Forbidden Seduction (Lee County Wolves Series) Book #2 (6 page)

Chapter 9

Hunter woke with a start, sitting straight up before realizing he was at his brother’s. They had followed the trail of the bastard and his little gang until it disappeared completely. The sun was just coming up when they made it back in town, and he knew Emily would be asleep. He was too tired to go to his home so he crashed at Garrett and Janna’s, as did Marcus. The rest went their separate ways. He did, however, run to the feed mill to make sure the doors were locked and all was good before even thinking of resting.

Putting his bare feet on the cold floor, he jumped when something sharp clamped down on his foot. “Son of a bitch.” Looking down, he glared into the eyes of Max, Emily’s puppy. “Damn, you have sharp-ass teeth. What are you doing here?”

Leda walked in with a grin. “Emily gave her to Sam last night.”

Hunter’s head snapped up. “What?”

“Yeah, pretty cool of her, but….” Leda frowned and then grinned when Max bit Hunter on the foot again.

“Why, you little brat.” Hunter laughed, prying puppy teeth from his skin. “But what?” His attention went back to Leda, who he was more comfortable with since it seemed like she had a new crush. Leda was a beautiful girl, but much too young for him. His feelings for her were that of a kid sister.

“She seemed happy about it, but when I ran back to ask her what she was feeding him, she was crying.” Leda sat down across from Hunter. “And I don’t mean just a little sad cry. It was bad, so I just left because I felt she needed a minute to herself. If she wants Max back, we will give her back.”

Hunter stared at Leda wondering what in the hell he was getting into. The only thing he understood about women was…. Dammit, as good as he was at seducing women, he didn’t know shit about them.

“I think she’s lonely, but that doesn’t make sense because having a dog is like having a companion.” Leda shrugged. “You think I should talk to her?”

Hunter stood, glad he had slept in his jeans. “No, I’ll head over and check on her.” He smiled down at Leda. “Where’s Sam?”

“Sleeping still.” She laughed, picking up Max. “He was up all night playing with Max.”

“Garrett and Janna are okay with this?” Hunter asked, grabbing his shirt. Once Garrett convinced Janna she was his mate, both Leda and Sam were moved from Molly’s to Garrett’s home where they lived as a family.

“Sam has them wrapped around his little finger.” Leda rolled her eyes. “He could bring a grizzly bear home and they’d be cool with it.”

“He is a pretty awesome kid,” Hunter agreed and then ruffled her hair. “And I’m pretty sure you have them wrapped around your little finger also… hmm.”

Leda snorted then kicked him. “I’m glad I don’t have a crush on you anymore. You’re kind of a jerk.”

Hunter cocked his eyebrow before nodding in agreement. “Just wait till you bring those boys here.”

“Oh, that won’t happen.” Leda stood, heading out of the room.

“Doesn’t matter. I’ll go to them.” Hunter walked in the opposite direction toward the kitchen. He needed some coffee. He’d showered when he’d got in, and his clothes were clean. He just needed some coffee to wake his ass up.

“You’ll never know which one,” Leda called out as she went upstairs with Max running after her.

“Don’t know me very well,” Hunter muttered. Poor kid, she’d never be able to date with him, Garrett, and Marcus around. Smelling the coffee, he knew someone was already up and drinking the brew. Janna stood in the kitchen holding her nose as she took a bite of scrambled egg. “What in the hell are you doing?”

Janna sighed, putting the fork down. “The smell of eggs makes me sick, but that’s what I’m craving.” She huffed. “Being pregnant sucks.”

Hunter raised his eyebrows but didn’t say a word. He grabbed a cup out of the cabinet and poured. When he turned with the cup raised to his lips, Janna was pointing a fork in his face.

“What? Don’t you believe me?” Janna made a jabbing motion with the fork, making him jerk almost spilling the precious brew.

“Whoa, now.” Hunter stepped back. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Exactly, but I saw that look and I really want to smack you.” Janna turned away, stabbed some eggs, held her nose and took a bite.

“Does that really work?” Hunter frowned, wondering what the hell he did to make her want to smack him. He decided it safer not to ask her what look.

Janna gagged, which totally answered his question. “I think I’m dying,” Janna said dramatically before turning deadly serious. “And I want to kill your brother.”

“Go for it.” Hunter shrugged, trying not to laugh. “I’ve wanted to kill him a time or two myself.”

“You’re not funny.” Janna narrowed her eyes at him, but just as quickly got a thoughtful look on her face before heading to the refrigerator. She pulled out some chocolate syrup.

Hunter watched in horror as she squirted the chocolate syrup on the scrambled eggs, picked up the fork and took a huge bite of eggs and chocolate syrup.

