Some would call him cold, but they’d be wrong. Dead wrong. Intensity bled from his pores, his very presence still, the calm before the storm. Or more aptly, the eye of the hurricane.

  “I told you to stay hidden. Do you understand what might have happened if one of them had caught you?”

  She got that he was angry, but enough already. “I’m not six years old. I’m an adult. As a wolf, I could have easily handled them. I did handle one of them,” she reminded him.

  Seeing the second man go for Etienne’s back, she’d reacted instinctively. The urge to protect had been too powerful to ignore. “If you don’t like that, I’m sorry. You’ll just have to suck it up.”

  There was nothing calm about the glance he sent her. His eyes were seething with fury. A muscle in his jaw flexed. His hands tightened around the steering wheel. “If either one of them had touched you, harmed you in any way, I’d have killed them.”

  She blinked, not certain she’d heard him correctly. “That seems a bit extreme.”

  “No, it doesn’t. The only reason they’re still alive is because we don’t need the cops looking for us. We have enough trouble as it is with the Landry brothers still out there. Now, these two idiots know where we live. Not exactly, but the box number in Salvation. If they care to come looking, they could end up being an even bigger headache.”

  He didn’t raise his voice. Didn’t have to. Each word cut her like a knife. Amy slumped in her seat. He was right. All this was on her. If she’d stayed home, none of this would have happened.

  “Everything was fine until you showed up,” she muttered. She bit her bottom lip, regretting the childish outburst. “That was uncalled for.” She thumped her head against the backrest.

  “We’ll handle it.”

  Her heart leaped and then settled. “You don’t mean we as in me and you, do you? You mean the men of the pack.” So much for him seeing her as an equal.

  He frowned and slowed the truck as they entered the town limits. “I mean, we’ll handle it as a pack, a family.”

  Not what she’d hoped for, but not as bad as she’d feared. “Do you really think those men will cause trouble?” The adrenaline had worn off, leaving her shaky and slightly sick to her stomach. Etienne could have been shot or stabbed. Yes, his superior genetics would have made it almost impossible for them to kill him, but there was such a thing as a fluke shot. No one recovered from a bullet directly to the brain or heart.

  Sure, the rifle had been empty. But he hadn’t known that until he’d taken the weapon and smashed it. Her father and the other men of the pack had faced armed adversaries before, but they were nothing more than stories she’d overheard while growing up. She’d been sheltered from violence, which considering she’d grown up in a wolf pack was strange.

  Didn’t make it any less true.

  Her father, alpha, and honorary uncles protected the women. Now the next generation of males was stepping up to do the same thing. Not happening. If there was any fighting to be done, they’d do it together.

  He turned into the local burger joint, getting in the drive-thru lineup. “They’d be stupid to cause trouble, but if they’d had any sense they would have made pleasant conversation and walked away when I showed up. They won’t go to the cops. It’s their word against ours. Well, my word. They think you’re a dog.”

  Smirking, he stopped in front of the menu, ordering for both of them when a voice came over the speaker. She practically bit her tongue off as they drove forward to pay and collect their order.

  The smell of fresh burgers, fries, and onion rings had her stomach growling. Breakfast had been hours ago. He handed her the bags and the tray with the drinks. Balancing everything on her lap, she took a deep breath. Then another. She would be calm, cool, and adult. Even if it killed her.

  “I’m not a dog.” That was a huge insult to any werewolf.

  He shrugged. “I wasn’t about to tell him what you really were. Seemed easier to let them think you were a dog.”

  She might have believed him if his lips hadn’t twitched. “You think it’s funny, don’t you?”

  “You were fierce attacking him, taking him down.” The quiet pride in his voice surprised her. “I’m pissed because I lost focus. That could have gotten us both killed if either of them had been hiding another weapon.”

  She hadn’t even considered that. “You’ll have to give me a pass this time. I’m new at this.” Sure, she could defend herself, had been given lessons since she’d been able to walk. Reality differed from practice. The latter was fun and empowering. The former involved real weapons and blood.

  They pulled into the motel parking lot. “Wait here while I check things out.”

  It wasn’t bad enough they’d had humans try to jump them and steal their ride. There were two deadlier males out there that may or may not be adversaries. When Etienne appeared in the entryway, she popped the door open. Before she could climb out, he was there, taking the bags from her.

  “You should have waited for me.”

  “I can get out of a truck by myself.” While she might not be skilled in actual fighting, she wasn’t exactly fragile.

  “I know.” His sigh ruffled her hair when he leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I like doing it.”

  “Oh.” That was totally different.

  The table only had one chair, so he pulled it alongside the bed. “Where do you want to sit?”

  “Bed.” Kicking off her shoes, she crossed her legs and dug into the first bag. There were eight loaded burgers, four large fries, two orders of onion rings, and two giant drinks. Not the healthiest meal, but there was nothing quite like it.

  She unwrapped her burger and took a big bite. “God, this is the best. Don’t tell your father I said that.” Gator took pride in his cooking and was damn good at it.

  Etienne finished chewing and swallowed. “Do I look like an idiot?”

  Laughter bubbled up. “I refuse to answer that.”

