.”
He tore down the dirt road and waited for the suffocating feeling to kick in whenever he was physically close to someone. Her fingers dug into his shirt and his heart rate quickened. But, strangely enough, this time the panic didn’t come.
When he reached the paved road, he accelerated, pushing the speed until they were flying. He needed to put as much distance between themselves and the kidnappers as possible.
At the speed they were traveling, he would have Ava safe at home in less than three hours.
Thirty minutes into the ride, he felt her fingers trembling against his chest.
He’d been so busy trying to get her out that he hadn’t thought about making sure she was warm. She was going to freeze to death before he got her home.
“I’m going to pull in at the next truck stop and get you some clothes.”
“No, don’t stop.” She dug her nails into his chest.
“I have to get you something warm to wear.”
“No. Keep going.”
“Damn it, Ava, you’re going to freeze to death.” He didn’t intend to rescue her from one dangerous situation only to have her die from pneumonia.
“If they catch us they’ll take me back. I’d rather freeze to death than go back.”
The terror in her voice made his stomach ache.
“Damon, please.” Her plea pricked his heart, a place he’d never thought anyone could touch. He tightened his grip on the handlebars. He was going to make it his mission to kill every one of those red wolves for ever daring to kidnap her.
“We’ll be home in three hours, but I’ll stop in an hour to make a call. I’ll get you something to wear then. Can you make it that long?” He frowned as the words spilled out. It was going against his better judgment not to stop now.
“Yes.” Her body relaxed slightly against him.
He wished he felt the same relief.
His instinct, on the other hand, kept telling him this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.
***
True to his word, an hour later Damon pulled into a well-lit truck stop. Thank God. Ava couldn’t go much further. Her body ached, her legs were numb, and she couldn’t stop shivering.
Damon parked around the back of the gas station in the shadows and away from the lights. He cut the engine and tried to stand, but her arms were locked tightly around his waist.
“S-s-sorry.” She’d held on for dear life as they raced down the highway, scared if she loosened her grip for a second she’d fall off. She forced her stiff muscles to unclench long enough to let him go.
He dismounted the Harley with the grace of a lethal animal. Bracing her hands on the seat, she tried to stand. Her achy muscles protested in pain. Too proud to cry, she clenched her jaw.
His large hands clamped down around her waist and she jerked her gaze up to his. He picked her up as if she weighed nothing and lifted her off the bike. Her hands rested on his massive shoulders as she slid down his muscled body. Suddenly, she couldn’t breathe.
“Thanks.” She held his gaze, unable to look away.
He was at least six-five with shoulders like a linebacker. Judging from her brief contact with his body, he was made of finely honed steel. The more she looked at his scar on his face, the more she thought it made him look sexy.
She frowned. After what she’d just been through, drooling over a hot guy was the last thing she should be doing. Maybe the effects of the drugs hadn’t worn off yet, or she was still in shock.
“I’ll run in and get you some clothes. They should have some sweatpants, jeans if we’re lucky.”
She grabbed his arm. His narrowed gaze landed on her hand and she released her hold. “I’m not staying out here alone.” She folded her arms over her chest
He raked a glare across her body.
She winced. “I’ll walk in first so you won’t have to walk in with me.” She dropped her arms and pulled the jacket down her thighs. She knew she looked like hell. At least she was wearing pajama bottoms and not completely nude. Besides, it was late and she seriously doubted anyone would be looking that closely at what she was wearing anyway.
He said nothing, staring at her with an intensity that would scare most women. The thing was, she wasn’t most women.
“Look, I know I look awful. I’d be embarrassed to walk in with me too. But, I’m not staying out here by myself.” She ran her fingers through her tangled hair, trying to make it lay flat.
“Stop.” He pulled her hands away. “You’re just making it worse.” He pulled off his bandana and retied it on her head. It, along with his jacket, wrapped her in his scent, in his warmth. In some small way, it made her feel safe.
“Don’t speak to anyone,” he growled.
“I wasn’t planning on it.”
Without a word, he grabbed her hand. She tightened her grip as they headed for the front of the brightly lit building. He stopped long enough to scan the area before escorting her through the front door.
She nodded toward the bathroom and he released his hold. She kept her head down and made her way across the store toward the restroom sign.
