“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?”

  “I’ll show her.” Aaron dropped a kiss on top of his mom’s head.

  “Whatever you need.” Gwen patted Jesse’s arm. “There’s coffee and food aplenty. I have so many questions, but I’ll try not to pry.”

  Laughing, Aaron guided Jesse away. “We won’t be long.” He might not be. She planned to hide out as long as possible. They went down a hallway to the last door on the left. Reaching around her, he pushed the door open. “This is my room.”

  The hardwood floors carried in from the living area to the bedrooms. A green area rug softened the space, which held a king-size bed, a nightstand, and a tall dresser. The comforter and drapes matched the rug.

  “It’s wonderful.” Certainly better than anywhere she’d ever slept. Self-conscious, she tucked her hands into the back pockets of her jeans and looked down, noting the slight tear on the right knee. She’d slept in her clothes, napping during the trip, and it looked like it. Not to mention she could use a shower. She stood just inside the door, afraid to go any further.

  “This is yours now.” As if he understood how overwhelming it all was, he didn’t try to force her to take the next step. Instead, he stood beside her, patiently waiting.

  That was his way.

  “I don’t mean to make things difficult.” She scuffed the toe of her boot against the floor.

  “God, Jesse, you have nothing to explain. Your life has been upended. It’s one change after another. How about we sit down?” He motioned to the bed, the only space big enough to hold both of them, other than the floor.

  She removed her boots and peeled off her socks before padding across the floor. It was cool against the bottoms of her feet. The bed was too damn inviting. If she lay down, she’d be asleep in a heartbeat. She perched on the end, rubbing her toes against the pattern on the rug.

  “My family means well.”

  Jesse glanced nervously at the door.

  “The room is soundproof,” he assured her. “Trust me. I don’t need to know what goes on in my parents’ bedroom. We can talk freely.”

  That surprised a laugh from her. “That would be awkward.”

  “That’s one way of putting it.” Aaron pulled open the long drapes to reveal patio doors that opened out onto a deck. “We can also come and go as we please without disturbing anyone.”

  Everything about the home was well thought out. The wall opposite the bed held two more doors. One was partially open, giving her a glimpse of a bathroom. The other was probably the closet. But it was the wall nearest the door that held her attention. A large bookshelf was lined with books, pictures, and mementos. She wanted to study it all, discover more about him and his life, but he came over and sat beside her.

  “What’s mine is yours.”

  With those four simple words, her stomach gave a vicious twist. She bolted for the bathroom. There was nothing to come up, but that didn’t stop her from trying. Her stomach clenched as she dry-heaved. Sweat beaded on her brow.

  Water ran and a cool cloth pressed against her neck. “Take it easy.”

  “I hate this,” she muttered. “I don’t know how to act or what to do.”

  “You only need to be who you are.”

  She shook her head, hating that he was seeing her like this. After flushing the toilet, she sat back on her heels. “An introverted loner? Don’t think that will fly in a pack. I’ve never had friends or packmates. I’m not used to having to consider anyone else.”

  Settling alongside her, Aaron pulled her into his arms so she was sitting in his lap. “What about Lottie?” He took the cloth from her neck and used it on her face, wiping away the sweat.

  “She was old and independent and set in her ways.” Jesse gave a wry laugh. “God, I’m just like her. Except for the old part. We’d often go days without talking. I’d be lost in books or running wild in the swamp. She’d be harvesting plants and herbs, seeing anyone who came for home remedies.”

  “When did she die, Jesse? How long have you been alone?”

  “Five months.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “But, honestly, I’ve been alone all my life. I owe Lottie everything, but she wasn’t an affectionate person by nature. I was fed and clothed and educated to the best of her ability. She had a satellite dish put in when I needed to be connected to the outside world for schooling. You should have seen the guy’s face when he finally found the house. He told her repeatedly it likely wouldn’t work this far out in the swamp, but it did. I have no idea if that was dumb luck or some kind of magic.”

