The idea of this big, bad wolf with a cat was hard to reconcile. “You’re joking.”

  “No, ma’am. Bast tells me what she wants, and I give it to her. I found it best not to defy her.”

  The chuckle caught her off guard. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d smiled, let alone laughed.

  “You know you want to meet her?” Oh, he was the devil, pushing the right buttons.

  “Tonight only.” Maybe she’d lost her senses. Maybe she’d end up dead. At this point, she either trusted someone or gave up. She was tired of running, of always looking over her shoulder.

  Satisfaction shone from his eyes. Before she knew what he was about, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss against her forehead. “You won’t regret it.”

  “I already do,” she muttered. Aaron LaForge was dangerous to her emotional and mental well-being. After only a short time around him, she was already agreeing to things she normally wouldn’t. “If you’re lying to me, I’ll kill you.”

  “Fair enough. Follow me.” Stepping back, he shifted, going from male to enormous wolf in a heartbeat.

  She pulled on her helmet and started the engine. The wolf assessed her, waiting. “I’m ready.”

  He turned and headed toward the road. She followed, her stomach in knots, her common sense railing against her instincts. When they reached the main road, she hesitated. The wolf went to the right and glanced over his shoulder. She could take off. He might be able to run her down, but something told her that he’d let her go. An even deeper sense of knowing warned if that happened, she’d regret it the rest of her life.

  She turned right.

  The wolf ran faster than she thought possible. No wonder he’d outrun her. She kept up, enjoying having the road to herself. The wind cooled her heated body. The rumble of the engine soothed her as she enjoyed the beauty of the night. Dawn wasn’t far off, the sky growing lighter, the stars beginning to fade. Everyone else was long in bed. She’d barely finished the thought when headlights glowed in the distance.

  They can’t see the wolf.

  Before that could happen, the creature veered off onto a dirt road. She followed, keeping him in sight. She expected him to stop and wait for the truck to roll by, but he kept on going. Curious, she followed, gasping when a quaint single-story farmhouse came into view. A barn stood off to the left. An empty pasture beyond it.

  Aaron loped up the stairs, shifted, and disappeared inside.

  Turning off the engine, she set the kickstand and dismounted. It was quiet away from the road. Peaceful. She removed her helmet, placed it on the seat.

  The house was white with black shutters. Two cheerful Adirondack chairs sat on a covered porch—one painted blue, the other yellow. It looked inviting, like something out of a movie. Aaron stepped outside, clad in a pair of jeans, his feet and chest bare.

  “Welcome home.”

  Feet glued to the ground, she wanted to believe him so badly it hurt. She’d never truly had a home. Not even with Lottie. As much as the other woman had tried, Jesse had never been able to relax, to let down her guard, not with her sire so close, his neglect and then hatred a living, breathing thing tainting everything around her.

  Here, there was nothing from her past. Here, she could have a new beginning.

  Or maybe that was folly. There was no way to outrun her past or those hunting her. But maybe, just maybe, for a short time, she could have peace. Understand what it was like to have a real home.

  It was a child’s dream. One she’d never fully been able to let go.

  He came down the steps and put his hands on her shoulders. “I don’t know what your troubles are, but for as long as you are here, I have your back. You’re safe.”

  She shuddered and nodded, not truly believing.

  “Meow.” Startled by the sound, Jesse looked toward the deck. A black cat stared back at her.

  “That’s Bast.”

  “It’s true. You have a cat.”

  “You think I’d make something like that up? I haven’t even told my parents, although I wouldn’t be the first in our pack to have one.”

  Feeling like she’d stepped into another dimension, she walked toward Bast. “Hey, girl.”

  “She’s not the friendliest.” The cat rubbed against Jesse’s outstretched hand and purred. “And I stand corrected. Seems she likes females better than males.”

  Rather than be upset, he seemed amused. Aaron was unlike any male wolf she’d ever met.

  “What do you want to take inside?”

