The base of his shaft was swollen—something that happened during sex with those of their kind. This was her first time experiencing it, as her previous encounters had been with full humans. Unlike with them, she hadn’t insisted he use protection. The risk was minimal as pregnancies were infrequent—nature’s way of controlling the population—and it wasn’t the right time in her cycle. That Eli’s mama had given birth to seven healthy sons was incredibly rare. Kinley was glad he couldn’t withdraw just yet, wanting to savor the intimacy a while longer. For as raw and basic as the sex act was, it was also beautiful and complex on many levels, at least with him.

  Eli brushed several strands of hair off her cheek. A slow smile slid across his face. “I think I’m going to need more soundproofing for this room.”

  “Oh, God.” She grabbed one of the pillows and slammed it over her face. She’d forgotten all about his brothers. It was entirely his fault for being an incredible lover.

  “Too late for that.” After a short tug-of-war, which she lost, he tossed it aside. “You howled.”

  That had been a first. “So did you,” she pointed out.

  “Yeah, I did.” Rather than embarrassed, he seemed pleased. “If my brothers mention it, I’ll blame you.”

  “You will not.” She grabbed the corner of the pillow he’d discarded and smacked it into the side of his head. It made a loud and satisfying thump.

  Chuckling, he rolled her onto her back with him over her, his face alight with humor. “You’re right. I won’t. And they won’t say anything about it.” He paused and added, “At least not to you.”

  This lighthearted side to Eli was new. It made him appear younger, almost carefree. Not at all like the deadly bounty hunter she knew him to be. “How old are you?” They’d made love but so much about him remained a mystery.

  “Worried you’re in bed with an old man? I’m thirty-four. You?”

  “Twenty-five.” Not that it mattered. They were both adults.

  He withdrew and rolled off the bed. A chill rushed over her, making her shiver. “Come on.” He held out his hand.

  It was still dark outside, but dawn was fast approaching. With it came a day of reckoning and bloodshed. It would be smarter just to get some much-needed rest. She took his hand and followed him into the bathroom.

  Sticky from head to toe, a shower would be refreshing. She’d certainly sleep better. A glance in the mirror confirmed her hair was a tangled mess. Her lips were slightly swollen, her breasts were tender, the nipples taut. She was the picture of a well-loved woman.

  Eli started the shower and stepped beneath the spray. “Come here.” The command in his voice sent goose bumps racing over her skin. It also gave her pause. Eli was a hard man, one used to being obeyed. The vow she’d given lay heavy on her heart. If she broke it, she’d sever the fragile trust they’d built. If anything happened to Eli...

  “Kinley?” He interrupted her grim thoughts.

  Responding to the thread of concern she heard, she went to him. There was no point borrowing trouble. All they had was now. There was no predicting what the future would bring. The heat of the water, combined with his nearness, banished the chill of fear. She closed her eyes and let the droplets cascade over her, washing away all doubt and worry.

  Slick hands slipped over her waist and around to cup her breasts. The bronze of his skin contrasted against the paler shade of hers. It was a startling contrast, a reminder of their innate differences. She was stronger than human females, human men too, but she was no match for Eli. He was a werewolf in his prime. Beyond his natural strength, he possessed training she couldn’t begin to comprehend. Soap-covered, those large hands skated over her skin, washing away all sweat and signs of their lovemaking.

  Wanting to return the favor, she rubbed the bar of soap between her hands forming a thick lather. The muscles of his abs rippled as she made her way upward. She swirled her fingers through the light covering of chest hair on his pecs before following the thin line down to his belly button. The head of his cock bumped her hand as she continued downward. Unable to resist, she closed her hand around his shaft at the base and slowly slid upward.

  Eli planted both hands against the sides of the shower and sucked in a deep breath. She glanced up at him from beneath her lashes, enjoying the sense of feminine power flooding her.

  “Don’t start something if you’re not willing to finish.”

