Harrison nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. “It wasn’t a problem before with only one or two, but three? And the possibility of more?” He shook his head. “I hate feeling like I don’t know. Plus, there’re a few personal questions I need to ask them about.”
“Makes sense,” Reno replied. He made a note to reach out to some of his own contacts as well, see if they’d ever heard anything about basilisks.
“In the meantime, we’ll take care of it,” Harrison said. Then his eyes took on a knowing gleam. “What’re your plans for today?”
Dani, who had been otherwise quiet for the rest of the exchange, peeked around Reno’s back. “Not sure, Reno?”
“We’ll…” He trailed off, wondering what to do. Dani’s words echoed through his head.
What do you want?
In all honesty, all he wanted now was to take Dani away and spend the day with her, enjoy what they finally had, and talk to her. After last night, she deserved some explanations.
Plus, who knew how much time they had before everything went to hell? Part of Reno hoped that they could just stay at Dragonclaw, hidden forever, but another part of him knew better.
He reached down and took her hand in his, giving it a squeeze. “We’ll go have some fun.”
She beamed up at him at that, and they shared a warm gaze.
Harrison smiled and nodded. “That’s a good idea. We’ll get Ajax settled in.” With that, Beck and Harrison led the basilisks away, leaving Reno and Dani alone.
“So what did you have in mind?” she asked.
Reno thought for a second, then smiled. “I have an idea.”
17
Dani knelt down, feeling the cool, clear water glide past her fingers. She honestly hadn’t thought that Dragonclaw could get more beautiful, but that had been before Reno had brought her out to the edge of the property, to the river.
It was beautiful, quiet, and serene except for the sounds of gentle rushing water. Above them, trees stood, swaying in a gentle breeze and providing shade against the sun, which burned in a cloudless blue sky.
She turned back, watching Reno as he methodically set up the fishing poles, baiting the hooks and making sure there was enough line. She had to admit that it was a very familiar image.
Back when they were kids, he used to go fishing and catch dinner for her and her mom when things were tight. Which, considering the fact that Martha was a single mom without support, was pretty often, especially as she began to look more and more ill.
Dani had always come along on those fishing trips, bringing her camera and sitting by the bank. Although, looking back, most of the pictures taken had been of him.
“Why’d you really bring me out here?” she mused aloud. “I mean, you know I always loved going fishing with you, but why here?”
Reno stood up, his muscles bulging against the tight light-blue button-up he was wearing. “This is one of my favorite places,” he said, smiling warmly. “I think specifically because when I come here, I get to think about the time I had with you. Sharing it with you now is even better, though.”
Dani blushed and looked away, willing her heart to slow. Damn, the Remi she had known hadn’t disappeared at all. He’d matured, hardened maybe, but under all of that was the same person she’d loved.
“Okay, cheeseball,” she teased. “That’s very sweet, but are there any other reasons?”
He nodded slowly, setting aside one fishing pole and grabbing another to get it set up. “I wanted to talk.”
Dani could hardly believe her ears. “About what?”
“After last night, I think I owe you some answers.”
She blushed again, thinking back to everything that had happened the day before. The passionate kiss in the rain leading up to the hottest sex of her life.
It surpassed her wildest dreams in terms of sheer connection and heat. Reno had been everything she could have wanted: kind, attentive, and an absolute beast.
Deep down, she hadn’t been sure that they would be able to resume their connection after almost ten years of not seeing each other.
Boy, she’d been wrong.
They had not only recovered it, but it was stronger now than ever, and the wait had been worth it.
“Okay, sounds good to me,” she said, standing up from the bank and dusting herself off. “Fire away.”
“Not so fast.” His smile was mischievous as he walked over, holding two fishing poles, and handed one to her. “First, you gotta reel in something.”
Dani laughed ruefully. She should have known there would be a catch.
“Okay,” she said. “Let’s do it.”
He grinned, motioning for her to join him on a large rock right next to the bank, and he reminded her how to cast the line and what to do when a fish was on the hook and how to reel it in.
“Okay, once you’ve got one on the line, alternate pulling and reeling like this.” He put his arms around her, and she could feel herself going red as he placed his hands over hers and helped her move through the motions.
Good gravy, why is it suddenly so hot outside? Probably just ‘cause it’s summer, she thought, shaking her head.
He showed her one more cast before it got too hot for her and she shook her head. “This is too distracting. I can’t talk like this. How about we take a break?”
“Of course. We can talk and eat lunch now.”
He let go of her hands, and suddenly, she released the breath she hadn’t even known she’d been holding in. Then he motioned over to where the picnic basket he’d brought was waiting, and they sat down near the bank.
“I, um, I think it’s time I tell you more about my family,” he said, handing a paper plate over to her, which contained potato chips and a delicious-looking sandwich.
When she bit into the sandwich, she groaned. Delicious fresh veggies and lunchmeat, perfectly spread condiments. It had to be the best sandwich she had ever eaten.
His eyes glowed for a second as he watched her enjoy it. Then he looked away.
