Impeached

by Brenda Trim

  Blade lunged forward and grabbed Erika around her waist, pulling her tight across his torso. “You know, I asked Lawson if you were available. He gave me the go-ahead,” Blade whispered in her ear.

  Memories of her previous pack flooded her mind. She was treated like a piece of meat by the male members. Her alpha demanded she share her life force with an aging shifter, and when she refused, he tried to force the issue.

  One night, the shifter came into her room and attacked. Erika barely fought him off, but she took a beating in the process. Regardless, she’d take an ass-kicking over sexual assault any day. That was also the night she left the pack, and subsequently found herself living in the streets of Nashville. Within a month, she was kidnapped and thrown into a cell where an even greater nightmare began.

  Adrenaline dumped into her system as anger pulsed hot and fast. Erika struggled to break free of Blade’s tight grip, but he caged her against his body. “I see you’re a fighter. That’s even better,” he teased but all Erika heard was the male’s voice that attacked her.

  When Blade’s hand accidentally brushed against her stomach, she recalled the male ripping her top and groping her breasts. Suddenly, Erika lost control, and shoved as hard as she could. Blade flew backward, and stumbled. His eyes went wide as her temper exploded.

  “Don’t even think about it. I make my own choices. Not you, or anybody else gets to decide for me. Fuck you, and fuck this!” Erika shouted and snatched off the boxing gloves then bolted from the barn.

  “Come back, Erika,” Blade shouted as she dashed toward the lake. When she reached the sandy beach, she quickly shed her clothes and shifted, ignoring the muffled shouts behind her.

  Her wolf emerged and she dropped to all fours. In the next breath, she was running through the forest. Patches of snow covered the ground and the cold air filled her lungs. Her wolf howled as her paws pounded the dirt and her speed increased. This was the only time she felt at home. In animal form, one with nature.

  She ran as fast as she could, releasing her rage. She was tired of being pushed around and told what to do. She hoped Safe Haven would be different, but maybe she was seeking the impossible. If Lawson was another control-freak alpha, then she’d pack her shit and be on her way.

  Erika had no idea how long she ran through the woods but when she finally stopped, her wolf was panting, and out of breath. She took several deep breaths until her heartbeat returned to normal. Her ears pricked at the sound of running water and she loped toward the noise. Moments later, a small stream came into view and Erika drank her fill, quenching her thirst.

  Trotting through the woods, Erika acknowledged she couldn’t avoid the others forever, and decided to make her way back to the barn. When she reached the lake, Erika shifted back to human form and grabbed her clothes.

  She quickly dressed and turned toward the barn then startled when Lawson stepped around the side of the building. She assumed he and the others left because the four-wheelers were gone. The only vehicle remaining was the one she drove there.

  She eyed the pack leader as he made his way toward her. “Can we talk a minute?” Lawson asked.

  It wasn’t a request. There was an air of authority that surrounded alphas. It was tangible, even forceful at times. Not that she couldn’t refuse, but to do that showed utter disrespect. She felt she owed Lawson respect, if nothing else. He saved her from the evil clutches of Elaine Jensen, and she’d be dead if he hadn’t rescued her.

  Erika nodded then squatted onto the sand. Lawson sat beside her and they stared toward the water for several long moments. It was truly a beautiful place. Serene and peaceful.

  “Erika, I’m not sure what you’ve been through, but I know firsthand what captivity does to your sanity. I was locked in one of those cells for several years and it was the worst time of my life,” Lawson confessed. “But, something tells me your life before you were kidnapped was no picnic, either. For that, I’m sorry,” he mumbled and Erika looked over, meeting his gaze.

  She saw nothing but concern and care in his steel-gray orbs. This was a male of virtue, integrity, and protectiveness. And, she believed every word.

  “I’m sorry for my outburst. Blade’s comment brought back some awful memories and I freaked. My last pack tried to force me into sharing my life force with a shifter I barely knew,” she admitted, and dropped her head in shame.

  “Don’t apologize. No one should ever be forced into a situation like that. The fact that some alphas take advantage of their pack makes me sick. I assure you it doesn’t work like that around here. We’re a family and look after one another,” Lawson promised.