“Mmmm.” Janna’s head fell back. “Now that’s—”

“Fucking disgusting.” This time Hunter was the one gagging. “Damn, Janna, you’re going to make me throw up.”

“No, it’s good. Here, take a bite.” Janna scooped a large chunk of nasty on her fork heading his way.

“Hey!” Hunter dodged, getting as far away as he could. Downing the rest of his coffee, he decided the back door was the easiest, safest, and closest exit. Her mood swings from wanting to smack him, kill his brother, to wanting to feed him some nasty shit was enough to send him running like a little bitch, and that was exactly what he did. “Tell Garrett I’ll be back… maybe.”

“Jesus!” Hunter practically fell out the back door trying to get away from the craziness. Women were certifiably nuts. When pregnant, he didn’t even know what classification to put them in. Stepping on something, he looked down and cursed. He had forgotten his damn shoes. Glancing back at the house, he decided he’d walk on hot coals before he went back inside.

Heading toward the feed mill, he was anxious to see Emily, a new emotion to him. Usually, he wasn’t anxious for a woman’s company; they were anxious for his. His frown deepened the closer he came to the store and the more his brain worked. He was finally admitting to himself something he knew long ago. Emily Snodgrass was his damn mate, and that was exactly why he’d done everything in his power to stay the fuck away from her, but something had changed. It had nothing to do with her changed looks. Nope, it had everything to do with a shifter’s make-up. He didn’t understand it, none of them did, but once a shifter found their mate that was it. Nothing they could do, say, pray or anything could change the fact. And Hunter Foster knew that more than anyone because he had done all that and more when he realized what his wolf had been telling him years ago.

His reluctance to admit to the truth about Emily had nothing at all to do with her, but everything to do with him. He hadn’t wanted a mate, thought it was a bunch of bullshit. So what had changed? He knew exactly what had changed. Watching his brother with Janna had him yearning for something, but what really set things in motion for him was being with the VC Warriors and watching them with their mates. It was the same for vampires. His yearning intensified, as did the irritation of his wolf. He realized he had never felt complete with any woman, but something about Emily had always comforted him. He had fought hard, but the battle was lost, and it was time he stepped up. He just hoped she would have him after everything.

Heading up the steps to the feed mill, he opened the door expecting to see Emily, but instead, Deb was behind the counter. “Hey, Deb.” Hunter greeted. “Is Emily here?”

“No.” Deb frowned, which she always seemed to do. “It’s her day off, and she was already gone when I came in this morning.”

“Do you know where she is?” Unease settled in the pit of his stomach.

“I never know where Emily is,” Deb replied with a shrug. “Her car’s gone so she’ll probably be gone all day.”

“What’s her cell phone number?” Hunter pulled out his phone ready to punch in the number.

Deb didn’t answer but just stared at him and then laughed. “What did old Mable threaten you with this time?”

“What?” Hunter’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing.

“Everyone knows why you took my sister to her prom.” Deb chuckled. “I mean, I know she’s lost a little weight and got rid of those god-awful glasses, but honestly, Hunter, stop already. Old Mable doesn’t have power. She’s not a witch.”

Hunter had to count to ten before he opened his mouth. If Deb were a man, she’d be lying flat on the floor. Then again, he was the reason she and others thought this. Determination to fix what he had done many years ago surged through him.

“I suggest you keep that kind of comment to yourself from here on out, especially when I’m within hearing distance.” Hunter did his best to keep the growl out of his voice, but it was impossible. “Now tell me what her cell number is before I get really pissed.”

Deb’s head snapped back in shock, her eyes wide staring at him before she shook her head. “She doesn’t have one.” When he didn’t look like he believed her, she hurried to add, “She really doesn’t. Once she got home from college, she tossed it in the garbage. I saw her do it.”

Pushing away from the counter, Hunter left the feed mill without a word. Deb’s voice trailed after him, but he ignored her and walked out the door. Heading down the steps, he knew what he had to do to find her, but the voice shouting from down the street stopped him dead in his tracks. “No, fucking way,” Hunter murmured to himself, shaking his head as if hearing things.

“Hey!” the voice called again. “Are you going to stop, you hairy-ass bastard?”

Hunter turned to see Steve, a newly trained VC Warrior, walking from Rocky’s Bar and Grill with a huge grin on his face and a friendly wave.

“Steve?” Hunter even tilted his head as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“In the flesh, my wolfie friend.” Steve stopped in front of him, spreading his arms wide.

“What are you doing here?” Hunter came out of his stupor.

“Sloan sent me to help you guys transition,” Steve said proudly, but seeing the surprised look on Hunter’s face, Steve shrugged. “Yeah, I know. Shocked the shit out of me too. Guess the boss man wants to see what I’m made of.”

