Uncertain Claim

by Rebecca Airies

  Gavin nodded. He walked with her to the cabinet where she’d left her purse. She took a deep breath, too aware that this would probably lead to pain and sadness. His fingers tightened around hers. She could feel the tension in his hand as he held onto her. He must have read something in her expression.

  She wasn’t going to disappear, even if she was a little afraid of the future. His behavior was like a piece of a puzzle and she wasn’t seeing the full picture yet. This might all make sense if she had only a little more information. Why was it so important that she be with him?

  As soon as her purse was in her hands, Gavin tugged her toward the door. Surprise held her silent as they left the Protectorate headquarters. She’d half expected a delay as they talked with Steven and the guards Steven mentioned were arranged. Gavin ignored Steven, and Evan, the alpha, only nodded to Steven before he led the way to the lobby. The sky had lightened to a beautiful orange as dawn’s first rays colored the horizon a gorgeous orange and gold.

  She knew her eyes were a little wide with surprise. The lack of delay shocked her. It was as if they’d only come after her, but she knew it was just as probable that they’d done what they came here to do before they found her.

  A large, dark SUV pulled up as close to the entrance as possible. Gavin released her hand, but his arm curved around her back, pulling her close. As they neared the door, Evan moved in front of them and Gavin pulled her between them. He seemed intent on wrapping himself around her and protecting her with his body.

  She shook her head as she followed Evan out the door. Both overprotective males were forgetting the facts here. She wasn’t the one targeted by those people. Gavin was the one in the most danger.

  “You know, if they were going to take a shot at anybody, it would be you. It’s absolutely useless to kill me and leave you when you’re the one she dated.” Diana shook her head as he practically tossed her into the backseat of the van, following her in before she’d even had a chance to sit up straight.

  “And they’re not going to get a chance at you. It won’t take them long to realize that you’re the way to get to me. Even if we were in separate houses, they would eventually come after you. We’ve been dating for a while. If Steven is right and they keep watch on the men, then they already know about you.” Gavin hauled her next to him and then reached across her for her seat belt.

  Sighing, she lifted her hand out of the way so he could fasten the buckle. She could make a point of informing him that she could do up her own seat belt, thank you, but he already knew that. He normally wasn’t like this. Some of it she could put down to the rush to get moving.

  The driver waited only until the back door was slammed shut and Evan had jumped in before he took off. Gavin secured his own seat belt and smiled down at her. His mate or not his mate. It should have been something easily known. In some ways, he acted like she was his mate, but in others not so much. She took a deep breath.

  From the first, he’d been so relaxed and easygoing about their dates. That had convinced her that he couldn’t be serious about her. She’d resigned herself to losing him when he moved on to someone else or found his mate. The thought of the hurt to come had almost made her want to back away from him. It hadn’t taken her long to realize that it was going to hurt even then.

  She’d wanted as many sweet memories as possible if she was going to suffer the pain. The hope now pulsing through her made her wary. If she believed she had a chance at forever with him and later discovered he was only trying to keep her cooperative, the loss would be crippling. Gavin clasped her hand in his. Her mind rolled with thoughts. Evan and Gavin talked quietly, but she barely heard a word.

  They drove around for some time and she knew at times they went in circles. When they left the city, she sat forward and tried to see where they were. She’d thought they’d want to stay where they could have people in place to watch without being obvious about it. Not to mention the fact that travel time would leave them vulnerable every day.

  They’d left Dallas and the surrounding suburbs behind. She stared out at the fields, grass and trees. They turned onto a rough road and stopped once to key in a code on an imposing gate. The gate seemed a little out of place, since the fence it connected to, although taller than normal pasture fences, seemed to be made of normal wood.

  The fields on either side of the road weren’t used for planting. Grass, wildflowers and trees grew wild. Trees bordered the field closest to the road, providing some concealment. She didn’t know if that was good or bad. It all made her a little nervous.

  “Don’t look so worried.” Gavin squeezed her hand. “We’ll be safe here.”

  She gave him a disbelieving look. “I could jump that fence. What’s to stop someone who’s really motivated from doing it?”

  “We’d know if anyone came over the fence. It’s not as normal as it looks,” Evan said. “This is one of the places we come when we want to shift.”

  “I had wondered about that. Even though most people accept the were groups, most shifters don’t run down the city streets in animal form.” Diana rubbed her thumb over the back of Gavin’s hand absently.

  “We have a couple of spots in this area and one in East Texas when we want to get into the forest.” Gavin leaned down and brushed his lips across her cheek.

  That answered some of the questions she’d had about how the werewolves of Dallas blended so well into the community. Everyone knew they were there, but they’d never thrown their differences in the face of the humans.

  She resisted the urge to turn into the soft kiss and find his lips. They needed to talk once they reached the safe house. She knew that one kiss from him would have her thinking about getting his clothes off and finding some place to make love until they both fell into an exhausted sleep. As good as that sounded, it was the wrong choice for both of them.

  “We’re here.” Evan’s voice drew Diana’s attention away from Gavin.

  Diana looked out the window as the SUV began to slow. She saw four homes and a large brick building. She frowned. Definitely not what she’d expected. She didn’t see a corral or any sign that this was a working ranch or farm.