  “I can see it’s different here. I feel awful for how I acted. Blade and Liv must think I’m crazy,” Erika admitted with a shake of her head. What was her problem? Of course, Blade wouldn’t force himself on her. Lawson would never allow it.

  “Actually, Liv really likes you. A lot.”

  “I can’t imagine why,” she murmured more to herself than anything.

  “She feels a connection to you. Who knows? You might find a friend or two here at Safe Haven. If you let us in,” he added and placed a hand on her back.

  Erika swallowed, and bit back the tears. She honestly didn’t know how to accept kindness. Experience taught her there were always strings attached, and Lawson’s generosity was a hard pill to swallow.

  “I’ll try. Thank you for staying behind to talk with me. It would’ve been incredibly awkward walking into the hotel. Guess I owe Blade an apology,” she confessed as she stood up and brushed the sand from her bottom.

  “Don’t worry about Blade. He’s tough as nails. He was more concerned that he upset you. Let’s get back so you can pack and get ready for your trip to Chattanooga. Have you been to the city before?”

  “Once, but it was a long time ago. And, it certainly wasn’t a trip to the governor’s mansion,” Erika replied.

  “You’ll do great. I have complete faith in you,” Lawson replied and walked her to the four-wheeler.

  “You need a ride?” she asked.

  “Nah. I’m going for a run. Watching you take off into the woods earlier stirred my wolf,” Lawson offered with a smile. “I’ll check in before you leave for Chattanooga.”

  “Okay. Enjoy your run,” she said then cranked the ATV.

  As she drove back to Safe Haven, Erika reflected on what happened in the barn with Blade, and Lawson’s reaction to the situation. He didn’t blame or accuse her. He didn’t ask her to leave or demand she apologize to Blade. Instead, he offered comfort and support. That’s what true leaders did for their pack. And, for once in her life, she allowed herself to believe that she belonged somewhere.

  Chapter 3

  Bart glanced at the clock for the hundredth time. It was Erika’s first day on the job, and he couldn’t wait to see her again. He knew he shouldn’t obsess over the woman, but he couldn’t erase her beautiful face and mesmerizing blue eyes from his mind.

  What he hoped for, and was counting on, was that when he saw her again there would be zero attraction to the wolf shifter. That would solve all his problems. Yeah, good luck to you, buddy, he chastised.

  The office door swung wide and Patricia stepped inside, followed by Erika. “Mr. Smith, I was about to give Miss Pittman a quick tour, but I just received a call from Brent. Apparently, we have a major leak in the sprinkler system. I need to handle that first,” his assistant explained in a rush, exasperation clear on her face.

  “That’s fine, Patricia. You take care of that, and I’ll show Erika around,” Bart informed her as he stood and walked toward the women.

  “Perfect. Thank you,” she blurted and rushed from the room, her wavy brown hair sweeping against her shoulders.

  “Hey, Erika. Did you find the place okay?” he asked when he reached Erika’s side.

  “Hi, Mr. Smith. I didn’t have any problems. GPS is my new best friend. I must confess, my sense of direction isn’t what you’d expect from a shifter,” she replied with a shake of
her head.

  “You say Mr. Smith, and I automatically think my father walked into the room. Call me Bart, okay?” he suggested with a smile. Her long, dark hair was fastened in a messy bun and a tendril fell loose and framed her cheek. Bart clenched his fist, resisting the urge to tuck it behind her delicate ear.

  “Got it,” she replied and pointed her finger in his direction. “Now, my wolf is a different story. Her intuition and instinct are impeccable,” she quickly added.

  Bart perused Erika, and acknowledged he was slightly disappointed. The black-haired beauty was dressed vastly different from when he first met her. Before, the form-fitting cocktail dress enhanced her hips and ass, not to mention, her lush bosom spilled from the strapless number. Today, she wore a peach, cashmere turtleneck and gray slacks with a pair of black boots. Granted, the top hugged her torso and showcased her ample breasts but the rest of her was covered from head to toe.

