HUNTED: The Midnight Series, Book Two

by Toni Goode

  Maria had the guys go into another room as the girls headed into the bedroom to get dressed. Maria was really excited for this. Briana began to wonder if Maria and Michael had a lot of time to spend together? It didn’t seem like they did especially seeing how excited Maria was now. Michael was busy with the hospital he worked at. Briana kept on trying to find a sign that he was turning into a psycho, but he just seemed normal. Part of her wondered if she could prevent anything bad from happening.

  Briana looked at herself in the mirror. The dress fit like a glove and her hair was now flowing with big bouncy curls that cascaded down her back. She had on black heels that gave her an extra four inches though she would still be shorter than John! She didn’t look half bad she thought. It definitely wasn’t something she was used to wearing. Hell, she had spent the majority of her time now on the run, sometimes she went two days without brushing her hair but today she was going to a fancy restaurant. She was anxious as she stood looking at herself.

  There was a knock on the bedroom door and then Maria peeked inside. She was ready to go, and she smiled big as she saw Briana. “Oh wow, you look amazing. I mean like really amazing!” Maria said with a huge smile.

  “Well you look beautiful Maria; Michael is lucky to have you.” Briana said with a smile.

  “Hell yeah he is!” Maria laughed.

  “Seriously can we hurry this up ladies, our reservation is eight and its five minutes to.” Michael called out as Maria rolled her eyes.

  “We’re coming, hold your horses!” She said as Briana walked over to the bedroom door and then they headed out into the living room.

  Briana saw John immediately. He was dressed in a dark blue silk dress shirt and black slacks. To say he looked amazing would have been an understatement. He was gorgeous! His hair was down and past his shoulders. His eyes got wide as he looked at her. He looked speechless as he stood there, and it made her incredibly self-aware as she fidgeted with her hands.

  “Well you both look amazing. You’ll be the envy of all the girls tonight.” Michael said with a huge grin as he walked over and took Maria’s hand. John still hadn’t said anything as he just stared at her. “Alright we got to go; time is wasting.” Michael said as they all began to leave out to door.

  John walked behind Briana as they stepped out of the apartment. His hand came to rest on the small of her exposed back and she immediately felt her body heating up. “I know what I am having for dessert tonight.” He leaned into her from behind and she stiffened at the feeling of not only his body heat, but she also felt his very prominent erection pressed against her back. “You look ravishing.” He said as he took her hand into his as he stepped next to her. Michael and Maria were already heading out to the car. The air between John and Briana was thick with desire as she looked at him. “This will be an interesting night, hungry?” He smirked at her.

  “Starving.” Briana couldn’t help it as she licked her lips and then they headed outside. Once out there Briana’s eyes got wide as a large black limo sat out front. “For real, a limo?” She said in shock.

  “Michael likes to travel in style.” John said with a smirk as they got inside of it. Michael was already passing out glasses of champagne as they took a seat and John’s thigh rested against hers. She tried to keep her eyes away from his erection, but it was definitely a challenge. His hand rested on the top of her thigh as he passed her a tall glass.

  “Well we should definitely do a toast to new friends and new adventures.” Michael raised his glass and they all did as they drank.

  The inside of the restaurant was beautiful and fancier than anything Briana had ever been in. They were brought over to a round table with candles on it. The scene was very romantic even for a double date. Michael immediately ordered wine. John couldn’t help but to order a beer in which Michael scolded him about it.

  “See this is why we can’t have nice things.” Michael said with a playful laugh. “For once you can’t just act sophisticated.” Michael rolled his eyes.

  “Listen I am just going to use the beer to wash down your two-hundred-dollar bottle of wine.” John smirked. “You will thank me later when we don’t have a thousand-dollar bill full of alcohol.”

  “See what I am talking about?” Maria smirked as she shook her head. “I’m glad you came.” She looked at Briana.

  John’s hand landed on her thigh as he glanced down at the exposed skin which was made more apparent because her legs were crossed. She kept looking at Maria as she tried to ignore the look, he was giving her as he ran his hand seductively up her thigh.

  “I am glad I came.” Briana said with a smile. “This place is gorgeous.” She continued as John squeezed at her thigh and she swallowed hard. It was getting incredibly hot in there as she tried to ignore his touch, but it was impossible.

  “I don’t know about you guys, but I am absolutely starving.” John finally said as his hand inched up higher on her leg. She glanced at him and he smirked as she quickly looked away and grabbed the menu.

  The process alone nearly made her choke as she looked at the outrageous prices. She glanced at John who was inching his hand between her legs. She shifted some as she pushed his hand back some and he looked at her with shock. He immediately put his hand back and his eyes challenged hers. She quickly looked away.

  “Well I don’t know about you guys but almost a hundred dollars for a burger seems pretty cheap.” Maria said as everyone looked at her and then she laughed. “Seriously Michael! This place is crazy expensive.” She swatted Michael’s arm as he rolled his eyes.

  “Thank god you said something I mean I am hungry but geez.” Briana began.