“So in the shifter world, wolves are the most common.” He began. “We have our own society, and the governing body is called the Tribunal. They’re made up of the most powerful packs and keep order.” Reno paused, his eyebrows furrowing inward. “Or at least they used to. Now, the Tribunal is more about power and control.”
Dani nodded. That made sense.
“My family is the last major house that rules the Tribunal from the shadows.” He continued. “My older brother, Drenton, is probably pack alpha now.” He scowled. “But it doesn’t change the fact that he’s a mean, abusive asshole who shares my parents’ belief in wolf superiority and absolute domination.”
“Yeah, you told me a bit about him,” Dani said. “But if your family is so crazy, why did they let you hang out with me, a human?”
Reno laughed. “That’s because for most of my childhood, I was useless. They had everything they needed in my brother.” He shrugged. “But I’m not complaining. I got to spend time with you. Got to have some semblance of a normal life, at least for a while.”
“What about the night of prom? What happened then? What changed?”
His face darkened. “That was when it all went to hell. After sharing the best night of my life with you, kissing you, I came home to my family, and they were all waiting for me.” He shivered, then took a bite of his sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. “They said I had to drop out, that it was time I fulfilled my duty to my family and my kind.”
Dani grimaced. “That doesn’t sound good.”
“It wasn’t. At first, I thought if I went along, if I just bided my time, they’d eventually let me come back to you.” He shook his head. “But after a year of being trapped by them, it became clear that there was no way out. So I threatened to leave and take you with me. Run away. But that didn’t work.”
“Why not?”
His jaws flexed, full of tension and mounting anger. “They threatened you and your mom. Said they had placed people to watch yo
u, and if I didn’t do what they wanted, or tried to run, that they would hurt you, and I couldn’t risk that.”
“That’s awful. I’m so sorry, Reno,” she said, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. She still wanted to know what had happened in their time apart, but at least more things were making sense now.
He smiled gratefully for a second, then nodded. “It was a while before I realized the breadth of their vile schemes and how I was at the center of them, how they wanted to use me. They were never going to let me go, and as long as they could use you against me, you would be in danger. No one would be safe. So I ran. And I left that voicemail to ensure that no one would suspect I held anything for you.” He met her gaze, eyes full of sadness. “I never meant a word of it. I need you to know that.”
“I know,” Dani said quietly, still holding his hand. “I understand now why you had to do it.” She paused. “What did they do to you? What were their plans?”
His shoulders slumped slightly, and he shook his head. “I’m not sure that I can tell you, not yet.”
Though she wanted to know, she could feel her heart breaking for him, seeing how difficult it all was, how the years had weighed on him just as they had on her.
“I wanted to run off with you so many times,” he said. “But your mom was still in treatment in Granite Falls, and my family’s security was so tight that there was no way to make contact or reach out to you without making them suspect something was up.”
“Then when you ran…”
“I had to make sure that no one knew where I was going, not even the love of my life.”
Love of his life?
Oh goodness, it felt so good to hear those words from his mouth, almost too good to be true. After thinking for so many years that the one guy she’d always loved, the one guy she’d always wanted, had left her in the dust, it was crazy to think that it had all been for a reason and that he really did want her.
And best of all, he was still her best friend.
“Really?” she said, her voice just above a whisper. “You’re sure?”
He nodded, smiling as he scooted across the picnic blanket and sat next to her, pulling her close. “I’ve always known, since that first kiss at prom and even maybe before. That’s why it hurt so much to leave. I’ve always wanted you, but I worry so much about keeping you safe.”
She laughed quietly, putting a hand up to cup his cheek. “Some things you can’t control, but we can control how we use the time we have.”
“I know,” he said, smiling and leaning down to kiss her. “That’s why I want to spend as much time as I can with you. I want to take your lips in mine and never let them go.”
Dani giggled and wiggled her eyebrows. “Then what are you waiting for?”
He chuckled, then leaned down and kissed her, passionately but not forcefully. It was gentle and soft and full of promise for a life lived together and in the moment.
When they broke apart, she leaned back against him, and they relaxed, listening to the quiet sounds of the water dancing and crackling against the rocks on the banks and the small rapids.
They sat like that for a while until Dani heard Reno laugh softly, and she leaned away to look up at him.
“What’s funny?” she asked.
He chuckled and shook his head, holding up their interlocked fingers. “I just wonder what Martha would say about us being back together.”
Dani snorted. “She’d probably say something about it being damn time. I think she knew before we did that something was up.”
“You’re probably right,” Reno said, laughing. “She was straightforward and a hard worker, both traits she passed on to her beautiful daughter.”
“Careful or I might kiss you again.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” he retorted, grinning.
So they shared another kiss, and when they broke apart, Dani couldn’t help but feel how right it all was. She still couldn’t say anything for the future, but for now, she had Reno, and that was enough.
One moment at a time.
18
Dani paused on the steps of the Dragonclaw homestead, unsure of what to make of the big tattooed men who seemed to be arguing over her. Or at least over her safety.
How the heck did I get into this situation again?
It had only been a few hours since she and Reno had gotten back from their fishing date, since he’d told her that he needed to take care of a few things but would see her later that evening.
