“Great thanks. I’m starved. I didn’t get a chance to eat anything, I’ve been working outside since I left you here. I picked the perfect place to take you if you don’t mind a little hike?”
“Sure, I can handle that.”
He took off through the woods as he unwrapped his sandwich. She followed closely behind him, unable to help but notice how peaceful the area was at night. So far, they’d only seen a couple squirrels and oddly, they didn’t run away. It was like the animals knew Paxson.
“Piper this sandwich is great, what’s in it?”
“Kind of like a club I guess. There’s three kinds of meat but also bacon, some lettuce and tomatoes. Then I topped it with a little salt and pepper, some olive oil and mayo.”
“You should sell these things. I’ll buy the first dozen.”
“Thanks, I’m glad you like them. Hey, did you hear that?”
“No, what did it sound like?” Paxson stopped and turned to her.
“I swear I’ve been hearing things since I got to these woods. It was very much like a heavy breathing only louder. It’s probably not a big deal, but I’ve also had the weirdest sensation that I’m being watched. Even back at the cabin I checked the windows to make sure they were locked and the curtains were completely closed.”
“Do you feel like someone is watching you now?”
“No actually. Only at the cabin.”
She became concerned when Paxson’s brow furrowed.
“Let me make a call really quick, give me just a minute.” Paxson dug out a cell from his pants pocket and hit a couple buttons then put it up to his ear and waited.
“Hey, it’s me. Anyone out in the north end or the tower right now?”
Piper couldn’t follow much of their conversation because he was only answering with one or two words and not doing much initiating. She did wonder who he might have called but it wasn’t her business. He only talked for another minute then said he’d check back shortly and hung up.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, all good. I just called my brother to see if any of his guys might be out and about but no go.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“I don’t think so. We’ll just keep on this heading and we’ll be there in maybe twenty minutes. You still good?”
“Yep as long as you don’t leave me out here alone I’ll be great.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. Don’t worry Piper, you’re safe with me, I promise.”
For not knowing the man, she’d never felt more safe. She was only worried about once she was back at the cabin and he went home to his own place.
“Thank you, I appreciate it. Now if only you didn’t have to go back to your own house once we’re done.”
“If you’re that worried, I can always stay on the couch.”
“I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“I offered, there’s a difference.”
He was right, she hadn’t asked and he was being too generous. Would she really need him to stay the night? Hopefully not but she did like the sound of him being around.
“We’re here, just through this clearing.”
Piper followed him another fifty feet through some dense brush that led to a clearing and an amazing waterfall.
“Paxson this is beautiful.” She stood in awe.
“It’s one of my favorite places. I come here a lot when I need to get away and think.”
“And you’re sharing it with me? That’s really sweet of you.”
“It’s like a secret world here that no one knows about, not even my brother. He doesn’t usually run in this area anyway. Come on, there’s something else to see.”
He walked around the pooling water to the cliffs that the water ran from.
“Watch your step. If you look close, there are a few big boulders just skimming the water surface.” He walked out on one, another few and then the next three and disappeared behind the falling water. She could still hear his voice telling her to stick close to the rock wall and step carefully. When she got close to the water, his hand reached out to take hers and he pulled her in.
“Oh, my god, Paxson! Are you kidding me?”
Never in a million years did he think he’d be bringing someone to his private hideaway. He’d spent countless hours in that very cave hiding from the world and his family. Literally no one knew of the place, he’d made sure of it. Trip wires and traps over the last several years hadn’t even caught a single animal, let alone a person. The place remained untouched.
“It’s pretty great huh?”
“I’ve never seen anything like it. How often do you come here?”
“It’s random, just whenever I need to get away and be by myself, where no one can find me.”
“Do your brothers know?”
“No way, they’re usually the ones I’m trying to get away from.” He touched his phone and activated the flash light, shining it around the walls. “I’ve got candles to help me see at night and even a bed with a real mattress in case I decide to stay overnight.”
“It looks cozy. If you burn the candles, don’t they show through the waterfall?”
“Nope, not at all. I think there’s enough variation of color in the moving water and the candles don’t get that bright. The first night I had them lit I went back outside just to make sure. I didn’t need any surprises.”
“It would be roughing it a little but I think I could see myself staying here. You’ve made it feel comfortable. I’d just worry about someone finding me.”
“I think you’d be very safe here. We should probably get going though, it’s starting to get late.”
“Does that mean animals will be coming out?”
“We’ll be fine Piper, I won’t’ let anything get you.” Not that there should even be anything out there to get her.
“Thanks for bringing me here Paxson. Maybe we can come back during the day before I leave?”
“We could probably arrange that.”
He led the way going out at the waterfall but held her hand and kept her close as they walked the boulders to the shore. Once on land, he led Piper way from the clearing back to the path they’d followed in. He continued to hold her hand, keeping her close behind him, more for her own comfort. He knew nothing would get her.
