She nodded. “You’re right. I know you’re right.” She absently rubbed the tattoos on her arms. He hoped they comforted her, reminded her of the woman who’d taken her in and loved her. “I always thought I’d face him alone. I never planned on anyone else being caught in our war.”

  He took one of her hands in his. “It was inevitable.” He placed it over his heart. “We were meant to be.”

  “Maybe it’s magic.” Her tired smile wasn’t reflected in her eyes.

  “You’re magic. You might not be a hereditary witch, but you’re special. Your mother knew it, so did Lottie. Your sire fears it.” He pressed his hand over her heart, his fingers cupping her breast. “That’s why he wants to destroy you. There’s so much love pent up inside you, it’s condensed over the years. Become something bright and strong and beautiful.”

  A blush rose up her cheeks. She glanced down, shaking her head.

  “Look at me.” He waited until she’d raised her head. “You’re fearless and brave and so beautiful you make my heart hurt. You were meant to be mine just as I was meant to be yours. If you believe nothing else, believe that.”

  “I do.” The two words fell from her lips. She sniffed, blinking rapidly. “God, I’ve been through more emotions these past few days than I have in years. It’s crazy. You realize that, don’t you?”

  The corners of his mouth turned up. “I do, but, chère, we fit.”

  She laughed. “Guess that makes us both crazy.” The laughter faded. “I can’t put your family in danger.”

  “They won’t be.” She had to come willingly or he wouldn’t trust her not to put herself in danger, like she had today by becoming bait for the hunter.

  “Call them. Tell them everything. They have to understand what they’re getting into.”

  “Fair enough.” He pushed to his feet. “Get your things together. We’ll load everything in the truck.”

  “You’re surer than I am.” She stood. “I’ll ride the Harley.”

  He shook his head. “It can go in the back of the truck. We stick together or we stay here and make a stand.”

  “We don’t know how many males he’ll bring.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” Leaving her to gather her belongings, he grabbed his bag and headed to the kitchen. Bast wasn’t going to be happy riding in a pet carrier, but no way was he leaving her behind.

  ****

  Jesse shoved her belongings in the back seat of the truck, slammed the door shut, and went around to the open tailgate. Her motorcycle was on the ground beside it.

  “Hop up,” he instructed.

  Once she was situated, he lifted the front end of the Harley, biceps bulging beneath the short sleeves of his shirt. “Don’t you have a piece of wood in that barn we can use as a ramp?”

  “Stop fretting.” As soon as the front wheel made contact, he hefted the back end.

  Muttering under her breath about stubborn males, she grabbed the handlebars and eased the bike forward. Any doubts about his injuries had been put to rest. He really did heal incredibly fast. Difficult to believe only a couple of hours ago he was flat on his back on the ground, bleeding heavily.

  He joined her in the bed of the truck, and they fastened down the machine with straps before putting a tarp over it. Once it was as secure as they could make it, they jumped down and he closed the back.

  “I need to lure Bast into her carrier.” He scanned the yard, his head tipped slightly to one side as he listened intently. She did the same, hearing nothing out of place. Everything seemed normal, but nothing was.

  It was well after midnight. Dawn wasn’t far off. The picnic in the woods seemed like a lifetime ago. Being attacked and fighting for her life, dealing with the body, and packing had all taken time.

  Good thing for their enhanced vision. The light from the moon and stars was more than enough for them.

  “You need to call your alpha.” She wasn’t setting foot in the truck until he did.

  “Let’s get this done. My wolf is restless.”

  Come to think of it, hers was, too. “You think someone is coming?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck and slung his free arm around her waist, giving her a quick squeeze of reassurance. “I guarantee it.”

  After a final glance over her shoulder, she let him lead her inside. Bast raised her head from where she was curled up on the chair and blinked. She expected Aaron to go straight for the cat, but he pulled out his phone.

  “It’s the middle of the night.” Crap, she hadn’t thought this through. It was too late to stop. The phone was already ringing. She leaned against the door for support.

