“I’m serious. You’re a good kid, even if you don’t know it.”
He growled softly and looked out the window. “I’m not. You don’t know what I had to do.”
“You survived. I can’t judge you; I’d have done all the same stuff, probably worse, to keep breathing. Joy likes you so whatever you think you did wasn’t that bad. Give the farm, and Chessa, a chance. Weres aren’t all bad.”
Trax glanced back at the girls. They remained focused on the private conversation. He turned back to Reylin. “She’s too good to have a guy like me around.”
Reylin fought to hide her smile. The kid had alpha potential. He reminded her too much of Law and Nik at that age with his serious eyes and old soul. “I think you should let her decide what’s good or bad for her.” Reylin leaned a little closer. “I’ll tell you a secret.”
His eyes narrowed. “Yeah?”
“Girls hate it when guys try to decide what they want, believe me. You’ll have a much happier life if you remember what I just said.”
Trax sat back and made a scoffing noise in the back of his throat. He watched Chessa using the side mirror in the car door. Reylin’s heart broke over his sad expression, but she didn’t say anything more.
They parked in front of the hospital, and she walked in with them. The lady at the reception desk smiled. She was human.
“Hi, we’re here to visit Bianca Archer.”
The woman typed on her computer. “Take this block of elevators up to the third floor. Room 310 is on the right, just passed the waiting room.”
“Thanks,” Reylin said as she ushered the kids to the elevator. Just before they stopped, Reylin cleared her throat. “We’re going to let Chessa go in first so she can have a talk with her mother. Ches, you tell us when we should come in.”
“Don’t make me go in alone. Maybe this is a bad idea.”
Reylin shook her head. “This is the best idea. Take my word for it. Your mom will be glad to see you.”
Chessa hung back when they reach the room her hand hovered above the doorknob. “I don’t want to.”
“We’ll all be right here,” Trax said. “After everything that’s happened to you the last couple of days this shouldn’t scare you, you’ve got this.”
Glancing at him, Chessa let out a breath and nodded. She opened the door, entered, and shut it behind her.
Trinity punched Trax in the arm. “Ha, at least if it doesn’t go well she’ll be pissed at you instead of me.”
Trax growled, but there was no real menace in the sound. “She’ll be okay.”
****
Janna held Joy back when she approached the cage. He paced back and forth, still in his wolf.
Joy’s vision blurred with unshed tears. “Nik!”
“Stay back,” Janna warned. “He just woke up from the tranquilizer. I’ve tried to talk to him, but he’s the wolf, there’s nothing of Nik left.
“I don’t believe that.” Joy pulled away from her mother. She approached the cage, but the wolf snapped and snarled. Joy stopped and looked at the wolf. “Nik, I know you’re in there. This is bad; they are talking about killing you, at the least banishing you, I—I need you. Come back.”
She doubted he could hear her soft words over the vicious noise he made, but then the wolf stilled. He sat down and whined. Joy moved closer.
“Don’t,” Mom cautioned, but Joy ignored her and moved closer to the cage.
“Nik.” Joy put her hand out. The wolf barked and lunged toward her. Joy pulled back as his teeth snapped next to her fingers. “Nik,” she whispered. The tears fell now. “Come back.” The wolf bared his teeth at her as his lips curled back into a snarl. He growled low and menacing.
Mom wiped tears from her face. “He’s gone. Dear Lord, he’s gone.”
“No!” Joy screamed at her mother, and the pain reached all the way to her heart, ripping out her soul. Joy bolted from the barn morphing into her primal form as she ran.
Fifteen
Squeaking door hinges woke Bianca. She blinked her sleepy eyes the sun was out, but she had no idea what time it was.
“Mom?”
Bianca turned her head, and her heart filled to the brim with love. “Ches, thank God you’re okay. You had me worried. Come over here and hug me.”
“You’re not mad?” Chessa sounded so surprised and uncertain that her question tugged a sad smile from Bianca’s lips. Chessa rushed into Bianca’s arms, and she held her daughter tight. Love bloomed in Bianca’s heart as she held her daughter. She might be a werewolf, but she’s still my baby.