Hunter liked Steve, he really did. The guy was funny as hell, but—

“Listen, I know I’m a fuck up sometimes.” Steve stopped Hunter’s thoughts as if he had read them. “And I know you guys are going through some shit right now. I only want to help by being a middleman between you guys and the Warriors. I volunteered and after a half an hour—no exaggeration because it was the most uncomfortable half an hour I’ve ever spent in my life—of Sloan staring me down without saying a word, he agreed.”

Hunter looked behind Steve to see a car, figuring it was his parked at Rocky’s. “Get your car and park it at my brother’s.” Hunter pointed over his shoulder. “I’ll meet you there.”

Steve nodded. “Thanks, man,” Steve added before turning and heading for his car.

Hunter bobbed his head without saying a word, watching Steve trot to his car. His brothers were going to eat this kid alive.

Chapter 10

Watching Steve closely, Hunter stood in the kitchen chowing on some bacon. How Steve dealt with his brother was going to determine the relationship between his pack and the VC Warriors. It was definitely a butt-pucker moment for Steve, who stood still and silent focusing on Garrett reading the letter from Sloan.

Janna walked into the kitchen looking directly at Steve. “Hi.”

“Hello, ma’am.” Steve nodded, his eyes going directly to her bulging belly. “I’m Steve.”

“And I’m just Janna, no ma’am.” She walked directly to Garrett, who wrapped his arm around her while still reading the letter. “Would you like something to eat or maybe some coffee? We don’t have any blood.” Janna grinned, looking at his fangs.

“I’m good, thanks.” Steve smiled. “I had a hitchhiker a while back.”

Garrett’s eyes lifted from the letter to glare at Steve. Hunter laughed. “He’s joking.” Hunter grabbed another piece of bacon. “You’ll get used to his humor… maybe.”

Janna laughed, and Garrett went back to the letter but kissed Janna’s forehead before doing so.

Watching Janna and Garrett together, Hunter frowned, wondering where in the hell Emily had gone. He was actually worried especially after Leda told him how upset she’d been. Despite the bacon tasting like cardboard, he continued eating for something to do. His body felt wired, anxious to get the hell out of the house and find Emily. He knew his wolf could track her down, and that had been his plan until Steve showed up. Finally, Garrett put the letter down, his narrowed eyes going directly to Steve.

“Is my pack or any human under my protection in danger of you?” Garrett’s point-blank question made Janna gasp.

“Garrett, that was rude.” Janna frowned up at him.

“Don’t care,” Garrett replied, his eyes never leaving Steve.

“It’s okay,” Steve reassured Janna, while Hunter silently watched the exchange. Steve wanted to play with the big boys, which meant Steve was on his own. He knew his brother didn’t have much experience with vampires and honestly, the only one he’d ever trusted was Jax Wheeler, but then he met more of the VC Warriors. He would trust his life with any of them just as he did his brothers. “No one is in any danger of me, that I can promise you. I don’t feed from humans or shifters, and I probably won’t be here long enough to need to feed.”

Hunter was proud of Steve acting all grown—

“Unless, a pretty girl wants to—” Steve began in Steve fashion, but Hunter stopped him.

“Dude, you were doing so well.” Hunter smacked him on the side of the head. “Shut the fuck up before Janna beats your ass.”

“Dammit.” Steve sighed, shaking his head disgusted with himself.

Garrett’s mouth curved up in a grin before it disappeared quickly. “We haven’t heard anything from the human government yet, and until we do, nothing is going to change.” Garrett frowned. “We’re having issues with other wolf shifters wanting to take over the pack, so any help keeping our young and vulnerable safe would be appreciated for as long as you are here.”

“Absolutely.” Steve rubbed his hands together. “Just tell me when, where and who.”

“You’ll stay with Hunter.” Garrett ignored Hunter shaking his head. “I’ll give Sloan a call later to go over some things in the letter.”

“Sounds good to me.” Steve turned toward Hunter. “Where should I put my stuff, roomie?”

“Shit,” Hunter muttered. He had stuff to do, not play host to Steve. “Come on.”

Janna had walked over to pour some coffee when she stopped and bent over with a moan. Garrett was there in a flash, knocking Hunter out of the way.

“Janna!” Garrett grasped her shoulder so she didn’t fall.

“I’m fine.” Janna straightened, her face pale. “Just a twinge.”

“That was more than a twinge.” Hunter watched her closely, prepared if Garrett needed help.

“Well, that doctor said it was probably normal.” Janna took a deep breath; her eyes said she didn’t believe for one second it was normal.

