Forbidden Seduction (Lee County Wolves Series) Book #2 (10 page)

“Anything. You can ask me anything, Em,” Hunter replied, his eyes searching.

“If it wasn’t for Mable, would we be sitting here today?” Emily asked in one long question and then took a deep breath waiting for his answer. “And do not lie to me.”

“Yes,” Hunter replied without hesitation. “Because in my heart I knew, always knew. It just took me a while to fight my demons to find you, to find myself.”

“I know I’m not beautiful like Sadie and the other women you’ve—” Emily began but stopped when Hunter pressed his finger against her lips.

“No one has or ever will hold a candle to you,” Hunter replied, again without hesitation.

“Hunter, you don’t have to say things like that to me.” Emily frowned, wanting to believe him, but didn’t. “I know who I am and I’m comfortable with that.”

“I speak the truth, Emily.” Hunter growled. “And I will say those things and more. Now I have a question for you.”

“Oh, and what is that?” Emily asked, sure her face was flush with a blush.

“Do you have feelings for Dell?” Hunter’s eyes narrowed.

“Uh, no. I mean I like him. He seems to always be there when I need help, but we are just friends.” Emily replied, her eyes widening. “Why in the world would you ask me that?”

“Because he’s in love with you,” Hunter said point blank. “That’s why we fought at Garrett’s. I saw him put his hands on you, and that was it.”

Laughing, Emily pushed Hunter. “Dell Farris is not in love with me.” When Hunter didn’t say a word, but just stared at her, Emily gasped. “Dell Farris is in love with… me?” She pointed to herself, her eyes wide with shock.

“Ah, yeah, and as long as you do not return those feelings, he can live.” Hunter pulled her close. “Because I don’t share. You are mine, and soon everyone will know it.”

“No, I do not return those feelings for Dell,” Emily reassured him and not to save Dell, but because it was true.

Hunter grunted before stroking her cheek with his thumb. “Then he can live another day.” Even though his tone was teasing, his eyes spoke that his threat was real.

Emily couldn’t believe what was happening. Her world was turned upside down, yet it felt right. Maybe she was gullible, but she was an adult, and her choice was to live a life she never thought she would have with the man who had stolen her heart years ago. She held on to Hunter, her eyes wide open, cherishing the moment just in case she woke to find it was nothing but a dream.

Chapter 15

Emily worked the next day, but her mind wasn’t on task. It was on her night spent with Hunter. How things could change so quickly shocked her, but she was happier than she’d ever been. Understanding more about the way Hunter saw things and his reactions made her realize he was protecting himself, and she couldn’t fault him for that. Maybe she was naïve, but she actually felt his honesty and sincerity, if that were even possible.

“What are you all smiles about today?” Deb frowned at her as she flipped through the mail.

“Nothing,” Emily replied but still smiled. Nothing her sister could do or say could dampen her mood. Hunter had stayed all night, and the best part was waking up in his arms. They did nothing but talk between kissing. It was heaven.

“Well, are you going to get lunch while I’m here?” Deb’s voice always carried a bitchy tone. It didn’t matter what she was saying; it was just bitchy. “I’m only going to be here for a half an hour then I have things to do.”

Emily finished stacking a shelf behind the counter and then looked out the front window. Hunter had said he would be back to take her to lunch. “Yeah, in a minute.”

Leda ran inside with Steve following her, a huge grin on her face. “Hunter wanted us to come and get you. They’re having a big meeting at Garrett’s, but should be done in a second.” Leda reached over the counter grabbing her arm. “Hurry, we’re having a picnic. Janna just got back from the hospital, and they have big news.”

“Okay!” Emily laughed, feeling excited. “I’ll be back,” she called out to her sister, who watched with her mouth wide open.

“Well, you better be!” her sister yelled as Steve shut the door on her sister’s next words.

“Is it just me or is her voice annoying as hell?” Steve frowned and then smiled when Emily started laughing.

“I thought it was just me.” Emily grinned as she rushed down the street toward Garrett’s.

******

Hunter stood in Garrett’s office and he wasn’t happy, not happy at all. Emily had heard right last night. Someone had been there, and if Dell hadn’t been walking by, Hunter didn’t even want to think what could have happened to her.

“Jill and I can stay for a while if needed,” Slade offered. Jill nodded in agreement. “Janna is going to be fine as long as she takes it easy, but if you need some extra backup, the offer is there.”

Garrett nodded. “I appreciate that.”

“Have you heard anything from Jonah?” Hunter asked, his eyes catching sight of Emily walking toward the lake with Leda. Steve was just walking in the door. Hunter didn’t want Leda going alone to get Emily so he’d sent Steve with her.

