Forbidden Seduction (Lee County Wolves Series) Book #2 (11 page)

Chapter 16

Hunter headed back to the house, his thoughts on what he was going to do with Emily tonight. He wanted to do something special, but with everything going on, he wasn’t sure what. He didn’t want to go too far out of town in case he was needed. The life of a high-ranking pack member. Hunter rolled his eyes. He heard yelling when he drew closer to the house. Garrett’s voice carried out to the street.

“What the hell?” Hunter took off. Storming inside, he found Garrett with his hand wrapped around Steve’s throat holding him against the wall. Steve’s eyes were black as midnight, his fangs enlarged. Leda was crying, trying to pry Garrett’s hand off Steve’s throat. Janna was yelling at Garrett to stop. It was a total “what the fuck” fest going on.

“Hunter, please,” Janna cried, snapping Hunter into action.

“Garrett, let go of Steve.” Hunter pushed Leda’s hands away and forcibly removed Garrett’s hands.

Steve slipped down the wall, catching himself, gagging and rubbing his throat.

“If I ever see you around her again, I will kill you,” Garrett warned with a growl.

“Well, choking me ain’t going to get the job done,” Steve spat or rather choked out.

Seeing the anger on Garrett’s face, he knew the lunge was coming and he was ready. “Steve, shut the fuck up.” He pushed Garrett back. “What in the hell happened?”

“He had his fucking tongue halfway down her throat.” Garrett growled, trying to get around Hunter, who’d positioned himself between them.

“Oh, my God,” Leda gasped, her embarrassment filling each word. “Janna!”

“Garrett!” Janna scolded her mate.

Hunter chuckled. He really tried not to, but damn. “Bro, you need to chill.” Hunter moved into Garrett’s vision. “Seriously.”

“It was just a kiss. She’s….” Steve glanced at Leda. “How old are you?”

Leda actually rolled her eyes. “Nineteen.”

“She’s nineteen.” Steve threw his hand up. “She’s old enough to kiss and—”

Hunter glared over his shoulder at Steve. “You best shut the fuck up now while you’re ahead or I’m going to let him go.” Steve clamped his mouth shut, so Hunter wouldn’t loosen his grip on Garrett. “Steve is right, in his fucked-up way. Leda is going to start dating and you can’t kill every guy who comes to the damn door.”

“I don’t like it.” Garrett glared at Leda, then Steve. “This is my house. There is no kissing in my house.”

“Really?” Janna cocked her eyebrow.

“I’m not talking to you,” Garrett added gently before turning mean again. “I’m talking to this horny fanged-tooth motherfucker.”

“Garrett, that is enough.” Janna finally stepped between them. “Steve, you and Leda go outside for a few minutes.”

“She isn’t going anywhere with him,” Garrett warned, taking a step forward, but this time, it was Janna who stopped him.

“This is ridiculous.” Leda threw her hands up in the air, storming out of the house. Steve followed, smart enough not to open his mouth.

Hunter turned to Garrett with a huge grin on his face.

“What the hell are you smiling at?” Garrett sneered.

“If you have girls, you’re gonna be fucked.” Hunter laughed loudly as he also left the room, following Steve and Leda outside. Leda had stormed down to the lake and sat throwing pebbles while she fumed.

Steve just stood with his arms crossed staring at Leda. “I like her.” Steve frowned before looking at Hunter. “I mean I really like her.”

Hunter rubbed his chin. “Just give him a minute to get used to the idea.”

“He called me a horny fanged-tooth motherfucker.” Steve eyed Hunter with doubt. “I don’t think he’s going to get used to the idea anytime soon.”

“Hey, man. He took Leda in and sees her as a daughter, a responsibility he takes very seriously.” Hunter sighed, wondering why he was in the middle of this shit and not Marcus.

“Ah, ya think?” Steve glared at him.

“Why in the hell, after we all said no, did you go ahead and do it anyway?” Hunter growled at him in irritation. “In his fucking house, right under his nose? Hell, man, sneak around and do that shit. Didn’t you learn anything?”

“No,” Steve replied, looking uncomfortable as he kicked a nonexistent rock.

“No, what?” Hunter frowned, his eyes narrowed.

“I’ve never really dated before,” Steve admitted, following with a curse. “I’m a damn loser. Okay! Fuck!”

“Well, that explains a lot.” Clapping Steve on the back, Hunter chuckled. “You’re not a loser. You’re a VC Warrior.”

“I suck at that also,” Steve said in a pitiful voice.

“Shut the hell up, dude.” Hunter grabbed him and turned him toward Leda. “Stop with this bullshit and go talk to her. I know women pretty damn well, and I know for a fact she is waiting for you to comfort her.”

Steve snorted, but his eyes returned to Leda. “Really?”

