by Brenda Trim
“I’m here with her, actually. I’m going to put you on speaker,” Bart announced.
“Hi, Erika. How’s it going?” came a deep voice.
She looked at Bart and lifted her hands in confusion. “I’m good. Who’s this?”
A laugh followed. “This is Jason. Jason Aldean. Bart tells me you’re a big fan.”
Erika’s jaw dropped, and she froze.
“Hello?” Jason asked.
“I think she’s in shock,” Bart replied with a wide grin. “So, when you coming to town?”
“I’m going to be in Nashville in a couple of weeks. If you’re available, I’ll leave a couple of backstage passes for you at the door,” he offered.
Bart looked at Erika and all she could muster was a nod.
“We’d love that. Thanks a lot. Looking forward to seeing you,” Bart answered as he crawled onto the bed.
“Same here. I’ll be in touch. Goodbye, Erika,” Jason said then the phone went silent.
She was speechless. Jason Aldean was on the phone. And, he knew her name. She was going to see him in concert. This couldn’t be happening.
“Are you okay?” Bart hedged as he scooted beside her.
“I can’t believe that was him. I mean, you said you were friends, but I thought you were just trying to get in my pants that night.”
“Well, I was, but I’d never lie to you,” Bart admitted and cupped her face. “Surely, you know that by now.”
“I do. You’re one of the most honest and sincere males I’ve ever met. You know, your reputation doesn’t do you justice,” Erika confessed as she thought about the rumors that surrounded Bart. His playboy status was highly overrated and couldn’t be further from the truth.
“I’ve never cared about that. People will say what they want. My true friends know the real me. The only opinion that matters is yours,” he confessed and placed a tender kiss to her lips.
Erika’s wolf howled its content and she agreed wholeheartedly. She’d never felt more loved than at that moment.
Another buzz sounded, interrupting them again. But, it wasn’t Bart’s phone this time. It was hers.
“What is this? Grand Central Station?” Bart teased and slapped her ass when she reached for her cell.
“It’s Lawson,” she replied as she glimpsed the screen. “Hey, what’s up?” she answered.
Erika’s heart dropped as Lawson’s voice blurted through the receiver. She swallowed her emotion as her heart raced uncontrollably. “Okay. We’re leaving now,” she told her pack leader then ended the call.
“What is it? You’re white as a sheet,” Bart observed as panic crossed his face. “Is the baby okay?” he blurted.
“Um, yeah, I guess. That’s not why he called.”
“Then what, Erika?”
“A fire. At Safe Haven. Jeremiah’s house is burning to the ground,” Erika relayed as she jumped from the bed and rushed to her dresser for clothes.
“Was anyone inside the home?” Bart asked as he grabbed his garments from the floor, and started dressing.
“Thankfully, no. But, why would anyone want to do such a thing? Hollow Rock shifters have never hurt anyone, and now we’re the target of some hate crime. What’s the world coming to?” she asked in disbelief.
“Anarchy,” Bart replied, and they shared a knowing look. He was right. The peace between their races was over. It was time to prepare for war.
EXCERPT FROM HOLLOW ROCK SHIFTERS BOOK 6: ANARCHY
Brenlee Scott stared at the charred remains of Jeremiah’s house, and the large wooden cross in front of it. Strapped to the cross was a wolf made from stuffing and faux fur. Its head was a vinyl mask that probably belonged to a Halloween costume, depicting the bloody face of a wolf. A sign was sewn to the chest of the animal, and it said Leave Hollow Rock or Die.
It was a haunting scene, and it terrified Brenlee to think someone, or a group of people, hated them that much. Smoke rose from the pile of rubble, filling the night sky with the scent of burnt wood, plastic, and toxins. It assaulted her sensitive nostrils, and she covered her nose and mouth with her sleeve. The cold air only added to the ominous atmosphere, and a shiver ran down her spine. It seemed she was losing another home, and she had no idea where they’d seek refuge.