“So far we have two packs interested, but nothing set in stone.” Garrett sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “It’s a big decision for them and of course, I will be challenged by each alpha who decides to join up with us.”

“Damn, man.” Steve shook his head. “Doesn’t that get old?”

“Yeah, it does, but it’s part of the shifter way.” Garrett sounded tired, looked tired.

“Slade, if you and Jill can hang around for a few more days, that would be great.” Garrett accepted Slade’s offer. “I feel much better having someone staying with Janna when I can’t and obviously, I trust Jill to do the job. I wouldn’t mind you going out on a few hunts with us to see if you find something we’re missing. I know the bastards are out there waiting, and I want to find them before they strike again. Now that I know Janna is going to be okay, I can focus more on taking care of business.”

“Hey, what
is
the news on Janna?” Hunter asked, anxious to go and see Emily. Damn, he was acting like a fucking teenager with a hard-on. A month ago he would have made himself sick.

“Let’s go out there and we’ll tell you together.” Garrett grinned, leading the way out to the backyard where Jill and Leda had set up a nice lunch by the lake for everyone.

******

Emily sighed, watching Hunter walk her way with purpose. Leaning down, he kissed her in front of everyone. She wasn’t embarrassed. Instead, surprise sat heavily in her heart that one day he’d wanted nothing to do with her to then him walking straight up to her and kissing her. It was a lot to get used to, but she was willing to get used to being kissed by Hunter Foster.

“Hey.” He sat down behind her on the bench, pulling her up against him.

“Hey.” She leaned back into him. Her stomach pitched excitedly and her body warmed from his touch. She was ready to say more, but Garrett started talking.

“We have some exciting news.” Garrett grinned down at Janna.

“Scary news, but yes, exciting news,” Janna added. “We are having twins.”

Emily smiled as everyone stood to congratulate them. Emily hugged Janna and was surprised when Garrett pulled her into a hug.

“So everything is okay?” Hunter asked Slade, who stood back with a smile. “Janna is going to be fine?”

“As long as she follows my orders.” Slade cocked his eyebrow at Janna as he answered Hunter. “She and the babies will be fine.”

“So now I know why I’m getting so fat so fast.” Janna rolled her eyes with a laugh, rubbing her swollen belly. “I was really getting worried.”

“You’re beautiful.” Garrett nuzzled her neck, making her laugh.

“Do you know if they’re boys, girls, or one of each?” Leda asked excitedly.

“I hope it ain’t n-no girl.” Sam made a gagging face. “Girls stink.”

“Yeah, tell me that in ten years.” Marcus grinned at Sam.

Sam ignored him as he and Pepper took off running. Emily’s body relaxed; she was content, and it was a great feeling. Reaching into her bag, she grabbed her shot. Discretely, she lifted her shirt and did the deed.

“I hate that you have to do that.” Hunter watched her with a frown.

“It’s nothing.” Emily shrugged before placing food on her plate. “I’ve been doing it for so long it doesn’t even bother me.”

“Does it hurt?” Hunter didn’t go for food, his gaze intent on her.

“No, not really,” she replied, but at his look, she sighed. “It’s not the most comfortable or convenient thing to do, but I manage just fine.”

In truth, she hated being diabetic. It was a scary disease to get a handle on. Something that had worked for years could change in a heartbeat. What worked for one person may not work for another. It was different for everyone, but it could be worse, and she knew that. So far she had been able to treat it with the help of a decent doctor.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” Emily held a chicken leg to his lips and laughed when he took a big bite.

“Hey, that was my leg.” Emily gave a fake pout. She laughed when Hunter tried to get the rest. “Get your own.”

Before long, it was time for her to go back to the feed mill, and she was dreading it. Hunter was talking to Dell, who Emily had a hard time looking at since Hunter told her that he was in love with her. She still didn’t know if she fully believed that, but it was still uncomfortable. Dell was a gorgeous, quiet man who had been so nice, but there was no spark of interest for him on her part.

Throwing her paper plate away, she walked back to Hunter. “I have to get back to the store.” She leaned down to tell him.

Hunter nodded and stood. “I’ll take you back.”

Emily chuckled. “You don’t have to do that.” She pointed over her shoulder. “You can watch me from here.”

Grabbing her hand, he looked down at her. “You ready?”

Sighing, Emily nodded, saying her good-byes and thank yous to everyone. As they walked, Hunter all but dragged his feet. “What’s wrong?” Emily looked up at him.

“Just trying to prolong leaving you.” Hunter winked down at her.

As they approached the store, Sadie came out of Rocky’s and looked directly at them. Hunter squeezed her hand when Sadie waved to him, but he only gave her a short nod. Yeah, reality hit her hard. How in the hell could she hold on to a man like him when a woman who looked like that was promising him everything most men would die for? Dammit, this was hard. Her confidence was all over the place, and she hated it.