“No. I’m just glad you’re okay. Did Law bring you?”
Chessa grinned. “Nope. Reylin.”
“Where is she?”
Chessa pointed at the door. “Out there. She wanted to give us time to do the whole apology thing.”
“Do we have to?” Bianca chuckled.
“I’m good. You?”
I love this kid so darn much. “Just promise you won’t run away again, and everything is fine.”
“I promise.” Chessa looked down at her feet, and her young face was a mask of contrition. “Should I go get everyone?”
“Everyone?” Bianca smoothed her bed head with her hand.
“Reylin, Trin, and Trax.”
“Trax? He’s back?”
“He said he’d stick around a while. He convinced me to come home.”
Bianca smiled. Thank God. “I can’t wait to meet him. He was unconscious the only time I saw him.”
Chessa opened the door, and the others piled into the small room. Reylin went over to hug Bianca right away, and Trin followed suit. Trax lingered by the door.
Giving the boy her friendliest smile, Bianca looked him in the eyes. “Thank you so much for looking out for Chessa. You’re a good friend, and she’s lucky to have you around.”
When Chessa went over and took his hand, he didn’t pull away, but he didn’t try to hide his discomfort as she made him come closer to the bed.
Trax shrugged. “I didn’t do anything.”
“You did too.” Chessa scowled at him. “You saved my life.”
Trin chuckled, and Bianca gave her a look, the girl coughed to cover her amusement. “Chessa’s life is very precious to me. I hope you’ll stay at the farm. I haven’t had a chance to tell Ches, but I guess now is as good of time as any.” Bianca looked at her daughter. “Honey, we aren’t renewing our lease. Are you okay living at the farm?”
Chessa bounced, waving her arms in the air. “That’s great.”
“But you’ll still go to school, right?” Trin’s worry hung on the words.
“I don’t know.” Chessa looked at Trin, not Bianca.
Tears filled Trinity’s eyes, and she ran out of the room.
“You are going to try to go back to school. I want you to give it a few months before you make any final decisions. Go tell her,” Bianca said.
Chessa rushed out of the room. And Trax stood staring at the empty doorway, awkwardly, before he turned and followed her.
Reylin sat down next to the bed. “I think that’s a good idea. We homeschool, but getting her in the habit of avoiding stuff isn’t a good precedent. I went to the town school.”
“Didn’t they homeschool on the farm when you were young?”
“They did, but my mother wanted me to have a wider social circle. I’m glad I did. Chessa will be happy you insisted she go after things start to feel normal again.”
“I hope you’re right.” Bianca gazed at the door, worried.
A soft melody rose from the bedside table. Bianca picked up her phone. Kloe. “I need to take this.”
Reylin nodded. “Should I step out?”
“No, it’s okay.” Bianca tapped the screen. “Hi, Kloe.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you’d changed your mind about meeting for coffee yesterday? I’ve been looking all over town for you. Why didn’t you take my calls?”
“I—There was an accident, but I’m fine now. I’m in the hosp
ital.”
Kloe gasped. “Oh my God, B. Why didn’t you or Ches call me? Did something happen to Ches?”
“Chessa wasn’t with me. She’s fine. I’ll be okay, but I’ve been really out of it.”
“I’m coming right over, and—.”
“And nothing,” Bianca interrupted. “I’m going to be okay, but I’m not up for company.” Bianca cringed. She wanted Kloe with her, but she didn’t want her in danger. “Seriously, it’s not a big deal. I’ll call you when I’m feeling better.”
“I just want to help you. You know you’re like a sister to me.” The hurt in Kloe’s voice tore at Bianca’s heart.
As you are to me. I love you. But she didn’t say what she was thinking. “No worries. I’ll call you. Don’t bother me.” You were the only person I had after my parents died. You deserve better than this.
There was a pause. “Um, okay, just let me know what I can do. I’m always here for you.”