“I think you need to find a different doctor.” Hunter glanced at Steve. “How fast do you think Slade could get here?”

“I’m fine.” Janna pushed Garrett’s hands away. “He’s supposed to be one of the best doctors around.”

“For humans,” Garrett added. His gaze turned to Hunter. “Who’s Slade?”

“Dr. Slade Buchanan is one of the best doctors I’ve ever seen, and I’m sure he could be here today. He takes this shit seriously, almost more serious than his Warrior duties,” Steve answered, grabbing his phone out of his back pocket.

“His mate is Jill,” Hunter explained when Steve walked out of the room with the phone to his ear. “The one I shifted for.”

Steve came back in the room. “He wants to know if you’ve had any.... I can’t ask her that. No, I don’t want my ass beat.” Steve rolled his eyes, pointing at his phone. “Okay, I’ll ask. He wants to know if you’ve had any bleeding.”

“No,” Janna replied, shaking her head.

“Where’s the pain?” Steve looked relieved at the simple, non-embarrassing question.

“Lower, about here.” Janna used her hand to rub where the pain was.

Steve relayed that information and then asked, “How long have you been having the pain and how often?”

“For a few weeks and it’s just random,” Janna answered easily, indicating to Hunter how worried she really was.

Once again, Steve relayed the information before nodding. “Okay, yeah. Uh-huh. Yep, will do.” Steve continued to nod. Finally, he stopped. “I won’t. Okay, see you then.”

Garrett hovered over Janna, who had gone to sit down. “What did he say?” Janna asked, her face gaining a little color back.

“He said that he wants you in bed, no food or anything to drink,” Steve replied, looking official. “He wants me to text him the details of the nearest hospital—”

“What the fuck for.” Garrett’s body language went instantly alert.

“He wants to contact them so if he needs to do a sono… sono… ah thing—”

“Sonogram,” Janna supplied.

“Yeah, that thing.” Steve bobbed his head. “He wants to have it ready if he needs to use it. He did the same thing with Pam when she was prego.”

“Pam?” Janna seemed a little more at ease.

“Yeah, she’s Duncan’s mate.” Steve smiled. “She was having all kinds of problems, and Dr. Slade swooped in and saved the day. Little Dunk is healthy and thriving.”

Hunter laughed, shaking his head at Steve. Jesus, no wonder the Warriors always wanted to kick his ass.

“So he’s coming here?” Garrett asked. Hunter couldn’t quite get a read on if his brother was happy with that or not.

“Yep, he’s heading out now.” Steve looked as if he’d saved the world.

“Thank you.” Janna smiled at Steve. “I feel bad he has to come all this way, but this doctor is human, and I don’t think he really knows what to do or think. He simply tells me everything is normal, but I really don’t think it is.”

“Well, Dr. Slade is the shit, but I will warn you.” He looked at Garrett with a frown. “All the women fall in love with him ’cause, and I swear I’m not gay or anything, he’s pretty damn hot.”

“Jesus.” Hunter slapped his hand on his forehead and then ushered Steve out of the kitchen. “We’ll be back before they get here. I’m going to get Steve settled at my place.”

“What? What did I say?” Steve glanced at Hunter as they headed out of the house. “I was just giving Garrett fair warning so he didn’t try to kill Slade if Janna went goo-goo eyes over him.”

“How in the hell have you survived this long with the Warriors?” Hunter laughed, getting in Steve’s car.

“Because in truth, they lurve me.” Steve grinned, starting the car. “Especially Sloan.”

Hunter snorted at that. Holy shit, this was going to be a nightmare: trying to keep the town safe, win Emily over and keep his brothers from killing Steve. As the car started so did the radio, which was turned all the way up blaring Taylor Swift.

“You have got to be fucking kidding me.” Hunter laid his head back squeezing his eyes shut.

“Dude, her new single is pretty awesome.” Steve turned it down, but left it playing, drumming with the beat on his stirring wheel. “Which way do we go, bro?”

Pointing, Hunter didn’t even open his eyes. Maybe his brother killing Steve wasn’t what he should be worried about because he was about to beat the ever living shit out of him. And when Steve started singing along with the music, Hunter had to restrain himself and his wolf from tearing him apart. Reaching over, he snapped the music off.

“Hey!” Steve went to reach for the knob but stopped when a loud inhuman growl sounded in the car.

“If you fucking touch that knob, I will fucking tear you apart.” Hunter’s voice was a mix of human and wolf snarls.

“Whoa, chill out, bro.” Steve glanced at him long enough to almost go off the road. “Shake it off, man. Do as Taylor says and shake it off.” Steve grinned then hummed the tune to “Shake it Off” not realizing how close to death he really was.