From under her lashes she stole a few quick glances around the store. It was fairly busy for this time of night. A middle-aged male cashier was busy ringing up a truck driver while another man waited in line to pay for some beer. Over at the restaurant, a few people were eating while a waitress walked between the tables refilling coffee mugs. At the drink cooler, a couple of teen boys with body piercings were arguing which energy drinks were the best.
Thankfully, no one was watching her.
She pushed opened the bathroom door and cringed as she stepped barefoot onto the tile.
She c
rouched and looked under the stalls. When she didn’t see any feet sticking out, she snatched two paper towels from the receptacles. She placed them on the floor and skated toward the nearest bathroom stall.
Minutes later she stood at the bathroom sink, scrubbing her dirty face with paper towels the color of school lunch bags. She didn’t even mind the sandpaper texture against her skin. She just wanted to feel clean again.
“Ava?”
Startled, she hurried to the door and yanked it open. “What’s wrong?”
He held out a plastic bag. “It’s clothes. Get changed. I’ll stay by the door so nobody walks in.”
She pulled off Damon’s leather jacket and carefully hung it over the stall door. She cringed as she realized she was standing barefoot on the bathroom floor. She slipped on the long-sleeve gray T-shirt with the words “Budweiser” sprawled across the front. She ditched her underwear and pulled on a pair of black sweatpants and thick white tube socks. She smiled a little at how ridiculous she must look as she tugged on the black CAT boots.
She picked up the bag to toss it in the garbage can when she felt something heavy in the bottom. She peeked inside.
A brush.
Either Damon was very thoughtful or he thought she looked really bad. She glanced at her reflection.
She was betting on the latter.
***
Damon stood in front of the ladies’ room door, scowling at anyone headed in his direction. Turned out, people didn’t have to go so bad after all.
He glanced at his watch. One more minute and he was going in after Ava. They needed to get back on the road if they wanted to stay ahead of the rogue wolves.
The bathroom door squeaked opened and Ava stepped out. He sucked in a deep breath as his body heated with desire. Dressed in her truck stop attire, Ava looked nothing less than beautiful.
“Thanks, for letting me borrow it.” She held out his jacket.
“Keep it.” He clenched his jaw, reminding himself of his duty to his pack and to her. This was a job. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Won’t you get cold?”
“No, I won’t.” He narrowed his eyes. Being a wolf, his body temp was higher than a human’s. He only wore the jacket because he liked it.
He glanced at his watch. “We need to get going.”
When they reached his bike, he pulled out his cell phone.
“Shit.” He gritted his teeth at the numerous missed calls from Barrett. His Pack Master was not going to be happy.
He hit speed dial.
“I have Ava. We should be in Jonesboro in about two hours.”
“Damon, where the hell have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you,” Barrett thundered.
“I’ve been driving like a bat out of hell. Sorry I didn’t stop every ten minutes to check my messages or Tweet about my whereabouts.” He sneered. “Like I said, I’ll have Ava home soon.”
“No. Don’t come to Jonesboro,” Barrett commanded.
Uneasiness snaked up Damon’s spine. “Why? What’s wrong?”
“There’s been an explosion at Ava’s house.” Barrett’s tight voice had Damon bracing for what was next. “We’ve also had a breach in security. A bomb just took out the Council Hall in Little Rock.”
“Fuck.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. “This means those red wolves knew I was a Guardian.” Guardian werewolves were all spread out over the state of Arkansas, yet it was common knowledge that the Pack Master and the Council ruled from Little Rock. It functioned much like the capital of the states did for humans.
“It also means you’re going to have to keep Ava with you and away from here.”
His eyes shot open. “What the hell am I supposed to do with her?” He walked a few feet from Ava as she shot him a glare. Keeping Ava with him was a bad idea.
“That’s up to you. She’s under your protection until I call with a safe house location.”
“Hold on…” It was too late. Barrett hung up.
“Perfect.” He ran his hand across his face.
“What’s wrong?” Ava touched his shoulder. He flinched.
“We need to go.” He climbed on the bike and started the engine, his mind plotting out his next move.
She climbed on behind and wrapped her arms around him.
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
“Nope.” He punched in new directions on his cell phone and pulled out onto the highway. He just prayed they were far enough ahead of the red wolves to get to their new destination.
***
It was after 2:00 a.m. when they drove into a small town just across the Louisiana state line. They’d been riding for what seemed like an eternity and Ava knew she wasn’t going to last much longer. Her ass hurt from riding, cold soaked down to her bones, and she desperately needed a hot shower. She had never been so miserable in her life.
