“Why don’t you want me hurt? I’m a stranger. Someone you barely know. That’s what you said, right?” Mercilessly, he hammered at her emotional walls. “What do you care?”

  “Stop it!” Chest heaving, she shoved him away. He caught himself before he toppled over the side of the truck.

  “Why do you care?” He got right back up into her face.

  “Because I love you,” she screamed. She staggered back a step and grabbed onto the motorcycle for support. “God help me, I love you.”

  “Jesse.” He dragged her across the bike and into his arms, holding her so hard he had to be leaving bruises. He peppered her face with kisses. “I love you.” Their lips melded in a searing kiss, tasting of fear and anger and hope, but most of all love. Her fingers dug into his back as she kissed him with a fierceness that almost knocked him off his feet. His cock throbbed. His wolf howled, wanting him to claim her.

  A male throat cleared.

  Fuck, for a second, he’d forgotten about their audience.

  Jesse groaned and buried her face in his shoulder. “Please tell me they’re not watching,” she whispered.

  “I wish I could.”

  “We need to get back on the road. It’s not safe here.”

  Aaron nodded at his brother. “Give us a second.”

  “Dad and Gator went back to their truck. They didn’t hear or see that last bit.”

  That was something. “Keep it between us. I don’t want you saying or doing anything to embarrass Jesse.”

  “I don’t have any problem embarrassing you, bro, but I wouldn’t do that to Jesse. I hope you’re happy together.”

  Jesse raised her head and stared at Nicholas. “You really mean that.”

  “I want my brother to have what I’ve found with my Bailey. He can have that with you. Don’t be long. Dad wants to get home.”

  Alone, he rocked her from side to side in his arms. “I meant what I said. I love you. In the spirit of honesty and full disclosure, I wouldn’t have let you go. Well, I would have, but I’d have followed. I would have tracked you down, wherever you went. You’ll never be rid of me.”

  “Promise?” The pure longing in that one word was his undoing. His lips brushed against hers.

  “Promise.” A horn honked nearby. He brushed his fingers over her hair. “This is not how I planned to tell you I loved you.”

  She gave him a quick kiss before easing out of his arms and tightened a strap on the bike. “It was perfect.”

  Working together, they secured her motorcycle and replaced the tarp. He hopped down and held out his hand. She took it and jumped. Tailgate closed, he walked her around and got her settled before getting in on his side. He couldn’t wait to get her home. Not that they’d have any alone time anytime soon. Reaching down, he adjusted his dick.

  “Problem?” She smiled as she asked.

  Reaching over, he rubbed the back of his hand over her breast. The nipple was already hard. Her gasp turned to a moan. “Problem?” he asked.

  Laughing, she dug through one of the bags on the floor. “Bast seems to have slept through it all.”

  The cat was curled up in her carrier, totally unconcerned by all the drama.

  “Here.” Jesse shoved a cold bottle at him. It was damp with condensation. “Have a drink to cool you down.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” Backing down the road, he swung out onto the highway, heading for home.

  ****

  There was no sign of movement inside the house. Alain lifted his head and sniffed the air. She wasn’t here now, but she had been, and recently.

  David walked out of the woods, having scouted the area. “Human blood back a ways.”

  “Human?” That was an interesting development.

  David shrugged and scanned the area. “Could be one of those humans you hired. They like to think they’re mighty hunters. Probably hoped to beat us here and hunt her down himself.”

  Alain grunted and headed for the front door. Without even trying the handle, he planted his size twelve boot against the wood panel. The lock squeaked and gave, buckling beneath the casual blow. He walked in, his companions behind him. “Spread out. I smell another wolf.” And wasn’t that an unexpected turn of events. “I want to know who lives here.”

  Following his nose, he headed down the hallway to the main bedroom. The bedcovers were rumpled, and the scent of sex lingered. “She’s fucking him, whoever he is.” She was smarter than he’d given her credit for. But no male wolf would want a bastard, not when he planned on convincing the male that she was on the run from her pack and sentenced to death for her crimes. If that didn’t work, he’d kill him and get rid of the body.