  Smiling, he shook his head and kept on eating. The food helped her stomach settle. “I had a good time this afternoon. You know, before your truck was almost jacked and you were attacked.”

  “Glad you clarified.” He handed her an order of onion rings.

  “Thanks. I love these.”

  “I know.”

  And he did. Unlike normal couples who began dating, they’d been living in each other’s pockets their entire lives. He hadn’t needed to ask what she’d wanted at the drive-thru. With the limited selection on the menu, he’d known her preference.

  “How long had it been since you shifted?” The chair almost seemed too small for him. At first glance, Etienne didn’t look like a big man because he was lean and moved with such grace. It was only when you got alongside him you realized his shoulders were wide enough to fill a doorway. He was honed to a lethal edge, physically and mentally tough.

  She rubbed a droplet of condensation off her drink before sipping through the straw. “I didn’t feel safe.” For all her brave words, she’d been too afraid to shift on her own.

  Her stomach in knots, she pushed away her burger. “I shifted once in the first place I stayed.” She’d been so homesick she’d thought it would help. It had only made things worse, emphasized what she’d left behind. “The walls started to close in around me.”

  Talk about an understatement. The panic attack had been totally unexpected. She’d clawed at her throat, certain she was dying. Tears streaming down her face, she’d eventually calmed down enough to breathe. Yeah, she’d never shifted inside after that. It wasn’t the same as being at home, able to trot outside if she felt like it.

  He pushed out of the chair and shoved the table back far enough so he could sit down beside her. The tips of his fingers caressed her face. She closed her eyes and drank in his concern.

  “I’m sorry.”

  Shrugging, she opened her eyes. “Not your fault. I’m the one who left.”

  “I’m the one who drove you away.”

  Chapter Nine

  I’m the one who drove you away.

  His heart pounded the wall of his chest. The truth was out there. It was up to her what she wanted to do with it. Outwardly, he was steady as a rock, but his mind wouldn’t stop replaying this afternoon.

  She was right about one thing. It had been a great afternoon until the potential truck jacking. Running through the woods, exploring and enjoying it together, had solidified what he’d already known—Amy was the woman for him.

  They’d run together all their lives, usually with others, but occasionally the two of them alone. This time was different. There was a new awareness between them. As a male wolf, he could have easily overpowered and mated her. She’d trusted that he wouldn’t.

  Proud and strong, she’d fearlessly plunged into the unknown by his side, ready to tackle whatever came their way. Not even those humans could taint such a beautiful memory.

  “You seriously believe that?”

  There was a tiny smudge of dirt on her forehead he hadn’t noticed until now. Her top was wrinkled and stained. His gaze narrowed. “Are you wearing your bra?” The idea of it touching her skin after being handled by Mike made him wish he’d broken the other man’s fingers.

  “What? What are you talking about?” She crossed her arms over her chest, as if to hide it.

  “Are. You. Wearing. Your. Bra?” It was bad enough he could smell the humans on their clothing from where the men had searched their belongings.

  “No.” She tugged the lacy fabric out of her back pocket and threw it at him. “I couldn’t stand to put it on after seeing that man handle it. Satisfied?”

  Etienne tossed it over his shoulder and into the small garbage can by the dresser. “Now I am.”

  “I like that bra,” she muttered, her eyes tracking toward the can.

  “Don’t even think it. I’ll buy you another one. Hell, I’ll buy you a dozen.” The idea of having her wear lingerie he’d purchased had his cock hard as steel. She preferred lacy and color to plain and white.

  “You’re not buying me underwear.” Her words said one thing, but her pupils were dilated. The idea turned her on.

  “You can’t stop me.” He could already picture her in a pale pink set of panties and bra. Maybe a darker pink. And green. Definitely green. His balls clenched in agreement.

  “I won’t wear them. This conversation is ridiculous. Let’s get back to the point. You didn’t drive me to do anything.”

  “Don’t lie to me.” He could deal with anything but that.

  Her eyes clouded with concern. “I’m not lying.”

  He read her expression, studied the tiniest changes on her face and body chemistry. She believed that. “Would you have left if I hadn’t kissed you?”

  She dragged her fingers through her hair. “Yes. No. I don’t know.” She huffed in frustration. “You weren’t the only reason.” Rather than look at him, she plucked at a thread on the hem of her jeans. “My daddy is overprotective. He means well, but he wants to fix everything. For too many years I not only let him, I expected him to.”

  “He wants to protect you.” He understood Cole Blanchard’s motivation. Amy was like a woodland fairy, pale and delicate. Forget that she was five eight and a powerful female wolf. There was something about her that was almost otherworldly, a radiance that brightened even the darkest night.

  Some of that glow had been dimmed.

  “I’m ashamed.” Those two words slammed into him with the force of a sledgehammer.

  “Amy—”

  “No. It’s the truth. How can I figure out who I am if I’m never allowed to falter or fail? Oh, this is coming out all wrong. I sound like a spoiled brat, complaining because her life was too good. I had the best childhood. I love my parents so much. But I don’t know who I am beyond my role of daughter.”

  Misery bled from each word. Unable to bear her unhappiness, he pulled her into his arms. “You’re so much stronger than you know.” Understanding how she viewed herself was a startling revelation.

