Romancing the Paranormal

by Stephanie Rowe

  The wolf on his left growled, lowering his head even more while raising its lip in a sneer, revealing sharp gleaming teeth. Once they were close enough, the man and wolves stopped in what looked like an old western showdown stance. The man ran his golden eyes over Janna, sniffing as he appraised her.

  “We don’t take to strangers.” His eyes met hers again. He looked at ease, but Janna knew without a doubt, this man was ready to strike at any hint of danger to what he stood in front of to protect.

  Again, the wolf on the left growled, taking a step forward. Sam pulled away from Leda, tripping his way in front of Janna. “Don’t hurt he…he…her.” Sam’s stuttering became pronounced as he shielded Janna with his small body. “Sh…sh…she’s already hur…hur…hurt.”

  “Sam!” Leda and Janna reached for him. Leda picked him up before stepping behind Janna.

  Janna frowned, looked up at the man who easily towered over her. She had no chance against this man or the wolves, none at all. She knew it and the problem was, they knew it. “I’m looking for Jonah McCall,” Janna finally said, glad her voice held strong. Actually, little Sam’s display of courage gave her own courage a boost.

  “He’s busy,” the man replied, crossing his arms while still staring down at her.

  If this man thought she was going to give up on that lame excuse, he was sadly mistaken. Giving up was not in Janna Lawson’s vocabulary. As handsome as they man was, he was pissing her off. She had business to take care of and he was in her way. “Then I’ll wait until he’s not busy.” She crossed her arms, cocking her hip and eyebrow at him. “Either way, I’m going to see Jonah McCall.”

  The man’s lip cocked up for a brief second before his eyes narrowed. “And who is looking for Jonah?”

  “Janna…” She stopped herself from saying her last name, but she knew she had to reveal it. If she had any hope at all, she had to do this. “Lawson. My mother was Virginia Lawson.” She knew that name would mean nothing to this man, but that didn’t matter. Jonah McCall would know the name well.

  The man looked down at the wolf on his left. They stared at each other before the wolf growled once more at her, and then took off in the direction Janna needed to go. “Where’s your car?” the man asked as soon as the wolf was gone. “I know you’re not from around here and no one walks into Beattyville.”

  “It bro…broke down about a hundred miles away,” Sam exaggerated, sounding more at ease as he fought his way out of his sister’s hold to point behind them, as if showing where their car was.

  “It’s not a hundred miles, Sam.” Leda rolled her eyes. “More like five maybe.”

  “Tell that to my feet,” Sam grumbled, kicking a pebble.

  “You didn’t even walk all the way.” Leda sighed, sitting down in the middle of the road. “Janna carried you on your back.”

  “Only for a minute.” Sam looked up at the man and then over to the wolf who was staring at him. “I could have walked further if I had newer shoes.”

  Leda snorted, shaking her head, then she too looked up at the man. “So what’s the big deal about seeing this Jonah dude?”

  “Leda.” Janna frowned. “Show some respect.”

  “Well, they aren’t showing any respect.” Leda nodded toward the man and wolf. “Making us wait when we’re tired and hungry. And if that wolf don’t stop glaring at me and showing its teeth, I’m going to shift and show him what respect really is.”

  The wolf stepped forward, but the man held out his hand, stopping him instantly. “Jonah McCall is an elder. He sees who he wants to see.”

  “What’s your name?” Sam asked as he stepped closer to the wolf, who took a step back, eyeing Sam.

  “Garrett,” the man answered, looking away from Janna to the young boy.

  “Is that your wolf?” Sam took another step forward, tilting his head.

  “The wolves here don’t belong to anyone,” Garrett answered, his deep voice low.

  “Sam,” Janna warned as Sam moved closer.

  “He won’t hurt me, Janna,” Sam replied as he reached out his hand. The wolf looked over Sam’s head to Janna and then Leda before lowering his head, taking a step closer to Sam. When Sam didn’t move his hand, the wolf lowered his head even more, moving underneath Sam’s hand. “See I told you.” Sam smiled, rubbing the wolf’s massive head.

  Janna shook her head. “Well, you can’t always walk up to strange wolves and pat their heads,” Janna warned him sternly.