  “What is this place?” She looked at Gavin.

  “We come here to gather at times. There’s always someone here, which is why it’s a good place to come now. Some of our best people are here to see to our protection.” Gavin looked at the buildings with a smile. “And there’s plenty of room here so we won’t feel surrounded, like we might in the city. Feeling trapped can be a bad thing for a wolf.”

  “We weren’t followed today, so you can explore tonight and meet the others, but you’ll need to stay close after you go back into the city. You’ll both be given a ride to and from work. I don’t need to tell you not go out for lunch, do I?” Evan turned in the seat and stared at her specifically.

  “Not necessary at all.” Diana smiled. Steven wouldn’t let her, even if she had the inclination to do it. The head of the Dallas Protectorate took security and the safety of his personnel seriously. The building was hard to get into on normal days, but under certain circumstances, it could be as difficult to leave.

  “Good. Clothes, food and other essentials should arrive soon. Here’s a key and you know where the guns are, Gavin. Take today to relax and iron out your problems. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Evan nodded, dropping a key into Gavin’s hand.

  Diana grabbed her purse a moment before Gavin opened the door and tugged on her hand. She followed him out onto the grass. Her heels sank a little into the turf. She swayed and fought for balance. Gavin’s hand released hers and his arm curved around her waist, offering her support.

  “Bye, Evan, and thanks. See you at work.” Gavin shut the door and then tapped the roof twice before stepping back from the vehicle.

  The dark SUV pulled away before making a U-turn and going back down the road. She watched it and blinked as she realized she was for all purposes alone with Gavin. There were still all those questions to be asked. Now sh
e had a few more to add to the list.

  Gavin urged her to a walkway that led up to the second of the four pale yellow two story houses. A covered porch ran the length of the front of the house and a swing hung at one end. The flowering rosebushes and vibrant flowerbeds to each side of the steps spoke of care and tending.

  “Did someone live here?” She looked over at Gavin. She really hoped they weren’t taking someone’s home.

  “No, we wouldn’t kick someone out of a house. The one on the end of the row is used by the caretaker and his family normally. It’s a full-time position because taking care of the land is only part of the job. He’s also a trainer for the young as they transition, helping them learn to shift and hold it at will. That position is currently being filled by two people, because the last caretaker was killed in an accident. The other houses are sometimes used by those who need temporary housing for whatever reason.” Gavin tugged her across the porch to the door.

  He unlocked the door and ushered her inside. A pale oak dining table sat in front of a wide six-paned bay window. She looked at the polished dark wood flooring and smiled. The bright and sunny room lightened her mood a little.

  “They’ll bring curtains for the windows and we’ll get that set up tonight.” He walked her over to an arched doorway.

  Chapter Five

  They walked down a short hallway. A door to the right opened into a large kitchen and beyond that a living room and den area. Curious about her new surroundings, she swept her eyes around the room as they moved over to the couches and chairs set in a semicircle around an entertainment center. Stairs led up to the second floor and another hallway led off the living room, probably to a bedroom or bathroom. Better to leave the questions about him being her mate to the last. That one was going to draw a reaction.

  “Okay, we do need to talk.” She took a seat on the couch. She sank into the plush cushions and the soft fabric seemed to wrap around her. Exhaustion pulled at her. She fought the urge to put her head back and close her eyes.

  “I know you have questions. You’ve been thinking some heavy thoughts on the drive here.” He settled onto the cushion next to her. His hand brushed against the side of her cheek. “I know you’re tired. We can do this later.”

  “I want to talk. Let’s get the minor ones out of the way first. Why here?” She raised a brow. She turned and curled a leg under her as she faced him.

  “You mean why here instead of in the city with the authorities close by?” He tilted his head as he braced his arm on the back of the couch. His fingers played with her hair.

  She nodded. “Yes, why risk being followed all the way out here.”

  “Control. We have more of it here than we do in the city. Here, if someone tries to get close to watch or try to attack, we’ll be able to spot that. In the city, they can mingle and blend in with other people. Here, well, we’d notice strangers or even a strange car.” Gavin smiled and he sounded completely sure of what he was saying.

  “All right, I’m not sure I really want to know this, but how are they going to know what size to get me for shoes, clothes, underwear? I assume they’re not going to my apartment.” She tilted her head. She really didn’t want to have to send them back after a larger size. That was an embarrassment she could live without.

  “Don’t worry about that. They’ll get the right size. I told them what to get.” He took her hand and squeezed it.

  “How do you know my size? You haven’t bought me any clothes.” She frowned. They’d always spent the night at his house and he’d hardly been in her apartment at all.

  “Part of my job is observation. Don’t you think I’m good at what I do?” He winked at her. “I know your body.”

  She bit her lip to keep from grinning. A blush rushed over her cheeks and neck. He did know her body intimately. The reminder immediately brought memories of his hands teasing and that delicious roll of his hips as he drove into her pussy. Shivering, she licked her lips and forced her mind away from those heated images. She let the subject drop, but if he was wrong, she’d definitely tease him about his miscalculation.