  “Oh, I don’t know about you all but if my brother is paying then I am getting two of everything.” John smirked and then he squeezed her thigh seductively. She jumped up now as her legs hit the table and the glasses shook.

  “Sorry. I need to use the ladies’ room.” Briana said quickly, and Maria jumped up too.

  “Why do you girls always go in pairs?” John said quickly.

  “So, we can talk trash, obviously.” Briana said with a laugh and Maria laughed too.

  “Don’t give away our secret.” Maria smirked and then she interlocked arms with Briana as they headed to the bathroom. “I see John has been eying you all night.”

  “Yeah still doesn’t change anything.” Briana said as the girls got to the lavish bathroom.

  “How much longer will you be in town?” Maria asked with sadness in her voice.

  “Just a few days and then I have to go.” Briana said honestly.

  “It won’t be the same when you leave. Does John know you’re leaving?” Maria asked seriously.

  “He will.” Briana said as she fixed her hair in the mirror.

  “Sometimes I wonder if this life is for me, ya know?” Maria began as she fixed her makeup. “I mean Michael is a doctor and he wants a certain lifestyle but then that means I will just be at home having his babies. What if I want to go to school too? I could be a doctor or a nurse.” Maria said as she looked at Briana.

  “You could still go to school.” Briana said quickly.

  “Michael wouldn’t like that. He wants us to start having kids soon.” Maria said with sadness in her voice.

  “You deserve to be able to live your life too. We’re not just baby making machines.” Briana said honestly.

  “That’s easy for you to say, you get to do what you want. No one is planning your future.” Maria shook her head.

  “I wouldn’t mind that, sort of at least.” Briana said seriously. “I mean I still want to be able to do my own thing, but it would be nice to be wanted and missed.”

  “I can guarantee John will miss you when you’re gone.” Maria smiled. “Your different than the other girls he has been with. He is different with you too.” Maria said honestly.

  “Yeah well maybe another time.” Briana said honestly as she forced a smile.

  “Yeah I guess so.” Maria sighed as the girls left the bathro
om, but John was standing in the hall with a grin on his face. “Speak of the devil.” Maria laughed.

  “I thought my ears were burning.” John smirked.

  “They should be on fire.” Maria laughed as she walked past him. Briana went to do the same, but he blocked her as he shook his head no. Briana rolled her eyes at him, but he was grabbing her hand quick as he looked left then right before pushing her into a coat closet next to the bathroom.

  The second her back hit the wall; his mouth was attacking hers in a passionate kiss as his hand trailed up her thigh. He pulled her leg up as he pressed himself into her and she gasped at his arousal. The sound of people in the hall made John pull back and he backed them further into the closet as the coats hid them. “I need this dress off of you.” He groaned in her ear as someone walked into the closet and he put his hand over her mouth as his fingers moved between her legs. He smirked as he pushed one inside of her and she threw her head back against the wall. “Shh or you’ll give us away.” He whispered into her ear as his fingers dove deeper inside of her. “God you are so hot and wet.” He breathed against her neck as he nipped at the sensitive flesh of her neck. She was quickly losing herself as he toyed with her. The person who stepped in had left as his mouth claimed hers again. His fingers drove her into ecstasy as she moaned against his mouth and just when she thought she was about to explode he stepped back from her as she gasped. “Now you know how I feel.” He smirked as he licked his lips. She stood there a shaking, unsatisfied mess.

  “That is so unfair.” She said nearly breathless.

  “Tell me about it.” He glanced at his erection and then at her. “Patience is a virtue, right?”

  “Shut up.” She finally said with a laugh as she walked past him, and he smacked her ass hard.

  Chapter Five

  They all ate, and the guys joked about their childhood. Briana really did like this side of John. He really was more laid back even if he was still over a hundred years old. He wasn’t kidding when he had told her that he had a lot of growing up to do because he did. They spoke of their parents who had both passed away. Their childhood seemed hard and brutal at times, but that’s how life was back then.

  They had both been trained by the elder Gregory. Even though Michael was not considered an Alpha he had been trained as one. He seemed happy though with his life. He loved taking care of people. The sincerity was in his voice and it made it so hard for Briana to see him as a killer. Maybe something had happened to make him snap? It had to be something because at this moment he looked like he really loved his life.

  If anything, John seemed like the one who had something to prove. He had a responsibility as Alpha on his shoulders though he was not the leader of the pack just yet. She knew it wouldn’t be until he got together with Kate that he would finally settle down. Again, the thought of him with her put a damper on her mood even though she kept forcing a smile.

  By the time they had finished eating and left, Michael had offered for them all to take a drive down towards the water. They headed into Long Island and over towards Long Beach. It was dark and nearly eleven by the time they got there. Briana had never been to a beach. She had been to lakes in Pennsylvania but never a beach.

  “I can’t believe you have never seen a beach.” Maria said in shock as they all got out of the limo.

  “I have seen beaches but never one in person.” Briana rolled her eyes.

  “You need to get out and see the world more. You have no idea what you’re missing.” John said as he walked over towards the girls.

  “Let’s meet back up in an hour.” Michael said as he grabbed Maria’s hand and then began to walk on the beach.

