“Pull over now.” He growled this time ensuring that the cab driver heard his rising anger.”
Slamming on the brakes, the cabbie turned around in his seat to berate Tinker. “Look Mister, no matter how much you yell, I can’t pull over when there is no place to pull over. Between the construction and the idiot’s broken down vehicle there ain’t no place for my cab. So, I can either keep driving you to the Marriott or you can just get out, but I ain’t pulling over here.”
Grabbing his suitcase, Tinker climbed out, throwing a few bills back at the cabbie as he exited. “That should cover my ride.”
As soon as the door was closed the cabbie was driving away, showing him his appreciation with a finger, the middle to be exact. Charming.
Pushing that encounter from his mind he turned to the struggling woman. The cabbie had dropped him off a good distance away so he took the time to notice how her hair fell out of a tight bun cinched at the base of her head. Some locks slapped her in the face and others stuck to the perspiration on her face and neck. Poor thing had probably been struggling for a while.
Approaching cautiously so he wouldn’t be maced, he heard that city women often overreacted because violence was so prevalent in the city. The experts say too many people living in a common area was what caused it, but he knew human nature was a bitch and people would do what they thought they could get away with. “Hey there, it looks like you could use a hand fixin’ your vehicle.”
The southern accent she used was clearly overdramatized and fake. “Why, little ol’ me? Oh sure I could use a big strong man’s help before I done faint from all this exertion.”
She said it all while continuing to struggle with her spare tire that didn’t appear to want to come out of the trunk. Not even looking over her shoulder, probably because she couldn’t take her eyes from the tire. He chuckled.
That chuckle had her eyes whipping around to him mighty fast. She was staring daggers at him and for some reason that excited him. “I’m just tryin’ to help. I didn’t say you couldn’t do it, but two sets of hands are better than one any day.”
Shoulders slumping in defeat she let out a long breath, dropping the struggling tire. “I’d appreciate your help, but I can’t pay you if that’s what you were expecting.”
“Nah, I just like cars. I hate it when they’re being mistreated, so I’m doing this on behalf of vehicles everywhere that demand fair treatment.”
She turned and sent him a small smile that made his chest go all warm and funny feeling. Odd response to a joke, but he’d take it because she was now backing away and giving him the space he needed. “We should start by moving her so she’s not halfway in the road.”
“But it’s already on the jack. Do you know how many times I almost got hit putting it on the jack?”
“She needs to be moved before I get hit putting the spare on. I’ll take her off the jack so you don’t risk your life again. Go put her in neutral and I’ll push her further to the side.”
A look of confusion crossed her face. A pretty face, all dewy with perspiration and flushed from exertion. A man liked a woman who wasn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty. Her frown lines deepened as he continued to stare. Oops, Tinker deliberately refocused on the car. He started to lower the car from the jack and asked. “Why are you lookin’ at me all crazy like?”
“Why do you call my vehicle a her?”
“Psht, all cars are female. Don’t you have a name for your car? It’s a darn shame when the things we rely on don’t even rate that high up to get a name. What do you call her, car?”
“Uh…I don’t call her anything. If I call it anything it’s a pain in my ass.”
“Hmm, I see why she broke down on you.”
“Can we focus on getting it fixed so I can get home?”
“Nope, I won’t fix her until you come up with a name, a name other than ass.”
A contemplative look crossed her face and her eyes narrowed. “Does it have to be a girl name?”
“It should be but I’ll let you decide.”
“Casey. If it has to have a name I pick Casey.”
Clever girl. A little bit of defiance was kinda sexy, perking his wolfs interest. Casey was a unisex name that meant brave. Did she know that? He knew she was baiting him but he was up to the challenge. “Let’s get Casey into a better spot before we both get flattened.
As she walked toward the passenger side he rushed around her to open the door and allow her access. She said nothing, briefly giving him an aggravated look. It also didn’t deter him from watching her ample bottom sway, shimmy and wiggle into the driver seat. Not wanting to get caught ogling her bottom he shut the door and walked to the back of Casey, discretely adjusting his waking arousal.
