Sanctuary (A Hunted Novel Book 1) (28 page)
Read Sanctuary (A Hunted Novel Book 1) Online
Authors: Bethany Shaw
“Sure,” Tess murmured into his mouth. She deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue against his.
Nate pulled back, placing one last chaste kiss to her lips before resting his forehead on hers. “I’ll see you in a few. I love you.”
Tess smiled. “I love you too.”
Nate trailed a hand down her cheek, trailing one finger over her lips before he stepped back.
Tess watched as he walked down the hallway. What was he up to?
I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough.
In the meantime, a nice hot shower sounded fantastic.
***
T
ess scrubbed her head with the towel in a vain attempt to dry her long locks. Nate needed a hair dryer in his room.
I’ll put that on the list of things we need.
She still didn’t have very much. But being on the road they didn’t need a lot.
It would be nice to make this room theirs for when they were at Sanctuary. She hung the navy towel back on the rack and hopped into her jeans and a long sleeve red tee.
The bedroom door creaked open, and Tess hurried out of the bathroom with a smile.
“Hey, did you get...” she trailed off as she met Patrice’s blue eyes. “Hi,” she stammered.
“Hello,” Patrice greeted with a sigh.
“Nate’s not here,” Tess responded shifting on her feet. They were having dinner in a little bit, but surely Patrice wouldn’t want to stay without Nate as a buffer between them.
“I’m aware. Charles and Nate are taking a little longer than expected,” Patrice began, looking around the room. She sighed. “I suppose this place could use a woman’s touch. It’s a little dreary in here.”
Tess hadn’t given it much thought. She hadn’t even spent one night in here yet. The room was a pigsty. Clothes were scattered across the floor and the forest green sheets on the bed were still unmade from who knew when they were last slept in.
“I haven’t had much time to personalize it,” Tess commented. The last time they were here she was in the room for ten minutes tops, and that was so Nate could pack himself a bag. That was five weeks ago.
The wolf tapped the pads of her fingers together as if thinking of something to say. “Perhaps sometime soon, the two of you will get a chance to settle and make it... quainter in here,” Patrice replied.
“Yeah. Once we find Eden,” Tess said, shuffling uneasily on her feet. Patrice was being cordial, but seriously could the conversation be anymore awkward. Why was she here?
“Would you like to walk to dinner with me?” Patrice offered.
“Um, sure,” Tess agreed.
“Good,” Patrice swallowed and ambled toward the door. She placed her hand on the knob and then dropped it back to her side. Turning around she spoke, “Look, my mother’s family was hurt by werecats. I’ve grown up with stories and... I never wanted Nate in a relationship like yours. It’s unnatural—”
“Excuse me,” Tess snapped interrupting her. Was she hearing her right? What the hell?
Patrice held her hands up. “I’m sorry. That’s not how I meant it.”
Tess arched a brow at her. “Well, what did you mean?” she challenged.
“I love my son. He is the best part of my world. You make him happy. He wouldn’t have been happy with a wolf. I know that. I knew that even before you came along. I don’t like it, but I do want my child to have everything he wants in life. If that includes you then...” she tapped her hands together as she trailed off. “I’ll do my best to accept it. Charles seems to think that me showing the other council members my acceptance will make your relationship less taboo in their eyes. And that it will help the rest of the shifters accept it as well.”
“Okay,” Tess drawled. It wasn’t friendly by any means, but it was a start—she guessed.
“We have one thing in common too,” Patrice sighed. “We both love Nate and want to keep him safe. So, shall we?” she offered, motioning to the door.
Tess nodded. They had to start somewhere.
***
N
ate nuzzled into Tess’ neck as he reached behind him for his cellphone. He fumbled around on the top of the nightstand, finally grasping the device. Swiping his finger over the phone he silenced the alarm.
“It’s too early,” Tess grumbled, pressing her warm, naked body against his.
Nate growled, fighting the urge to take her lush body again. It seemed he was insatiable when it came to her. He could never get enough. But today they had to be on their way again. Before they left, he had a surprise for her, and he wanted to get down to the garage early enough to make sure they got to thank his dad, Thomas, and Theodore before they went about their daily business.
“We have to get up,” he mumbled. “You want to say bye before we leave,” he reminded. “Thomas and Theodore go on guard duty at eight.”
Tess groaned as she stretched. “All right,” she sighed.
“I’ll let you sleep in tomorrow,” he promised.
Tess blinked her eyes open and placed a kiss to his lips. “I’m holding you to that.”
“Come on. Let’s go,” he said rolling out of bed before his beautiful mate could tempt him. He padded to the dresser and pulled out his clothes, dressing with his back to her. If he turned, he would lose the small shred of control he had.
“You’re no fun,” Tess commented. The bed creaked as she moved across it. Her footsteps tiptoed over the carpet to the bathroom.
She emerged several moments later dressed with her hair pulled up in a messy do. “I’m ready,” she yawned.
“Come on,” he grinned. He entwined his hand with hers and led them into the hall, and down the corridor to the garage.
“You’re oddly chipper this morning, and I know you’re not a morning person,” Tess observed, eyeing him suspiciously.
She knew him too well already. Their connection was strong. He knew that she could sense his anxiousness, but it was too hard to contain it.
He broke into a trot, pulling Tess with him as they approached the garage. Nate beamed as he stopped at the door and pulled her to him. “I have something for you,” he admitted.
“In here?” Tess asked curiously.
Nate kissed her gently. “It took some work, but with your brothers, and my dad’s help, we pulled it off.”
“What?” Tess asked.
He smirked. She really had no idea. He bumped the door open with his butt and watched as Tess’ mouthed popped open. Her eyes widened, and she covered her lips with her hand, stifling her gasp.
“Oh my God. Is that...” she trailed off pulling away from him and running to the Firebird.
“The one and only,” Thomas bellowed as he and Theodore stepped into her line of vision.
“You got Betsy?” Tess laughed, turning to Nate, then back to her brothers. “But how?”
“He had a little help,” Theodore joked.
“Hunters already know Sanctuary is here,” Nate replied. “The cars registered in your name. It wasn’t hard to have it sent down with your brothers helping out.”
“Thank you,” Tess laughed, hugging Thomas and Theodore before throwing her arms around his neck. “Thank you,” she whispered again.
“We got to shove off, sis,” Thomas said patting her on the back.
“Take care of her and Betsy,” Theodore warned, pointing his finger at Nate.
“I will,” Nate promised.
“Bye,” Tess waved as her brothers left the garage.
“You ready?” Nate asked holding the keys out to her.
Tess slipped the keys out of his hand. “Let’s go find our families.”
Nate grinned as he walked to the passenger side. Tess’ smile was contagious, and he really would do anything to keep her happy. The world they lived in was cold and dangerous, but he was fortunate enough to find a reprieve. Tess was the light in the darkness, the warmth in the cruelty. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for the woman he loved.
As the car roared to life, he threaded his fingers with hers, ready to embark on their next journey.
Can Eden and Xander escape their captors? Will their feelings for each other be their undoing? Find out in Off Limits, A Hunted Novel.
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B
ethany Shaw lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids. Writing has always been her passion, and she loves sharing her stories with readers. When she isn't writing, she is spending time with her family. They enjoy bike rides, bowling, and board games.
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