Cherise looked to her mate, and with no words spoken, they came to an understanding. “When will you leave?” Cole asked.

  “As soon as I’m packed.” Hurry. Hurry. The chant pulsed through his veins. “Send the coordinates to my phone,” he told Armand.

  Armand looked to Jacque, waiting until the alpha gave him a nod. Etienne’s phone vibrated in his back pocket.

  “As soon as you find her, text us your location.” An order from the alpha.

  He nodded and headed for the door. “Etienne.” Cherise’s call stopped him. “Will you wait while I pack a bag? Amy didn’t take much when she left.”

  He walked back around the table and hunkered down beside her. “I’ll wait. I promise I’ll do my best to convince her to come home.” It would take some fast talking, and unlike his father, he didn’t have a silver tongue. “I’ll protect her. I won’t leave her out there on her own.” If she refused to come home, she’d gain a shadow.

  Cherise hugged him. “Thank you.”

  He shook his head. “You never have to thank me. Not for this. Not for anything.” Pack took care of pack. It was what they did.

  Giving Cole a solemn nod, he headed for the door, his father a few steps behind him. He waited to speak until they were far enough away from the house their voices wouldn’t carry.

  “What aren’t you telling?” Gator asked.

  “I was totally honest. I knew nothing of Amy’s plans.” It stung that his father might think that about him.

  Gator shook his head. “That is not in doubt, but you spend more time with her, are closer in age. You see things.”

  He took the back steps to their home in one leap and headed to his bedroom. “Amy hasn’t been happy for some time.” He pulled out a duffel bag and began to fill it.

  “Her smile has been missing.” His father sat on the side of the bed and tapped his fingers on his thigh. “I thought it was some woman thing.”

  He paused for a second and then stuffed a handful of T-shirts into the bag. “Some woman thing?”

  “Oui. I assumed her mother would see and speak to her. I should have said something.”

  “This is not on you.” Etienne stood in front of his father, putting his hands on the man’s shoulders. “This is on me.” He hadn’t meant to say anything, but he needed to unburden his soul. “She left because of me.”

  Gator shook his head, his blue eyes flashing. “You did nothing to hurt her. You cannot convince me otherwise.”

  That bedrock of support was unshakable. Had always been there and always would be. “Let’s say I confused her.”

  “Ah.” His father nodded knowingly. “I’ve seen how you look at her. It has changed, non?”

  “Are you going to tell her parents?” He should have considered that before opening his mouth. No one else knew what had happened between him and Amy.

  He gave a shrug. “You are my son. Since you wouldn’t force her to do anything she did not wish, there is nothing to tell unless you and Amy wish to share.”

  Etienne went into the bathroom long enough to collect what he needed. When his bag was full, he hefted it over his shoulder. “I’ll keep in touch.”

  “You do that.” He rose from the bed and pulled Etienne into his arms. “Your mother will worry.” They both understood his father would, too. “Do not blame yourself. If she was set on leaving, she would have found another reason to go.”

  He prayed his father was right. It was eating at him to think he’d been the only reason. But the fact remained—he’d been the catalyst, the spark that had set things in motion. He tightened his arms and then dropped them. “I need to get going.”

  “You have to wait until Cherise arrives with Amy’s belongings. I’ll make sandwiches for the road since you’ll miss breakfast.” His father was tough, a badass by anyone’s standards, and the man lived to feed those he loved.

  “Thanks.”

  Gator paused by the door. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  “I hope I do, too.”

  Chapter Two

  Amy rolled over in bed and punched her pillow, determined to sleep. Restless, she slammed her eyes shut and took a deep breath in before releasing it. Another long shift in the bar. Another lonely night alone.

  My choice, she reminded herself.

  A new restlessness had her groaning and turning onto her back, staring up at the stained ceiling of her room. Not even a separate bedroom to escape to. Bed, table and a single chair, ancient television—everything was in one room.