Yes, you are. You’ve been the best. I’m going to miss you so much. “Yep. Thanks.” Bianca forced curtness from the words. I hate myself so much, but I love her. Kloe can’t keep a secret to save her life—literally. “I’ll call you when things settle down. Just don’t worry about me—us. We’re going to be fine.” Kane wouldn’t think twice about killing her.
Kloe hung up without a goodbye. Bianca let go of the choked guff of sorrow she’d held back during the call. Reylin leaned forward and rubbed Bianca’s back. Her brows drew together with her look of concerned. Bianca turned away because the sympathy on Reylin’s face threatened to send her into a full-blown meltdown that she couldn’t afford right now. Her soul bled where she’d just cut her best friend out of her life, and she couldn’t hemorrhage any more emotion or she’d lose it.
****
Sabrina looked up from her magazine. Ethan sat in her recliner snoring. She turned the TV off since he wasn’t watching it anymore. He’d gone to check on the community center while she was examined by the doctor. When he’d returned he’d told her the mayor had organized a large group of people who were working on repairs, and everything was under control.
She kept staring at Ethan’s handsome face. He appeared peaceful in sleep. How long is he going to hang out here? She got up and went to the kitchen. Grabbing a glass from the cupboard, she rinsed it out and filled it with cold water. The doctor had given her some pills, and she shook one out of the bottle before popping it into her mouth and taking a big drink to wash the capsule down.
Ethan snorted awake. “Sabrina?”
She turned and watched him stumble out of the recliner as if they were under attack. “There aren’t any zombies, go back to sleep.”
He rubbed his eyes. “What?”
“I’m teasing you. You jumped up like you were ready to fight a horde of zombies or vampires, maybe a werewolf or two.”
“What?” His eyes were wide open now, and he stood in the middle of her living room looking traumatized.
She chuckled. “You don’t wake up well, do you?”
Ethan rubbed the back of his neck and a flush stained his cheeks. He was cute when flustered. “Um, yeah, sorry.”
“You can go home, but I appreciate the ride. You look exhausted.”
He sighed. “It’s been a long week. You’re under my protection, and I’m staying with you.”
She rolled her eyes. “You people are just nuts.”
“Maybe,” Ethan said, grinning.
The strangest feeling hit her as if she could “feel” his amusement. Sabrina shook her head trying to dispel the cobwebs. “I must have hit my head harder than I thought.”
Concern replaced his grin. He was in the kitchen next to her in just a few long-legged strides. “I’m right here.” His husky words sent a shiver through her body.
Licking her lips, Sabrina gazed up into his beautiful eyes. I don’t want him going anywhere. “Okay,” she whispered.
Ethan took her chin in his hand, very gently, and groaned as his lips descended. Sabrina closed her eyes as Ethan kissed her.
Sixteen
Sabrina wrapped her arms around Ethan’s neck and kissed him back. The hard press of his erection against her belly didn’t scare her, but it should have. If this is his protection, I like it. He pulled back and looked into her eyes. “Where’s your bedroom?”
She wasn’t a one-night stand kind of a girl, but when he looked at her like that, she didn’t care and pointed at the stairs. Ethan picked her up, which seemed to be a habit, and she let him carry her toward the bedroom. His spicy masculine scent surrounded her. Crazy or not he’s sexy as hell. I’ll blame this on the head injury. The best-looking guy in town can be as weird as he wants as long as he’s doing it in my bed.
Ethan made his way to her room and laid her on the mattress. She looked up at him, uncertain of what to do next. Her pussy ached, and she’d never been so sure she wanted to have sex with someone before. Something dark and primal lingered between them, and it made her forget she barely knew him. His eyes never left hers as he began undressing. This connection was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. The man had an amazing body, but every time her eyes wandered, the intensity of his gaze brought her attention back to his face. He crawled into bed next to her, shoving the thick comforter on the floor. She was completely dressed, and there was a very naked hunk next to her. I can’t believe this is happening.
