Rebirth - Book 1 Rogues Shifter Series

by Gayle Parness

  Chapter Twenty-one

  When I woke up, Garrett was driving back down the road we’d originally traveled. I was feeling kind of fuzzy and tired but not too weak, dressed in his button-down shirt and seat-belted securely in place. The shirt had been fastened crookedly and fit me like a short dress—covering all the necessary bits. Also it smelled strongly of Garrett, a wonderful treat that made me smile. He was dressed only in his jeans, so I enjoyed the view for a few minutes until he noticed I was awake.

  “I’m sorry about the shirt, but it was the fastest option.” He was grinning impishly and it finally occurred to me that he’d carried me back to the car completely naked.

  I covered my face and groaned, probably turning four shades of pink.

  “Thank you for what you did. It was a smart strategic move and might have saved us if we’d run into any more wolves.”

  I didn’t look up.

  “Try not to feel embarrassed. You’re lovely in both forms and it was my profound pleasure.” He sounded so gentlemanly, which made it even harder to look at him.

  A tear trailed down my cheek as we pulled into the driveway of the tiny house, and I wasn’t sure if it was from embarrassment or shock. The wolves’ deaths had been gruesome, but they’d been ready to kill us. Garrett had saved my life, putting himself at risk. The least I could do was thank him.

  Garrett parked and was instantly on my side of the car opening my door. He noticed the tear, which had made it down to my chin. He pulled me up and kissed it away.

  “You’re the most beautiful naked woman I’ve ever carried in my two hundred and thirty-four years,” he teased. “Trés belle.” He kissed me on my right cheek. “You were very brave when the wolves came.” He kissed me on my left cheek. “And hunting with you was brilliant, little cheetah.” He kissed my lips and I melted against him, my embarrassment completely forgotten.

  The door of the cabin opened and Ethan stood there with Rob behind him. I pushed away from Garrett and smiled at them, but their surprised expressions caused me to quickly glance down at my scantily clad body. I felt my face grow hot once more as I grabbed my clothes from the car’s back seat and moved toward the cottage, avoiding their eyes.

  Not embarrassed in the least, Garrett had no problem switching into business mode. “I’d appreciate it if one of you could come with me. We have to dispose of a few dead wolves who were stupid enough to attack us. One of you should stay with Jackie. She’s had a rough night.”

  Rob looked at Ethan’s tightly wound expression and said, “I’ll come with you. Ethan, make sure Jackie’s all right and then get some sleep.” Rob chuckled all the way to the car. “Can’t wait to hear this story!” They climbed into the Saab and drove off down the gravel driveway, Rob laughing even more loudly as they drove away.

  When I got out of the shower I dressed in pajamas and walked into the bedroom to face Ethan. He was sitting up on his side of the bed, wearing PJ bottoms and a tee shirt, trying to look nonchalant. He pretended to be reading another mystery, but his jaw was clenched and there was a deep crease between his eyes. I sat on the bed next to him. “Okay, let’s get this over with.” I was tense myself, not knowing what to expect.

  He lowered the book and asked in a soft voice. “Did he hurt you? Did he force you to do something you didn’t want to do? I’ll kill him if he did, vampire or no vampire.” His woodsy scent was strong and reassuring. There was anger and concern, but no jealousy in his words or body language.

  “Garrett and I were hunting together in the woods when we met three werewolves who attacked us. He killed them, but he was bleeding badly from a neck wound, so I let him feed off of me so we could make it back to the car and get home again. He took energy, not blood. I fell asleep and transitioned back to human and he dressed me in his shirt while I was sleeping. That’s all.”

  He shook his head. “I saw you kissing him. There’s definitely more.”

  I looked down at my hands. “Well, on the drive to the forest, I told him about my dream and that I’d told you about my extra ability. Then we talked about how we—how we felt about each other. He claimed me as his mate so we could be together. He doesn’t think he’s good for me but….”

  I looked back up, but Ethan’s incredulous expression stopped my explanation in its tracks. “He-is-a-vampire! What don’t you understand about that? He’s not good for you. He’s dangerous and violent. He has some ruthless enemies who might use you to get to him. Claiming you puts your life in danger.”

  “I get the feeling he’s not a typical vampire. He doesn’t kill when he feeds. He cares a lot about our team and our safety. Anyway, I’m pretty sure I love him, so you’re too late with the advice.” I smiled at him sheepishly. “I appreciate it, though.”

  “How does he feel about you?"

  I giggled. “He said he’s drawn to me.” I tried to make it sound dramatic, but Ethan wasn’t smiling. “He doesn’t go in for casual relationships. Claiming me is a big deal for him. Me too.” I couldn't stop grinning.

  Ethan narrowed his eyes in thought. “I meant what I said about him hurting you.”

  “He saved my life.” If I were a firefly, I’d have been glowing.

  Ethan shrugged, grumbling, “Look. If he’s good to you and you love him, then I’m happy for you, Speedy.”

  I hit him with my pillow and we laughed together. It felt great. “Thanks, for being such a good friend.” I turned off the light and closed my eyes; the two of us drifting off to sleep like a couple of oversized kittens.