  An image of her nude body in front of the large bonfire at Ryan and Cassie’s ceremony flashed through Bart’s mind, and it was all he could do not to groan at the reminder of her perfect silhouette. So much for not being attracted to her, asshat!

  Bart shook off his thoughts and focused on the matter at hand. “You know, I never told you how captivated I was by your wolf. She’s an incredibly beautiful animal,” he confessed as he stared into Erika’s hypnotic eyes. He couldn’t help but get lost in her sky-blue orbs every time he looked at her. He wanted to drown in their depths and stay under her spell for the rest of his days. He was that drawn to her.

  “I still can’t believe how close I came to dying in that lab. If it weren’t for you and Lawson,” she stated with a shake of her head, and Bart sensed she was upset.

  “Hey, let’s not go there,” he said and reached for her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “I’m just honored that I was the one who got to spend some time with your wolf,” he admitted and gave her a reassuring smile.

  She seemed to relax when his palm cradled her cheek. Fuck, he wanted to pull Erika into an embrace, and erase every sad memory from her mind. The desire she invoked was unlike anything he’d felt before, and he couldn’t rein in his lust, no matter how hard he tried.

  “It’s weird but I’ve never seen my animal, except for one time when I caught my reflection in a lake,” she offered then quickly closed her mouth as if she’d shared too much information.

  Bart wanted her to trust him. He craved to know everything about the enticing woman before him. He glanced down, and realized his thumb was caressing her jawline then quickly pulled his hand away before she accused him of sexual harassment. He had to get his shit together, or Erika would quit on her first day.

  “Well, I’ll have to take a picture of her so you can see all the detail. It’s pretty impressive,” he informed and took a step back. Surely, he could control his actions if she was out of reach.

  “Sorry, but I don’t make a habit of shifting in front of humans. It’s nothing personal, mind you. More like keeping you out of harm’s way,” Erika voiced and tugged at the collar of her turtleneck.

  Bart sensed she was uncomfortable, but couldn’t determine if it had to do with discussing her wolf or the fact he couldn’t keep his hands off her. Regardless, he needed to put her at ease. “Are you hungry, or thirsty?” he asked, changing the topic.

  “I’m good, thank you.”

  “Okay. Well, let me show you around. This, obviously, is my office,” he indicated with a sweep of his hand, “and yours is next door. Let’s take a look and see if it meets your needs,” he offered and led her into the hallway.

  The subtle scent of her perfume tickled his nostrils and Bart was tempted to lean closer to get a better whiff. Lavender and vanilla were two of his favorites. Her fragrance sparked his arousal like flame to a candle. Apparently, the hits kept coming where Erika was involved, testing every ounce of his willpower. Of all the perfumes in the world, why did she have to wear one that drove his lust through the roof? Keeping this strictly professional was going to be impossible, he surmised.

  When they entered the small office, Erika sucked in a breath. “Wow, this is bigger than my last apartment. It even has a fireplace,” she gushed as she took in the spacious room.

  “I’m glad you approve,” Bart replied and couldn’t help but stand a little taller. His position as governor afforded many impressive luxuries. And, he wanted to impress the alluring Erika. A little too much, if he were honest.

  “It’s hardly necessary,” she declared with a twist of her mouth. “I’m sure I could get just as much work done if I worked in a corner somewhere,” she divulged as she walked toward the floor to ceiling window on the opposite side of the room.

  “Well, I think your desk will fit in the storage closet if you prefer that instead,” he replied as he joined her at the large window. He grinned when her head jerked his way to see if he was joking.

  “Thanks, but I’ll pass,” Erika blurted, and Bart chuckled. “This view is incredible. I don’t know how I’ll concentrate knowing what’s on the other side of this glass. I’ve never seen roses that big,” she added.

  Bart acknowledged she was even more beautiful with her childlike enthusiasm. “You’ll have to walk through the garden at dusk. It comes alive when the little critters come out of their hiding holes to play. We have a family of rabbits that like the roses as much as you do. Personally, I’d like to shoot them for destroying the garden, but Patricia has a soft spot for the pesky termites,” he explained, and Erika looked up at him with a sly smirk. His knees literally went weak at the sight of her beautiful smile thrown his way.