  “What’s wrong?” The authoritative voice made her straighten. Jacque LaForge sounded tough. What would he look like? If Aaron was any indication, he’d be badass.

  “Human assassin came for Jesse.”

  Bed clothes rustled. “How bad?” He kept his voice low, but a female voice could be heard in the background asking him who it was.

  “He’s handled. We have his laptop. I’ve scanned his phone.” When? That was news to her. She glared at him, but it was for naught. He was standing by the window, peering out into the night. “It’s all vague. I expect anything of value is on the laptop, but that’s password protected.”

  “How soon will you get here?” Jacque’s question didn’t surprise her. The man would be protective of his pack, of which she wasn’t a member.

  Pushing away from the door, she went to Aaron and held out her hand. He raised an eyebrow, but handed her the device. “Mr. LaForge.”

  “Jacque.”

  She licked her dry lips. “Jacque, I’m sorry to have involved your son in this. It was never my intention for him to have to kill a man to protect me.” Jesse closed her eyes when she heard a feminine gasp. No doubt Aaron’s mother had overheard.

  “He’s fine, Gwen,” Jacque assured his mate.

  She could not allow this family to suffer, no matter how much she wanted to stay with Aaron. That was selfish. “Jacque—”

  “There’s no time to talk.” He cut her off. “Get out of there now. We’ll talk when you get here. Check in every half hour. I’m going to head out and meet you halfway, escort you back in case you have company.” She could hear him moving around, no doubt getting dressed.

  Aaron plucked the phone from her hand. “We’re out the door as soon as I get the cat.” He ended the call and stuffed his phone in his pocket. “You heard the man.”

  Okay, new plan. There was no way he’d go without her. Not to mention her bike was already strapped on his truck. She’d get him home and then take off once she was sure they all understood the threat. Then she’d head back here and face her nemesis once and for all.

  Her stomach burned and she swallowed heavily. No matter how difficult it would be to leave Aaron, it was the right thing to do. After watching him fall, fearing he might be dead, she couldn’t allow him to put himself in the path of danger.

  Then why did her decision leave her feeling hollow?

  “Jesse?” Aaron was beside her, the cat carrier in one hand.

  “You have Bast?” He must have done it while she’d been lost in thought. She really needed to get her head screwed on straight. She couldn’t afford any lapses in attention.

  He ran his thumb over the curve of her cheek. “She walked right into the carrier. That cat is smart and a survivor. She knows something is up.” He flashed a sexy grin. “She’s easier to corral than you are. Let’s go.” He opened the door, but stepped out ahead of her, stopping to listen. “Lock up.”

  He stood in front of her, a personal shield, while she checked the lock. The windows and back door were already secured. “Done.”

  “Stay close.”

  All his precautions were making her jittery. An owl hooted. Something rustled in the bushes beyond the barn. Hustling to the truck, she jumped inside. Aaron shook his head and frowned. “Get in the damn truck,” she ordered. “You’re an easy target standing around.” She shut the door and tapped her foot against the floor.

  He secured the pet carrier in the backseat before taking the driver’s seat. Seconds later, they rolled down the drive and turned onto the road. Jesse squinted into the darkness for signs of people or trucks. “I don’t see anyone.”

  “Neither do I.” There were lights on in a couple of the homes they passed. Most folks were still in bed for at least another hour or more.

  Senses heightened, she continued to monitor behind and in front of them until they were a half hour away from the farm. Only then did she begin to relax. They’d escaped, for now.

  Aaron reached across the seat and patted her leg. “We’ll get through this.”

  Tension thrummed through her, making her stomach queasy. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms, chilled in spite of the warm night. They were safe, for now, but the threat was still out there. It wasn’t going away until Alain Rollins was dead.

  Could she kill him? Up until now, she honestly hadn’t been sure she could actually do it. She wasn’t a killer. Circumstances had forced her to become someone she’d never wanted to be.

