Was she still living there or had she left? Had he missed her?

  Panic welling inside him, he gripped the handle, turned it, and pushed. The flimsy lock broke under the pressure. After a quick look to make sure no one was watching, he stepped inside and closed the door.

  Her scent surrounded him. He threw back his head, the cords of his neck tensing as he gritted his teeth to keep from howling in victory. Her clothes were still here. She was still here. Or somewhere close.

  He sat down hard on the end of the bed and fell back. This was where she’d slept. Lifting one corner of the blanket, he rubbed it over his face, breathing deeply. The darkness inside that had threatened to swallow him whole these past weeks settled.

  Sitting up, he peered around the space. Small, circular table with a cheap chair in front of the window, a bed, a nightstand, a dresser with a coffeepot and hot plate, a mini refrigerator, and a tiny open closet made up the entire space. It was smaller than his bedroom at home. The dingy beige paint on the walls and stained carpet didn’t add anything. It stank of mildew, pine-scented cleanser, and past occupants. How did she stand it?

  Where is she?

  He wouldn’t relax until she was in his sight. Needing a starting place, he went to her bags, taking the one that wasn’t laundry back to the bed. It was an invasion of privacy, but he was past caring.

  There was so little—a couple pairs of jeans, shirts, underwear and socks, and a journal. The leather-bound book was thin and not overly large. He brushed his fingers over the pink cover, a ghost of a smile on his face. She might be all grown up, be an outdoors girl, but she still loved pretty things.

  She’d fascinated him his entire life. Even as children, he’d never quite been able to figure her out. He doubted he ever would.

  Her most intimate thoughts were written on these pages. His fingers hovered on the cover. Swearing, he jammed it back into the bag, along with her clothes. That was a line he wouldn’t cross. She’d never forgive him.

  The laundry bag was next. He checked all the pockets in her clothes. He was almost ready to give up when he hit the jackpot in the front pocket of a pair of jeans at the bottom of the bag—a folded piece of paper. It wasn’t a paystub. That would be too easy. She was likely being paid under the table, anyway. Smarter that way.

  It was a receipt from the diner he’d passed half a mile back. Since he was hungry, he’d check out the place. Maybe she worked there.

  Hope buoying him, he hurried to the door. It closed, but the lock wouldn’t click into place. No matter, he expected to be on the road home later tonight or tomorrow.

  Optimistic? Maybe. He preferred determination. She was stubborn, but she’d met her match.

  He thought about putting her belongings in his truck, but that was too presumptuous, would only put her back up.

  He’d have to be sneaky. His prey was in his sights, and she’d soon know it.

  Chapter Three

  An old Garth Brooks song about having friends in low places blasted through the speakers, hurting her sensitive ears. She liked the song, just not the volume. “Suck it up,” she muttered, hoping the pep talk would help. Only three more hours until closing. It was both scary and liberating to know she was leaving this behind in a couple of days.

  Where will I go?

  Best not to think about that now. She needed her wits about her to get through the next two days. She hated to leave the bar in a lurch, but it couldn’t be helped. There was an itch between her shoulder blades. Her wolf was restless. It was time to go.

  “Two Buds, a Coors, a whiskey, and two white wines.” Three couples were out for an evening of dancing and fun. She preferred dealing with mixed groups. Less chance of being hit on or groped.

  Gracie nodded and filled the order. “How you doing? You haven’t been yourself tonight.”

  Amy winced, aware she’d been distracted, more withdrawn. “Yeah, sorry.”

  “Listen, if I overstepped the other night, I apologize.” She set the beers on the tray and started pouring the drinks. Tonight’s T-shirt was the Rolling Stones. It struck Amy that she was going to miss Gracie.

  “No, it’s nothing you said. I appreciate your concern.” How could she explain it when she wasn’t quite sure herself?

  The wine and whiskey landed on the tray. “Just don’t disappear without telling me.” She squared her shoulders. “I’d worry.”