  “Listen to your sister.” Garrett frowned down at Sam.

  “She’s not my sister.” Sam laughed when the wolf used his nose to push him in the stomach.

  Janna acted like she didn’t hear Sam as she looked past this man, Garrett, hoping to see someone coming down the road. She didn’t want to answer the questions that were sure to come. She only needed to talk to one person, and it wasn’t this man. Finally, it looked like luck was on her side because before he could question her further, the wolf who left came back and stood in the middle of the road giving a howl before turning and heading back the way it came.

  ******

  Garrett Foster saw the look on the woman’s face at the interruption. This one had secrets, secrets she wasn’t going to give up easily, or at least not to him. She may think Jonah McCall was her answer, but she was wrong.

  Sending a message to the wolf beside him, the wolf took off, disappearing over the small hill in front of them. The two kids walked in front of him, and the woman, walked by his side without saying a word. She looked nervous. He could even smell the nervous energy wafting off her, but it wasn’t overpowering. He knew without a doubt she was shifter, even with her beautiful, yet odd green eyes. Her wolf called to his and probably every male in these parts, which made him frown. That could be trouble. Hell, who was he kidding? She was big trouble in a little package.

  “Where’s your pack?” Garrett asked. He had a feeling he wasn’t going to like the answer. The question seemed to throw her off balance, causing her to trip. Garrett reached out to steady her. His large, dark hand against the pale smooth skin of her arm caused an electric tingle neither could deny. He felt it and knew by the look of shock on her face, she did too. Garrett stopped her. “Where is your pack, Janna?” he repeated, his voice deepening.

  Pulling her arm away from his grip, Janna glanced up to where Leda and Sam continued on their journey. Rubbing the spot on her arm that he had touched, she looked back up at him. “I don’t have a pack.” Her reply was spoken as a challenge, her tone totally changed into defense mode. “I’ve never belonged to a pack.”

  Garrett cursed, rubbing his hand down his face. “And that’s why you’re seeking out Jonah McCall?”

  Janna nodded still holding her arm as she turned to continue up the road. “He knew my mother,” was all she said, holding her secrets close.

  Garrett watched the woman walk away, her shoulders snapped back with a proud confident poise as she made her way to a destiny she may regret seeking.

  CHAPTER 2

  Janna’s heart pumped rapidly as the activity around them intensified. People were coming out of houses to gape openly at them, some even walking alongside them staring. She felt Garrett’s presence behind her, and in a strange sense, she felt comforted by that fact, even though she didn’t know him any better than any of the rest of the people around her. Staring straight ahead, she focused on the wolf who stood in front of a small house, which had seen better days. Leda and Sam slowed and walked beside her.

  “Is that him?” Sam asked before grabbing her hand.

  Janna saw the man sitting on the porch steps. As soon as their eyes met, he stood and the look of shock on his face told her that he knew exactly who she was. Well, maybe not exactly, but Jonah McCall certainly knew her mother, because Janna was the splitting image of her. Her long blonde hair and teardrop eyes mimicked her mother’s looks to the point that people thought they were sisters. Janna didn’t answer Sam, but squeezed his small hand.

  Jonah didn’t take a ste
p toward them, just stood staring. “Virginia?” His voice cracked as his bloodshot eyes took her in.

  Stopping a few feet away, Janna shook her head. “I’m Janna Lawson.” She glanced around her, seeing the interested faces staring back at her. “Virginia’s daughter.”

  Jonah McCall was a big man, his graying black hair hung past his shoulders. He was handsome and she could see how her mom could have loved this man, but there was a haunted sadness that fogged his eyes. “How is she?” His eyes brightened slightly.

  Again, Janna looked around at the watching crowd, her eyes coming to rest on the man named Garrett. His stare seemed to penetrate her soul. “Is there somewhere we can talk….alone?”

  A frown marred his face. “Why isn’t Virginia here with you?” His voice didn’t crack this time. It lowered to a dangerous level.

  “Could we please do this in private?” Janna asked, again feeling the stares.