  “There’s nothing here.” David came up behind him. “No paperwork of any kind. Nothing with a name.”

  Alain grunted and headed for the door. “We’ll head to the nearest town and search the property records.” He walked outside and headed for the truck. “Pull the door closed behind you.” Personally, he didn’t care if the local wildlife invaded the place, but if a neighbor came calling, it would look like things were locked up.

  Last thing they needed was the local police getting involved and contacting the owner.

  Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes. She was so close, he could almost taste victory. She could run, but she couldn’t hide forever.

  ****

  They’d been on the road for hours, but Jesse couldn’t stop looking at Aaron. His hair was tousled, his hands strong and competent on the wheel. His presence, the heat radiating from him, filled the enclosed space, turning the cab of the truck into a cozy haven.

  He loves me.

  He’d said it in front of his brother. Had all but shouted it in her face. She wanted to laugh one minute and cry the next, her emotions yo-yoing up and down like a rollercoaster.

  Her stomach growled. She’d tried to eat, but butterflies tap danced in her tummy, making it impossible. Tossing her cookies was the last thing she needed. The only thing she’d managed had been a bottle of orange juice. That was an hour ago.

  A chill slithered down her spine, and she broke out into a clammy sweat. She’d come so close to throwing away the only good thing that had ever happened to her. Her instinct had been to protect him at any cost. That wasn’t wrong, but she’d allowed fear to make her choices.

  A lone wolf was a target. There was safety in numbers.

  Her heart had shattered into a million pieces when he’d ripped the tarp off her bike and told her to go. She’d actually had to look down at her chest to make sure she wasn’t bleeding from the mortal wound he’d dealt her.

  Yes, it had been what she’d planned, but it had almost broken her. Her entire life, she’d been looking through a distorted mirror, seeing the world in a warped image. But there was more than one path for her to take.

  Aaron might be safer without her, but there were no guarantees. Her sire was a vindictive son of a bitch. Jesse had come out of the womb fighting for life. She was no quitter and wasn’t about to start now. Not when the most important thing—a chance to build a future—was within her grasp.

  “We need to end this.” It was time to take a stand, to go on the attack instead of always being on the defensive. Lottie hadn’t been wrong to teach her to run, but she was no longer a child, and she had something worth fighting for.

  “What?” He glanced over at her.

  “He’s coming for me. For us, now. That’s why I was going to leave. Not because I wanted to.” It was important for him to understand that. The pain in his eyes would haunt her for the rest of her days. That was on her. She hadn’t trusted him, hadn’t believed in what they had together. Her wolf understood who he was. Whatever her circumstances, Aaron was her mate. That was a gift. One she’d almost let slip from her grasp.

  When he held out his hand, she grasped it like a lifeline. He was so solid, so strong. His fingers were long and nimble. The skin was rougher than hers. He could crush her but was careful with his strength. Gentle but tough when he needed to be.

  “Up until now, he’s been the hunter. Now he’s going to become the hunted.”

  A shudder ran down her spine. Her sire had no idea what was coming for him. “This is bigger than you and me. Promise me he won’t be able to hurt anyone in your pack.”

  “He’ll try.” He didn’t sugarcoat the truth. His honesty made it easier to trust him. Aaron would never lie to her. “We’ll be ready for him. What you need to understand is that the Salvation Pack considers you theirs. You’re with me. You’re also Gator’s niece. We’ll make sure the vulnerable are protected at all times and be ready for an attack. It’s not the first time we’ve had to deal with this kind of crap. We have half-breeds and even a human, those people other packs would consider undesirable.”

  “Why? Back home, they’d never accept anything other than a full-blooded werewolf.”

  “Because they’re ours and we defend what’s ours.” He rubbed his thumb over her palm.

  It was no different than her and Lottie, only they’d been a pack of two. Although, to be fair, Lottie had done most of the protecting until Jesse had hit her teenage years and shifted for the first time.