  “I’ll get it.” Leaving the cat, she grabbed her duffel off the back of her bike. “Lead the way.” She sniffed the air and scanned the area before stepping inside. Other than him and the cat, there was nothing but a faint whiff of wolf, but that was much older and almost faded.

  “You can use this room.” He opened the door and motioned her in. The space wasn’t overly large, but it was clean. The double bed was covered in a faded floral quilt. A single nightstand sat alongside it. “Closet is empty. And so is the dresser.” He opened another door. “This is a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, meaning it can be accessed from this room and mine on the other side. If that bothers you, lock the door on your side and use the main bathroom at the end of the hall.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

  She wanted to lean against him, to soak up his heat and caring. She hugged her duffel closer.

  “Get cleaned up and come to the kitchen. It’s almost dawn. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. I propose breakfast before we get some rest. It’s up to you. I’ll be frying bacon and eggs.” This time, he kissed her cheek. “You’re safe here.” On silent feet, he left and closed the door behind him.

  Lowering her duffel to the floor, she pressed her fingers to her face where his lips had touched her. Physical affection had been rare in her world. Lottie hadn’t been much for hugs and coddling. Aaron gave it freely and without expectation. Her wolf craved it. So did she.

  She stood there, trying to fathom the change in her circumstances. The sound of several pans hitting the stove galvanized her.

  She was starving, but first she needed to get clean. Digging out fresh clothes, she opened the door to the bathroom. As he’d told her, there was another one on the opposite side. She hurried over to it and turned the lock. Not that it would keep him out, but it made her feel better.

  After stripping off her dirty clothes, she cranked the water and stepped beneath the spray. Lifting her face, she let the water wash away the dust and dirt and the tears that trickled down her cheeks.

  Chapter Four

  When the shower came on, Aaron rolled his shoulders, releasing some of the tension knotting his muscles. “I half expected her to bolt,” he confided in the cat, who’d taken up residence on the windowsill in the dining area to watch the rising sun. This older home had no dining room, but an eat-in kitchen with a table large enough for a family. Everything was dated but functional.

  It worked for him.

  He was doubly glad he’d kept all the rooms clean since Jesse had temporarily moved in. His wolf growled, not liking the idea of it being temporary. He’d work on it.

  Dumping the first batch of bacon onto a plate lined with paper towel, he started a second, all the while trying desperately to ignore that she was now naked with hot water streaming down her body.

  And what a body—tall with lean muscles and subtle curves that left his mouth dry. Her breasts were perfect in both shape and size and tipped with rosy nipples that had hardened under his gaze. She had legs that went on forever.

  Shifters were used to being naked, but most were circumspect about it, and they always respected one another’s privacy. So sue him, he’d looked. Impossible not to. Almost as impossible was keeping his erection at bay. Yeah, that would have gone over well while he’d been trying to convince her to stay at the farm.

  He’d recited every single boring law he’d memorized in human text books. That, along with a bubbling anger, had allowed him to retain control. He had so many questions. How could she not have a pack? All wolves had a pack. Even half-breeds had their parents.

  Okay, maybe not all. His brother’s mate had taken in kids who’d been abandoned and orphaned and had run from the human system. It happened. Was that her story? With a last name like Broussard, had she come from Louisiana? That would be quite the coincidence, considering his father had been born into that pack before choosing to leave after reaching adulthood.

  Whatever her story, her fear was palpable. So was her mistrust. He was more attracted to her than he’d ever been to any female, but he’d never trade safety for sex. A low growl rolled up from his chest. The idea of any male taking advantage that way left him killing mad.

  He beat the dozen eggs he’d cracked into the bowl with a little more force than necessary until they frothed up. After dealing with the second pan of bacon, he tossed the eggs in and began to scramble them.

  The coffeepot was working away. Bread sat on a plate, ready to be toasted. He’d start that as soon as he finished with the eggs. All he needed now was Jesse.