He cradled the back of the car speaking sweetly to Casey letting her know she was in good hands and he’d be gentle with her. Guiding her further onto the shoulder of the road he wiped his hands on his pants and quickly pulled the spare tire out of the trunk with ease.
“Show off.”
“Nah, just know my way around a vehicle.”
As he hefted the tire he cursed at the wind and city because he was literally salivating trying to pick out her scent. While the smell of the tire comforted him and reminded him of home, he really wanted to know what she smelled like. He could survive a week in the city, especially if he could spend more time with the beautiful damsel in distress. “Now that I know that your cars name is Casey, how ‘bout you tell me yours.”
“Bree. My name is Bree. What’s yours cowboy?”
“I’m no cowboy, but you can call me Tinker.”
Chapter 2
“With Casey all up and running do you think you could give me a ride, Missus Bree? My taxi driver seems to have been a bit impatient.”
Heaving a sigh she saucily replied, “I don’t think that’s a great idea. My mama always said single women shouldn’t get into cars with strangers.”
A grin that was equal parts devilish and seductive split his face. “Well, that answers my next question.”
Still reeling from his smile she couldn’t keep up. “What?”
A rough chuckle slipped from him and he lowered his head as his shoulders began to shake. He looked up and licked his lips. “The question of whether or not you were single.”
“I am.”
“I know, you mentioned.”
Shaking her head to clear the sensual fog from her brain she took a few deep breaths as the wind whipped at her hair. The loose tendrils were smacking her cheek as well as getting stuck in her eyelashes. Adjusting her hair she looked up at him and frowned. “I’ll give you a ride, but don’t try anything funny. I’m surprisingly stronger than I look.”
Tipping his head down to look into her light brown eyes he agreed, “I have no doubt about that. I’ve heard never to mess with a city filly.”
Her eyes narrowed and she held in her temper by a thread. “Don’t be sarcastic with me buster. Have you forgotten you’re at my mercy?”
Putting his hands in front of him palm out he clarified. “No ma’am, I wasn’t joking. Before I came here my Alp…uh, my friend told me to watch out for mace, Tasers, knives and guns. I’m all for protecting yourself but you don’t have to worry about that with me. I won’t hurt ya, honest.”
“I can’t really leave you on the side of the road, so hop in, but no funny business.” She unlocked her car with the key fob as she walked to the driver’s side. Hand reaching out to open her door she was alarmed when another hand brushed hers aside and her door was thrust open. “I said I’d give you a ride. You absolutely cannot drive my car.”
“Her name is, Casey,” he corrected. “Relax; I was just opening your door. Yeesh, someone’s jumpy.”
Aww, how nice. No one had ever opened her door before; it was kinda…sweet and romantic. “Thanks.”
The door shut quietly after she settled herself, fastening her seatbelt. She watched him stroll around the back of the car without a care in the world. He
appeared calm, confident and self-assured; she’d never realized how attractive that was in a male. Funny, she worked in area where you had to be all of those things and she’d never noticed how sexy it was.
After he slid in and she’d successfully appreciated his back side for the fifth time in the last thirty minutes she started the car. She was glad that he wouldn’t be able to scent her arousal, only a shifter would be able to do such a thing and she hadn’t scented anything up until now.
Pulling back onto the road she steered in the direction of his hotel. She kept the air conditioning on low when in her car because she loved the feel of fresh air blowing over her face. Currently, she regretted that preference, because she couldn’t get a good clean scent on her passenger. Reaching across she turned it off along with the radio.
“So, how long are you in town? Did you come to sightsee?”
A slow playful grin crossed his face. “You offering to show me around?”
Dragging in an annoyed breath she abruptly stated, “No.”
“Aww and I was just getting used to the idea.”