  The walls aren’t moving in. That’s an illusion.

  She closed her eyes again, but her mind continued to race. Exhaustion and the coming dawn finally dragged her kicking and screaming into sleep…

  Amy’s breath hitched. Tilting her head back, she stared into the face of a man she’d known her entire life, seeing him as if for the first time. His features were sharp, as if nature had carved away anything unnecessary, leaving pronounced cheekbones and a stubborn chin. His eyes darkened, reflecting something she’d never seen in them before.

  Desire.

  When she licked her lips, his pupils dilated and his nostrils flared. A new sense of power flooded her. His heart slammed against the palm of her hand where it rested on his chest.

  “You shouldn’t do that.” The rough warning sent a shiver down her spine. Not fear, but something far different.

  “Why not?” She walked her fingers up to his shoulder and squeezed. The man was in superb shape, not only due to his werewolf DNA but also because of the physical work he did daily. No gym body for him. All lean, rock-hard muscles. With his piercing blue eyes and shoulder-length black hair, he was both dangerous and captivating.

  When had he stopped being her childhood friend and become someone that made her body tingle in her most private places?

  He grabbed her hand but didn’t push her away. Instead, he brought it to his lips and kissed the tips of each of her fingers. Goosebumps raced up her arm. Beneath her T-shirt, her nipples pebbled.

  “Don’t play with me, chère. Not about this.” He was always so calm, so self-contained. He was only two years older than her but seemed more mature. It wasn’t always easy to tell what he was thinking.

  “Who says I’m playing?” Now that she’d thought about kissing him, it was all she could think about.

  Growing up in a small pack, they’d always run and played together. That hadn’t changed as they’d grown older. They’d shifted and run as wolves. Seeing a naked male body wasn’t new. Not that anyone flaunted themselves, but it was impossible not to see things.

  Yet when she’d watched him peel off his shirt a week ago, exposing a hard, tanned chest and muscled abs, something inside her had come alive. Her wolf had sat up and taken notice.

  Since then, she’d watched him constantly, which had led to their current discussion. There was no one around but them. No one to interrupt.

  Never shy about going after what she wanted, she went up on her toes, fisted her hands in the silky strands of his hair, and tugged his face lower. His full lips were currently set in a thin line. Not about to let that stop her, she brushed her mouth over his, making a sound of pleasure. Other than his eyelashes, which were sinfully long and dark, it was the only softness to be found.

  His breath caught, but he didn’t back away. Emboldened, she kissed him again, this time, teasing the seam with her tongue. When he groaned, she pushed inside. He tasted of the rich, dark coffee he’d had with breakfast, along with a naturally masculine flavor that made her crave more. She stroked his tongue before mapping out his mouth.

  It was everything she’d imagined it would be and more. Etienne Rollins was sin on two legs.

  She was enjoying herself so much it took her a minute to realize he wasn’t returning the embrace. His hands were fisted by his sides, his entire body rigid.

  Heat flushed up her cheeks. What have I done? Releasing him, she took a quick step back. She’d practically jumped the guy.

  “Amy.” He was breathing heavily. Otherwise, he looked the same as always—totally unruffled. She, on the other hand, was burning up.

  She raised her hand. “No, please don’t say anything. I’m sorry.” Oh, God, had she ruined their friendship? “I shouldn’t have done that without permission.” She bit her bottom lip to keep from babbling, her gaze on the ground. Anywhere but his face.

  “Did you hear me object?”

  Her head snapped up. Hands on his hips, he studied her like she was an interesting science experiment. Her embarrassment dissolved beneath a blast of anger. “I can tell how into it you were. Not,” she muttered. “That shouldn’t have happened and won’t again.” Best to lay down some new guidelines going forward. She’d bury her newfound interest in him if it was the last thing she did.

  Spinning around, she started to stalk away, but he caught her hand and tugged her back around.

  “What?”