“Yeah, really.” Hunter pushed him. “Go, I’ll take care of Garrett.”

“Thanks, man.” Steve headed toward Leda.

Hunter went back inside where Janna and Garrett were talking. “So, has the crazy left the damn building?” Hunter eyed a sheepish-looking Garrett.

“I’m a little protective.” Garrett frowned.

“A little?” Hunter snorted. “You tried to kill a vampire and with all due respect, Steve may not look like much, but vampires will tear your fucking throat out in a heartbeat. But that kid out there would never do anything like that to someone he respects, and he respects the hell out of you. I really think you owe him an apology.”

“I owe
him
an apology?” Garrett’s eyes opened wide. “The little fucker was practically—”

“He was kissing her, dumbass, and you know it.” Hunter shook his head. “You did worse in girls’ parents’ houses than that. Sorry, Janna, but it’s true.”

Janna smirked. “I have no doubt about that.” She cocked her eyebrow at Garrett. “I think Hunter’s right.” Janna put her hand on Garrett’s shoulder. “I think you owe Steve an apology.”

“I’m always right,” Hunter teased.

“Don’t push your luck,” Janna warned with an evil look.

“Well, fuck!” Garrett pushed away from them and headed outside.

Hunter and Janna both looked at each other and laughed. They then hurried to the window to watch. Garrett Foster apologizing to anyone other than his mate was something not to be missed.

“I need a favor,” Hunter said as they watched the scene outside. He was glad when Steve reached his hand out to Garrett, who took it in a shake. Leda stood and hugged Garrett.

“What?” Janna smiled as she watched Garrett.

“I want to do something special for Emily tonight, but I need Steve to stay here.” Hunter grimaced, knowing after what just happened was asking a lot. Slade and Jill had been staying with Marcus so he had no room.

Janna smiled with a nod. “I’ll take care of it.” She reached up and gave him a hug. “It’s about damn time you settled down.”

“Thanks, Janna.” Hunter hugged her and placed a kiss on her head. “Now I’m going to go before you break the news that Steve is staying with you guys to Garrett.”

“Chicken!” Janna called out after him.

“Smart chicken!” Hunter called back before heading out to set his plans into motion.

******

Emily hurried around the counter to close up. Hunter had stopped by saying to be ready by six; he had something special planned for them. Before she could reach the door, the bell rang. Figures when she tried to close up a few minutes early, someone would come. Turning the corner, she sighed. Sadie Johnson stood inside glaring at her.

“We’re closed.” Emily didn’t want to be rude—okay, yeah, she did. She knew Sadie wasn’t there for anything other than giving her shit. She was probably the first person her sister called after she left today.

Sadie gave her a smirk and then fluffed her raven-black hair. If any two women could be opposites, it was her and Sadie. “I just felt I should warn you woman to woman, that you’re being played by Hunter.”

“Oh, is that right?” Emily crossed her arms over her chest. “And you just felt that, since we were such great friends, you’d do this favor. Bullshit, Sadie. Now, unless you’re buying or ordering anything, you need to leave because I’m closing for the night.”

“Yeah, I know.” Sadie’s smirk hadn’t left her cruel lips. “For your big date with Hunter.”

“Well, since you are dead set on letting me know whatever it is you know, then spit it out.” Emily was so done with this game and felt a sense of joy when Sadie seemed taken aback by her attitude.

“I think
you
should know that Hunter plans on taking you to his place tonight. He asked Roxy to make him a nice dinner for you.” Sadie’s eyes ran down Emily’s body, her nose wrinkling. “He takes all of his women there. I’ve been there more than most.”

Even though it felt like someone punched her in the gut, she was going to give Hunter the benefit of the doubt. She had never trusted Sadie and didn’t plan on starting now. “Well, since we’ve established that you’re the bigger whore, how about you turn your ass around and head on out of my store.”

“What did you say to me?” Sadie’s eyes blazed with rage.

“Oh, you heard me.” Emily took a step toward her. “Now, shoo. Go on.”

“Did you just shoo me?” Sadie sneered and for a pretty woman, she sure looked ugly as hell when she was pissed off.

“Yes, I called you a whore, and I shooed you.” Emily took another step toward her. “Anything else we need to clear up or does that pretty much do it?”

“Bitch, you better watch yourself.” Sadie stood straight, her shoulders back, but Emily wasn’t intimidated. Those days were over.

“No, bitch,” Emily shot back. “You best watch
yourself
. These aren’t high school games we’re playing now. You do not intimidate me, so I’m going to ask you one more time to get the hell out of my store before I break your skinny ass in half.”

“Is that a threat?” Sadie tried to look tough, but she actually looked frightened. It was about damn time. All Sadie did was try to intimidate people. Well, not today.

“No, it’s not.” Emily smiled a fake sweet smile. “It’s a fucking promise.”