  What was it about Aaron that made it so easy for her to spill her guts? “I’ve never told anyone about that.”

  “Has anyone ever asked?” He tossed the cloth on the counter. “You’re worn out. Let’s get you to bed.” Somehow, he got them both off the floor without releasing her. She was too tired to protest, allowing him to carry her to his room. He yanked back the comforter and placed her on the bed. “Sleep.” He brushed a kiss against her temple. “Whatever you need, I’m here for you.”

  No one ever had been before. Not even Lottie. His question had vibrated at the core of her being. Friends had been a luxury she’d never had. Not growing up and certainly not while she was on the run.

  “I love you.” She grabbed his hand when he would have left. “I’m trying.”

  “You don’t need to try. Not with me. Just be you.” He sat beside her, running his fingers through her hair, using the tips to massage her scalp. If she were a cat, she would have purred. Closing her eyes, her parched soul soaked in his caring.

  It was so quiet here. The mattress welcomed her. The comforter had a hint of his scent, so light it was almost faded. She snuggled beneath it as he continued to stroke her.

  Her eyes closed and the darkness took her.

  ****

  Aaron wanted to roar with frustration and anger. Not at Jesse, never at her. That she trusted at all was a fucking miracle. The starkness of her life was beyond his understanding.

  Five months. Both their lives had changed around the same time. Was it coincidence he’d made his way to West Virginia at the same time she’d left Louisiana? Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. She was far too pale for his liking. He hated seeing her work herself up so much it made her sick.

  The light knock on the door forced him to leave her. He hurried over before whoever it was could knock again. He held a finger to his mouth before Nicholas could speak. His brother glanced at the bed and nodded. He placed Jesse’s bags just inside the door and handed Aaron the pet carrier.

  Holding his fingers up to signal two minutes, he closed the door in his brother’s face. Bast gave a low meow. “Sorry about leaving you.” When he set the carrier on the floor and opened it, she stalked out, turned her back on him, and flicked her tail. “I get that you’re not happy, but I wasn’t leaving you back in West Virginia. There are nasty people looking for Jesse. And now I’m talking to a cat.”

  With a shake of his head, he set the carrier in one corner, leaving the door open. It would give her a safe space to retreat if she needed it. Not that he expected her to. Bast and Jesse were a lot alike. They stood their ground when they could, but were smart enough to make a strategic exit when necessary.

  Bast circled the space, stopping to sniff here and there, pausing to rub against the drapes and the side of the bed.

  “Does it pass inspection?” He was keeping his voice low, but Jesse hadn’t moved an inch. She had to be totally exhausted not to stir. Or she felt safe. Aaron wished it was the later, but he suspected it was the former.

  Bast swished her tail again and launched herself onto the bed. She sniffed at Jesse before settling against her stomach. Paws curled beneath her, she glared at him.

  “Keep an eye on her.” Leaving the cat in charge, he left the room. He wanted to crawl into bed beside them, but his family would be waiting. He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck and stifled a yawn. Damn, he was tired. His stomach rumbled. Hungry, too.

  The rest of the luggage was piled at the end of the hall. His father sat at the head of the table while his mother bustled around the kitchen. “Where’s Nicholas?”

  “Gone home to Bailey. He’ll be back.”

  No surprise there. Jesse and Nicholas’s mate had much in common. The biggest thing being a family member wanted them dead. A hell of a thing to share. Thankfully, it was no longer a problem for Bailey. He wanted to be able to say the same for Jesse.

  Heading straight to the coffeepot, he filled a mug and took a long sip. His mother opened the oven and drew out a pan filled with slices of wholegrain bread topped with cheese and crisp bacon, toasted to a golden-brown. She was no chef, like Gator, but she made the best comfort food. And this was his favorite.

  “Is Jesse joining us?” she asked as she transferred two of the pieces onto a plate.

  He shook his head. “She fell asleep. She was dead on her feet.” Leaning down, he kissed her cheek. “Thanks.”