Thankfully, Jeremiah managed to salvage a few of his sentimental pieces, but everything else in the home was destroyed. His furniture, spare clothing, and other valuables. Brenlee felt incredibly sad for the male. She couldn’t imagine losing all her belongings and was floored that someone intentionally set fire to the shifter’s home.
Thankfully, no one was inside when it happened. The Hollow Rock pack lived at Safe Haven, a hotel located on the adjacent property, and Jeremiah’s house was mainly used by the females during their heat cycles. It was safer for them, and the males, if the volatile and sexually-charged females kept their distance during the unpredictable period.
Brenlee’s brother, Lawson, patrolled the perimeter of the building, checking for any hot spots that needed dousing. The water hose was draped over his shoulder, and he sprayed any areas of concern. Brenlee could see the burning rage in his steel gray eyes, and she walked over and stood by his side.
“Hey, you doing okay?” she asked and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Lawson’s gaze met hers. “No, I’m not. I’m fucking pissed. When I find out who did this, they’re dead,” he gritted as he dispersed water onto the red embers.
This was one of those times she wished their father was alive. She missed her parents more than anything. Their death had a profound effect on their family, and there wasn’t a day she didn’t think of them.
If Pops was around, he’d know exactly what to do in this situation. He was wise beyond his years and Brenlee credited her mother for that. She grounded their father, and nurtured the compassionate side of the formidable leader.
Not that Lawson wasn’t a proficient alpha. He was. Her brother possessed all the qualities needed to lead a pack. She’d watched him rise to the challenge and she couldn’t be more proud of him. Still, she wished her father was there to guide them during this tumultuous time.
“So, what now?” she asked.
“First, I’m going to ensure that whoever comes to Safe Haven feels protected. Starting tomorrow, we’ll build a gate around our property. I’d considered doing it before this happened, but tonight made me realize I have no other choice. No one will be on this property without permission. That,” he said and he pointed to the blackened cross, “was meant to scare us away. Not gonna happen.” Lawson’s anger got the best of him and he spat then kicked the wooden structure with his boot. The tall cross toppled toward the pile of rubble, and landed with a loud thud.
“I need to go back to Safe Haven and check on Liv,” Lawson relayed as he twisted the nozzle on the hose, turning off its water supply.
“Okay. See you in a bit,” Brenlee replied before he turned and walked toward one of the many four-wheelers parked nearby.
Brenlee watched her brother drive off. She knew Lawson meant every word. He was a fair and just male until he felt crossed. When that happened, look out. There was none more vengeful then her alpha brother when it came to protecting his pack, and his pregnant mate.
She glanced around the property. Several pack members had joined the effort, smoldering the last of the flames. Her oldest brother, Ryan, was there, as well as, Knox, Devin, Jeremiah, and Zane. As soon as the shifters realized there was a fire on Jeremiah’s property, they rushed to his house and tried to save what they could.
She watched Zane, curious about the newcomer. He wasn’t a shifter but, by his account, Zane was a descendant of wolves. His great-grandmother was a shifter who mated with a human, and, apparently, the shifter DNA weakened with each subsequent generation. Shifter genes typically dominated human genetics, but the male clearly wasn’t one of them. It was confounding, to say the least.
Still, Zane sought them out when he heard Erika had been accused of murder, and was sta
nding trial. He insisted on helping with her case, and stuck around after the not guilty verdict was handed down. She expected the attorney to rush back to North Carolina where he lived and worked, but he didn’t seem to be in a hurry to return home.
“He’s quite the specimen,” intruded a familiar voice and Brenlee glanced over to see her sister, Haylee, eying Zane.
“I guess,” she replied and perused the male.
Zane was tall for a human, about six-two. His broad shoulders and muscular chest filled out his long sleeve t-shirt quite nicely. His dark brown hair was buzzed almost to the scalp on the sides and back, and his typically gelled bangs had fallen into his face over the past few hours of exertion. Looking at him now, Brenlee acknowledged she preferred his rugged look to the conservative, suit and tie attire.
“You guess? Are you blind, sista?” Haylee spouted then groaned when Zane bent over and provided them with a nice rear view. “Mmm, mama need,” she muttered and licked her lips.