Emily watched as Sadie huffed, puffed, and walked her skinny ass out of her store. With force, she clicked the lock then headed to get ready for her date. Despite her excitement dimming and a little doubt nagging, she wasn’t going to fall for Sadie’s ploy. Not this time. She just hoped she didn’t regret it.

Chapter 17

Emily looked in the mirror. She had taken a little extra care with her looks this time. With a smile, she grabbed her stuff and headed down the ladder. By the time her feet hit the floor, she heard the front door of the store shaking. Grinning, she hurried that way ready to have a wonderful night with Hunter, at least she hoped to.

Clicking the lock, she opened the door, her smile fading. First Sadie, now this. Her wonderful night just turned to shit. “What are you doing here?”

Dan Rushmore, her ex, stood staring down at her, and he was pissed. “Who in the fuck do you think you are?”

Not really knowing what to say because she couldn’t believe he was there, she allowed herself to be nudged aside as he stormed past her. Leaving the door open, she turned, finally finding her voice.

“Who in the fuck do I think
I
am?” Yeah, she’d found her voice, and she was damn well going to use it. “You have some nerve showing up here.”

“You need to tell the police that what Karen is saying is a lie, and I want my fucking dog back,” Dan snapped, his face flushed with anger.

“Ah, no on both.” Emily crossed her arms over her breasts. “You never took care of Max. I did. As for the police, not happening. If I can stop you from drugging another woman so you can have sex with her, then I will do everything in my power to do so.”

“Emily, come on. I love you. You know I would never do that to you.” He tried another route since the mean and angry one wasn’t working. This one wasn’t working either.

“You tried to rape me, Dan. You talked me into drinking, which you know I don’t do, ever. To shut you the hell up, I had one drink that you brought me. Actually, I didn’t even drink all of it.” Emily pointed at him, taking a step forward. “I may be a lightweight when it comes to alcohol, but I know one drink would not affect me that way. They found Rohypnol in my system at the hospital.”

“This is bullshit,” Dan shouted, spittle flying from his mouth. “You’ve ruined my fucking life. I’ve lost my scholarship over this. I had to drop out, and the fucking police are looking for me. Because of you, I have a warrant for my arrest.”

Emily stared at him, wondering what she ever saw in Dan Rushmore and honestly, she could only come up with one thing. He was her means to forget about Hunter, and it hadn’t worked, not even close. He was okay-looking in a clean-cut kind of way, not like Hunter who possessed a rugged handsomeness that made women stop in their tracks. They were total opposites in every way.

“Get out.” Grabbing the handle, Emily opened the door wider. When she turned, Dan still stood where he had been, not moving to leave. His nostrils flared in anger as his eyes narrowed in hate. “I said get out!”

“I’m not going anywhere until I get my dog back and you call the cops now and tell them Karen was lying about all of it.” Dan took a step forward.

“Neither will ever happen, asshole.” Emily’s eyes narrowed. “Now get out before I scream and believe me, you don’t want to know what happens when a woman screams around here.”

“Scream and I’ll make you regret it.” Dan closed the rest of the distance just as Emily’s mouth opened wide.

******

Hunter headed toward the feed mill, more than ready to spend the evening with Emily. He was alert as he walked through town, knowing the calm wasn’t going to last long. They had stationed the younger shifters throughout town to keep an eye on businesses and residential homes so they could raise the alarm if anything happened. So far so good. With their pack being small, they had to count on less experienced pack members to take shifts on watching the town. He hoped that didn’t backfire, but himself, Dell, Marcus and Garrett could only do so much. He just hoped Jonah pulled through and brought more shifters into their pack.

“Hey, Hunter!” Steve called out, heading his way.

Moaning, Hunter stopped and put on a smile. “What’s up, Steve?”

“I just wanted to let you know I’ve been called back to Cincinnati.” Steve shrugged, not looking happy about going home at all. “I just wanted to tell you bye in case I didn’t see you later.”

“Why did you get called back?” Hunter was curious.

“Not sure. Something big is happening I guess, but Sloan wouldn’t tell Slade over the phone.” Steve glanced back at Garrett’s. “All three of us are heading out, but I’m going to try to come back soon to see Leda. You think Garrett would be okay with that?”

“Well, I don’t see why not. I mean, he’s allowing you to stay there tonight, isn’t he?” Hunter frowned, wishing Steve would get on with it. He liked the kid, but damn.

“Yeah, but I heard him asking Marcus how you killed a vampire.” Steve grimaced before rolling his eyes.

“Ah, man,” Hunter choked out. “I’m sure he was just messing with you. Come back anytime you want.”

“Thanks.” Steve nodded as he turned and ran back toward Garrett’s.