That was fine with her. She needed a shower after a day out in the hot sun, and honestly, there were always more pictures for her to edit. It was part of her job as a photographer.
So she’d edited for a few hours until she had gotten hungry and decided to head over to the main homestead for a snack.
After she’d eaten, she’d emerged on the porch only to find two silent, tattooed, hulking men staring down at her.
Gunnar and Diesel.
Initially, she’d been frightened, wondering what the heck was going on, but when Diesel had spoken, she’d gone from fearful to perplexed and vaguely amused.
He nodded at her. “Danger,” he said in a low growl. He thumped his chest, which was rock hard. “I protect you.”
But Gunnar apparently hadn’t agreed with that. “No, me,” he said, stepping forward, only to be grabbed and pulled back by Diesel. “I’m stronger.”
His English was slightly better than Diesel’s, but both seemed strangely unfamiliar with words as though they had to think hard to use them.
That brought her to where she was now, watching both of the men as they glared at each other, the air tense with testosterone and ego.
“Um, guys,” Dani said bemusedly, taking a step down the stairs. “I appreciate that, but I don’t think there’s really much need for it.”
Gunnar’s eyes whipped to hers, and he frowned. “You and the wolf are in danger. Basilisks stronger than wolves.”
“I strongest,” Diesel growled. “So I keep her safe.”
“I’m alpha,” Gunnar growled back as his blue eye, much to her shock, turned red like the other. “You listen. I will keep her safe.”
Diesel scowled, then gave Gunnar a shove. His blue eyes were glowing red now too. “I faster. Stronger.”
Dani bit back a laugh. Despite the fact that both of them were incredibly intimidating and scary on the outside, she couldn’t bring herself to be afraid of them.
Of all the things to fight over, who got to protect someone seemed like a harmless one.
Right as Gunnar moved to shove Diesel in return, a shout echoed through the air.
“What’s going on here?” Suddenly, the barn door opened, and out stepped Reno, rubbing his oil-stained hands on a towel that steadily blackened as he cleaned himself and strode toward them.
Gunnar turned and eyed Reno. “The human is in danger. We’re going to protect her.”
“Yes,” Diesel added, nodding. “Then she is my mate.”
“No, my mate,” Gunnar retorted. “I will protect her.”
Reno’s eyes, which had originally been a cool shade of icy blue, flashed electric as his unperturbed expression morphed into one of anger and jealously.
Dani had to admit that the expression, while startling, was oddly hot.
He walked over, folding his arms as he placed himself between her and the basilisks. “Dani’s my mate,” he said, the tone of his voice low and brooking no argument. “She doesn’t need any protection from any of you.”
“Wolves small and weak,” Diesel said, shaking his head. “Basilisks protect better.”
“Basilisks are better at running around underground like dumb animals than they are at anything else,” Reno said, his fists tightening. “I was happy to let you stay here and to help you learn how to fit in more with humans, but if you’re going to look at my mate—”
Diesel looked unperturbed, a stubborn gleam in his eye. “I stronger.”
Reno let out a growl and stepped forward, ey
e to eye with the basilisk. “I can take you any day, you big lump of dirt. Try it.”
Dani felt like she should intervene, get Reno’s attention, but she was too entranced by the weight of his masculine energy, the power he exhibited. He almost seemed to crackle with energy as he faced the two tattooed men down.
Gunnar and Diesel shared a look. Then Gunnar spoke with a grin. “You are a good wolf, Reno. But you can’t fight basilisks.”
“He is joke,” Diesel said, nodding.
“You mean I’m joking,” Reno said, shaking his head.
Diesel smirked. “I mean you are joke.”
Gunnar slapped his friend up the backside of his head, and Diesel stumbled, frowning behind his beard. “Reno is our friend,” Gunnar said, choosing his words carefully. “If she is his mate, we must help him.”
“If,” Diesel said stubbornly.
Reno glared. “Stay away from her unless you want to see firsthand how much more capable I am of protecting Dani than you are.”
“We see about that,” Diesel said, raising a fist. But he didn’t get the chance to swing as Reno’s fist rocketed into his nose, sending him stumbling back.
To Dani’s surprise, when he stood back up, the basilisk’s face seemed completely unharmed except for a small line of blood that trickled from a nostril.
She would have at least expected his nose to be broken.
Enraged now, Diesel stalked toward Reno as Gunnar stepped up, catching Diesel around the neck and pulling him back.
Diesel pushed his friend away, then lunged for Reno again, but Reno ducked his punch and then hit him with a vicious uppercut right to the bottom of Diesel’s chin.
A crack echoed through the air, and Diesel fell to the ground, though he quickly got up as well, seemingly unharmed and undeterred.
“Guys, stop,” she tried to say as all three men put their fists up, ready to keep fighting. “This is stupid and won’t solve anything.”
Then, out of nowhere, a gunshot rang through the air, catching everyone’s attention.
They all turned in the direction of the shot, and striding toward them was Beck, holding a revolver in the air with Dallas by his side.
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