  Before she knew what was happening, Jonah was in her face, his strong hands grasping her arms painfully as he shook her. The smell of booze overwhelmed her senses. “Where’s Virginia?” he snarled, his golden eyes growing brighter as he stared down at her.

  “Dead.” Janna found the strength to push away from him. “Murdered, protecting you.” Her voice cracked this time. Saying the words made it all the more true. Her mother was gone. She was alone and standing in front the man her mother died protecting.

  It was as if time stood still for a brief second. No one said a word until Jonah McCall’s head fell back and an ungodly howl escaped from his mouth. His body shook, his clothes ripping as his wolf fought to break free. Janna was pushed aside as Garrett grabbed Jonah, throwing him to the ground. Jonah struggled against him, but as Garrett talked him down, Jonah began to still, his wolf calming, but the man was ravaged with grief.

  Another man had rushed over to help Garrett who shrugged him off. “Get everyone out of here, now!” Garrett ordered, his hold still on Jonah. Once everyone had scattered back to their own business, Garrett looked down at Jonah. “Do you have control?”

  Jonah didn’t say anything; he just lay on his back, staring at the sky above Garrett’s head. When Garrett shook him, Jonah’s eyes met his and then Janna’s. “Yes,” he answered. His tone was level as he pushed Garrett away to stand. Turning, he walked up the three steps to the small house and disappeared inside leaving the door open.

  As Janna watched the scene, feelings of anger built inside her. She was so not done with this conversation and if Jonah McCall thought otherwise, then he was in for a rude awakening. “Leda, take Sam on the porch and don’t step foot off it,” she ordered as she headed toward the house. When Garrett made a move toward her, she pointed at him. “Don’t even try to stop me. I’m not finished with Jonah McCall.”

  Garrett didn’t say a word as he followed her to the porch, but he did pat Sam on the head as he passed. The poor kid looked scared to death. “Is she always this bossy?” Garrett teased, winking at Sam and ignoring the nasty look Janna threw his way.

  Sam nodded but he didn’t smile. “Don’t let that man hurt Janna.”

  “No one is going to hurt her, son.” Garrett’s voice promised what he said.

  Janna heard everything that was spoken behind her, but didn’t comment. Her eyes took in everything as she followed the noise in the kitchen. The house was in disrepair and the only decorations she saw so far was beer and whiskey bottles scattered everywhere. She stopped just inside the kitchen door watching Jonah. The man her mother died protecting and obviously loved deeply, tilted a bottle of whiskey to his lips. Anger so deep ravaged her soul as she watched.

  Reaching, she grabbed an empty bottle from the small kitchen table and threw it. The bottle shattered inches from his head against the cabinets that lined the wall. Grabbing for another, she was stopped when strong arms wrapped around her, preventing her from continuing. “Calm down,” Garrett whispered close to her ear. “Let him have a minute.”

  Elbowing him in the stomach, Janna fought to get loose from his hold, but he was too strong. The heat from his body had her wolf and human side fighting against each other. The wolf wanting to turn into him while her human instincts struggled against his touch. “Oh, I’ll give him a minute,” she hissed, her eyes narrowed on Jonah who was totally oblivious to anything other than his bottle.

  Garrett picked her up, swinging her around and out of the room. “I’m sure you will, but right now, let him process what you just told him.” Setting her down, Garrett turned her to face him. “Listen to me, you little hellcat. I don’t know who you are or what you’re about, but I do know that man in there, and he needs a minute.”

  Stepping away from him, Janna straightened her clothes with a huff and then it hit her, hit her hard. Her eyes shot up to the man who stood in front of her. “He isn’t alpha of this pack.” It wasn’t a question, but a fact that totally made her stomach heave in despair.

  “No, he’s not.” Garrett stared down at her.

  “Then who?” Janna knew she probably looked as confused and scared as she felt.

  Before he could answer, someone walked in. “We found their car.” A man, who looked dead on Garrett’s twin, informed before his eyes landed on Janna. “What do you want us to do next?”

  “Get it running and tell the pack to be on guard.” Garrett’s eyes never left hers as he ordered, “We may have trouble coming this way.”

