Sought
Page 16
In the future, she wouldn't need a firearm.
He'd protect her and the little girl.
He lifted his head and studied her, paying attention to her body language, scenting her emotions. Her shoulders were tense, and she was gripping Bebe far too tightly. Numerous fragrances were coming through. He sorted through them, watching her closely.
She was surprised, panicked, and felt cornered.
"The sooner you answer my questions," he said softly, staying right where he was, trying to look as non-threatening and harmless as possible, "the sooner I'll get out of your hair."
She took another step back, placing a hand on top of her daughter's head, monitoring him closely. "I was at the market in Millian when a werewolf tore through it. I was bitten during the ordeal." She drew a breath and exhaled unevenly. "It was reported everywhere. Surely you watch the news."
He recalled the incident. Damn it.
A wolf had gone rogue, attacked humans to make a statement, and took out as many as possible before he was finally gunned down by human law enforcement. He pictured her facing that very thing and felt rage and the need for destruction blasting through him. It took every ounce of his will not to growl.
"That would be three years back?" he questioned softly.
Her nod was curt, her full lips quivering. "I was introduced to the pack in this area since I had to find one I could live by and it was so close, but I've never had to attend things since I can't shift. There wasn't any need for me to interact with any of them. I bought this house because no one will sell or rent to me in Millian, but I work there. Despite everything that happened, I lead a very human life."
Her words computed, and he finally picked up what she was throwing down. She hadn't been accepted into the pack. She was a creation that had no place in the world. Dice wouldn't have fooled with a shifter who couldn't change form. He'd have viewed her like a human, believing she was beneath him and his attention.
Actually, she'd be beneath a human in that Alpha's eyes.
She was a werewolf that wasn't one at all.
Shit. "You can't shift?"
Such a thing for a bitten human was rare, but it did happen.
She still had the essence of the animal within her, so she'd have the longevity and strength that came with it. She'd also sense the connection between them if she let go of her apprehension and stopped viewing him as a threat.
He had to find a way to lower her guard.
"No, I can't," she said softly, imploring him to listen with her protective cues and large eyes, behaving in a manner that indicated she'd had the conversation before. She didn't move, but he could see she was still shaking. "So you understand now?"
His attention shifted to Bebe.
Her huge and radiant eyes, so much like her mother's, were monitoring everything he did. There was no fear in the girl's gaze. If anything, the blonde cherub appeared curious and annoyed. She'd placed her hands on her mother's chest, shoving away from the arms that clutched her like a lifeline.
His gaze darted to Melody.
That one wanted to get as far from him as possible.
He didn't care if the woman meant for him wasn't what he expected or that she had a child. She was his mate, the only female in the world who could make his life complete.
There was only one obstacle in his mind.
If there was another male in Melody's life, he had to go. "What about her father?"
Those unique eyes of hers turned haunted, her shoulders sagging like the very question sucked the life out of her. When he saw the bright indigo orbs inside her expressive face gloss and shimmer with tears, he felt like shit for asking.
"He was killed in the incident," she said, sounding like the admission broke her heart. She met his gaze, torment and agony pouring from her, and whispered, "He died protecting us."
His focus drifted down, and he noted the gold band on his mate's finger.
She'd been married to a human who'd given her a child.
Fury consumed him, the need to tear something apart like a raging fire.
She was his and his alone.
No one else had the right to touch her. He'd kill anyone that tried.
He heard her gasp as she responded to his anger, sensing and scenting her terror. The aroma of grief wafting from her changed to alarm.
Damn it.
He wanted to be reassuring but was coming off like a complete asshole, thinking only of himself and the newfound emotions flipping through him. He tried not to picture her with another man, aware such thoughts wouldn't assist either of them.
Instead, he focused entirely on her.
She was delicately built, long and lean, with the legs of a gazelle. Her heart-shaped face was lovely, framing her pert nose, full lips, and enormous eyes. Any male would be thrilled to claim her, giving thanks to the things that governed such things, praising fate for presenting such a gift.
The woman was a prize beyond measure.
When she became aware of the intensity of his stare, recognizing his response for what it was, she shrank back and tightened her grasp on her daughter.
He didn't appreciate her reaction to his interest.
Does she think I'll hurt her?
"Momma, you're holding me too tight," Bebe complained, squirming to get free. "Put me down."
"As soon as our guest leaves," Melody responded, eyes glued to him, ready to bolt for cover if she had to.
She acted as though he'd harm the girl in her arms, which pissed him off. He might be a born werewolf, but he wasn't a monster. Even if he wasn't Bebe's biological father, he'd take on the responsibility soon enough. She belonged to his mate, meaning she now belonged to him.
He'd kill and die for the tiny creature without hesitation.
What was his he protected, loved, and held sacred.
"You can put her down," he informed his mate, staying where he was even as he wanted to provide shelter and comfort. "I won't hurt her."
"I said I'd come to the meeting. I'll do what you're asking me to." She sounded as desperate as she looked, taking another step back, obviously wanting him gone. "What more do you want?"
That was the problem.
He wanted things she wouldn't be comfortable with.
How to answer? What to say?
What the hell to do?
Son of a bitch.
About the Author
Aline Hunter has written stories featured in horror magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests. Her work has a dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and has been described as “full of sensual promise,” “gritty and sexy,” and “a breath of fresh air.”
You can visit her online at www.alinehunter.com
Also by Aline Hunter
Alpha & Omega
Immortal Mine
Salvation Mine
* * *
The Wolf’s Den
Sought
* * *
Just Make Me
Make Me Surrender
Make Me Stay
Make Me Shiver
* * *
Desires of the Otherworld
Wicked Deeds of a Warrior Prince