He pulled back and kissed her forehead. “As much as I hate to stop, I need to call home. Jacque wanted to be informed as soon as I found you. I’ve already waited longer than I should have.”

  A direct order from the alpha was rare and not to be ignored. Unless you wanted to pay the consequences. Nervous all over again, she perched on the end of the bed and wrapped her arms around herself.

  “Hey.” He sat beside her. “I told him I wouldn’t force you to go home.”

  That boggled her mind. “You said that to Jacque LaForge, our alpha?” No one argued with Jacque when he gave a direct order. Except maybe his mate, Gwen, and that special relationship allowed for some leeway.

  He brushed a lock of hair off her forehead. “I’m on your side, Amy. If you need to spread your wings and fly, I’ll help make it happen. I won’t deny I’m hoping it will make you realize how much you miss home. I want you to come back, but on your terms.”

  “No pressure, though,” she muttered. And there wasn’t. Only what she put on herself. He really was a brilliant tactician. She could almost hate him for that. “Let’s get this over with.”

  With a shake of his head, he pulled out his phone. “I promised I’d text him your location. I can do that if you’d prefer.”

  Suddenly, she felt petty and small. Her family was worried about her. She was fortunate to have them, lucky they cared. “I should have done it sooner.” She put out her hand. “Give me your phone.”

  ****

  Luc Landry swore as he climbed into the truck beside his brother. “I can’t believe we lost the bastard.” He wanted to keep searching, but he had responsibilities that wouldn’t wait. The plan had been simple—follow them and grab Amy when the other wolf wasn’t looking.

  Colton shrugged. “Looked to me like she was more than happy to leave with him.”

  It bugged him that the situation didn’t seem to bother his brother. It wasn’t that Colton didn’t care. It was that they had enough problems of their own without getting involved in someone else’s.

  Watching her leave with another male wolf had infuriated him. He was positive she’d done it to keep a fight from breaking out. “I’m not so sure.”

  “What else can we do? I wasn’t expecting him to be able to lose me so easily. We know where she works. We can talk to her again tomorrow or Monday.”

  Not likely. If he were the other wolf, he’d already be a hundred miles from here. The idea that she might not be safe haunted him. It was an all too familiar scenario. But his brother was right. There was nothing more to be done tonight.

  “We need to get back.” They’d taken up residence in a nearby abandoned cabin. They were safe there, away from prying eyes. They’d kept in touch by text all evening, but their sister would be worried.

  Chapter Six

  Etienne had never been prouder of Amy. She looked ready to fall asleep sitting up, but she wasn’t backing down from this latest challenge.

  He understood why she’d resisted contacting Jacque. If the alpha ordered her back to North Carolina, she risked losing her home forever if she refused. It wasn’t likely he’d pull rank like that, but he was under pressure from Amy’s parents, who wanted her back under their roof.

  “It’s late.” The screen of his phone glowed. He stayed quiet. Whatever she did had to be her decision. “Damn it.” She pulled up his contacts and speed-dialed. It only rang once before it was answered.

  “Have you found her?” Jacque demanded.

  “He found me.” Amy nibbled on her bottom lip. Etienne stifled a groan, trying to ignore his raging hard-on. Not easy when she was right beside him. He reached down and subtly readjusted his erection. It didn’t help.

  “Amy.” Jacque’s voice softened. “Are you okay, honey?”

  A tear escaped from the corner of her eye and rolled down her cheek. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause trouble.”

  “We’re all worried about you.” It was the truth, but Etienne hated the way her shoulders slumped and her head lowered in defeat.

  “I had to leave.”

  The alpha sighed. “I’m not saying I don’t understand because I do.” Jacque, his brother, cousin, and two friends, including Etienne’s father, had broken away from their pack decades ago and forged a new path for themselves. But they had one another, hadn’t been alone. There was strength in numbers.

  He gave her leg a squeeze of encouragement. She dropped her free hand on top of his, gripping it like a lifeline. “I’ll call my parents, but I’m not ready to come home.”