Hunter watched him disappear into Garrett’s house and smiled. “Poor bastard.” Hunter chuckled, shaking his head. He then crossed the street to the feed store. His smile faded as he noticed the front door of the store opened slightly. He knew Emily had closed over an hour ago. He became alert as he picked up his pace. It wasn’t until a scream split the air that he was running full blast.

Hunter rushed through the door ready for anything. There was a man leaning over Emily, whose scream abruptly cut off as the man snatched her by the arm and shook her.

“Shut the fuck up, Emily.” The man hissed in her face.

Just seeing the bastard’s hands on her was enough to send Hunter into a killing rage. With no thought to anything other than getting the fucker’s hands off Emily, he took off and clotheslined the bastard by the throat sending him crashing to the ground.

Hunter knelt on one knee while his other leg straddled the man as he pummeled the man’s face. Too soon hands were pulling him off the bastard. “Get the fuck off me,” Hunter said with a growl, fighting to get back to the man who lay on the floor bleeding.

Dell and Steve held Hunter back as Garrett dragged the man up from the floor.

“Jesus, I couldn’t ever get homesick around here.” Steve huffed, holding Hunter back with Dell. “Just like home sweet home with the Warriors.”

Dell grunted when Hunter elbowed him in the side of the head. “Who the fuck is that?”

“I just want my fucking dog.” The man spat blood, his eyes glaring at Emily.

Something clicked with Hunter and he felt Dell stiffen. They both looked at Emily, who was sneering at the man.

“You’ll never get her back,” Emily shouted, her anger unmistakable.

“Is that your fucking ex?” Hunter’s growl echoed in the room as he and his wolf raged. He had never felt this much anger in his life. It was like he was about to explode.

“Hunter, chill out,” Garrett ordered, his eyes shifting between him and Emily, who was nodding.

“Chill out?” Hunter yelled. “The motherfucker tried to rape her.”

As one, Steve and Dell let go of Hunter. Garrett didn’t even try to protect the man as both Hunter and Dell charged toward him. Dell punched out, only clipping the man on his chin. Hunter caught the man, taking him to the ground, his fury unleashing on the man who dared to touch what was his.

******

Emily stood back watching Hunter pound on Dan. At first, she felt an odd sense of justice, but that was swiftly replaced with fear, and not fear of Dan. She wasn’t afraid of him; he was pathetic. What scared her was Hunter killing a man over her. She didn’t want that.

“Stop!” She stepped closer to them, but Dell stopped her. She looked up at Dell whose face was a mask of rage. “Please, stop him.”

“No,” Dell responded without even looking at her.

“Dell, he’s going to kill him. He’s not even fighting back,” Emily pleaded, but Dell didn’t respond, ignoring her. “I’m not worth him killing someone over.”

Turning his head, he looked down at her. “Yes, you are.” He stared at her for a second longer before cursing, then headed toward Hunter pulling him off.

His words shocked her, but then she remembered what Hunter had said and still she didn’t believe Dell loved her. Before she could think more on Dell’s words, she heard Hunter’s angry voice.

“If I ever see you anywhere near her again, there won’t be a soul who can save you,” Hunter yelled with Dell holding him back, while Garrett and Steve dragged the man out of harm’s way. “You hear me, fucker?”

Steve looked down at the bloody beat-up man, a smirk on his face. “I think the only thing this asshole is hearing is karma laughing her ass off.”

“I’ll take him to the police,” Dell said to Hunter but looked at Emily. “You may need to make a statement.”

“I have no problem with that,” Emily replied, and she didn’t. She wanted him punished for what he’d tried to do so he wouldn’t do it to anyone else.

“Do I need to send someone with you, or can you maintain without killing the bastard?” Garrett asked, his eyes narrowed at Dell.

“I’ll go with him,” Steve said, helping Dell practically carry the man out the door. “We aren’t leaving until sometime tomorrow.”

Emily moved out of the way as Dell and Steve passed, pulling Dan between them. Dan’s eyes rose to meet hers. He spat blood at her feet. “You’ll regret this.”

“I doubt that,” Emily shot back.

“You son of a bitch.” Hunter went after him, but Garrett stopped him with a shove. “Cool the fuck down, Hunter. It’s over.”

“The fuck it is.” Hunter’s eyes narrowed at the door Dan had disappeared out of. “I’ll tear that fucker in half.”

Emily watched as Garrett shoved Hunter toward the back of the store, leaving her standing alone. Her emotions were all over the place, but what really upset her was that her date with Hunter was ruined. Dan got what was coming to him and she was not dropping the charges, so in her mind, that was done for now, until she had to do whatever she had to do legally. Glancing to the back where Hunter had disappeared with Garrett, she prayed he would reappear because she needed him now more than ever. Dealing with her sister, Sadie and Dan in such a short amount of time was almost more than she could take.