  Briana took off her heels and held them in her hand as John grabbed her other hand. “You can’t be at the beach and not feel the water.” He said as kicked off his shoes and socks. “I think our stuff is safe here.” He said as he took her heels and dropped them on the ground.

  They walked towards the water and Briana inhaled the salty air. “So, one day you will be Alpha.” She finally said as he looked at her.

  “Not if I have say in it.” He said honestly.

  “Why?” She asked as they walked.

  “Because it’s restrictive and too much political bullshit.” He shrugged his shoulders. He sounded like Steele and it was odd.

  “But isn’t it an honor to be Alpha.” She asked.

  “Depends on who you ask. Honestly, Michael should be Alpha. If it comes down to it, I will refuse until I have no choice.” He said seriously.

  “Maybe it would give you some stability.” She said as he looked at her now and stopped walking.

  “Says the girl who walked away from her pack. You know you’re full of contradictions.” He said with a shake of his head.

  “Yeah well I am not in line to be Alpha.” She said seriously.

  “You want me to be Alpha?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “I mean I’m not like trying to push it on you but still if you’re in line for it then you might as well.” She looked out to the water.

  “You’re confusing.” John shook his head as he looked at her. “I think you like to keep me guessing.” He stepped closer to her and she rolled her eyes.

  “What can I say, I am a mystery.” She smirked as he got right in front of her.

  “That you are.” He said softly as his hands came up to her face. He cupped her cheeks with his hands and then he moved his mouth closer to hers. He searched her eyes and she felt her stomach tighten. She wanted nothing more than to lose herself in him but then what? He kissed her softly as his tongue gained access and she moaned softly against his powerful kiss. His hands moved into her long red locks and hers moved into his long dark hair.

  Soon they were pressed hard against one another as the kiss began to smolder between them. It was as if she couldn’t get enough of his touch and his kiss. His hands trailed down her bare back and they landed on his ass as he squeezed. He pushed her harder against him. She panted against his mouth as he pulled back.

  “You really look pretty tonight, and this dress is dangerous.” He smirked some.

  “Your pants are dangerous.” She smirked back as he licked his lips.

  “I wonder what we can do to fix this situation?” His mouth collided with hers and she fell into his touch as the kiss deepened. She grabbed at him where she could until her hand landed between them and she grazed his erection. He growled against her mouth as she grabbed him firmly. He let out a low growl as he kissed her harder. Soon they were laying on the beach as they kissed. He ground against her body as his tongue destroyed her mouth. She felt like she couldn’t get close enough to him as she grabbed at his ass and pushed him harder against her body. Soon he was pulling back as he began kissing down her neck. He ground himself against her legs as he moved lower down her body until his hands were cupping her breasts roughly over her dress. He licked and sucked against the top of her breasts as she arched her back into him more.

  The sound of a cop siren made John reluctantly look up as the sight of a security jeep began coming up on the beach. Briana was breathless as she leaned up some and John looked at her. “We better get out of here before we end up in county jail for indecent exposure.” He said with a laugh.

  He helped her up as Michael and Maria began walking over. “Funs over.” Michael said as John grinned. “It’s late anyway we’re heading back home in the morning.”

  “Sounds like a blast.” John said sarcastically.

  “It would be nice to have you back in town for a little bit.” Michael said as they walked towards the parking lot where the limo was.

  “I visit often enough.” John said as they got up to the limo. He stopped and looked at Briana. “Come back to my place with me?”

  Briana thought about it for a moment. She knew she should say no, but she couldn’t help herself as she said, ok. The limo ride was uncomfortable to say the least. Briana was completely turned on and her body literally ached for his touch and currently he
had his hand above her knee as they sat in the limo.

  Briana and John said their goodbyes to Michael and Maria as they got out of the limo. It was almost midnight now as they entered John’s apartment building. They got up the five flights of stairs and entered the apartment. John quickly went into the kitchen and grabbed out a few beers. “Come with me, I want to show you something.” He said as he led them to the window in the living room. Right outside of it was a fire escape and John opened the window as he stepped onto the metal balcony. He began to climb the stairs as they got to the roof of the six-story building. They both got to the top as Briana looked out over the city. It looked beautiful up there at night.

  The sound of a beer bottle opening made her look as John handed her a beer as he opened one for himself. “Cool, huh?” He grinned as he took a sip of his beer.

  “Yeah, very.” She said as she looked out over the city. There were so many lights on. She wondered what this place looked like at Christmas time. She could only imagine how beautiful it would be.

  “So, when are you planning on leaving?” He finally asked as she looked at him. He actually looked like he may miss her.

  “Soon enough.” She said honestly.

  “How long are you planning on continuing to run away?” He asked as he sipped his beer.

  “I’m not running away like that.” She said with a roll of her eyes. “I have things to do.” She said seriously.

  “Like what?” He asked with curiosity.

  “Stuff.” She began as she shook her head and then she walked across the roof. “So, do you come up here a lot?” She wanted to change the subject.

  “Sometimes. Why are you avoiding my questions?” He said with a seriousness that made her swallow hard.