  “That could be a problem.” Etienne straightened, not liking the note of command in Jacque’s voice.

  Amy paled, her hand visibly shaking. “What are you saying?”

  Before the alpha could give her an ultimatum, Etienne pried his phone out of her clenched fingers. “I’ll stay with her. She needs time.” In other words, if he made her come home now, she’d be miserable and maybe run again. You couldn’t pen in a wolf. Their wild natures wouldn’t allow it.

  “Amy, I know you can hear me. Talk to your folks. Whatever you decide between you, I’ll respect.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  “Don’t let anything happen to her.”

  “I’ll guard her with my life.”

  “Don’t do anything stupid. I want you both back here in one piece. Be safe. And for God’s sake, call if you need us.” The line went dead.

  Etienne lowered his phone. “See, that wasn’t so bad.”

  She gave a sputter of laughter that verged on tears. “Yeah, that was a cakewalk compared to the next call I have to make.” Her big eyes were luminous. “Thank you.”

  He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “I’m always on your side.”

  “I’m beginning to believe that.” She swiped at her face. “Let’s do this.” She took his phone and punched in a number.

  “Where is my daughter?” Cole Blanchard’s voice was hard and unforgiving.

  “I’m here, Daddy.”

  “Tell me you’re on your way home.”

  She was shaking her head even as she spoke. “I can’t.”

  “Amy.” There was so much pain in that one word. Etienne’s heart broke for the man, but her needs came first.

  “I need to do this. You have to trust me.”

  “How can I protect you if you’re not here? Is that what drove you away?”

  “No! You’re the best daddy in the world.” She rested her head on Etienne’s shoulder. He wasn’t sure she was aware of what she was doing, but she was seeking comfort from him. “You always told me I could do anything?”

  “I’m regretting that at this moment.” When she made a small sound of pain, he relented. “Damn it, I don’t regret it, but I want to be there, to catch you if you fall.”

  If there was a bigger, scarier wolf in existence than Cole, Etienne hadn’t met him. In spite of that, maybe even because of it, he was an amazing father, protective and encouraging with a heart as big as a mountain.

  “Amy.” Her mother’s voice came over the line. “Is Etienne with you?”

  “I’m here,” he answered. “And I’m not going anywhere until she’s ready to come back. If she’s ever ready.” It was better that there were no more secrets or surprises.

  “I see.” And he could tell that she did.

  “I need this time,” Amy said. “We need this time.” Hearing her acknowledge that they were a couple, or a potential one, raised his hopes.

  “When did you grow up?” Cole sounded resigned. “I want you happy. I wish you could find what you need here with us, with your family.”

  Etienne wanted to howl when her entire body jerked like she’d taken a blow. While he understood where her parents were coming from, he wouldn’t allow anyone to hurt her.

  “We’ll stay in regular contact.”

  “Don’t let anything happen to her.” It was both a warning and a threat. “That is my daughter. She and my mate are the most precious things in my world.”

  “There’s no one more important to me than Amy.” He had nothing to hide, not anymore. He ended the call. “I think that went well.”

  She flopped back on the bed, her arms over her face. “My daddy just threatened you.”

  It was no more than he’d expected. He shrugged. “I’d have been disappointed in him if he hadn’t.”

  She lowered her arm, her expression one of disbelief. “Is that a guy thing?”

  He swallowed back a laugh. “It’s a father thing. And speaking of those, I need to contact mine.”

  “I’m so sorry. I’m being selfish. Your parents can’t be happy about this.”

  “They understand.” Or he hoped they did. He hated the idea of hurting them. The phone was answered on the first ring.

  “Oui?”

  “I found Amy.”

  “This is good. When will you be home? We’ll have a feast to celebrate.”

  “Don’t start cooking just yet. It may take a while.” He wasn’t about to tell him it might never happen.

  There was a long pause. “I see.” He feared his father did. Gator Rollins was outgoing and perpetually in motion, but there was no one more observant. “You will keep in touch daily.”