  “I’m not making any sense.”

  “You’re making perfect sense.” His chest expanded when she sighed and rested her head against his shoulder. “I see you in a far different way than you see yourself.”

  “Really?” Her skepticism made him smile.

  “Really. You bring light and love to everyone in the pack. You walk into a room and people smile. You’re the first one to jump in when anyone has a problem.”

  “That’s nothing special. We all help one another. It’s what we do.”

  She really didn’t get it. “It’s more than that.” How to make her understand. “Gwen is the alpha female of the pack.”

  Amy tilted her head back and frowned. “Your point?”

  “So impatient.” He kissed her forehead and urged her to rest against him. His entire body was on fire, need burning to the core of his being, but this was more important than sexual release. “You bring the fun and laughter to our lives.”

  “Great, I’m the court jester.”

  “Stop it.” He shook her slightly. “Don’t underestimate the power of kindness and laughter. My life is so much better with you in it.” He swallowed heavily. “I’d be lost in the darkness without you.”

  She cupped his cheek, her hand soft against his face. “You’re not as dark as you think you are. Brooding, without a doubt, but you have the biggest heart of anyone I know.”

  He shook his head. “You’re the only one who sees me that way. Even my father worries about me.” Etienne had been born serious. That trait had only grown over the years. “I have a need to control my surroundings, to protect all those I love and care about. I worry incessantly about keeping everyone safe.”

  “I had no idea. That kind of pressure isn’t good for you. It’s not all on you.”

  He turned his head, kissing the center of her palm. “We’re very similar in that way. You want to keep everyone happy to the point you lost yourself. We’re quite a pair, aren’t we?”

  A gurgle of laughter escaped her. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s nice to not be the only one who is messed up.”

  He fell back on the bed and rolled until their heads were on the pillows. She gave a small squeal but didn’t object, quickly adjusting to the new position. “Amy, you’re the least messed up of all of us.” He paused. “Maybe Emma, but she’s young yet.”

  “What are you talking about? Nicholas and Aaron seem happy.” She turned on her side to face him and tucked one hand under the pillow. The free one settled on his chest.

  “You’d think so, but Nicholas is an alpha like his father, and Jacque will be leader until the day he dies. Nicholas is beginning to chafe under the restraints. And Aaron is like his Uncle Louis. He’s quieter and, in many ways, deadlier.”

  “You’ve really thought about this?”

  He’d thought of little else these past weeks. “Yes. We’re all getting older and chomping at the bit to find our own way.” He trailed his fingers over the curve of her jaw. “You’re not alone, Amy. You’re never alone.”

  “Now I feel stupid. Not because of what you said,” she added, “but because I didn’t see it. I thought I was the only one feeling like a misfit.”

  “Being a small pack has many benefits. We’re close, more like a family than pack. There’s no jockeying for position, no backbiting and scheming, only support and cooperation.” It had been a secure and loving environment to grow up in. “It can also be stifling. Every couple was like having another set of parents. There are only six of us younger ones. It doesn’t give us much opportunity to explore and discover. Other packs sometimes get together on neutral land to give the younger ones a chance to meet new people, forge friendships and alliances, and maybe find mates. We don’t have that.”

  She rolled her lips into a thin line as she listened and nodded. He wanted to kiss those lush lips. His cock was throbbing like a toothache. He’d need to get in a cold shower and seek release soon. This was not the time to press her about their physical relationship.

  He was in this for the long haul, which meant sometimes backing away. He understood her better now. Having her open up in this way brought a deep satisfaction.

  “I never really thought about it that way. Keeping away from other packs is simply the way it is, but you’re right. We’ve missed out on a lot of social aspects that our parents enjoy. They all grew up somewhere else, had those experiences. Now they have each other.” She flopped onto her back and sighed. “Our parents have a bigger social life than we do. They meet as equals. We’ll always be kids to them.”

  “I think they’re beginning to understand there’s a problem.” He propped himself up on his elbow. “Your leaving highlighted that. I’ve overheard Jacque and my father talking. They didn’t know I was close enough to hear.”

  “You skulk better than any of us. You were always our lookout when we were sneaking around as kids.”

  He chuckled. “It’s a gift.”

  “What did they say?”

  “They’re blaming themselves, of course, for not realizing it was an issue. Like you said, they view us as kids. I think they all had to grow up too fast and didn’t want that for us so they overcompensated.”

  “When did you get so wise?”

  He tweaked her nose. “I’ve always been wise. You never noticed.”

  ****

  Her heart did a back flip when he playfully tapped her nose. Her entire body warmed, especially the more intimate parts. Sharing her fears with someone else was a relief. Seeing the problem from another perspective was a revelation.

  She’d honestly had no idea her friends had all been having similar thoughts. It made her feel not so alone. It didn’t solve her dilemma, but it gave her hope that she’d figure things out.

  “You really see me as an important part of the pack?” She winced. Sound needy much? “Forget it. It’s not important.”

  His lips turned down into a frown. So much for bringing the light and laughter. “You have no idea how important you are to all of us.” He captured her hand and brought it to his lips. “To me.”