“You have beautiful eyes.” Ethan pulled her close with a quick jerk. His lips brushed hers lightly, once, then twice. His hand slid up her back to cradle the back of her head, and he ran his fingers through the thickness of her curly hair, pressing his mouth more firmly against hers, she wrapped her arms around his neck. His shoulders were broad and muscular. The stubble on his jaw prickled against her face, but the sensation only added to Ethan’s raw male appeal. The strength of him took her breath away as her hands roamed his torso. She wanted to move lower, but a lingering shyness kept her hands away from his cock.
He deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue between her lips. She responded immediately, her tongue naturally following his lead. I haven’t been kissed like this in a long time. And Ethan was a damn good kisser. It usually took more than a little lip-lock to make her wet. Prickles of desire awakened in her core. Sabrina moaned against his lips as he tightened his arms around her. Being in his arms feels right.
He pulled away; her eyes stayed closed, but the heat of his mouth was close to hers. “I think you’re overdressed.”
“Probably,” she whispered. If I open my eyes, the dream will end.
“You’re not dreaming, beautiful.”
She flinched. Perceptive, creepy perceptive. The bed dipped as Ethan stood. She opened her eyes and watched him unbutton and unzip the fly of her jeans. He put his hands under her shirt and slowly inched it up. Carefully, he pulled the material over her face and she raised her hands over her head so he could keep going until the shirt came off.
She started to wriggle out of her jeans, but he put his hands on top of hers. “No, let me.” She stilled, and he worked the denim off her hips and ass. He slipped his fingers into the waistband of her panties and grinned, pulling them off next sliding his hands down her legs in an erotic, but slow seduction. When he finally reached her feet, he gently lifted her right leg running his fingers over her instep, before he put her foot down and repeated the process on the left foot. He’s the first guy to take off my undies, kind of liked it. Sabrina watched him through a veil of lashes.
Ethan straddled her on the bed and ran his hands over her flat stomach, then around her sides until he rubbed her lower back, before slowly creeping up to where her bra clasp lay against her skin. Ethan unhooked it and ran his hands up to her shoulders, finding the thin satin straps. Slowly, he moved one down her arm, and then the other until she lay completely naked under him.
“God, you’re beautiful.” Ethan’s expression was reverent.
“How long has it been since you’ve seen a naked woman?” She teased.
“I kno
w a beautiful body when I see it, and yours is spectacular. I could come just looking at you.”
Heat crept up her neck warming her cheeks. Sabrina bit her lip. “I want to touch you.”
“I’d like that too,” he murmured.
She reached up and placed her palms flat on the center of his chest feeling the hard muscles and the wiry sprigs of hair that covered his smooth skin. She brushed his nipples lightly, trailing her hand across his hard-ridged stomach. The man had amazing abs. She followed the thin trail of hair under his belly button. His groan made her bolder. He tensed when she reached his cock, and she quickly slid her fingertips up to his shoulders, he hissed.
Sabrina grinned. “Don’t worry stud; I’m getting there.”
Trailing her palms over his wide shoulders, she marveled at his strength. “You must work out every day.”
“Not really. Good genes, I guess.”
“Well, you’re incredible, Wow.” She ran her hands down his sides stopping at his waist. He stiffened, and she decided to stop torturing him grasping the base of his shaft and wrapping her hand tightly around him sliding down the length until her palm reached the head. Then she began exploring its width, feeling the channel and slit gently. He had a beautiful cock. Her other hand found his tight sac fondling him until he moaned a soft masculine sound of pleasure. Ethan watched every moment with half-closed eyes. She ran her hand lightly up and down his shaft and swirled the drop of moisture on the tip down the head. He shuddered under her touch.
“Oh fuck, that feels good.” Ethan wrapped his arms around her, dragging her to him for another hard kiss and he pulled her on top of him as he lay down on the mattress. “I want to touch you—taste you.”
His gentle caress rolled over her skin. “Mmm, so soft.” He watched her expression for a moment. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Changing your mind, stud?”
“Never. I—damn it, it’s hard to think when you’re looking at me with those beautiful eyes.”
She closed them. “Is that better?”
“No, but I would never want to hurt you. If you aren’t feeling right, I need to stop—even if it kills me.”
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