When they were about half way back to the cabin, he heard a howl. He didn’t stop or let on that he’d heard it but knew she had because he heard her gasp and tighten her grip around his fingers. When they’d reached the perimeter of the cabin, he knew there was something out in the trees following them. It was quiet but he could smell it and it wasn’t one of their own. Anyone in their own pack would have made themselves known, not hidden at a distance. He would do it if necessary, but the last thing he wanted to do was transform in front of her again. It was easier to protect her in shifter form. She hadn’t taken it well the first time and keeping her safe was his top priority.
Unfortunately, it was time to at least let Porter hear his thoughts for the time being. His brothers were much easier to talk to when he dropped the guard. They were linked for a reason and they’d had numerous arguments about that very subject. Paxson didn’t feel it necessary for them to hear everything that went through his mind. Some things were just private. They’d both been pissed, especially Porter, when Paxson learned to block their invasion into his thoughts.
“An Alpha needs to know at all times what his pack is involved in.” Porter had said it but Paxson hadn’t then and still didn’t totally agree.
Once the guard was down, the first thought he heard was from Porter, his oldest brother, asking if he was okay. They’d gotten some tips called in that there were some strangers in town. He’d asked Paxson to get the woman back to the cabin as quickly as possible and then meet him outside so they could talk.
“Are you doing okay Piper?” He was trying to keep a calm voice so she wouldn’t panic. He felt the desperate need to keep her next to him even though Porter wouldn’t agree.
&n
bsp; “I’m hearing more things moving around us and it’s making me really nervous.”
“We’re not far now, maybe only a couple hundred more feet and we’ll get you back inside the cabin. I’ll get a fire started to take the chill off.”
“I can make us some coffee while you do that”
When they reached the small clearing in front of the cabin, Piper loosened her grip on his fingers enough that he could feel them again. He still didn’t mention it because he knew it comforted her.
He fished for the key in his pocket and opened the door for Piper, letting her walk in ahead of him. He could tell by the smell in the air there had been no one in the cabin but he offered to take a quick peek around so she would feel better and he wouldn’t have to explain why he knew it was safe.
“I’m sorry to be such a worry wart. I guess I’ve seen too many horror movies about cabins in the woods.”
“I love to watch those. Looks like the coast is clear though. Let me grab a few logs and get them lit. Can you grab me the box of matches from the kitchen junk drawer?”
Piper disappeared for a few seconds and came back with the fire starters and a steaming mug.
“I wasn’t sure how you liked your coffee.” She took a seat on the couch and covered her legs with a throw blanket.
“This is perfect. The stronger the better.”
“I’ll remember that for next time.”
Was it crazy that he was already looking forward to next time?
Chapter Four
Piper could barely stay awake but she didn’t want Paxson to leave. Hopefully the coffee would help keep her going for a little while longer. She liked hearing him talk. His voice was unusual and sexy, an earthy tone but a little rough around the edges. One she didn’t hear often. Truthfully, she avoided men usually. In her world, they were only trouble and none worth dating. The corporate world turned men into assholes. She didn’t even like working with them but unfortunately, she didn’t have a lot of choice.
As she got more comfortable on the couch with the warmth radiating from the fire, she felt herself drifting in and out of sleep so she shifted around. She didn’t want to fall asleep there in case Paxson agreed to stay. She would feel much safer with him close. Apparently, she needed someone to guard her. Things were creepy in the dark woods.
“I’m getting a dog when I get home. They make good companions.”
“You’re getting a dog?”
“Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”
“No worries, what kind of dogs do you like?”
“I’m not really sure, I just want it to keep my company.”
“Excellent choice, dogs are loyal companions for sure. I like wolves myself.”
“Aren’t those wild though?”
“Yes, but if you train them young enough, I think you’ll have a chance.”
“How do you get a baby though? I’m not walking around the woods looking for a litter. The mom would eat me before she’d let me get to her babies.”
He laughed at her explanation. “Yeah, you might be right actually.”
There was a knock at the door and they both jumped at the same time.
“That should be my brother.” Paxson went to the door and invited the man inside. Piper raised from the couch to greet him. Good lord, he was even bigger than Paxson. They looked very much alike though.
“Piper, this is my older brother Porter.”
“Very nice to meet you ma’am.”
“Please call me Piper, ma’am makes me feel so old.”
“Well let me just reassure you that you do not look a day over twenty-one.”
Piper’s face reddened immediately. He was quite the charmer with an air of cockiness that he was seemingly proud of. Between the two brothers, Paxson was considerably more genuine. However, Porter exuded that he was the larger and older of the two, and the one in charge. An alpha of sorts, which was also a bit of a turn off. If she’d met both brothers at the same time, Paxson would have been the first choice.
“Thank you very much, that’s nice of you to say. Would you care for some coffee?”
“No thanks, I can’t stay, I just needed to have a few words with my brother. Pax, can you step out with me for a minute or two?”
“Piper, will you be okay? I’ll just be right on the other side of the front door if you need anything.”