  Warmth spread throughout Amy. On impulse, she reached across the bar and squeezed Gracie’s hand. “Promise.” Guilt sat heavy on her shoulders. She’d left home with only a short note of explanation. She didn’t need to add to the weight already pushing down on her.

  “Better get back at it.” She tilted her head toward the tables. “The natives are restless tonight.”

  On a laugh, Amy grabbed her tray and made her way around the tables until she hit her destination. “Here you go, folks. Enjoy.”

  Gracie wasn’t wrong. There was something in the air tonight, a hum, an almost frantic energy. Wouldn’t take much for a fight to erupt. Best to stay on her toes.

  When the front door opened, she automatically glanced over. The two men were tall and broad, and both of them stopped to scan the room before entering. They moved with an unmistakable grace that made her stomach drop.

  Please go to Mary’s side. There were two of them working tonight, and they split the bar in half, each of them solely responsible for their section. There were two empty tables in the place, one on each side. Fate laughed in her face when they turned toward her area.

  Don’t borrow trouble. Something about the men made her wary. Her wolf was unnaturally quiet.

  So what if they were wolves? Part of her journey was about finding herself, but there’d also been the faint hope she’d meet others of her kind. How could she compare what she’d felt with Etienne if she never met other male wolves?

  Now that it was a reality, rather than a vague possibility, she was having second thoughts.

  Realizing she was standing there like a bump on a log, she put her head down and took orders for two tables. Once those were delivered, she took a deep breath, plastered a smile on her face, and headed to the far corner where the men had settled. “Welcome to Milton’s. What can I get you?”

  The first male smiled. “I’ll have a Heineken.” He had short dark hair, blue eyes that bordered on gray, and a face that would make most women look more than once.

  His friend stared until she shifted from one foot to another. “And you?”

  “Why are you working here?” He had the same hair color and general build. The only difference was his eyes were totally gray, his features less refined. They were definitely related.

  His question was blunt and to the point. She’d be the same. “None of your damn business. Now, do you want anything to drink?”

  His brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed. “I’ll have the same.”

  “Fine.” She spun around and walked away when she wanted to run. That would be a mistake. They were predators and would chase her. Act normal. Act normal. Shoulders back, she stopped at two more tables, smiling and chatting and taking orders.

  At the bar, she kept her back to them, but could feel their gazes on her.

  “Those guys bothering you?” Gracie tilted her head slightly toward them. “I’ll move them along if you need me to.”

  As much as she’d like to take her up on the offer, it would be cowardly. And they wouldn’t leave until they were good and ready. Not without causing trouble. Best to face them down.

  “I’m good. Promise,” she added when Gracie dropped her chin and eyed her intently. As she waited for her drinks, she rubbed her hand over her face and took several deep breaths to slow her speeding heart. This was a good thing. It was part of her journey. And since she’d already planned on moving on, it was no big deal. Right?

  By the time her tray was full, she’d talked herself around to seeing this as a positive thing. Kind of.

  She kept their drinks until last, placing them both on the table.

  “Here you go.” See, she could talk to them no problem. “Kitchen closes in an hour.” She pointed to the large sign on the wall that listed their limited menu and prices. “Let me know if you want to order.”

  “Wait.” It was the one who’d demanded to know why she was working here. Amy’s wolf gave a warning growl, her hackles up. The muscles in his shoulders bunched, but he leaned back in his chair. “I’m sorry. That came out wrong. What I said earlier.”

  A male werewolf apologizing. Not something that happened every day. If he could give a little, so could she. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “I’m Luc Landry.” He pointed to the other man. “That’s my brother, Colton.”

  “Amy.” She wasn’t about to give him her last name. She was friendly, not trusting or stupid.

  His smile was crooked. “I’m still curious.” He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table and wrapping his hands around his beer. “Why are you working here? Among them?” He didn’t say humans, didn’t have to.