Brenlee laughed and shook her head. “Go for it,” she suggested with a nudge to her sister’s arm.
“If he sticks around, I will,” Haylee countered with a grin.
As if Zane knew he was the subject of conversation, he glimpsed up at them and smiled. Haylee motioned for him to come over, and he tossed his shovel aside then made his way toward them. His swagger was confident and sure, and Brenlee couldn’t deny his sex appeal.
Movement caught her eye, and she glimpsed past Zane to see Erika and Bart heading toward them, as well. “Hey, you two. Can you believe this?” Brenlee asked the couple when they approached.
Bart Smith was the governor of Tennessee, but after his recent involvement with wolf shifter Erika the citizens demanded he resign. Brenlee wasn’t sure of his plans, but it was clear he cared deeply for Erika. She certainly didn’t see the male walking away from her over a job.
“I’m speechless. Does Lawson know who might’ve done this?” Erika asked.
“I don’t think so. He told me he’s building a gate around the property,” Brenlee offered and didn’t miss when Zane’s arm brushed against hers. He was standing awfully close considering they barely knew one another.
“I received a call from my realtor a few days ago,” Bart informed the group as he stared in the distance. “The property on the opposite side of Safe Haven is up for sale. It’s twice as big as these two locations combined. I’ve been so busy with Erika’s case I haven’t had time to discuss it with Lawson, but I will. I think it would be wise to grab it while we can,” he advised and wrapped his arm around Erika’s shoulder.
“Especially, since you’ll be living here,” Erika interjected, making Brenlee’s eyes bulge.
“What? Are you two getting mated?” she asked excitedly. Bart made his feelings known when Erika was in jail that he loved the shifter, and Brenlee assumed after the female was freed the couple wouldn’t hesitate to make their relationship official.
“Let’s not jump the gun,” Erika blurted, but gazed at Bart with nothing but love in her eyes.
Yeah, it wouldn’t be long before Erika shared her life force with Bart, Brenlee surmised as she watched the couple. She was beyond happy for the female. Erika had a tough life before she arrived at Safe Haven, and deserved a slice of happiness.
“Don’t worry. It’ll happen,” Bart replied with a wink then kissed Erika on her cheek.
“Welcome to the fam,” Haylee announced then turned to Zane. “So, you sticking around, as well?” she asked and batted her eyes flirtatiously.
“I’m not sure. I need to get back to North Carolina and talk with my family. My practice is there, as well, so it’s a tough decision to make,” he replied, and his gaze met Brenlee’s. He stared as if seeking her opinion which made no sense. And, why did she have the urge to ask him to stay? For her sister’s sake, perhaps.
“But, we’re so much fun,” Haylee insinuated and laced her arm through his. “You have to come back.”
Zane blushed and looked at Brenlee. “No argument there. I’d like to return at some point. You’ve all been great.”
“Um, I should head back to the hotel and see if Ashley needs my help. She was cooking a huge pot of beef stew and cornbread, so everyone would have a hearty meal when they finished here,” Brenlee shared with the group then turned to leave.
“The fire is under control now,” Knox, a pack member, stated as he approached the group. “I think we can call it a night.”
Zane grabbed Brenlee’s hand and spun her around. “Want to ride back together? Looks like we’re short on four-wheelers,” he said with a crooked grin. His hair fell over one eye as he glanced down and kicked the dirt with his boot. If Brenlee didn’t know better, she’d say he was nervous.
“I don’t mind walking over with Erika and Bart,” she answered and looked to Haylee. “My sister could probably use a ride though.”
“Oh, okay,” he muttered, but she sensed disappointment in his tone. “Haylee, you need a lift?” he asked.
“Actually, I need to talk with Bart about something, but thanks. See you back at the hotel,” Haylee replied, and Zane nodded then made his way to one of the four-wheelers.
As soon as he was out of earshot, Haylee grabbed Brenlee by the arm and pulled her to the side. “What’s your problem? That male is into you. Go get on that four-wheeler, and take him for a wild ride,” she encouraged, shimmying her hips.