“Thanks for the walk.” She gave him a hesitant smile before releasing his hand and turning to go up the steps to the store. She didn’t get far. Hunter grasped her hand again pulling her to him.

“You really think I’m going to let you go without a kiss?” Hunter tilted her head up.

Her eyes went to where she knew Sadie was. “But I thought—”

Hunter clipped her chin bringing her eyes back to him. “You thought wrong.” He leaned down and kissed her, tugging her body flush against his. The kiss was deep and had her head spinning. When he pulled away, she had to really work to focus her eyes. “I will not hide the fact you are my mate, no matter who is around. I thought I made that clear last night. The faster some get the message, the better, and I will kiss you anywhere, anytime I damn well please.”

“Wow,” was all Emily could manage.

“And you just boosted my ego to the highest level.” He kissed her again and then led her up the steps. “I’ll see you after work.”

Emily watched him head down the steps and back toward Garrett’s. His head never even swiveled toward where she knew Sadie must be glaring. Turning, she averted her eyes from that area also mouthing the word “Wow” and walked in the door.

“What in the hell do you think you’re doing?” Deb stood in the middle of the store, her face a mask of rage. “Don’t you think you embarrassed yourself and me enough the last time?”

“What are you talking about?” Emily glared at her sister, sick of her always trying to make her feel like shit.

“What am I talking about?” Deb threw her hands toward the door. “You throwing yourself at Hunter again. That’s what I’m talking about. What in the world would he see in you when Sadie—”

Emily threw up her hand, secretly wishing she had Jill’s power to plaster her sister to a wall. “You know what, Deb. You can shut the hell up right now.” Emily slammed her bag on the counter. She heard the bell above the door ring but ignored it. “I am sick and tired of your snide comments and Sadie can take a hike off a cliff for all I care.”

“Excuse me?” Deb actually did the head bop thing with those words.

“I’ve never believed the words, ‘there is no excuse for you,’ more than I do at this moment.” Emily glanced over at old Mr. Seibert, who watched them from between two racks, and instantly felt bad for being unprofessional. “I’m happy. Can’t you even be happy for me… your own sister?”

“How dare you!” Deb slammed her hand down on the counter. “I have done everything for you, everything, and this is how you treat me? I even stood up for you when you were fat.”

“Ah, give me a break. You and Sadie started most of the rumors about me, Deb. Honestly, I’d rather be heavy instead of a dried-up bitter bitch, which you have become.” Emily instantly forgot about Mr. Seibert. “You are the most selfish person I have ever known, and you have done nothing for me. My name is on this building just as your name is. You are no better than me and never have been. So stick all your self-righteous bullshit up your ass.”

Emily was shocked at herself, but damn proud. She even looked over at Mr. Seibert with wide eyes. He gave her a thumbs-up between the bug repellants. Damn, she kind of wished Sadie was there; she was on a roll.

“You will regret talking to me like that.” Deb jabbed her finger at Emily.

“Yeah, I’m sure I will, but it felt damn good,” Emily called before Deb slammed the door.

Emily sighed, shaking her head. Her and her sister’s moments took it out of her. She would love to be close to her sister—her only living relative—but Deb made it so damn hard. Hearing someone clearing their throat, she looked to see Mr. Seibert standing in front of her at the counter.

“Hi, Mr. Seibert.” Emily snapped to her professional mode. “How can I help you today?”

“Well, Emily, I wanted to see if you could order me some more of that salve for Lucy.” Mr. Seibert tipped his hat back.

“Well, of course I can.” Emily grabbed her order book. “How is Lucy feeling?”

“She’s doing fine. That salve helps keep the bugs off her wound.” Mr. Seibert gave a short nod.

Lucy wasn’t Mrs. Seibert but an old mule who Mr. Seibert had raised. He was an old farmer who came into town a few times to order whatever he needed. He used to ride Lucy into town but hadn’t done that in years. Now he walked or bummed a ride since he didn’t own a car. He owned tractors but said he wouldn’t waste gas for what his feet could do.

Emily found the order number and wrote it down. “I will order this today and it should be in by the end of the week.”

Mr. Seibert gave another nod before a toothless grin spread across his face. Then without saying a word, he raised his fist toward her. Not exactly sure what to do, Emily gave him a knuckle bump. He turned and shuffled his way out the door, and she could have sworn she heard him say, “Gave her what for, she did.”

As soon as the door closed, Emily laughed and couldn’t stop. What in the hell was happening to her life? She wasn’t complaining because she never remembered being this happy. And she couldn’t believe that old Mr. Seibert gave her a knuckle bump.