  Calmly, he placed her hand over the bulge in the front of his jeans. Her fingers automatically curled around his thick erection. When she realized what she was doing, she yanked her hand away.

  “You’re aroused. So what? You’re a guy.” In her limited experience, men, especially male werewolves, had a very high sex drive. It wasn’t something she thought about often, especially not in regards to her parents. Nope, not going there. It didn’t matter that she was an adult. They were her parents.

  “I don’t want any woman, Amy. I want you.” The low growl raised all the fine hairs on the back of her neck. Her wolf whined inside her, unsettled. “You’re testing yourself, discovering the sensual side of your nature.” He trailed his index finger down her cheek and over the curve of her jaw.

  Such a little gesture, but it packed the punch of a bomb. Her nipples tightened, and a low throb pulsed between her thighs. She swallowed heavily. When had she lost control of the situation?

  “I… I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “Don’t lie, little wolf. You’ve snuck out several times these past months and gone to the bar outside town.” He leaned down and nibbled her neck. Her knees went weak.

  How does he know?

  “I’m not some human male, chère, content to dance to a song or two, maybe share some hot kisses.” He caught the lobe of her ear and nipped.

  “Etienne.” A shudder went through his big body.

  “Say my name again.” His breath was hot against her neck.

  “Etienne.” It was a mere whisper on the breeze.

  On a groan, he captured her mouth. He didn’t kiss her—he consumed her. Heat poured through her. Thick arms wrapped around her, holding her a willing captive.

  She’d been kissed before, but this was something entirely different. This was a claiming. Her wolf whined even as Amy surrendered to the potent desire. Their tongues tangled, breath mingled. His erection pressed against her stomach, but he made no move to do anything more.

  He was always so in control. It made her crazy, made her want to smash through the wall of his composure. Sliding her hand down his abs, she paused at the band of his jeans. He caught her hand before she went any lower.

  Breathing heavily, he rested his forehead against hers. “You do that, and I won’t be able to stop.”

  The raw confession should have pleased her. It was what she’d wanted. The air around them was charged. One wrong word and the world would explode. She swallowed heavily. But he was right. He was no human male, but a primal male werewolf.

  “Make no mistake. I want you. I have for some time, but you didn’t see me. Something changed. I don’t know what and I don’t care.” When he raised his head, she jerked back. His fangs had dropped. Something dark and deadly was reflected in his gaze.

  Fear seeped into her consciousness. “Etienne.”

  His big body shuddered. “Unless you’re ready to face the consequences of being with me, run.”

  Clear warning given and received, Amy bolted. When he didn’t pursue her, she glanced over her shoulder. He was standing alone, hands fisted by his sides, head thrown back, the cords of his neck rippling. He was a man in pain.

  Her wolf howled, wanting to return.

  Amy ran…

  Beep! Beep! Beep!

  She bolted upright in bed, lungs heaving and heart pumping. After slapping her phone to silence the alarm, she buried her face in her hands and sucked in a deep breath. She’d had the dream again. Only it was no dream.

  “Shit.” What else was there to say? Putting hundreds of miles between them hadn’t worked. Etienne and the memory of what had happened between them had followed her all the way to New York, up to Maine, and now all the way to Tennessee. She’d considered heading to California but hadn’t wanted to be that far from her family.

  I want to go home.

  The confession was bittersweet. So much for testing her wings, for being brave. She missed her parents, her friends, and extended family. Her wolf whined, in as much pain as she was.

  Bolting from bed, she headed to the bathroom. A cold shower was what she needed to clear away the cobwebs and cool her heated body. It was embarrassing how arousing the dreams were. Even after all this time, she could still feel his mouth on hers.

  Her lips tingled.

  “Don’t think about it.” Cranking the taps, a barely adequate trickle flowed from the showerhead. She stepped beneath the meager spray, gritted her teeth, and soaped up quickly. Lingering was out of the question.