  “I’ll protect them.” It was a vow from the bottom of her heart. The tattoos on her arms warmed. Heck, her entire body was heating up the longer he stroked her hand. The simple touch fired her blood.

  A low growl rumbled out from his chest. “I wish we could pull over.”

  Her core clenched hard and her nipples pebbled. “Me, too.”

  Groaning, he released her and put the window down. “Your arousal is sweet and spicy. I want to eat you up and go back for more.”

  She squirmed in her seat and moaned when the seam of her jeans pressed against her sex. A bolt of pleasure slammed through her. When she sucked in a deep breath, all she could smell was his heat and musky scent.

  “You’re killing me.” He shifted position in his seat.

  “You started it.” Following suit, she eased the window down, inhaling the sharp, pine-scented air.

  “I’d finish it if there were time. We’re almost there.” He pointed at the road sign—Welcome to Salvation.

  The desire drained out of her. Every muscle in her body tensed. She rolled her shoulders and rubbed her hands over her legs. None of it helped.

  They passed through the town. The main street was fairly busy and had the requisite businesses—grocery store, bank, drugstore, hardware, diner, pizza place, burger joint, and more. She caught a glimpse of a church and a ball field as they left the town behind.

  When the truck ahead of them turned, they followed, and the butterflies in her stomach morphed into jumping frogs. They rolled down a dirt road that ended in a parking lot with almost a dozen vehicles.

  Aaron pulled into a spot and killed the engine. “Whatever happens, we’re in this together.” He jumped out and started around the front of the truck.

  I’m sitting here like a bump on a log.

  Opening her door, she stepped down. Her feet hit pack land for the first time. Her wolf stilled. The scent of unknown wolves surrounded her. Three large males stepped out of the woods.

  Aaron shut her door and took her hand. “Come and meet the family.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Sheer pride had her moving forward without prodding. All of the males were big, tough, and there wasn’t a smile in sight. Not exactly a welcoming committee.

  “You’re here,” a short-haired blonde woman yelled as she raced down one of the paths that shot off from the parking lot. Aaron laughed and grabbed her before she slammed into him. “I missed you.”

  Jesse had the shocking urge to yank the woman out of his arms. She managed to swallow a growl when the woman pulled back and she caught a glimpse of her eyes. They were Aaron’s eyes.

  Jacque strode over to their side. “Let the boy breathe, Gwen.”

  Laughing, Gwen grabbed Aaron by the hair and pulled him down, planting wet kisses on both his cheeks. “I missed you so much.”

  The huge lump in Jesse’s throat threatened to choke her. Did they have any idea how lucky they were? Her legs trembled, but she held her ground. She’d never been around so many wolves before, had done everything in her power to avoid being in such a situation. So much for the best laid plans.

  “Mom, I have someone I want you to meet.” Arm around his mother’s waist, Aaron turned to her, a smile on his face. “This is Jesse Broussard. Jesse, this is my mom, Gwen.”

  Best foot forward, she reminded herself. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. LaForge.”

  “Call me Gwen.” Smiling, she reached out and took the hand Jesse offered. Instead of shaking it, she clutched it and began to pull her along. “You must be exhausted. What you need is a shower and a nap, probably some food.”

  “Gwen.” Jacque’s voice broke over his mate’s.

  “Yes.” She stopped and looked back, the smile still on her face. Jesse was enthralled with the woman. She was the shortest one there, but there was absolutely no fear in her. Not even when the alpha shook his head and strode toward her, a scowl on his face.

  “I want to introduce her first. She needs to know who everyone is.”

  “Right. Sorry about that.” The apology was sent her way and not to the alpha. Having no idea what to say, Jesse opted to keep her mouth shut.

  Gwen pointed at the first male and waved. “That’s Louis. He’s Jacque’s brother.” The resemblance was easy to see. He gave her a curt nod, looked at his brother, and then faded back into the woods. That one had protector written all over him.

  “This is Armand LaForge.” This was a name she recognized. He was the computer expert. “He’s Jacque’s cousin,” Gwen continued. His hair was black, his eyes brown, but what set him apart was the scar on his cheek. Since wolves healed quickly and well, that had to have been one hell of an injury. He gave her a good once-over and a nod.