  “What? You think this is for you?” Laughing, she rubbed his arm and handed him the plate. “Sit and eat and tell us about your girl.”

  He demolished the food on his plate and went back for seconds. Between bites, he told his parents what had transpired. His father nodded, his expression giving away nothing. His mother gasped and went pale when he spoke about the human assassins. Rallying, she retrieved the pie and cut thick slabs for all three of them. The scent of apples and spices evoked the comfort of home, but something—or rather, someone—was missing. His gaze went toward the hallway.

  “I can’t imagine what that poor girl has been through.” Gwen picked at her pie. “Alain is coming here, isn’t he?”

  Aaron shoved his plate away, his pie only half eaten. He hated worrying his mom. “Yes.” So far, his father had said nothing. “The last thing I want to do is put you in danger. Jesse was going to leave me.” He grabbed the edge of the table, his claws pushing out the tips of his fingers. Swearing, he fisted them in his lap until they retracted. “She figured it would keep me safe. She sees herself as expendable.” The thought of a world without her was unfathomable. “I convinced her there was safety in numbers, that we’d protect her.” He looked straight at his father. “Was I wrong?”

  Jacque stirred and shook his head. “You’re not wrong, but it does present problems.”

  “I don’t understand that kind of hate. Jesse left Louisiana. Why don’t they leave her alone? Alain is no better than your grandfather.” His mom pushed his plate back toward him. “Eat. You need to keep your strength up.”

  His chest swelled until it hurt. “I don’t tell you enough, but I love you both. I’d leave if I thought it would protect you, but it’s only a matter of time before Alain finds out I own the property where Jesse was staying.”

  “Armand is working on getting into the computer you brought and scouring the e-mails and texts on the phone.” His father pushed his empty mug away and stood. “We can’t afford to wait. We must assume he’s on his way here.”

  “I won’t let him hurt her.” Standing, he faced not his father, but his alpha. “Jesse Broussard is mine, my mate.”

  Golden-brown eyes flashed. A low growl vibrated through the room. “Then she is pack.”

  Bast sauntered into the room, giving Jacque a wide berth and heading straight toward Gwen and winding between her legs. In the hallway behind her, Jesse stood, pale but composed, arms crossed over her chest and chin tilted up. She was ready for a fight.

  He’d heard her coming and so had his dad. She’d needed to hear where she stood with both of them.

  “What can I do to help? This is my fight. I won’t be kept on the sideline or tucked away while the menfolk take care of business.”

  His father’s lips quirked up at the corners. “The women around here have a tendency to throw themselves into the path of danger. You’ll fit right in.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Prepared for a battle of wills and determination, all her well-thought-out arguments fizzled, followed by a rush of confusion. “I won’t let anyone risk their lives for me,” she reiterated, not wanting any misunderstandings. “This is my fight.”

  Aaron came to her, leaned down, and brushed his lips over hers. The caress was brief but made her toes curl. Her face grew hot. He’d kissed her right in front of his parents.

  “I thought you’d sleep longer.” He gently stroked a finger under one of her eyes. “You look tired.”

  While she appreciated the concern, she didn’t need to be reminded of the dark circles. She also wasn’t about to admit when she’d awoken—with only the cat for company—she couldn’t get back to sleep because he wasn’t there. “So do you, but you’re not in bed.”

  “She’s got you there,” his mother pointed out as she stroked Bast’s furry head. The cat had found her way onto Gwen’s lap and was soaking up the attention.

  The furry beast had been quick to desert Jesse for another. God, she had to stop with the pity party. I’m alive and safe. That counted for a lot. Hell, it was everything. “I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time.” The reminder was for both Aaron and herself.

  “Now, you don’t have to do it alone.” The blue of Aaron’s eyes deepened as he led her to the table. The scruff on his chin and the determined set of his jaw gave him an edge of danger that drew her. The wildness beneath his civilized exterior called to her … and her wolf.