  Resting her empty tray against her side, she studied both men. They were handsome in a rugged, masculine way. They gave off an aura of toughness without having to posture or preen. She waited, hoping for a sign of attraction, a twitch, anything.

  Nothing.

  Giving a sigh, she shoved a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Because I need a job.” And it was time to get back to it. She didn’t ignore them, not exactly, but she did avoid them for the next half hour. It was impossible not to be aware of them.

  Finally, her conscience got the better of her—they were paying customers—and she made her way to their table. “Can I get you anything else?”

  “Another round of beer,” Luc told her. “Two burgers and an order of nachos.”

  Great, they were sticking around. Would likely be here at closing. Would they follow her home, try to talk her into going somewhere with them? Suddenly, wanting to meet other male wolves didn’t seem like such a clever idea. Not when she was on her own.

  Should she run, take off early? It would be easy to slip out the back, take to the woods, and be gone before they discovered she was missing. Tension was making her head ache. And considering her kind rarely got them, that was quite a feat. Outwardly, none of her fears showed. She smiled and chatted, keeping her customers happy.

  She was still mulling her options when she delivered their food.

  “Thanks.” Colton’s smile had likely melted many a woman’s heart. Hers remained steady.

  “You’re welcome.” She set one of the burgers in front of each man and placed the nachos in the middle. “Enjoy.”

  “When do you get off?” Luc asked. “We could take you home. It’s not safe for a female out here on her own.”

  He’d made his move. It was time for her to do the same. “Funny, but I never felt threatened until tonight.” Let them chew on that. Colton appeared confused. Luc frowned.

  “We would never hurt you.” His eyes flashed and his frown deepened. His outrage seemed real, but it was impossible to sniff out a lie in this crowd. Too many other scents muddying the air.

  “I only have your word for that. And my momma taught me not to trust strangers.”

  “If she was such a great parent, you wouldn’t be working in a place like this.”

  Oh, no, he didn’t. She dropped her tray on the table and placed her hands on either side of it. “You don’t ever disrespect my momma. Do you hear me?” Cherise Blanchard was kindness personified and the best mother a girl could ever have. Amy missed her like a limb.

  Colton nodded immediately. Took his brother a bit longer, but he finally gave a curt one.

  “I’ll see myself home.”

  “We’ll see about that,” Luc muttered.

  God save her from stubborn male wolves. Amy didn’t think they meant her harm, but she wasn’t about to risk it. “No, we won’t.” Before she could straighten, he reached out and wrapped his hand around her wrist.

  Whatever he might have said was lost when the door opened and a gust of wind blew a familiar scent in her direction. Both brothers growled. Amy turned her head, her eyes devouring the big man who stepped inside.

  The black T-shirt clung to his broad chest and wide shoulders, the short sleeves stretched by his biceps. The faded jeans hugged his powerful thighs. Shoulder-length hair was pulled back in a short tail at his nape. Laser blue eyes landed on her.

  Her heart took off at a gallop. Sweat beaded her brow. Oh, God. Why here? Why now? A chill washed over her before a flash of heat blasted through her.

  She licked her lips, her mouth dry.

  Etienne had found her.

  ****

  The bar was like dozens he’d been in before. The smells never changed—alcohol, food, sweat, and perfume. He’d always hated it. But this place had something the others hadn’t. A fragrant scent lingered, a mixture of the outdoors and a sweetness that made his mouth water. It stood out over the others, like a rose in the center of a swamp.

  Feeling eyes on him, he turned unerringly to the dark corner on his left. And there she was, safe and unharmed. The frantic restlessness and fear that had dogged him for so long dissolved, and he took what felt like his first real breath in weeks.

  Standing in the shadows, Amy stood out like a beacon of light. He drank in the sight of her, from the top of her sleek blonde hair to her sneaker-clad feet. His eyes narrowed and a growl rumbled up from his chest when his gaze landed on her wrist. She was leaning on a table, and some guy was touching her.