She saw him stiffen next to her and though maybe she had offended him. Instead, she watched as he did something odd. He took a deep breath, and then another, followed by another. What the heck was he doing? Did her car smell?
“Do you have a pet?”
What an interesting question. “No.”
Inhaling deep he turned his head to the side snuffling in her direction. Leaning close he breathed her in, almost like he was scenting her. That was impossible, wasn’t it?
Another chuckle left him as he announced. “I scent a rabbit, although, she does smell divine if I do say so myself.”
Feeling her heart beat speed up she took a moment to lean his way and inhale deeply. Oh shit, “says the big bad wolf.” She knew he probably smelled what had been budding arousal as it was quickly dashed by her sudden fear. Knowing she scented of prey, she began to shake uncontrollably.
His voice remained calm and she watched as he pulled away from her, leaning against the passenger side door. “I won’t hurt you, little Thumper. Haven’t I proven that I’m a gentleman?”
“Up until the point you found out I may be a tasty treat for your beast.”
As she chanced a glance his way, his response startled her. “Oh honey, I’ve known you may be a tasty treat this whole time. Do you mind if I become a bit more familiar with your scent. For some reason my wolf is going crazy right now trying to get to you. And before you freak out he doesn’t want to eat you, well…not in the way you fear.” He leaned over so close his nose actually brushed her neck.
Bree replied tartly, “You stay right there. I don’t think you should come any closer. If you need a snack there is some beef jerky in the console. This bunny isn’t on the menu.”
“A shame. Did you know you smell like a big mouthwatering piece of carrot cake?”
She felt her eyes roll, “Yes, how cliché, a rabbit that smells like carrots.”
She couldn’t tear her gaze away from the wicked grin that split his face. “No, you misunderstand. Not carrots but a mix of cinnamon spices, carrot and sweet cream.”
Why did the sound and thought of him inhaling her scent cause her girly parts to tingle and swell. She blushed when her body began to prepare for him in the most fundamental way and she was forced to squeeze her thighs together to relieve the ache. His breathing sounded louder and she chanced a glance to him noticing his eyes were blazing what she imagined were the color of his wolf, golden yellow.
Involuntarily she began the same scent dance he’d started, the smell of tires, oil and salty sweat met her. And how the hell was that arousing? Immediately she rolled the windows down, mixing their scents and allowing the wind to blow them away. Best decision ever.
His voice had taken on a rough edge that she savored. He growled. “Little bunny, if I didn’t know any better I’d say you were trying to run away. I’m not the bad guy here. I just want to get to know you.”
Okay, saying the words, he knew they were a lie. He wanted to chase her through the woods, catch her and mark the hell out of her. Yep, he definitely wanted to claim the little woman he’d just met; not good at all. Although she appeared panicked, her scent said she wouldn’t be opposed to a bit of chase, tease, and tackle. The problem was, he’d never felt this way before. Sure he’d wanted a woman, but not to the point he was willing to risk all.
Sniffing delicately she announced. “I’m not afraid of you. I know you must be a good guy, but I’m not ready to play damsel in distress. I can take care of myself. I always have and I always will, Big Bad Wolf.”
He couldn’t help the accepting rumble that released from him. He wanted to open his muzzle, release his tongue and lick her until she knew what he intended; a claiming. “It’s not as simple as you think. My wolf wants you, your scent calls to me. He sees you as his already, after one smell; can you imagine what would happen if we kissed? I know you can take care of yourself but he needs to care for you, he wants to care for you. We want to claim you.”
“Well…you can tell him to stuff it. I don’t want a male to run my life.” She clenched her thighs together again because honestly that growl really did get her motor running. “I’ve always wanted a partner, not a father. I don’t want a beast. I always imagined myself with a nice rabbit shifter, maybe a stag. I don’t want the Alpha bullshit, all the growling and howling.”