  “Who says I’m not willing?” She pumped up and down, loving the hard feel of him, like velvet over steel. The head of his cock was broader and darker. Thick veins roped the entire length of his shaft. What would he taste like? When she licked her lips, he groaned.

  “You’re a dangerous woman, Kinley.”

  Shocked, she reflexively clenched her hand tighter. “Me, dangerous?” It was absurd. She’d done her best to remain invisible in her pack, soothing over any small misunderstandings. Getting noticed meant attention, which was the last thing she’d wanted.

  “Ease up.” He put his hand over hers, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “You just proved my point. You don’t see it, do you?”

  “Explain. Don’t make me get rough.” She gave his erection another squeeze.

  Groaning, he lowered his forehead until it touched hers. “You possess an inner strength that weaker men find intimidating.”

  “But not you.”

  “Hell, no. I find it sexy.” He wrapped his hand around her wrist and pulled her hand away before backing her against the shower wall. His breath was hot against her ear, sending shivers racing over her wet skin. “You’ll do what you believe to be right and damn the consequences. That makes you both dangerous and unpredictable.”

  She wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or criticism. “I had to leave. I was dying there.” The truth poured out of her. It felt like a betrayal to her daddy, but it was the truth.

  “They were crushing your soul, sweetheart. Rather than allow it, you revolted. That’s brave but risky. I can guarantee you got other folks in your pack thinking, maybe reassessing how things are being done.” He tugged at the lobe of her ear before spreading a line of kisses down her neck.

  It was impossible to think about much of anything with Eli’s lips nipping at her collarbone. Once again, he’d taken control of their lovemaking. She leaned forward and bit his shoulder.

  He laughed. “Done talking, are you?” He slid his hands beneath her bottom and lifted her off her feet. With the wall behind her and him in front of her, she was suspended in midair.

  She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. Dawn was fast approaching, every beat of her heart bringing it closer. Without hesitation, he aligned their bodies and guided his erection into her. Kinley buried her face in his neck and breathed through the slight discomfort as he forged a path inward.

  Gripping a handful of her hair, he angled her head and kissed her, his tongue stroking hers in the most erotic manner. She rubbed her taut nipples against his chest, trying to soothe the ache in them.

  “Let go. I’ve got you.” His rough promise broke the reins of her control. If their earlier lovemaking had been fast and furious, this was primitive and untamed.

  She raked her nails over his back, needing everything he could give her. With the cooling water raining down on them, he fucked her hard and fast. There was no finesse, only a fierce desire that might never be slaked. He reached between their bodies and stroked between her legs. She came hard and fast. Swearing, he followed.

  He managed to keep them upright until the swelling at the base of his shaft went down enough that he was able to release her. The water had gone icy cold. They washed fast and jumped out, not lingering, then dried off without talking. Her hair was still damp when she all but stumbled into the bedroom, but she was too exhausted to care. Eli pulled back the covers and she crawled into bed with him right behind her. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against his chest.

  “Dangerous.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You started something that will change your pack and my family.”

  All she’d wanted was to be free, to live a life of her choosing. She’d never set out to harm anyone, but unintentional or not, that would be the result. After today, none of them would be the same again. Closing her eyes, she burrowed closer to Eli for comfort and let sleep take her.

  ****

  The sunlight streaming through the window woke her. There was no sign of Eli other than the slight indent of his head on the pillow beside her. Today was the day. That got her out of bed. While she dreaded having to face Eli’s brothers after last night—maybe they hadn’t heard anything—hiding in his room wasn’t an option.

  After a quick trip to the bathroom, she dug through her meager pile of clothing and paired plain black leggings with a dark long-sleeved shirt and the black canvas sneakers. That was the best outfit she owned for sneaking around in the woods. With her hair tamed into a short braid, she was as ready as she’d ever be.

  The house was quieter than she’d expected, but there was someone in the kitchen. She hurried down the stairs, pulling up short when she realized it was Zach and not Eli. “Ah, good morning.” She glanced at the clock on the microwave and winced. It was still morning but not by much.