  “My wolf could help you with that. She loves snacking on bunnies,” Erika informed him with a laugh.

  “Well, now I like her even more. Anyway, if you want the best view of the garden, it’s one floor up,” he informed and glanced toward the ceiling.

  “What’s up there?”

  “My bedroom,” he husked.

  “I bet. I’ll take your word for it.”

  “I’m happy to give you a tour,” he said and nudged her arm flirtatiously.

  “You’re awf––,”

  “There you are,” interrupted a familiar voice and Bart turned to see Kelly standing in the doorway.

  “Hi, Kelly. Come in. I’d like you to meet Erika Pittman. She recently joined the Hollow Rock pack, and she’s agreed to help me connect with the shifter community,” he explained and put his hand at Erika’s back, guiding her toward Kelly.

  Being near Erika was arousing as hell, but also relaxed and familiar. It was easy and natural with her. Something he hadn’t felt in a very long time. Kelly bee-lined toward them and was at his side before he took two steps. She leaned in, placed her palm on his chest, and kissed his cheek.

  What the fuck are you thinking? Bart thought and shot her a glare. This was business, and he didn’t need rumors floating around about the two of them. Plus, he didn’t want Erika getting the wrong idea about him and Kelly. They weren’t a couple.

  Bart stepped back and glanced to Erika. He didn’t miss the confused expression on her face. “Erika, this is Kelly Thompson. She was on the investigative team I hired to research the laboratories Lawson thought was abusing shifters.”

  “I see. Well, thanks to Lawson and Bart, I made it out alive. I’m so grateful that all of you kept at it and didn’t give up. It’s nice to meet you, Kelly,” Erika said and offered her hand. Kelly eyed Erika like she was scum beneath her feet.

  “Kelly?” Bart practically yelled. Her behavior was embarrassing, not to mention, unacceptable.

  Kelly’s expression instantly transformed, and she flashed Erika a wide smile. “The pleasure is all mine. We’re so happy to have you on Team Smith,” she gushed and shook Erika’s hand with a little too much excitement.

  What was Kelly trying to prove? Team Smith? That was a first.

  “I’m happy to do my part. Hopefully, we’ll make some headway, and the shifters will open up to us,” Erika voiced then turned and walke
d to her desk.

  “Speaking of getting them to open up,” Bart intruded. “Do you have any suggestions as to how we make that happen?”

  “I was actually pondering that on my drive here. I think the best place to start is to visit some of the nearby packs, and speak with them face to face. Let them meet you and see that you’re genuinely concerned. Shifters have remarkable intuition, and they will sense if you’re telling them the truth,” Erika offered as she shifted a paperweight on the desk.

  “I think that’s a great idea,” Bart replied and reached for a sheet on her desk. “Here’s a list of the shifters that have called and reported missing family members. Why don’t you call a few of them and set up a meeting?” Bart suggested. If he could get his foot in the door, then maybe he could get more details about disappearances and possible lab locations.

  “I disagree, Bart,” Kelly countered and placed a hand on her cocked hip. “You need to hold another press conference. It will reach a much broader audience. It’s going to take forever for you to visit each shifter. That’s the beauty of technology,” she added and shot Erika a look.

  “I’m not suggesting you go to every single shifter on this list. But if you visit a few, word will spread, and you can build trust. Shifters put trust above all else and it’s crucial you establish it,” Erika rebuffed, standing her ground against Kelly.

  Bart liked her confidence. She was a definite asset to this mission, and he looked forward to working with Erika, despite his intense attraction to the woman.

  Patricia entered the office and met Bart’s gaze. “Mr. Smith, J is on the phone,” she announced, and her green eyes pinned him with a knowing look.

  Bart looked at her, confused for a moment. J? Then it dawned on him. J was Lawson’s source for information regarding Elaine Jensen, and Bart was expecting his call.

  “Ladies, if you will excuse me. This call could be a direct lead for us. I’ll be right back,” Bart informed them and rushed from the room. Patricia followed him, leaving Erika and Kelly alone.