  Jesse looked over at Aaron. His hair fell around his shoulders. He tapped one finger on the steering wheel, calm and competent. This was a male who’d give every ounce of blood in his body to protect those he considered his.

  Why couldn’t they have met under different circumstances? Her life had been one challenge after another since she’d taken her first breath. She wouldn’t change one second of it, not if it meant never meeting him.

  He’d taught her what love and commitment were supposed to be, even though neither of them had ever mentioned love. They’d barely had any time together, yet it seemed as though she’d known him forever.

  The answer to her question was stunningly clear. Yes, she could kill her sire, if it meant keeping Aaron safe. Her wolf chuffed inside her, easily agreeing. She was a female wolf and he was her mate. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do to protect him.

  Aaron’s phone rang. He released her leg and answered the call. “We’re on the road,” he said before the caller spoke.

  “So am I. Gator is with me.”

  God, her uncle was coming to protect her. Or was he? She only had his word that he was on her side. He was a stranger. Someone she hadn’t even known existed until earlier today.

  Aaron chatted easily with his father. Jesse took a deep breath and forced herself to relax. He wouldn’t take her to his pack if he thought for one second one of them might harm her. He’d barely hung up when his phone rang again.

  “Why the fuck didn’t you call me?”

  Jesse jerked in her seat, but Aaron only grinned. “No need to get your panties in a wad. We’re safe and on our way home. I couldn’t stop Dad from meeting us. Gator is with him.”

  “I’m about ten fucking minutes behind them. You should have called.”

  Aaron stopped smiling. “You have Bailey and the kids to worry about. We’re safe, but thanks for coming.”

  “You’re my brother. Dad told me what happened.” His voice was thick with emotion. “Were you hurt? Don’t lie to me.”

  Jesse squirmed in her seat, uncomfortable at eavesdropping on what should be a private conversation.

  “I was shot, but I’m already healed. Whatever you do, don’t tell Mom.”

  “I’m not stupid, but do you honestly think she won’t find out?”

  Their mother sounded like a formidable woman. She’d have to be if she was married to an alpha.

  Aaron groaned and shook his head. “The woman does have her ways, but it’s best if I tell her while I’m standing in front of her. That way, she can see for herself that I’m fine. Listen, why don’t you turn around and head home. Bailey has to be worried about you. If anyone was tailing us, we’d have seen them by now.”

  “He won’t give up.” He glanced her way when she interrupted their conversation. “Alain Rollins and his buddies will show up at some point. Maybe the human assassins, too.” These people had a right to know what they were inviting into their lives. “Your family is in danger every second I’m with your brother.”

  There was a long silence. “You care about my brother.”

  She’d rather bite her tongue off than discuss her feelings with a stranger. Or anyone, for that matter, but this wasn’t just anybody. This was Aaron’s brother. “I do.”

  “I’ll see you in about three hours.” The call ended abruptly. None of the LaForge men seemed big on saying goodbye or other basic phone etiquette.

  “He’s stubborn.”

  All she could do was stare at him, her mouth hanging open. “He’s stubborn? It’s obviously a family trait.”

  “I’m hungry. How about we pull off the next time we see a sign for a fast food restaurant and hit the drive thru for breakfast.”

  The sun was rising. Another day had dawned. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to eat anything, but she needed coffee. “Sounds good.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Aaron leaned against the truck—arms crossed and one leg bent with his foot resting against a tire—and watched the door of the ladies’ room. The cat had already been out for a stretch, eaten, and was settled back in the kennel. He hadn’t known how Bast would travel, but she was handling it like a pro.

  A man in a black SUV pulled up to an empty gas pump and jumped out, giving Aaron only a cursory glance. Other than the attendant inside, there was no one else around. He hated stopping, but the truck had needed fuel, and they’d both needed to hit the bathroom.