  Right on cue, the water cranked off. Listening intently, he tracked her movements. The silence likely signaled she was toweling off, the thick cotton coasting over her slick skin before she dressed. Groaning, he dumped the cooked eggs into a bowl and popped both it and the bacon into the oven on low to keep it warm.

  Then she was moving around her room, likely dealing with her dirty clothes, maybe brushing her hair. It was so short it wouldn’t take much effort. Hell, it was shorter than his. To keep busy, he popped bread into the toaster, counting off the seconds. At three hundred and eighty-two, the door opened and she joined him.

  Taking a deep breath, he pretended to be far calmer than he actually was. “Have enough hot water?”

  “Yeah, thanks.” Going directly to the dining room window, she stared outside. She was fully dressed—jeans, a short-sleeved, plain white T-shirt, and boots. A ray of sun caught her hair, making the black shimmer and the purple streak in the front stand out like a beacon. “Hey, Bast.” She ran her hand down the cat’s back, making her arch.

  He’d never been jealous of a cat before. His spine tingled. What would it be like to have her hand running over his body?

  The toast popped. Grateful for the distraction, he buttered it and put down more.

  “Can I help?” Jesse wandered over to the counter.

  “Why don’t you pour up the coffee while I finish this? Bacon and eggs are done. Does that work for you? I didn’t think to ask if you liked bacon.”

  “Who doesn’t like bacon?” She paused in the act of filling the mugs, pot in hand.

  She seemed so appalled by the very idea, he chuckled. “I have no idea. Maybe vegetarians.”

  She snorted. “I’m a wolf. I need meat.” Aaron wanted to groan, even knowing she didn’t mean it in a sexually suggestive way. Oblivious to his discomfort, she carried the mugs to the table.

  “Sugar is in the bowl. There’s milk in the fridge if you want it.” Keep the conversation mundane, LaForge. No need to freak her out when she’s starting to relax. He dealt with more toast and popped down more slices. “We have enough to get started.” He’d noticed the way she sniffed the air and pressed her hand against her stomach.

  After setting the plate with the toast on the table, he retrieved the bacon and eggs from the oven. “Help yourself. There’s yogurt and cheese in the fridge. I can thaw some steaks if you want.” He tried to think what else might tempt her.

  “Aaron.” It was the first time she’d said his name. His toes curled against the wooden floor and his skin prickled. His wolf went on alert. “This is perfect.”

  “I want you to have enough.” At this moment, nothing else was as important as feeding her.

  Resting her elbows on the table, she studied him. “You really mean that.”

  Frowning, he got tired of waiting for her to start, so he dumped half the bacon on her plate. “Of course I mean it. We’re big on feeding people where I come from.” He’d started to say “in my pack” but caught himself in time. Since she didn’t have one, he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.

  “Do you think I have enough bacon?” The teasing quality in her voice made him want to raise his fist and pump it in victory.

  “Can you really ever have enough?”

  “Fair point.” She added eggs to her plate and dug in. The sound she made when she bit into the bacon was too much like a woman in the throes of sexual pleasure for comfort. It was a good thing he was sitting down. Otherwise, she’d get an eyeful of the bulge in the front of his jeans.

  Putting his head down, he ate, practically sweating as he dragged his body back under control. They said very little until their plates were empty and all the food consumed. When he took his plate to the kitchen, he grabbed the coffeepot and topped up their mugs.

  Jesse was leaning back in her chair, a half smile on her face, more relaxed than she had been since they’d met. “Thank you.” She lifted the mug and sipped. “I can’t remember the last meal that tasted that good. Much better than trail mix and beef jerky.”

  He ground his back teeth together to keep from saying something he shouldn’t. No wonder she was so thin, if that’s what she was surviving on. Her werewolf metabolism ran hotter and faster than a human’s.

  “What about the bar? They have decent food.”

  She straightened and frowned, smoothing out a nonexistent wrinkle in her shirt. “I only had a beer. I mostly wanted the company.”