  “And this is Cole Blanchard.” It wasn’t easy not to take a step back. He was easily the biggest male she’d ever laid eyes on. His coloring also set him apart. Shaggy dark blond hair fell around his shoulders, and his green eyes missed nothing. His expression was blank, neither accepting nor disapproving. Her wolf whined and pawed inside her. Jesse tipped her head back and met his gaze unflinchingly.

  “They along with Jacque and Gator were the original five members of the pack.”

  They’d all come from Louisiana. They all knew her sire.

  Strong arms wrapped around her from behind, steadying her. “This is Jesse. She’s mine.” The hint of steel in Aaron’s voice left no room for doubt. He’d claimed her.

  Gator ambled over to stand beside her. “Jesse is my niece. My bastard of a brother wasn’t mated to her mother. He never claimed her and is trying to kill her.”

  Cole growled and then swore. If Aaron hadn’t been holding on to her, she might have bolted. It was one thing to be brave, quite another to be stupid. This wolf could tear her apart without breaking a sweat. He’d be one hell of a dangerous enemy but a powerful ally.

  “Your brother is in need of killing, mon ami.” Cole’s deep voice vibrated through her.

  “Oui,” Gator agreed. He planted a kiss on her forehead. “I will see you later. My mate and son wish to meet you.” Without waiting for a reply—good thing since her mouth was bone-dry—he went over to Cole, slapped the big man on the shoulder, and the two of them vanished down another path.

  “Come on.” Gwen tugged her hand. Giving into a force mightier than hers, Jesse allowed herself to be pulled along. Pissing off the female alpha in her first five minutes here would be the height of stupidity.

  The path branched off several times, but they kept going straight. It came to an abrupt end, opening up into a yard. A large house sat in the middle of the clearing. It was constructed out of thick logs and fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape. A porch ran across the front of the home, lined with chairs that invited a person to sit for a spell. Colorful flowers poured out of pots and half-barrels strategically placed in front of the porch

  “It’s beautiful.” The mountains rose majestically over the surrounding forest. It was like something out of a fairytale. Very different from the home she’d grown up in.

  “Thank you. It started out smaller, but we built on a few rooms over the years.”

  Jesse wanted to stay outside and explore, but Gwen was leading her toward the door. “What about Bast?” she called over her shoulder. They’d left the cat in the truck.

  “Nicholas and a few of the others are bringing her and the luggage,” Aaron assured her.

  “I can’t wait to meet your cat.” Gwen shook her head. “I still can’t believe you have one.”

  “She chose me.” Rather than looking at his mother, Aaron was watching her. The intense scrutiny was making her uncomfortable, so she turned her attention to the interior of the home.

  The living room was gorgeous. An enormous stone fireplace was flanked by two oversize comfy chairs. Two sofas invited people to sit down and relax. It was intimate and cozy. The coffee table was a thing of beauty. Made out of wood, the edges were raw, giving it a more organic appearance. The glossy finish brought out the grain.

  The soft-looking throw over the back of the sofa and a mountain of pillows gave the space a homey feel. A pair of slippers kicked under a chair and a book sitting facedown on the hearth gave it a lived-in vibe.

  It led right into a dining area that held an oversize harvest table that would easily seat a dozen people. The kitchen bumped off to the left. With white cabinets, a dark countertop, and stainless steel cabinets, it looked like something out of a magazine.

  “You must be hungry. I can whip up sandwiches or breakfast. There’s a pack dinner planned for later.” Gwen reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a covered dish. “There’s an apple pie. Your grandmother brought it over,” she told Aaron.

  Jesse placed her hand over her stomach, feeling very out of place in this land of mountains, pretty homes, and apple pie. It was a far cry from the sultry heat of the bayou and the small, weathered-gray house she’d shared with Lottie.

  “Thank you, Mrs. LaForge. I mean, Gwen,” she corrected when the older woman frowned. “Would it be too much trouble if I got cleaned up first?”