“Of course, I’m fine.” She shooed them both toward the door, shutting it behind him but not before she saw the needful look Paxson sent her way. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think he didn’t want to talk to his brother. The other man was nice enough and handsome but there was something comforting about Paxson that his brother didn’t have.
Piper went to the kitchen and cleaned up the mess from making their lunch earlier. Anything she could do to keep herself busy because if she sat down again, she’d fall asleep for sure. She was afraid if she did drift off, he would do the gentlemanly thing by covering her to leave her sleep and sneak out.
She laid out a package of breakfast sausage just in case she had company to fix food for. Then she went digging in the linen closet inside the bathroom. There had to be extra sets of sheets she could lay out to cover the couch. Piper forgot to look but wondered if it was a pull-out sofa. That would probably be much more comfortable.
Her cell phone ringing startled her and she ran to her purse to dig it out.
“Hi dad, yep I’m doing just fine. You were right, it’s beautiful and peaceful here.”
She listened for another minute then answered that she did get to meet the owner and that he was a pretty nice guy.
“No dad, I don’t plan on sleeping with him geez. I just met the man.” Her dad didn’t need to know however, that she was attracted to him and if he turned into a caveman and hauled her off to the bedroom, she probably wouldn’t stop him. “Give me a little credit will you, I’d at least like to have a first date before I slept with a guy.”
She reassured her dad that she was fine by herself and no the woods weren’t scary. Again, what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. She promised to check back in with him before she was ready to leave and in case of an emergency. Otherwise, she probably wouldn’t call him until she was home.
Piper put her phone on the night stand beside the bed and changed into some more casual clothes and paced around the cabin looking a little closer at the décor. She found a picture on the end of the fireplace mantle with four men and a woman, one of which was Paxson and she also recognized Porter. The older couple must be his parents and then his younger brother. She took the picture with her and cozied into the couch again, covering up with the throw.
Paxson peeked back in the window to make sure Piper wasn’t in earshot so the brothers could talk.
“Pax, she is hot. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” His brother smacked him on the back.
“Don’t worry, I could tell she wasn’t in to you Porter.”
“Oh, and she is in to you? I doubt that.”
“I haven’t asked and that’s not what it’s about anyway, I came here because you pushed me to, remember?”
“Whatever, deny it all you want.”
“Porter, why are you here because if it’s to ride my ass, you can leave.”
“No, that’s just a bonus.” Porter smirked when Paxson got pissed. “I wanted to clue you in on your girlfriend in there.”
“Nice, you’re an asshole.” Paxson moved away and leaned on the porch pillar, crossing his arms.
“Not any more than you my dear little brother. So, about Piper Halliday. Seems she isn’t just another pretty face with a hot bod. She is a very complex woman and I’m guessing she doesn’t even know the half of it.”
“Cryptic much?”
“Her mother was a wolf but not just any ordinary wolf, she was directly descended from Romania, the alpha of her pack.” That got Paxson’s interest. He motioned for his brother to move down the stairs and away from the house a little more.
“Are you
fucking with me right now?”
“Nope not at all, but several years ago when she was a little girl her mom was killed in a battle Her father moved around a lot with Piper, keeping her in hiding until she was out on her own.”
“Why keep her in hiding?”
“Because her dad is human. Piper is like royalty and after her mom was gone, her mom’s enemies started coming out of the woodwork. Her mom had turned down her arranged alpha wolf mating when she met Piper’s dad and apparently in royalty, that was seriously frowned upon by the elders.”
“Shit. You don’t think they are still looking for her?”
“That’s the word on the streets, we just don’t know exactly who it is that’s hunting her. Did she tell you why she’s here?”
“Just that she works a lot of hours and her dad suggested she get away.”
“I’m sure that’s what she thinks but that’s not exactly true. Her dad got a visit from some unfavorables inquiring about the location of his daughter, which he didn’t give away. My guess is they just sent the omegas to do the shit work and they probably aren’t adept at scenting lies. At that point, her dad set everything up before she even knew he had and then he pushed her to come here.”
“So, is that why I’ve got this magnetic connection to her?”
“Well at first, I thought she was human like him but apparently, she is like us. Without her mom to complete the process at the right age, she went dormant but you were still able to link with her somehow. It was like some mystic switch flipped when she entered our outlying areas.”
“Is she a beta as well or how does that really work?”
“I don’t think so. Her mom was alpha, which would make her alpha.”
“Holy shit.”
“Didn’t you say you thought there was someone following you earlier?”
“Yeah and it wasn’t human. Damn it, looks like whoever wants to find Piper has.”
“Pax, we need to protect her. Is the cabin pretty secure?”
“Of course, I built it. There’s a shit ton of rebar inside every log in the place plus there’s a special armor plated metal sheeting between the out and inner logs. Windows are bullet proof plus the bars which you know about. The doors are all reinforced steel inside the wood. There’s not a single spot on this house a wolf or anything else can get through and that includes a fire. The place is a small fortress.”
Mystic Realms: A Limited Edition Collection Page 24