  “Coffee?” He held up the full carafe. “Fresh pot.”

  “Sure.” She tried to act confident as she slid onto one of the stools at the kitchen peninsula. “Thanks,” she added when he set the mug in front of her, along with the sugar bowl and a spoon.

  “You want milk?”

  “No, I’m good. Listen, I want to thank you for last night.” When he raised an eyebrow, she struggled not to blush, praying he’d been asleep and hadn’t heard the noise coming from Eli’s room. “For getting the money back from Duke.”

  “Ah, that was my pleasure. I hate bullies and thieves, and he qualifies as both.” He leaned against the counter and sipped from his mug.

  She couldn’t argue. “Technically, he’s alpha, so the money—”

  “Stop right there,” he cut her off before she finished. “Your daddy worked for the pack and earned a salary. That was his money and you’re his daughter.”

  “Thank you.” She dropped her head into her hands. “God, I’m going to need two t-shirts, one with ‘I’m sorry’ on it and another with ‘Thank you.’ I’ll have to wear them on alternate days. I seem to be perpetually saying one or the other.”

  Zach threw back his head and laughed just as the back door opened and Eli walked in. He scowled at his brother before his gaze landed on her. He looked as big and formidable as ever. Faded jeans clung to his powerful legs. He was naked from the waist up, displaying all those mouthwatering muscles she stroked last night. He’d shaved but by no means looked civilized. There was a dangerous edge about him that nothing could soften or disguise. The scent of pine and fresh earth clung to him. His feet were bare. He’d been out on patrol.

  His sharp gaze went from his brother to her and the taut muscles in his shoulders relaxed. She took a mouthful of coffee to cover the awkwardness of not knowing what to say. Her stomach growled. She pressed her hand against it. It was a false hope that no one had heard since both men were staring at her.

  “You need to eat.” Eli glared at his brother. “She needs more than coffee.”

  “I overslept and haven’t been downstairs five minutes.” There was no excuse for that. Not given the seriousness of the situation. She needed to pull her weight. “Besides, it’s not Zach’s job to take care of me. No one needs to wait on me. I’m capable of feeding myself.” She should eat, but her stomach was in knots.

  Eli closed the distance between them, his scowl deepening. “You’re hungry.” It came out as an accusation.

  “I’ll eat something. I promise,” she added. Nerves aside, she needed the fuel to keep her body running efficiently. When he continued to stare, she asked, “Was there something else?”

  “Yes.” He dragged her off the stool and into his arms. The kiss was hot and passionate and entirely too short. Before she could catch her breath, he’d deposited her back onto her seat and was headed for the refrigerator. “Any new messages on the confiscated phone?”

  Zach rubbed his hand over his jaw, unsuccessfully trying to hide a smile. “Confirmation they’re on their way.”

  She rubbed her damp palms over her leggings and gathered her wits. “When are they expected?” Her entire body broke out in a sweat.

  “Uncertain.” Zach pulled Ridge’s phone from his pocket and scanned the texts. “The convoy will be here sometime later this afternoon. I have a feeling Holden and a few of his buddies left well ahead of the group. Holden said he’d contact Ridge when he arrived.”

  Eli set a plate with several roast beef sandwiches on it in front of her and removed the plastic wrap. “This should hold you over until we cook something.”

  She eyed the thick sandwiches and swallowed heavily. Her stomach churned in silent protest. “I think I’m better off with plain toast.”

  “You can’t be sick. Our kind doesn’t get sick.” Frowning, Eli placed his hand on her forehead. She caught him by the wrist and pulled it away.

  “I’m nervous about today.”

  He tucked his hands into his front pockets and rocked back on his heels. “You could always stay in the house.”

  She shook her head. “You know I can’t do that.” While she dreaded today, she was no coward. It was time to face the demons of her past. It was the only way to have a future.

  Noah trotted down the stairs dressed like his brothers in a pair of jeans. The Sin brothers were a good-looking bunch. He scrubbed his hands through his short hair and yawned. “I’m hungry,” he announced. When he caught sight of her, he smiled. “Hey, Kinley. Are they feeding you?”