  Before he could head that way, she stepped back. Fortunately for the guy, he released her. Etienne decided the unknown man could live.

  His gaze tracked her as she hurried to the bar. She could run all she wanted. He’d be right behind her. But he would not give her a reason to bolt.

  The more primal part of him wanted to grab her, toss her over his shoulder, and drag her home. But like any wild creature, she’d fight captivity. The trick would be to lure her until she trusted him enough to want to leave with him. It would be even more brilliant if he could convince her to do the asking.

  That was a tall order, but he didn’t mind hard work. Amy was well worth it.

  As he walked across the crowded dance floor, people instinctively moved out of his way without him having to ask. Humans had no idea what he was, but they unconsciously understood it was better to get out of his way. It proved their instincts hadn’t all been blunted. He had no problem with that. Made things easier.

  Her back was to him, but her shoulders hunched as he approached. The music was too loud, the air thick and nasty, and it was far too crowded. This was not how he’d envisioned their reunion, but he’d work with what he had.

  “Amy.”

  She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. The older woman pouring drinks behind the bar stopped what she was doing and glared at him. “Get you anything?”

  So, she’d managed to find a protector. He wasn’t surprised. As strong as she was, there was something about Amy that prompted people to want to look out for her. She was tall and lean, her curves subtle. He ached to touch her but didn’t dare.

  “Mister?” The bartender rapped her knuckles on the bar top.

  “Beer.”

  “What kind?”

  “The kind in a bottle.” He didn’t care what it was. “You going to say hello?” She took his question as a challenge, as he’d known she would. Amy wouldn’t back down from the devil himself. No, she’d charm him until he’d be willing to lay waste to the world for a single smile from her.

  It was a good thing she had no idea of the power she wielded so effortlessly.

  Her chin went up and she slowly turned. He swallowed heavily. She’d lost weight, was leaner, her features more pronounced. Her green eyes flashed with something. Anger? Relief? Hard to say with any certainty. Then it was gone, replaced by a bleak acceptance.

  What the hell did she think he was going to do? Toss her over his shoulder and take her home? Not that he hadn’t considered doing just that, but that was before he’d seen her.

  His mind calculated odds and outcomes. His mother had always complained he was too smart for his own good, always planning three steps ahead. He prayed it worked in his favor now. He didn’t see it as manipulating but as guiding people toward the best possible outcomes for everyone.

  “Hello, Etienne.”

  His good intentions were almost washed away by the soft sound of her voice. He closed his eyes, inhaled sharply, and tucked his hands in his pockets to keep from reaching for her.

  A bottle slammed down in front of him. “Four dollars.”

  He pulled out a five and tossed it down. “Thanks.” Amy was watching him like a doe watched a hungry wolf, wary and ready to bolt.

  “How did you find me?”

  “Amy, you want me to call the cops?” the bartender asked.

  Even if she wanted to, she wouldn’t. A werewolf would never involve the human authorities in their problems. It was an unwritten rule, but one that none of them ever broke. If humans found out about them, they’d all be hunted to extinction. People were nothing if not predictable.

  “No, Gracie. I’m fine. He’s from home.”

  Lying wasn’t an option. He could evade the question or choose not to answer, but he went with the truth. “It was your call to your momma. It was traced to a local tower. I’ve been searching for you since. Your daddy wanted to come.”

  She closed her eyes and made a small sound of pain. He had his arms around her before he’d realized his intentions. The need to comfort her was instinctive. He buried his face in her hair and inhaled her scent. Nothing and no one had ever felt as good or as right in his arms as she did. His wolf gave a rumble of relief.

  Her hand pressed against his chest, not to pull him closer but to push him away. He took a step back. “Amy.”

  With a shake of her head, she turned aside. “Not now.”

  He got it, he did. She was at work, surrounded by strangers. This was neither the time nor the place. “I’ll wait.”