  Lifting her eyes, she slowly released her breath. “You? You’re the alpha of this pack?”

  Garrett nodded. “Now I think it’s time for you to tell me exactly who you are and how you ended up here in my town.”

  ******

  Janna found herself sitting at the small kitchen table surrounded by the most intimidating men she had ever seen. Sam and Leda had been taken to get some food, and a plate was brought for her, but it sat untouched in front of her. Two of the men in the room had been introduced as Garrett’s brothers, Marcus and Hunter Foster. The others, who she figured were prominent in the pack, stood staring at her. She couldn’t remember their names. Her mind was still reeling from her uncertain future.

  “Eat.” Garrett pushed the plate closer to her silent form.

  She shook her head, but took a drink of water. She knew without a doubt, if any food hit her stomach, it would fly right back out of her mouth. Her eyes met Jonah’s, who was watching her intently. “Why did you leave my mother?” Her voice was tight, but her face was void of emotion.

  “To keep her safe,” he replied with hesitation before taking another swig from his bottle.

  Janna’s eyes narrowed as she snorted. “Didn’t work.” She pushed the plate of food further away, the smell making her want to heave. “Who is Jasper Simone to you?” Everyone in the room growled, the tension so thick it smothered her.

  Jonah took another long drink, slamming the bottle down. “I will kill him,” he vowed, his words slightly slurred.

  “Yeah, it sure looks like you’re up to that.” Looking at him in disgust, Janna hissed, “And I get first dibs at the bastard for killing my mom and marking me.”

  “Marked you how?” Garrett slammed his hand on the table, anger radiating from his body.

  Janna looked at Garrett, surprised at his anger. Without hesitation, she lifted her shirt and turned. Burned into her skin was a crude small brand of a wolf’s head and the initials ES carved into her skin on her lower back. “I was knocked out when the bastard and his son carved this into my skin.” She lowered her shirt turning back toward Jonah. “My mom had the same on her lower back, but the initials JS. Did you know that?”

  Jonah didn’t look human as all she had said sank in. His eyes lost focus, his breathing growing harsh. He swung the bottle to his lips again, slamming his head back and finishing the amber liquid that was left.

  “I take that as a yes, you knew,” Janna spat. “I lost my mother because of you, and honestly, I hate you with every fiber of my being right now. You are nothing but a drunk, yet my mother loved you. Left this wo
rld and me, for you. You owe me answers.”

  “I owe you nothing!” Jonah threw the empty bottle before stepping toward Janna, his finger pointing angrily at her. “I told her to forget me. I warned her…”

  Garrett stepped between them, which stopped Jonah. “What does the marking mean, Jonah?”

  Jonah’s haunted eyes focused on Garrett. He finally looked away to hunt for another bottle. Garrett leaped across the table, grabbing Jonah, and slamming him into a chair. “Marcus, get some coffee going.” Garrett kept his large hand on Jonah’s shoulder, keeping him from standing. “Listen to me and listen good. You are going to sober up and then you are going to answer questions. If this pack is in danger because of something from your past then you are going to answer any and all questions. Is that understood?”

  The older man stopped struggling, but kept his mouth closed. Finally, his eyes lifted from the table to look at Janna. “I loved her.”

  Even in his drunken state, his words were spoken with a truth that had tears threatening to break free. “You have a piss poor way of showing it,” Janna replied, and then turned, walking out of the room.

  CHAPTER 3

  Janna sat on the front steps waiting. Even at night, the place was full of activity. Her eyes found Sam, who was talking with some other kids, laughing in his carefree way. She actually smiled when a game of tag broke out and Sam ran laughing with the other kids. Leda was sitting on a stump talking with a boy about her age. She really couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she could tell Leda was enjoying the attention. A sudden wave of jealously washed over her, but she pushed it back. It wasn’t Leda’s fault that Janna had never experienced the carefree feelings of talking to cute guys. Leda glanced her way with a silly grin on her face when the boy turned to talk to someone who had walked up. Janna tossed her a thumbs up. Leda was a beautiful girl with long dark hair like Sam, but not as curly. They were cute kids with a past she knew nothing about. Kind of like her, alone with secrets.