  There was no relief to be found from the desire pumping through her veins. Pleasuring herself worked short term but seemed to make things worse. It had been nothing but cold showers for the past month.

  Hands planted against the chipped tiles, she bowed her head. It would be so easy to go home. If she did, she’d end up mated. She wasn’t stupid, understood that was what Etienne had meant.

  A chill shook her.

  Turning off the tap, she dried herself. After hanging the towel to dry, she stared at herself in the mirror. Outwardly, nothing had changed. She was tall and lean, the blonde hair and green eyes familiar. Inwardly, she was a stranger.

  “I don’t know what I want.” And that was the problem. Etienne was a force of nature. It would be so easy to give in to the potent desire between them. But was it real? Did he love her? Did she love him? Or was it simply proximity and limited choices?

  Mating with a human was rare. Finding that special person was almost akin to discovering a unicorn. It did happen, but not often. And where was she going to get the chance to meet such a man? Not at home. Another werewolf wasn’t likely either. Her pack kept to itself.

  She grabbed her brush and dragged it through her hair, wincing when it caught on tangles. Forcing herself to be more careful, she finished and braided it for work.

  She’d been asking herself the same questions for weeks and was still no closer to an answer. “I have to do this?” Talking to herself was a way to ease some of the loneliness. She was used to being surrounded by people. Heck, she still lived with her parents at twenty-four. Etienne lived with his. That’s how it was in a pack.

  Back in her living space, she dressed in a T-shirt and jeans and grabbed her sweater. She never bothered with a purse, keeping the key to her place and her wallet in one back pocket and her phone in the other. If she had to run, she had everything she needed.

  Another shiver ran down her spine. Going still, she listened intently. There was nothing beyond the regular sounds of the people living on either side of her and traffic from the nearby road.

  “It’s time to go.” Maybe she’d been here too long. It was Saturday night, which meant good tips. She got paid on Monday. Once she got her money, she’d hit the road.

  Feeling better now that she had a plan, she gave the place one last look. Her clothes were all in two bags—one clean, one dirty. She never unpacked. Her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten since her supper break last evening. It was already noon. There was time to get a bite to eat and get to work before her shift began at two. She was covering part of a shift for another waitress, as well as her own.

  It was going to be a long day.

  ****

  Etienne pulled into the gravel lot and parked in front of an older motel. According to what he’d found online, some enterprising soul had set up some of the rooms as cheap efficiency apartments a person could rent by the week or month. The red sign was chipped, but enough remained to let people know what it was.

  A small office crouched on the far left of the long, single-story L-shaped building. It had seen better days thirty years ago. There was no cafe or restaurant attached. The only food and beverages available came from several battered vending machines close to the office.

  Is this where she’s staying?

  Climbing out of his truck, he took a deep breath, tamping down the hope that welled inside him. He’d been at this for days and hadn’t picked up her trail yet. He’d lost count of how many cheap apartments, diners, and bars he’d trekked through.

  Imagining Amy in any of those places was enough to make him feral.

  Rolling his shoulders, he walked along the front of the building, starting at the office and working his way forward.

  The fine hairs on his arms rose as he caught a scent. Freezing, he sniffed again. Picking up his pace, he loped toward the far end. The scent grew stronger, fresher the closer he got to the last unit.

  I found her.

  Inside him, his wolf howled.

  Standing outside her current resting place—he would never call it a home—he placed his hands against the thin panel, struggling to suppress his anger. There was no protection here. Anyone could have broken in. Yes, she could protect herself. Not only was she stronger and faster than any human, her father and the rest of her “uncles” had trained her, had trained all of the younger generation, to fight. That wasn’t the point. She was still a woman alone. The best of clientele likely didn’t live here.

  He closed his eyes and said a prayer of thanks, not realizing until this second how desperately close to the edge he’d been. “Keep it together,” he whispered under his breath. “Amy.” He knocked on the door and listened. His preternatural senses picked up no sound.