  “Of course.” He missed his parents and hated that this situation was upsetting to them. “Love you both.” He ended the call and tucked his phone away. “Let’s get some sleep. The sun will be coming up soon.”

  He was exhausted from days of searching and weeks of worry. Whatever the future held, he needed to be at full strength to deal with it. Grabbing a pillow, he tossed it on the floor beside the bed and stretched out on the worn carpet, trying not to think about how dirty it was.

  The mattress creaked when Amy rolled to the edge and stared down at him. “That’s it? That’s all you have to say?”

  “What else is there?” He was too tired to worry about anything else tonight. “Whatever happens, we’ll deal with it. After a good night’s sleep.”

  When she nibbled on her lower lip, his cock strained against his jeans. The woman tempted him without even trying. “That can’t be comfortable.”

  Shit, had she noticed his erection? Fortunately, she wasn’t looking at his groin but at his face. “What can’t be comfortable?”

  “The floor.” Her gaze shot lower. “That can’t be comfortable either.”

  “You have no idea,” he muttered. He’d jerked himself off more in the past six weeks than he had in the last six years, unable to forget the taste of Amy, the feel of her pressed against him. It was the only thing that had given him any relief, the only thing that blocked out the worry, if only for a short time.

  It was a pale imitation of the original. Having her so close was both a blessing and a curse. There would be many icy showers in the days ahead. The last thing he wanted to do was pressure her.

  “I think I do.” Her confession was shyly given. He sat up and leaned against the side of the mattress.

  “You thought about me?” It helped to know he wasn’t the only one dealing with sexual frustration.

  She laughed and flopped onto her back. “I’ve thought of little else.”

  There was a huge, shit-eating grin on his face, but he couldn’t help it. “Any time you want to do more than think about it, feel free to reach out.”

  Her giggle lightened his heart. When she looked at him, he waggled his eyebrows. She rolled from side-to-side, her laughter growing. Then she burst into tears.

  “Fuck.” He scrambled up onto the bed and pulled her into his arms. “I didn’t mean to upset you. Forget I said anything.” After his promise not to pressure her, what had he done? Pressure her. He hadn’t meant to.

  “It’s not that. Well, it is, but it’s all of it.”

  “I get it.” He kissed her temple. “It’s been an emotional day.”

  She nodded, her hair brushing his face. The smells from the bar clung to her, but beneath it was her sweet scent. Ignoring his erection, he pulled her closer and stroked her back, soothing her. The occasional tear dampened his chest, each one breaking his heart. She should never have to cry. Unrealistic, sure, but when it came to Amy, logic went out the window.

  She snuffled, her breathing softening. Her hand pressed against his chest. Lying there in a cheap rent-by-the-day-or-week-or-month motel with peeling paint on the walls and ceiling, on a lumpy mattress, Etienne’s world was complete. Because Amy was in his arms where she was supposed to be.

  Their heads shared a pillow, since the other one was still on the floor and he wasn’t about to move to get it. He’d finally gotten her into bed with him. He would have laughed if he wasn’t so aroused. But even the throbbing in his groin couldn’t dim the pure joy of being with her.

  He’d found her. Now all he had to do was find a way to get her to claim him. “We’ll figure it out,” he whispered. She stirred but settled again, her lips slightly parted on a light snore.

  Smiling, he closed his eyes and slept.

  ****

  A large masculine body wrapped around her, his chest against her back, his arm around her waist, and his big hand cupping her breast.

  Amy didn’t want to wake up, wanted to drift in this lovely fantasy and avoid reality for as long as possible. Wait. Would I know I’m dreaming if I’m still asleep? She cracked her eyes open and then slammed them shut.

  It was no dream man holding her but Etienne. Awake, the memories came pouring back.

  “Good morning.” The voice was rough with sleep, his breath warm on her neck. Goosebumps raced down her arms. He shifted position behind her. “Make that good afternoon.” He tossed his phone onto the built-in nightstand. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep in your bed last night.”