Grimacing he recoiled to her announcement that he’d be her father instead of the best lover and companion she’d ever had. “Eew, that was kinda gross. If you’re not ready for a relationship then just say so, no need for insults. I have no intention of controlling you or forcing you to do anything. I want a partner too, one who wants to lick me from head to toe, like I’ve imagined doing to her. If you’re not ready I’ll wait. I’ve waited this long and I’ve no need for anyone other than my fated. You’re it for me, Love.”
“How do you know I’m your fated? I thought that was a myth.”
He felt himself blush. “No ma’am, it’s no myth; my Alpha and a good portion of my pack have held out and found their fated. They seem happy enough. I can’t really confirm you’re mine for sure until we kiss or swap fluids of some sort. I’m warning you, though, that if we do that, I might not be able to leave you be.”
Her confusion was passed through her scent and she asked. “Happy enough? I’ve heard that when you find your fated their scent alone can cause you to stay in the bedroom for days. But, once again, I thought it was just a rumor.”
He winked at her as he inhaled her arousal, “Not just days. Some don’t come out for weeks, even months. My Alpha secluded his mate in the bedroom for months. Even now he picks her up hauling her to their bedroom and they’re pregnant with their second set of twins.”
“They do say dogs have a high sex drive, but really, that’s excessive.”
He laughed out loud as her forehead bunched in annoyance. “Spoken like someone who hasn’t experienced it.”
“And you have?”
“No, but if you’re offering, I’d be a willing participant. Did I mention his fated is human and she rules by his side, commanding respect.”
“I’m glad to hear it, but I’m not interested in having a mate. I don’t want any complications in my life. I enjoy working and coming home to a nice quiet place. If I need an orgasm I can give it to myself better than any man I’ve encountered. Plus, I shift without the added complication of running for my life from predators.”
He could hear his voice change to lust filled. “I bet your fur is soft and fluffy. Tell me, do you hop through the streets of New York? Do you think about someone to protect you and care for you?”
She gasped. “No, Lord have mercy. We don’t shift outside, it’s not allowed and it would be dangerous. I grew up hearing the story of one of my kin shifting and getting out of her house, she apparently got picked up by a family and they took her home as a pet. Can you imagine, living in a cage for the rest of your life?�
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“Wasn’t she recovered quickly? All you have to do is follow her scent. Rabbits are supposed to have a great sense of smell.”
“We do. In fact my uncle Harry-“
He couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled forth at hearing her uncle’s name. Harry bunny, too funny.
“If you can contain your mirth I’ll go on.”
“Sorry, please continue.”
“So my uncle did follow her scent with a few of his brothers. They found her at a house, but the people inside denied they had a pet so they were forced to leave her there for a week before they could break in and get her.”
He grimaced. A week in shifted form wasn’t the problem. Being isolated in a cage with no companion, no proper food and little stimulation would have driven a person mad. “What ended up happening to her?”
“After her rescue she was never the same. She actually took her own life a year ago. Now do you understand why it’s so dangerous and off limits to shift and frolic about?”
His head fell forward. “I actually understand better that you know. I’m sure that’s the problem with my boys. I’m in town to collect a few of the local cubs. If they have nowhere to shift and no outlet, they’re essentially trapped beasts; dangerous.”
“You’re boys? You have kids and you’re hitting on me?”
He felt his cheeks heat and he was sure they were bright red. “You misunderstand. I’m not mated and I have no kids.” He paused to shoot her a wink and a saucy smile, “Although I’d love to have both with you one day soon.”
She harrumphed.
“Anyway, the reason I’m in town is because my Alpha got a letter about a few unruly teenage boys who need to be put in check or they’ll be terminated. I came to transport them back to American Canyon where I live.”
“Why is your pack so special?”
He scratched his neck and pulled on his shirt collar, hating showing her he was uncomfortable. “I guess my Alpha is known for being able to take troublemakers and rehab them, finding them a pack where they’ll thrive. He’s only had one person he wasn’t able to help.”
Pack Protection Page 2