  “I know you have a few more questions.” He raised a brow, although a smile curved his lips.

  From that expression, he knew at least something of what she’d been thinking. Immediately, she felt like smacking her forehead with her palm in the classic “duh” gesture. Of course, he knew. Freaking werewolf sense of smell. Another blush rose up her neck and cheeks.

  “What about your wounds? Won’t you need pain medicine, fresh bandages or treatment of some kind?” Although she had to admit that he didn’t seem to be in any pain or hampered at all. Not at the Protectorate and definitely not now. He practically smoldered with leashed hunger. Those green eyes glowed and drifted down her body periodically before returning to her face. If she didn’t know there was a bandage underneath his shirt, the way he acted certainly wouldn’t give her any kind of clue.

  “They’re bringing bandages, just in case, and some pain meds for the possibility that I smack my arm into something, but weres heal fast. I know you want to know more than if they’ll be bringing supplies.” His gaze swept from her face and down her body in a leisurely journey as if to remind her that he’d much rather be doing something else.

  She swallowed heavily as all thought of teasing fled. “Yeah. Were you just saying that you were my mate to keep me with you? It wasn’t necessary if you did. I’d stay with you regardless, Gavin.”

  His smile turned into a fierce scowl and his voice came out in a rough growl. “I didn’t lie about being your mate. That’s a word a shifter doesn’t throw around lightly.”

  His hand fell from the back of the couch, and before she even realized what he intended, he hauled her into his lap. She stiffened and put her hands on his chest more out of surprise than any desire to slip out of his hold.

  “What do you expect me to think, Gavin? Hell, even what you just said gives me reason to doubt. Shifters don’t play around with that word. If I was your mate, why didn’t you say something before? Everything I’ve heard about a werewolf meeting his mate tells me that you would have said something immediately about it or at least been way more intense.” She shook her head, but didn’t try to scoot off his lap. She wanted to get much closer. Any time they touched, the attraction exploded. The urge to straddle him and slowly peel away his clothes pounded through her.

  “Normal shifters, maybe, but I’m not your average man. I have more patience than that. I wanted to give you some of what you’d expect from any other man. The dates, the romance and the time to get to know me. You didn’t want that?” He tilted his head.

  She saw the confusion and maybe a little uncertainty in his eyes. She hadn’t expected that. “I loved that, but the sudden claim of me being your mate has confused me a little. I know you’re aware of the shifter reputation for practically dragging women into their lives. I thought dates were all there was between us other than really intense attraction and very hot sex.”

  “That reputation for claiming women regardless of if they even know our names was what I was trying to fight against a little.” He shrugged and his lips twisted in a wry half-smile. “Don’t think that it was easy for me to walk away from you every night. I knew you were my mate. There was part of me that wanted to make sure you and everyone else knew about it.”

  “Why did it take you so long to come after me if I was that important to you?” She licked her lips.

  “I was in the building with you for a lot of the time. That helped settle some of the uneasiness I felt. I knew I could get to you if you were in trouble. We were looking at the information the Protectorate has on the splinter group and the way they operate. Trying to find patterns to get to them, if not identify them before they attack. Unfortunately we’re going to need more information for that.” Evan drew his fingers up and down her back.

  Her fingers brushed against his cheek in a slow caress. His words touched her, but part of her still held back, waiting for the other shoe
to drop. She probably wouldn’t fully believe until this was finished. If he still called her mate then, she’d know it wasn’t a lie. The sudden revelation felt too good to be true. “I wanted there to be more between us, but knew that you wouldn’t settle for anything less than your mate.”

  “I wasn’t settling for anyone other than you.” His fingers trailed over her cheek in a slow echo of her movements. “You’re still not sure, though. I can see and smell your uncertainty.”

  “It’s going to take some time, Gavin. Almost since our first date, I’ve thought I was going to have to say goodbye to you at some point. On top of that, it was a hell of a night.” She licked her lips.

  Both of his hands framed her face and his lips came down on hers in a fierce kiss. “I wasn’t ever letting you get away. How about we get some sleep? I know there are sheets and blankets here. You’re right. It has been a long night and it will be a few hours before they show up with the clothes and other necessities.”

  “That sounds good. We can finally sleep together without one of us having to get up and leave early to go to work.” She smiled and ran her hand over his chest. As much as her lustful thoughts might urge her to grab him, she was too tired right now.

  Chapter Six

  Gavin woke slowly, aware of the shapely body pressed against his. Darkness enfolded the room. Sheets hung on the windows until the curtains arrived. He reached over and turned on one of the bedside lamps to low. He wanted to look at Diana. Curled under the white sheet, she seemed relaxed and at peace.

  Tightening his arm, he pulled her closer. Waking up next to her and not having to rush to get somewhere satisfied him more than he’d ever imagined. Their schedules always seemed to work against them. When she had the weekend free, he had to work.

  He nuzzled her red hair out of the way and pressed his lips against her neck. Her skin felt so soft and she smelled so good. It was subtle, not overwhelming like what a lot of women wore. Slightly lemony, but with a hint of coconut and something else, her scent teased him. He loved it. Part of him wanted to simply hold her and enjoy the closeness.