  The other pillow was on the floor, and he was still wearing his jeans. The last thing she remembered was him comforting her, rubbing his big hand up and down her back. “It’s fine. Not the first time we’ve shared a bed.”

  His lips teased the curve of her shoulder. “I was ten and you were eight. That doesn’t count.”

  It was certainly different. There was nothing innocent about the thick erection poking her in the back. Her nipples were standing at attention like good little soldiers, ready and willing to handle whatever came their way.

  His hand squeezed her breast lightly before easing away. “Didn’t mean to do that either but not sorry I did.”

  She wasn’t sorry either. Her body instantly responded to his nearness. While she’d kissed other guys—full humans—there’d been mild interest but never this depth of attraction.

  If she were human, she could go with the flow, test the waters and see how things went. But they were wolves. If she had sex with Etienne, she risked being marked and mated. Not that he’d do it on purpose without her permission, but sometimes the wilder side of their nature took control.

  It was too big a risk to take unless she was ready to live with the possible consequences.

  “What are you thinking about so hard, chère?” He eased the neck of her shirt down and nibbled on the curve of her shoulder. Delicious shivers raced through her, followed by a flash of heat.

  “I’m not ready.” It was easier to share her feelings when she wasn’t looking at him.

  “Hmmm.” He nuzzled her ear. “We don’t have to go all the way. We can play a little.”

  Her temperature spiked and a moan of longing escaped.

  “Like that idea, do you? I’m full of them.” He flicked his tongue over the whorls of her ears.

  Oh, she liked that. Delicate shivers were followed by another flash of heat. He kept this up much longer and she’d be dragging her clothes off and jumping him.

  “I’m sure you are. I’m also not sure they’re smart.” Yet, she tilted her head to one side, giving him better access.

  His laugh was low and wicked, making her pussy clench. “I can smell your arousal, sweetheart.”

  She closed her eyes and prayed for strength. There was no hiding anything from a wolf, not when they were this close.

  “Let me pleasure you.”

  She bit her bottom lip to keep from yelling, “Yes!” Getting herself off wasn’t nearly as satisfying as she suspected having his hands on her would be.

  “I’ll keep my jeans on. I promise.”

  Her breathing was so fast she was almost panting. “That’s not fair to you.” Because if he promised he’d keep his pants on, he would. Etienne’s word was solid gold.

  “Let me decide what’s fair. Hmmm.” With his face buried in her neck, he inhaled sharply. “I’ve dreamed of this for weeks. Not knowing where you were almost killed me.”

  She ducked her head, shame swamping her.

  “Non, you do not feel sorry for this. You did what you needed to do.” He rolled her onto her back, looming over her. The intensity of his gaze was almost too much to bear. “It would be a gift to be able to touch you, to learn what makes you sigh with pleasure, to hear you call my name as you find release.”

  Hell, she was close to coming now without him having to touch her. He was seducing her with nothing but words.

  He ran his hand over her hair, teasing the ends with his fingers. “When you were a little girl, you were like a fairy princess with your golden hair and green eyes. I remember you had a tiara your father bought for you. You wore it for months.”

  “I still have it.” It sat in a place of pride on her dresser at home.

  “You always loved sparkly things. You flitted around, spreading joy in your wake. I was always fascinated, but saw you as only my friend. Then I woke one day and you’d changed. The princess was gone. In her place was a fucking queen, proud and wild.”

  It was a revelation to see herself through his eyes. “You really think I’ve changed that much?” To her, she was the same as she’d always been.

  “You are as bright and inquisitive as ever. You enjoy people.” His slow grin set her blood to pumping. “That is a flaw I can overlook.”

  She laughed, something she hadn’t thought possible given the intensity of their conversation. But Etienne wasn’t a stranger. He was her friend, the person who knew her better than anyone. “And you don’t enjoy people.”

  He shrugged. “I like some of them well enough.” His fingers traced the curve of her cheek. “I like you best of all.”