  And food wasn’t in her budget. She hadn’t said as much, but he could read between the lines. “Help yourself to whatever you want. Fridge and freezer are full. So is the pantry.”

  “Who are you, Aaron LaForge? Why are you living here by yourself?”

  Maybe if he shared, she would. He debated how much to tell her when his phone rang.

  “Who’s calling? Who knows I’m here?” If her spine was any stiffer, she’d snap.

  “No one knows you’re here.” He retrieved the phone from his pocket. “It’s my brother. I have to get it or he’ll keep calling until I do.” He hit the answer button. “Do you know what time it is?”

  Jesse jerked back at his snarling tone and bit her bottom lip, her brows lowering. Great, now she was worried. Nicholas’s timing sucked.

  “Good morning to you, too. You’re always up earlier. Did I wake you from your beauty sleep?”

  “Fuck off. I was out late last night for a run.” Jesse eased out of her chair, but he caught her wrist before she could make herself scarce. With her werewolf hearing, she could listen to the conversation. He had nothing to hide, and she’d feel better knowing what was said.

  When she tugged on her wrist, he angled his head toward her chair and mouthed, “Stay.” When she tugged again, he released her. Rather than sit, she joined Bast at the window.

  “When are you coming home?”

  “When I’m ready.” Aaron downed the last of his coffee. “Are you just checking in or is there something more. I’m just finishing breakfast and was going to crash for a couple of hours.”

  A low growl rumbled from the phone. “I’m worried about you.”

  “Why? I’m a grown-ass male. You had your time off on your own. This is mine.” If anyone should understand, it should be his brother.

  “I get it. I do. I just miss you.”

  “Miss you, too. Love to Bailey and the kids and Mom and Dad. I’ll talk to you again soon.”

  “If you don’t, we’re coming to visit.”

  “I’ll call.” He ended the call and tossed the phone on the table. “That was my brother, Nicholas. He’s older by a few years and bossy as hell.”

  A hint of a smile teased her full lips. “I could tell.” Then she grew serious again. “You have family who loves you, so why are you here?”

  ****

  Listening to him talk with his brother was fascinating. They snarled and growled, but beneath it was love and concern. Must be nice to have someone who cared. And Aaron seemed to have many people who did.

  He was sprawled in his chair, his hands resting on his toned and tanned abs. Totally relaxed and perfectly at home, he watched her intently. She wished he’d put on a shirt while she was showering. His bare chest was distracting.

  “Join me.” He canted his head toward her chair.

  She was better off keeping her distance but was drawn to him. Pulling the chair back a few inches, she sat. “Well?”

  “I’m thirty-two years old. Up until five months ago, I’d lived my entire life in the Salvation Pack in North Carolina. This used to be Bailey’s place. That’s Nicholas’s mate. She, her brother, and the kids she took in lived here. When they finally moved to North Carolina, I bought her place.”

  “But why?” Why would he leave family and pack to be alone?

  A lock of hair fell across his forehead. It was several shades of brown—mostly medium to dark with a hint of light—mixed together. It was unique, like him. Her fingers itched to touch it. She linked her hands together.

  He shrugged his broad shoulders. “Except for my aunt, who is younger than me—long story—everyone is mated. I didn’t seem to fit, to have a place.”

  That she understood all too well. “I’m sorry.”

  The lock of hair danced when he shook his head. “Don’t be. My family is amazing. I needed time away to try to come to grips with what I want out of life.”

  Tilting her head to one side, she asked, “What is it that you want?”

  “That’s the question, isn’t it?” He rubbed the stubble on his jaw. “Don’t get me wrong, I did my part with the pack. Am still doing it.”

  His hesitation piqued her curiosity. “And what is it you do?” In spite of her intention to keep her distance, she leaned forward and rested her elbows on the table.

  “I protect the pack. That’s a given. I build custom furniture. That’s our business. But in my early twenties, I took online courses and got a degree. Then I studied law.”