“I thought you were interested,” Brenlee countered with a tilt of her head.
“Not when the male only has eyes for you. Now go before he leaves,” her sister ordered and pushed her toward the area where the vehicles were parked.
Brenlee stood and crossed her arms, but Haylee gave her the death stare. “Fine,” she huffed and walked toward Zane.
As she approached, he turned and smiled. She noted his teeth were slightly crooked but it gave his face character, and she couldn’t help but smile in return. Why was she doing this again? Oh, yeah, because her sister was a damn bully.
“Mind giving me a ride back?” she asked with a shrug.
“I knew you’d change your mind,” he joked and scooted forward on the seat to give her room.
Brenlee hopped on the back of the seat and wrapped her arms around his waist. It had been years since she dated anyone, and it felt odd to be this close to a male. Not that they were on a date, but it felt intimate with Zane.
He cranked the ATV, and looked over his shoulder at her. “You might want to hold tighter,” he warned with a devious grin, and, in the next breath, they were racing through the forest toward Safe Haven.
She’d never gone so fast on the four-wheeler and, more than once, Brenlee thought they would crash into a tree until Zane swerved at the last second. She screamed so loud she was certain her eardrums burst. Twigs snapped beneath the tires as the ATV marked its territory, leaving deep trenches in the ground. He revved the engine, and Brenlee felt the vibration throughout her entire body. It was exhilarating as hell, and her wolf howled in her mind, demanding she shift so she could race the powerful machine.
Brenlee ignored her wolf, and tightened her grip around Zane’s waist. “Faster!” she yelled, and he whooped then accelerated once more.
The trees became a blur as they whipped through the forest. Brenlee’s laugh echoed into the night, and her hair whipped against her face. She couldn’t remember the last time she had this much fun and disappointment assailed when she spotted the hotel up ahead. She didn’t want the ride to end, and lowered her cheek to his back as the ATV hit the last stretch toward home. His masculine scent washed over her, and she inhaled deeply. It would be nice to enjoy the company of a male, especially one as handsome and fun as Zane.
But there was one major problem with Zane, and she couldn’t ignore it. He was human.
Not that Brenlee had anything against the species. Her brothers, Lawson and Ryan, were mated to wonderful humans. In fact, she couldn’t imagine a more perfect fit for either of them. But she dreamed her entire life of having the kind
of relationship she saw in her parents. Theirs was the most devoted and loving union ever, and that was what she wanted.
A male that understood what it meant to be a wolf. She wanted to shift with him and share everything together. That could never happen with a human, no matter how wonderful he was. And, she refused to settle for less.
Zane used his key and unlocked the front door. He stepped inside and yelled, “Anybody home?”
His mom poked her head through the kitchen doorway. “We’re in here!”
Zane smiled as the smell of blueberry muffins infiltrated his nostrils, and his stomach rumbled in reply. He picked the right day to come home, for sure. He bee-lined for the kitchen and grabbed his mom in a tight squeeze, making her cry out and laugh at the same time.
“See? I told you he wasn’t dead,” intruded his dad’s gruff voice.
Zane glanced over and watched his father take a long drag of his E-Cig. He was playing solitaire which was a typical Sunday sight at the Walker house. His mom cooked all day and his dad kept her company by playing cards at the small kitchen table.
“Is that what I’m smelling?” barked Zane and his dad grinned widely. He couldn’t count how many times he’d walked into his parent’s home and assumed his mom was baking something, only to find out it was his dad’s latest nicotine flavor.
“I’ll bake whatever you want. Just name it,” his mom replied as Zane set her on the floor. “Where have you been? We’ve been worried sick,” she added and proceeded to gather items from the refrigerator and cupboards.
“Not all of us were worried,” his dad countered with a wink. “I told you, Suzanne. Our son’s a big boy now. He can take care of himself.”
“I know, but would it kill you to call? Your text messages were so vague,” she scolded.
“He was probably at some brothel,” interjected a soft voice, and Zane turned to see his grandmother hobble into the room.