  “Trying to but she won’t eat.” Eli edged the sandwich plate closer to her.

  She’d never had anyone as concerned about her eating habits as the men of this family. It was endearing and a little overwhelming to be under scrutiny by all of them. “My stomach’s a little unsettled.” She was beginning to wish she’d stayed upstairs.

  “Is there anything to eat around here?” Josiah sauntered in from the downstairs hallway where his bedroom was located. He’d pulled on a pair of jeans but hadn’t fastened them. He scratched his stomach on his way to the fridge.

  “Have a sandwich.” Eli shoved the plate toward him. “Noah’s going to cook.”

  “I’m going to cook.” Her announcement took everyone by surprise. She needed something to keep her thoughts occupied, and she wanted to be useful. This did both. She nudged Eli aside with her hip and pulled open both doors of the refrigerator. It was a huge industrial model that belonged in a professional kitchen. They needed it with so many mouths to feed.

  “If you don’t find what you need, there’s another fridge and a couple of freezers in the pantry.” Noah pointed to a door off the kitchen.

  “What’s for lunch?” Levi trotted down the stairs and joined them. The only ones missing were Cyrus and Silas.

  “Kinley is cooking,” Eli told him.

  “I’m hungry now,” he said.

  “Here have this while you wait.” Josiah held out the plate and Levi eagerly helped himself to the last sandwich. That wouldn’t hold them over long. She needed something fast and filling.

  She assembled several dozen eggs, a carton of milk, and four of loaves of bread on the counter. Packages of frozen sausages and bacon would help round out the meal.

  “There are hash browns in the pantry freezer,” Noah offered.

  The men would eat a lot more than her. “That would be great.”

  “What can I do to help?” Eli stood beside her, his hands still tucked in his pockets.

  While she’d prefer to work alone, getting things done faster was more important. Plus, the idea of working alongside him in the kitchen was too tempting to pass up. It was homey, something she’d never done with a lover. “You can thaw the bacon and sausage in the microwave and start cooking it, if you’d like.”

  His slow smile warmed her and assured her she’d made the right decision. He wanted to be with her as much as she wanted him beside her. “I can handle that.”

  Noah dropped a couple of bags of hash browns on the counter and dug out some sheet pans. “I’m just going to pop these in the oven before I pour myself a cup of coffee.”

  True to his word, once the hash browns were in the oven, he took one of the stools and gave her free reign in what was essentially his kitchen. The other brothers sat at the table and began chatting. It was Eli who had all her attention. The kitchen was large, but it seemed smaller with him working alongside her. It didn’t take long to find a large bowl and whip up the batter for French toast. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla perfumed the air along with the delicious aroma of frying bacon and sausage.

  By the time Silas showed up, everything was done. Without having to be asked, Noah set the table, poured coffee, and made another pot.

  “Where’s Cyrus?” A sense of satisfaction filled her. She liked the idea of feeding Eli and his family, maybe more than she should, but it didn’t negate her pleasure. She loved to cook, but having people enjoy it was even better.

  “He’ll be along.” Zach held up his personal phone. “He said not to wait.”

  “I’ll make him a plate.” If she didn’t, there might not be anything left. After loading a plate and placing it in the oven on low, she nodded at Eli and he began ferrying platters to the table. She went behind him carrying the French toast. The pure maple syrup she’d dug out of the cupboard would go nicely with it. She set it on the table. “Dig in.”

  Not a single one of them made a move toward the food, not even Silas, who’d been complaining the last five minutes that he was starving. Unsure, she looked to Eli. He held out her chair and waited. Once she was seated, Noah offered her first choice of the golden-brown slices of French toast. Josiah was next with the sausages. And on it went until her plate was full. Then the brothers began piling things onto their own plates.

  Tears pricked her eyes and she swallowed the lump in her throat. These rough men made her feel welcome, gave her a sense of belonging, of community that she’d never had.