  Her insides went gooey and her heart fluttered. She wanted that more than anything—but not at the price of his life. “Alain is ruthless.” Her biggest fear used to be dying. Now she not only had to worry about Aaron but his family and pack.

  “So am I.” It was a deadly reminder that he’d already killed to protect her. But he didn’t understand a man like her sire. Couldn’t. They lived on opposite ends of the spectrum. Aaron was a protector at heart, while her sire was concerned only with himself.

  “He won’t fight fair. He’ll skulk around and grab the most vulnerable among you.” What he’d do to them, just to get to her, didn’t bear thinking about. “If I thought for one second he’d leave you alone, I’d be gone.” Before he could launch into another argument, she continued, “We’ve had this discussion. Once he discovers you helped me, he won’t be able to stop himself from taking a shot at you or your pack. Anyone who ever tried to help me paid in some way or another.” She lowered herself onto a chair, needing to sit.

  “How so?” Jacque asked. The compulsion behind the question sank into her bones. She didn’t try to fight it. They needed to fully grasp what they were up against.

  “You have to understand, Alain Rollins cares only for himself. Not his mate—his affair with my mother was proof of that. Not his daughters—he mated them to the sons of his friends as soon as they came of age, men who are like him.”

  Faces flashed through her mind. “I can’t prove it, but I think they’ve hunted and killed humans for sport. I’d sometimes hear screams in the swamp late at night. When I searched the next morning, all I’d find was some human blood. It could have been a gator, but I’d heard wolves howl. Lottie didn’t go to town much, but people came to her, and they talked. It was well known that anyone who crossed or annoyed Alain Rollins disappeared.”

  People spoke about him in whispered dread. She hated that they shared the same blood. Her only consolation was that she had her mama’s blood, too. Although, that bloodline was nothing to brag about.

  “What the hell is the alpha doing?” Aaron demanded. A mug of coffee slammed down on the table in front of her, the liquid sloshing precariously close to the edge before settling. A plate with about a quarter of a pie followed. He slouched in the chair beside her.

  Grateful for the coffee, she took a sip. “I asked Lottie that same question a dozen times. The answer is always the same—fear. Scared people don’t talk.”

  “She’s right,” Jacque agreed. “People start going missing, many will keep their head down and their mouth shut. The alpha might not have known what was happening or he might have ignored it. Unless someone goes to him with a complaint, he might let it be rather than start a war that might end up with the pack destroying itself.”

  “You wouldn’t stand for it.” Aaron pointed an almost accusing finger at his father.

  One corner of Jacque’s mouth tipped up. Jesse blinked several times, seeing Aaron in that smile. It made the alpha seem more approachable. He was still scary. No way around that. It was part of his DNA.

  “Non, but I am nosy.”

  Gwen snorted and set the cat on the floor. “That’s a polite way of saying you’re very involved with everything that goes on in the pack.” She tapped her finger against her chin and grinned. “Some would say bossy or controlling.”

  Jacque leaned toward her and snaked his hand around the back of her neck, pulling her toward him. “But not you.”

  “Never me.” She rubbed her nose against his.

  It was rude to stare, but Jesse couldn’t look away. There were so many layers to this family. Discovering them gave her a better insight into the man beside her. Would she and Aaron ever share this kind of playfulness and understanding, the simpatico that only came from years of being together?

  She wanted it so badly.

  “I wish I could read your mind.” His lips were so close to her ear his breath tickled. Goose bumps raced down her arms. Her nipples tightened. Hunching forward, she pulled her plate closer, praying no one would smell the light bloom of arousal before she squashed it. “But I have an excellent imagination,” he murmured.

  She stuffed a big bite of pie in her mouth. It could have been sawdust for all she tasted. Chewing, she did her best to get control of her wayward body. If she was a stick of dynamite, then Aaron was the match. It took hardly any effort for him to make desire explode within her. She was seconds from tackling him to the ground and to hell with their audience.