Damon finally pulled into a parking place at a low-budget motel. He climbed off the bike like he hadn’t been riding hours in the seat. She tried to follow, but her heavy legs threatened to give way under her weight.
Damon shook his head. “Don’t get off yet. I’m not even sure it’s safe to stay here for the night.”
“Look, as much as I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, I’m going to have to disagree with you. We’re staying here tonight.” She sighed. “I can’t go any longer. I need a shower. Not to mention my ass is numb.” She winced as she crawled off the bike.
“It’s my job to make sure your ass is delivered back home in one piece. If it’s not safe, we’re not staying.” He stepped into her space.
“Whatever.” Pushing past him, she stumbled to the sidewalk and sat. She eased onto her side and curled up into a ball.
“What the hell are you doing? Get up.”
“I’m sleeping.”
“Ava, get your ass up now.”
Her eyelids drifted shut. If she hadn’t been so exhausted she would have told him to go to hell. The last thing she heard as her eyes drifted shut were angry boots stomping away.
***
Damon turned and glanced back at Ava. Despite his irritation, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. For someone who’d never been on a bike before, she’d hung in there like a champ. Her ass was going to be killing her in the morning that was for sure.
After making sure the dump of a hotel was secure, he opened the office door, making sure he could still see Ava from inside. The young, skinny male with a mop of brown hair and acne-scarred face sat behind the front desk. He was too busy playing an online computer game to look up at his customer.
“I need a room for the night.” Damon angled his body away so the clerk couldn’t get a good look at his face. The guy was human and posed no physical danger to him. But humans were greedy and willing to do anything to make a quick buck. If those rogue wolves came here, he wanted to make sure the clerk couldn’t identify him.
“Yeah, just sign in. It’s sixty-five for one night or hundred and ten for two nights.” His fingers danced across the keyboard while his eyes remained focused on the computer game involving dwarfs, elves and a dragon.
Damon signed in under an alias and placed the money on the desk. The guy grabbed it with one hand while typing with the other. Sticking the money in a drawer, he slid the key across to him.
He stepped out into the frosty night and stopped, unable to tear his gaze away from the female with hair the color of midnight curled up like a kitten on the cold, hard sidewalk. The sight made his heart ache.
He bent down and picked her up. This time she melded into his arms, which surprised him. She sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Please don’t make me leave.” Her warm breath brushed the side of his neck. His heart pounded in his chest.
“We’re not leaving. We’re spending the night.”
“Thank you.” Her arms tightened around his neck and she snuggled closer.
His muscles clenched, unable to take another step. Sweat p
opped out across his flesh and he struggled to breathe. “Don’t do that.” His mouth had gone dry. “Don’t touch my neck.”
Her sleepy eyes opened and she slid her arms down to hold onto his shoulders. “I’m sorry. Here, put me down. I can walk.”
He let her slide out of his arms as he set her gently on her feet. He hated that his past horrors still held power over him. Embarrassed, he turned away and pulled a gym bag out from one of his saddlebags.
He unlocked their motel door and flipped on the lights. Relief washed over him when no cockroaches scurried across the floor. It may be old and out of date, but at least everything appeared clean.
“Shit.” His gaze landed on the bed.
“What?”
“There’s only one bed. I’ve got to get the room changed.”
She blinked at him and headed toward the bathroom.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going to take a shower.”
“Wait until I get a different room.”
She shook her head wearily. “I can’t. I’m filthy and I’m not going to stay this way another second.”
She walked into the bathroom and locked the door.
He raked his hand through his hair. “Great.”
He checked his watch as the muffled sound of the shower drifted out into the room. Pacing the room, he rolled his shoulders as he waited. He couldn’t leave her alone to go get the rooms changed. He’d wait until she was out of the shower. He eased onto the edge of the springy bed, his body weary from the past two hours, yet his mind alert for the danger. Mental clarity was part of the job and he was nothing, if not all about the job. Being a Guardian filled a void on the baser levels and gave him purpose. Some wolves had families; he had his position.
The shower turned off and he stood as the bathroom door opened.
His heart nearly stopped beating in his chest. Ava stepped out wearing nothing but a towel.
She looked up at him and smiled. Her wet hair hung like black silk ribbons across her slender shoulders and grazed the tops of her firm breasts. Her long legs peeked out from the bottom of the threadbare towel.
She was fucking gorgeous.
He forced his gaze up to her face.
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