  They were already halfway home, making good time on the almost empty highway. He’d kept his speed only a little over the limit, not enough to get him pulled over but enough to cut some time off the trip. He’d texted their current location to both his dad and brother. They’d cross paths soon. He’d rather do it on the road and have them turn around and follow him. Jesse was nervous about meeting them. He’d rather have her safely on Salvation land when that happened.

  He pushed away from the side of the truck when the door finally opened. In her jeans and boots and T-shirt with her tattoos exposed, she looked tough and competent and in control. Dark circles under her eyes and a tightening around her mouth told another story. She was tired and strung out on nerves and caffeine.

  Hell, he was on edge. Somewhere out there, people were hunting her. She’d held things together and kept herself alive for— He had no idea how long. When had Lottie died? There was so much about Jesse that was a mystery.

  Her smile was strained as she reached his side. Needing the physical contact, he eased her into his arms. She sighed and rested her head against his chest. His wolf whined and paced inside him, not liking the situation any more than he did. Both sides of him wanted her safe and happy.

  Her hands clutched at the sides of his shirt. She nuzzled her face against him, the action instinctive. Since it spread his scent all over her, he wasn’t about to protest.

  He pressed a kiss against her temple, jerking his head around when he felt someone watching. The guy at the gas pump was staring. Aaron narrowed his eyes and gave a low growl, one so low a human wouldn’t hear it, but powerful enough to send a blast of dread through the air toward him. He looked away, hurriedly jumped in his SUV, and peeled out of the lot.

  “We’re scaring humans now?” The sparkle in her eyes lightened his heart.

  “Didn’t like him looking at you.” He cupped her ass and squeezed. “You’re mine.”

  “I doubt he was paying me any attention. He probably wanted to keep an eye on you since you’re so badass.”

  He lifted her slightly so her mound pressed against his erection. This wasn’t the time or place, but he couldn’t stop himself from making this small claim on her. It was primitive, but he wanted to rub all over her, wanted her marked so everyone in the pack would know she was his.

  He’d always figured he was a blend of modern male and werewolf, but with Jesse, he was more wolf than human. Her moan was music to his ears. The scent of her arousal made him puff out his chest. Trusting his wolf to alert him to any danger, Aaron lowered his head. Her lips, soft and supple, parted. He swept his tongue inside, tasting her sweetness, blended with the coffee they’d been drinking nonstop.

  He hiked her higher and she wrapped her legs around him. Arms slipping around his neck, she kissed him back, giving and taking. There was an edge of desperation that pinged an alarm in his brain. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear she was saying goodbye.

  She’s going to leave once I’m home.

  Once again, she was worried about keeping him safe. She was determined, but he was sneakier. She didn’t stand a chance. Wherever she went, he’d be right behind her. Once she grasped that, they’d be fine.

  He didn’t want to release her, but standing here exposed like this was putting them both in danger. He peppered her face with kisses before raising his head. The dark smudges were still under her eyes, but the fatigue that had dulled them had vanished and her cheeks were a pale pink.

  “You want coffee or snacks for the road?”

  “What?” She shook her head and untwined her legs, dropping back down to the ground. “You should come with a warning label.” She tucked her shirt back into her jeans and ran her fingers through her hair. “How do I look?”

  “Like you’ve been thoroughly kissed.”

  Rolling her eyes, she turned on one heel and headed toward the gas station. “I’m getting snacks. No more coffee.”

  “Juice and a coke for me. Danish, if they have it.” He took a step toward her and then swore. One of them needed to stay with the truck and keep watch. “Wait, I’ll give you some money.”

  The glare she sent him was hot enough to melt metal. Note to self: Money is a hot-button topic. She obviously didn’t have much. Her education had been limited by her circumstances. Since she’d left Louisiana, she’d been on the run with no time to set down roots and decide what she wanted to do with her life.

  He wanted to give her that. Jesse was smart and determined. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do if she set her mind to it. What she hadn’t had was time to explore. The women of his pack could help her with that. They were a diverse group who didn’t hesitate to share their opinions or skills or to offer assistance.